Last Podcast on the Left – Episode: Side Stories: Tastes Like Tradition
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Hosts: Henry Zabrowski & Ed Larson
Network: The Last Podcast Network

1. The Polish Connection to Jack the Ripper

(07:09 - 10:33)

The episode delves into the enduring mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper, the infamous Victorian-era serial killer. Hosts Henry Zabrowski and Ed Larson explore the emerging theory that Jack the Ripper was actually Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber living in London.

Key Points:

• Historian's Insight: Henry cites historian Russell Edwards, a "Ripperologist," who suggests DNA evidence from a victim’s scarf links Kosminski to the crimes. However, the findings remain contested pending final peer-reviewed studies.

• Behavioral Analysis: They discuss Kosminski's background, highlighting his skills as a barber-surgeon and his mental health issues, including schizophrenia and hallucinations, which might have contributed to his violent tendencies.

• Cultural Impact: The hosts reflect on how if proven true, naming Kosminski as Jack the Ripper would be a significant revelation for the Polish community, humorously comparing it to "vegan kielbasa" as a cultural staple.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski (08:15): "We are still waiting on the final publication of the peer-reviewed study of this DNA."
• Ed Larson (10:33): "It's crazy how it's like two Johnny Depp movies came together. Sweeney Todd and From Hell."

2. The Zizian Cult and AI Conspiracy

(18:00 - 21:37)

Henry Zabrowski introduces a discussion about a cult known as the "Zizians," comprised mainly of trans young students involved in biomechanics, computer programming, and AI. The cult believes in partnering with AI to prepare for its eventual takeover.

Key Points:

• Cult Beliefs: The Zizians subscribe to Roko's Basilisk, fearing that antagonizing AI now could lead to its retrospective punishment in the future. They aim to align themselves with AI to gain favor and survival.

• Criminal Activities: The group has been implicated in the murders of a landlord and a border agent, among others. Recently, their leader, Jack Lasota, was arrested on charges including trespassing and obstruction.

• Host Commentary: The hosts critique the cult's complex and contradictory manifesto, expressing skepticism about their genuine allegiance to AI.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski (19:38): "Jack sort of finally got arrested. 33 years old."
• Ed Larson (21:10): "They are probably gonna try to explain more what their rationalist movement is and what rationalism is."

3. Side Stories: Raccoon Dinner in Danville, Ohio

(27:33 - 43:04)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the annual Raccoon Dinner in Danville, Ohio, organized by the Lions Club. The event has garnered international attention, attracting 600 participants in a town of just 1,000 residents.

Key Points:

• Event Overview: The Raccoon Dinner, a tradition spanning over 82 years, serves roasted raccoon meat alongside sides like mashed potatoes and cornbread. The meat is described as unseasoned, leading to humorous yet critical commentary from the hosts.

• Cultural Significance: Henry and Ed discuss the origins of the event, suggesting it may have started as a prank but evolved into a beloved local tradition. They explore the logistics of sourcing raccoon meat and the methods of preparation, which involve brining and boiling without spices.

• Host Banter: The hosts exchange jokes and satirical remarks about the taste and preparation of raccoon, comparing it to other unconventional meats like bear and snake.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Larson (27:35): "Tastes like tradition. Raccoon dinner brings international fame to Ohio."
• Henry Zabrowski (37:53): "That's the most Ohio gross I have ever heard. Get your together, get your together."

4. Louisville Vape Store Assault

(42:29 - 47:38)

The hosts recount a disturbing incident in Louisville where a vape store owner violently assaulted a shoplifter who stole vape pens.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Kashmir Car Patel, the vape store owner, chased and ultimately assaulted a man who had stolen a box of vapes. The confrontation escalated as Patel and his staff pepper-sprayed the victim and inflicted further physical harm.

• Legal Consequences: Patel faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and wanton endangerment, with no bail set due to the severity of the actions.

• Hosts' Reactions: Henry and Ed express strong disapproval of the excessive use of force, emphasizing the disproportionate response to a non-violent shoplifting offense.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski (43:08): "He pulled the man's pants down and underwear, took the pepper spray, spread the man's butt cheeks and sprayed the pepper spray into his anus."
• Ed Larson (44:00): "What does that even do to you when you get pepper sprayed inside Uranus?"

5. Asteroid Threatening Earth

(57:00 - 65:03)

A segment discusses a newly discovered asteroid with an increasing probability of impacting Earth, currently standing at a 3.1% chance.

Key Points:

• Asteroid Details: The asteroid's likelihood of hitting Earth has risen from 1% to 3%, with predictions indicating a possible impact in nine years. If it does strike, it's expected to cause significant devastation, equivalent to 50 megatons of force.

• Impact Zones: While most projections suggest an ocean impact, significant areas like Illinois could face severe consequences, including tsunamis and earthquakes.

• Scientific Uncertainty: Henry mentions the fluid nature of such predictions, noting that the exact impact path remains uncertain and may shift with new data.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski (57:00): "And what is interesting, which I found really interesting about this story, is that they can already tell where it might land if it does hit."
• Ed Larson (58:38): "It's a 3 in 4 chance that it hits the ocean."

6. Audience Interaction and Man Corner

(65:14 - 84:43)

In a segment dubbed "Man Corner," the hosts address audience questions and comments, often venturing into controversial and humorous territory.

Key Points:

• Pregnancy Myths: An email discusses a rare medical condition, cloacal malformation, where a woman has a single pore for reproductive and excretory systems, leading to unintended pregnancy through anal sex. The hosts provide a mix of factual information and satirical remarks.

• Butt Implants and Sexual Dynamics: Viewer feedback about butt implants and padded pants sparks a discussion on men's perceptions of women's bodies, blending humor with critical commentary on societal standards.

• Veterinarian Suicides: The hosts touch upon the high suicide rates among veterinarians, attributing it to workplace stress and systemic issues within the veterinary profession.

• Humorous Banter: Throughout, Henry and Ed engage in playful, often irreverent jokes, maintaining the show's characteristic comedic tone.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski (70:28): "It is called hot tush. And hot tush is one of the hardest. It's honestly, it is such a pandemic in this country."
• Ed Larson (76:25): "So they're like, you steal all the money out of the register, he should not have acted like this again."

7. Upcoming Events and Conclusion

(83:25 - 85:58)

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting upcoming live shows and events, encouraging listeners to attend their performances across various cities.

Key Points:

• Live Shows: Henry and Ed announce schedules for live performances in Dallas, Huntsville, Dana Beach (Fort Lauderdale), Orlando, and a special event called "Crime Wave" in November.

• Audience Engagement: They invite listeners to join their Patreon for exclusive content, live streams, and interaction during live shows.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Larson (83:45): "We're gonna have a lot of fun and... someone's gonna die. You gotta come see this."
• Henry Zabrowski (84:43): "We have to stop now because I think that that's as far as we... We're over."

8. Advertisements and Sponsorships

Throughout the episode, advertisements for T-Mobile, Multicare, and Squarespace are interspersed. These segments are succinct and promotional in nature, offering deals on phone plans, healthcare services, and website creation tools.

Notable Ads:

• T-Mobile Representative (00:00 & 23:07): Promotional offers for switching to T-Mobile, highlighting benefits like paying off locked phones and access to America's largest 5G network.
• Multicare Representative (00:31 & 24:30): Emphasizes Multicare’s commitment to community health and expanding healthcare access.
• Squarespace Advertisement (23:07): Promotes website building with a humorous twist related to horse-themed empires and personal revenge narratives.

Conclusion

"Side Stories: Tastes Like Tradition" offers a blend of true crime discussions, local traditions, societal commentary, and lighthearted humor. Henry Zabrowski and Ed Larson maintain their signature irreverent style while exploring diverse topics, from historical mysteries and cult behaviors to bizarre local events and speculative threats. The episode effectively balances informative segments with entertaining banter, making it engaging for both regular listeners and newcomers seeking a comprehensive overview of the discussions.

Overall Notable Quote:

• Henry Zabrowski (61:34): "I'm just saying that's the dream. That's their dream."

Listeners Interested in More:

• Patreon: Support the show at patreon.com/lastpodcastonleft
• Live Shows: Attend performances in Dallas, Huntsville, Dana Beach, Orlando, and during "Crime Wave" in November.
• Social Media: Follow The Last Podcast on the Left for updates and additional content.

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this summary is based on the provided transcript and may contain sensitive or mature themes typical of The Last Podcast on the Left.