Ridiculous History

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.

As Major Wayne and company finally make the US Camel Corps a reality, tensions continue to rise across the US: the increasingly divided North and South stand at the brink of war. As Ben, Noel and returning guest Jonathan Strickland discover, this is probably why we don't have a US Camel Corps today. However, the Camel Corps did leave us with one fascinating, related tale: the Legend of the Red Ghost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's face it: camels look goofy. And we say this with great affection! In fact, the camel's seemingly awkward appearance is the result of some stellar adaptation toward survival in one of the world's most inhospitable biomes. Back in the 1800s, a small group of camel enthusiasts and supply chain experts looked at the vast swathes of American desert and said "hang on... what if we had camels, too?" Join the guys with special guest Jonathan Strickland as they explore the rise and fall of the U.S. Camel Corps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, guest producer Matt Stillo shines a light on the tumultuous history of Adidas and Puma, founded by the Dossler brothers, Rudolph and Adolf. Their rivalry transformed the sneaker market, sparked by personal disputes and World War II tensions. The podcast dives into the impact of Jesse Owens's endorsement, which revolutionized sports marketing but further divided the brothers. Listeners will enjoy tales of legal battles and the cultural implications that followed, unveiling how family feuds shaped a global industry.

The U.S.S. O'Bannon was a Fletcher-class navy destroyer with an impressive array of weaponry and a solid track record in conflicts in WWII. However, even the most experienced sailors aren't perfect -- and when the O'Bannon happened upon a hapless Japanese submarine, both crew engaged in a desperate and bizarre food fight. Join Ben and Noel to learn more in today's Classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the incredible story of Yang Kyoungjong, a soldier forced to navigate the chaos of World War II by serving in three different armies. His journey reveals the harsh realities of survival amidst the turmoil of war and showcases the personal struggles faced by those caught in conflict. The conversation also blends humor with historical insights, discussing everything from the complexities of loyalty to engaging with listeners about creative T-shirt designs. It's a captivating mix of resilience and unforgettable narratives.

Discover the eerie tale of a doomsday cult hidden in Philadelphia's Wissahickon Valley Park. Follow Johannes Kelpius and his followers as they seek spiritual freedom and prepare for an apocalyptic fate in the late 17th century. Uncover the group’s mystical beliefs, their connection to the Book of Revelations, and the enigma of a locked box linked to the Philosopher's Stone. Lively banter about historical rivalries adds a humorous twist, making the blend of mystical tales and quirky history truly captivating!