Learn miscellaneous facts, hidden stories, and bizarre history with some friendly armchair experts by your side.
Each week, see which host can tell each other the most obscure information all while avoiding that dreaded phrase... "Don't tell me things I already know!"
A day late and a dollar short? It's ok, we know the feeling. We're back this week with a story brought to us by special guest Charlotte of Don't Drink the Tea. We learn about the original archaeologist/spy/ladies man, Mr. Sylvanus G. Morley -- a nerd with a heart of gold. Also: Ivie finds the part of her brain labeled "World War I," we pick on James Bond's flashy spy tactics, and we look out for German U-boats on the coast. How do you pronounce "Thewlis," anyway? This week, it's all about Chichén Itzá.
24 Dec 2020
Disneyland
This week we're going to try to tell you something you don't know about the happiest place on Earth: Disneyland! Returning special guest Doc Williams tells us about how much detail really went into the planning and operation of Disney parks, and why most people visit more than once. What are the two things that can ruin anyone's day? Is there such a thing as Stolen Valor for Make-a-Wish kids? This week, Ivie takes on capitalism.
19 Nov 2020
The Tragedy of Blanche Monnier
Need something uplifting? You're in the wrong place. But if you want to learn about a weird, twisted, and incredibly sad story from Belle Epoque France, this is for you! (And us. We love this sort of stuff.) In this episode, special guest Nick Sullivan shares the tale of Blanche Monnier and the circumstances that led to her 25-year imprisonment. Is being a lawyer technically a hobby? At what point do you start getting suspicious of the neighbors? And when is it okay to snitch on your boss? This week: I saw something nasty in the woodshed.
22 Oct 2020
Da Vinci's Book Club (or, Not-so-secret societies)
Return guest Doc Williams is here with more assorted stories about Leonardo da Vinci, including his club of like-minded polymaths, what the Vitruvian man is really all about, and how Ben Franklin carried on the spirit of men sitting around and gossiping in the name of "science." Hath anybody attacked your reputation lately? This week, join the club.
8 Oct 2020
The Teacup Poisoner (or, A very naughty boy)
A very special episode! One half of our podcast is joined by two-thirds of Don't Drink the Tea, Josh & Zak (or Zak & Josh?). These intrepid podcasters bring us a story of a not-so-subtle murderer preying on the teatime habits of the English. Is this the worst case of job placement ever? What's the link between cereal and serial killers? And why does Ivie flee upon hearing our guests' names? This week, we've got Helen Mirren playing Helen Mirren.
1 Oct 2020
Pope Gregory IX vs. Cats (or, No cat expects the Spanish Inquisition)
Cat ladies, consider this a warning: We've got a feline genocide for you today. 😿 In this episode, we discover just how bored 13th-century people really were, discuss cat wrangling as a potential career, and deduce that Pope Gregory IX was probably more of a dog person. Pour yourself a cocktail and cover your cat's ears.
26 Aug 2020
The Pepsi Riots (or, Coke wins)
A mismanaged sweepstake sparks a war and we are once again reminded why Coca-Cola is superior to Pepsi. Is there any greater divide among humans than which soda product is better? And how do you sell a used fighter jet, anyway? This week: "J'accuse," says Jessie Sommelier.
19 Aug 2020
The "Lobster Boy" (or, A very problematic episode)
Today we discuss the life of one Grady Stiles Jr, known to many as "The Lobster Boy." Less than ideal circumstances? Yes. An excuse for being a horrible person? Decidedly no. In this episode, Ivie wonders if crawling is good exercise and Sabrina gets her centuries mixed up. Just how bad can this guy be, you wonder? He's worse.
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5 Aug 2020
Da Vinci's Arsenal (or, Boats for your feet)
For our very first double-digit episode, special guest Doc joins the podcast to discuss some of Leonardo da Vinci's weirder ideas. We abandon trying to pronounce words correctly, discuss the merits of Ever After as a biopic, and learn about 15th-century hair dye. What's with all the creepy skeletons in Benjamin Franklin's basement? This week, discover how to differentiate between Leonardos.
29 Jul 2020
Kit Houses (or, Catalog Ingenuity)
In this episode, we investigate the original pre-fab houses, try to convert 1930 currency into 2020 currency, and discuss the feasibility of 2 people + 1 cat in a tiny house. How much do you love Ikea furniture? And how many Allen wrenches would it take to build a house? In this one, Ivie gets the final word (literally).
Check out more about kit houses in this fantastic 99 Percent Invisible episode, The House that Came in the Mail. (https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-house-that-came-in-the-mail/)
23 Jul 2020
The Tunguska Event (or, Probably Aliens)
Another day, another cosmic disaster. This week, Ivie shares the story of a time Russia was almost wiped off the map by a flying projectile - but way before the Cold War. Why can't Siberia catch a break? Does Star Trek really have all the answers? In this episode, we edit out all of the really bad Russian accents and Sabrina almost forgets the name of the podcast... again.
8 Jul 2020
The Disappearance of Agatha Christie (or, The Crossover Event of the Century)
Buckle up, folks! It's time for our longest episode yet, featuring special guest Charlotte of Don't Drink the Tea: An Agatha Christie Podcast. Which guy is worse, a Dermott or an Archibald? Can you blame midnight snacking on a fugue state? In this episode, we do some old-timey British accents and attempt a crossover that will put all superheroes to shame.
While your ears are primed for listening, g (https://open.spotify.com/show/0a7EECWc5qqUwNQFNqVFqi?si=wbUoyWQsQ3aIFDeCYzK6Gg)o (https://open.spotify.com/show/0a7EECWc5qqUwNQFNqVFqi?si=wbUoyWQsQ3aIFDeCYzK6Gg)listen and subscribe to Don't Drink the Tea: An Agatha Christie Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0a7EECWc5qqUwNQFNqVFqi?si=wbUoyWQsQ3aIFDeCYzK6Gg)! Enjoy the trio's blend of Seinfeld jokes, original songs, and outraaaaaageous accents.
1 Jul 2020
The Sultana (or, Not the grape)
Rounding out this month's unofficial theme, "Sadness and Despair," we discuss the worst maritime disaster in US history. Where do Carnival cruise ships rank against 19th-century river boats? Once your boat is on fire, does it matter if you have anything flammable aboard? This week, it's the one with all the worst ways to die.
24 Jun 2020
Yvette Vickers (or, No nosy neighbors)
Well, this one's a bummer, folks. We look at the unfortunate and bizarre death of a B-movie star, and wish that maybe neighbors could be a bit more nosy these days. At what time is it inappropriate to drink wine in the middle of the road? We sure don't know. This week, the sad story of Yvette Vickers.
10 Jun 2020
Choke Points (or, Space Pirates)
Special guest Doc Williams joins the podcast to tell us about choke points. Do they really have nothing to do with wrestling? (We're not convinced.) And how many kids are gambling away their college tuition on esports? This week, discover why there were so many pirates of the Caribbean.
4 Jun 2020
The Mad Gasser of Mattoon (or, Put that down, Beulah!)
A phantom anesthetist makes some unannounced house calls, and once again, hysterical women and introverts take the blame. Why did it have to be paralysis, why not frenzied dancing?! This week, we smell something really bad.
1 Jun 2020
Aloha Wanderwell (or, Walter Walter Walter)
This week, we feature "the world's most widely travelled girl," geography groupies, and suspicious early 20th-century values.
28 May 2020
The Beacon of Maracaibo (or, Badger Instincts)
What do cats and catatumbo have in common? Very little, as it turns out!
In this inaugural episode, Ivie confronts Sabrina with facts concerning lightning tourism, Alexander von Humboldt gets name-dropped, and Dennis Quaid is nowhere to be found.
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