Ridiculous History

In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive further into the (objectively disturbing) truth about just how many nuclear weapons are currently MIA. The gang speculates on the implications of these missteps -- and, as they wonder about the consequences of their actions, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nuclear weapons are one of the most dangerous things humanity ever invented. So while we might reasonably assume people would keep a close eye on these potentially world-ending bombs and missiles...we would be wrong. In this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the harrowing, ridiculous times humans absolutely lost track of live nukes -- some of which are still out there, somewhere, in the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the intriguing world of pirates forming their own government on New Providence Island. Learn about the allure of tiki drinks, the reality of historical pirates, and the evolution of piracy. Discover the rise and fall of the Pirate Republic, famous pirates like Blackbeard, and the transition of New Providence from a pirate haven to a society.

What do Albert Einstein, Jesse James and Saddam Hussein have in common? Like many notable figures throughout history, these men ended up marrying their first cousins. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the stories of how these historical figures ended up in romantic relationships with members of their extended families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True story: Orson Welles has a film no one will ever see. In the second part of this continuing series, the guys explore "The Magnificent Ambersons," from its origins to its adaptations all the way to what could have been Our Pal Orson's next masterpiece -- only to end up as his most haunting regret.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays, "snake oil" usually means a fake medicine or treatment that claims -- with no evidence -- to cure any number of medical conditions. But where did this term come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of Clark Stanley, the Rattlesnake King who (accidentally) helped create the modern FDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone can agree the story of T'ai Djin is amazing -- he was born afflicted with a rare genetic condition that made him look like a werewolf, was adopted by Shaolin monks and became the most badass guy in China -- but how much of the story is fact, and how much is fiction? In part two of this week's series, the guys chat with Badass of the Week creator Ben Thompson about T'ai Djin, the nature of heroism, myth, and much, much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes an historical figure larger than life? Since 2004, author and historian Ben Thompson has been writing about the most badass people in history, from generals to saints, from pioneers to criminals. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben (Bowlin), Noel, and Max hang with the creator of Badass of the Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1842, Abraham Lincoln wrote an article clowning a guy named James Shields. Although the article was satirical, and attributed to a made-up author, Shields still didn't love the joke. Some of Abe's friends -- including his future wife -- joined in, and, eventually Shields had enough. He demanded satisfaction, and challenged Lincoln to a duel. It... didn't go as planned. Tune in to learn more about the ridiculous escapades of one of America's most beloved presidents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With another Father's Day in the books, Ben, Noel and Max hit the new studio for the first time, exploring the history of this paternal partner to the slightly-more famous Mother's Day. Featuring a cameo from the one and only Matt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.