Secretly Incredibly Fascinating

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why coal 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 new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5(Alex’s old podcast hosting service required a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, and he's keeping that going for fun. So that’s why this episode’s title has an exclamation point)

The hosts explore the misconceptions and personal experiences with the novel Frankenstein, and delve into its framing devices. They discuss the historical events that influenced Mary Shelley's creation, the messy situation of its publication, and even explore the concept of interconnected telephone systems achieving sentience. The inspirations behind the novel, including attempts at reanimating dead tissue and a Playboy magazine story, are also explored. Plus, there is a bonus show where the hosts discuss Victor Frankenstein's strange choices.

In this episode, the hosts explore the origins and cultural influence of ska music. They discuss its roots in Jamaica, the evolution of the genre, and its impact on various musical movements. They also delve into the connections between ska music and skate culture, as well as its influence on fan culture and children's entertainment. With special guests Dave Holmes and Riley Silverman, this entertaining episode provides fascinating insights into the world of ska music.

The podcast explores the concept of credit unions and their differences from regular banks. They discuss the origins and global spread of credit unions, as well as the ethical nature of credit unions compared to banks. The hosts also touch on different types of money, the history of banks and lending, and the fun aspects of credit unions such as Willy Wonka's credit union and pneumatic tubes.

Explore the fascinating aspects of Canada Geese, including their behavior, population trends, and aggressive nature. Learn about their connection to dinosaurs, large droppings, communication through honking, and impressive flight capabilities. Discover the ethical implications of hunting them, methods of controlling their population, and the possibility of implementing sex education for geese.

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why world's fairs are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: J. Keith van Straaten.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

The podcast explores the wide range of topics related to grass, including its diversity, importance, and fascinating characteristics. It delves into the role of grass in our diet, genetic selection, cultivation, and its significance in the ecosystem. The speakers also discuss a geometric prank involving a large penis on a lawn, crop circles as a method of alien communication, invasive species and grass origins, and the thriving grasses in Antarctica as an indicator of climate change.

The podcast explores the origins and cultural significance of dragons across various mythologies, delving into theories about their evolutionary origins and connections to snakes. It discusses the misconception of dragon remains and the influence of Pliny on dragon lore. The chapter also explores the motivations behind inventing dragon stories and the influence of culture on sleep paralysis hallucinations. The podcast concludes with the promotion of the host's new novel and additional resources.

The hosts explore the uses and variations of baking soda, including its impact on baking and cleaning. They discuss the controversial legacy of Armand Hammer and the origins of baking soda. They also touch on LGBTQ+ history, podcast genres, and the production process of baking soda.

Did you know Katie Goldin has her very own podcast? We're bringing you a recent 'Creature Feature' episode about the most pink animals in the world, featuring guest Alex Schmidt.NOTE FOR SIF SUPPORTERS: there's a fresh new bonus show in your bonus audio feed. Head over there to enjoy it. (And if you're not yet a SIF supporter, visit maximumfun.org/join to get that bonus show and so much more.)Creature Feature: "Naturally Barbie!", with guest Alex SchmidtIn honor of the Barbie movie, today's theme is: PIIIINK! All the fabulous fuchsias, the prettiest pinks, found in nature! Pink is sometimes maligned as an "frivolous" color, but as we'll find out, nature takes its pink VERY seriously.  From camouflage, to ambushes, river battles and poison, we're taking a look at the dark side of pink.Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ia-zz-wpJEKqlOpee3AWWcynJI8Az95_wUOYd6p8imU/edit?usp=sharing