Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (361) Flies Save a City - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary2 min read

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.

Loading summary

Transcript3 lines

[00:01]
C
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.
[00:19]
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.
[00:30]
A
Truth is stranger than fiction. This is the truth. This is Ripley. Believe it or Not. 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. In a moment, I'll tell you how flies saved a city. In the 4th century, the city of Nisibis was completely surrounded by the Persians. Surrender was near and the people of the city were doomed. 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. They threw the Persian army into confusion and retreat. As a result, they lost. And the battle was won by flies. Believe it or not.