

Omnibus
Omnibus
Every week, Ken Jennings and John Roderick add a new entry to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedic reference work of strange-but-true stories that they are compiling as a time capsule for future generations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
411 (Entry 495.LK2003)
In which telephone users once had access to a surprising array of helpful and informative services, and Ken got rid of his landline to spite Al-Qaeda. Certificate #26038.

12 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 13min
Whistling (Entry 1427.DE2323)
In which an ancient linguistic and religious practice becomes a jaunty, ambulatory musical form before falling into decline, and John does not want to see condors in a hospital. Certificate #45133.

12 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 20min
The Population Bomb (Entry 966.GE2803)
In which centuries of sterilization-happy doomsayers fail to predict a game-changing revolution in wheat, and Ken thinks Pakistan wants John to clean out his fridge. Certificate #2037.

5 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 13min
The King Under the Mountain (Entry 688.RO1311)
In which dozens of national sleeping guys with long beards wait in caves for their countries to need them again, and John thinks Tom Cruise should not be in a courtyard. Certificate #53610.

13 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 22min
New Urbanism (Entry 835.SS0711)
In which conservative Sun Belt retirees and progressive urbanists agree on a nostalgic but radical revolution in city design, and Ken does a Norman Rockwell impression. Certificate #34959.

13 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 12min
Soviet Spartacus (Entry 1194.EX2116)
In which a Thracian slave from two thousand years earlier becomes a proletarian role model and Communist sports hero, and John prefers action stars with boogers. Certificate #37084.

12 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 21min
Electrical Sockets (Entry 400.JS0215)
In which the long war between alternating and direct current produces power outlets that multiply nto a dizzying world of configurations, and Ken needs a grounding prong. Certificate #29673.

17 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 21min
Tartans (Entry 1279.DE2230)
In which Scottish clans each choose a distinctive plaid based on a romantic Highland history that didn't really happen, and John takes a hard hit while playing Frisbee in a skirt. Certificate #26624.

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Twenty-Seventh Amendment (Entry 1352.GE3028)
Explore the quirky tale of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment, delayed by two centuries due to one Texas professor’s antics. Laugh along as the hosts critique modern political campaigns and share their disdain for constant text messages from politicians. Delve into historical controversies like the Salary Grab Act and regressive taxation while they mix humor with serious insights. Discover grassroots advocacy efforts for the amendment and enjoy listener stories that range from heartfelt wedding tunes to whimsical Masonic secrets.

10 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 19min
The Teddy Bear Shipwreck (Entry 1283.PR2433)
In which the toy market is revolutionized by a faddish stuffed animal that would be priceless today if it hadn't disappeared, and John buys the concept of a rabbit. Certificate #24398.