Ridiculous History

Dive into the audacious tale of Fanny and Stella, two men arrested for cross-dressing in Victorian England. Their sensational trial in 1870 sparked a moral panic and shone a light on gender identity issues of the time. Discover how their theatrical endeavors challenged societal norms and the deep bond they shared amidst adversity. The podcast also delves into the absurdities of the legal system and the media frenzy surrounding their case, revealing a captivating glimpse into LGBTQ+ history.

Join Ben Thompson, creator of the Badass of the Week podcast, as he dives into the absurdity of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military mishap where a panicked army turned on itself. They discuss the chaos of friendly fire among 172,000 disorganized troops and the hilarity that ensued despite the grim backdrop of war. Ben shares insights on ambition in leadership and the unforeseen consequences of miscommunication during conflicts. Humor and hidden histories intertwine, making this a captivating exploration of one of history's most ridiculous moments.

Ben Thompson, creator of Badass of the Week, joins the discussion to explore the infamous Battle of Karánsebes. The conversation dives into the absurdities of friendly-fire incidents throughout history, blending humor with fascinating tales. Thompson sheds light on Joseph II, the self-assured ruler known for his ambitious reforms, while the hosts humorously unpack the chaos of military miscommunication that defined this bizarre conflict. Expect witty anecdotes and a candid look at historical blunders that reveal the ridiculous side of war.

In the wake of World War I, Kansas took a drastic step by imprisoning women infected with STDs, while ignoring the soldiers who brought the infections home. The whimsical discussion dives into the motivations behind this punitive measure, highlighting how such historical injustices can be easily overlooked. With a blend of humor, the hosts reflect on society's archaic treatment of women's health and the stigma that followed. They also explore how these events resonate with modern public health issues, urging listeners to remember and learn from history.

Dive into the quirky world of processed cheese, exploring its evolution from ancient roots to modern delights. Discover how this not-quite-cheese has become a staple in American cuisine, from burgers to mac and cheese. The hosts tackle the science behind its creation and the addictive nature of cheese with humor. You'll hear tales of Swiss origins, Kraft's impact, and memorable culinary anecdotes, including the great cheesesteak debate. Get ready for a cheesy journey that blends history, culture, and a sprinkle of absurdity!

Scotland is a fascinating place, with its own rich culture, cuisine and history. Today, it's part of the United Kingdom -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into Scotland's wildly ambitious plan to build a colonial trade empire straddling the Pacific and the Atlantic. At enormous expense, Scotland gambled everything on taming the Darién Gap... and lost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Portland, Oregon is often portrayed as a left-leaning haven for hipsters across the country, but the original Oregon was a vastly different place. Listen in to learn more about the ridiculous aims of the white supremacists who sought to found Oregon as a whites-only state. Spoiler alert -- there's a fantastic extra segment at the end of today's episode, wherein the guys join special guest Robert Evans, the creator of Behind The Bastards, in this week's Classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoiler: The Beatles are kind of famous. Yet even worldwide acclaim didn't make them immune to lawsuits. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange story of Apple Inc and Apple Corps, two hugely influential companies that found themselves embroiled in a multidecade trademark beef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all heard of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- but what are they, exactly? What made these specific seven creations wonders? Why are some equally impressive structures not considered wonders? In the first episode of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max set out to learn more Ridiculous History of these ancient wonders... starting with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which may have never actually existed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds like something straight out of your favorite sketch comedy show -- what if a crack team of scientists joined forces with the world's most powerful military on a mission to nuke the moon? Don't waste too much time asking why we'd want to do this... just imagine the explosion. Join Ben and Noel in today's Classic episode as they explore the bizarre and terrifying true story of Project A119, the secret US plan to detonate nukes on the moon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.