Ridiculous History

Ridiculous News - not your average news show. We cover stuff you didn’t realize was news, from the wild and funny to the deep and hidden to the absolutely ridiculous. Hosted by Bill Worley and Mark Kendall

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While it's a taboo subject in the modern day, it turns out people have been improvising ways to pleasure themselves since, well, the dawn of history. In this week's two-part takeover episode, Ben and Noel join Eli and Diana Banks, real-life spouses and creators of the hit podcast Ridiculous Romance, to discuss the strange, ridiculous (and at-times disturbing) history of sex toys across the planet. Heads-up, this one gets a little raunchy.

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The Cobra Effect - a particularly extreme form of unintended consequences - isn't limited to India and Vietnam. In China, the technically successful Four Pests eradication campaign led to tremendous ecological disaster, as the mass murder of sparrows led to a plague of ravenous locusts. In part two of this week's two part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore what went wrong, how it affected later generations, and what the Cobra Effect can teach us about unforeseen consequences.

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Back in the days of the British Raj, colonial leaders had a problem: Delhi was overrun with snakes. And not just any snakes -- cobras. These dangerous death noodles slithered through every nook and cranny in town. The solution? Put a bounty on cobras, and allow any citizen to receive payment for every cobra skin they bring in. While this seemed like a good idea at first, it quickly led to even more snakes pouring into town. So what happened? In part one of this week's two-part episode, Ben and Noel explore the strange series of missteps so ridiculous that it inspired a new, powerful concept: The Cobra Effect.

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As activists in the UK fought for the right to vote (and divorce, and inherit land), they ran into increasingly brutal actions on the part of police -- they were beaten, arrested, imprisoned, and even force fed when attempting hunger strikes. The police seemed confident that this abuse would silence the protestors... but that was before they were aware of Jūjitsu expert and dojo owner Edith Garrud. Edith didn't just conduct self-defense training for locals -- when she saw the increasing trend of violence against her fellow protestors, she trained an elite fighting force that went toe-to-toe with law enforcement, more than once, for the cause.

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Hi, Ridiculous History fans! iHeartPodcasts and Shondaland are excited to announce Inventing Anna. The companion podcast of a Netflix series that will delve deeper into the story of Anna Sorokin - the fake heiress who stole the hearts – and money – of New York’s social elite. A story that will keep you guessing but don't just take our word for it. Check out the trailer to decide for yourself!

About Inventing Anna: Based on the Netflix show, Inventing Anna, the companion podcast will delve deeper into the story of Anna Sorokin - the fake heiress who stole the hearts – and money – of New York’s social elite. Featuring conversations with creator Shonda Rhimes and the real-life people who inspired this iconic story. 

 

Listen and subscribe to Inventing Anna on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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It's no secret that people in the US often tend to mythologize the Founding Fathers -- so it shouldn't come as a surprise that people also, often, claim George Washington wasn't actually the first US president. What gives? Tune in to learn more.

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World War I was a bloody, terrifying conflict for everyone involved -- and not just humans. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max accidentally run into deep emotions, going one hundred percent Team Wolf as they explore the ecological consequences of massive human conflict. Ben remains resentful regarding the hot tub situation.

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Hi, Ridiculous History fans! The newest iHeart Original podcast, Big Brother: North Korea’s Forgotten Prince! It dives into the plot to assassinate the current dictator’s older brother and is hosted by actor Eden Lee. A shocking thriller and mystery that will keep you guessing but don't just take our word for it. Check out the trailer to decide for yourself!

About Big Brother: North Korea went to extreme lengths to eliminate Kim Jong Un’s older brother, culminating in the most audacious political assassination of the 21st century.

 

Listen and subscribe to Big Brother on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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It’s true — back in the day, wealthy residents of cities from London to Chicago would pay for tours of disadvantaged communities, the same way that you might take your friends to a zoo today. The communities responded, staging events meant to give the upper class an ersatz sense of authenticity. Spoiler, it was terrible.

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