Episode Summary: "Boxed In" – Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host: Erin Menke and Aaron Mahnke
Production: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction to the Unexplained

The episode "Boxed In" opens with Erin Menke welcoming listeners to Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, setting the stage for a journey into the bizarre and the extraordinary. Aaron Mahnke emphasizes the wealth of unexplained phenomena throughout history, inviting listeners to explore the hidden tales that lie within our collective past.

Story 1: Broadcasting the Dempsey-Carpentier Fight (00:47 – 05:59)

Overview:
The first narrative delves into the pioneering efforts to broadcast the legendary boxing match between Jack Dempsey and George Carpentier in 1921. This story highlights the intersection of emerging radio technology and the burgeoning entertainment industry.

Key Points:

• J. Andrew White's Ambition: At 31, J. Andrew White, a seasoned radio expert from the Radio Corporation of America, seizes the opportunity to broadcast the fight, aiming to demonstrate radio's potential beyond hobbyist circles.
  Aaron Mahnke notes, "White knew that this would prove that the technology deserved a wider place in society" (02:15).

• Securing the Transmitter: White collaborates with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to borrow a Navy transmitter, offering a share of the profits in return.
  Mahnke recounts, "The young future president believed in helping civilian projects whenever he could" (03:05).

• Overcoming Challenges: Faced with AT&T's obstruction, which refused to allow the use of their telephone lines, White devises an ingenious workaround involving live ringside commentary transmitted via telephone, complemented by sound effects to enhance the listener's experience.
  "They were completely drawn in," Mahnke states, highlighting the success of this makeshift solution (04:30).

• Impact and Legacy: The broadcast not only captivates audiences nationwide but also catalyzes a surge in radio sales, solidifying radio's place in entertainment history.
  A poignant moment occurs when Mahnke reflects, "Men like J. Andrew White and Jo Smith let their curiosity guide them and it changed entertainment forever" (05:45).

Notable Incident:
During the broadcast, assistant Jo Smith suffers an accident when a transmitter tube explodes, leading to temporary blindness and burnt hands. Despite his injuries, Smith successfully concludes the live commentary, underscoring the perilous nature of early broadcasting endeavors.

Story 2: The Tragedy of Nutty Putty Cave (07:35 – 12:00)

Overview:
The second story shifts to the realm of extreme cave diving, recounting the tragic incident at Utah's Nutty Putty Cave where diver John Jones lost his life. This narrative explores the fine line between human curiosity and the inherent dangers of pushing physical limits.

Key Points:

• Nutty Putty Cave's Challenges: Discovered in 1960, Nutty Putty Cave is infamous for its extremely narrow passages, posing significant risks to even the most experienced divers.
  Erin Menke describes it as “only one of those passageways contains a body, one that will forever be trapped upside down” (11:45).

• The Jones Brothers' Expedition: In 2009, brothers Josh and John Jones embark on a cave dive to relive childhood memories. Their ambition leads them into an uncharted, tighter section of the cave known as the birth canal.
  John Jones realizes the severity of their misdirection: "He thought the cave would open up there where he could turn back around" (09:20).

• The Incident: John becomes trapped upside down in an impossibly narrow space, with both arms immobilized. Efforts to rescue him prove futile due to the cave's restrictive dimensions.
  Erin Menke conveys the desperation of the situation: "John was at such an angle that he couldn't be pulled out without breaking his legs" (10:50).

• Rescue Efforts and Outcome: Despite the rescue team's determination, including attempts to use pulleys and even power tools, John Jones succumbs to his injuries after enduring hours trapped.
  Mahnke solemnly states, "John Jones passed away just before midnight" (11:30).

• Aftermath and Closure: The tragedy leads to the permanent sealing of Nutty Putty Cave, with a memorial plaque serving as a grim reminder of the limits of human exploration.
  A reflective Mahnke concludes, "It's a curious tomb... forever trapped upside down" (11:55).

Themes Explored:

• Human Curiosity vs. Safety: The story underscores the risks of pushing boundaries without adequate preparation or respect for inherent dangers.
• Legacy and Remembrance: The memorialization of John Jones serves as both a tribute and a cautionary tale for future adventurers.

Conclusion: Embracing Curiosity

Aaron Mahnke wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to remain curious and appreciative of the ingenuity that drives human progress, whether in technological advancements or the daring pursuits of exploration. The dual narratives of radio innovation and cave diving tragedy illustrate the profound impact of curiosity—both its potential to transform societies and its capacity to lead to unforeseen consequences.

As Mahnke aptly puts it, "Stay curious" (12:00), leaving listeners with a thoughtful invitation to explore the unknown responsibly.

Additional Information:

• Subscribe and Learn More: Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or visit curiositiespodcast.com for more intriguing stories.
• Creator's Notes: Aaron Mahnke highlights his other projects, including the award-winning Lore podcast, book series, and television show.

Notable Quotes

• "White knew that this would prove that the technology deserved a wider place in society." — Aaron Mahnke (02:15)
• "They were completely drawn in." — Aaron Mahnke (04:30)
• "Men like J. Andrew White and Jo Smith let their curiosity guide them and it changed entertainment forever." — Aaron Mahnke (05:45)
• "He thought the cave would open up there where he could turn back around." — Erin Menke (09:20)
• "John was at such an angle that he couldn't be pulled out without breaking his legs." — Erin Menke (10:50)
• "John Jones passed away just before midnight." — Erin Menke (11:30)
• "It's a curious tomb... forever trapped upside down." — Aaron Mahnke (11:55)
• "Stay curious." — Aaron Mahnke (12:00)

Final Thoughts

"Boxed In" masterfully intertwines tales of technological ingenuity and human exploration, illustrating how curiosity can both propel society forward and pose profound risks. Through meticulous storytelling and evocative narratives, Erin Menke and Aaron Mahnke invite listeners to ponder the delicate balance between innovation and safety, celebrating the spirit of curiosity that defines the Cabinet of Curiosities.