On a hot summer day in Germany in 1518, a local woman began dancing in the streets of her hometown. Seems like an innocent enough story, right? But what happens when a few hundred other people join in on the dancing, but you can't stop? Some unseen force is compelling you to dance, even until some of those around you drop dead.
Well, that's what happened to this German village, and today, we discuss the various unconventional ways that the local leaders tried to stop the medieval flash mob.
Who is the worst neighbor you've ever had? What did they do that was so bad? We promise that whoever it was wasn't as bad as one neighbor in Japan, the infamous Mrs. Noisy.
Today, we discuss the notorious Japanese woman who took her entire neighborhood by storm by terrorizing them with loud music. But why? What would cause someone to go so crazy? Join us and find out.
Today, we discuss Pitcairn Island's crazy history, from its establishment by a rogue band of mutineers to its becoming a religious sanctuary overflowing with little kids. It's a crazy and wild ride, but join us as we dive into its details.
Some people love exploring caves; others find caving near the top of their list of greatest fears. However, for some people, mapping and exploring caves is their profession.
In this episode, we discuss a team of cavers and two photographers who traveled to the bottom of the world's deepest cave. Let's just say the adventure they had is worth telling.
Gonzolo Pelayo was an average middle-aged man until, in his mid-fifties, he decided to take on the gambling industry. Using math, he devised a betting protocol that quickly turned him into enemy number one for many casinos.
This week, we explore not the one time, but the six times that the US government has admitted that they have lost nuclear warheads. Along with that, we go into a few of the thirty-two times that they have also had accidents with them, including accidentally dropping nukes on North Carolina and New Mexico.
Join us today as we take our own time machine back to visit Victorian London and lament about how we wouldn't be tough enough to endure the most basic aspects of life.
From the Two Penny Hangover to mummy revealing parties and Eth's favorite, living garden gnomes, come and explore some of the bizarre and unusual everyday parts of life for the Victorians.
Spiritualism swept through the United States in the mid-1800s and early 1900s, bringing along its main star, the séance. Millions of average Americans flocked to mediums and huddled around dark tables in shadowy rooms for the chance to speak to their deceased loved ones, and unfortunately, many ill-meaning crooks took advantage of them, making considerable money off of them.
They needed a hero, someone to stop the charlatans in their tracks. That's where Rose Mackenberg stepped. The lead investigator for Harry Houdini, Rose went undercover to expose hundreds of crook mediums and did it with a touch of flair.
Join us today as we discuss Rose Mackenberg and her amazing job as a medium buster.
What would you do if you were stuck in Antarctica with no chance of being rescued when all of a sudden you developed Appendicitis? What if the doctor there said he had to operate to remove your Appendix, or you'd die? What if you were the doctor and had to remove your own Appendix?
That's what happened in the true story of Leonid Rogozov, a soviet doctor who had to operate on himself in 1960 in Antarctica.
Join us as we journey back in time to uncover the haunting story of the SS Princess Alice, a tragedy lost to the depths of history. In this gripping video, we explore the harrowing events surrounding the sinking of the SS Princess Alice and the devastating impact it had on those aboard.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, we delve into the bustling waters of the Thames River on a fateful night in September 1878. As the SS Princess Alice made its routine journey, little did its passengers know of the impending doom that awaited as it sank in 75 million gallons of raw sewage.
Embark on a riveting journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary life of Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration behind Daniel Defoe's iconic character, Robinson Crusoe. In this captivating episode, we unravel the gripping tale of Selkirk's fateful decision to be marooned on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile in 1704.
Join us as we explore Selkirk's harrowing experiences of survival, resourcefulness, and resilience in the face of unimaginable odds, as we uncover the daily challenges he encountered, from hunting for food to building shelter, and the profound psychological impact of solitude on the human spirit.
Dive into the bizarre and comical military campaign that pitted Australian soldiers against an unexpected foe - the emus! In this episode, we explore the infamous "Emu War" of 1932, where Australia's military was deployed to combat a population of emus wreaking havoc on farmlands. Join us as we uncover the peculiar events, the strategies employed, and the unexpected twists that turned this seemingly straightforward mission into a humorous yet intriguing chapter in history. From machine guns versus birds to the lessons learned from this unconventional conflict, this episode sheds light on a curious slice of Australian history that continues to captivate and entertain to this day.
In 2007, Trent Reznor, the frontman of Nine Inch Nails, decided to do a little something extra to release the band's new album. He hired a gaming company to design and execute an elaborate scavenger hunt both in real life and online, dropping hints about the new album shrouded in a future post-apocalyptic game fans could participate in.
Sounds confusing? It was, but also amazing and brilliant. Join us as we discuss Year Zero and the crazy story of its launch.
Join us on a captivating expedition as we delve into the enigmatic world of Forrest Fenn's treasure. In this episode, we embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind one of modern history's most tantalizing mysteries. Forrest Fenn, an art dealer and author, sparked a treasure hunt like no other when he claimed to have hidden a chest filled with gold, jewels, and other precious artifacts somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. With clues embedded within Fenn's cryptic poem and his memoir, adventurers from around the globe have set out to decipher the riddles and unearth the elusive bounty.
But as the hunt unfolds, so does a tapestry of intrigue, controversy, and speculation. From fervent treasure seekers risking life and limb to conspiracy theories swirling around Fenn's motivations, each twist and turn adds another layer of complexity to this modern-day legend.
So grab your map, dust off your hiking boots, and join us as we journey into the heart of Forrest Fenn's treasure hunt, where the thrill of the chase knows no bounds and the ultimate prize remains shrouded in mystery.
Join us as we delve into the daring world of those who have risked it all by going over Niagara Falls. From the legendary stunts of Annie Edson Taylor to the modern thrill-seekers, we explore the motivations, preparations, and harrowing experiences of individuals who have defied gravity and challenged fate at one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Join us as we uncover the adrenaline-fueled stories behind these remarkable feats of human courage and the enduring allure of Niagara's thunderous cascade.
Step into the extravagant world of Henry Cyril Paget, the flamboyant 5th Marquess of Anglesey, whose life was a whirlwind of feathers, fabrics, and frivolity! Join us on a hilarious romp through the lavish escapades of this eccentric aristocrat, whose passion for theater, fashion, and all things fabulous knew no bounds. From his legendary costume parties where peacocks strutted alongside poodles in tiaras to his audacious attempts at turning his ancestral home into a palace of opulence, Paget's story is as outrageous as it is uproarious. So dust off your top hat, polish your sequins, and get ready to laugh your way through the extraordinary antics of this truly unforgettable character!
Join us as we delve into the captivating tale of Phineas Gage, the man whose life took a dramatic turn after a tragic accident with a tamping iron. Explore the fascinating details of how this incident revolutionized our understanding of the brain and human behavior. From the shocking survival to the profound impact on neuroscience, this episode uncovers the layers of Gage's story and its enduring significance in the annals of medical history. Discover the resilience of the human brain and the enduring mysteries it continues to unravel.
Join us today as we dive into the strange story of Tarrare, a young man from France in the 1770s who literally wasn't able to stop eating. Ever! Join us as we discuss his life, including being a street performing eating freak, a spy in the French army with a unique skill set, and his later life stealing any and everything he could to fill his insatiable appetite.
Dive deep into the chilling events of the Chowchilla kidnaps with our latest podcast episode. Join us as we unravel the mystery surrounding the infamous 1976 school bus abduction in Chowchilla, California. Explore the shocking details, the investigation, and the aftermath of this harrowing crime that captured the nation's attention. From the heart-stopping moments to the relentless pursuit of justice, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the Chowchilla kidnaps. Tune in for a gripping narrative that delves into the dark corners of history.
On a cold February night in 1978, five friends go missing after watching a college basketball game. Their car is found in perfect working order 70 miles in the wrong direction, with no signs of the men, on an isolated, snowy, mountain road. Where did they go? What prompted them to leave the warmth of their car to head into the woods in the winter?
The story of the Yuba County Five is steeped in intrigue and mystery. Join us as we dive into its questions, its mysteries, and our own theories on what happened on that fateful night.
Dive deep into the enigmatic tale of Ursula and Sabina Eriksson, the identical twins whose bizarre and tragic journey left the world in disbelief. From their sudden appearance on the media radar to the fateful events that unfolded on the M6 motorway, join us as we explore the psychological complexities, unanswered questions, and the lasting impact of their story. We weigh in on the mysteries surrounding the Eriksson twins, shedding light on the human psyche and the unexpected twists of fate.
Dive deep into the visionary project that is shaping the future of urban living - NEOM. Join us on as we unravel the mysteries behind the world's most ambitious megacity. From sustainable technologies to cutting-edge innovations, discover how NEOM is redefining the boundaries of possibility and paving the way for a sustainable, futuristic urban landscape. If you're curious about the next frontier in city development, this podcast is your ultimate guide to the extraordinary journey of NEOM, and why we think it won't work.
Join us in this gripping episode as we delve deep into the mysterious disappearance of Steven Kubacki. In 1978, Steven vanished without a trace, leaving behind perplexing clues that have baffled investigators for decades. We explore the theories, potential leads, and the enduring enigma surrounding this unsolved case while providing unique insights and shedding light on the twists and turns of this perplexing mystery. Tune in for a riveting journey through the unknown as we attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Steven Kubacki.
Uncover the gripping tale of Stéphane Breitwieser, the notorious art thief whose audacious heists left the art world astounded. Join us as we delve into the mysterious world of stolen masterpieces, exploring Breitwieser's effective yet mundane schemes and the priceless treasures he managed to pilfer. This podcast unravels the captivating story of a modern-day art thief and the artworks that vanished into the shadows.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the frozen landscapes of Peter Freuchen's life, a Danish explorer who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on Arctic exploration. Join us as we unravel the bizarre tales of survival, unconventional love, and the enigmatic legacy of a man who amputated his own toes to endure the Arctic chill. From Thule Expeditions to Hollywood lights, discover the gripping story of Peter Freuchen – the adventurer, author, and the indomitable spirit of the North.
Dive into the heart of the redwoods as we unravel the mysteries behind Bohemian Grove. Join us for an in-depth discussion and historical exploration, shedding light on the secretive gatherings of the world's elite. From the iconic Owl Shrine to exclusive insights, this podcast is your key to understanding the enigma that is Bohemian Grove.
Step into the shadows of history as we explore the enigma that shrouds the Flannan Islands. Join us on a gripping journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers on Eilean Mor in 1900. Delve deep into the mysteries of the North Atlantic as we unravel tales of superstition, eerie occurrences, and unexplained events that have left an indelible mark on this isolated isle. Are you ready to unveil the secrets hidden in the waves and winds of the Flannan Islands?
Hisashi Ouchi was your typical middle-aged Japanese working-class man, making a living for his family at the Tokiamura Nuclear Plant.
In 1999, the company was behind on an order of fuel rods, and to get them produced, Ouchi and two other workers cut some corners, ultimately leading to a miniature nuclear blast hitting Ouchi directly in the face.
What followed was a medical mystery and a painful reminder of the delicate nature of human life.
In the spring of 1945, World War II saw one of its most unusual and bizarre battles. A ragtag group of men, comprising American, French, and German soldiers, along with a three-time Wimbledon champ, squared off against a well-armed unit of SS soldiers in defense of Itter Castle in a story full of hilarious twists and turns.
If you're looking for the link to the Sapien Youtube Channel, here it is!
https://youtu.be/pHEHs3FJLXc
I don't think podcasts let you click the link directly so you may have to physically type it in, ughh.
In this Halloween episode, we use the story of Christopher Case, a Seattle music executive who was cursed by a witch, as a springboard to discuss various topics, including Ethney and I's personal experiences living in what some would say was a haunted house.
Carl Tanzler had a unique vision as a child. At age twelve, an ancestor appeared to him and showed him a beautiful, dark-featured woman who would one day be his wife.
Well, Carl grew old, and life came and went without ever meeting his promised love for almost 50 years until a tuberculosis-ridden young woman strolled into his hospital. Where the story goes from there is beyond belief.
in 1972, a group of parapsychological researchers developed and conducted an experiment to see if they could both create and conjure a ghost into existence.
You might be surprised with the results they got.
What is Death? When is the actual moment when one can no longer be revived? These are tough questions, and throughout much of history many people have been buried who were pronounced "dead" when in reality, they were very not dead.
Today we discuss both horrifying and hilarious tales from those who were buried alive and the crazy stories that arise from such situations.
2016 was an insane year in the United States with the Trump vs. Clinton Campaign in full swing. But in the late summer of that year, and into the fall, another unbelievable meme worthy event took place, and that was the Great Clown Invasion that swept across the country, and eventually, the world.
Menacing clowns began popping up in both rural and highly urban areas. Some were harmless pranks, others more sinister in nature, like attempting to lure children into the woods with candy.
In this episode we dive into what was, The Clown Invasion of 2016.
Las Vegas is a strange place, to say the least. If you ever want to see the strangest species on full display, then the bright lights of the Vegas strip are just the spot.
We just got back from a conference there all week so this episode is devoted to some of the strange customs of Vegas, as well as a brief story of a bizarre coincidence at the Hoover Dam.
Take a man from the swamp, give him a camera, an abandoned theme park, and some wild conspiracy theories, and you have the makings of a great disaster.
In this episode, we discuss the somewhat successful attempt of Richard McGuire sneaking onto the abandoned Discovery Island in Bay Lake in Walt Disney World and the hilarious shenanigans that come with his flawless plan.
In February 1959, high in the remote backcountry of the Ural Mountains, nine experienced hikers were found dead in what has become known as the Dyatlov Pass Incident.
Their tent had been cut from inside, as the team fled in a hurry into the -30 degree weather. They left all of their gear, and some even were barefoot. What could have possibly scared them so terribly?
The injuries to the nine were so out of this world and unexplainable that for nearly 65 years their story has been the center of one of the world's most intriguing mysteries.
Listen as we discuss the Dyatlov Pass incident and the numerous theories that have been proposed for what happened.
If you've ever seen the movie The Revenant, then you've seen the over-stuffed Hollywood version of the life of Hugh Glass. But Hollywood messed it up, not by overselling his life, but by only telling a small portion.
Hugh Glass was the definition of a manly man, living parts of his life as a pirate in the Caribbean, being adopted into the Pawnee Tribe, surviving a grizzly attack, and having more gun fights than one can count.
In this episode, we take a look into the extraordinary life of American Frontiersman Hugh Glass.
Life was extremely routine and calculated for the prisoners like Al Capone incarcerated at the infamous Alcatraz Island Prison. But what about the other few hundred people who shared the small island with them, namely, the wives and children of the prison guards who also lived on the island?
That's right, at any given moment there were 60-70 families that lived full time on the island. And that meant there were kids running around, being, well kids, looking for things to do and mischief to get into.
In this episode we explore the lives of the families that lived on the Rock, but on the outside of fences and walls.
Donald Crowhurst dreamed of being the first man to sail around the world non-stop alone and win almost $100,000 in the process. But from the start of his dream, he was bombarded with challenges.
He lacked the sailing prowess and experience of the other contestants in the race. He literally built his boat himself. And most importantly, he mortgaged everything he owned to make it all happen.
This week we discuss the tragic tale of Donald Crowhurst and his misguided attempt to sail the world alone.
If you're looking for a big break to fame and fortune in the movie business, maybe all you need to do is sneak into North Korea.
In this episode, we examine a few US soldiers who did that exact thing in the 1960s only to find themselves on quite an extraordinary path for the rest of their lives.
In case you didn't know, the sun is a ginormous ball of fire which occasionally erupts sending waves of magnetic radiation crashing into space.
Every once in a while the earth gets in the path of one of these ejections and when large enough, as in September 1859, it can cause catastrophic damage to electrical systems.
But what if today we got hit with one of these waves, where our entire world is dependent on electricity and the internet? Would we survive?
If you're not enjoying your current state of affairs, you should do what Roy Bates did, just start your own country!
That's right; today, we discuss Roy Bates, a British citizen that left the UK to form the country of Sealand in international waters.
This week we dive into some of the literal crappiest, most vile, and disgusting jobs from medieval times that will make you feel much better about your career choice.
What happens if you find yourself on a lone tropical island when suddenly there are hostile locals shooting arrows at you/ What do you do? The best answer is probably never to go to the island, to begin with.
In this episode, we discuss North Sentinel Island. An island that is home to one of the last uncontacted groups in the world, a people that are left alone from the modern world because they are very hostile and violent if you try to make contact.
What if you moved into your dream home only to find insanely creepy letters being left anonymously threatening your family? Someone was in the shadows of your idyllic neighborhood, watching you and your children. Telling you that bizarre and creepy happenings are part of the history of your new home.
This is the story of the Broaddus family, when they bought their home in 2014 in Westfield New Jersey. This story is the basis for the Netflix show The Watcher.
What if you were in the jungles fighting a war against a ferocious enemy with a strict order to never surrender or quit, the only problem was the war you were in ended years before.
Thats what the story of Heroo Onoda that we'll discuss today, a Japanese WWII soldier who kept fighting a guerilla war on a small island in the Philippines long after the war ended.
We discuss his life in the jungle and the toll it played on the local population.
In efforts to win the Space Race of the Cold War rumors have run wild of Soviet Cosmonauts being launched and lost in space in experimental rocket programs. Two Italian brothers in the 1960's claimed to have recorded secret radio communications of these very failed missions.
In this episode, we dive deep into the emerging world of Artificial Intelligence and discuss some of its benefits and potential downfalls, like the human race succumbing to a militaristic army of AI robo- girlfriends.
Link to Hot Canadian Maple Syrup picture
https://labs.openai.com/s/IvJConIwvONlxi7wT5jm9TU4
Link to Comical Victorian Railroad Architecture
https://labs.openai.com/s/t7Zwx2849aUNze2k3pi16HMB
Imagine being locked naked in a one-room apartment with absolutely nothing. No food, no clothes, no entertainment, no contact with the outside world. The only way to survive and escape is to win prizes from mail-in magazine sweepstakes. Oh, and you're being live-streamed 24/7 to millions of people too. That is the bizarre and true story of Tomoaki Hamastu that we dissect in this episode.
