Things I Learned Last Night

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Imagine living in a small apartment for almost a year without clothes, food, or a way to escape. This was the reality for Nasubi, a contestant on a Japanese game show. Nasubi, whose real name is Tomoaki Hamatsu, became an unexpected celebrity when he was chosen to participate in a unique and challenging game show that tested his endurance, patience, and willpower. This episode will explore the strange and fascinating journey of Nasubi, the contestant who captured the hearts...

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Imagine being stuck in space while your country falls apart. This happened to Sergei Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, during one of the most dramatic times in history. This episode will take you through his incredible journey and how he became known as "the last Soviet." We'll also look at how this compares to the current situation with the Boeing space shuttle.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends...

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The story of Nikita Russian is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind ambition and deception. It shows how far someone can go when they are driven by dreams but lack the resources and support to make them a reality. The contestants who were scammed by Nikita learned a hard lesson, but they also gained a unique story that they can share for the rest of their lives.

Things I Learned Last Night...

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Ed Thorp is a name you should know. He is a math genius who changed the world of gambling and investing. Through his love for numbers, he discovered ways to win at Blackjack and Roulette. But Ed Thorp didn't stop there. He also became a big name in the world of finance, making a lot of money with his smart investment strategies. This blog will take you through the amazing life and achievements of this amazing mathematician.

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The Secret Space Program conspiracy theory is certainly one of the more outlandish ones out there. At its core, it involves the idea that a secret human civilization and space program has operated mostly in secret since the late 1800s. This all traces back to a fictional novel written under a pseudonym by a woman named Maria Orsic in 1871. The book outlines the idea that aliens came to Earth long ago and bred with humans to create a superior...

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In the 1980s, Michael Larson became an overnight celebrity when he appeared on the game show Press Your Luck and set the record for the biggest single-day winnings in game show history. Larson, an ice cream truck driver from Ohio, didn't become the king of Press Your Luck by chance. He had carefully studied the patterns of the game board and learned how to time his button presses perfectly to land on the high-dollar squares.

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In the late 1950s, a political action group called the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals (SINA) was formed to address the grave issue of animals walking around in their natural, nude state. SINA's founder, G. Clifford Prout Jr., believed this indecency corrupts children and society. Prout and SINA pushed for all animals over 4 inches tall and 6 inches long to be clothed.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best...

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Edward and Bertha Briney were a couple who inherited an old family farmhouse in rural Iowa back in the 1960s. They didn't live there themselves but wanted to keep it for sentimental reasons and to store family heirlooms. Over the years, as the house fell into disrepair, it became a spot for local teens to break into - some just to explore and hang out, others to vandalize and steal. Despite the Brineys' efforts to secure the property with...

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Dan Saunders was just an average 29-year-old bartender in the small Australian town of Wangaratta. After a long shift one night, he headed out for drinks with friends, only to realize he was out of cash. He walked to the nearest ATM, planning to withdraw money from his nearly empty savings account. However, the transaction failed when he tried transferring money from his maxed-out credit card to boost his savings balance, and the ATM still dispensed the cash. Dan...

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The early 2000s were a time of prosperity and optimism in America. Homeownership was considered an essential part of the American dream. Banks were handing out mortgages left and right, often to people who couldn't afford them. Housing prices were soaring. It seemed like the good times would never end. But then the housing bubble burst, triggering a global financial crisis with devastating consequences.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast...

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The John Birch Society was a controversial right-wing political group founded in 1958 by wealthy businessman Robert Welch. Named after John Birch, an American missionary and military intelligence officer killed by Chinese communists in 1945, the group was staunchly anti-communist and promoted limited government and states' rights.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way...

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In the early 2000s, a man named John Titor appeared on internet forums, claiming to be a time traveler from 2036. Throughout several posts in 2000 and 2001, Titor shared the elaborate story of how he was sent back in time on a mission to retrieve an old IBM computer that contained special debugging software needed to avert a technological crisis in the future.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk...

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In 1993, catastrophic flooding along the Mississippi River caused billions in damage and displaced thousands of people. Searching for someone to blame, the town of Quincy, Missouri, pinned the disaster on one man—James Scott. Despite a lack of evidence, Scott was convicted twice for intentionally causing a breach in the river levee that led to widespread flooding. He remains in prison today for a crime he likely did not commit.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast wh...

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A famous bakery in the small town of Corsicana, Texas, has been selling its world-renowned fruitcakes since 1896. Over the years, this bakery became quite successful by being on the cutting edge of mail-order desserts and shipping its fruitcakes worldwide. However, in the 1990s, fruitcakes fell out of fashion, and the bakery hit a slump.

During this time, one of the bakery's accountants saw an opportunity. As the sole accountant for the sizable company, he had access to the books and...

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This week's episode covers the story of a man named Richard McGuire who snuck onto a deserted island at Disney World called Discovery Island. The island used to have an attraction in the 1970s and 80s where you could see exotic animals and birds. It was shut down in 1999 after Animal Kingdom opened. Since then, it has sat abandoned, becoming somewhat of an urban exploration destination that people have tried to sneak into and explore. However, no one had spent much time...

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BlackBerry was once the undisputed king of smartphones. In the early 2000s, their devices were ubiquitous, especially among business professionals. The iconic BlackBerry design, with its full QWERTY keyboard and trackball navigation, was the epitome of high-tech style. So how did this pioneer fall from grace so swiftly when the iPhone arrived on the scene?

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun...

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The Best Friends Animal Society operates one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country in Kanab, Utah. At first glance, it appears to be a well-run nonprofit dedicated to helping animals. However, a deeper look into their origins reveals some concerning details.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole...

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Ning Li was a Chinese-American physicist who made breakthroughs in anti-gravity research, only to vanish from public life under mysterious circumstances. Born in China in 1943, Li emigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s and obtained a position at the University of Alabama's Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research. There, she published numerous papers outlining a theoretical model for a practical anti-gravity device. Li claimed such a device could generate an anti-gravitational field around itself, causing objects to levitate. Her work...

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This episode of the Things I Learned Last Night podcast covers the incredible story of Marilyn Hartman, a woman who repeatedly was able to sneak onto commercial airline flights without a ticket starting in 2002. She was first caught in 2014 on a flight from San Jose to LAX but claims she successfully snuck onto around 30 flights before getting caught. After being caught, she continued finding ways to bypass airport security and sneak onto flights, getting caught multiple more times over the years. She...

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This episode of Things I Learned Last Night is about the mysterious Circleville Letters that terrorized the small town of Circleville, Ohio, starting in the 1970s. The letters contained damaging information and threats and were sent to hundreds of residents over nearly 20 years. The first recipient was the local high school superintendent Gordon Massie, who received a letter accusing him of having affairs with bus drivers. More letters followed, threatening exposure of affairs, abuse, or obstruction of the local sheriff.

...

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In this episode of the Things I Learned Last Night Podcast, Tim and Jaron talk about the alleged Kersey Time Slip incident, where a group of British teenage boys in 1957 got lost while on a training exercise in the woods and stumbled upon what seemed to be a ghost town version of the village Kersey. The town appeared abandoned, the church bell tower was missing, and the boys looked through the windows of some buildings and saw disturbing things like decaying pig...

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This comedy podcast episode covers the tragic 1982 Chicago Tylenol murders, where seven people died after taking cyanide-laced Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules. In September 1982, 12-year-old Mary Kellerman died after taking Tylenol for a cold. That same day, Adam Janus died after taking Tylenol. His family members also took Tylenol and died. In total, seven people across Chicago died after ingesting the tainted capsules. The police warned people over bullhorns not to take Tylenol. Johnson & Johnson recalled over 30 million bottles and stopped production. They introduced...

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In the mid-1800s, paleontology was a new and exciting field. Only a handful of dinosaur species had been discovered, offering tantalizing clues about these ancient beasts. Two ambitious paleontologists, Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh, raced to uncover new fossils and name new species, igniting a bitter rivalry known as the “Bone Wars.”

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all...

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Rudolf Diesel invented an efficient new engine that revolutionized transportation and industry. But his life ended abruptly under mysterious circumstances. Diesel was born in 1858 in Paris to German parents. As a young man, he studied engineering against his family's wishes. After working on refrigeration systems, Diesel became fascinated with engines and their inefficiency. At the time, steam engines were only about 10% efficient and wasted most of their fuel's energy. However, Diesel's mysterious death has fueled much speculation. In 1913, Diesel was traveling by...

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Danny Casolaro was a writer and poet who took on freelance technology news columns to pay the bills. In the 1980s, he was assigned to investigate a lawsuit between a small company called Casolaro and the U.S. Department of Justice. Casolaro had created a database software called PROMIS that was licensed to the DOJ. But somehow the software ended up being sold to intelligence agencies in Canada and Israel, with Casolaro seeing none of the profits. Casolaro sued, claiming the DOJ...

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About this Episode

Dan Burisch supposedly worked on Project Looking Glass at the secretive Area 51 base in Nevada. According to him, Burisch was tasked with studying an alien artifact called the Looking Glass, which could allegedly see into the past, present and future. The key to operating it? Mysterious ancient Sumerian cylinder s...

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About this Episode

Beaches are disappearing around the world at an alarming rate. But this is no natural phenomenon - these sandy shorelines are being deliberately stolen in the dead of night by ruthless sand cartels. I recently listened to a podcast that shed light on this disturbing trend, uncovering some shocking rev...

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Andre Stander had an unusual career path. He grew up wanting to be a police officer like his father and achieved that goal quickly, rising to the rank of captain by age 26. However, Stander soon grew bored with his job and started robbing banks in the 1970s as a way to get an adrenaline rush. Stander would fly to other cities in South Africa over his lunch break, put on a disguise of a fake mustache and wig, calmly rob a bank...

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The history of alcohol consumption in America is a fascinating one, full of cultural shifts, criminal enterprises, and larger-than-life characters. In the early days of America, alcohol was an integral part of daily life and work. People drank constantly throughout the day, and it was totally normal and accepted to drink on the job. This started to raise concerns among some groups, especially conservative Christian women. They formed temperance movements protesting alcohol consumption, with the famous axe-wielding Carrie Nation leading raids on...

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Billy Mitchell was once the undisputed king of arcade gaming. Back in the 1980s and 90s, he held world records in classic games like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Centipede. With his signature mullet and American flag tie, Mitchell was the face of competitive gaming before e-sports was even a thing. But in recent years, Mitchell's legacy has come under scrutiny. There are allegations that some of his high scores were faked using emulators rather than achieved on original arcade hardware. The controversy...

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A new chemical compound discovered in the 1950s called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, has quietly infiltrated nearly every corner of our lives. Marketed under the household name "Teflon," PFAS at first seemed like a miracle invention - resistant to heat, stains, water, and even insects. It was the perfect coating for cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and more. But over time, disturbing health effects have come to light.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast...

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The Lobster War was an obscure conflict between France and Brazil in the early 1960s. It began when France wanted access to large populations of spiny lobsters off the coast of Mauritania, which had recently gained independence from France. Since France could no longer freely take resources from its former colony, it turned to lobster populations off Brazil's coast instead. This launched a dispute between the two countries over fishing rights that escalated over several years. France repeatedly sent lobster fishing fleets...

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Kenny Veach was a YouTuber who became obsessed with finding a mysterious cave near Area 51. Veach was known for making bad inventions and posting hiking videos where he brought minimal provisions. In a YouTube comment, he claimed there was an M-shaped cave that gave off strange vibrations. This sparked an internet mystery to find the so-called M Cave. Under pressure from his followers, Veach went to search for the cave again but disappeared. His phone was found but no other sign of...

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Jean Baptiste was a grave robber in 19th century Utah. Originally from Ireland, Baptiste moved to Salt Lake City where he got a job as a gravedigger. In 1862, he was caught robbing the grave of a notorious outlaw and exiled to a deserted island in the Great Salt Lake. The island owners would check on him every few weeks. After finding one of their cows slaughtered, they realized Baptiste had escaped, likely by building a makeshift boat. This sparked a massive manhunt...

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Tycho Brahe was a 16th century Danish astronomer. Brahe was born into a noble family but then kidnapped by his wealthy uncle Jørgen as a child. Jørgen wanted Brahe to become a lawyer but Brahe was fascinated by astronomy. After Jørgen's death, Brahe inherited his wealth and built an elaborate island observatory to pursue his interest in studying the stars and planets. Some quirky anecdotes are shared, like Brahe wearing a prosthetic bronze nose after losing his real one in...

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Tonda Dickerson was a waitress at a Waffle House in Alabama who won $10 million in the lottery in 1999 after a regular customer tipped her with a winning ticket. Tonda decided to take the winnings as an annuity rather than a lump sum. Her co-workers sued her saying they had a verbal agreement to split any winnings, but Tonda won the case. However, the legal issues and stress led to divorce from her husband. The IRS then said she owed $2 million in gift...

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In 2004, Marvin Heemeyer went on a rampage in the small Colorado town of Granby using a homemade armored bulldozer he had secretly built over the course of a year. Heemeyer had a history of disputes with local government and businesses, feeling they were corrupt and conspiring against him. After being fined by the city for using an illegal septic tank, Heemeyer decided to get revenge. He reinforced a bulldozer with concrete and steel to make it bulletproof. Inside he installed monitors so...

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This episode of the podcast covers the history of chiropractic care and its founder, D.D. Palmer. It starts by explaining how D.D. Palmer was practicing magnetic healing in the late 1800s but then discovered chiropractic when he adjusted the neck of his janitor, who was deaf and regained some of his hearing. D.D. claimed this was due to fixing misalignments in the spine called subluxations. He soon started a chiropractic practice and school, touting it as a cure-all treatment...

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This episode tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy who gets accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas trip to France. Kevin initially enjoys having the house to himself but soon has to defend it from two burglars known as the Wet Bandits. Kevin sets up elaborate booby traps all over the house, leading the bandits into one trap after another. Eventually, he lures them to the attic and ziplines to his treehouse, but they catch him...

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This podcast episode is about the life of famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. It details his early life as a contortionist and acrobat and how he got into magic and lockpicking. It discusses his rise to fame through publicity stunts like jumping off bridges while handcuffed and his touring act, including magic tricks, escapes, and debunking spiritualists. It also covers his forays into filmmaking, his focus on anti-aging, and his untimely death from a ruptured appendix after being punched in...

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Jimmy Zhong was a computer science student who got involved with bitcoin in its early days. He mined a significant amount of bitcoin and used it to fund a lavish party lifestyle in college. Later, he discovered a vulnerability on the dark web marketplace Silk Road that allowed him to steal around $13 million worth of bitcoin. He hid this bitcoin and its value grew to $3.8 billion over time. Years later, the FBI investigated Zhong and were able to seize the stolen bitcoin...

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In the annals of psychology, the story of Gua Kellogg stands out as a groundbreaking experiment that delved into the intricacies of human-chimpanzee interaction. Join us as we unfold the fascinating narrative of Winthrop and Luella Kellogg, who dared to challenge the norms of the 1930s by bringing a chimpanzee into their home.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along...

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John Edwards Mack, born on October 4, 1929, was an American psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School. His career unfolded as an intriguing journey through psychology, marked by a distinctive interest in the uncharted territories of alien abductions.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll...

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In 1986, Christopher Thomas Knight disappeared into the dense woods, leaving society behind. For 27 years, he lived undetected in the wilderness near North Pond, relying on instinct and resourcefulness to survive. The legend of the North Pond Hermit grew, with his elusive presence puzzling locals and law enforcement alike.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like...

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The Black Knight Satellite is an enigmatic object in orbit around Earth. Discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1899, it has captured the imaginations of conspiracy theorists for decades. The satellite is said to be a 13,000-year-old alien spacecraft, leading to countless speculations about its origins and purpose.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and...

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The Hat Man is a mysterious and menacing figure haunting people's dreams and waking hours. Imagine a tall, dark silhouette wearing an old-fashioned hat, like something from an old film. Witnesses often describe this unsettling entity as having piercing, glowing red eyes. But what is the Hatman?

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning...

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Adolphe Sax and the Saxophone: a pairing that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. The saxophone, a versatile and captivating instrument, has enchanted audiences for centuries. But how did this unique creation come to be? In this episode, we'll delve into the life and legacy of Adolphe Sax, the saxophone inventor, and explore this iconic instrument's fascinating history.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone...

John DeLorean was a remarkable man who significantly impacted the world of automobiles. His life was filled with excitement, innovation, and even a little bit of controversy. Let's take a closer look at the life of John DeLorean and the legacy he left behind.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

Skinwalker Ranch has long been a hotbed of paranormal activity. Stories of strange creatures, unidentified flying objects, and eerie occurrences have surrounded this remote property for decades. It was once a hub for scientific research, where experts tried to uncover the truth behind these bizarre phenomena. However, most of this work was conducted behind closed doors, out of the public eye.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a...

One name stands out in the colorful entertainment world like a shining star: PT Barnum. Known for his incredible showmanship, creativity, and relentless pursuit of the extraordinary, PT Barnum left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Join us as we journey through the life and career of this remarkable showman, exploring his early life, his museum, his European music tour, and, of course, the iconic Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the...

John R. Brinkley was an extraordinary man known for his peculiar medical procedures, controversial political career, and groundbreaking contributions to radio and advertising. Born in 1885 in North Carolina, Brinkley's life was filled with twists and turns that left an indelible mark on history.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

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In the heart of Arizona's Superstition Mountains, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to captivate imaginations. While the mine's location remains a mystery, the thrill of the treasure hunt keeps the tale alive, inspiring countless adventurers to explore the rugged terrain in search of the Dutchman's hidden gold. Who knows, maybe one day, someone will unlock the secrets of the heart map and discover the lost treasure that has eluded so many for generations.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random...

Imagine going on a family vacation and suddenly finding yourself in the middle of a real-life mystery. That's exactly what happened to the Dunbar family in 1912. In this episode, we'll dive into the fascinating and perplexing story of Bobby Dunbar's disappearance and the search that followed. 

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this epi...

Jake McNasty McNiece, the legendary WW2 paratrooper, left an indelible mark on history through his fearless exploits on the battlefield. This blog post delves into the life and remarkable achievements of Jake McNasty McNiece, highlighting his incredible courage and unwavering dedication to the Allied cause during World War II.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or li...

In the annals of criminal history, few stories are as captivating and unconventional as that of Colton Harris Moore, famously known as "The Barefoot Bandit." This young outlaw's escapades captured the imagination of people worldwide and left a trail of disbelief and fascination in his wake.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this ep...

In the realm of scientific innovation, specific individuals stand out for their exceptional contributions to the progress of humanity. One such figure is Thomas Midgley, whose brilliance led to significant advancements in both the automotive and refrigeration industries. However, alongside his notable accomplishments, Midgley's legacy is marred by controversies that serve as a reminder of the complex ethical dilemmas that can arise from scientific discoveries.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like...

In the vast online world, captivating stories often catch our attention. One such tale is the "Glitter Conspiracy" or "GlitterGate." This mystery revolves around Glitterex, a glitter-making company, and its secretive top buyer. Let's explore the intriguing story behind the glitter conspiracy.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

Be...

In the vibrant streets of New York City, where dreams and challenges intertwine, a daring tale unfolded that left patrons at an uptown bar utterly astonished. Tommy Fitz, a man of audacious spirit, engaged in a bet that led him to execute a remarkable feat – not once, but twice – by landing a Cessna plane in front of the very bar where the wager had been made. This jaw-dropping display of determination and flying prowess etched Tommy Fitz's name into the annals of 1950s aviation lore.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best frie...

The dearMoon project spearheaded by Yusaku Maezawa promises to be an awe-inspiring journey into space, fueling creativity, fostering global unity, and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. With a diverse crew of talented artists and state-of-the-art spacecraft, this lunar mission is set to leave an indelible mark on humanity's quest for knowledge and artistic expression. As we eagerly await the launch of the dearMoon mission, we can't help but anticipate the breathtaking artwork and the profound impact it will have on our world.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron...

It was the first week of July 1982. Michael Fagan drunkenly stammered home from the pub when he came across a familiar sight, Buckingham Palace. Possessed with a deep desire for crime Fagan did the unthinkable. He scaled the palace walls and entered the fortress through a rooftop window. After tripping multiple alarms, drinking royal wine, and exploring the throne room he left the way he came. The wildest part of the story? This wasn't the last time.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about...

In the annals of extraordinary stories, one that stands out is that of Ida Wood, a millionaire woman who chose to live a unique and secluded life in a hotel room for an astounding 24 years. Ida Wood, a name that has intrigued many, holds a captivating tale of independence, mystery, and pursuing a life that defied societal norms. Let's delve into the enigmatic journey of Ida Wood, a remarkable figure whose life choices left a lasting impression on the world.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron...

In the media and public relations world, one name stands out as the trailblazer who transformed the field and influenced public opinion like no other - Edward Bernays. Known as the "Father of Public Relations," Bernays revolutionized how we understand persuasive communication. He's the reason you eat bacon, women ever started smoking cigarettes, and even the reason Guatemala doesn't have a democracy.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like...

Chickie Donohue's Vietnam Beer Run, fueled by his unwavering dedication and Pabst Blue Ribbon, brought moments of joy and unity to American soldiers during the Vietnam War. His act of sharing beer reminded them that they were not alone in their struggles. Chickie's legacy teaches us the power of compassion and unity, showing that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on those in need, even in the face of adversity. Remember Chickie Donohue's remarkable story and strive to spread joy and unity.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy...

Thanks to a strange customs law Steve Glew managed to take on an international candy empire and win. Well, he sort of won. Glew's passion put him in the right place at the right time, and he made millions as a result. His story recently garnered renewed fame when it was adapted into a Netflix documentary. This is the story of the infamous Pez Outlaw, also known as Steve Glew.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have...

Dr. Hwang Woo-suk is a South Korean scientist who gained notoriety in the early 2000s for his controversial claims about cloning human embryonic stem cells. However, his fame was short-lived, as evidence eventually emerged that he had fabricated his results.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

...

In 1980, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, experienced a shocking and intricate criminal scheme that astonished law enforcement officials and the public. The Harvey Casino Bomb Heist, orchestrated by mastermind John Birges, captivated the world with its audacity and unforeseen twists.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

In the realm of cybercrime, the name Joel Ortiz reverberates with notoriety. With a trail of fraudulent activities across the digital landscape, this episode sheds light on his infamous scheme - the sim-swapping scam. Dive into the intricate world of cybercrime as we dissect Joel Ortiz's modus operandi and explore the repercussions of his actions.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while...

Aaron Barr founded HBGary in hopes of becoming a renowned organization specializing in cybersecurity services. In an effort to grow the company's reputation, Barr publically targeted the hacker group Anonymous. He believed he had identified a hierarchy within the organization and the names of many members. Barr exposed these individuals during a keynote speech at a cyber security conference while representing HBGary. Unfortunately, Barr was wrong about everything; to make matters worse, he made enemies at Anonymous.

This is the story of the man who picked a fight with Anonymous.

Black Sam Bellamy, also known as "Black Sam," was one of the most notorious pirates of the 18th century. He is known for his infamous piracy career and his successful raid of the Whydah Galley. In this episode, we will delve into the life and legacy of this legendary pirate and explore his impact on the world of piracy.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing...

Kellogg's ideas about health and wellness continue to influence the modern discourse on these topics. His advocacy for vegetarianism, exercise, and natural remedies laid the groundwork for many modern health movements, and his invention of breakfast cereal helped to shape the modern food industry. However, his more controversial ideas, such as his support for eugenics, have been widely criticized and rejected.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning...

Frank Abagnale Jr.'s life story unveils the complexities of human behavior. From his teenage mastery of deception to his later role in countering fraud, Abagnale has traversed an extraordinary path. By sharing his experiences, he has contributed to understanding and preventing financial crimes, leaving an indelible impact.

As we reflect on Abagnale's life, we marvel at his audacity and cunning, but we must also learn from his mistakes and subsequent redemption. By doing so, we can work towards creating a safer, more trustworthy society that can identify and thwart the schemes of those...

Lake Peigneur is a beautiful body of water in southern Louisiana known for its recreational activities and natural beauty. However, in November 1980, a bizarre and unprecedented event occurred that changed the landscape and the lives of the people in the area.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today!

Gregor MacGregor was a Scottish adventurer who created one of the most notorious scams in history, the Poyais Scam. The scam was centered around a fictitious country called Poyais, which MacGregor claimed was appointed the Cazique, or chief. He made tons of money off the scheme. Unfortunately, many people lost their life savings or worse.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while...

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of popular culture, and one of the most controversial theories is Project Blue Beam. Lately, this fringe theory has been gaining steam and doing rounds on TikTok, but it's not a new idea. Serge Monast, a Canadian journalist and conspiracy theorist, introduced this theory in the 1990s.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you...

The Fourth Turning theory was proposed by William Strauss and Neil Howe in their book, which suggests that generational cycles can predict crises in society, economy, and politics. The Fourth Turning is identified as a crisis period requiring significant changes in values, leadership, and institutions. The four phases of the Fourth Turning, include catalyst, regeneracy, climax, and resolution, and the generational archetypes. Controversial theories have arisen from the theory and emphasize the importance of a critical and nuanced approach to the Fourth Turning. The authors conclude that resilience, adaptability, and collaboration are necessary to navigate the challenges of the...

The controversial theory of pole shift popularized by Chan Thomas in his book "The Adam and Eve Story: The History of Cataclysms" suggests that the Earth's poles have undergone at least four dramatic shifts in the past, leading to significant geological and climate changes. Although there is evidence both for and against the theory, it continues to be a fascinating topic for those interested in the history of our planet. Discover the evidence, criticisms, and implications of the pole shift theory, then decide what you believe. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. But only research by listening to this podcast episode...

In May 2013, a Nigerian man named Harrison Okene survived a tragic accident that should have claimed his life. Okene was working as a cook on a tugboat, the Jascon-4, when it capsized in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nigeria. The boat was carrying 12 crew members at the time, and Okene was the only survivor.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot...

Alvin York is one of the most unlikely heroes of World War I. He was a simple, uneducated farmer from Tennessee who was drafted into the army in 1917. York was a pacifist and opposed the war, but he was eventually convinced that it was his duty to fight for his country. York's heroism in battle is the stuff of legends, but what makes his story even more remarkable is the number of prisoners of war (POWs) he captured single-handedly.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers...

In 2008 a psychologist reported that a client repeatedly saw a man in his dreams. After releasing a composite sketch of the man, it became clear that the experience was not unique to this client. Many people around the world reported seeing the same man in their dreams. In response to the reports from witnesses, a website was created to tell the story and locate other experiencers. By 2009 over 2,000 individuals claimed to have dreamt of this man before. As a result, the infamous character became known simply as This Man. There have been numerous attempts to explain the phenomena. Check...

In 1922 officials from seven states agreed on the Colorado River Compact. This agreement would decide how water was distributed across the states that the Colorado River ran through. Today, this compact is the reason for severe drought and an apocalyptic scenario that is coming quickly to the southwest.

At the time, the officials thought they fairly distributed water rights among constituents, which would have been true if the math were correct. But the numbers were terribly off, and the states are now drawing more acre-feet of water than the River can reasonably sustain. Water...

The Cocaine Bear trailer has been making rounds on the internet since its release. What many people don't know about the movie is that it's based on a true story. Of course, the cinema embellishes it a ton. But it is a true story.

In 1985 Andrew Thornton, paranoid and on the run, ditched his plane during a drug run and fell to his death in the Appalachian mountains. Thornton broke bad after a career as an undercover officer and started running Cocaine from South America across the US. The night he died, he was...

In 2013, two university professors set out to answer a question no one was asking, "Can robots trust humans?" But, unfortunately, the answer is apparently not. David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller wanted to understand if there were reasons for robots to turn on humans like we often see in movies.

The experiment used a robot designed to hitchhike across Canada to test the ability of humans to take care of robots. The investigation was a huge success and stirred up much publicity. So the professors decided to try it out in other countries. Things...

Most people dream of leaving a mark on the field at the onset of their careers. However, few manage to stir up the lasting impact that they expected. Elizabeth Seaman Cochran, also known as Nellie Bly, made a lasting impact in her field and many others. Nellie Bly was a journalist in the late 19th century. It was a time when most female writers were relegated to gossip columns, but Nellie was transforming the industry.

Early in her career, she managed to go undercover and get institutionalized at a notorious New York insane asylum...

For as long as there has been money to be earned, there have been scammers ripping people off. Some scams are low-profile and unelaborate. Others make a prolific status that cements it in the public mind for years, like pyramid schemes. One such scam that surfaces time and again is the Ponzi Scheme. The fraud's namesake, Charles Ponzi, may not have invented the scam, but he did take it to a new height. Even after getting caught and serving jail time for his crimes, Ponzi attempted to defraud the public. In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night...

We've all grown accustomed to disclaimers at the bottom or the end of advertisements. We know that, most of the time, there has to be a catch. But, even if there isn't a catch, most people don't have the will to face a mega-corporation to get what they are due. John Leonard isn't most people, though.

In the mid-1990s, Pepsi ran the promotional campaign 'Pepsi Stuff.' The campaign concept was simple, drink Pepsi and earn points to purchase special edition gear. However, the ad showcased a student buying a Harrier Jet and...

There may not be a corner of the internet garnering more buzz today than Ai. Specifically, Ai-generated art is creating quite a stir. One side of Ai art that wasn't expected is a woman named Loab.

In April of 2022 a user creating with an Ai-art generator created a terrifying image of a woman. This user subsequently recreated the woman in increasingly horrifying forms for months before releasing the photos to the public. He named her Loab after the text generated in one of the many images. The image is significant because of the sheer...

Stefan Mandel is a mathematician who changed the game of the Lottery. Born in Romania, Stefan applied his mathematical brilliance to develop a revolutionary algorithm that increases the chances of winning the Lottery. He successfully used this system to win 14 first prizes in lotteries worldwide. Mandel faced many challenges, but the impact of his work on the lottery industry and the secrets behind his winning strategy are incredibly fascinating. This is the unbelievable tale of Stefan Mandel, the man who cracked the Lottery.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where...

Frane Selak was a Croatian music teacher famously known for his string of incredible luck and unlucky events. From narrowly escaping death on several occasions to winning the lottery, Frane's life has been filled with both miraculous and unfortunate events. Watch as we delve into the details of his extraordinary story and decide for yourself if Frane Selak is the luckiest or unluckiest man alive.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way...

Nolan Bushnell pioneered so much of the world we enjoy today. His crowning achievement, a company called Atari, brought video games into every household. Often he is credited as creating the world's first video game, pong. Even though video games, albeit nothing like the games we think of today, existed before pong. Along with his long list of successes, he's also the only person Steve Jobs ever worked for; Jobs spent time at Atari before founding Apple. Bushnell's unconventional management style and his strange workplace philosophy laid the foundation for the office culture that is prevalent today. As if...

James, The Fan Man, Miller is famous for something that no other person ever to live can claim the same fame. He fell into multiple boxing matches, football games, and even Buckingham Palace. Miller was a parachutist in the 1990s who loved the extreme sport of paragliding. He also was vocal about his distrust of social norms. Those two passions led Miller to his most famous stunt. He was skydiving into a boxing match at Caesar's Palace. In the 7th round of the heavyweight title fight match between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, Miller crashed directly into the ring...

Merry Christmas to everyone! Thanks for spending your holiday with us for the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. We had a blast, and we hope you did too. Tim and Jaron share their traditions as we all celebrate the newest addition to our holiday traditions (wink wink).

This is episode 12 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we’re releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where be...

In the 1950s, Sears printed a catalog ad encouraging kids to call Santa. That ad included a phone number to a Sears hotline. Except there was a typo in the ad. After a flurry of children called NORAD (the North American Aerospace Defense Command) wishing to speak to Santa, the base commander was inspired. The command center tracked Santa every Christmas eve since that day.

This is episode 11 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get...

The Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd might just be the strangest one we've covered on the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. We can't make this up, it wraps horse skulls, caroling, and rap battles all in one. You won't believe this.

This is episode 10 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim...

In World War 2, the United States government concocted a genius plan to rescue prisoners of war using maps disguised as playing cards. The military partnered with Bicycle and the red cross to deliver Christmas gifts to the POWs, thus beginning their escape. It was an ingenious plan that saved hundreds.

This is episode 9 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational...

Home Alone did so well at the box office that it ruined every other movie's chances in theaters. Also, Joe Pesci was a little scary and would've died in real life.

This is episode 8 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along...

In the middle ages, a Christmas tradition like none other was born in Catalonia, Spain. Celebrated to this day, the Caganer is a figurine that looks like the brainchild of any middle school boy. You're not prepared to find out what this is, we promise.

This is episode 7 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends...

The makeup for the Grinch Costume that Jim Carrey wore was so torturous to endure that he needed CIA training.

This is episode 6 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot...

In 2017, Sprite ran an ad for their hot new flavor Sprite Cranberry. The ad featured Lebron James and became a legend in the meme-verse. But it didn't end with memes and gifs. You have no idea the twists and turns this story is going to take.

This is episode 5 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best...

Ever wonder why It's A Wonderful Life is on TV for about 24 hours a day every Christmas? Neither did we, but luckily now we don't have to. Here's the story of how It's A Wonderful Life stole Christmas.

This is episode 4 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about...

One time the earth froze and made everyone enjoy cold snowy Christmases. Until one day, it wasn't cold anymore. Then all the people who grew up during the little ice age were "dreaming of a white Christmas... Just like the ones they used to know."

This is episode 3 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends...

Bing Crosby, who didn't even write White Christmas by the way, holds the title of the king of Christmas. His song White Christmas has some of the most prestigious records in Christmas music history.

This is episode 2 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have...

The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia during the same time that we celebrate Christmas. The festivities were shockingly similar. But the thing we need more of this Christmas is the Mock King.

This is episode 1 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along...

In 1989, retired millionaire Gene Flemming met Andy, the goose. Gene immediately took compassion upon Andy because the poor bird was born without feet. Flemming sought to remedy the goose's situation by inventing a mode of transit for the goose while on the ground. He settled for a modified pair of shoes. The gimmick worked like a charm. From that point forward, Gene and Andy formed an inseparable bond. In an inspiring turn of events, the duo gained notoriety throughout the nation. They made appearances at conferences, schools, and businesses across the United States. Eventually, Andy earned a sponsorship from...

On the eastern tip of Long Island lies Camp Hero. The now-defunct military base has been reclaimed as a state park. However, the reuse of the space does not come with any less conspiracy. For years residents of the neighboring town of Montauk wondered what happened behind the security lines of camp hero. The expectation was nefarious, of course. Today we have full-blown conspiracy theories involving mind control, mutants, and even time travel. So, what, if anything, about the Montauk Project, is true? One thing we know for sure is the stories inspired the Netflix mega-series Stranger Things.

Fredrick Russell Burnham might have been the first model of American masculinity. His lifestyle would one day permeate into the 20th century as men across the country sought to adopt the mindset of Burnham. The long line of Fredrick's imitators is unsurprising since he was the inspiration for the founder of the boy scouts. Furthermore, one esteemed colleague of his had based much of his beliefs and behavior on him before rising to the president's office. Of course, we are talking about none other than Teddy Roosevelt. Burnham's influence surely is unmatched, and he has the combat record to...

In the modern era, few famous eaters are household names. Perhaps the only one who has risen to that level is Joey Chestnut. However, that hasn't always been the case. In the years of the sideshow, people would line up to watch people eat stuff—a strange hobby. One of the more famous cases of people who live off of eating was the man known as Tarrare. His astounding ability to swallow just about anything whole and survive drew crowds from around Europe. His abilities even attracted doctors. In hopes of understanding what allowed him to eat things that wo...

In the shadow of the 2008 housing crisis, one Malaysian businessman was building staggering wealth. It was an era wrought with financial fraud, and he was no different. Jho Low has become infamous for his lavish lifestyle and multi-million dollar benders. One of his most significant claims to fame was a new years eve event that he celebrated in Sydney, then boarded a private 747, flew to Las Vegas, and partied with celebrities so that he could do New Year's Eve twice. On the other hand, his crime is one of the largest financial scams in history at an estimated value...

Eve Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG for short [MMO for shorter {M for shortest}]). This game has repeatedly found itself in the headlines of more than just gaming magazines. Due to the ultra-realistic in-game economy, the game has often landed articles discussing the complexities of the in-game economic system in finance magazines. More than that, the game has made headlines about the large-scale scams that have taken place, sometimes robbing people of their money in the real world. While the in-game currency, isk, is not transferable to USD, sneaky players sell the currency for USD...

In July 2014, a handful of Tumblr users opened the doors to the long-awaited DashCon. The eclectic Tumblr community had been dreaming of a scenario where they could gather and celebrate their various fandoms for years. Unfortunately, when a group of friends got together a few months before, they had no clue what they were getting into. Needless to say, the event was a disaster. Before the conference even began, the team that planned the event was heavily laden with problems, from talent backing out to financial missteps. It all culminated in a sad ball pit that has become an...

Imagine going out for a night on the town with your friends and returning home to a message on your computer. The scenario sounds pretty standard in the internet age. Now, imagine that same scenario in 1984, long before the internet had entered the public psyche. That is exactly what happened to Ken Webster when his BBC micro became a communication device between him and a mysterious other. Whatsmore, the person on the other end of the line claimed to be from the 17th century. To top it all off, Ken and his girlfriend Debbie have been trying to explain...

Year after year organizations like Forbes and Bloomberg put together lists of the world’s richest people. Today names like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos top the list. But in the late ‘90s, one man rose to prominence at lightning speed. What’s more, he broke records that have yet to be broken to this day. Masayoshi Son grew his wealth after found his successful business Softbank. The company is a leader in investing to this day. He is most known for his off-the-wall personality and risky investment strategy. This is the fascinating story of one of the wildest invest...

A few years ago, escape rooms took the world by storm. The best of these experiences challenged players mentally and physically. The games sometimes even stressed the relationships of those who endeavor to compete together. Anyone who has completed one of these escape rooms has dreamed of a more significant challenge. San Francisco artist Jeff Hull realized that dream in 2014. The experience was called the Latitude Society, and it aimed to give people a sense of awe and wonder while also tangibly challenging them. It, however, had unintended consequences. The participants formed a bond with those who experienced it...

In 1910, a train car thief popped out of nowhere and became a noteworthy robber in the history of the wild west. Using his training in explosives from the US military Elmer McCurdy robbed a series of trains and a bank in the central and southwest United States. However, his career as a thief is the least exciting thing about him. It is the life he found after death that has people talking. Let's say this; it took nearly three of his lifetimes before McCurdy was properly buried. At that time, Elmer had seen much of the Continental United States...

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a precious art collection once owned by the infamous art collector after whom the museum was named. That collection has likely sparked nefarious thoughts in many visitors dreaming of the potential wealth hanging on those walls. Two robbers, dressed as policemen, realized those dreams on March 18th, 1990. Today the FBI estimates their haul to be valued at $600 Million. The immense value made it the most valuable art heist until the Dresden Green Vault Burglary surpassed it in 2019. Whatsmore, the thieves were never found. The Gardner Museum Heist truly is one of...

There's an interesting stretch of land in southern Panama known as the Isthmus of Panama. This unique land mass separates the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by just 51 miles of rocky terrain. Throughout history, people dreamed of a way to traverse this stretch of land by sea. Proposals for a canal through Panama date back to 1534, when it was proposed by Charles V. However, the project wasn't realized for another 400 years when the Panama Canal finally opened on August 15, 1914. This is no ordinary canal, though. It was a feat of modern engineering that is tantalizing even today. To make it...

Every year some people argue that this is the worst year ever. Over the past couple of years, we have certainly had some genuine contenders. However, most historians agree that the absolute worst year in recorded human history was 536 AD. The year set in motion a turn of events that included wars, famines, volcanic eruptions, and even a dip in global average temperatures. Some researchers have even gone as far as to say that this single year is what propelled humanity into the dark ages and maybe even ended the Roman empire. So buckle up because this is 536 AD...

There are people across the entire world who are dropping little pucks of metal and organic material around cities and wilderness. What exactly are these pucks? They call them Orgone, and their history is quite strange. It began in the 1930s with psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich who admired Sigmund Freud. We know exactly where this is going, to a weird place. It grew into building boxes called Energy Accumulators, tubes called Cloud Busters, and Orgone Pucks. Each variation is equally bizarre.

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On December 1, 1948, a body turned up on the beach in Adelaide, Australia. After nearly 72 years, no one has even come close to solving this case. Yet, when it comes to who the man was, mysteries abound. Despite investigation after investigation, no confirmation was ever found. What was found, however, was numerous strange details. Yet, somehow, the story continues to unfold. Today one thorough investigator has successfully petitioned the Australian government to exhume the body to solve the Tamam Shud Case. While law enforcement has yet to confirm or deny any claims, this private investigator claims he has found the...

Today we're constantly bombarded with news from the world's mega-corporations. More and more, it seems like the FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) will just keep getting bigger and bigger. However, according to some historians, these titans of tech are nothing compared to the financial reach and impact of one company that reigned throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Colloquially known as the Dutch East India Company, the VOC (short for Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) laid the foundation for modern business in some good and many destructive ways. What is phenomenal is that by specific estimates, though heavily...

People worldwide watched the seconds tick by on December 21, 2012. Due to a 'prophecy' about the world's end, many expected to watch the apocalypse unfold that day. But nothing happened. Unfortunately for our ancient ancestors, they weren't as lucky. Nearly 3200 years ago, the world stopped spinning. At least, it stopped for the major superpowers of the day. As a result, one of the most technologically advanced and well-connected civilizations in human history was wiped from the face of the earth in a matter of years. What happened? Well, no one is certain. There are many clues, however, which help paint...

The great depression was one of the most challenging times in history. The financial uncertainty of the time led many to nefarious forms of income. Unfortunately for Mike Malloy, others looked to more extreme measures. Over a few months in early 1933, a group of five directed by Tony Marino repeatedly attempted to kill Malloy to claim a significant life insurance policy they had taken out on him. The group didn't anticipate just how difficult it would be to kill Mike. Night after night, the group concocted increasingly gruesome plans; however, without any clear explanation, Mike survived. Eventually, the group...

Join Jaron and Tim for this special live edition of Things I Learned Last Night recorded live on the Podcast stage at Boulevardia 2022 in Kansas City, MO. In this episode, learn about the history of crafting with Secret Handshake Studios.

For more info about Secret Handshake Studios: https://www.secrethandshakekc.com

For more info about Boulevardia, visit: https://boulevardia.com

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In the world of UFO sightings, it can often be tough to delineate fact from fiction. Well, actually, sometimes it's pretty easy to see what is fiction. But, lately, there have been well-documented cases of UAP sightings by trained observers occupying the limelight. This is not a new thing. There have been well-documented sightings by professional observers for decades. One such case is the Rendlesham Forest Incident. In December 1980, two separate groups of United States Military personnel witnessed the same craft. Not only did they see the craft, but they also recorded it on a wide array of scientific...

Join Jaron and Tim for this special live edition of Things I Learned Last Night recorded live on the podcast stage at Boulevardia 2022 in Kansas City, MO. In this episode, learn about the history, technique, and competition circuit for beatboxing with up-and-coming entertainer musicbyskippy. 

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The ocean is one of the earth's most precious resources. However, like many of the resources on earth, capitalism has not treated them well. For that very reason, Russ George has devised a plan to revitalize the ocean. His controversial theory is called Ocean Pasteurization. To replenish the ecosystem of the world's oceans, George plans to dump iron into the seas to feed plankton and cause an artificial bloom of plankton. Though Russ has acquired a wide array of investors and supporters, many others think he is causing more harm than good. At the end of the day, we...

Antarctica is one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Few people in the world have ever or will ever step foot on this massive slab of ice. Due to the lack of experience with this strange continent, many conspiracy theories have been born around the area. One of the first and most prolific, Antarctic explorers is US Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Not only did Boyd take a few trips to the continent, but he took the largest single group of individuals with a 4700-person fleet. This mission, however, was cut short. The reason for the...

In the 1980's Tacoma, Washington, faced a stark increase in gang activity. The hilltop neighborhood was a particularly active subset of the city and became a hub for the illegal drug trade in the town. However, when one Army Ranger bought a home in the neighborhood, he took matters into his own hands. Sergeant Bill Foulk installed security cameras and began confronting the gangsters during drug deals. After weeks of this behavior, the crips decided to retaliate. They had no clue that Foulk was an Army Ranger and called a dozen of his Ranger buddies to help defend his...

The early days of the internet were truly the wild west. Anyone with the means to post to the world wide web could upload whatever they wanted and leave it out there to the world. That is precisely what inspired Julian Assange to create Wikileaks. The now infamous site was envisioned to be a place where whistleblowers could anonymously leak sensitive information into a platform that would verify and publicize the information. The website gained notoriety for leaking a few very significant sets of documents that were particularly bad for the United States government. Since then Assange has lived...

Since the first humans took their first breath, we have been trying to subvert the forces of death. But, to date, no one has successfully unlocked the keys to eternal life. At least, no one has publicly discovered the key to endless life. Legends of fantastic figures that found the secret have captivated people for longer than we've been writing. The Count of St Germain is one such mythic figure. This historical figure has long been the subject of stories of everlasting life. For hundreds of years, people have claimed to have encountered the man who, on paper, died 238...

On a hot summer day in 1954, a man arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Since the man came on an international flight, he was required to show his passport to be stamped. Upon viewing the man's passport, officials were shocked to find the country that issued the passport was called Taured, a country that does not exist. Furthermore, the man was shocked when he attempted to show his country's location on a map because the location that he called home was not Taured on this map. As quickly as the confusion began, the man from Taured disappeared. Now we're left...

Today flying is one of the safest forms of transit that exists. Out of the millions of flights every year, only about 30 of those result in an accident in the US, and very few result in any serious injury. However, this hasn't always been the case. In recent history, regulations on air travel were much laxer and allowed for a far greater rate of failure. On Christmas Eve 1971, Juliane Koepcke witnessed how dangerous air travel can be when her plane broke apart in mid-air and plummeted 10,000 feet into the Amazon rain forest. Defying all odds, Koepcke survived the fall...

Since the start of the internet, forums have been a strange place. Something about allowing people anonymity brings out the worst in humanity. The effect was in full display for Reddit user Religion of Peace. Known for running one of the most nefarious and controversial subreddits in the platform's history, the user garnered an almost mythic status during his time on Reddit. Many users had encountered one of Religion of Peace, often referred to as Milo, and one of his infamous rants. However, the story became much more interesting after Milo died. A series of internet sleuthing led to...

In 1991, eight people walked in a large glass dome in the Arizona desert. Camera crews captured the group as they disappeared into the void. The structure was built by billionaire Ed Bass who hoped to use the facility for research into what it would take to build a colony on an alien world. The philanthropist enlisted a crew of four men and four women to spend two years locked inside the biosphere without any contact with the outside world. In the most American of ways, the event was broadcast to the world. Biosphere 2 became the world's first reality tv...

Imagine you woke up one morning to find the sky is full of circular, triangular, and cylindrical objects darting to and fro in an apparent struggle for aerial supremacy. You might immediately think that you were witnessing an alien invasion. Maybe you'd assume you were hallucinating. But, imagine this happened while you were living in the year 1561. That's exactly what happened to the people of Nuremberg, Germany. The 1561 Sky Battle, also known as the 1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg, excited the imaginations of those who saw it. Whereas our cultural conditioning would lead us to assume it was a fleet...

What are the names that come to mind when you think of bank robbers? For many, names like Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, and maybe even certain GTA V characters fill the mind. However, these robbers don't even scratch the surface. While, technically, not a bank robber, John Ruffo conned a few dozen banks out of more than $350 million. His case is the most expensive bank fraud in American history. What's more, he got away with it.

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Marathon runners are a rare breed of humans. Few hobbies involve wheezing for miles and shopping for shirts that won't rub your skin off. Every year a new challenger appears for these hobbyists to overcome. However, there has never been a more formidable foe for the marathon runner than the Barkley Marathons. This infamous race tests not just its runner's physical endurance but also their mental fortitude. It's a marathon built on the intent that only 1% of runners will complete it. It's a race not for the faint of heart; this is the Barkley Marathons.

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Moving into a new home can be stressful. In the best-case scenario, the new neighbors are helpful or maybe distant, depending on how social of a person you are. But we've all been in that scenario where our neighbors aren't exactly the type of people we wanted to live near. However, noisy or rude neighbors are nothing to the neighbor that the Broaddus family endured after moving into their New Jersey home in June of 2014. While many neighborhoods come complete with a neighborhood watch, this quiet street included its own watcher.

The startling true story tells of...

These days just about anyone can tell you a thing or two about Scientology. Most of the public exposure to the church of Scientology has come from Leah Remini's documentary series on Netflix. Even though the average person knows the church, few understand exactly what it does or from where it came. Scientology's members' secrecy and financial actions have led most to label it a cult. It is a label that is fitting. Despite this fact, followers hail the founder for his revolutionary new way of thinking. Against all odds, and despite any accreditation, L Ron Hubbard managed to...

Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the idea of other universes, timelines, and dimensions has become mainstream. We've all become well-versed in the possibility of other worlds out there. But how realistic is the idea? Some serious thinkers believe that the sort of universe in the MCU is possible. M Theory is a subset of string theory that seeks to explain all of the other possible dimensions and what is possible. Spoiler alert, there are 11 dimensions.

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Imagine a theme park that surveyed the history of the United States while being shaped like the continental United States. How could that not excite you? In the '60s, the US of A was all the rage in the US, and C.V. Wood saw the hype as an opportunity to capitalize on patriotism. The disgraced Disney Park manager somehow landed a 13-million dollar investment from one of New York's most prolific real estate investors to build the park. Unfortunately, much like his previous attempts at park design, Wood's endeavor would prove a monumental failure. Freedomland met the...

Point Pleasant. If you chose to stop for gas in Point Pleasant, you might be shocked to see a 12-foot-tall metallic statue of the mythological creature known as Moth Man. Both because it's shocking that a town would erect such a statue on their main crossroad and because it's an utterly terrifying statue. Nestled on the West Virginia and Ohio border, Point Pleasant boasts scenic views of the Ohio River and the Western Appalachian Mountains. The town is host to a long history dating back to the United States' earliest days. However, it was one event on the night...

Few places have sparked as much public intrigue as Skinwalker Ranch. Dubbed as the most paranormally active place in America, the ranch has books and tv shows in its honor. We can learn much by looking at the ranch owners over the years. When did that haunting begin? What is the nature of the hauntings? Most importantly, what do UFOs have to do with it? The history goes back long before the United States itself. Native Americans tell of legends of terrifying creatures whose names they wouldn't even say aloud. Today we investigate if the stories might be true...

The life story of the man who helped found the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is one that anyone would assume is full of intrigue. That is precisely the case with Jack Parsons, one of the lead members of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory which led to the founding of JPL. However, for Jack, his scientific exploits are some of the least exciting points of his life. Parsons dealing with the occult and a few notable, perhaps questionable, colleagues led to his expulsion from the organization he helped found. Eventually, the very thing that brought him success became his downfall.

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Video games have long been a joyous escape for many throughout the world. Few other outlets provide people with the same expanse of experiences as that of gaming. However, the profit timelines for game developers have always been a dicey issue. Due to long development time and short sales windows, game developers are often left with many months straight without a profit. Microtransactions were born to combat this reality. If used well, the feature could provide added benefits to both gamers and developers. Unfortunately, they have not been used well, and the effects are beginning to be felt across...

Bank Robbery is no easy feat. Many have seen the dollars that move in and out of banks every single day and dreamt of ways to procure the money moving within bank walls. However, few have gone through with a bank heist, and even fewer have pulled off a successful bank robbery. Anthony Curcio is responsible not only for a successful bank robbery but for one of the most well-planned bank heists in recent history. His plans included craigslist, a jet ski, inner tubes, and so much more. Let's take a look at the tale of the craigslist bank...

In the mid-'90s, the internet took the world by storm. For the first time in history, everyone had access to an unprecedented amount of information. In those early years, the entire web was curated by skilled webmasters who understood the inner workings of the internet. Over time, new technologies allowed everyone to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. Recently, bots were let loose online to fulfill a variety of tasks. Most of these robots perform necessary and helpful tasks. Unfortunately, however, some were deployed for malicious purposes. Major sites across the web have documented the rapid...

Fifty years ago, pieces of an ancient wall peaked out from underground all around Rockwall, TX. Today, much of the wall has been buried, but this quiet Dallas suburb may be host to the oldest surviving structure in the United States. It seems pretty clear that this wall is man-made, or at least intelligently made. Yet, despite all the signs, the public discourse regarding the wall is that it is a natural formation. Even still, conspiracies about the wall abound. Some people are convinced that giants were involved. We don't know about that last part, but there's no way...

The globe is dotted with beautiful columns and archways popularized by the Beaux-arts style of architecture. Beaux-arts caught on and took the world by storm, as with many trends. Or did it? According to a relatively new internet, conspiracy buildings in this style are relics from a long-lost empire known as Tartaria. Much of our nation's capital buildings are really just repurposed Tartarian structures that were nearly destroyed by a worldwide mud flood. So, where do Tartarian truthers find the evidence for these extraordinary claims? Buckle up, and let's find out the origins of the tremendous Tartarian Empire.

Humanity has been expanding and advancing for as long as we have existed. It seems like we have an insatiable desire for creating new things and developing our influence as far and wide as possible. Logically, and based on some recent experience, we will eventually expand past our world and begin to colonize the cosmos. However, such a feat will require massive amounts of energy. In 1964 Nikolai Kardashev proposed a scale that measures an intelligent civilization based on the amount of energy consumption and control that the society possesses. He separated civilization into a four-part scale measuring the technological...

Sixto Rodriguez was an aspiring musician in the late '60s. After little success, he retired from music and worked as a day laborer in Detroit, Michigan. While Rodriguez spent his days doing odd jobs, his music made waves overseas. This is the story of Sixto Rodriguez, the rock icon that sold more records than Elvis Presley in South Africa. The only problem? He had no idea.

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Walt Disney had an issue with the way cities were built in his day. He spent much of his adult life in Los Angeles, notorious for traffic and dangerous corridors. Disney believed he had all the answers, and after the success of Disney land, he began formulating a plan for a new city. Eventually, Epcot would become the project's name, which stood for the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. This city was romantic, to say the least. If Walt had succeeded, it would've been one of the most incredible places on earth. However, many critics point to the glaring...

We've all had these questions before. What is the Internet? Who invented it? When was the internet invented? How does it even work? The story is often treated like a mythic tale, but it's a timeline that we can somewhat pinpoint. The way it works seems almost ethereal today. It's a collection of data that floats through space and into our devices, right? The explanation of the inner workings of the internet is as explicable as the invention of the revolutionary system.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers...

This story isn't for you if you have a weak stomach. Honestly, if you're human this story isn't for you. This is easily the most disgusting story we've ever told on this show. But, here it is. The Dave Matthews Band Chicago River Incident. Trust us, nothing can prepare you for what you are about to learn. We're deeply sorry about this.

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You know Dasher and Dancer and vicious misuse of a historical figure for profit. But, do you know the story of how St. Nick turned into the Santa Claus we know today? The story is a long one that flows through many changes throughout history. The jolly bearded man didn't become what he is today until relatively recently. It wasn't until Capitalism got its greedy hands on old St. Nick that he became the main mascot of Christmas. Here's the story of the transformation from Saint to Santa.

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How do you know what you know? That's a weird question. It's an important question to ask, though, and that question is at the heart of epistemology. Briefly, epistemology is a philosophical school of thought that seeks to understand knowledge. At its core, the hope is to determine if evidence can justify our beliefs. The system of thought has birthed all forms of skepticism. Therefore, many have claimed that the system exists to poke holes in ideas and find reasons to deny one's way of thought. While, in some cases, it is true that people are skeptical for the...

Throughout history, generations watched as the younger generation took the helm. With each transition of power, the older generation has often disapproved of the behavior and decisions of the younger. This was particularly evident in the early 20th century. Events like the roaring '20s, the world wars, and the great depression left people wondering if the world was ending. Some in that era believed that the overpopulation of the cities of the earth was leading to negative changes in human behavior and morality. Researcher John Calhoun set out to discover if the behavioral sink was a reality. For...

Let's talk about Satan. The devil is one of the scariest creatures in the whole Biblical story. The problem? Well, the Bible never describes the devil in the way the creature is described today. The Bible rarely ever refers to Satan as a single figure or the chief of evil. The picture we are given from the Bible is far different. So, where did our modern understanding come from? Years and years of cultural influence and cherry-picking from other mythologies have given us a lord of the underworld that there is no Biblical basis for. This is the story...

Jose Canseco was one of the greatest home run hitters in MLB history, with over 450 on his long career. He had a little help, though. Many regard him as the man who introduced steroids in the MLB. While he probably wasn't the first, he was one of the first to be open about his PED use. That openness seems to be why he was excluded from the hall of fame despite his storied career. However, his steroid use is probably the least exciting part of his story. Jose's life is full of fights (both legally and illegally), strange business...

Lawn Chair Larry, also known as Larry Walters, had always dreamed of flying. As a kid, he planned on becoming a pilot in the airforce. Unfortunately, he was turned by air force recruiters away due to his poor eyesight. In the wake of the death of his dream, Larry became a truck driver. However, his vision of flying never left him, even though the airforce was no longer an option. One day this dream drove him to do something crazy. Larry strapped 45 balloons to his lawn chair and took flight over Long Beach, CA. The event made headlines. From...

Timothy Dexter might actually be the luckiest man ever to live. Dexter was a prolific business mam at the dawn of the United States. He was one of the first people in U.S. history to rise from the lower class to the upper class. His business success, however, was entirely a stroke of luck. Few things that he succeeded in can be attributed to his intelligence or business prowess. He made most of his fortune off of tips from contemporaries trying to ruin him. Timothy Dexter, being none the wiser, took these tips and somehow got very lucky...

Ferdinand Waldo Demara is quite possibly the most legendary imposter to ever live. This man lied his way into almost every career known to man. Throughout his long life, Demara was a correctional officer, a prisoner, a soldier, a medic, a lawyer, a surgeon, and so much more. All the while being unqualified and his contemporaries being none the wiser. Even after Ferdinand Waldo Demara became famous for fraud, he managed to fake his way into various careers. It's hard to believe how good he was at lying. This is the wild story of Ferdinand Waldo Demara.

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Valiant Thor is the subject of a truly unbelievable story. We mean it. Tim doesn't even buy this one. Here's the story. Valiant Thor, or Val as his friends called him, was a humanoid alien living in an apartment inside the Pentagon. Val had a tight-knit relationship with President Eisenhower and was passionate about ending the possibility of nuclear war. Like many Aliens who have come to earth, Val had a goal for humanity, and he used the existing power structures to see it through. Thanks to his human-like appearance, Val was thought to be nothing more than an...

We all remember the days sitting through history class learning about all the presidents in the short history of the United States. We learned all about each of these presidents and the things they did while in office. However, there's a good chance you were not taught about the first and only Emperor of the United States. In 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton laid claim to the position of Emperor of the United States of America. Now before you assume this was just the meaningless musings of the town drunk, you should know that he was actually sort of recognized as...

We went viral on TikTok earlier this year with our "Cat Daddy" voicemail reactions. Since then, our listenership has grown by the tens-of-thousands and we also received a lot more voicemails! So we decided to react to more of them.

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In the wake of World War I, virtually everyone on earth knew that we could not afford another war as treacherous as the great war. In the US, a group of military leaders forged a small group that would come to be known as the Bomber Mafia. Their theory sounds primitive today, but at the time, it was groundbreaking. To put it simply, the Bomber Mafia hoped to win wars with bombs rather than with ground troops. Furthermore, they believed that they could ensure a minimal loss of life by targeting the most valuable targets for the enemy. In...

Stanley Meyer was a prolific inventor in the late 20th century. While working for a local lab, Meyer was on the team that had filed for numerous patents rumored to total in the hundreds if not thousands. However, personally, Meyer is the owner of just over a dozen patents. Regardless, the local patent office respected Meyer so much that they allegedly approved anything with his name on it on sight. Maybe that's what happened when he filed for a patent for a water-fueled car. Unfortunately, the groundbreaking technology seemed too good to be true. Despite many scholars claiming the...

BlackRock inc. is the largest bank in the world. How big, you ask? Well, it manages an estimated total of $9 trillion. This corporation controls more money than many nations. The staggering amount of funds under its control has led many to suggest that BlackRock owns the world. The scary truth is, they kind of do. The decisions BlackRock makes with its assets have ramifications worldwide. The effects of those decisions could be and have been some of the most wildly felt financial events in recent history. So, why haven't you heard of them? That, too, seems to be by...

On the rooftops of Seattle lurks a hero the city never asked for and barely needs. In $10k dollar armor Phoenix Jones rushes down fire escapes and across alley ways in downtown Seattle night after night. This vigilante superhero is on a mission to make Seattle a safer place. Even though things started out well for Phoenix he and his team of caped crusaders, known as the rain city superhero collective, have fallen out of favor with the locals over the course of the past few years. This is the tale of the misunderstood Phoenix Jones, Seattle's real live...

Since the United States first landed on the moon 50 years ago, the dream of a space colony has been alive in the American consciousness. Is a space colony really possible, though? After 40 years of near inactivity in space, things are changing. Governments are beginning to reinvest in space exploration. Private organizations are also beginning to invest in a new frontier of business; the space industry. Here's everything you need to know about the space industry, space colonies, and space exploration. 

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Nascar has long been the pinnacle of the racing world. However, within the Nascar community, there stands no track greater than the Talladega Super Speedway. This racetrack is the track of dreams. Nascar Drivers spend their careers chasing qualifications for a chance on that pavement. In 1982 one aspiring driver rose through the ranks to earn his qualification at the Winston 500 held on Talladega's hallowed grounds. There was only one problem. This racer was no Nascar Driver. In fact, he was no driver at all. Yet, somehow this driver managed to scam not only an entire race team but the...

About 50 miles outside downtown Atlanta lies Lake Lanier. This artificial reservoir spans 59 square miles and boasts an impressive 692 miles of shoreline. For years people from all around Georgia have journeyed to the lake to escape the heat and enjoy all the trappings of lake life. Unfortunately, many of those who made this trip never returned. Since the lake's opening to recreation, well over 500 people (more than 700 according to some sources) have lost their lives in boating accidents and drownings on Lake Lanier. The shocking amount of deaths at the lake, coupled with its eerie history, have left many asking...

Freeway Rick Ross built an empire of drug dealing and real estate in the mid-'80s. His reputation was stout, but he knew what he was doing and evaded legal trouble for years. His ability to stay one step ahead of law enforcement put him in a position to amass an estimated $900 million, all while hiding his nefarious activities from his mother. Unfortunately for Ross, one misstep cost him everything. This is the story of Freeway Rick Ross, and no, he's not the rapper.

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Tesla held its special AI day yesterday and showcased all kinds of incredible new technologies in its autonomous vehicles. Then at the end of their conference, something strange happened. First, a video rolled on the screen showcasing what looked like a new robot design. Then as the lights came up, a robot came walking across the stage. Tesla quickly showed the live robot to be nothing more than a joke, but Elon Musk then gave a ten-minute presentation about their newest project Tesla Bot. The new robot, codenamed Project Optimus, is driven by AI technology and will theoretically do...

Every nation in the world has had its fair share of embarrassing moments. But only one has lost a war to flightless birds. In 1932, the Australian military sent a small group of soldiers to the outback to rid the area of emus who were destroying local crops. The Australian government didn't expect the decision to lead to The Great Emu War. However, these emus were ready for the battle and exhibited unified tactics and resilience, unlike anything the Australian forces had ever seen. This is the story of a war that Australia wishes it could stamp out from history...

Every Presidential candidate makes promises throughout their campaign to sway voters to earn their spot as president. For many candidates, only a few of these promises come to fruition. Other promises haunt them throughout their presidency. These promises present challenges for the White House in a few unique scenarios long after the president who made them is gone. That is exactly what happened when Jimmy Carter promised to spur the economy for dairy farmers. This is a story of government employees traveling the country tasting cheese, warehouses full of cheese stacked to the ceiling, and the government's hurried effort...

Few things are more dangerous than extended distance flights. Yet, occasionally, brave pilots will attempt to fly extreme distances in one go. A single flight around the world is dangerous business. A flight around the world is child's play compared to flying around for 8 years, straight, with nuclear bombs on board. That is exactly what the United States Military did from 1960 to 1968. It was the height of the cold war, and fear of the looming nuclear apocalypse birthed one of the most ambitious defense strategies ever composed. Operation Chrome Dome put a handful of pilots in the sky 24/7 for 8...

At this point, we are all familiar with the Fyre Festival disaster. The Netflix and Hulu documentaries about the absolute failure of a concert captured the American youth. However, Fyre Fest was not the first music festival to crash and burn. In fact, it's quite common for music festivals to end in disaster. Whether it be due to the kind of crowd music festivals attract, or the kind of people who are crazy enough to plan these events, or a fundamental flaw with the concept, they always seem to scrape right along the lines of disaster. As wild as...

You have to be a pretty crazy person to assassinate a United States President. But, for Charles J Guiteau, the man who assassinated the 20th President James A. Garfield, the assassination of the president was the least crazy thing he ever did. From a shady political career to cult ties to ax-wielding outbursts, Charles J Guiteau was certainly unhinged. He was so insane that his lawyers made the first-ever insanity plea while representing him in court following his assassination of President Garfield. This is the story of the absolutely crazy life that Charles J Guiteau lived.

In 1877 Alexander Graham Bell founded the Bell Telephone Company. It was the world's first telephone company and would one day become AT&T. Even though Alexander Graham Bell sold his ownership stake in the company after just a couple of years with the company, AT&T would become the largest telephone company in the company the world. In fact, AT&T grew so large that the United States government spent well over 50 years trying to break up what they believed was a monopoly. They succeeded in their goal. However, 35 years after the break up almost all of the subsidiaries...

Fans of the Things I Learned Last Night podcast know that the United States has made some missteps over the years. However, everything we've discussed pales in comparison to the colossal failure that is the Salton Sea, California. This story has everything; capitalism, floods of biblical proportion, tourist traps, environmental disasters, and nuclear bombs. Yeah, of course, there are nukes in this story. Why not? We can't even begin to overplay how unreal every step in this strange lake's journey truly is. This is the bizarre tale of the incredible Salton Sea.

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This week, Tim teaches us about MK Ultra, a CIA operation that used experimental tactics on unknowing citizens, detainees, and even their own agents.

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This week, Jaron and Tim are joined by America's Got Talent contestant Ryan Beard!! They discuss the continent of Australia, Ryan's long distance relationship with an Australian girl, and they try Astronaut Ice Cream!!

Follow Ryan: http://tilln.com/ryanbeard @RyanBeardMan

Each week, Tim will teach Jaron about a random topic with information from the internet. Maybe you'll learn something. Maybe you won't. Let's see!

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This week, Tim and Jaron discuss the magical empire that once was: Blockbuster Video. They discuss New Balance shoes, Netflix, and Dane Cook! 

Each week, Tim will teach Jaron about a random topic with information from the internet. Maybe you'll learn something. Maybe you won't. Let's see!

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This week, Tim and Jaron are joined in the studio by Drew Bridges! Discussing Slender Man, Snapchat, and moving to California!

Follow Drew: @drewb52

Each week, Tim will teach Jaron about a random topic with information from the internet. Maybe you'll learn something. Maybe you won't. Let's see!

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This week, Tim Stone teaches Jaron Myers about quantum computers, Jaron thinks the car from Knight Rider is called "Kip" instead of "KITT", Tim thinks Skynet is from Kim Possible, and Jaron's friend Kelsey calls in as an accidental guest TWICE!

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Tim Stone teaches Jaron Myers about the history and origins of golf! 

Each week, Tim will teach Jaron about a random topic with information from the internet. Maybe you'll learn something. Maybe you won't. Let's see!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim teaches Jaron about Halloween traditions, haunted houses, Jack-o-lanterns, and pillow pets!

Each week, Tim will teach Jaron about a random topic with information from the internet. Maybe you'll learn something. Maybe you won't. Let's see!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices