Ridiculous History

Discover the intriguing history of Christmas as a birthday celebration, which only gained popularity long after Jesus' death. The discussion humorously critiques the commercialism of the holiday while exploring its humble origins. Delve into the Nativity story and the peculiar practicality of gifts given to a newborn. Learn about Jesus' complex character as both a revered figure and a societal disruptor. Also, explore global Christmas customs that range from the whimsical Yule Lads to the menacing Krampus, all wrapped in a festive bow of humor.

Did you know a pitcher threw a no-hitter on LSD? Dive into Dock Ellis's surreal story from June 1970, blending psychedelics and sports. Explore the nostalgic ambiance of baseball games and how altered states enhance experiences. Discover the controversial legacy of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, the societal implications of addiction, and how Ellis's struggles resonate beyond the diamond. This incredible narrative highlights the absurd side of sports while addressing deeper issues like race and mental health.

Jonathan Strickland, the engaging creator of "Tech Stuff," joins the guys for a lively discussion filled with wit and nostalgia. They reflect on their podcasting journey since 2017, sharing funny anecdotes and insights into their careers. The conversation shifts to quirky dynamics and absurd quiz challenges, allowing light-hearted banter to flow freely. They also delve into historical tidbits, touching on Civil War lore and the evolution of podcasting, all while celebrating the importance of collaboration and support in their creative endeavors.

Jonathan Strickland, known as The Quizster, joins the gang for a comedic reunion filled with clever quizzes about Vikings and Norse mythology. The hosts tackle his devious puzzles while weaving in humorous stories about legendary figures and quirky trivia. They explore the playful misinterpretations of Viking raids and even dive into the whimsical tale of Vikings and peach pies. The camaraderie between the hosts shines through as they share their insights, anecdotes, and ongoing banter, leaving listeners eager for what’s next.

Dive into the surprising backstory of Maryland's state song, which sounds innocent but harbors divisive lyrics calling out "Northern scum." The discussion highlights Maryland's complicated loyalties during the Civil War and explores the cultural significance of the song's pro-Confederate roots. Unpack the chaos of the Baltimore Riot of 1861, where local citizens clashed with Union troops, and discover how this controversial anthem continues to resonate in modern conversations about identity and history.

Discover the quirky journey of the English alphabet! The hosts explore the fascinating evolution of each letter, revealing their origins from ancient scripts to modern usage. Expect humorous anecdotes about spelling changes, the impact of the printing press, and even how economic motives shaped our language. The discussion playfully connects letters to today's emojis as a potential new form of communication. With insights on the vibrant stories behind K and L, and more, this conversation is both fun and enlightening!

Stuffed crust pizza. Grilled cheese burritos. How did so much cheese get into so many things? On today's episode, we peel back the curtain on the Dairy Industrial Complex — AKA Big Parma.  * VERY SPECIAL CREDITS On the Very Special Episodes podcast, we tell one incredible story each week. Follow Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English down a different rabbit hole every Wednesday.  Today’s Episode Was Written and Hosted by Very Special Guest Stars Ben Bowlin and Alex French Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Baheed Frazier Original Music by Elise McCoy  Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla   Executive Producer is Jason English Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying Very Special Episodes, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. You can reach the show at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The concept of writing is explored as both brilliant and insane. Delve into the evolution of the English alphabet through its historical and cultural influences. Discover how writing began with primitive tokens, transitioning to the phonetic alphabet. Enjoy humorous banter while analyzing the differences between Old and Middle English. The rich legacy of language intertwines with history, revealing its profound impact on communication. Plus, learn fascinating tidbits from texts like 'Beowulf' and 'The Canterbury Tales' that highlight the quirky developments along the way!

Meet Max the gorilla, who became an unexpected crime-fighter in South Africa, captivating audiences with his heroic antics. His rise to fame during the troubled 1990s provided a beacon of hope amid the struggles against apartheid. The podcast also delves into gorillas' majestic lives and the historical context that shaped their world. Intriguingly, Max's story intertwines with broader themes of justice, community resilience, and the complex dynamics of the fight for equality, inviting reflections on heroism in an unjust society.

Discover how mistranslations have sparked fascinating theories about life on Mars and shaped Cold War narratives. Laugh at marketing blunders like IKEA's 'Fartful' toy and missteps in car names that went hilariously wrong across cultures. Delve into the political repercussions of Khrushchev's words and the human tendency to see patterns, even in translation errors. From Pepsi's faux pas to the cultural impacts of linguistic miscommunication, this exploration shows just how vital context and accuracy can be.