Ridiculous History

Jordan Runtagh, music journalist and storyteller, brings deep-dive anecdotes about Elvis Presley. He traces Elvis's Tupelo roots and the shadow of his twin's death. He describes Graceland's Jungle Room, Elvis's changing look and comic-book influences. He also unpacks Colonel Tom Parker's control, dubious songwriting credits, and the wild antics of the Memphis Mafia.

A schoolteacher's fevered visions declaring himself the younger brother of Jesus spark a messianic movement. The rise of a God-worshipping society leads to radical social reforms, shared property, and fierce military campaigns. Rapid capture of Nanjing and brutal siege warfare produce staggering civilian losses and international intervention. The leader's withdrawal and death unravel the rebellion.

A deep dive into how a humble disposable cup became a global symbol of American party culture. The story traces public-health origins, early vending entrepreneurs, and brand evolutions that turned utility into iconography. It covers design choices, the rise of the red color, cultural export via film and TV, and environmental and philanthropic legacies.

A bizarre art heist at Rikers Island involving a Salvador Dalí drawing and a staged fire drill. Corrupt guards, cut surveillance feeds, and a clumsy forgery that gave the theft away. Confessions, plea deals, a wired informant, and a debated fate for the missing artwork.

A wild retelling of a World War II veteran’s Korea night fight where improvised weapons became survival tools. The hosts trace his humble background, gritty trench combat, and the moment grenades gave out and beer bottles took over. They also cover the awkward fame, a top military honor, and his complicated life after the war.

A playful deep dive into the potato's surprising rise from Andean domestication to global staple. They trace ancient preservation methods like chuno and explain potato botany and why the tuber fuels population growth. A quirky tale follows a French pharmacist's PR campaign that turned spuds into haute cuisine and even influenced early America.

A lively dive into the strange history of a single swear word and how it entered everyday speech. They debunk popular origin myths and trace early printed uses. Military slang, literary citations, and the shift from noun to verb all get attention. Broadcast rules and famous academic takes on the term round out the conversation.

A lively dive into the Golden Age of piracy with tales of Nassau as a pirate haven and the so-called Republic of Pirates. They trace how privateering blurred into outright piracy and why sailors turned to buccaneering. Listeners hear about pirate codes, on‑ship voting and surprising social equality. The rise, pardon, and eventual fall of pirate power get a dramatic retelling.

Matt Two Hands Frederick, a returning raconteur and researcher, joins the crew. They explore pirates beyond the Caribbean. They spotlight Ching Shih, a Chinese woman who ran a massive fleet and strict pirate code. They also chronicle Huang “Two Guns” Bamei, a wartime maritime bandit turned political asset. Lively research, anecdotes, and humor thread the whole conversation.

Matt Frederick, co-creator of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know and storyteller of obscure history, joins a lively pirate deep dive. They unpack myths versus harsh realities of ship life. They trace Nassau as a pirate haven, privateering pressures, and the defiant Charles Vane — from daring escapes to brutal ends. Expect surprising, ridiculous pirate tales and vivid historical color.