Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not – 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (393) Waist More Than Height
Date: December 27, 2025
Theme: Astounding but true historical oddities—in classic Golden Age radio style.

Episode Overview

This brief episode of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" takes listeners back to the quirky and astonishing tales from history, focusing on two remarkable oddities: an athletic feat involving a college football player, and the almost unbelievable proportions of a 17th-century Dutch governor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Unbelievable (00:30)

• The narrator sets the tone: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
• Emphasis is placed on the show's mission: presenting facts so improbable that they beg to be doubted—yet are entirely true.

2. The Swimming Touchdown (00:33–00:48)

• Story: E. Cooke, a halfback for Oklahoma University, managed to score a touchdown by retrieving a blocked kick that landed in a river behind the goalposts. Cook dived in, swam after the ball, and returned it across the goal line.
• Memorable Quote:

  “E. Cooke, Oklahoma University halfback swam to a touchdown. A blocked kick fell into a river behind the goal posts and Cook swam the ball back for a touchdown. Believe it or not.” — Narrator, 00:33

3. The Man Whose Waist Exceeded His Height (00:50–01:29)

• Subject: Wouter van Twiller, second governor of New Netherlands (modern-day New York), 1633–1638.
• Incredible Stat: Van Twiller stood 5 feet 6 inches tall, but his waist measured 6 feet 5 inches in circumference—meaning he was “wider than he was tall.”
• Historical Color:
  • Van Twiller reportedly devoted 16 hours each day to eating and sleeping, a habit that led to complaints from the colony’s residents and his eventual recall to Holland.
• Memorable Quotes:

  “Wouter was the second governor of New Netherlands from 1633 to 1638. He was 5ft 6 inches tall and 6ft 5 inches in circumference, making his waistline measure more than his height.” — Narrator, 01:06
  “Van Twiller was recalled to Holland on the complaint of residents of New Netherlands that he spent 16 hours each day just eating and sleeping. Believe it or not.” — Narrator, 01:21

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Show’s Purpose:
  “This is the proof. This is the place. Believe it or not.” — Narrator, 00:32
• Surprise & Light-Hearted Tone:
  The classic “Believe it or not” refrain is delivered with an air of amused disbelief, perfectly capturing the show’s signature mood.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:30: Introduction—“Truth is stranger than fiction.”
• 00:33 – 00:48: E. Cooke’s swimming touchdown
• 00:50 – 01:29: Wouter van Twiller’s curious proportions and personal habits

Language & Tone

The narration retains its classic, matter-of-fact delivery but tinged with playful incredulity—a hallmark of “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.” The language is crisp, focused on astonishing details, and invites the audience to be dazzled by history’s oddities.

Conclusion

Despite its brevity, this episode showcases the blend of historical fact and entertainment that defined old-time radio curiosities. From a literal deep dive for a football touchdown to the prodigious circumference of a colonial governor, this installment delivers both amusement and amazement—reminding listeners that truth really can be stranger than fiction.