Podcast Summary: "Stuff You Should Know" – The Cliffs Notes on Cliffs Notes

Episode Details:

• Title: The Cliffs Notes on Cliffs Notes
• Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
• Release Date: May 15, 2025
• Production: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Cliffs Notes

[01:20] Josh Clark opens the episode by introducing the topic: Cliffs Notes. He clarifies the correct branding, emphasizing that it is "Cliff's Notes," named after its founder, Cliff Hillegast, rather than "CliffsNotes."

[01:46] Chuck Bryant adds, “It has never been Cliff Notes... It’s Cliff's Notes," highlighting the evolution of the brand’s name over time—from “Cliff’s Notes” with an apostrophe to “Cliffs Notes” as a single word with a capital "N."

Origins and Founder: Cliff Hillegast

[04:25] The hosts delve into the background of Cliff Hillegast, correcting a previous misstatement about his name. Chuck mentions, “Clifton Heath Killigas, his name was Cliff Gentleman...,” before clarifying the correct name and providing biographical details.

[05:13] Josh summarizes Cliff's intellect and work ethic: “Cliff Hillegast was a very smart guy... he was said to read five books a week, basically his whole life.”

[05:50] The discussion covers Cliff’s career trajectory, from his education in physics and math at Midland Lutheran College to his role at the Nebraska Book Company. Chuck remarks, “Go Cornhuskers,” showcasing his enthusiasm for Cliff’s Nebraska roots.

The Birth of Cliffs Notes

[07:05] Chuck narrates how Cliff’s encounter with Jack Cole in Toronto led to the creation of Cliffs Notes. Jack Cole proposed selling condensed pamphlets of Shakespeare's plays in America, and Cliff took the entrepreneurial leap.

[08:31] Cliff assumed significant financial risks, including a $4,000 loan to print 33,000 copies of the initial "Coles Notes." “He and his wife Catherine and their three young kids... were selling pretty good,” Chuck notes.

Controversies and Ethical Considerations

[09:19] Josh raises ethical questions: “Cliff Hillegast took the intellectual property of Jack Cole and took it as his own...” This sparks a discussion on whether Cliff’s actions constituted plagiarism.

[10:08] Chuck empathizes with Jack Cole, saying, “I do feel bad for Cole, though,” acknowledging the moral ambiguity of Cliff’s business practices.

Business Growth and Branding

[11:13] The hosts discuss the rapid growth of Cliffs Notes, from selling 58,000 copies within six months to becoming a staple in American education by the 1960s.

[16:46] They highlight the iconic yellow and black design of Cliffs Notes, praising it as a “genius branding move” that made the study guides instantly recognizable in bookstores.

[18:43] Josh credits effective advertising in the 1960s, targeting high school and college students through publications like Playboy and Scholastic Journal, contributing to Cliffs Notes’ widespread adoption.

Decline and Adaptation

[22:27] Chuck explains the challenges Cliffs Notes faced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including a shift in educational trends toward pass/fail grading systems, leading to a significant drop in sales from 2.8 million to 1.8 million units.

[23:03] Josh humorously critiques the introduction of cassette versions of Cliffs Notes, which failed to resonate with the audience: “Cliff's cassettes... did not go over well.”

Legacy and Modern-Day Cliffs Notes

[26:06] The conversation shifts to Cliff Hillegast’s later years, his contributions to the Nebraska community, and his legacy, including his support for the Museum of Nebraska Art.

[28:16] Chuck notes the eventual sale of Cliffs Notes to IDG Books in 1983 for $14 million and traces its subsequent ownership changes, ultimately being acquired by CourseHero in 2021.

Cliffs Notes Today

[34:11] Josh explores the current state of Cliffs Notes, mentioning that while physical copies are still available (often pre-owned on platforms like Amazon), their main revenue now comes from their website, which offers both free content and a subscription model at $9 per month.

[35:14] They discuss the depth of the online resources, with Josh highlighting that even the free versions provide substantial summaries and analyses, though the paid subscription offers more comprehensive materials.

Ethical Use and Educational Impact

[38:55] The hosts debate the morality of using Cliffs Notes as shortcuts for academic work. Josh cites Cliff Hillegast’s original intent: “Students who use them to avoid reading the actual material... are denying themselves the very education that they are presumably giving their most vital years to achieve.”

[39:49] Chuck shares personal experiences, admitting to using Cliffs Notes in high school: “I did use Cliff's Notes. That was in high school. Did not use them in college as an English major.”

[40:17] They highlight the mixed reception among educators, noting that some teachers endorsed Cliffs Notes for struggling students, while others, like the fictional Mrs. Krabappel, humorously opposed them.

Competitors and Cultural Influence

[47:09] The discussion extends to Cliffs Notes’ competitors, including SparkNotes (founded in 1999) and Shmoop (founded in 2008), as well as creative spinoffs like Thug Notes—a YouTube series that humorously summarizes classic literature.

[48:24] Chuck praises Thug Notes for making literary analysis accessible and engaging: “Thug Notes... lays down some real truth on some of these as well.”

Listener Interaction and Conclusion

[50:52] The episode concludes with listener mail from Reagan, a theatrical costume designer, who praises the hosts’ coverage of Broadway-related content, encouraging further expertise sharing.

[51:20] Josh and Chuck wrap up by acknowledging their support network, including special thanks to contributors like Livia and Mental Floss, and encourage listeners to engage with them via email.

Notable Quotes

• Josh Clark [04:25]: “Cliff Hillegast was a very smart guy... he was said to read five books a week, basically his whole life.”

• Chuck Bryant [09:41]: “Cliff did not like this, and they took out a full page ad. I guess he passed away by this point, but the company didn't like this, and they took an ad in the Villanova student newspaper, called it censorship.”

• Josh Clark [38:55]: “Students who use them to avoid reading the actual material or having to go into class for discussion groups... are denying themselves the very education that they are presumably giving their most vital years to achieve.”

• Chuck Bryant [47:36]: “Thug Notes... they explain censorship and book burning and Stalinism and double talk and all that stuff in a very fun way.”

Insights and Conclusions

• Educational Tool vs. Academic Shortcut: While Cliffs Notes were intended to aid understanding, they have been criticized for enabling academic dishonesty and reducing the incentive to engage deeply with original texts.

• Brand Evolution: Cliffs Notes successfully navigated changes in ownership and educational trends, maintaining relevance through strategic branding and adaptation to digital platforms.

• Cultural Impact: Beyond serving as study aids, Cliffs Notes have become cultural icons, inspiring competitors and parodies that reflect their pervasive influence on literature education.

• Ethical Considerations: The legacy of Cliffs Notes centers on balancing their utility as educational tools against the potential for misuse, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine literary appreciation.

• Modern Adaptations: The shift to online platforms and subscription models demonstrates Cliffs Notes' ability to evolve with technological advancements, though questions about their role in contemporary education persist.

Conclusion: In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant provide a comprehensive exploration of Cliffs Notes, tracing its origins, growth, and enduring presence in the educational landscape. They navigate the complexities of its ethical implications, cultural significance, and adaptation to modern mediums, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of this iconic study aid.