Podcast Summary: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - "Strange Wound"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (398): Strange Wound
Date: January 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this brief but fascinating installment of Ripley's Believe It Or Not, the host shares two remarkable true stories—one from Singapore and the other from 18th-century Scotland. Each tale centers on the theme of incredible human endurance and medical mystery, highlighting the show's signature blend of the bizarre and the unbelievable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unusual Birthday Ritual in Singapore

• Vijaya’s Unique Tradition:
  The episode opens with the story of Vijaya, a man from Singapore, who commemorates his birthday each year with a ritual involving piercing his skin.
  • "To celebrate each birthday, hangs another lemon, the symbol of the Hindu God Subramanya, on hooks embedded in his skin. Yet the wounds never bleed." [00:09]
• Spiritual Significance:
  The lemons represent the Hindu God Subramanya, and the ritual appears to have a spiritual dimension tied to faith and endurance.
• Mystery & Medical Curiosity:
  Notably, despite the recurring piercings, Vijaya’s wounds "never bleed," leaving listeners in awe and skepticism—true to the Ripley’s tradition.

2. The Extraordinary Wound of Colonel James Gardiner

• Battle of Ramillies, 1706:
  The narrative shifts to Colonel James Gardiner of Scotland, who survived a nearly miraculous war injury.
  • "While shouting commands, he had a bullet pass through his open mouth without injuring his teeth, his tongue, gums or palate. In fact, it virtually did no damage at all." [00:24]
• An Open Wound for Life:
  The bullet left a hole through the colonel’s neck that remained open until his death decades later.
  • "The slug passed out the back of his neck, leaving a hole that remained open until he died." [00:33]
• Ultimately, a Soldier’s Fate:
  Colonel Gardiner survived this uncanny wound and lived for 39 more years, eventually dying in a different battle from unrelated wounds—an outcome both tragic and incredible.
  • "The colonel died of other wounds in the Battle of presto pans, 39 years later. Believe it or not." [00:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of truth and strangeness:
  "Truth is stranger than fiction. This is the proof. This is Ripley, believe it or not." [00:00]
• On Vijaya’s ritual:
  "To celebrate each birthday hangs another lemon, the symbol of the Hindu God Subramanya, on hooks embedded in his skin. Yet the wounds never bleed." [00:09]
• On the miraculous war wound:
  "He had a bullet pass through his open mouth without injuring his teeth, his tongue, gums or palate." [00:24]
• On survival against all odds:
  "The slug passed out the back of his neck, leaving a hole that remained open until he died." [00:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00-00:08 — Introduction & set-up of the episode’s theme: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
• 00:09-00:20 — Story of Vijaya of Singapore and his birthday ritual
• 00:21-00:39 — Story of Colonel James Gardiner’s miraculous wound at the Battle of Ramillies

Episode Tone & Style

The host’s delivery remains matter-of-fact and slightly incredulous, matching the tone of traditional Ripley’s segments—blending wonder, skepticism, and awe. Each story is succinct yet evocative, designed to spark curiosity and disbelief.

Summary

In less than a minute, this Ripley's Believe It Or Not episode encapsulates the show’s enduring appeal: presenting true stories so unlikely they verge on the incredible. From spiritual rituals in Singapore to battlefield miracles in Scotland, listeners are left pondering the limits of human experience—and deciding for themselves whether to "believe it or not."