

Ridiculous History
iHeartPodcasts
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2023 • 53min
Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part One
Today, scientists are treated with respect (for the most part), but this wasn't always the case. In the first part of this recurring series, Ben, Noel and Casey explore the ridiculous, at-times tragic stories of scientists who were persecuted for their discoveries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 17, 2023 • 48min
The Crappy, Commodious History of Toilets
Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been trying to figure out where to put all its poop. While it's easy to take your average flushing commode for granted, it turns out thousands of years of research went into creating the toilets we use today. Tune in as Ben, Noel, and Casey dive into the bizarre history of modern restrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 12, 2023 • 46min
Aaron Burr, Part Two: The Fall of a Guy Nobody Liked
In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Burr's struggle to acquire political power seemed to lead him, again and again, into conflict with his frenemey Alexander Hamilton -- a rivalry that would ultimately culminate in a fatal duel. Spoiler: Aaron Burr survives. His career does not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 10, 2023 • 43min
Aaron Burr, Part One: The Rise of a Guy Nobody Liked
Thanks in large part to the musical Hamilton, Aaron Burr has re-entered the public zeitgeist. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise of Aaron Burr, from his unfortunate early life through his heroic exploits through the American Revolution into his ...mixed experience with US politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 6, 2023 • 8min
Introducing: McCartney A Life in Lyrics
Hi, Ridiculous History fans! Listen to McCartney: A Life in Lyrics hosted by Paul McCartney! A new masterclass podcast that dives into an improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music. Each episode is centered on one song in McCartney’s catalog – from early Beatles to his solo work. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About McCartney: A Life in Lyrics: McCartney: A Life in Lyrics is a master class, a memoir, and an improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music: Paul McCartney. Each episode is centered on one song in McCartney’s catalog – from early Beatles to his solo work. Over the course of the podcast, listeners sit in on conversations between McCartney and the poet Paul Muldoon about the people, experiences, and art that inspired McCartney’s songwriting. The stories are richly interwoven with music and sounds contemporary to each song, providing a revelatory, entertaining window into a truly iconic creative genius. The first season is 24 episodes, but there is a treasure trove of tapes of more than 150 of McCartney’s songs. Listen to McCartney: A Life in Lyrics on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 5, 2023 • 35min
Royals Who Died on the Toilet: Our Classiest Episode Yet
In the newest installment of this continuing series on weird royal deaths, Ben, Noel and Max explore intensely ...crappy... stories of royals who, despite all their worldly power, died on the toilet. Tune in to hear what may be the lads' classiest podcast yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 3, 2023 • 41min
That Time Indiana Tried to Change Pi
In this episode, the hosts discuss the absurd attempt in 1897 to legally change the meaning of Pi in Indiana. The episode explores the protagonist's lobbying efforts, faulty math calculations, and the controversy surrounding the bill. It emphasizes the importance of accurate information and conscientious individuals in policymaking.

Sep 28, 2023 • 30min
Why Don't People Wear White After Labor Day?
The boys hit the road, traveling to Las Vegas and recording live. In this special episode, Ben, Noel, Max and guest producer Paul Dechant explore the evolution of Labor Day, from its origin to the strange -- and, let's be honest, ridiculous -- tradition of avoiding white clothing. With a special shout out to Max's snazzy Wedding White Pants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 26, 2023 • 46min
Michigan Has Its Own Bermuda Triangle
It's true! At least, to some. For decades various people have claimed Michigan has its own area of intense paranormal activity -- UFOs, ghosts, disappearances, you name it -- and they've mapped out something called "the Michigan Triangle." In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max look through the evidence to determine whether these stories are true, or... you know. Ridiculous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 21, 2023 • 50min
The Road to Modern Basketball, Part Two: How Dribbling Became A Thing
As James Naismith's new sport became increasingly popular, more and more people looked for ways to evolve, adjust, or flat-out change Naismith's original rules. In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how basketball continued to change over time -- and how some kids at Yale found a loophole to "pass the ball to themselves."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.