The Facts: First, we delve into the mystery of the buried Atari ET games in the New Mexico desert and how it became one of the most infamous moments in video game history. Then, we revisit the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and the media frenzy that surrounded it. Finally, we look at the history of Hormel spam, its role in feeding American soldiers during World War II, and its ongoing popularity in many parts of the world today.
The Facts: First, we delve into the infamous Snake Island, a remote Brazilian island teeming with venomous snakes that has been off-limits to visitors for decades. Next, we learn about the surprising origin of the children’s menu in restaurants, which emerged as a response to the Prohibition era in the United States. Finally, we explore the mysterious Kuru disease, which affected the Fore people of Papua New Guinea in the mid-20th century and caused a wave of deaths until its origins were discovered. This episode is packed with intriguing stories and curious facts that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Facts: First, we delve into the origins of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich, which was created in the 1960s by a franchise owner who noticed a drop in sales during Lent. Next, we learn about Activision’s Achievement Patches, which were introduced in the 1980s as a way to reward gamers for achieving high scores and completing difficult challenges. Finally, we dive into the bizarre and tragic tale of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military skirmish in 18th century Austria that was sparked by a drunken miscommunication and resulted in hundreds of casualties. Tune in to hear these fascinating stories and more!
The Facts: How Berkeley Pit became toxic and the great lengths taken to keep wildlife away from the deadly waters. The strange, declassified military tests that weaponized fleas. And how a botched robbery during a pizza delivery led to the creation of the modern bulletproof vest.
The Facts: Discover the tragic story of Franz Reichelt, a French inventor who jumped from the Eiffel Tower in 1912 wearing a parachute suit he had designed himself. The episode also delves into the history and decline of the American chestnut tree, which used to be one of the most abundant trees in the eastern United States before a devastating blight wiped out most of the species. Finally, the episode explores the little-known story of the Yippie movement’s attempt to take over Disneyland in 1970, which resulted in a bizarre and comical confrontation with the park’s security forces.
In this episode, we dive into three fascinating topics: the remarkable story of Edith Wilson, the wife of former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson who became the de facto president after her husband suffered a stroke; the surprising origins of NASCAR, a sport born from the bootlegging days of Prohibition-era America; and the grassroots movement led by the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America, which fought for the right to free, accessible public restrooms for all. Join us as we explore the stories behind these three very different but equally fascinating historical events.
The Facts: the story of a forgotten recording artist pioneer, the tale of Balto and Togo’s harrowing journey through the tundra, and the Roebling family defies all odds to build the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Facts: How mistletoe worked its way into our holiday traditions. A nature documentary that spawned the saying, “Don’t be a Lemming.”? And the one career accolade that Wayne Gretzky earned but did not receive.
The Facts: How Silver Springs State Park ended up becoming home to hundreds of rhesus macaques monkeys and the odd problem the world’s first vending machine solved.
