If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
In this festive episode of Stuff You Should Know, listeners are treated to a delightful holiday cocktail recipe called "Grandma's Christmas Breath." The hosts also explain how to play the entertaining gift-exchange game Dirty Santa, often known as White Elephant or Yankee Swap. As the episode unfolds, they explore the ...
In this podcast episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a position in a U.S. presidential cabinet. Often overlooked in history, Perkins was instrumental in developing the American social safety net, playing a key role in establishing Social Security and unemployment ins...
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts dive into the fascinating journey of the board game Trivial Pursuit. Beginning as a simple idea brainstormed in just 45 minutes by two Canadian journalists, it quickly transformed into a cultural sensation during the 1980s. The podcast examines how the game was create...
In this podcast episode, the hosts tackle the myth of "feed a cold, starve a fever." They explore the saying's origins, revealing that it once served as a caution against letting a cold escalate into a fever. Today, however, medical experts agree that starving a fever is not the way to go. Instead, it's crucial to stay...
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the life and work of Frederick Winslow Taylor, the pioneer of scientific management, commonly referred to as Taylorism. They examine Taylor's fervent drive for efficiency, his controversial methods—highlighted by the dubious tale of Schmidt—and the enduring effects of his t...
In this podcast episode, we dive into the tragic Texas City Disaster of 1947, which was triggered by two enormous explosions linked to improperly stored ammonium nitrate on cargo ships. A combination of inadequate safety regulations and a lack of awareness about the chemical’s volatile nature, along with a captain's il...
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts dive into the fascinating but often overlooked world of tugboats. They explore the long and rich history of these vessels, tracing their journey from initial skepticism to becoming essential players in today’s shipping and port operations. The discussion highlights th...
In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the Joro spider, an invasive species from East Asia that has quickly spread throughout the Southeastern United States. While some headlines sensationalize them as "giant venomous" creatures, the hosts clarify that, although they are large and do have venom, their bites are rel...
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of peafowl, focusing on three main species: the Indian blue, green, and Congo peafowl. They discuss the elaborate mating rituals of these birds, emphasizing how the male's stunning iridescent train plays a crucial role in attracting fem...
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts dive into the fascinating history and science behind the birth control pill. They trace its controversial origins with Margaret Sanger, the hurdles faced during its research and development, and its eventual acceptance, which transformed women's health and societal no...
The podcast explores the Ruby Ridge incident of 1992, a tragic standoff between the Weaver family and federal law enforcement. It all began with a minor firearms charge against Randy Weaver, but miscommunication and an overreaction from authorities quickly escalated the situation. The siege led to the deaths of Randy's...
In this podcast episode, we explore the remarkable story of Franca Viola, a Sicilian woman who, in the 1960s, stood up against the oppressive tradition known as "fuatina." This practice allowed men to kidnap and assault women, forcing them into marriage to restore their "honor." Despite facing immense social pressure a...
In this podcast episode, the hosts dive into solipsism, the philosophical notion that only one's own mind is certain to exist. They explore its historical roots in skepticism and discuss various types, such as metaphysical, epistemological, methodological, and ethical solipsism. The conversation delves into the practic...
In this episode, the hosts dive into the notorious Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978, a TV event created by CBS to ride the wave of Star Wars: A New Hope's success. They explore the chaotic production, which leaned heavily on the waning variety show format and featured an odd blend of musical performances, confusing ...
In this podcast episode, we explore the intriguing mystery of the "Mad Gasser of Mattoon," which unfolded in 1944 when several residents of Mattoon, Illinois, reported being affected by a mysterious gas. The discussion presents two main theories: one suggests that mass hysteria, driven by wartime anxiety and sensationa...
In 1184 CE, a gathering of nobles in Erfurt, Germany, ended in disaster when a poorly built latrine beneath the meeting hall collapsed, plunging dozens—possibly even hundreds—into the cesspool below. Surprisingly, key figures like King Heinrich VI, who would later become the Holy Roman Emperor, Archbishop Conrad, and L...
In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating history of Tetris, starting with its creation by Alexey Pajitnov in the Soviet Union and its rise to global fame. The narrative unfolds the intricate and often tumultuous journey of securing the game's rights, highlighting the various individuals and companies who nav...
In this podcast episode, the hosts take a fresh look at the Stanford Prison Experiment, a well-known psychology study. They point out that the experiment was poorly designed and executed, lacking a control group and showing significant bias from the researchers. They challenge key findings, such as the idea that humans...
In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating history of Tavern on the Green, the iconic New York City restaurant nestled in Central Park. Once a sheep pen, it was transformed into a dining destination in the 1930s. The episode chronicles its journey through various owners and renovations, showcasing its highs an...
This podcast episode explores the life of Martha Mitchell, the outspoken wife of Nixon's Attorney General, John Mitchell. Known for her candid opinions, Martha became a liability for the Nixon administration following the Watergate break-in, as she held information that could incriminate them. In a bid to silence her, ...
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