Ridiculous History

CLASSIC: Playboy, Progressive Politics and Stand-up: The Dick Gregory Story, with Wayne Federman

In this episode, Wayne Federman joins the guys to explore the rise of legendary comedian Dick Gregory, who began life as a boundary-breaking stand-up comic. Tune in as th

The Ridiculous Racist Origin of Tipping, Part Two: The Great Debate and Anti-tipping Crusades

While tipping is widely accepted (and expected) in the United States today, this wasn't always the case. In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel, an

The Ridiculous Racist Origin of Tipping, Part One: A Gratuitous History of Gratuity

What's the best meal you've ever had at a restaurant? If it was in the United States, odds are you paid your tab -- and then added an extra fee on top of that. While tipp

CLASSIC: I Modi: The Scandalous Erotic Blockbuster Banned By The Vatican

Nowadays it's no secret that some Papal administrations from centuries past were a bit more scandalous than others, but when master engraver Marcantonio Raimondi created

The Dark Side of Frank Lloyd Wright, Part Two: Mass Murder, Cults, and the FBI

Even if you're not an architecture enthusiast, odds are you've heard of Frank Lloyd Wright. This massively famous architect fundamentally changed the discipline of archit

The Dark Side of Frank Lloyd Wright, Part One: Professional Success and Personal Turmoil

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the world's most well-known, storied (ha) architects. Several of his works are official UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and he has undeniably in

CLASSIC: Patriots, Prisoners and Plants: The World of Political Body Doubles

Has anyone ever told you you resemble a celebrity? Have you ever thought of making this resemblance your job? In today’s Classic episode, Ben, Noel and Casey explore real

Who Took William Lilly’s Fish?

Back in seventeenth century England, William Lilly was a big deal. As the preeminent astrologer of his day, pretty much everyone followed his research, predictions, and w

Francis Scott Key was Kind of a Jerk

Love it or hate it, every American recognizes the Star-Spangled Banner. The lyrics come from a poem written by a lawyer Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, based on

CLASSIC: Fort Blunder: The US Fort Mistakenly Built in Canada

After the War of 1812, the US decided to shore up security at Lake Champlain by constructing a fort on Island Point. However, due to a surveying error, the US ended up bu

Mastodons and 'Murica, with Lauren Vogelbaum, Part Two: A Grudge Match with the French

Thomas Jefferson wasn't just obsessed with mastodons for no reason. Instead, he was in an intense dispute with a French naturalist named Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de B

Mastodons and 'Murica, with Lauren Vogelbaum, Part One: American Degeneracy

If you grew up in the United States, you've doubtlessly learned all sorts of stuff about Thomas Jefferson -- but did you know about his bizarre fascination with mastodons

CLASSIC: The Duke of Edinburgh is Literally a God in Vanuatu

Compared to most people, the UK's Prince Phillip has a pretty swell life -- he's literally royalty, has never gone hungry, and has traveled the world meeting some of Eart

Oof! A Lot of Baby Gear was Absolutely Ridiculous

In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Max want to begin by shouting out all new parents in the crowd (we hope you get some sleep)! These days, every expecting or new parent

A Ridiculous History of 'Soft Serve'

Nowadays, ice cream is a pretty popular treat across the planet. In this episode -- at the height of a blistering Atlanta summer -- Ben, Noel and Max learn more ice cream

CLASSIC: The Honorary Citizens of the United States

Did you know you can become an honorary citizen of the United States? It's true -- but it isn't easy. Join the guys as they explore the life and times of the rare few who

Who was the real John Henry?

For well over a century, schoolchildren across the United States learned the story of John Henry. According to the legend, John was a formerly enslaved man who found work

From Slaves to Superpower: The Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Janissaries

While often forgotten by the global West, the Ottoman Empire was an absolute superpower in its heyday. As the Empire expanded across three separate continents, they also

CLASSIC: The Nature of Ephemera, with Alex Williams

Whether we’re talking yesterday’s newspaper, pamphlets from museums, or even old lottery tickets and straw wrappers, the world is chock full of things that were not meant

Badass of the Week Returns, Part Two: Chesapeake Capes

Its a Badass Badass of the Week Week here on Ridiculous History! In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome Ben Thompson and Dr. Pat La