Ridiculous History

iHeartPodcasts

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio. read less

Our Editor's Take

Ridiculous History is a podcast that lives up to its title. It explores some of the most bizarre and absurd stories from throughout history. Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown cohost this podcast. The show guides listeners on an entertaining journey through time. The host talk about strange tales that are often overlooked in traditional historical accounts.

Most episodes discuss a different topic each week. But some topics get more than a single episode of coverage. Topics range from forgotten inventions to unusual events and everything in between. Episode titles like "Weird Epidemics, Part One: From Sweating to Pokemon" set the scene for the show. The Ridiculous History podcast hosts have a unique blend of humor and curiosity. This helps to bring these stories to life, making them accessible for all types of audiences.

One example includes the story—make that stories—behind breakfast cereals. Another episode explains the odd custom of smashing cakes at wedding receptions. Ridiculous History also talks about dancing manias. More traditional history topics get discussed as well on this podcast. Who were the men who tried to be president, but failed? Why did the US government ask the Mafia for help in World War II? This show has the answers.

Bowlin and Brown add humor to history on this podcast. Ridiculous History has many fun stories that listeners may enjoy—and share with their friends. The show adds depth beyond what listeners can find online or in books alone. This makes the program both informative and enjoyable. It is a good listen for anyone looking for an engaging way to learn more about the world's past. New episodes featuring these weird anecdotes get released several times each week.

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A History of Roller Coasters, Part Two: Higher, Faster, More Expensive

A History of Roller Coasters, Part Two: Higher, Faster, More Expensive

In the history of roller coasters, one thing became clear: the public wanted extremes -- the fastest, the highest, the most dangerous of rides. In part two of this week's series, the guys explore the rise of the first legitimate roller coaster tycoon, and ask their fellow Ridiculous Historians for help finding the best roller coasters of the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

A History of Roller Coasters, Part Two: Higher, Faster, More Expensive

A History of Roller Coasters, Part Two: Higher, Faster, More Expensive

In the history of roller coasters, one thing became clear: the public wanted extremes -- the fastest, the highest, the most dangerous of rides. In part two of this week's series, the guys explore the rise of the first legitimate roller coaster tycoon, and ask their fellow Ridiculous Historians for help finding the best roller coasters of the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A History of Roller Coasters, Part One: Early Ups and Downs

A History of Roller Coasters, Part One: Early Ups and Downs

If you described the concept of a roller coaster to an alien, they'd probably be baffled: Why on Earth are humans purposely recreated the sensation of falling, flying and -- quite possibly -- feeling close to death? In the first part of this special two-part series, the guys explore the origin story of modern roller coasters, from the old days of "Russian Mountains" to an amusement arms race that continues today: the ongoing quest to build the biggest, highest, fastest rides on the planet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: London Made a Train for the Dead

CLASSIC: London Made a Train for the Dead

In the mid-19th century, London was literally filling with corpses. When the city was in the grips of a cholera epidemic, the already-overfilled cemetaries couldn't handle the extra bodies. So when there's literally no room in the soil for another dead body, what's a city to do? To the creators of the London Necropolis Railway, the answer was simple -- build a train for the dead. Tune in to learn some grisly, ridiculous history with Ben and Noel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Page-turning Evolution of the Encyclopædia Britannica

The Page-turning Evolution of the Encyclopædia Britannica

In a burst of meta-humor, the Encyclopædia Britannica defines encyclopædia as "reference work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or that treats a particular branch of knowledge in a comprehensive manner." It's high praise -- but if there's any single book that's earned the right to describe itself this way, it's this one. Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max delve into the history of one of the world's most famous reference works (and check out our earlier episode on the Oxford English Dictionary, as well).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ridiculous History of Worcestershire Sauce

A Ridiculous History of Worcestershire Sauce

It's tangy. It's salty. It's sweet. It's unctuous... but what exactly is Worcestershire sauce? Join Ben, Noel and Max on their continuing condiment journey as they explore the bizarre origin story of one of the world's most famous (and, arguably, strangest) sauces in today's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Roald Dahl: Children's Author and Secret Agent

CLASSIC: Roald Dahl: Children's Author and Secret Agent

Today author Roald Dahl is best-known for his prolific writing career -- but, as it turns out, he lived an entirely different life before he ever put pen to paper to create children's stories. Learn more about Roald Dahl's earlier life as a fighter ace, a legendary ladies man, and a World War II-era spy (seriously, like a real-life James Bond!) in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micronations: How Liechtenstein Became A Country

Micronations: How Liechtenstein Became A Country

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country out in the alpines -- and while it's a tiny nation, it has an enormous depth of history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of micronations with the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Are There So Many Captain Marvels?

Why Are There So Many Captain Marvels?

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's... "definitely not Superman." At least, that's what Fawcett Comics told the courts, beginning a multigenerational, multiversal saga of strangeness that continues in the modern day. In today's episode, the guys ask: Why are there so many Captain Marvels?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: When did ALL-CAPS type become YELLING?

CLASSIC: When did ALL-CAPS type become YELLING?

You've seen them before, whether in forwarded spam email, a strangely passionate TikTok comment: THE DREADED ALL-CAPS TYPER.Where does this practice come from? How did everyone agree that typing in ALL CAPS means you're yelling at someone via text? Join the gang in this classic episode as they... FIND OUT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look at Us, Late to the Ridiculous History of Easter

Look at Us, Late to the Ridiculous History of Easter

Easter! It's a big deal, all across the world. And just like earlier celebrations of spirituality, it's been commodified in the United States. In today's episode, Ben, Max, and Noel sneak into the Sunday service just a bit late to explore how the ancient commemorations of rebirth gave rise to one of Christianity's most important holy days -- while also figuring where the heck this huge rabbit costume and egg hunt came from. Apologies to every substitute teacher playing this in class: we only tell the truth, and we tell it ridiculous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royal Deaths, Part Four: The Unfortunate Lives of Scottish Kings

Royal Deaths, Part Four: The Unfortunate Lives of Scottish Kings

Have you ever shown off your favorite cannon, or deparately rode a horse through the night for a little birthday romance? If so, thank your lucky stars you didn't go out like two particularly unlucky Scottish kings. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore the ridiculous deaths of royals in today's "Whoops, All Scotland" episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Delaware Wedge, Part Two: The Wedge and The Horn

The Delaware Wedge, Part Two: The Wedge and The Horn

As early miscalculations and subsequent confusion continued to build, Delaware found itself in a three-state beef over a tiny section of land -- and though the land itself might not be a large chunk of real estate, the beef it produced led to dangerous conflict more than once. Would the newly-minted US be able to resolve this internal discord without an inter-state war? Learn more in the second part of this two-part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Delaware Wedge, Part One: A Tiny State with Massive History

The Delaware Wedge, Part One: A Tiny State with Massive History

Although it's the second-smallest state in the US, don't let Delaware's diminutive geography fool you. This state has a tremendous economy, and loads of ridiculous history in its past. In this week's special two-part series, the guys dive into the history of a strange conflict that bedeviled the state from its early days all the way into the 20th century -- a contentious, tiny piece of land that almost led to open combat: this is the story of the Delaware Wedge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back to the Choo-ture: the Enduring Nostalgia of Model Trains

Back to the Choo-ture: the Enduring Nostalgia of Model Trains

What is it about model trains that so captivates people, young and old alike? How did they start as an icon of innovation, and then become such a treasured piece of nostalgia over time? In today's episode, the gang explores the history of model trains from centuries past to the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PEZ: Candy or Anti-smoking Aid?

PEZ: Candy or Anti-smoking Aid?

The Austrian candy brand Pez is perhaps more well-known for its iconic dispensers than for the candy itself. While they may seem commonplace today, these tablet-shaped bricks have a surprising origin story. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the original purpose of Pez: part candy, yes -- but also an innovative way to help Austrians stop smoking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part Two: What's Past is Prologue

Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part Two: What's Past is Prologue

What happened to the payphone? Were you also stunned the first time you saw Abe Lincoln without a beard? In the second part of this special two-part series, Mo Rocca explores the strange passage of the past to the present, and what we carry with us along the way. Join Ben, Noel, Max and Mo as they learn more about Mobituaries and the art of storytelling with a soul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part One: Mo Eulogizes The Pager

Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part One: Mo Eulogizes The Pager

In the world of journalism and literature, there's nothing quite like the obituary. Sometimes called the first draft of history, an obituary can function as a love letter, a condemnation -- but, perhaps more than anything, a portrait of a person gone from this mortal plane. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join the legendary journalist, author, correspondent and podcaster Mo Rocca, host of Mobituaries, to learn more about this unique genre of literature, from the history of obituaries to the art of crafting them. (Spoiler: Mo extemporaneously composes the definitive obituary of the pager in this one.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awful Candy, Part Two: Peeps, Licorice, Wax Lips and More

Awful Candy, Part Two: Peeps, Licorice, Wax Lips and More

Are you a fan of licorice? Have you ever encountered wax lips in the wild? Where do you stand in the great Peeps debate? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore some of the world's most divisive candy in the second part of this special two-part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awful Candy, Part One: Tootsie Rolls Saved the War -- and Divided the World

Awful Candy, Part One: Tootsie Rolls Saved the War -- and Divided the World

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, odds are you probably have some strong opinions about candy. Following up (finally!) on their earlier Halloween conversation, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the most divisive candies on the planet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It Is Literally Time For The Leap Year Episode

It Is Literally Time For The Leap Year Episode

Let's be honest: leap year sounds pretty nuts when you explain it. We have the regular 365-day year three times in a row, but every fourth year we add one extra day in February. (With... several other notable caveats.) Join Ben, Noel and Max as they figure out where leap year came from, why it's a thing, and whether it's still genuinely better than nothing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.