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
How Did Trick-Or-Treating Become a Thing?
October 31, 2023 13:56 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBEvery year at the end of October, countless children (and adults) don costumes and head into the night, going door to door with the same ritual cry: Trick or Treat! But where did this odd practice come from? In today's special Halloween episode, the guys explore the ancient predecessors of this tradition... as well as the more extreme versions, where there's way more emphasis on tricks than on treats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tangled History of Topiary, Part Two: That Shrub Is Looking at Me Funny
October 26, 2023 20:52 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBBen, Noel and super producer Casey Pegram dive back into the weeds of the surprisingly ancient (and ridiculous) art of trimming flora into bizarre and elaborate shapes. It’s a practice that had a habit of falling in and out of fashion depending on the whims of whoever was in power. Were topiaries simply an elaborate flex for the super rich or something that could be appreciated by everyone? Or maybe both?! Find out in this second part of the history of topiaries. See omnystudio.com/listener...
The Tangled History of Topiary, Part One: The Ancient Art of Fancy Plants
October 24, 2023 21:49 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBIf you've ever looked at a bush and thought "this would be way cooler if it was shaped like a rabbit," then you're part of a long line of topiary enthusiasts throughout history. This ancient art of shaping, training and trimming plants and trees into fanicful, decorative shapes dates back into antiquity. In this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Casey dive into the origin story of twisting, tangled origin story of topiary (and how it's way weird than you might think). See omnystudio.co...
Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part One
October 20, 2023 13:30 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBToday, scientists are treated with respect (for the most part), but this wasn't always the case. In the first part of this recurring series, Ben, Noel and Casey explore the ridiculous, at-times tragic stories of scientists who were persecuted for their discoveries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Crappy, Commodious History of Toilets
October 17, 2023 23:55 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBSince the dawn of civilization, humanity has been trying to figure out where to put all its poop. While it's easy to take your average flushing commode for granted, it turns out thousands of years of research went into creating the toilets we use today. Tune in as Ben, Noel, and Casey dive into the bizarre history of modern restrooms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aaron Burr, Part Two: The Fall of a Guy Nobody Liked
October 12, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBIn the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Burr's struggle to acquire political power seemed to lead him, again and again, into conflict with his frenemey Alexander Hamilton -- a rivalry that would ultimately culminate in a fatal duel. Spoiler: Aaron Burr survives. His career does not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aaron Burr, Part One: The Rise of a Guy Nobody Liked
October 10, 2023 11:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBThanks in large part to the musical Hamilton, Aaron Burr has re-entered the public zeitgeist. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise of Aaron Burr, from his unfortunate early life through his heroic exploits through the American Revolution into his ...mixed experience with US politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: McCartney A Life in Lyrics
October 06, 2023 04:00 - 8 minutes - 7.63 MBHi, Ridiculous History fans! Listen to McCartney: A Life in Lyrics hosted by Paul McCartney! A new masterclass podcast that dives into an improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music. Each episode is centered on one song in McCartney’s catalog – from early Beatles to his solo work. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About McCartney: A Life in Lyrics: McCartney: A Life in Lyrics is a master class, a memoir, and an imp...
Royals Who Died on the Toilet: Our Classiest Episode Yet
October 05, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBIn the newest installment of this continuing series on weird royal deaths, Ben, Noel and Max explore intensely ...crappy... stories of royals who, despite all their worldly power, died on the toilet. Tune in to hear what may be the lads' classiest podcast yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
That Time Indiana Tried to Change Pi
October 03, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBPi itself is pretty ridiculous. This number -- the ratio of the circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle -- appears to continue into infinity, with no predictable pattern. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore something even more ridiculous: that time in 1897 when an amateur mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin almost persuaded the state of Indiana to legally change the meaning of Pi. Tune in to hear how he would have got away with it, were it not for the accidenta...
Why Don't People Wear White After Labor Day?
September 28, 2023 19:51 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBThe boys hit the road, traveling to Las Vegas and recording live. In this special episode, Ben, Noel, Max and guest producer Paul Dechant explore the evolution of Labor Day, from its origin to the strange -- and, let's be honest, ridiculous -- tradition of avoiding white clothing. With a special shout out to Max's snazzy Wedding White Pants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michigan Has Its Own Bermuda Triangle
September 26, 2023 17:48 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBIt's true! At least, to some. For decades various people have claimed Michigan has its own area of intense paranormal activity -- UFOs, ghosts, disappearances, you name it -- and they've mapped out something called "the Michigan Triangle." In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max look through the evidence to determine whether these stories are true, or... you know. Ridiculous. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Road to Modern Basketball, Part Two: How Dribbling Became A Thing
September 21, 2023 16:30 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBAs James Naismith's new sport became increasingly popular, more and more people looked for ways to evolve, adjust, or flat-out change Naismith's original rules. In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how basketball continued to change over time -- and how some kids at Yale found a loophole to "pass the ball to themselves." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Road to Modern Basketball, Part One: Naismith and "The Incorrigibles"
September 19, 2023 20:57 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBThese days basketball is a billion dollar cultural phenomenon -- but where did it come from? In the first part of this week's series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of basketball, starting with the moment a young James Naismith was asked to distract a bunch of "incorrigible" students during the winter months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 10th President's Grandson is Alive Today
September 15, 2023 01:41 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBJohn Tyler was the president of the United States from 1841 to 1845 -- and, while some historians may not remember him as the best of presidents, he has another claim to fame: one of his grandchildren is alive today. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the life and times of President Tyler, from his childhood in Virginia through the strange circumstances that led him to the presidency, his marriages, children, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stuff That Got Left Over: Nukes
September 12, 2023 18:16 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBWhen the guys recorded their episode on broken arrows -- lost nuclear weapons throughout history -- they didn't get to one fascinating (and disturbing) tangent: the world of nuclear test sites. In the first episode of the continuing Leftover series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the astonishing, at times ridiculous, tales of nuclear test sites you can actually visit in the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ralph Nader Versus Big Auto
September 08, 2023 13:52 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBWhile Ralph Nader may not be everyone's favorite politician, he's responsible for some of the biggest life-saving changes in American government. In today's episode, Ben, Max and Noel explore how young Ralph transformed from an eccentric, hitchhiking student to a national champion of consumer rights. This is the story of the man who took on General Motors... and won. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CLASSIC: Baguettes and Vacation: France versus Bakers
September 05, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBYou've probably heard that France takes its bread seriously -- but did you know France had specific laws governing the lives of bakers? For centuries the country regulated how and when bakers could close or take vacation. Although this may sound amusing now, in the past it was a deadly serious issue. So what happened? In today's classic episode, let's revisit the events that lead to the French government being so frightfully concerned about bakers taking time off. See omnystudio.com/listene...
Everyone Was Covered in Poop: A Grimy History of Soap
August 31, 2023 21:15 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBToday, soap is ubiquitous. It comes in thousands of forms, brands, and varieties -- but this wasn't always the case. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the theoretical origin story of soap, and how humanity eventually decided (after a few stops and starts) to literally clean up its act. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Behind the Logo: The Story of the Nike Swoosh
August 30, 2023 01:23 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBEveryone knows the Nike swoosh — but where did it come from? In today’s episode, the guys dive into the origin story of one of the world’s most recognizable brands, from its humble beginnings to its status as a modern-day icon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Architecture of Spite, Part Three: The Pie House and a Scorned Argentine
August 24, 2023 21:35 - 40 minutes - 37 MBHow far would you go in the name of love? In this installment of The Architecture, Ben, Noel and Max dive into more amazing -- and ridiculous -- tales of people who literally constructed buildings as a means of revenge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Architecture of Spite, Part Two: Macy's and The Skinny House
August 22, 2023 15:42 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAt its best, architecture is a kind of poetry made tangible, frozen in time for generations to come. But, as it turns out, architecture can also be a tremendous avenue for all sorts of less cool emotions: pettiness, spite, vengeance -- you name it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 2: When Things Get Weird
August 17, 2023 20:20 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBWho owns an idea? Who should -- or should not -- profit from a concept? In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the modern history of intellectual property... including what happens when court cases go off the rails into ridiculousness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 1: The Ancient Past
August 15, 2023 20:48 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBToday the concept of intellectual property, or IP, is pretty well-established. And this notion of ownership over some often intangible concept, brand or idea may seem like a product of the modern age -- but, as it turns out, it's much, much older than that. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ridiculous history of IP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World War II's Alaskan Front: The Aleutian Island Campaign
August 10, 2023 14:56 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBAlaska is known for its stunning beauty, harsh climate, and remoteness -- but it was also the site of an intensely strange series of battles between the Japanese and US militaries. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how two of the world's most powerful militaries fought over three small islands off the Alaskan coast... and why the battle almost became forgotten in the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micronations: The Amazing Story of Vatican City
August 08, 2023 19:59 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBDespite the name, Vatican City is an independent, sovereign nation -- and its history may surprise you. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of the Vatican from its origins all the way to the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The FBI versus Hip-Hop
August 03, 2023 15:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBNowadays, hip-hop is everywhere -- this genre informs countless aspects of modern music around the world. Shortly after its creation, power structures in the United States sought to suppress this music, perceiving it as a threat to the status quo. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the success of rap... and how the FBI accidentally helped the legendary NWA reach worldwide success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Inventor of the Saxophone Had Some of the World's Worst Luck
August 02, 2023 01:25 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBToday the saxophone is a well-known musical instrument, popular across the planet. But, when you learn the story of its inventor Adolphe Sax, you quickly learn it's amazing he survived long enough to invent the saxophone in the first place. In today's episode, Ben, Max and returning special guest Lauren Vogelbaum dive deep into Sax's bizarre -- dare we say ridiculous -- habit of repeatedly injuring himself and almost dying due to any number of nearly-unbelievable accidents. See omnystudio.c...
Animals On Trial, Part 2: Legal Personhood "Goes Wild"
July 27, 2023 20:44 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBGiven that more and more evidence shows all kinds of non-human animals are capable of experiencing grief, loss, joy and pain, should they not have some of the same legal rights guaranteed (in theory, at least) to humans? In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore legal cases around the world wrestling with this issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Animals On Trial, Part 1: Tons of Animals Went to Kangaroo Courts
July 25, 2023 14:08 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBWhile the the concept of a court system is an entirely human invention, it turns out non-human animals have been in some sort of court not once, but countless times across the span of history. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange way in which early court cases against animals led to animal rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Broken Arrows, Part 2: In Which Actions Have Consequence
July 20, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBIn part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive further into the (objectively disturbing) truth about just how many nuclear weapons are currently MIA. The gang speculates on the implications of these missteps -- and, as they wonder about the consequences of their actions, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Broken Arrows, Part 1: Whoops, Where's Our Nuke?
July 18, 2023 21:13 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBNuclear weapons are one of the most dangerous things humanity ever invented. So while we might reasonably assume people would keep a close eye on these potentially world-ending bombs and missiles...we would be wrong. In this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the harrowing, ridiculous times humans absolutely lost track of live nukes -- some of which are still out there, somewhere, in the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Providence: That Time Pirates Had A Government
July 13, 2023 14:43 - 56 minutes - 52 MBThe so-called Golden Age of Piracy was a time of lawless, terrifying, at-times amazing and objectively ridiculous history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Matt explore a fascinating claim: Did some anti-authoritarian pirates really form their own government? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tons of People Married Their First Cousins
July 11, 2023 13:50 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBWhat do Albert Einstein, Jesse James and Saddam Hussein have in common? Like many notable figures throughout history, these men ended up marrying their first cousins. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the stories of how these historical figures ended up in romantic relationships with members of their extended families. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lost Media, Part 2: The Magnificent Ambersons
July 06, 2023 15:02 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBTrue story: Orson Welles has a film no one will ever see. In the second part of this continuing series, the guys explore "The Magnificent Ambersons," from its origins to its adaptations all the way to what could have been Our Pal Orson's next masterpiece -- only to end up as his most haunting regret. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ridiculous History of "Snake Oil"
July 04, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBNowadays, "snake oil" usually means a fake medicine or treatment that claims -- with no evidence -- to cure any number of medical conditions. But where did this term come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of Clark Stanley, the Rattlesnake King who (accidentally) helped create the modern FDA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Badass of the Week, Part 2: Rise of the Kung Fu Werewolf
June 29, 2023 16:21 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBEveryone can agree the story of T'ai Djin is amazing -- he was born afflicted with a rare genetic condition that made him look like a werewolf, was adopted by Shaolin monks and became the most badass guy in China -- but how much of the story is fact, and how much is fiction? In part two of this week's series, the guys chat with Badass of the Week creator Ben Thompson about T'ai Djin, the nature of heroism, myth, and much, much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Badass of the Week, Part 1: An Origin Story
June 27, 2023 15:32 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBWhat makes an historical figure larger than life? Since 2004, author and historian Ben Thompson has been writing about the most badass people in history, from generals to saints, from pioneers to criminals. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben (Bowlin), Noel, and Max hang with the creator of Badass of the Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
That Time Abe Lincoln Trolled His Way Into a Real-life Duel
June 22, 2023 14:41 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBIn 1842, Abraham Lincoln wrote an article clowning a guy named James Shields. Although the article was satirical, and attributed to a made-up author, Shields still didn't love the joke. Some of Abe's friends -- including his future wife -- joined in, and, eventually Shields had enough. He demanded satisfaction, and challenged Lincoln to a duel. It... didn't go as planned. Tune in to learn more about the ridiculous escapades of one of America's most beloved presidents. See omnystudio.com/lis...
The Creation of (and Backlash Against) Father's Day
June 20, 2023 15:00 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBWith another Father's Day in the books, Ben, Noel and Max hit the new studio for the first time, exploring the history of this paternal partner to the slightly-more famous Mother's Day. Featuring a cameo from the one and only Matt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part Two: Everyone Resigns
June 15, 2023 17:24 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBWhat happens when both candidates in a gubernatorial election are cartoonishly corrupt? That's the question Colorado wrestled with back in 1904 -- in part two of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the cavalcade of chicanery that led not one, but two Governors to resign within hours of taking office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part One: Let's Jump Off The Train
June 13, 2023 18:30 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBElections are somewhere between sports and religions for the United States. It seems that, each and every time, people have problems with the official results. In this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into one of the most ridiculous elections in all of US history: two candidates for state governor went head to head. They fought dirty. They both tried to fix the vote -- and both loudly complained about the other along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
How Horrible Chocolate Helped Win World War II
June 08, 2023 18:13 - 30 minutes - 28 MBA successful military hinges on nutrition, and modern warfare is no different. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive to the strange deal Uncle Sam made with the Hershey chocolate company: creating a candy bar that tasted terrible -- on purpose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micronations: How a Guy Got Ran Out of Town and Created San Marino
June 06, 2023 15:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBWhile San Marino may not make many international headlines, this micronation has one of the most fascinating origin stories in all of Europe. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how a formerly rural area just about 6 miles from Rimini became a home for a stonemason hoping to get away from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Library of Congress is Full of Super Weird Stuff
June 01, 2023 14:54 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBSince 1800, the Library of Congress has functioned as the national library of the United States. Don't let the name fool you -- this institution isn't just a bunch of dusty old tomes and long-forgotten letters from politicians. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the weirdest things in the joint, from ancient cuneiform to human hair and, honestly, some stuff so lewd that we decided not to put it in the description. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
That Time A Guy Literally Bought The London Bridge
May 30, 2023 15:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBLet's say you have a big dream: you're creating a new community, smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. Problem is, not a ton of people want to live in the middle of nowhere. When Robert McCulloch saw his newest venture wasn't going as planned, he came up with a thoroughly American scheme... in a ridiculous display of ambition and extravagance, McCullough purchased the London Bridge -- and shipped the entire thing to Arizona. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part Two: Rivalry and Nostalgia
May 25, 2023 16:35 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBAs the toy car industry exploded, new companies entered the market -- but the Matchbox/Hot Wheels rivalry remained front and center for collectors and distributors alike. In the second part of this special two-part episode, we explore what happened to all those old toy car companies... and why you should always (always!) hold on to your old toys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part One: Matchbox versus Hot Wheels
May 23, 2023 15:26 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBRemember toy cars? Ben, Noel and Max investigate the surprisingly weird evolution of old-school, die-cast car models from their origins to the modern day, ultimately asking what happened to the fad. Bonus points for everyone taking a Matchbox or Hot Wheels toy and vrooming-vrooming around as we explore this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why The Creator of Mother's Day Got So Mad About Mothers' Day
May 18, 2023 22:42 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBContinuing our grand tradition of being a bit late to things, we celebrate Mother's Day with an exploration of the multiple women -- activists, poets, and heroes -- responsible for creating a tradition that continues across the world in the modern day. Bonus points if you call your Mom right after listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Micronations: Monaco is More than a Casino!
May 16, 2023 13:11 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBFor the vast majority of the world, Monaco seems like something out of a billionaire's fever dream -- completely surrounded by France, this tiny country is perhaps best known for the wealth of its residents and its opulent approach to gambling. However, there's much, much more to the story. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin story of this unique micronation, from the ancient past to the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.