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Ever wondered how many Switzerlands could fit into Montana? Or why a town in California pronounces "almonds" differently? Join us for a whimsical journey through geography, food, and quirky local trivia. We start with a playful comparison of Switzerland, Montana, and Rhode Island, revealing some surprising facts about their sizes. Then, we dive into the origins of almonds, exploring a debated history that points to Asia, despite Spain’s strong association with these tasty nuts. Plus, we share a fun tidbit about a town in California that calls them "almonds" and speculate on their high school mascot. And, for a musical twist, we touch on the legacy of the Allman Brothers.

In the second part, prepare to be amused as we guess how many castles are in Scotland and discuss the historical and cultural quirks of the Scots. We’ll also give a nod to Germany with a chat about the beloved fast food dish, currywurst, and its cultural significance. Wrapping things up, we clear up the misunderstood origins of french fries and highlight the song "General Store" by Smoove-E from the Rusty Squeezebox album. We also share exciting news about upcoming members-only episodes. Tune in for a blend of random facts, humor, and musical shout-outs that promise to entertain and enlighten!

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Ever wondered how orcas communicate or why they carry dead salmon on their heads? Get ready to uncover the secrets of these extraordinary creatures! From their complex social hierarchies to their surprising evolutionary links to land mammals like cows and hippos, this episode offers a captivating look at orcas as apex predators. We'll also reveal a fascinating historical partnership between indigenous whalers and orcas in New South Wales, Australia, where these marine marvels worked hand-in-fin with humans to hunt baleen whales.

Join us as we explore the heartwarming tale of Old Tom, an orca who famously assisted the Davidson family, and dive into the cultural significance of orcas in various parts of the world. We'll even touch on the quirky pod in the Pacific Northwest that turned carrying dead salmon into a trend! With personal anecdotes and humorous tangents, this episode balances education with entertainment, making it perfect for both marine enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Whether you're interested in their intelligence, social behaviors, or just love a good animal story, this episode promises insights and laughs.

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Remember the days when you couldn't leave the house without your Tamagotchi, and acid wash jeans were a fashion staple? Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, a decade that many of us hold dear. We reminisce about the fashion trends that have made comebacks, laugh at the TV shows that missed the mark, and debate whether the boy band craze was a hit or a miss. We also pay tribute to the icons that defined the era, from the Wu-Tang Clan to Salma Hayek.

Who could forget the wacky and often questionable moments of 90s pop culture? Relive the shock of George Michael's coming out, the antics of Geraldo Rivera, and the unforgettable baby mama dramas on Maury Povich. We chuckle at the inexplicable success of MC Snow’s "Informer" and cringe at the cinematic disaster "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot." From Reebok pumps to Billy Ray Cyrus' infamous mullet, we explore the wild and unforgettable mistakes that made the 90s a truly unique time.

Before we wrap up, we shift gears to discuss the fashion and toy fails that defined the decade, from parachute pants to flip-up sunglasses. We also give a special shout-out to our listeners in Missoula, Montana, and share some quirky facts about Barbie. Finally, we tackle the legacy of Puff Daddy, his overwhelming presence in the music scene, and the trends that marked the decline of a beloved era. Despite the criticisms, we end on an optimistic note, highlighting the positive changes emerging in the music industry. Tune in for a laugh-filled and candid discussion that will take you back to the days of swag weed and Wesley Snipes' fashion influence.

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Join us on a quest through the hidden realm of fictional towns and trap streets inspired by the cunning of cartographers like Ernest Alpins and Otto Lindbergh. Learn how the fictitious town of Aglo, originally created to catch plagiarists, unexpectedly blossomed into a real-life tourist destination. Listen to Darlene Beers as she unravels her family's storied history with the land, debunks myths, and shares the charming, albeit fictitious, tales of the area. We'll also uncover the clever moves by Rand McNally to outwit a lawsuit and how Aglo made its way onto Google Maps and into the hearts of curious travelers, marked by a mysterious sign perched high on a telephone pole.

Our adventure doesn't stop there! We'll reminisce about Hammond, Montana, a ghost town rich with its own stories, drawing connections to the whimsical nature of fictional town creation. Plus, get ready for some laughs as we recall the infamous anti-marijuana ad featuring a melting girl, its hilarious parody in "Super High Me," and our own high-spirited escapades in Bozeman. And for a fun twist, we're brainstorming a new film idea where we get stoned and embark on a culinary tour of Portland's fanciest restaurants. This episode blends historical intrigue, personal anecdotes, and plenty of humor that will leave you both entertained and enlightened.

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Ever wondered why Mr. Burns from The Simpsons answers the phone with "ahoy hoy"? Or what grim practices in Victorian England have to do with phrases we use today? This episode promises a captivating journey through the stories and historical quirks behind familiar expressions like "ahoy hoy," "Saved by the Bell," and "dead ringer." We also share a humorous tale about a bar in Seattle with a clever nod to AC Slater from Saved by the Bell as we explore these linguistic gems.

Join us as we uncover the intriguing legend of Josh Tatum, a deaf-mute from Boston who allegedly took advantage of a design flaw in the 1883 Liberty Head nickel to amass a small fortune. From coal miners pranking their peers with toilet cart chains to medieval practices of giving guests a cold piece of shoulder meat, our episode is packed with fascinating anecdotes that reveal the surprising origins of everyday phrases like "don't yank my chain" and "giving someone the cold shoulder."

We also delve into the darker theories behind expressions such as "cat's got your tongue," discussing the brutal practices of the English Navy and ancient Egyptian royalty. Throughout the episode, we entertain whimsical ideas for band names and reflect on how certain sayings become ingrained in our culture while others fade away. With a light-hearted yet informative tone, we wrap up with warm wishes for our listeners, leaving them with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the colorful history of the English language.

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What if the first celebrity chef wasn't from our modern era, but from the 17th century? In this episode, we journey through the life of Robert May, whose culinary genius and flamboyant dining spectacles turned him into a historical icon. Born in 1588, May's culinary voyage began in his father's kitchen, but it was his travels to Paris to learn French, Spanish, and Italian that truly set him apart. We explore his unmatched ability to create dining events where frogs leaped from pies and birds extinguished candles, revealing how these dramatic experiences captivated his audience and made dining an unforgettable adventure. We also take a peek into the fascinating etymology of food names, illustrating the social dynamics of Norman England through terms like 'cow' and 'beef.'

From eggshells filled with rose water to mock battles with pastry castles, May's culinary artistry knew no bounds. We delve into the extravagant feasts he orchestrated, like life-sized pastry deer filled with wine for a startling effect. This episode also touches on his pioneering role in publishing one of the first culinary books, cementing his legacy in the world of gastronomy. As a whimsical twist, we reminisce about the classic game Oregon Trail, highlighting its ironic portrayal of pioneer life with a humorous touch. Finally, we reflect on the joys and challenges of modern living, celebrate foodies everywhere, and share how you can support the show. Tune in for a blend of history, culinary spectacle, and a touch of nostalgia!

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Picture yourself under the clandestine cover of night, tuning into forbidden rock and roll rhythms that make your heart race. What lengths would you go to defy the status quo? Join us as we unravel the audacious tale of pirate radio in the 1960s UK, where rebel broadcasters like Radio Carolina and Wonderful Radio London braved the law and the waves to bring unfiltered music to the masses. Discover how these plucky DJs transformed ships anchored in international waters into bastions of freedom, forever altering the cultural landscape.

Our journey doesn't stop there; we venture into the extraordinary saga of Sealand, an abandoned WWII anti-aircraft fort that became a self-declared sovereign micro-nation. Roy Bates and his son Michael's fight for independence, replete with warning shots and legal wrangling, creates a gripping narrative of resilience and defiance. Learn how this tiny, isolated platform in the treacherous North Sea not only survived but also thrived as a symbol of unyielding human spirit. Their story is a testament to the boundless quest for self-determination against all odds.

As we navigate through the quirky and tumultuous history of Sealand, we'll share jaw-dropping anecdotes that bring its unique charm to life. From daring platform jumps to audacious kidnapping attempts and even Molotov cocktail incidents, Sealand's past is as colorful as it is compelling. Yet through all the chaos, it remains a peace-loving micro-nation that stands tall on its tiny piece of concrete. Listen in for a captivating episode packed with humor, resilience, and the undeniable allure of rebellion.

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Ever wondered how the 4th of July transformed into America's ultimate summer spectacle? Join us as we unpack the layers of history, tradition, and quirky celebrations that define Independence Day. From the jaw-dropping consumption of 150 million hot dogs to the billion-dollar firework displays, we explore the fun and fascinating facts that make this holiday so uniquely American. We’ll also delve into the historical milestones, like the timeline of the Declaration of Independence and the remarkable coincidences surrounding the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

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Get ready for a whirlwind tour of some of the most unique 4th of July traditions across the United States. Ever heard of Maine’s lobster races or San Diego’s marshmallow fights? We cover it all, including Alameda, California’s longest parade and why hosting a barbecue in Massachusetts might just break the bank. Food lovers, you won't want to miss our discussion on the rarity and expense of authentic Kobe beef. Plus, we sprinkle in some fun historical trivia about Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, and even share our own plans for the holiday.

But that's not all—we also tackle the controversial topic of tipping in America. Discover its unsettling roots in indentured servitude and slavery, and ponder the ethical implications it holds today. We dive into global perspectives on tipping and highlight a politician who ran on an anti-tipping platform. As we wrap things up, we share updates on our latest projects and collaborations, including mastering "Beyond the Static" and the works of Eli One. Tune in for a fun, informative, and heartfelt episode, and remember to celebrate safely!

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