Podcast
Ridiculous History
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts · EN
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
267episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Did Knights Really Wear Suits of Armor?
2d ago00:37:39Summary readyWe all know the image of European knights: clad all over in plate armor, they conquer enemy forces and mythological creatures alike. But... how much of this historical stereotype is true? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max ask explore the nuts and bolts of historical armor: how it worked, how many people actually wore it, how much it cost -- and, perhaps most importantly, why it disappeared from warfare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryCLASSIC: Nosy Boraha: The Pirate's Paradise (And Cemetery)
5d ago00:25:12Summary readyNowadays most people know the pirates depicted in fiction bear little resemblance to real-life, historical pirates. Few actually buried any treasure, and fewer still lived in secretive island hideouts -- however, in at least one case, the truth appears stranger than fiction. Join the guys as they explore the story of Nosy Boraha, the Pirate's Paradise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryThe Outlaw Origins of NASCAR: From Moonshine to Racing
1w ago00:43:45Summary readyNASCAR! This thoroughly American racing organization is huge in the United States -- and has a lot of international gearhead fans, as well. However, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, this multibillion-dollar industry has a fascinating, ridiculous, and criminal past. That's right, fellow historians: NASCAR only exists because of Prohibition. As some of Appalachia's greatest booze smugglers realized people would pay just to watch their motoring skills at work, a network of criminal syndicates evolved into a full-on, massively popular sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryThe Real Johnny Appleseed was SUPER WEIRD (and Pretty Cool)
1w ago00:52:31Summary readyFor a lot grade-school kids in the States, the story of Johnny Appleseed is a modern American myth. The story centers on a quixotic, wandering nomad that (for some reason) is cartoonishly centered on planting apple trees all throughout the newly-minted US. So... how much of this Americana is true? In today's episode, Ben, Max and Noel uncover the true story of an *extremely eccentric* guy named John Chapman, who did indeed make a living planting a ton of apple trees across the Midwest -- but not the kind of apples you're thinking of, and not for the reasons you might imagine. Spoiler, much later, the FBI gets involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryCLASSIC: How the Black Death Came To Norway On A Ghost Ship
2w ago00:35:04Summary readyIn the 1300s, the Black Death sprang up in central Asia and swept across continents, killing millions. Quarantines became common as various nations sought safety in isolation, and some met with more success than others. Norway may have staved off the plague for years, were it not for a mysterious ghost ship -- listen in to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryGermans, Sausages and Dachshunds: Oh, My!
2w ago00:51:14Summary readyFrom baseball games to picnics, from street vendors to haute cuisine, the humble hot dog is an American icon. But where did it come from, and how did it get so popular? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of the infamous dog, how it got its name -- and why so many people have so strong opinions about what should or should not go it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryThe Ridiculous History of Atlanta's Street Names
2w ago00:43:55Summary readyOK, folks: yes, Ben, Noel and Max are well aware of Atlanta's bizarre habit of naming every other street 'Peachtree' something-or-other. But did you know this city also has multiple streets with completely different names depending on the neighborhood? The boys discover the answer, which is both ridiculous... and chilling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryCLASSIC: Susanna Caroline Matilda: The Colonial Grifter Princess
3w ago00:54:51Summary readyIn this week's Classic episode: Have you ever dreamed about shedding your old identity, casting aside your obligations and becoming an entirely different person? Susanna Caroline Matilda, narrowly escaping death after stealing from the Queen, did just that upon arriving at the American colonies. Join Ben, Casey and returning guest Christopher Hassiotis as they unravel the strange story of the Colonial Grifter Princess.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryA Samurai Walks Into The White House
3w ago00:35:44Summary readyHistory is often taught as a series of discrete, unrelated events -- and that could not be further from the truth. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore a fascinating Venn diagram of historical events... and learn that, technically, yes! A samurai could have sent something like a fax to President Abraham Lincoln.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryWhat is SantaCon -- and Why Do So Many People Hate it?
3w ago00:36:25Summary readyOne thing about the United States -- we'll throw a party for anything. As a result, it's no surprise that back in 1994, a group of well-meaning pranksters in San Francisco decided to don Santa Claus costumes in a whimsical protest against capitalism. Although it was originally meant to be a one-off event, SantaCon was a hit! Over the next few years it expanded into multiple celebrations across the country, and then across the globe. But with this expansion came a change... and it wasn't long before residents of various towns (especially New York City) saw SantaCon as less lighthearted fun, and more as a booze-fueled free-for-all of soused, wild Santas terrifying the streets. Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max discover the wholesome origins of SantaCon -- and why so many people seem to hate it today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summary