Surface Knowledge

The Roman Empire is everywhere — in our language, our laws, our cities, and even our calendars. But how did this ancient civilization rise, rule, and eventually collapse? In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we trace the full arc of Rome — from kingdom to republic to empire — breaking down the major events, emperors, inventions, and influences that shaped the modern world. Whether you’re a first...

In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we descend into Earth’s final frontier, the deep ocean. You’ll learn how the ocean is divided into five mysterious zones, from sunlit shallows to lightless trenches. We explore the alien creatures that thrive without sunlight, the strange ecosystems powered by underwater volcanoes, and the bizarre technologies used to reach the bottom of the world. We also di...

In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we delve into the Cold War, a global conflict marked by the absence of bullets, yet characterized by nukes, spies, proxy wars, and intense political tension that nearly brought the world to the brink. From how it started after WWII to the Cuban Missile Crisis, Stanislav Petrov, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, we explore the real-world stakes, strange spycraf...

In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we take a closer look at the disturbing world of cults. What actually defines a cult? Why do people join, and why do they stay? We’ll explore how cults operate, the psychology behind control, and some of the most infamous leaders and movements in modern history, from Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate to lesser-known groups like NXIVM and Twelve Tribes. We also look...

What makes ships vanish, planes go silent, and compasses spin out of control? In this episode, we chart the mystery, myth, and science behind the Bermuda Triangle, one of the most infamous stretches of ocean on Earth. We’ll explore the origins of the legend, the mysterious disappearances of Flight 19 and the USS Cyclops, paranormal theories involving Atlantis and aliens, and the science that pushe...

Why do we dream? What’s going on in your brain when you’re chasing flying jellyfish through a maze made of childhood trauma and IKEA furniture? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of dream science. From brain activity during REM sleep to the top theories behind why we dream in the first place. You’ll learn how dreams may help us process emotions, store memories, or just run mental...

From steel-driving legends to swamp-dwelling spirits, this episode explores the uniquely strange and powerful world of American folklore. We’re diving into the myths, heroes, creatures, and oral traditions that helped shape the U.S. not just as entertainment, but as a way of passing on values, resistance, and cultural identity. In this episode, you’ll meet: John Henry – the folk hero who took on a...

In October 2017, something strange passed through our solar system, which was fast, silent, and not from around here. Meet ʻOumuamua: the first confirmed interstellar object ever detected in our skies. Was it a comet? An asteroid? A giant hydrogen snowball? Or, as one Harvard astrophysicist controversially suggested… something else entirely? In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we explore the my...

Set sail into the strange and stormy world of ghost ships. Vessels found adrift with no crew, no answers, and plenty of eerie mystery. In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we uncover the true story of the Mary Celeste , explore the legend of the Flying Dutchman , and examine the science behind why ships vanish… and sometimes come back. From the steel-hulled Baychimo that haunted the Arctic for 4...

Literally Punk Rock 101 for this episode. Find out all the surface knowledge you'll ever need on one of the most influential music genres in recent memory. We cover everything from: - Proto-Punk - First Wave - Subgenres - 90s revival - Mainstream Punk Rock - The legacy and importance of punk today Join Max for a deep dive on his favourite music genre in less than 30 minutes to make you an expert a...

True crime. Serial killers. FBI profiling. In this episode of Surface Knowledge , we go beyond the headlines to explore why serial killers exist, what drives them, and how they’re caught. From psychological profiling and the origins of VICAP to pop culture obsession and media myths, it’s a surface-level dive into the darkest corners of criminal behavior.

Yes, you're seeing that right there is 22 minutes of information all about the North Pole. Have you never been curious about the frozen tundra that sits above our heads? Inspired by the latest novel ‘Death in the Arctic’ by Tom Hindle, Max delves into all aspects of the North Pole. There are myths and legends about it that stretch back to ancient Greece. Learn how man has tried to conquer and expl...

A complete history of video games in under 20 minutes. Discover the military lab origin of video games in the 1950s. How that expanded out to the arcade craze of the 70s and 80s. Learn about the video game market crash of the 80s and its eventual revival. Console wars, 3D graphics, mobile gaming, VR, and the state of the industry today. Including some nicely peppered fun facts that you can share w...

It's wrasslin' time!!! Wrestlemania 41 is just around the corner and more and more people are tuning into watching WWE on Netflix on a weekly basis. So, this episode covers one of my personal favorite subject matter - pro wrestling. This episode will teach you interesting terminology so you don't get lost in any conversation It helps you navigate tricky questions like "You know it's fake right?" a...

This is the very first episode in this brand-new series!!! Surface Knowledge is the podcast that delivers just enough info to impress anyone in 30 minutes or less. To kick us off Max gives you a very quick surface knowledge and understanding of what the show involves. Then we look at what is a hoax how it differs from a conspiracy and why hoaxes exist in the first place. We look at three famous ex...

What is The Surface Knowledge podcast? Well, hopefully this handy little trailer should answer all of your questions.