Ridiculous History

Discover the bizarre tale of how the U.S. military nearly launched bats as incendiary bombs during World War II. Lytle Adams pitched his wild idea, inspired by nature and wartime urgency. From selecting the right bat species to devising a transport mechanism, the logistics were strangely fitting. Tests indicated success with fires in mock cities, but the project was ultimately scrapped due to competing priorities. The episode also highlights Adams' other quirky inventions, including a fried-chicken vending machine!

Dive into the deliciously disputed origins of the ice cream sundae! Explore the quirky tales of Ithaca, New York, and Wisconsin, each claiming to be the true birthplace. Discover the spelling twist that transformed 'Sunday' into 'sundae' thanks to blue laws. Delight in the banana split's birth in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, along with bizarre ice cream flavors like blue cheese! Plus, hear about the world's most extravagant ice cream. Sweet treats and history collide in this delightfully rich discussion!

The hosts dive into the world of health with humor and insight, starting with the autoimmune nature of type 1 diabetes. They explore the cultural importance of mangoes, adding a fun twist to a beloved fruit. With a focus on real patient stories, they emphasize the art of listening to experts. Listeners are encouraged to pose quirky health questions, making for a lighthearted interaction. The aim is clear: providing practical health tips for today, steering clear of unrealistic immortality pursuits.

Dive into the world of zombie cinema as the hosts explore how iconic films like Night of the Living Dead reshaped the undead narrative. They discuss the film's revolutionary realism and social commentary, the impact of casting choices, and the complex racial themes it introduced. Controversies around initial receptions and the evolution of zombie tropes from voodoo origins to modern fast zombies are highlighted. Plus, discover the genre's unexpected shifts into comedy and pop culture, illustrating our evolving fears and fascinations.

Explore the bizarre journeys of American soldiers who defected to North Korea, chasing fame in the film industry. Discover the story of Sergeant Charles Jenkins, who crossed the DMZ for stardom, and learn about the role of defectors in North Korean propaganda films. From forced indoctrination to cult-like conditions, the discussion dives into the motives behind their choices. Uncover the strange world of North Korean cinema and Kim Jong-il's obsession with film, along with the contrasting experiences of those who regret their decisions.

Discover the fascinating saga of the Temple of Artemis, built and rebuilt three times before vanishing. Unravel Artemis’s significance in ancient life and childbirth. Learn about the temple's glorious location in Ephesus and the legendary Amazons. Explore the catastrophic events that led to its destruction, including fire and floods. Marvel at architectural advancements under Croesus, and hear about its grand designs that made it a Wonder of the World. Delve into its legacy, including how it influences modern games.

Explore the bizarre obsession with radium in consumer products that flourished before the dangers of radiation were fully understood. Discover the marketing strategies that turned toxic elements into fashionable must-haves, from radium-infused beverages and cosmetics to luminous watches. Delve into the harrowing story of the Radium Girls, their fight against corporate negligence, and the tragic consequences of radium exposure. Learn about the public's awakening to these dangers through high-profile cases like Eben Byers, culminating in regulatory reforms.

Discover the bizarre fate of the German submarine U-1206, which sank due to a malfunctioning high-tech toilet. This innovative design featured complex valves but ultimately led to disaster when seawater flooded the sub. As toxic gas filled the air, the crew was forced to surface, making them easy targets for Allied forces. Learn about the strange blend of technology and misfortune that turned a deadly war machine into a laughingstock, and enjoy some quirky naval slang along the way!

This week’s guest is Katie Golden, the insightful host of Creature Feature, known for her captivating storytelling on animal behavior. The discussion dives into the dark tetrad traits—narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism—as they relate to animals. Katie shares wild stories, like the black-footed cat's impressive killing spree and the eerie manipulation of orb weaver spiders by parasitic wasps. The conversation blurs the lines between animal instincts and perceived 'evil', revealing how nature's strategies mirror humanity in astounding ways.

In 1895, Gustaf Broman launched an audacious plan to cross the Atlantic in a dubious 13-foot log boat. His journey began with a bizarre rail-and-naphtha route from Oregon to New York. As crowds gathered to see the spectacle, the boat quickly capsized, drawing mockery from the press. Behind his charming facade lay a history of scams, insurance fraud, and criminal dealings. With a suspicious past and a potential motive to fake his death for insurance money, Broman's story unravels into a darkly entertaining tale.