Patreon Preview #308: This Day In History 5

Summary

Podcast Title: Hey Riddle Riddle
Episode: Patreon Preview #308: This Day In History 5
Hosts: Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, John Patrick Coan
Release Date: January 31, 2025

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Overview

In this Patreon Preview episode of Hey Riddle Riddle, the hosts delve into significant events that occurred on January 31st throughout history. The discussion seamlessly blends historical facts with improvisational humor, characteristic of the show's unique style. The episode covers groundbreaking moments in space exploration, commemorates International Magic Day, and features creative improvisational scenes that highlight the hosts' comedic talents.

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1. Space Exploration: Ham the Chimp's Historic Flight

The episode kicks off with a spotlight on January 31, 1961, marking the launch of Ham the Chimp—the first hominid—to space. The hosts recreate a scene depicting NASA's efforts to train Ham for his suborbital mission, serving as a precursor to human space travel.

• Reenactment of Training Scene:

  • [00:02] JPC: Introduces Ham the Chimp's mission, emphasizing its significance in human space exploration.
  • [00:27] JPC: Assigns roles, stating, "JPC you are Ham the Chimp. Aaron, you are one of the NASA astronauts who is trying to train Ham for his trip to space."

• Humorous Dialogue Highlights:

  • [01:07] Pam: Jokes about smoking cigarettes in space, saying, "Hold on. And where in the suit? I know I can't smoke on the suit, but I can take the suit off."
  • [02:07] Pam: Responds to the safety concerns humorously, "Why not?" leading to a playful exchange about the impossibility of smoking in the confined space capsule.

• Notable Quote:

  • [03:48] Pam: "Oh, boy. Hey, you know what? Get me this base. You know what I'm saying? I did not know what was going."

The scene humorously underscores the challenges and absurdities of early space missions, blending factual history with comedic improvisation.

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2. Reflections on Space Missions and Ethical Considerations

The hosts transition into discussing the aftermath of Ham's mission, touching upon the moral implications of using animals in space exploration.

• Discussion Points:

  • [04:15] JPC: Mentions the retrieval of Ham, stating, "They got him back to an earth upstate."
  • [04:35] JPC: Playfully speculates about the fate of the monkey in space, "Aaron, listen to yourself. Of course there's a dead monkey."

• Notable Quote:

  • [04:53] Chris: Expresses concern, "I can't remember if there is the dead monkey up there. Or if they planned for the thing to re-enter the atmosphere."

The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas faced during the early days of space exploration, questioning the treatment of animals and the unforeseen consequences of such missions.

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3. International Magic Day: Honoring Harry Houdini

Shifting gears, the hosts celebrate International Magic Day, commemorating the legendary magician Harry Houdini's death anniversary on January 31st.

• Discussion Highlights:

  • [05:58] JPC: Announces, "Looks like. In January 31st is international magic Day. This day celebrates magic and magicians worldwide as it marks the anniversary of the death of the legendary magician Harry Houdini."
  • [06:16] Aaron: Suggests an alternative commemoration date, "Why not have it on his birthday?"

• Notable Quote:

  • [06:25] JPC: Shares an interesting fact about Houdini, "He left like instructions. He's one of the rare people who left... he was like, I will try and contact my wife."

The segment pays homage to Houdini's legacy, blending historical facts with the hosts' signature humor and personal insights.

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4. Improvisational Scene: The Magician's Perilous Trick

Demonstrating their improvisational prowess, the hosts create a fictional scenario involving a magician performing a dangerous trick that goes awry.

• Scene Setup:

  • [06:54] Aaron: Requests, "I'd like to see a scene. Adol, you're a magician and you're in the middle of a show..."
  • [07:09] JPC: Enters the scene as an audience member, "Thank you so much for coming up. And we've never met, right?"

• Interactive Dialogue:

  • [07:15] Chris (as Chris Hindleman): Provides humorous backstory, "I am an optometrist's receptionist. I work at a lenscrafter."
  • [08:49] Chris: Plays along, "I run my finger right across the cheetah."

• Notable Quote:

  • [09:20] JPC: Adds a playful twist, "Who is she? I'm your guy, not my wife."

The improvisational scene showcases the hosts' chemistry and ability to create engaging, humorous narratives on the spot, enriching the episode's overall entertainment value.

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5. Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the blend of historical events and creative storytelling, reinforcing the show's theme of intertwining facts with fun.

• Final Remarks:
  • [09:22] Chris: Signs off with a typical podcast call-to-action, encouraging listeners to engage further through Patreon.

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Key Takeaways

• Historical Integration: The episode effectively blends historical facts with improvisational comedy, making educational content entertaining.

• Ethical Reflections: Discussions around Ham the Chimp's mission prompt listeners to ponder the ethical dimensions of early space exploration.

• Tribute to Magic: Honoring Harry Houdini's legacy adds a poignant touch, celebrating the art of magic and its impact on culture.

• Improv Excellence: The hosts' ability to create engaging scenes on the fly highlights their skill in improvisational humor.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• JPC [00:02]: "Ham the Chimp, the first hominid, launched into space."

• Pam [01:07]: "Hold on. And where in the suit? I know I can't smoke on the suit, but I can take the suit off."

• JPC [03:48]: "Oh, boy. Hey, you know what? Get me this base. You know what I'm saying? I did not know what was going."

• JPC [04:35]: "Aaron, listen to yourself. Of course there's a dead monkey."

• JPC [06:54]: "I'd like to see a scene. Adol, you're a magician and you're in the middle of a show..."

• JPC [07:15]: "I see what you. Very, very funny."

• Chris [09:20]: "Who is she? I'm your guy, not my wife."

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This episode of Hey Riddle Riddle masterfully combines historical insights with comedic improvisation, offering listeners both education and entertainment. Whether discussing the pioneering space missions of the 1960s or paying tribute to magic legends, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging narrative that captivates and informs.

Transcript

[JPC]

Here are some things that happen on January 31st throughout the ages. January 31st, 1961. Ham the Chimp, the first hominid, launched into space. The United States launched him on a suborbital flight as a precursor to human space travel. I do want to see a scene.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Chris]

His name is Ham the Chimp.

[JPC]

Ham. H A m. Ham the Chimp.

[Chris]

Okay.

[JPC]

I do want to see a scene. Jpc you are Ham the Chimp. Aaron, you are one of the NASA astronauts who is trying to train Ham for his trip to space. And that's the scene we see now.

[Aaron]

Okay.

[Pam]

Okay.

[Aaron]

Now that we got your inner ear acclimated, I think you're about ready.

[Pam]

Cigarette?

[Aaron]

Sorry?

[Pam]

Cigarette?

[Aaron]

No, you can't smoke, Pam.

[Pam]

It's 1960. I could, right?

[Aaron]

Yeah, but your lungs and you definitely. You know you can't smoke when you're in there, right? Because you can't open a window.

[Pam]

Hold on. And where in the suit? I know I can't smoke on the suit, but I can take the suit off.

[Aaron]

No. Oh, Ham. Oh, yeah. Okay. So we took you from a zoo and you don't really know what's going on. I forgot.

[Pam]

I knew I could smoke as a zoo.

[Aaron]

Right, right. How to say this? Should I lie? You're about to go into this little box, and then the box is sort of gonna shake, right? It's gonna be like. And then.

[Pam]

Oh, my cigarettes, they're gonna get all loose.

[Aaron]

Yeah. They're gonna shakes, and then they're gonna be sort of floating around and then you'll explode if you light a cigarette up there.

[Pam]

Hold on, hold on. Step back. I'll explode if I light a cigarette up there. So I have to light all my cigarettes before.

[Aaron]

You're not taking any cigarettes with you. What?

[Pam]

Why not?

[Aaron]

Because we have to have you, like, sort of baseline. We're just sort of just. We're seeing if you kind of implode and your organs turn to jelly.

[Pam]

Smoking or cigarette over there.

[Aaron]

Yeah, but he's cool, you know.

[JPC]

Hey, kid, good luck.

[Aaron]

We're just trying to see if your organs turn to jelly. Right. And we won't be able to really tell if you're sort of messing with the specimen. You're the specimen.

[Pam]

Okay. So I'm like. Oh, I'm like a little. I'm like a little project for you.

[Aaron]

Yeah. And. Oh, you also can't jerk up when you're up there. No jerking off, no smoking cigarettes, no swearing.

[Pam]

No swearing.

[JPC]

Ms. Sullivan? Yes, Director Sullivan. We've brought the.

[Aaron]

Yeah, I'm a doctor in the 60s. And I'm a woman. Can you believe I'm helping people to get to space? Can you believe it?

[JPC]

I am polite to your face. But I talk about you terribly around the office when you're to the other. We brought the monkey's wife. We assume it's its wife. It's. We just found another monkey.

[Aaron]

Okay.

[JPC]

To say goodbye.

[Aaron]

Yeah, Give him a minute.

[Pam]

Don't go. Who the hell are you? Wait, are you. What's your name? They call me Ham. Okay.

[Aaron]

So beautiful to watch.

[Pam]

I'm Turkey the monkey. I don't know what name. My name is Jumps. Oh, I see what this is.

[Chris]

This is kind of like I. I.

[Pam]

Can'T jerk off up there.

[Chris]

Kind of like a conjugal monkey visit before I go to space.

[Pam]

Yeah. I have a baby.

[JPC]

This is Seesaw.

[Pam]

Say hello to your dad.

[Aaron]

What up, King?

[Pam]

Oh, boy. Hey, you know what? Get me this base. You know what I'm saying? I did not know what was going.

[JPC]

On scene January 31st. Just not a certain.

[Aaron]

I have a quick question. When did we go to the moon?

[JPC]

69, 57.

[Aaron]

69. Maybe we can't go down. I think that's about it. But a monkey went nine years before a person.

[JPC]

The monkey went. We all saw what happened to it. And then it took nine years for everyone to build up the courage.

[Aaron]

What happened to. Did they get him back to earth?

[JPC]

Yeah, Aaron, they got him back to an earth upstate.

[Aaron]

Did they?

[JPC]

This beautiful green Earth upstate.

[Aaron]

Did they send a monkey into space and then it's just in space forever? Is there a dead monkey floating up there?

[JPC]

Aaron, listen to yourself. Of course there's a dead monkey.

[Aaron]

You. Seriously, guys. I guess that makes sense because how would he land?

[JPC]

Aaron, this monkey ain't working the control panel.

[Chris]

They.

[Pam]

Well, no.

[Aaron]

Oh my God. There's a dead monkey in a box in space. What if aliens find that.

[Chris]

I can't remember if there is the dead monkey up there. Or if they planned for the thing to re enter the atmosphere. But they did not plan for a live monkey to re enter the atmosphere. If that makes sense.

[JPC]

What? Oh my God.

[Pam]

Aaron.

[JPC]

I just. Oh, jpc. Aaron, I just realized something. We didn't send a monkey into space and now there's a dead monkey in space. We sent Robbie Williams into space and now there's a dead Robbie Williams in space.

[Chris]

Now what is this thing? Cause it's like. This is like a. I've seen like a picture of a movie where someone's a monkey.

[JPC]

I've seen a picture of a Movie gbc.

[Aaron]

Now that you're a dad, I think it's our responsibility to protect you from 90% of what's going on in the Internet. We'll let you know about the hawk tuas. We'll let you know about the 10% that we know you'll love.

[JPC]

You know what you know about the ones you should vote for in front of you.

[Chris]

I feel like I get the hawk to us. I get. When a hawk to a coin goes off that's big enough that it makes it into my orbit.

[Aaron]

Small stuff is below you now.

[Chris]

Yeah, the Robbie Williams monkey thing, whatever that was. No, no, no, Dog. Nah.

[JPC]

Miss me with the monkey man.

[Chris]

Miss me with whatever the monkey guy was.

[JPC]

Looks like. In January 31st is international magic Day. This day celebrates magic and magicians worldwide as it marks the anniversary of the death of the legendary magician Harry Houdini. That's kind of fun.

[Aaron]

I'd like to see.

[Chris]

I don't know about days that mark the death of someone. I don't know about that.

[Aaron]

Yeah, why not have it on his birthday?

[Chris]

Yeah, do it on his birthday. Why is the death day so important? I think that that's like, that's in weird taste for remembrance.

[JPC]

His death day was important because he left like instructions. He's one of the rare people who left. I mean, not like a will and testament, but he left like weird instructions where he was like, I will try and contact my wife. If you are a not fortune teller, what do I want to say? A seance. If you like, run a seance or something. Every day on Halloween or every year on Halloween, I'm going to try and say my wife's name or something.

[Chris]

Maybe a little less instructions about what you're gonna do when you die and more instructions for like, while you're alive. Don't punch me as hard as you.

[Aaron]

Can in those subjects, I'd like to see a scene. Adol, you're a magician and you're in the middle of a show and JPC's your audience plant that's on stage with you and you're doing a very dangerous trick with him. And you're about to realize that something's gone horribly wrong.

[JPC]

Thank you so much for coming up. And we've never met, right?

[Chris]

No, never.

[JPC]

Tell us your name and where you're from.

[Chris]

My name is Chris Hindleman. I'm from Massachusetts. Should I be more specific?

[JPC]

No, specificity indicates a lie. Right. When we lie, we tend to give too much information.

[Chris]

Oh, okay. Yeah, I had never heard that. I mean, I'd heard it once. I'd heard it when I was seven. I was a seven year old boy and I had heard that a man came to town.

[JPC]

What are you doing?

[Chris]

Tall man, kind of looked like Fabio, but not like long hair. Short hair. Like a short hair. Fabio came to town, told me that thing about more information.

[JPC]

Yeah. Yes. Oh, very good. I see what you. Very, very funny. What do you do for a living? You're not, you don't. You're not a magician's assistant or anything, right?

[Chris]

No. What do you do for them? I am an optometrist's receptionist. And I always have to say, I.

[JPC]

See you stepped on my.

[Chris]

I am a optometrist's receptionist. Oh, yes. Am I stepping on you? I'm saying receptionist.

[JPC]

I see.

[Chris]

Yes, I am an optometrist's receptionist. I work at a lenscrafter.

[JPC]

Yes.

[Chris]

There's not actually an optometrist on duty all the time, but I am on. But I, I work 40 hours a week. I work 35 hours a week. It's still technically full time for, you know, labor employment, but I work a half shift on Fridays because the office is open half of the time on Fridays. It's every other Friday.

[JPC]

And. And this is a real chainsaw. Would you agree?

[Chris]

I.

[JPC]

Go ahead and touch it. Oh, why, why did you run your finger along it like. It's like you're checking for dust on.

[Chris]

A. I use a.

[Pam]

Touch it. I don't know what kind of touch to touch it.

[JPC]

Okay, okay. Is there a. Is there a doctor, not an optometrist? Is there a real doctor in the house?

[Chris]

I ran my finger right across the cheetah.

[Aaron]

Wait, he never said he was a real doctor. He said he was an optometrist assistant or sex receptionist.

[Chris]

That's why you kept talking over it.

[JPC]

And ma'am, we've never met, right?

[Aaron]

No. Except one time in 1998. We were both stuck in the same elevator.

[JPC]

Honey, what are you doing?

[Aaron]

Who is she?

[JPC]

Who is she? I'm your guy, not my wife.

[Chris]

1, 2, 3, 4. Hate riddle riddles. Clue Crew. Listen to the rest of the episode now by starting your free 7 day trial at patreon.com heyriddleridd.