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Ready to walk barefoot into summer traditions from around the globe? We promise to transport you from Sweden with its delightful mid-summer festivals – think maypole dances and the quirky frog dance – to the vibrant solstice celebrations of the Mayans, Aztecs and Vikings. You'll pick up some fun facts including the Latin origins of the word 'solstice' and the intriguing Chinese custom of standing an egg upright on the summer solstice. 

Ever wondered about the sun gods and their celestial roles across cultures? Let's join hands as we journey back in time to learn about Shamash, the Mesopotamian God of the Sun, also known as Utu. Known for fairness, he held the position of the judge of gods and men and was a symbol of justice and equity. From his depiction atop a throne holding symbols of righteousness to his conquest over night and death, his stories captivate and inspire.

As we bask in the warm glow of summer and its traditions, we also take a moment to reflect on the music and merriment of the season. We share about how the pandemic has altered our summer routines, but also how we can still cherish these moments with our loved ones. Remember, it's about making the most of the summer season, safely. So, let's put on our favorite summer tunes, kick back, and savor the sunshine. Let's keep the spirit of summer alive, come rain or shine!

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Ready for a wild ride through some of the craziest news stories we've encountered this week? How did an alligator in Florida manage to attack an underwater drone? We kick off our latest episode discussing this bizarre incident and then switch gears to celebrate the incredible achievement of a Nigerian chef who cooked non-stop for a mind-blowing 93 hours and 11 minutes. But wait, there's more! We also explore the eccentric world of a San Diego man who founded his own micro nation called Slow Jamestan, and you won't believe the plans he has for the land. To top it all off, we share the hilarious tale of a Texas woman who confused a ringtail with a lemur and had to make a hasty exit from her car when the animal became agitated.

Our strange news journey doesn't end there! We dive into the curious case of an 18-year-old from Alabama who was arrested for impersonating a police officer and reveal a drug smuggling operation involving tons of methamphetamine hidden in shipments of maple syrup and canola oil from Canada. We can't forget the loose pigs in Minnesota that caused an hour-long shutdown of an interstate or the 100 monkeys that escaped after a truck collision in Pennsylvania. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the importance of enjoying every minute and invite you to join us in embracing the weird and wonderful moments life has to offer.

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What happens when an orphan from French Equatorial Africa rises to power and takes over the Central African Republic in a coup? Discover the intriguing story of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, whose admiration for a French grammar book shaped his identity and led him to establish an Empire, all while seeking financial support from the very colonizers responsible for the brutalities of his homeland. But was he a savior or a monster?

Join us as we unravel the chilling horrors of Bokassa's reign, including rumors of cannibalism, the murder of army officers, and his alleged involvement in the killing of school children. How can we reconcile these atrocities with the humanitarian image he tried to present? And what role did foreign powers, such as France and China, play in supporting and catering to his brutal regime?

Finally, we delve into the Central African Republic's troubled history and its ongoing challenges, such as widespread poverty, violent attacks against civilians, and the mysterious presence of the Wagner Group. Learn how Bokassa sought to distance himself from France while turning to China for assistance, and how his actions continue to impact the region today. Don't miss this captivating exploration of a powerful and complex figure, and the nation he once ruled.

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Ever wondered about the fascinating world of flags and their history? This Flag Day, we're diving into the realm of vexillology, where we celebrate the art and science of flags, their symbolism, and the stories behind them. Join us as we discuss Whitney Smith, the man who coined the term in the late 1950s, and learn about Bob Hasse, the 17-year-old who designed the 50-star flag for Alaska and Hawaii. You'll be amazed at the intricacies of flags and their importance in our world.

We don't stop at the stars and stripes – we'll also share our favorite flags from around the globe, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these national symbols. From Albania to Scotland and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), we'll discuss the unique history and significance of each flag, as well as the idea of the Shantyplex Flag that honors the nation we call home. So get ready to wave your banner high and join us in this colorful and captivating episode celebrating the world of flags!

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Ever wondered what a world record-breaking catfish looks like or why there was a kangaroo in a Wisconsin McDonald's? Buckle up for an incredible journey through some of the wildest and weirdest stories we've come across this week! We're talking everything from wolverines in California to armed jewelry thieves with mob ties and even three men swept out to sea on a giant inflatable duck. Trust us, you don't want to miss this ride!

But wait, there's more! We're also exploring bizarre happenings from around the globe, including a bull running wild in North Texas, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra serenading guests in a London hotel room, and two pigs named Piggy Pay and Peter Porker on the loose in Washington. Convinced yet? Well, how about the man who brought a fish to a hotel to have it cooked for him, a $1,600 burger with a 24 karat gold brioche bun, and the truth behind Donald Trump's appearance in Home Alone? So, grab your headphones, share the podcast with friends, and let's dive into these unbelievable stories together!

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What if there was a supernatural creature that not only protected people from evil spirits but also disciplined those who lacked morals? Dive into the world of the Thunderbird in this captivating episode, where we explore the rich mythology and stories surrounding this powerful entity that is present in many North American indigenous cultures, such as the Ojibwe and Menominee tribes. We'll also share a fascinating tale of how the Thunderbird once came to the aid of a struggling community.

We continue our journey with a gripping legend of a boy who, upon seeing a dead whale on the beach, tries to tell his Tribal elder that it could be a sign of a Thunderbird. Discover how the elder's dismissive attitude leads to deadly consequences and how the boy, later in life, gets a second chance to encounter the awe-inspiring Thunderbird. But unlike in most stories, the Thunderbird teaches us a valuable lesson - it does not care if we live or die.

Finally, we discuss the cultural significance of the Thunderbird, its connection to weather patterns, and the tattoos it has inspired. Delve into the stories of its power to ward off Reptilian monsters and how it is still respected in modern times. We also touch on parallels between various indigenous cultures and the Thunderbird, and how a tattoo designed by Stephanie Big Eagle became a symbol of solidarity and resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Don't miss this thought-provoking and fascinating episode!

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Ready for a wild adventure? Join us as we explore the bizarre Cooper's Hill and Gloucester Wheel of Cheese Race, where brave souls chase a seven-pound wheel of cheese down a hill. But that's not all! We also dive into the mysterious appearance of six cows on a Florida highway, and an extraordinary tale of a woman who was misdiagnosed with severe schizophrenia only to later be found to have lupus - leaving us to ponder the implications of her journey on the medical field. And if that's not enough buzz, we've got a fascinating story from Italy that you won't want to miss!

Hold on to your hats as we investigate the enigmatic boat accident on Lake Maggiore, Italy, which claimed the lives of four passengers, many of whom were former and current spies. What were they doing together, and what secrets might they have held? We also discuss Donald Trump's latest remarks, a llama causing chaos on the M5-5 highway, and a motorized trash can in Britain breaking the unofficial world record. Shout-out to Serbia, our week's number two supporter, and the viral story of the Serbian dancing lady! Plus, we touch on a man in South Carolina arrested with a spray-painted NES Duck Hunt pistol, a former high school in Oklahoma being sold as a single-family home, and finally, the inspiring legacy of Coach Jimmy V and his powerful message about enjoying life's moments. Don't miss out on this rollercoaster of an episode, and be sure to subscribe for more captivating content!

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Ever been called "bud" or "buddy" and cringed? You're not alone! We share our personal stories of how a movie we watched as kids turned this innocent nickname into a lifelong trigger. Pauly Shore's painful existence and his career's impact on our lives is the focus of today's episode, so buckle up as we explore his comedic stylings and the invention of feminine misogyny.

From his MTV VJ days to his recent mall incident, we discuss the evolution of Pauly Shore's humor and how he became the master of being the most annoying person in the world. We even touch on his 1989 appearance on Married with Children, his 2010 movie Adoption, and how he was mentored by Sam Kinnison. 

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Can you believe it? A man steals a backhoe to catch a flight, and a food inspector in India goes to extreme lengths to retrieve his dropped smartphone! Join us as we reminisce about the late, great Tina Turner and her iconic music, and share our thoughts on the recent sentencing of a Capitol Hill rioter. We also discuss the fascinating world of pirate heritage and cultural appropriation, and dive into the no-nonsense attitude of 90s rapper Andre Nickatina. 

But wait, there's more! We can't help but chuckle at the wild police reports we've come across, like the story of Lester, a stray steer who narrowly avoided charges after being found wandering on the freeway in Oakland County. Plus, we celebrate the incredible luck of a Virginia woman who won $300,000 on a lottery ticket, all because she returned to a store that ran out of bananas the day before. Don't miss this episode filled with random news, entertaining conversations, and of course, our signature storytelling. So, grab your headphones and let's get started!

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What happens when an outrageous campaign to clothe all animals for the sake of decency takes the world by storm? Get ready to laugh as we explore the bizarre and hilarious history of the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals (SINA), formed in 1959. Discover how witnessing two cows mating on the side of the road with a dog in the middle led to the creation of an organization with the motto "Decency today means morality tomorrow," and a mission to cover animals in clothing – even going as far as airdropping apparel onto a cow pasture!

Dive into the absurdity of SINA's most famous protest, the 1960 Walter episode, where members of the organization entered a television studio with a dressed-up dog named Walter, claiming he was a victim of nakedness. Hear about the aftermath of the episode, including an appearance on CBS News with Walter Cronkite and the revelation that the organization's president, Prout, was actually a fake name created by renowned hoaxer Alan Abel. 

Reflect on the power of fear and how it can drive people to latch onto ridiculous causes like SINA. Consider why individuals involved in such strange movements often never admit their participation afterward and how cell phones would have been useful during this time for capturing the comedic potential of these outlandish events. Don't miss this episode that delves into the absurdity of SINA and leaves you questioning the sanity of humanity and laughing at the peculiarities of it all.

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