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I Tell Stories
I Tell Stories episodes
- Staple of Civilization: The Potato
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Ever wondered how a humble potato could save your breakfast, polish your silverware, and even reduce puffy eyes? In this episode, we promise you'll uncover the multifaceted marvels of potatoes, from their intriguing history with the Incas to their surprising role in Canadian poutine. We kick things off with a lively chat about our favorite breakfast sides and venture through the historical journey of the potato, including its European introduction by Spanish explorers and a cheeky debate over its arrival in England. Along the way, we sprinkle in some fun discussions about potato-themed events, the nostalgic charm of potato guns, and the nutritional gems hidden within this starchy staple.
But that’s not all—prepare to be amazed by the various unusual uses of potatoes beyond the kitchen! We reminisce about the original Mr. Potato Head, share fascinating facts about the nightshade family, and even touch on the quirky relationship between potatoes and tomatoes. We wrap things up with some lighthearted banter about retro potato chips and underscore the importance of supporting independent broadcasting to keep things fresh and engaging. Whether you’re a potato enthusiast or just looking for some fun facts, this episode is packed with laughter, knowledge, and a hearty appreciation for the versatile potato. Tune in and celebrate this incredible tuber with us!Support the show
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Support the Show!!!22 min - American Holiday: The 4th of July
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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!Support the show
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Support the Show!!!32 min - European History: Ornamental Garden Hermits
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Ever wondered what it was like to be a hired hermit living in the garden of a wealthy 18th-century English estate? Imagine donning itchy furs, taking a vow of silence, and becoming the ultimate conversation piece for your employer's extravagant garden parties. Join us as we uncover the bizarre and fascinating tradition of ornamental hermits, sharing quirky job descriptions, amusing anecdotes, and a bit of historical context. We'll even compare this peculiar pastime to today's trends, adding a humorous twist to these tales from the past.
But that's not all! We'll trace the whimsical lineage from garden hermits to garden gnomes, ponder their daily routines, and speculate wildly about their culinary adventures. Ever curious about historical cannabis use, especially among pirates? We've got you covered with musings on 18th-century marijuana quality and its evolution into modern innovations like pure THC diamonds. To top it off, we'll entertain whimsical ideas about showcasing garden gnomes on Instagram and even catapulting them for fun. This episode is a delightful mix of history, humor, and a dose of modern-day fun, wrapped up with heartfelt appreciation for our listeners.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!27 min - Animals: Species that Will Make you Stick with Dogs
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Ever wondered about nature's most unusual creatures? Prepare to be amazed as we venture into the eclectic world of animal oddities, from the peculiar snub-nosed monkeys to the giant isopods that seem lifted from a sci-fi novel. It's a wild ride through the animal kingdom, complete with the remarkable strength of coconut crabs and the stylish red-lipped batfish. And just when you think it can't get any more bizarre, we introduce you to the Dumbo Octopus and debate the merits of the bilby as a potential Easter Bunny mascot.
Hold onto your hats because this episode isn't just about weird wildlife—it's an exploration into the fringes of zoology, with a nod to Jeremy Wade's thrilling encounters. We dive into the deep with the blobfish, discuss the puzzling vampire deer, and marvel at the Brazilian treehopper's mysterious headgear. These creatures might sound like they're from another planet, but they share our Earth, and their unique traits serve as a testament to the incredible diversity that surrounds us. And if you thought turkeys were just Thanksgiving fare, wait until you hear about the allure of their snoods!
But this journey isn't just about the wild; it's about the impact we aspire to make right here in Billings, our beloved community. As we wrap up this episode, we share our vision for the podcast—entertainment with a purpose, raising awareness and fostering a sense of community. We're not just here to talk about Spice One's "Platinum OG 2" though it surely deserves a listen; we're here to thank you, our audience, for being a part of this adventure. So, buckle up, and let's celebrate the extraordinary, the bizarre, and the ways we can all make a difference, together.
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Support the Show!!!28 min - Scottish Culture: If it’s not Scottish it’s Crrrap!
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Who knew that Scotland's national animal frolicked in the land of myths, and the country boasts the shortest commercial flight on Earth? Buckle up for a rib-tickling escapade as we unveil the peculiar charms and humorous oddities that make Scotland an enchanting enigma. From chuckling over Shetland ponies' antics to debunking Braveheart's real identity, we're spicing up your day with a slew of hilarious Scottish revelations. And if the quirks of a traditional Scottish breakfast have you baffled, wait until we reveal the nation's surprising link to fried chicken!
As we cruise through the Scottish landscape of laughter, brace yourself for a colorful history lesson involving the world's first color photograph and the curious connection between ancient Egypt and bagpipes. Ever heard of a pub so remote you practically need a treasure map? We've got that covered too! Join us as we celebrate Scotland's six vibrant cities, cap it all off with a trip down memory lane to a Skittles commercial that's as sweet as it is controversial, and promise to keep you in the loop with future frolics and hearty hoots via our social media. Let's raise a glass to the joyful jamboree that is Scotland—sláinte!Support the show
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Support the Show!!!26 min - 30th Anniversary: Nas Illmatic
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Embark on a sonic pilgrimage with us as we celebrate a milestone in music history—the 30th anniversary of Nas's "Illmatic," a tome of hip-hop culture. Prepare to unearth the intricacies of the album's title, its homage to Illmatic Ice, and to step inside the studio with the legendary craftsmen of its iconic sound, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. As we weave through tales of bootlegging woes and pay tribute to the lyrical prowess of AZ on "Life's a Bitch," we also pause to remember the late Guru from Gang Starr, whose legacy is forever interwoven with this date. This episode is an ode to an era, a nod to the uncredited geniuses, and a reflection on the album's profound mark on our personal soundtracks.
Imagine a thread connecting Shakespeare's quill to Nas's mic—this is the tapestry of storytelling and history we explore through "Illmatic's" tracks. From the vibrant vernacular of Queensbridge that educated us, to the evolution of our musical tastes shaped by the gritty realism of East Coast rap, join us in a celebration that stretches beyond the confines of the album. We discuss how "Illmatic's" raw poetry infiltrates today's pop culture, with nods to shows like "Ozark," and how Nas's voice remains as relevant as ever in the canon of musical narratives. So, let's raise a glass to the artistry that continues to inspire and resonate through the years, and encourage an appreciation for the timeless stories told through the power of music.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!28 min - Musical Prodigy: Korla Pandit
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Prepare to be whisked away on a journey through time as we spin the tale of Korla Pandit, a musician whose enigmatic presence on the American entertainment scene of the 1940s and 50s was as captivating as it was mysterious. Our exploration traverses the melodic path of his career, from the hypnotic blend of East and West that echoed through his performances, to the mesmerizing television presence that earned him a special niche in the hearts of his viewers. The story of Korla is one of groundbreaking artistry, an exploration of identity that goes beyond the notes he played, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American music and television.
The plot thickens as we peel back the layers of Korla Pandit's identity, revealing the man behind the persona: John Roland Redd, an African American from Missouri who reinvented himself to sidestep the racial barriers of his time. This revelation leads us into a broader discussion of racial perceptions in Hollywood and across a changing America, drawing parallels with other instances of racial passing in the arts. The tale of Pandit's life prompts us to ponder the intricate dance between identity and survival, as we learn how some, like Theopolis McKee and the Crafts, navigated the treacherous landscape of race by transforming themselves entirely.
Ending on a note of global harmony, we send out our heartfelt thanks to listeners around the world, from the snowy stretches of Finland to the vibrant heart of Kenya. Each episode is a tapestry woven with threads from every corner of the globe, and your stories, traditions, and cultures bring color and life to every narrative we share. Sit back and immerse yourself in the extraordinary life of Korla Pandit and the compelling complexities of identity, as we unravel a narrative that is as rich and varied as the music that inspired it.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!28 min - Powder Gets you Hyper: Finnish Soldier Aimo Koivunen
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Ever wondered how Finnish soldiers survived the brutal winters of WWII, or what secret ingredients might tie into your family's culinary quirks? Strap in for a wild ride through history and humor as we uncover the astonishing impact methamphetamine had on warfare, with a special focus on the daredevil antics of one Emil Kuyven—a Finnish soldier who skied his way out of a Soviet ambush on a potent cocktail of desperation and stimulants. We then pivot to dissect the enigmas of Finnish culture, cracking jokes about their low-key lifestyle and how their unique humor resonates with their surprising approach to life's challenges.
Tickle your taste buds with ancestral anecdotes as we reveal the unexpected twists in our DNA that lead to some good-natured ribbing about our questionable culinary heritage. From questioning the speed one can achieve on skis with a little pharmacological boost, to the heart-warming connections we make with our heritage, this episode offers a hearty mix of sobering historical accounts and light-hearted personal reflections. Join me and my guests for a heartfelt journey through the past, peppered with laughter and the occasional offbeat revelation—we promise it's a recipe for both enlightenment and entertainment.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!32 min - Historical Hmmmm: Time Warp
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Embark with us on a temporal odyssey where the fabric of history intertwines with the mysteries of our perception of time. Together, we'll traverse the peculiar parallels that dance through the ages – imagine the guillotine's final fall echoing in sync with the first screening of 'Star Wars,' or Nintendo's genesis unfolding as the Eiffel Tower pierces the Parisian skyline. Alongside these quirks of chronology, we'll tackle the enigma of why the years seem to sprint by as we grow older and how the mutability of memory colors our connection to the past.
Journey further as we recount the heartfelt narrative of Viola Jackson's unique betrothal to a Civil War veteran, a tale as much about love as it is a poignant snapshot of history. Then, shifting gears to the realm of the scientific, we uncover the fascinating emergence of time crystals—structures that oscillate perpetually without energy loss—pondering their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the physical world. As we conclude, join in a playful debate over bestowing recognition upon the artisans of the cannabis industry, highlighting the extraordinary minds and strains that are shaping the tapestry of cannabis culture. From the cerebral to the surreal, this episode is a tapestry woven with the threads of time, inviting you on an exploration that promises to captivate and enlighten.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!28 min - Black American History: Henry Box Brown 📦
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Could you imagine the sheer determination it takes to mail yourself to freedom? That's precisely what Henry Box Brown did, and we've got the gripping details of his journey from Richmond to Philadelphia in a wooden crate—the dangers, the strategy, and the sheer will to survive. But Brown's story isn't just about a daring escape; it's also a window into a pivotal historical debate. We engage with the contrasting views of Brown and Frederick Douglass, unearthing the fraught dynamics between two African American icons who shared a common enemy but diverged on the path to liberation. Their conflict is a reminder of the diverse tactics in the struggle against the institution of slavery.
Hang around for a shift in gears as we bring you a slice of life from our very own Owen, a sandwich artist with a knack for storytelling. We're casting a net out to you, our global listeners, to weave your personal stories into our eclectic tapestry. And because history can have its lighter moments, we regale you with the humorous misadventures of some Indian tourists in Tokyo—a tale that proves local knowledge is key to avoiding unexpected detours. Join us for an episode that stitches together the profound with the playful, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit across time and culture.Support the show
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Support the Show!!!23 min
About I Tell Stories
From the publisher's feed
I Tell Stories Podcast covers a wide range of topics discussed by Colt Draine and Owen "The Mic" McMichael. From the scourge on humanity of violent business hippies and Scott Baio to peculiar…
Serbian Mother's Day traditions,the boys offer their unique perspective. Revolutionary artists,legends of folklore and bizzare following of fast food items are just a few of the subjects touched on. I Tell Stories aims to bring attention to individuals and occerrences that are too interesting to be forgotten. Two long time friends who keep each other laughing give listeners their take on the world. Everyone has a story, these are ours and those of many others.
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Support The Show 👇🏻
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035680/support