Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes (361) Flies Save a City
Date: November 19, 2025

Main Theme

This brief episode in the “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” series presents a quirky and historical anecdote: the unlikely story of how an insect swarm—flies and gnats—was credited with saving the ancient city of Nisibis from Persian invaders, illustrating the show’s enduring motto that "truth is stranger than fiction."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unusual Pet Statistics

• The episode opens with a classic “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” fact, setting the quirky tone:
  • There are, according to a survey, 28 million pet cats and only 23 million dogs in the United States.
  • This highlights the unexpected (but factual) popularity of cats over dogs in the US.

2. The Main Story – Flies Save a City

• Historical Setting (00:30-01:10):
  • In the 4th century, the city of Nisibis was under siege by a Persian army.
  • As defeat seemed imminent, St. James, the city’s bishop, prayed for a miracle.
• The Miraculous Event:
  • “Clouds of gnats and flies seemed to appear from nowhere, swarming over the Persian hordes.” (A, 01:01)
  • The pests caused chaos in the enemy ranks, throwing them into confusion and forcing a retreat.
• Outcome:
  • Thanks to the intervention of the insects, the siege was broken, and the city was saved.
  • The tale concludes with classic Ripley’s style, “As a result, they lost. And the battle was won by flies. Believe it or not.” (A, 01:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pet Popularity:

  • “In case you didn’t know it, cats are more popular than dogs in the United States. There are? According to a survey, 28 million pet cats and only 23 million dogs. Believe it or not.” (A, 00:30)

• On the Battle of Nisibis:

  • “St. James, then the bishop of the besieged city, prayed that God would defeat the Persian army. And then a strange thing happened. Clouds of gnats and flies seemed to appear from nowhere, swarming over the Persian hordes.” (A, 00:57)
  • “The battle was won by flies. Believe it or not.” (A, 01:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:30: Opening “Believe it or not” cat-and-dog fact
• 00:44: Introduction to the siege of Nisibis
• 00:57: Description of St. James’ prayer and the sudden arrival of flies and gnats
• 01:12: Conclusion—flies cause the Persians’ retreat

Tone and Style

The tone matches the original Ripley’s broadcasts: factual yet whimsical, with a flair for oddities and the unexpected. The delivery is brisk but engaging, making even the brief story both memorable and fun—"Believe it or not."

Summary Takeaway

In a single, quirky minute, “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” blends trivia with history, revealing that sometimes, victory depends not on strength or strategy, but on the buzzing power of the humble fly—making listeners marvel once again at the strangeness of truth.