Ridiculous History
735 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★ - 4.1K ratingsHistory is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
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Episodes
A Ridiculous History of Worcestershire Sauce
April 16, 2024 18:50 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIt's tangy. It's salty. It's sweet. It's unctuous... but what exactly is Worcestershire sauce? Join Ben, Noel and Max on their continuing condiment journey as they explore the bizarre origin story of one of the world's most famous (and, arguably, strangest) sauces in today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Roald Dahl: Children's Author and Secret Agent
April 13, 2024 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBToday author Roald Dahl is best-known for his prolific writing career -- but, as it turns out, he lived an entirely different life before he ever put pen to paper to create children's stories. Learn more about Roald Dahl's earlier life as a fighter ace, a legendary ladies man, and a World War II-era spy (seriously, like a real-life James Bond!) in this classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micronations: How Liechtenstein Became A Country
April 11, 2024 15:47 - 37 minutes - 34 MBThe Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country out in the alpines -- and while it's a tiny nation, it has an enormous depth of history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of micronations with the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are There So Many Captain Marvels?
April 09, 2024 17:14 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBLook! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's... "definitely not Superman." At least, that's what Fawcett Comics told the courts, beginning a multigenerational, multiversal saga of strangeness that continues in the modern day. In today's episode, the guys ask: Why are there so many Captain Marvels? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: When did ALL-CAPS type become YELLING?
April 06, 2024 13:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBYou've seen them before, whether in forwarded spam email, a strangely passionate TikTok comment: THE DREADED ALL-CAPS TYPER.Where does this practice come from? How did everyone agree that typing in ALL CAPS means you're yelling at someone via text? Join the gang in this classic episode as they... FIND OUT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Look at Us, Late to the Ridiculous History of Easter
April 04, 2024 21:39 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBEaster! It's a big deal, all across the world. And just like earlier celebrations of spirituality, it's been commodified in the United States. In today's episode, Ben, Max, and Noel sneak into the Sunday service just a bit late to explore how the ancient commemorations of rebirth gave rise to one of Christianity's most important holy days -- while also figuring where the heck this huge rabbit costume and egg hunt came from. Apologies to every substitute teacher playing this in class: we only...
Royal Deaths, Part Four: The Unfortunate Lives of Scottish Kings
April 02, 2024 15:49 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBHave you ever shown off your favorite cannon, or deparately rode a horse through the night for a little birthday romance? If so, thank your lucky stars you didn't go out like two particularly unlucky Scottish kings. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore the ridiculous deaths of royals in today's "Whoops, All Scotland" episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Delaware Wedge, Part Two: The Wedge and The Horn
March 28, 2024 15:37 - 30 minutes - 28 MBAs early miscalculations and subsequent confusion continued to build, Delaware found itself in a three-state beef over a tiny section of land -- and though the land itself might not be a large chunk of real estate, the beef it produced led to dangerous conflict more than once. Would the newly-minted US be able to resolve this internal discord without an inter-state war? Learn more in the second part of this two-part series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Delaware Wedge, Part One: A Tiny State with Massive History
March 26, 2024 15:49 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBAlthough it's the second-smallest state in the US, don't let Delaware's diminutive geography fool you. This state has a tremendous economy, and loads of ridiculous history in its past. In this week's special two-part series, the guys dive into the history of a strange conflict that bedeviled the state from its early days all the way into the 20th century -- a contentious, tiny piece of land that almost led to open combat: this is the story of the Delaware Wedge. See omnystudio.com/listener ...
Back to the Choo-ture: the Enduring Nostalgia of Model Trains
March 21, 2024 14:15 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBWhat is it about model trains that so captivates people, young and old alike? How did they start as an icon of innovation, and then become such a treasured piece of nostalgia over time? In today's episode, the gang explores the history of model trains from centuries past to the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PEZ: Candy or Anti-smoking Aid?
March 19, 2024 17:03 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBThe Austrian candy brand Pez is perhaps more well-known for its iconic dispensers than for the candy itself. While they may seem commonplace today, these tablet-shaped bricks have a surprising origin story. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the original purpose of Pez: part candy, yes -- but also an innovative way to help Austrians stop smoking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part Two: What's Past is Prologue
March 14, 2024 15:36 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBWhat happened to the payphone? Were you also stunned the first time you saw Abe Lincoln without a beard? In the second part of this special two-part series, Mo Rocca explores the strange passage of the past to the present, and what we carry with us along the way. Join Ben, Noel, Max and Mo as they learn more about Mobituaries and the art of storytelling with a soul. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part One: Mo Eulogizes The Pager
March 12, 2024 16:16 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBIn the world of journalism and literature, there's nothing quite like the obituary. Sometimes called the first draft of history, an obituary can function as a love letter, a condemnation -- but, perhaps more than anything, a portrait of a person gone from this mortal plane. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join the legendary journalist, author, correspondent and podcaster Mo Rocca, host of Mobituaries, to learn more about this unique genre of literature, f...
Awful Candy, Part Two: Peeps, Licorice, Wax Lips and More
March 07, 2024 15:22 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBAre you a fan of licorice? Have you ever encountered wax lips in the wild? Where do you stand in the great Peeps debate? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore some of the world's most divisive candy in the second part of this special two-part series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Awful Candy, Part One: Tootsie Rolls Saved the War -- and Divided the World
March 05, 2024 15:43 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBWhether or not you have a sweet tooth, odds are you probably have some strong opinions about candy. Following up (finally!) on their earlier Halloween conversation, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the most divisive candies on the planet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It Is Literally Time For The Leap Year Episode
February 29, 2024 14:24 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBLet's be honest: leap year sounds pretty nuts when you explain it. We have the regular 365-day year three times in a row, but every fourth year we add one extra day in February. (With... several other notable caveats.) Join Ben, Noel and Max as they figure out where leap year came from, why it's a thing, and whether it's still genuinely better than nothing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ridiculous History of Hot Sauce
February 27, 2024 14:16 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBToday, hot sauce is a global phenomenon, with millions of bottles sold every single year. But where does it come from? What makes it so popular -- and why won't water douse the heat when things get out of hand? Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max explore the spicy origin story of hot sauce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Why does the Guinness Beer Company Track World Records?
February 22, 2024 15:23 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBOdds are you've heard about the Guinness Book of World Records, the famous, often inaccurate compilation of various impressive, important, and ridiculous feats from people across the planet. But how did it come about? How on earth did a brewer become the repository of all this strange knowledge? Tune in for a surprising peek behind the keg -- and into the cups -- of Guinness history and human ambition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20 Questions: A Ridiculous Crossover, Part One
February 20, 2024 15:47 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBLong-time listeners will know Ben, Noel and Max are big fans of their peer podcast, Ridiculous Crime -- but what happens when the guys join forces with Elizabeth, Zaron and Dave? Tune in for the first part of this two-part series, as Ridiculous Crime and Ridiculous History seek to stump each other in a lively game of 20 Questions, all based on strange historical flexes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tecumseh's Curse, Part Two: Boy, It's Tough to be President
February 15, 2024 17:32 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBAs curses go, Tecumseh's is, according to the legend, ridiculously specific. Every US President elected in a year divisible by twenty is doomed to meet misfortune, ruin and possibly death in office. But how did this curse acquire such purported specificity? In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how the curse entered popular culture, as well as the examples true believers point to as evidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tecumseh's Curse, Part One: Rise of The Prophet
February 13, 2024 20:41 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBDid the legendary Shawnee chief Tecumseh really lay a curse on US Presidents? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into Tecumseh's origin, his mission to unite Native peoples against the ruthless expansion of the new United States -- all to learn why so many people believe every president elected in a year ending with zero dies in office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
History Is Absolutely Riddled With Famous Mistranslations
February 08, 2024 14:00 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBTrue story: back in the late 70s, US President Jimmy Carter accidentally claimed he'd left the states forever, and wanted to sleep with everyone in Poland. According to legendary marketing lore, Pepsi accidentally told the nation of China that soda would bring their relatives back from the grave. And don't get us started on weird car names! Join Ben, Noel and Max as they explore some of history's most hilarious mistranslations in the first part of this ongoing series. See omnystudio.com/lis...
Stuff That Got Left Over, Part Two: Hot Tubs, The Last Shantyman, President Taft Had Pet Cows
February 06, 2024 13:43 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBIn our continually ridiculous mission to explore the funniest events of yesteryear, Ben, Noel and Max often leave some stones unturned. In today's episode the gang pays their respects to the last shantyman, asks why President Taft adopted not one but two cows, and explores multiple historic hot tubs they are not currently allowed to enter. (We end with a shoutout to our favorite turkey.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Puzzler Returns, Part Two: A Field Trip to the CIA
February 01, 2024 15:19 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBTrue story: in the heart of the CIA headquarters at Langley, Virginia, there's a puzzle no one has solved. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max join up with returning guest A.J. Jacobs to learn more about the enigmatic sculpture known as Kryptos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Puzzler Returns, Part One: Puzzles and Spies
January 30, 2024 16:11 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBFor most people, puzzles are a fun, fascinating diversion. Yet throughout history, they've also played a crucial role in the great game of espionage. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome their returning guest A.J. Jacobs, author and creator of The Puzzler podcast, to learn more about the history of puzzles, codes and spies in part one of this special two-part episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Boeing Wonderland, Part Two: A Fake Rooftop City For All!
January 25, 2024 20:28 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBAs paranoia increases in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attacks, amateur magician (and storied military official) John Francis Ohmer, Jr. finds Uncle Sam and Hollywood increasingly onboard with his idea of camouflaging entire compounds. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how the US constructed a fake town atop Boeing's most important facility, weirdly named "Plant 2." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Boeing Wonderland, Part One: A Magician Tries to Camouflage Entire Airfields
January 24, 2024 03:17 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBIn the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia reigned across the western US -- and the country entirely. From California to Washington, civilians and the military alike were terrified that another attack was imminent. The country's aircraft manufacturers were prominent sitting ducks, and too inconvenient to move. With instructions to spin up manufacturing as soon as possible, the clock was ticking and no one was sure what to do. Enter John Francis Ohmer, Jr. -- a veteran, amat...
Calvin Coolidge Was Super Weird...and Surprisingly Cool
January 19, 2024 03:12 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBWhen President Warren G Harding passed away abruptly while in office, his Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed in the role of Commander in Chief. Today, he's not as well-known as other US Presidents like Lincoln or Washington -- yet his history remains fascinating and unique. Tune in as the guys explore the strange story of the man sometimes known as "Silent Cal." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ridiculous History of Baseball Caps: How One Hat Traveled the World
January 16, 2024 21:33 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBNowadays it feels like everyone has a baseball cap at home... even though most of the folks wearing them do not, in fact, play baseball. So how did this one type of hat become so ubiquitous -- not just in the US, but the rest of the world? To answer the question, Ben, Noel and Max travel back to the early (hatless) days of baseball, following its evolution to the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breeching: A Weird Historical Obsession with Children's Pants
January 11, 2024 14:35 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBHave you ever looked at a childhood photo of a noted historical dude and thought -- huh, why did his folks put him in a dress? If so, you're seeing evidence of a strange parenting practice of yesteryear... the phenomenon known as breeching. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how awarding a boy his first pair of pants became a rite of passage in Western society, and why it seems so strange in the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Salton Sea: How A Little Whoopsie Turned into Ecological Disaster
January 09, 2024 15:48 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBLocated in southern Riverside and northern Imperial counties, the Salton Sea is California's largest lake. Although large seas have cyclically formed and dried over historic time due to natural flooding from the Colorado River, the current sea formed as the result of an accident during canal construction. And, ever since that moment, humans have been trying to figure out what to do next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Digging Up James K Polk (For the Third Time)
January 04, 2024 15:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBThe average American may not hear much about James K Polk in school today, but during his time in office the 11th U.S. President was responsible for a number of tremendously significant policy movements. Today he and his wife are interred in the Tennessee State Capitol... but this was neither their first resting place nor, if certain lawmakers succeed, their last. So: Why do people keep digging up this President's remains? Join Ben and Noel as they exhume the posthumous journey of President ...
CLASSIC: The Atomic Whoops: When the US Air Force Bombed South Carolina
January 02, 2024 16:31 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBDuring the height of the Cold War, both the US and the USSR constantly ran drills in anticipation of a possible nuclear conflict. While the Gregg family of Mars Bluff, South Carolina knew the Cold War was in full swing, they had no idea that they would become the first American family bombed -- accidentally -- by the US Air Force. Ben and Noel explore one of the most bizarre atomic slip-ups in American history in today's classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The History of Soda Pop is So Weird, Part Two: Nostalgia is a Heck of a Drug
December 29, 2023 02:10 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBOnce humans nailed down the spicy art of carbonation, they went absolutely bonkers with flavors and gimmicks. While Coca-Cola and Pepsi may be the world's most famous sodas, hundreds of other drinks came and went -- some with a bang of success, and others falling as flat as a day-old Josta. In part two of this series, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of soda pop history along with shoutouts to some of their favorite discontinued sodas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...
The History of Soda Pop is So Weird, Part One: The Saga of Spicy Water
December 26, 2023 17:46 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBThere's nothing quite like the fizzy kick of soda -- since ancient times, cabonation beverages have always delighted and fascinated humanity... even though soda certainly isn't the healthies drink. In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben kicks soda as he, Noel and Max dive into the history of these amazing drinks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Puzzler, Part Two: Waldo, Rubik, and More
December 21, 2023 16:15 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBHow did the Rubik's Cube become a global phenomenon? Where exactly is Waldo? In part one of this series, legendary author and podcaster AJ Jacobs regales the gang with the wide world of Puzzlers, from early human history to the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Puzzler, Part One: The Crossword Moral Panic
December 19, 2023 14:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThis week, Ben, Noel and Max welcome special guest, the legendary author AJ Jacobs, to explore the world's strangest historical puzzle crazes. In part one of this two-part series, AJ regales the gang with the moral panic surrounding early crosswords, armchair treasure hunts and much more. Spoiler: you can hear Ben and Noel on AJ's own show, The Puzzler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christmas Has A Dark Side: The Krampus Episode
December 14, 2023 14:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBAs the western world gears up for its biggest holiday, the guys dive into the strange story of Krampus: a pre-Christian, pagan entity that somehow not only survived the arrival of Christianity -- but thrived, first as a side character in Central European holiday celebrations, then went global as more and more people enjoyed exploring 'the dark side' of Christmas. Spoiler: capitalism loves a franchise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A House Divided: Various Times Congress Tried to Beat the Snot Out of Each Other
December 12, 2023 19:43 - 54 minutes - 50 MBMedia pundits love to say America is 'divided as never before' -- but how true is that? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into multiple Congressional debacles, from that time a civil war almost happened (before the actual civil war) to that time one guy literally assaulted another dude with a cane, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part Two: Alan Turing
December 07, 2023 20:02 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBHuman history is absolutely riddled with cases of one person making a magnificent discovery -- only to be punished by the society in which they reside. In part two of this sadly continual series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of the legendary Alan Turing, who turned the tide of WWII... and was subsequently targeted, persecuted and betrayed by the United Kingdom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Serious Diseases with Seriously Funny Names, Part Two: Rickets, Brain Fever, and Maple Syrup
December 05, 2023 17:30 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBHistory is riddled with oddly-named diseases -- rickets, scurvy, brain fever and more. But where do these names come from? In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the etymology of these strange and dangerous maladies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Serious Diseases with Seriously Funny Names, Part One: Dropsy
November 30, 2023 20:10 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBHistory is riddled with oddly-named diseases -- rickets, scurvy, brain fever and more. But where do these names come from? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the etymology of these strange and dangerous maladies... starting with dropsy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oh Man, James Joyce was a Dirty Dude!
November 28, 2023 17:14 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBJames Joyce is, without question, one of the most famous authors in the English language. Millions of readers have enjoyed (and sometimes struggled with) his groundbreaking novels and short stories. However... that's not all Joyce wrote. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of Joyce's personal correspondence, which reaches levels of depravity that make the racy scenes of Ulysses pale in comparison. Warning: this episode contains graphic language and situations -- and, as such, ...
What's the Deal with Turkey on Thanksgiving?
November 23, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBIt's Thanksgiving in the United States -- and Thanksgiving is weird! In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the big questions about Thanksgiving: How did the parade become a thing? Why do the Cowboys and the Lions always play? How on Earth did turkey become the traditional main dish? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tammany Hall: America's Early Puppet Masters
November 21, 2023 18:05 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBIt's no secret that politics can often have a dark side -- smoky backrooms, corruption and graft have always had their place in American history. And, amid all the corruption, few institutions are as infamous as Tammany Hall. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origin, growth, and ultimate collapse of this thoroughly American, thoroughly corrupt, and thoroughly ridiculous political machine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hoover Dam is Ridiculous, Part Two: The Audacity!
November 16, 2023 16:38 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBAs the railroads tried and failed to control flooding in the Salton Sink, state and federal leaders realized America needed a bigger solution. With the Great Depression in full swing, workers from across the country traveled to Vegas in hopes of working on the Hoover Dam. In the second part of this week's two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the construction of this modern marvel -- and bust some of the most popular Hoover myths along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
The Hoover Dam is Ridiculous, Part One: Man Versus Nature
November 14, 2023 16:02 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBThe next time you're in Vegas, rent a car and spend a day at the Hoover Dam. This towering, larger-than-life marvel of human engineering has fundamentally shaped the United States. But building it was far from easy. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max recount the guys' adventure exploring the Dam in person... and the sheer, ridiculous audacity of the thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Waging War With Hallucinogenic Honey
November 09, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutes - 22 MBHoney is popular around the world, and for good reason. This addictively sweet substance is a common ingredient in hundreds of recipes, and people historically believe it has medicinal properties in addition to, well, being delicious! But in certain areas of the world honey is much more than a sweet ingredient -- it's a disturbingly effective weapon of war. In today's classic episode, the gang revisits the story of "Hallucinogenic Honey". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Ben Franklin Tried To Reinvent the Alphabet
November 07, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB"For such a popular, well-known language, English is full of strange, seemingly arbitrary rules. Most people just accept these various idiosyncrasies... but Benjamin Franklin was not most people. In today's classic, listen as Ben and Noel explore Franklin's strange quest to revise the English language by cutting out old letters (and inventing new ones)." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: When the Puritans Canceled Christmas
November 02, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBNowadays Christmas is a globally-recognized holiday celebrated by millions of people, but in the past this wasn't the case. In fact, some groups of Christians detested the holiday, going so far as to ban it completely. So what led Puritans to ban one of the most prominent celebrations in the Christian faith? In today's classic episode, the gang revisits the breakaway Christians that genuinely found Christmas un-Christian. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.