Podcast
Backstories You Didn't Ask For
Hosted by Jim Chase · EN
Welcome to "Backstories You Didn't Ask For," the podcast where history’s most peculiar and unexpected tales are brought to life with a healthy dose of humor and snark. Join your host, Jim Chase, as he uncovers the quirky origins of everyday objects, cultural phenomena, and forgotten inventors. From the invention of sliced bread to the curious world of Sea Monkeys, each episode offers a deep dive into the bizarre and amusing backstories you never knew you needed. Perfect for curious minds and fans of fun facts, "Backstories You Didn't Ask For" will leave you laughing, learning, and eagerly awaiting the next wild story. Tune in, subscribe, and get ready to explore the hilarious and unexpected corners of history.
5episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"Feathered Fiasco: The Emu War Chronicles"
Jul 30, 202400:12:49Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this hilariously absurd episode of "Backstories You Didn't Ask For," host Jim Chase dives into the bizarre historical event known as the Great Emu War. Yes, you heard that right – a war against emus. Join us as we explore how a bunch of oversized, flightless birds managed to outsmart the Australian military in a battle for the ages. With a mix of historical facts, snarky commentary, and a healthy dose of humor, we'll uncover how this unlikely conflict turned into a feathered fiasco. From the government's desperate call for military intervention to the emus' unexpected triumph, this episode is a wild ride through one of history's most comically unsuccessful campaigns. Perfect for history buffs and comedy lovers alike, this episode is sure to leave you laughing and shaking your head at the sheer absurdity of it all. Don't miss out on this tale of military mishaps and bird-brained antics!
Transcribe →The Great Frisbee Fling: How a Pie Tin Took Over the World
Jul 22, 202400:11:21Tap to summarizeSend us a textEver wondered how a humble pie tin became the flying saucer of suburbia? Join Jim Chase in this hilarious deep dive into the wild and wacky history of the Frisbee. From its origins as a dessert container to becoming the ultimate symbol of carefree fun, we'll explore the marketing genius, scientific quirks, and cultural impact of this iconic plastic disc. Expect plenty of laughs, surprising trivia, and a new appreciation for your dog's favorite toy. Tune in and get ready to be flabbergasted by "The Great Frisbee Fling: How a Pie Tin Took Over the World!"
Transcribe →"Bear Necessities: The Unbearably Cute History of Teddy Bears"
Jul 15, 202400:14:22Tap to summarizeSend us a textJoin Jim Chase as he snuggles up to the surprisingly rich and snark-worthy backstory of everyone's favorite childhood companion: the teddy bear. From a president’s act of mercy to a global phenomenon, teddy bears have seen it all. Discover how a tied-up bear, a candy shop owner, and a seamstress from Germany stitched themselves into the fabric of toy history. Whether you still sleep with one or think they're just dust collectors, this episode will have you hugging your old teddy a little tighter. Tune in for laughs, surprising twists, and a whole lot of fluff. Remember to rate and review – because just like teddy bears, we thrive on being loved and appreciated!
Transcribe →"Slinky: The Accidental Stair-Master"
Jul 11, 202400:10:38Tap to summarizeSend us a textEver wonder how a glorified metal spring became a childhood icon? In this episode of "Backstories You Didn't Ask For," host Jim Chase takes you on a hilarious, snark-filled journey through the unexpected history of the Slinky. Discover how a naval engineer's clumsy mistake during World War II led to one of the most beloved toys of all time. We'll delve into the quirky life of Richard James, the genius behind the Slinky, and celebrate the real hero, Betty James, who turned a simple coil of metal into a cultural phenomenon. From its memorable jingle to its cameos in pop culture and even its space adventures, this episode unravels the Slinky's legacy in all its coiled glory. Tune in for a wild ride of fun facts, historical tidbits, and a hefty dose of snark as we explore the toy that took the world by storm, one step at a time. Don't miss "Slinky: The Accidental Stair-Master"—because sometimes the best ideas come from dropping things on the floor.
Transcribe →
"The Greatest Thing Since... You Know the Rest"
Jul 10, 202400:12:00Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this snark-filled episode of "Backstories You Didn't Ask For," host Jim Chase slices into the surprisingly fascinating history of sliced bread. Discover how Otto Frederick Rohwedder, a jeweler with a penchant for precision, revolutionized the way we eat with his ingenious bread-slicing machine. From the chaos of pre-sliced bread days to the dramatic debut of the first pre-sliced loaf in 1928, Jim unravels the crumbs of this pivotal invention. Learn about the clever marketing strategies that made sliced bread a household staple, and explore the quirky cultural impacts that followed. Packed with humor, intriguing anecdotes, and a toast to innovation, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the simple, yet revolutionary, sliced bread. Tune in and toast to the greatest thing since... you know the rest!
Transcribe →