Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

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From UFOs to psychic powers and government cover-ups, history is riddled with unexplained events. You can turn back now or learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know ... an audio podcast from iHeartRadio.

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Our Editor's Take

The hosts of the podcast Stuff They Don't Want You To Know have a unique goal. They are here to offer a different perspective on conspiracy theories. In the past, the term conspiracy theory may have evoked an image of a person who doesn't have a firm grasp of reality. People who believed in them would seem paranoid or extreme. This show seeks to prove that even the wildest theories might contain truth.

The Stuff They Don't Want You To Know podcast has three compelling hosts. Ben Bowlin, Matt Frederick, and Noel Brown are all attracted to the unknown. For Bowlin, it's his family history. As an offspring of the Melungeons ethnicity, he heard many stories about his ancestors growing up. His entire childhood felt mysterious. Frederick worked in a prestigious private club during his university years. There, he became familiar with the seedy ways the rich operate and the stark class divides. Brown spent his childhood in dressing rooms of famous opera houses worldwide. He followed his singer parents while learning about how the upper class acts when no one watches. Their collective experience of mystery was the catalyst to starting the podcast.

However, the three podcast hosts also have a critical side to them. All three have backgrounds in journalism. Bowlin worked as a political and environmental issues radio correspondent. He was the youngest reporter to join Georgia Public Broadcasting at the time. Frederick and Brown studied journalism in college. In 2022, they released their first book, Stuff They Don't Want You To Know.

When looking at the origins of conspiracy theories, it's vital to have a balance. It is important to approach a topic without any prejudice while also maintaining some skepticism. Even if something sounds completely unbelievable, it may have started out as real. With a massive amount of research, the three hosts of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know want to get to that truth. They want to separate fact from fiction and reveal how much of the world the listeners can trust.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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The Troubled Border of Myanmar, Chapter One: A Peaceful History. A Terrifying Present.

The Troubled Border of Myanmar, Chapter One: A Peaceful History. A Terrifying Present.

Most people in the global west aren't too familiar with Myanmar. Formerly known as Burma, the Southeast Asian country has a deep history as a cultural and geographical crossroads -- and this has become both a gift and a curse. In the first part of this special two-part episode, Ben and Matt explore the history of Myanmar, its descent into chaos, and how multiple forces conspired to make it a modern hotbed of instability, crime, and corruption.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

The Troubled Border of Myanmar, Chapter One: A Peaceful History. A Terrifying Present.

The Troubled Border of Myanmar, Chapter One: A Peaceful History. A Terrifying Present.

Most people in the global west aren't too familiar with Myanmar. Formerly known as Burma, the Southeast Asian country has a deep history as a cultural and geographical crossroads -- and this has become both a gift and a curse. In the first part of this special two-part episode, Ben and Matt explore the history of Myanmar, its descent into chaos, and how multiple forces conspired to make it a modern hotbed of instability, crime, and corruption.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Windover Bog Bodies

CLASSIC: The Windover Bog Bodies

In 1982, in Titusville, Florida, construction worker Steve Vandejagt happened across a skull amid the muck and debris of the job site. And this was only the beginning of the mystery. Steve had accidentally uncovered one of the oldest gravesites in the United States, proof of an ancient, mysterious culture that existed more than 7,000 years ago. Join the guys as they dive into the story of the Windover Bog Bodies.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Did Russia Just Threaten The Next President? A Wicked Debacle. FDA Pulls Decongestant From The Market

Strange News: Did Russia Just Threaten The Next President? A Wicked Debacle. FDA Pulls Decongestant From The Market

In this week's strange news segment: In the wake of the recent US Presidential Election, Russian President Putin's aide Nikolai Patrushev releases a bizarre statement about "obligations." A misprint on merchandise for the film adaptation of Wicked takes some consumers to adult content. The US FDA announced a proposal to remove oral phenylephrine from the market, citing evidence that it doesn’t work. All this and more, plus a lot of puns.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Disappearance of Andreen McDonald: A Larger Context

The Disappearance of Andreen McDonald: A Larger Context

On paper, Andreen and her husband Andre McDonald lived a life most Americans would envy - a self-made millionaire power couple, the McDonalds regularly contributed to philanthropic causes in their native community, as well as in their San Antonio community. On March 1st, 2019, Andreen McDonald was reported missing. In tonight's exploration, Ben, Matt and Noel map out the heartbreaking events, while also examining the larger, multigenerational context often left unexplored. Warning: this episode may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, please don't hesitate to reach out for resources and support. The US Domestic Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at the following number: 800-799-7233.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Chinese Spyware, The Amish, DC, and Letters From Home

Listener Mail: Chinese Spyware, The Amish, DC, and Letters From Home

Don Vee shares on-the-ground experience with Amish millionaires. Wonko the Sane reaches out on the story of Chinese tech espionage. A Phlounder reacts to Ben's earlier question about social media, and the gang gives Dupont Dave some choice recommendations for tourism in Washington, DC. All this and more in tonight's listener mail segment, hurtling headward toward the American celebration of Thanksgiving.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are TV Court Shows Real?

Are TV Court Shows Real?

If you've ever had the dubious pleasure of watching daytime TV in the US -- possibly in a waiting room -- then you've probably witnessed a particular genre of programming: the TV court show. From far enough away, these shows look a lot like an actual court. You've got the usual courtroom cast, along with an escalated version of actual courtroom events. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel ask: Are these shows real? What exactly do we mean by "real"?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Eye tracking and Advertising

CLASSIC: Eye tracking and Advertising

Ads are ubiquitous on the internet, and even if you use an ad blocker or two, you're bound to see a few things slip through. Luckily, those ads don't really give advertisers any new information about you unless you interact with them... right? Not so fast. Eye tracking technology can glean an enormous amount about your attention, as well as your reactions to a given image or piece of language, just by watching how you watch, gaze or glance at an ad. So how much can they learn, exactly? Does eye tracking allow companies to, in some sense, read your thoughts? Strap in for the answers to these questions and more in tonight's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Peanut the Squirrel, Nashville Drone Attack, Mystery Song Identified, IKEA Finally Pays East German Prisoners

Strange News: Peanut the Squirrel, Nashville Drone Attack, Mystery Song Identified, IKEA Finally Pays East German Prisoners

The tragic saga of Peanut the Squirrel becomes oddly politicized. The Feds prevent a massive drone attack on a power station in Nashville. IKEA agrees to pay 6 million euros to East German prisoners. Hackers demand payment in baguettes, and the guys tease a mysterious scandal out in Oklahoma. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Red Market: Is China Executing People To Harvest Their Organs?

CLASSIC: The Red Market: Is China Executing People To Harvest Their Organs?

Until the day we're able to manufacture affordable, reliable organs from scratch, organ transplants will remain the only hope for millions of sick and dying people across the planet. For this reason, organs have been a big business for decades -- and not all aspects of the business are legal. For years rumors have been brewing about the organ trade in China. Why is the waiting time for a transplant so low? Where are all these organs actually coming from? The answer may terrify you. Strap in as the guys dive into the stuff China doesn't want you to know about the organ trade in tonight's Classic episode -- and don't forget to check out our (extremely creepy) video on YouTube.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Bank Scandals, Amish Abuse, Letters From Home and Some Terrible Jokes

Listener Mail: Bank Scandals, Amish Abuse, Letters From Home and Some Terrible Jokes

Viking asks about Ferengi and bank scandals. Solar Boredom follows up on the earlier episode about abuse in Amish communities. Multiple Conspiracy Realists chime in with Letters From Home, and Humorous Harry returns with several absolutely awful jokes. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mysteries of Laos: What is the Plain of Jars?

Mysteries of Laos: What is the Plain of Jars?

Over in Southeast Asia, the landlocked nation of Laos remains one of the least-explored areas in the region, even today. And those few outsiders fortunate to travel to this country may encounter a mystery that's baffled investigators for centuries (if not millennia): What is the Plain of Jars? What could have inspired ancient civilizations to build hundreds upon hundreds of giant, stone jars out in northern Laos? Why did the US government spend so much time planting bombs in the area?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Project 1794: A Real-life Flying Saucer

CLASSIC: Project 1794: A Real-life Flying Saucer

Flying saucers are perhaps the most iconic genre of UFO -- since the 1940s they've become the mainstay vehicles for extraterrestrials in all sorts of fictional stories. But, according to declassified files, the US Government was intensely interested in building some flying saucers of its own. So far did they get? The answer may surprise you in tonight's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Russia Fines Google, Witch Marks in the UK, Stolen Bluey Coins and More

Strange News: Russia Fines Google, Witch Marks in the UK, Stolen Bluey Coins and More

The Russian government fines Google 2.5 decillion dollars. Witch marks baffle investigators in the United Kingdom, police recover thousands of stolen Bluey coins, an ancient city is rediscovered in Mexico. Google AI makes some waves, Des Moines brings back trick-or-treating, elephants may sue for freedom in Colorado. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dangerous Thoughts: What is an Infohazard?

Dangerous Thoughts: What is an Infohazard?

Warning: this episode contains thoughts and concepts that may endanger your understanding of reality. You can turn back now, or [REDACTED].They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: A Mysterious Death at Walmart, Boeing's Exploding Satellite, The US vs. Chinese Software, and a Heart-felt Apology to "Paint-huffing Maniacs"

Listener Mail: A Mysterious Death at Walmart, Boeing's Exploding Satellite, The US vs. Chinese Software, and a Heart-felt Apology to "Paint-huffing Maniacs"

Police release new details on the tragic, mysterious death of 19-year-old employee at a Walmart in Halifax. A Boeing-manufactured satellite exploded after experiencing an unexplained “anomaly." The US struggles to determine how -- or if -- to allow Chinese software in the US. The guys apologize to "paint-huffing maniacs." All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rise and Fall of Paul Bergrin, with Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins

The Rise and Fall of Paul Bergrin, with Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins

For much of his early life, Paul Bergrin was a success story. A middle-class kid from Queesn, he became a veteran, a lawyer, and a prosecutor. Yet somewhere along the way, he slowly slid into true crime and conspiracy -- an astonishing and disturbing tale explored in-depth in the Wondery's new podcast, Criminal Attorney. In tonight's interview, Ben, Matt and Noel are joined with the legendary Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins, the host of Criminal Attorney, to learn more about the bizarre rise and fall of Paul Bergrin.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic: Vaccines: Fact vs. Fiction

Classic: Vaccines: Fact vs. Fiction

Through the process of vaccination, millions of people have avoided serious (at times fatal) medical conditions, but opposition to the practice began almost immediately after vaccinations became widespread. And in the modern day the anti-vaccination movement has seemed to gain more ground than before -- so what's going on here? Join the guys as they dive into the history of vaccination, the claims of the anti-vaxx movement and why some people insist there's a conspiracy afoot. Side note: we recorded this in 2019... right before the Covid pandemic rocked the globe.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Oligarch Goes Splat, Fake Whale Sharks, Bank Shenanigans, Boeing Satellites, North Korea and Abercrombie

Strange News: Oligarch Goes Splat, Fake Whale Sharks, Bank Shenanigans, Boeing Satellites, North Korea and Abercrombie

Another Russian oligarch is found dead after an 'unfortunate fall.' North Korea declares holy war on South Korea as it loans out soldiers to Russia. A fake whale makes controversial waves in China (get it?), TD Bank fined $3bn in historic money laundering settlement. Boeing satellite experiences 'rapid unplanned disassembly.' AI radio journalists, the deeply disturbing Abercrombie sex trafficking scandal, ICP and politics -- all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ongoing Amish Abuse Scandal

The Ongoing Amish Abuse Scandal

For most people in the United States, the Amish are a sociological curiosity: a group of people motivated by theological imperatives that require them to exist within society, yet separate from all its secular trappings. However, as we dive into this episode, Matt, Noel and I learn there's something rotten within this community... a series of intergenerational, likely ongoing, conspiracies involving sexual abuse, crime and more. Please note this episode may not be appropriate for all audiences.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: The Hybrid Sheep Conspiracy, A Kentucky Homicide and Theory on Exploding Pagers

Listener Mail: The Hybrid Sheep Conspiracy, A Kentucky Homicide and Theory on Exploding Pagers

Jasper, DJ and multiple other Conspiracy Realists reach out with first-hand knowledge on the bizarre hybrid sheep conspiracy. Mystery drones swarm US airspace. Max The Unblind hips the guys to an unfolding homicide in Kentucky, and T Bone provides an alternate theory on the exploding pagers attack. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.