This episode of the Useless Information Podcast is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INFORMATIONPOD and get on your way to being your best self.

The incredible true story of an 18-foot, 150-pound python who escaped from the Fort Worth Zoo back in 1954. But instead of causing widespread fear, this serpent slithered his way into the hearts of people worldwide.

WBAP-TV coverage of Pete the Python (videos and transcripts): https://digital.library.unt.edu/search/?q=pete+the+python

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/pete-the-python-podcast-221/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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Have you ever wondered why the United States government is called Uncle Sam? This nickname originates from Uncle Samuel Wilson, who provided beef and pork to the troops during the War of 1812. Join the City of Troy and Rensselaer County, New York historian Kathy Sheehan as she takes us on a tour of Uncle Sam's life. 

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/uncle-sam-podcast-220

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In November 1949, Aurora, Illinois found itself with an unusual mystery on its hands. An unidentified benefactor lavishly distributed substantial sums of money to individuals, charities, and the local high school. Adjusted for inflation, the philanthropist bestowed millions within a mere span of weeks. The burning question: Who was this mysterious figure and what motivated such a profound act of generosity? Listen to this episode to find out!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/mr-benefactor-podcast-219

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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A man is arrested for stealing his own money, a barn is stolen while a farmer sleeps, a Harvard graduate who lost his memory, and much more!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-26-podcast-218/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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In 1945, police were astounded to discover a man affixed to a wooden cross, hastily fastened to the beams supporting Chicago’s elevated railway. His assailants were never identified, but the victim repeatedly brought up the name of Dr. Emil Bronner. It's worth noting that this is the very same Dr. Bronner who later pioneered the widely acclaimed castile soap that carries his name. This story will help explain the quirky messages on their soap bottles.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/a-crucifixion-in-chicago-podcast-217

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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An alligator is found in a California swamp, male toll collectors oppose the hiring of women, a mummified man inspires a Don McLean song, a chewing gum party, and much more!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-25-podcast-216/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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In 1933, New York City police had a very unusual mystery on their hands. Two people died of nearly identical causes within an hour of one another at an Automat restaurant in Manhattan. Strangers to each other, the sole connecting thread between them was a poppy seed roll.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/the-strange-case-of-the-poppy-seed-roll-podcast-215/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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Our modern world is dependent on electricity. But did you ever stop to wonder where it all began? Guest Kathy Joseph, author of the book The Lightning Tamers and host of the popular YouTube channel Kathy Loves Physics, joins me to talk about some of these amazing stories.

Video of this interview: https://uselessinformation.org/the-lightning-tamers-podcast-214/

Purchase The Lightning Tamers by Kathy Joseph at https://shorturl.at/cwzKS

Kathy Loves Physics & History on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Weirdly_wonderful

Kathy Joseph’s website: https://kathylovesphysics.com/

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/the-lightning-tamers-podcast-214/

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Back in 1937, Harold Hulen was madly in love with Florence Hurlbut. He desperately wanted to marry her, but every time he asked, she turned him down. After a couple of years of constant rejection, Harold came up with an outrageous way to get her attention. Soon their story would be told in newspapers and on the radio from coast-to-coast.

Affiliate link for elevenlabs.io: https://elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerray4138

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/the-radiator-romeo-podcast-213/

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Bruce Carlson of My History Can Beat Up Your Politics cohosts! A man survives going over Niagara, only to later die after slipping on an orange peel; a family is told they can only take one bath per week; a woman catches a trout with a fly swatter, Beatles hair is clogging up swimming pools, and much more!

You can find Bruce Carlson’s podcast here: https://myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com/

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-24-podcast-212/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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