When His Serene Highness Gregor the First, Sovereign Prince of the State of Poyais and its Dependencies, and Cacique of the Poyer nation visited London, he made a huge impression. Hundreds of people jumped at the chance to buy land in his remote, Central American paradise. There was only one problem -- the Cacique, whose real name was Gregor Macgregor, made the entire nation up out of thin air in one of history's largest, most audacious (and most ridiculous) scams. This is the Classic episode so ridiculous we made a t-shirt out of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 1920 to 1933, the U.S. government attempted to ban (recreational) alcohol throughout the nation. In a stunning -- we're being sarcastic here -- turn of events, people circumvented the law and found ways to keep drinking and organized crime blossomed in cities across the country. Listen in to learn just how far Uncle Sam was willing to go to stem the flood of illegal booze in this week's Classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever fallen for an April Fools' Day gag? Across the world, millions of people pull (hopefully wholesome) pranks on each other every April 1st in a celebration of practical jokes and trickery. But where did this holiday actually come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into this surprisingly murky history of April Fools' Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vending machines have a surprisingly ancient history! From ancient Egyptian dispensers of holy water to quirky modern counterparts, they’ve evolved in fascinating ways. The hosts share funny anecdotes about the odd items found in machines, from snacks to miniature versions of themselves. They also explore the peculiar vending habits in Japan, including bizarre products and nostalgic toys. This lighthearted journey shows how these machines have become cultural icons and continues to shape our convenience culture.

Dive into the audacious tale of Fanny and Stella, two men arrested for cross-dressing in Victorian England. Their sensational trial in 1870 sparked a moral panic and shone a light on gender identity issues of the time. Discover how their theatrical endeavors challenged societal norms and the deep bond they shared amidst adversity. The podcast also delves into the absurdities of the legal system and the media frenzy surrounding their case, revealing a captivating glimpse into LGBTQ+ history.

Join Ben Thompson, creator of the Badass of the Week podcast, as he dives into the absurdity of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military mishap where a panicked army turned on itself. They discuss the chaos of friendly fire among 172,000 disorganized troops and the hilarity that ensued despite the grim backdrop of war. Ben shares insights on ambition in leadership and the unforeseen consequences of miscommunication during conflicts. Humor and hidden histories intertwine, making this a captivating exploration of one of history's most ridiculous moments.

Ben Thompson, creator of Badass of the Week, joins the discussion to explore the infamous Battle of Karánsebes. The conversation dives into the absurdities of friendly-fire incidents throughout history, blending humor with fascinating tales. Thompson sheds light on Joseph II, the self-assured ruler known for his ambitious reforms, while the hosts humorously unpack the chaos of military miscommunication that defined this bizarre conflict. Expect witty anecdotes and a candid look at historical blunders that reveal the ridiculous side of war.

In the wake of World War I, Kansas took a drastic step by imprisoning women infected with STDs, while ignoring the soldiers who brought the infections home. The whimsical discussion dives into the motivations behind this punitive measure, highlighting how such historical injustices can be easily overlooked. With a blend of humor, the hosts reflect on society's archaic treatment of women's health and the stigma that followed. They also explore how these events resonate with modern public health issues, urging listeners to remember and learn from history.

Dive into the quirky world of processed cheese, exploring its evolution from ancient roots to modern delights. Discover how this not-quite-cheese has become a staple in American cuisine, from burgers to mac and cheese. The hosts tackle the science behind its creation and the addictive nature of cheese with humor. You'll hear tales of Swiss origins, Kraft's impact, and memorable culinary anecdotes, including the great cheesesteak debate. Get ready for a cheesy journey that blends history, culture, and a sprinkle of absurdity!

Scotland is a fascinating place, with its own rich culture, cuisine and history. Today, it's part of the United Kingdom -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into Scotland's wildly ambitious plan to build a colonial trade empire straddling the Pacific and the Atlantic. At enormous expense, Scotland gambled everything on taming the Darién Gap... and lost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.