Omnibus

Christopher Frizzell, a journalist and former editor of The Stranger, shares riveting tales of orca captures and the dark history of marine entertainment. He enlightens listeners about the harrowing Penn Cove capture of 1970, where many orcas were violently taken from their home. The discussion unveils the cruel realities of captivity, including orca boredom and mistreatment. They also celebrate wild orca behavior and recent positive signs of recovery in the Puget Sound. Frizzell's blend of personal anecdotes and deep knowledge captivates as they explore orcas' complex social lives.

Dive into a world where a determined immigrant launched a puzzling newspaper that captured the imaginations of young boys for generations. The hosts reflect on quirky childhood mail-order items like Sea Monkeys and iconic ads, revealing the magic and deception behind them. The mystery of Grit's ads' allure, which encouraged boys to sell newspapers for prizes, is explored. Discover Grit's evolution from a unique youth-driven sales model to a niche DIY farming magazine, as well as its surprising links to Little League and rural life.

A government-backed desert race sparks the creation of technologies shaping our autonomous future. Andrew Miller shares insights on his journey from designing infrastructure for self-driving cars to leading transit initiatives. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of the DARPA Grand Challenge and how it propelled innovations like Stanford's Stanley. Miller debates long-haul trucking's viability, the rise of Waymo, and the implications of autonomous vehicles on employment and urban planning. His thoughts on policy choices highlight the importance of proactive strategies for a smoother transition.

Joseph J. Darowski, an English professor and comics scholar at Brigham Young University, dives into the legacy of Jack Kirby, a cornerstone of American pop culture. They discuss the profound impact of Kirby’s work and the mystery surrounding thousands of his missing original pages. Darowski explores Kirby's Jewish roots and discusses the complexities of co-creation at Marvel. The conversation also touches on how the comics industry evolved, the value of Kirby's art, and the ongoing treasure hunt for lost works, emphasizing his lasting influence on storytelling.

Two Depression-era clerks break free from their mundane jobs to embark on a daring canoe journey from New York to Nome. They share tales of living in remote Nome, including gold dredging and local outdoor cultures. The planning for their trip involved questionable financing and a rather poor-quality canoe. As they navigate through challenging portages and unforgiving rivers, they encounter quirky characters and harsh conditions. Their adventure culminates in a memorable yet uneventful arrival in Nome, leaving them with stories for the ages.

Delve into the origins of New Coke and its surprising cultural impact. Discover the evolution of Coca-Cola from a temperance tonic to a global powerhouse. The hosts explore intense rivalries, marketing strategies, and emotional connections to soda brands. A live blind taste test reveals intriguing preferences between Coke and Pepsi. Learn about the outrage that followed the New Coke announcement and the grassroots protests that ensued. Plus, a farewell letter signals a change from Ken, adding a personal touch to this soda saga!

Dive into the fascinating world of pneumatic tubes, from their imaginative beginnings in the 17th century to their quirky applications today. Hear about Victorian experiments that aimed to transport passengers and the unexpected use of tubes in Berlin nightclubs for passing secret messages. Learn how modern innovations are resurrecting these systems, like trash removal in Sweden and hospital specimen transfers. Plus, enjoy amusing anecdotes of cats and teacups zipping through pneumatic networks. This exploration of history and novelty will leave you intrigued!

Explore the intriguing origins of modern management theory as an economist shapes industry practices in Japan. Discover the impact of remote work on management styles and the critique of performative practices. Delve into the brilliance of statistical control charts and how experts like Deming transformed quality control. Learn about the significant role played by Japanese companies in adopting these ideas, all while contrasting Deming's overlooked legacy in the U.S. with his prominence abroad.

Discover the incredible tale of a Sydney power tool salesman who built the world's fastest boat in his backyard. The hosts dive into the spirit of Australia, exploring stereotypes, wildlife encounters, and their visits to iconic landmarks. They recount the thrilling history of water speed records, the risks involved, and how Ken Warby's record-breaking run surpassed 300 mph. With anecdotes about trials, national pride, and future innovations in boat racing, this episode celebrates daring ingenuity and backyard brilliance.

Explore the quirky origins of Spam, from a Minnesota meat company's surplus pork shoulder to its role in World War II rations. Discover how different countries butcher pigs, creating unique cuts and cultural flavors. Delve into the fascinating transformation of Spam into a global culinary staple, appearing in Hawaii and across Asia. The hosts also tackle Spam's unexpected crossover into pop culture and how its name evolved into a term for unwanted emails, bringing humor and insights into our relationship with food.