Ridiculous History

Explore the wild world of fad diets as the hosts dive into historical contexts, from the infamous Scarsdale diet to its scandalous backstory involving a murder trial. Discover quirky regimens like the Eggs and Wine diet and the Beverly Hills diet with its celebrity allure. Learn about the origins of SlimFast and the shift to more sensible, ancestral dieting. With insights on why these trends persist despite scientific scrutiny, prepare for a fascinating journey through culinary crazes that capture our New Year resolutions!

Travel back to the early 1900s when a Louisiana congressman proposed importing hippos to solve a meat shortage. Discover surprising details about hippo biology and their suitability for swamps. Meet Frederick Russell Burnham, who championed these massive mammals to humane societies. The plan garnered attention and even support from figures like Theodore Roosevelt. Explore the quirky timeline of why hippo ranching fizzled, and ponder how American cuisine might have changed forever if it had succeeded.

Dive into the thrilling world of ancient Rome, where Gaius Appuleius Diocles ruled the chariot racing scene! Discover the staggering estimate of his earnings—around $15 billion in today's currency. Learn about the dangerous sport, filled with collusion and crowd frenzy, and how Diocles strategically navigated it for maximum profit. Compare his legendary status to modern athletes and see why he still holds the title of the highest-paid athlete in history. Witness a fascinating blend of sports, history, and economics!

Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV and former Viacom CEO, shares his incredible journey in media and philanthropy. He reveals MTV's scrappy beginnings and the grassroots excitement that fueled its rise. From his unique encounters with rock legends like Bowie in the Alps to his entrepreneurial escapades in India, Freston offers a fascinating blend of adventure and insight. He also discusses modern challenges in media, the impact of AI on music, and encourages young people to travel and embrace life's unpredictability.

Christopher Haciotis, a media personality and history enthusiast, joins the conversation to dive deeper into the quirks of George Washington. They explore Washington's unusual hair routine and his extensive grooming regimen, revealing a man obsessed with his appearance. Medical oddities take center stage as they discuss his various ailments and the impact on his legacy, including his struggles with childlessness. The hosts also unpack Washington's complex relationship with slavery, including Oney Judge's escape and the moral contradictions in his life.

Historian Christopher Hassiotis joins the discussion to explore the eccentricities of George Washington. They dive into the confusion surrounding Washington's birthday and his surprising lack of a middle name. Hassiotis details Washington's Masonic connections and their impact on social networking and conspiracies. They also uncover Washington's ambitious distillery project near the end of his life, while thoughtfully addressing the complexities of his legacy as a slave owner. Intriguingly, they touch on Washington's hemp farming and moral views too.

Celebrate the holidays with a wild mix of intriguing tidbits! Discover the fascinating history of hair spray and the accidental deaths of inventors due to their own creations. Dive into the colorful wonders of Lake Hillier and China’s Rainbow Mountain. The hosts explore Tupperware's iconic design and even weave in ancient Egyptian hair dye tales. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, trivia, and reflections perfect for family gatherings!

Is there really a 'worst year' in history? 536 CE gets the dubious honor thanks to mysterious dark clouds and failed crops that led to calamity across Europe and beyond. Discover how volcanic eruptions created a shocking climate shift and linked to the devastating Plague of Justinian. The hosts dive into evidence from ice cores and tree rings, revealing the long-lasting economic impacts. They even consider modern lessons in geoengineering, asking what we might learn from this catastrophic past.

In this engaging discussion, animal behavior expert Katie Goldin, host of Creature Feature, shares her insights on Clara, the famous rhino who captivated Europe. The hosts explore the fascinating history of how rhinos were once seen as mythical creatures. Katie dives into the psychological effects of fame on Clara, discussing stress behaviors in captivity and how early handling affects animal development. They also tackle the ethical dilemmas of keeping such majestic creatures in captivity while reflecting on Clara's lasting legacy.

Dive into the quirkiest Christmas traditions from around the globe! Discover the origins of the Scandinavian Yule goat and its connection to festive mischief. From the bizarre history of caroling gone wrong to the whimsical tales of the Christmas spider weaving tinsel, the hosts unearth the oddities that make the holiday season unique. Learn about Guatemala's devil effigy tradition and Catalonia's humorous pooping log ritual. Get ready for a festive journey filled with laughter and strange customs you won't believe!