Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

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Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 2min

Strange News: The Great US Science Exodus, Exotic Support Animals, New Mexico Childcare Revolution and More

Scientists are leaving the U.S. due to funding cuts and political chaos, with other countries eager to recruit them. A man was banned from Walmart for having an emotional support alligator. New Mexico is pushing for free childcare funded by oil revenue. Meanwhile, a scientist may have just revolutionized space travel with a groundbreaking propulsion method. The discussion also touches on a controversial AI minister in Albania and bizarre news involving projections at Windsor Castle. A mix of serious and strange highlights!
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10 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 7min

The Mystery of New Zealand's Kaikōura Lights

In December 1978, New Zealand's Kaikōura mountain ranges became a hotspot for mysterious glowing objects that fascinated pilots and onlookers alike. Multiple confirmed sightings raised questions that still puzzle experts today. Various explanations, from squid boats to planets, were offered, yet many pilots dismissed these as insufficient. As the narrative unfolds, expert analysis and Cold War dynamics add layers to the mystery. Each year, locals still gaze at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Kaikōura Lights once more.
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Sep 18, 2025 • 50min

Listener Mail: Barbie Power Wheels, Panama Strangeness, A Time Warner Conspiracy and More

A hilariously strange Power Wheels heist takes center stage, sparking discussions about the legal implications of toy cars on public roads. The hosts dive into a bizarre TikTok phenomenon from Panama, exploring the mysterious 'meteorite' with moving appendages. They also investigate a potential corporate conspiracy connected to Time Warner’s flawed feedback system, pondering whether it was mere incompetence or a calculated move to cut costs. It's a wild ride through listener curiosities and quirky conspiracy theories!
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9 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 4min

The Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex

Explore the intriguing story of the Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard Complex, a massive Cold War relic that was operational for just one day. Uncover the tensions behind the arms race and the flawed anti-ballistic missile strategies. Learn how viral claims clash with documented facts about the site and its modern-day implications. Delve into the politics that led to its rapid shutdown and discover the remnants of this abandoned complex, from auctions to urban exploration opportunities.
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21 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 58min

CLASSIC: Betty and Barney Hill: The UFO Case that Changed Everything, with Toby Ball

Toby Ball, an author and journalist, dives into the iconic UFO abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, which marked a pivotal moment in UFO history. He recounts their eerie encounter on a rural road and the unsettling aftermath of lost time and nightmares. The conversation explores memory's reliability through hypnosis and discusses the cultural significance surrounding this extraordinary experience. They also touch on the collective misremembering known as the Mandela Effect and its connection to the Hill case, highlighting how personal narratives shape public perceptions of extraterrestrial encounters.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 51min

Strange News: ICE Raids in Georgia, Swedish Teen Assassins, LSD and Mass Surveillance in China

US authorities staged a massive raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, detaining hundreds of workers and straining diplomatic relations with South Korea. Meanwhile, teenage girls in Sweden are increasingly being lured into organized crime, raising alarm about gang violence. In a twist, the podcast also delves into the benefits and risks of LSD, exploring its potential as a therapeutic agent. Lastly, they cover the bizarre antics of a Canadian QAnon figure and a strange car key mishap involving a park ranger.
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Sep 12, 2025 • 43min

Governments and AI, Chapter Two: Everything Is Precedent

Governments are racing to control artificial intelligence, with the looming prospect of fully sentient machines. The impact of AI on modern warfare is explored, revealing chilling implications for accountability and civilian safety. Nostalgic stories take a humorous turn when discussing culinary myths. Ethical dilemmas arise as technology advances, particularly in military applications. There’s a poignant look at the intersection of AI and governance, urging listeners to reflect on historical precedents and the future of decision-making in society.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 41min

Listener Mail: Undersea Cable Shenanigans, Anunnaki Pirates, Cat Conversations

The hosts dive into the intriguing world of undersea cables and what happens when internet connections go awry. They hilariously explore the concept of Anunnaki pirates taking to the seas. Additionally, listeners are treated to amusing insights about how cats communicate with their humans, shedding light on their unique behavioral quirks. This lively segment combines humor, curiosity, and intriguing theories, creating an entertaining journey through both the mysterious and the mundane.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 43min

Governments and AI, Chapter One: New Tools, Old Game

Governments are racing to harness AI, but at what cost? Explore the ethical dilemmas that arise as old governance practices meet cutting-edge technology. Revel in humorous critiques of AI's portrayal in popular culture versus reality. Discover surprising insights about hygiene in our homes while pondering the implications for government policy and public safety. This intriguing discussion balances excitement and skepticism about the future of AI in our world, leaving listeners both entertained and contemplative.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 60min

CLASSIC: At What Price Safety: The Conundrum of Clearview AI

The discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding Clearview AI's facial recognition technology. It highlights the tension between protecting public safety and invading personal privacy, raising important questions about data ownership. The evolution of imaging technology brings nostalgia and modern implications to the forefront. Humorous anecdotes about quarantine pets offer a lighthearted contrast to the serious themes, while the conversation underscores the vulnerability of such technologies and their potential misuse.

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