Ripley's Believe It Or Not – "12 Year Old Girl"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: November 27, 2025
Main Topic: Extraordinary accomplishments from history, featuring the story of Mary Anning—pioneering young paleontologist

Episode Overview

This episode of "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not" highlights remarkable historical feats, opening with a legendary act of heroism in 17th-century Germany and focusing on Mary Anning, a 12-year-old girl who made monumental contributions to the science of paleontology. Emphasizing the incredible talents and achievements of unexpected individuals, the episode invites listeners to "believe it or not" about these astonishing true stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Heroism in Georgian's Wall, Germany

• Story Highlighted:
  • The coat of arms from the town of Georgian's Wall, Germany, depicts a forester slaying a bear with a club.
• Historical Fact:
  • Caspar Common, in 1629, saved Duke Georg Wilhelm’s life by performing this feat.
  • His valiant act earned him the land that the town now occupies.
• Memorable Statement:
  • "Truth is stranger than fiction and this is the proof. This is Ripley's Believe It Or Not." – Narrator (00:30)
  • "Believe it or not." – Narrator (00:52)

2. Mary Anning: The Young Paleontologist

• Introduction to Mary Anning:
  • At just 12 years old, Mary Anning from Lyme Regis, England, made a discovery that would change the world of science.
• Key Contributions:
  • 1811: Dug up the first fossilized skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus (an extinct marine reptile).
  • Later, she uncovered the first fossilized skeletons of a Plesiosaurus and the first Pterodactyl found in England.
• Notable Quote:
  • "The true founder of the modern science of paleontology was a 12 year old girl named Mary Anning of Lyme regis, England. In 1811, Mary Anning dug up the first fossilized skeleton of an Ichthysaurus, an extinct reptile that flourished on Earth millions of years ago. Later in her life, she scooped out of the earth the first fossilized skeleton of a plesiosaurus and the first pterodactyl, believe it or not." – Narrator (00:53–01:34)
• Significance:
  • Showcases how groundbreaking work can come from anyone, regardless of age or background.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Truth is stranger than fiction and this is the proof. This is Ripley's Believe It Or Not."
  – Narrator (00:30)

• "Believe it or not."
  – Narrator (00:52, 01:34)

• "The true founder of the modern science of paleontology was a 12 year old girl named Mary Anning of Lyme regis, England."
  – Narrator (00:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Heroic Story from Germany (00:30–00:52)
• Introduction and Achievements of Mary Anning (00:53–01:34)

Episode Takeaways

• The episode underlines the theme that extraordinary achievements often come from the most unexpected places and people.
• The story of Mary Anning serves as an inspiring reminder of youth’s potential to shape science and history.
• Both historical anecdotes are delivered in the classic, dramatic narration style of “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,” underscoring the shocking, almost unbelievable nature of the stories.

Summary:
This brief but rich episode of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, presented on Harold’s Old Time Radio, walks listeners through two surprising historical accounts—forester Caspar Common’s legendary bear-slaying feat and the revolutionary fossil discoveries of a young Mary Anning. In just over a minute, the episode celebrates the theme that truth can be stranger than fiction and remarkable accomplishments can come from anyone, anywhere—believe it or not.