Ridiculous History

Dive into the whims of historic cartography and discover the intriguing tale of how everyone once believed California was an island. Explore the mix of myth and reality that stemmed from early Spanish explorations and inaccuracies in mapping. Learn about the fascinating character who popularized this misconception and the eventual resistance to the truth. From fanciful names and daring expeditions to the allure of old maps, this episode unveils the hilarious errors that once shaped our understanding of geography.

Dive into the chilling 1982 Tylenol murders that sent shockwaves through Chicago. The hosts explore the origins of Tylenol and the panic ignited by poisonings linked to tampered bottles. Discover the swift actions taken by Johnson & Johnson in crisis management, including a costly recall. Learn about suspects like James Lewis and his extended criminal history. The podcast highlights the lasting impact of these events on packaging regulations and public safety in the pharmaceutical industry.

The hosts dive into Benjamin Franklin's reputation as a notorious womanizer and his infamous 1745 letter on choosing a mistress. They read and dissect his advice on preferring older partners, citing reasons like better conversation and discretion. The conversation considers whether Franklin's words were genuine or satirical, exposing the contradictions in his views. Listeners are also treated to Franklin's humorous takes on drunkenness and anecdotes from the audience, adding a light-hearted touch to the historical exploration.

Dive into the whimsical tale of a tree in Athens, Georgia, that allegedly owns itself. Explore the origins linked to Colonel William H. Jackson and an intriguing 1890 article. Can trees really claim property rights? The hosts break down legal realities and missing documents, discussing community efforts to cherish this landmark. From tourist appeal to quirkiness in local traditions, this story captures the hearts of tree lovers everywhere. Discover why this legend continues to flourish!

Longtime listeners are well-aware that the history of the 'Wild West' is more than a bit... embellished. Yet a grain of truth exists at the heart of almost every legend, and the story of Doc Holliday is no different. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn more about Tombstone's breakout star -- and how, if things were just a little different, he may have lived a happy, peaceful life as a dentist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unravel the mystery behind Idaho's name in a captivating exploration of its origins. Delve into George M. Willing's intriguing lobby efforts that shaped its identity and the scandal that muddied his credibility. Discover how Idaho almost became Colorado and the congressional debates that ensued. The podcast also entertains alternate theories, including whimsical tales involving a girl named Ida. Plus, reflect on the broader implications of invented place names, as Idaho's unusual journey unfolds.

Dive into the wild and wacky world of Doc Holliday, the dentist-turned-gunslinger whose legend is sprinkled with both fact and fiction. Discover how a twist of fate could have led him to a peaceful dental practice instead of a shootout in Tombstone. Uncover the fascinating journey of how early dog feeding practices evolved, from ancient Rome to the rise of commercial dog food, and the quirky marketing claims that shaped the pet food industry. Enjoy plenty of humorous anecdotes along the way!

Discover the bizarre saga of Bir Tawil, a piece of land no one wants. Learn why both Egypt and Sudan prefer to claim the more valuable Halaib Triangle instead. Explore the inhospitable terrain and the rare nomadic groups who pass through it. Delve into the misguided attempt by Jeremiah Heaton to create a kingdom for his daughter, and why his plan was met with backlash. Uncover the quirky aspirations of the Principality of Bir Tawil and its unique governance. This tale is a real estate oddity that defies logic!

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!