Ridiculous History

While the legendary Japanese raccoon dog -- or tanuki -- may look like a raccoon, it's a very different beast. However, these days Japan is home to actual raccoons: they're considered an invasive species, wreaking havoc across the country as they destroy temples, consume crops, and threaten indigenous wildlife. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover how these dastardly raccoons made it all the way over the Pacific to become an absolute menace to Japan. Spoiler: it all started with a cartoon about a boy and his furry sidekick, Rascal. Tune in to learn how a single show inspired thousands of Japanese families to acquire a raccoon of their own... only to meet with some serioulsy ridiculous consequences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 600,000 words and 3 million quotations, the Oxford English Dictionary is a massive tome. Work began on the dictionary in 1857, but the first edition wasn't published until 1884. Compiling the dictionary was a Herculean task, and James Murray, the editor of the dictionary, put out a call for assistance. This early crowdsourcing strategy worked surprisingly well. Murray was particularly impressed by his most prolific and consistent contributor, an enigmatic fellow named Dr. W.C. Minor. So impressed, in fact, that Murray decided he had to meet the man in person. It's safe to say the meeting didn't go as expected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know England's first newspaper was fake? Or that King Arthur is more or less completely made up? The deeper we look into human history, the more we see that civilization is utterly riddled with bizarre hoaxes -- some of which are laughable, and some of which are downright dangerous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome the legendary Dana Schwartz and Lizzie Logan to learn more about some of history's greatest hoaxes, which they explore in-depth in their newest podcast, Hoax!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine you are beyond wealthy. You no longer dream of the average "rich people" flexes -- you've got all the diamonds, all the mansions, all the ordinary baubles of the elite. How can you distinguish yourself? What can you buy when you can buy literally anything? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the astonishing, ridiculous origin story of Czarist Russia's peak luxury item; an egg you can't eat, nor wear -- a toy and a flex to end all flexes: the Fabergé Egg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the fascinating world of non-Gregorian calendars and how different cultures keep time. From the intricacies of the Hebrew and Islamic systems to the whimsical nature of the Hindu and Chinese calendars, these unique methods offer a rich tapestry of history and modern relevance. The podcast humorously contrasts these diverse calendars with the Gregorian standard, reflecting on their influence on religious practices and cultural celebrations. Plus, enjoy insights on how lunar phases shape our understanding of time!

Join the hosts as they hilariously unravel the absurd history of our modern calendar. From ancient Egyptian timekeeping to the Gregorian system, every twist reveals how society's quirks have shaped our perception of time. Discover the odd origins of the seven-day week and the cultural ties behind the days that govern our lives today. With entertaining anecdotes and a laugh-out-loud approach, they highlight the ridiculousness of measuring time and the powerful figures who influenced these systems.

Wayne Federman, a comedy legend and educator, joins to explore how George Carlin's 'seven dirty words' sparked a Supreme Court case that changed the landscape of free speech. He delves into Carlin's innovative impact on stand-up and the nuances of censorship. The conversation touches on the legacies of icons like Lenny Bruce, the evolution of language in comedy, and the ongoing debate surrounding artistic expression versus societal norms. Tune in for insightful anecdotes and reflections on comedy's role in shaping public discourse.

Discover the quirky evolution of fantasy sports as it moves from humble beginnings to a massive industry. Learn how early innovators crafted a platform that turned casual fans into enthusiastic players. Hear amusing tales of fantasy commissioners akin to dungeon masters, and the camaraderie of Silicon Valley startups. Delve into the cultural significance of fantasy sports and its surge as a mainstream phenomenon, while exploring the psychological highs of gameplay. From community bonding to the allure of instant gratification, it's a wild ride through sports and gaming!

To outsiders, fantasy sports and fantasy leagues may sound like a bizarre proposition: you get together with a bunch of friends and leverage statistics to predict outcomes in your favorite sports, but it's not... gambling? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of fantasy leagues, and how they grew into a billion-dollar industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lenny Bruce is a legend in the history of stand-up comedy, and while his use of explicit language thrilled audience members, it didn't win him any friends in law enforcement. In fact, Bruce was arrested multiple times for his use of 'obscenities', sparking a larger, continuing debate about the nature of free speech. Join the guys as they learn more about the early days of stand-up and the Lenny Bruce controversy with this week's special guest: Comedian, actor, writer and historian Wayne Federman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.