Ridiculous History

Discover the intriguing origins of the Tooth Fairy, a profit-making myth that emerged from European traditions. Delve into childhood memories and the ethical dilemmas surrounding fantasy figures like Santa. Explore how post-WWII America and Disney influenced this whimsical character. Learn about tooth valorization, with a surprising value of over $3 for each lost tooth, and hear about a quirky find of 1,000 hidden baby teeth. The episode concludes with global customs, revealing how different cultures celebrate tooth loss.

Join Jonathan Strickland, known as 'the Quizster' for his trivia flair, as he dives into the infamous blunder of Viking leaders Halfdan and Bjorn. Discover how their ambition to raid Rome led to an embarrassing mistake where they actually sacked Luna instead. The hosts explore Viking culture, the legacy of Ragnar's raids, and how Dudo of St. Quentin's accounts shape our understanding of these events. Plus, enjoy a fun quiz segment featuring a disastrous English expedition to Cadiz, highlighting the chaos of history!

Dive into the wild world of 1600s Dutch Tulipmania, where bulbs became so desirable they were traded like currency. Discover how tulips turned into speculative assets, with contracts resembling modern-day futures. Uncover the fascinating reasons behind their rarity and immense prices, including the allure of unique patterns. As prices skyrocketed, learn about the dramatic crash and the myths that grew around it. This tale holds surprising parallels to today's investment bubbles, offering valuable lessons on market dynamics and caution.

In this lively discussion, Christopher Hassiotis, a passionate historian and returning contributor, dives into the wacky world of military prototypes. He shares the bizarre tale of Admiral Popov's round ships, which sank faster than they could float. The Gyrojet rocket bullets, designed for thrilling uses, fell flat due to reliability issues. Christopher also unveils the quirky Confederate double-barreled chain cannon, while Ben describes the fascinating yet impractical ball tank. The quirks and failures of military innovation never sounded so entertaining!

Discover the fascinating journey of Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, including their unexpected cultural significance. Learn how Kent Warner rescued these gems from destruction and how different pairs served various filming needs. Delve into the absurd theft by a mobster who mistakenly believed the shoes were encrusted with real rubies. Finally, hear about the dramatic recovery of the slippers through an FBI sting and why fake versions sold for a staggering $32.5 million at auction.

Explore the bizarre origins of North Korea, the so-called "Hermit Kingdom." Discover how the country split post-World War II and its strategic importance to China and the U.S. Unpack the cult of personality surrounding Kim Il-sung and the role of Juche ideology. Delve into the grim realities of human rights abuses, political prison camps, and harsh penalties for dissent. Learn what it's like to visit under strict state control and how the DMZ has unexpectedly become a wildlife refuge.

Explore the fascinating world of the Forty Elephants, London's notorious all-female jewel thief gang that thrived for over 200 years. Discover their clever organizational structure, led by a 'queen' and their innovative shoplifting tactics. Learn how poverty pushed women into crime and how they diversified their operations into blackmail and prostitution. The rise of Alice Diamond, their glamorous lifestyle, and eventual decline due to internal conflicts paint a vivid picture of a unique criminal legacy that still captures modern intrigue.

Discover the surprising history behind the beloved disco ball, tracing its origins to 1897 and the quirky patent details from Louis Woest. Learn how the mirrored marvel transformed nightlife in the 1920s, survived the Great Depression, and became a staple in clubs and theaters. The hosts explore its resurgence during the pandemic, how queer culture shaped its aesthetic, and the backlash it faced during Disco Demolition Night. With modern reinterpretations and a nod to its enduring legacy, the disco ball proves that some things are just meant to shine!

Dive into the chilling world of zombies, where the hosts unravel folklore and the powerful influence of Haitian culture. Discover the origins of the term 'zombie' and its link to colonial exploits. They explore the notorious bokor and the eerie practices of zombification, questioning if these tales hold any truth. Historical accounts of sensationalism, mental illness versus supernatural claims, and the misrepresentation of voodoo in Western media add depth to this haunting narrative. Could there be a real-life 'zombie powder'? Tune in for an intriguing Halloween-themed discussion!

Discover the chilling origins of the Malleus Maleficarum, a notorious witch-hunting manual from the 1480s. The hosts explore the motivations behind witch trials, revealing how personal gain often fueled persecution. Learn about the book's structure, its unsettling advocacy for torture, and the targeting of marginalized healers. With a surprising popularity in Europe, the text's influence was both profound and controversial. The discussion also touches on modern reassessments and cultural reflections, painting a vivid picture of a dark chapter in history.