Ridiculous History
Episode: Whoops! All Quizster, Part Two: A Ridiculous History of HowStuffWorks
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts (Ben Bullen and Noel Brown)

Introduction and Acknowledgments ([00:00] – [02:29])

The episode kicks off with Ben Bullen and Noel Brown warmly welcoming listeners back to Ridiculous History, expressing gratitude for the audience's continued support since the show's inception in 2017. They dedicate a heartfelt tribute to Max Williams, affectionately dubbed "the man, the myth, legend, super producer." Noel humorously describes Max's energy as "both kind and gently aggressive," highlighting his indispensable role in keeping the podcast running smoothly.

Notable Quote:
Ben Bullen (00:00): "Ridiculous History is a production of iHeartRadio. Welcome back to the show, fellow ridiculous historians."

Podcast's Longevity and Unexpected Continuation ([02:29] – [03:09])

Ben and Noel reflect on their initial expectations, believing the podcast would last only a few weeks due to a specific advertisement deal. To their surprise, the show has flourished beyond their wildest expectations, extending well into 2024. They express both astonishment and happiness at the podcast's enduring success.

Notable Quote:
Noel Brown (02:29): "I'm as surprised as you are, Ben. And I'm happily surprised."

Reintroduction of Max Williams as a Nemesis ([03:09] – [07:16])

Ben introduces a playful twist by revealing their "nemesis," Max Williams, who has been a longstanding figure within the show's mythos. Max makes a humorous appearance with a faux advertisement for "Nada Yada Island," showcasing his role as the mischievous antagonist. This segment sets the stage for the ensuing "Quizzter" game, characterized by friendly rivalry and witty banter.

Notable Quote:
Noel Brown (03:39): "We couldn't do it without him. So I'd love to take this opportunity to thank the man, the myth, the legend, in his own mind and ours and the hearts of the public, Mr. Max Williams."

The 'Quizzter' Segment ([07:02] – [30:43])

Presentation of Scenarios ([07:02] – [19:30])

Max Williams unveils the core segment of the episode—the "Quizzter" game. He presents three historically inspired scenarios related to fires at the United States Patent Office, each occurring in different years and under varying circumstances. The challenge for Ben and Noel is to discern which of the three scenarios is fabricated.

Scenarios Presented:

1. Scenario 1 (1836):
   On December 15, 1836, the U.S. Patent Office, housed in the Blodgett Hotel in Washington, D.C., catches fire due to the accidental disposal of hot ashes near firewood. The blaze destroys approximately 10,000 patents and 7,000 models, with only 2,800 partially saved.

2. Scenario 2 (1864):
   Confederate forces under Lt. Gen. Jubal Early advance on Washington, D.C., aiming to divert Union troops from Richmond. During a fierce battle in the summer of 1864, an errant artillery round hits the Patent Office rooftop, sparking a fire that consumes about 1,000 patent models.

3. Scenario 3 (1877):
   Despite being in a supposedly fireproof building, the U.S. Patent Office experiences a fire on September 24, 1877. Tens of thousands of patent models and hundreds of thousands of copy drawings are destroyed, though the patents themselves survive. The cause remains speculative, ranging from spontaneous combustion of chemicals to accidental lens focusing sunlight onto flammable materials.

Max emphasizes that the true scenario involves elements of truth but ultimately contains fabricated details to test Ben and Noel's historical savvy.

Notable Quote:
Max Williams (07:12): "Patents are bonkers."

Discussion and Analysis ([19:30] – [25:02])

Ben and Noel engage in a lively discussion, dissecting each scenario's plausibility based on historical knowledge. They analyze the likelihood of Confederate actions impacting the Patent Office and consider the technical feasibility of spontaneous combustion in the context of 19th-century materials and storage practices.

Notable Quotes:
Noel Brown (26:13): "I do take issue with the notion of spontaneous combustion."
Max Williams (26:25): "Have you ever heard about fertilizer? Spontaneously Combusting should happen on this show all the time, considering all the crap YouTube."

Conclusion of the Game ([25:02] – [30:43])

After thorough deliberation, Ben and Noel cast their final votes, ultimately identifying Scenario 1 (1836) as the fabricated account. Max reveals the veracity of the other scenarios, confirming that only the first scenario is false. The segment highlights the hosts' camaraderie and playful competitiveness, reinforcing the show's engaging and educational nature.

Notable Quote:
Ben Bullen (30:43): "Jubal Early is a real guy."

Transition to Jonathan Strickland's Return ([30:43] – [48:05])

Following the "Quizzter" game, the hosts pivot to discuss significant changes within their podcasting team. Max Williams announces his decision to step back from hosting Tech Stuff, marking the end of his nearly 16-year tenure. This transition underscores the evolving dynamics of the podcast and sets the stage for introducing a new guest.

Ben and Noel express deep gratitude towards former and current colleagues who have contributed to the show's success. They segue into welcoming Jonathan Strickland, a cherished member of their podcasting family, back to the show. Jonathan shares insights into his departure from hosting Tech Stuff and his ongoing role within iHeartRadio, reminiscing about the technological advancements and cultural shifts since the show's early days.

Notable Quote:
Max Williams (33:34): "So listening to podcasts back then typically meant that you were probably using iTunes. You were physically connecting your iPod to your computer to synchronize."

Closing Remarks and Thanks ([48:05] – [56:18])

The episode culminates with heartfelt acknowledgments to various team members, collaborators, and loyal listeners. Ben, Noel, and Jonathan reminisce about memorable moments, inside jokes, and the collective effort that has sustained Ridiculous History over the years. They emphasize the importance of community and the support system that has enabled the podcast to thrive.

Notable Quote:
Noel Brown (54:55): "Yes. Of that. I think it's okay."

The hosts conclude by teasing future episodes, promising more intriguing and bizarre historical tales, and expressing eager anticipation for continued adventures together.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Bullen (00:00): "Ridiculous History is a production of iHeartRadio. Welcome back to the show, fellow ridiculous historians."

• Noel Brown (01:19): "We are respectfully welcoming back one of the long-running characters in this show that we never thought would last till 2024 and beyond."

• Max Williams (07:09): "Welcome to Nada Yada Island. We're back on the Nada Yada Island Confessions Show."

• Max Williams (08:21): "Quizzter here. Happy to see you. It's a mythology so deep that we sold a T-shirt."

• Ben Bullen (25:16): "Yes, Bolin."

• Ben Bullen (30:43): "Jubal Early is a real guy."

• Max Williams (33:34): "So listening to podcasts back then typically meant that you were probably using iTunes."

• Noel Brown (54:55): "Yes. Of that. I think it's okay."

Conclusion

In this episode of Ridiculous History, Ben Bullen and Noel Brown deliver a blend of humor, historical intrigue, and heartfelt acknowledgments. The "Quizzter" segment engages listeners with its challenging scenarios, fostering both entertainment and education. Amidst discussions of team changes and personal reflections, the hosts reaffirm their commitment to uncovering and sharing the most bizarre and fascinating tales from history. As they welcome Jonathan Strickland back, the episode underscores the collaborative spirit and enduring appeal of Ridiculous History.