Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: Episode Summary – "All Night Long"

Release Date: October 17, 2024

Introduction

In the "All Night Long" episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, host Aaron Mahnke delves into two intriguing and bizarre tales that highlight the unexplained and the extraordinary aspects of human history. Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild, this episode continues the tradition of offering bite-sized storytelling that captivates listeners with the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre.

Story 1: Albert Herpen – The Man Who Never Slept

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode with the enigmatic story of Albert Herpen, a man from Trenton, New Jersey, who reportedly did not sleep for nearly three decades.

Early Life and Discovery

Albert Herpen was born in France in 1862. Details about his early life remain sparse until the early 20th century when his peculiar condition gained public attention.

• 1904 New York Times Article: Herpen was listed as a hostler, responsible for tending horses at an inn. However, his notoriety stemmed from his chronic insomnia.

  "He listed his occupation as hostler or someone who tends to the horses at an inn." (00:41)

Chronic Insomnia and Public Fascination

Herpen claimed he had not slept in ten years, advocating against sleep itself. His condition was so unusual that it attracted the interest of multiple institutions.

• 1912 Evening World Newspaper: Herpen believed that a "nap of only 5 minutes duration would give him new life."

  "I believe a nap of only 5 minutes duration would give me new life." (03:15)

Despite his lack of sleep, reports claimed he was in perfect health:

"He is in perfect health and does not seem to suffer any discomfort from his remarkable condition." (04:10)

Possible Explanations and Skepticism

Experts suggest that Herpen might have experienced paradoxical insomnia, where he believed he was awake while actually being asleep. This raises questions about the veracity of the reports and whether Herpen truly defied the natural need for sleep.

• Comparative Cases: In 1964, a teenager set a world record by staying awake for 11 days, a feat that contradicts Herpen's claims.

Later Life and Legacy

Herpen lived to the age of 94, passing away in 1947. His later years were marked by solitude and financial difficulties, yet his legendary status as the man who never slept endures as a curious anomaly in the annals of history.

• Albert Herpen’s Statement on His Insomnia:

  "I just wouldn't close my eyes. Instead, I would rest fully awake, and then get up at 5 o'clock every morning to start the day again." (04:45)

Story 2: Operation Flagship – The Mass Arrest Hoax

The second narrative transports listeners to 1985, focusing on a deceptive scheme by the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team, a covert group of U.S. Marshals.

The Super Bowl Invitation Trap

In December 1985, Flagship International Sports Television sent out 3,000 invitations for a special brunch and a pair of free tickets to a Redskins vs. Bengals game. The event promised additional raffle prizes, including Super Bowl tickets.

• Invitation Details:
  • Invited to a brunch at the Washington Convention Center.
  • Complimentary game tickets.
  • Raffle entries for high-value prizes.

However, this was a facade orchestrated by the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team to apprehend wanted fugitives.

• Chief Deputy US Marshal Tobias Roche’s Strategy:

  "We needed a coordinated effort to capture the worst of the fugitives without the high costs and time-consuming nature of individual pursuits." (07:30)

The Great Deception

On December 15, 1985, 167 recipients responded eagerly, unaware that the event was a setup. Upon arrival, participants were ushered into a room where an MC, Louis McKinney, announced the "prizes"—a pair of handcuffs.

"You’ve all won a pair of handcuffs!" (08:10)

Immediately, U.S. Marshals discreetly arrested the attendees, revealing the true intent behind Operation Flagship.

Execution and Impact

This operation was replicated in New York and Connecticut, leading to the capture of over 3,300 fugitives during the 1980s, marking one of the largest mass arrest events in U.S. law enforcement history.

• Red Flags Ignored by Fugitives:
  • Invitation signed by I. Michael Detna ("wanted" spelled backward).
  • Business manager named Marcus Cran ("narc" spelled backward).
  • On-hold music featured "I Fought the Law."

"Despite all the warning signs, over 100 wanted criminals fell for the trap at the Washington Convention Center." (09:05)

Conclusion

"All Night Long" masterfully intertwines the peculiar tale of Albert Herpen with the cunning operation of the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team, showcasing the diverse spectrum of curiosities that populate human history. Aaron Mahnke's engaging storytelling, underscored by meticulous research and compelling narratives, invites listeners to remain ever curious about the world's hidden oddities.

As Mahnke aptly concludes:

"Trying to figure out the answer to that question, well, that's enough to keep you up at night." (04:50)

Notable Quotes

1. Albert Herpen’s Approach to Insomnia:

   "I just wouldn't close my eyes. Instead, I would rest fully awake, and then get up at 5 o'clock every morning to start the day again." (04:45)

2. Operation Flagship’s Rationale:

   "We needed a coordinated effort to capture the worst of the fugitives without the high costs and time-consuming nature of individual pursuits." (07:30)

3. Aaron Mahnke’s Closing Remark:

   "Trying to figure out the answer to that question, well, that's enough to keep you up at night." (04:50)

Additional Information

For those intrigued by these curiosities, the Cabinet of Curiosities book by Aaron Mahnke is available for purchase here, offering more stories that explore the unbelievable and the bizarre aspects of our world.

Stay curious and explore more captivating tales by subscribing to Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts or visiting the official website.