

Omnibus
Omnibus
Every week, Ken Jennings and John Roderick add a new entry to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedic reference work of strange-but-true stories that they are compiling as a time capsule for future generations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Earth from Space (Entry 391.GN0115)
From childhood doodles to views of Earth from space, this podcast explores historical misconceptions, the impact of social media, and reflections on wealth in the 1970s. Delve into the legacy of figures like Genghis Khan, the imagination in science, and the transformative experience of astronauts observing Earth from afar.

4 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 22min
The Food Pyramid (Entry 487.MT0611)
Exploring the evolution and criticism of the food pyramid, from global famine impacts to dietary guidelines and bean-based diets. Delve into college lectures, Swedish food guidelines, and societal challenges in eating habits. Navigating social media chaos and the concept of 'cheat days', with humorous anecdotes of awkward birthday performances and Patreon support.

7 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Guano Islands Act (Entry 554.PS10407)
In which we celebrate 167 years of Americans being able to claim any island they like as long as it has enough bird poop on it, and John thinks you can dip a pole in liberty. Certificate #39867.

7 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
The Great Idaho Beaver Drop (Entry 548.JL0202)
In which a remote part of Idaho solves its beaver dam problem with some surplus parachutes and an even more remote part of Idaho, and Ken applies the transitive property to mules and culverts. Certificate #31297.

Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 19min
Naturism (Entry 827.GE0225)
This podcast explores naturism and the challenges of nudity in public spaces. It discusses the evolution of a naturist beach and the mainstreaming of gay culture. The connection between German ethno-nationalism and naturism is explored. The history of naturism, including its association with sex and the rules of nudist camps, is discussed. The podcast also touches on the painful experience of jumping into a snowbank and the influence of sunlight on nudism. Finally, it explores the connections between naturism, sexuality, and body positivity in Big Sur.

8 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Ice Trade (Entry 615.PS14717)
In which the ponds of New England become the wellspring of a new worldwide web of perishable foods, and Ken learns that gum is a forest treat. Certificate #23725.

8 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 18min
Einstein's Brain (Entry 399.JB1909)
In which the estate of the century's greatest scientist becomes a $200 million enterprise even as his brain tissue languishes in a cider box, and John compares it to pastrami. Certificate #21917.

Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 18min
Warren Miller (Entry 789.IS5707)
In which a ski bum with dad jokes explores new frontiers of film distribution and extreme sports, and Ken is a water machine. Certificate #48941.

10 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 10min
Yu-Mex (Entry 1455.1C1408)
In which the rift between two Communist dictators leads to a blooming of mariachi culture in the fertile soil of the Balkans, and John is baffled by Vietnamese karaoke. Certificate #46465.

Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 20min
Prodigies, Failed (Entry 990.LK0240)
In which the smartest people in the world bloom early but often struggle to live up that promise later in life, and Ken's phone thinks he lives at the zoo. Certificate #50285.


