If you’ve never experienced the delightful historical chaos that is the “Ridiculous History” podcast, prepare to have your perception of the past thoroughly and hilariously shattered.
Hosted by the endlessly entertaining Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown, this iHeartRadio gem unearths the strangest, most bizarre, and utterly ridiculous true stories that somehow got relegated to history’s footnotes. From explosive tales of feuding paleontologists destroying priceless dinosaur fossils out of spite, to the inexplicable dancing plague that had hundreds of people jigging themselves to exhaustion (and sometimes death), to that time the U.S. government put a man on trial for predicting the weather, these aren’t your high school teacher’s carefully sanitized history lessons.
Here are the top episodes of Ridiculous History.
(Some of) History’s Dumbest Military Prototypes
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While the world’s militaries are often at the forefront of technological advancements, their track record isn’t all triumphs, there are just as many failures as breakthroughs. Join Ben, Noel, and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they dive into some of history’s most amusing military blunders, from ill-conceived round ships to misguided rocket bullets and impractical ball tanks.
The Weird Life of George Washington, Part 1
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Special guest Christopher Hassiotis makes a return to join the hosts for a lively roundtable discussion exploring the peculiar and fascinating life of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
The Wild West Was Actually Pretty Chill
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For many, the term “Wild West” evokes scenes of violent shootouts in dusty, deserted streets, outlaws lurking in shadowy saloons, and a sprawling, untamed frontier. But how accurate is this picture? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the reality behind the myth of the American frontier, uncovering just how wild—or tame—it truly was.
Railroad Tycoons Decided What Time It Is Now
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Today, the globe is split into multiple “time zones.” However, prior to the 1880s, towns across the United States operated on their own local time. Travelers moving between towns would gradually adjust to the new time without much trouble, as journeys were slow. So, how did the idea of standardized time emerge? Spoiler: it was driven by the urgent needs of railroad companies.
The Rise and Fall of Curative Plane Flights
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In the early 1920s, the relatively new invention of powered aircraft captivated people worldwide. Unsure of its full potential, many were astonished when a plane flight seemingly restored Henry A. Renz, Jr.’s voice. This led experts and the public to speculate whether flying could have medical benefits. In this episode, the hosts delve into how this belief emerged—and whether any of these supposed “cures” actually worked.
The Ridiculously Ambitious History of the World’s Fair, Part One: A Crazy Plan, and Crazy Success
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Ever wished you could experience a science fair as an adult? Then the world’s fair is your answer, these grand international expositions take place globally, typically lasting three to six months. Each fair showcases exhibits from numerous countries, inventors, and companies, presenting potential breakthroughs that could shape society. In the first installment of this two-part special, Ben, Noel, and Max dive into the triumphs of world’s fairs—and uncover the intrigue of a mysterious fire.
The FBI versus Hip-Hop
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Today, hip-hop is ubiquitous, influencing countless facets of global music. However, shortly after its emergence, power structures in the United States attempted to suppress the genre, viewing it as a challenge to the established order. In this episode, Ben, Noel, and Max examine the rise of rap… and how the FBI unintentionally played a role in propelling the iconic NWA to international fame.
The Ridiculous History of Credit Cards
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Credit cards are a fascinating concept when you stop to consider them—they’re incredibly convenient, everywhere you look, and, all too often, exploitative. In this episode, Ben, Noel, and Max dive into the unusual and intriguing history of how credit cards came to be.
The Michelin Man was an Unhinged Lunatic
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Nearly every food enthusiast knows about the Michelin Guide, the ultimate authority in fine dining ratings. However, it began as a clever strategy to sell more cars (and, ultimately, tires). In today’s episode, featuring research associate Geoff Bartlett, Ben, Noel, and Max explore the fascinating origins of the Michelin Guide and its iconic mascot, Bibendum, the Michelin Man. Spoiler: Bibendum was initially the least fitting mascot for anything related to driving. Listen to find out why.
The Nazi Super Horse Program, Part 1: Equine Eugenics
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Adolf Hitler was undeniably a monstrous figure. Yet, he had an oddly intense obsession with reviving Germany’s horse industry. Join Ben and Noel as they uncover the bizarre tale of the Nazi super horse program.
When People Waged Over Eggs
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What price would you put on an egg? Would you go as far as killing for one? Tune in as the hosts delve into the peculiar tale of the Gold Rush, the Common Murre, and Farallon Island—the setting for California’s infamous Egg War.
New Zealand’s Tragic (And Pretty Hilarious) Exploding Pants Epidemic
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For a short period, New Zealand farmers were left scratching their heads over a strange occurrence, their pants were mysteriously smoldering, catching fire, and even exploding out of nowhere. What on earth was going on? Join the hosts as they investigate and unravel the mystery behind New Zealand’s infamous exploding pants.
The Weird Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Carols
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Christmas carols boast a rich and peculiar history. On the final day of 2019, join the hosts as they pour some eggnog and explore the absurd backstories of some of the holiday’s most beloved songs, from the tale of “Hopalong boots” to the odd custom of wassailing.
The Noble – and Kind of Ridiculous – History of Butlers
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Are you a millionaire, billionaire, or aristocrat with no time to handle the daily operations of your grand estate? If so, you’ve likely already acquired the ultimate in personal service: the butler. In today’s episode, sparked by quirky recollections of the sitcom *Mr. Belvedere*, Ben, Noel, and Max delve into the fascinating history of butlers, from overseeing jugs of alcohol to the tailored managerial roles they fulfill today.
A History of Pregnancy Cravings, Part 1: Pickles and Ice Cream
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Pregnancy is a remarkable experience—filled with wonder, fear, beauty, and countless other emotions. The modern world is full of stereotypes and tropes about pregnancy, particularly the concept of pregnancy cravings. But how far back do these ideas stretch? In the first installment of this series, Ben and Noel dive into the history of cravings and the age-old beliefs about how certain foods, in excess or scarcity, were thought to shape a child’s future.
Valentine’s Day Is So Much Weirder Than We Thought
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Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday in the US and many other countries, with similar traditions around the world dedicated to honoring loved ones. However, as Ben, Noel, and Max discover in today’s special episode, much of Valentine’s Day’s history is downright strange. The trio teams up with returning special guests Eli and Diana Banks, the minds behind the popular podcast *Ridiculous Romance*, to explore some of the most bizarre, dare we say ridiculous, aspects of Valentine’s Day throughout the ages.
Waging War With Hallucinogenic Honey
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Honey is beloved globally, and it’s easy to see why. This irresistibly sweet substance is a staple in countless recipes, and throughout history, people have believed it holds medicinal benefits alongside its delicious taste. But in some parts of the world, honey is far more than a culinary delight, it’s a surprisingly potent weapon of war.
Uncle Sam Tried to End World War II With Bat Bombs
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It might seem like something straight out of the caverns beneath Bruce Wayne’s mansion, but driven by the enthusiasm of a part-time inventor named Lytle Adams, the United States military actually invested millions in developing bat bombs, arming bats with incendiary devices and planning to deploy them over Japanese cities. Strangely enough, the idea might have actually succeeded.
The History of Soda Pop is So Weird, Part One: The Saga of Spicy Water
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Few things compare to the refreshing fizz of soda, carbonated beverages have captivated and delighted people since ancient times… even if soda isn’t exactly the healthiest choice. In the first installment of this two-part episode, Ben gives up soda as he, Noel, and Max explore the fascinating history of these effervescent drinks.
A Race Across the World: From New York to Paris in 1908
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In February 1908, racing teams from around the world gathered for a daring and unprecedented challenge, a drive from Times Square all the way to France. This was the dawn of the automobile era, and victory was far from certain. In today’s special 3D episode, Ben and Noel follow the triumphs (and, more often, the setbacks) of the men competing for what they considered the ultimate reward: a 1,400-pound trophy and the chance to boast about it for a lifetime.
Read our review of Ridiculous History