Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (297) Distance Runner

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes (297) Distance Runner
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This brief episode continues the tradition of showcasing fascinating and bizarre stories from history, in the style of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, as broadcast during radio's Golden Age. The focus is on two remarkable tales of endurance: the unique posthumous wish of a famed general and the legendary feats of a Norwegian distance runner.

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Key Discussion Points & Notable Segments

1. An Unusual Deathbed Request (00:33 – 00:50)

• General Jan Ziska, Bohemian Hussite leader, made a unique request upon his death:
  • He wished for his skin to be made into a military drum so that, "even after death he might still lead his soldiers against the Germans.”
  • This story illustrates themes of loyalty, devotion, and the strange ways leaders have tried to inspire their followers beyond the grave.

Quote:
"General Jan Ziska, Bohemian Hussite leader, had a strange request on his deathbed. He directed that his skin be made into a military drum so that even after death he might still lead his soldiers against the Germans."
— Narrator (00:33)

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2. The Ultimate Distance Runner: Menson Ernst (00:50 – 01:33)

• Menson Ernst, a Norwegian distance runner, was lauded as "the greatest long distance runner who ever lived."
  • Paris to Moscow in two weeks: Ernst ran between these cities—a remarkable feat considering the conditions ("over poor roads, in all kinds of weather"), and managed to swim 13 rivers en route.
  • Daily mileage: Averaged 125 miles a day for the Paris-Moscow run.
  • Even greater achievement: Ran from Constantinople to Calcutta and back, totaling 5,625 miles, averaging 95 miles a day for 59 days.
  • The emphasis is on the sheer physical and mental endurance required, especially under harsh and unpredictable circumstances.

Quote:
"Menson Ernst, the Norwegian, was the greatest long distance runner who ever lived. He ran from Paris to Moscow in two weeks over poor roads, in all kinds of weather and swam 13 rivers on the way. Yet he averaged 125 miles a day."
— Narrator (00:54)

Quote:
"He averaged 95 miles a day for 59 days in a race from Constantinople to Calcutta and returned a distance of 5,625 miles, believe it or not."
— Narrator (01:19)

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Memorable Moments

• The repetition of "believe it or not" cements the show's signature tone—challenging listeners to distinguish between improbable fact and fiction.
• Vivid descriptions conjure images of both the grisly drum made from human skin and the superhuman efforts of Menson Ernst.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "This is the truth. This is the place. Believe it or not, General Jan Ziska, Bohemian Hussite leader, had a strange request on his deathbed. He directed that his skin be made into a military drum so that even after death he might still lead his soldiers against the Germans." (00:33)
• "Menson Ernst, the Norwegian... ran from Paris to Moscow in two weeks over poor roads, in all kinds of weather and swam 13 rivers on the way. Yet he averaged 125 miles a day." (00:54)
• "He averaged 95 miles a day for 59 days in a race from Constantinople to Calcutta and returned a distance of 5,625 miles, believe it or not." (01:19)

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Final Thoughts

This episode delivers two rapid-fire but engrossing tales that blend history, legend, and human endurance, all wrapped in the classic "Believe It Or Not" style. The succinct storytelling invites listeners into a bygone era when radio captured the imagination with incredible, true stories that still amaze today.

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Note: Advertisements and unrelated segments (like breakfast foods and insurance mascots) have been omitted as per instructions.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling. Even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell, oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[B]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much. Good stuff. Truth is stranger than fiction.

[C]

This is the truth. This is the place. Believe it or not, General Jan Ziska, Bohemian Hussite leader, had a strange request on his deathbed. He directed that his skin be made into a military drum so that even after death he might still lead his soldiers against the Germans. And believe it or not, in a moment I'll tell you about a real distance runner. Menson Ernst, the Norwegian, was the greatest long distance runner who ever lived. He ran from Paris to Moscow in two weeks over poor roads, in all kinds of weather and swam 13 rivers on the way. Yet he averaged 125 miles a day. He averaged 95 miles a day for 59 days in a race from Constantinople to Calcutta and returned a distance of 5,625 miles, believe it or not.

[B]

And Doug, here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty Savings Barry Underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.