Secretly Incredibly Fascinating
Alex Schmidt
A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 14min
Sliced Bread
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why sliced bread is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 12min
Toilet Paper
Delve into the fascinating world of toilet paper, from personal habits to bidet benefits. Learn about the environmental tradeoffs and how only 40% of people have proper sewer access. Discover the history and archaeology behind wiping practices, including ancient techniques and the invention of modern toilet paper. Hear about pandemic stockpiling and the legendary Johnny Carson toilet paper scare of 1973. Plus, explore the quirky testing methods by NASA and the charm of Charmin's marketing.
Dec 29, 2025 • 6min
a holiday hello, and an invitation to enjoy an unstuck-in-time "Inspectors Inspectors" episode!
Happy holidays from us (Alex and Katie)! Please enjoy this holiday hello. Please also enjoy a new "The Inspectors Inspectors" episode in MaxFun bonus feeds. And see you in 2026!To hear all six episodes of "The Inspectors Inspectors", support us and grab your bonus feeds at maximumfun.org/join
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
Peppermint
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why peppermint is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
Toothpicks
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why toothpicks are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
Interrobangs
Explore the quirky world of interrobangs, a fascinating blend of questions and exclamations. Discover their playful origins and the humorous alternative names proposed over time. Learn about Martin K. Spector's pioneering vision and the typography passion behind this unique symbol. Unpack the challenges of keyboard adoption and the resurgence of multi-character interrobangs in the digital age. Finally, dive into the expressive power of these marks in chess notation, where they convey dynamic meanings!
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 41min
The United Nations
Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why The United Nations is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 11min
Spurs
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why spurs are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
Credit Scores
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why credit scores are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show.
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
"Yakety Sax"
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the song "Yakety Sax" is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
