The Absurd

First, a preventable environmental tragedy which took place in Niagara Falls, New York in which hundreds of families were evacuated, and their houses boarded up as a result of an irresponsible chemical company. A man in India was refused money from his sister’s account because she was deceased. What he did in order to prove her situation, was … absurd. Next, we’ll take a dive in some deep physics...

Starting off this week with a truly fascinating story about a 19-year-old French woman who had triplets while in a coma. But not in the way you think. Next we’ll look at the growing conspiracy theory in which a number of scientists in the US nuclear and aerospace research have either disappeared, or died under often suspicious circumstances. Mel will then tell us how a Florida father reacted to ca...

Rod was very happy to do this story on internet streamer and general pain in the keester, Johnny Somali, who last week was sentenced in South Korea. Mel will then tell us about a bizarre story in which a hickey proved deadly. Neerja Branot was a purser with Pan Am airlines when in 1986, the flight she was working was hijacked. Her acts of selflessness were truly admirable. Last, while we’re certai...

A Texas woman has received the Guinness World Record for being the woman with the widest tongue in the world. Next , we’ll talk about the horrific case of Madame LaLaurie who, at her New Orleans home in early 19th century tortured and killed many of her slaves. We then answer some listener submitted questions about the show, about us, and what our favourite podcasts are.

It’s our 100th episode! We’re starting off this landmark episode with a trip to Uganda, where we will learn that humans are not the only species to engage in civil war. Next, Mel will tell us a shocking tale of a woman who had constant nosebleeds after a trip to Vietnam. Want to know why? Really? Then Rod will tell us about a man in Kentucky that won a $167 million lottery and was recently charged...

We’re starting off this week with a bizarre story of La Pascualita, a famous, highly realistic mannequin displayed since 1930 in the window of a bridal shop in Chihuahua, Mexico, known as "La Casa de Moda Bridal" Next, science has shown that over 90% of all humans are infected with the John Cunningham Virus. Most of us will never even know we have it, but for the 10% who have the virus activated …...

We start this week’s episode with the heartbreaking story of Noelia Castillo. A 25-year-old Spanish woman who finally got her wish last week to be euthanized. Next, we’re off to Dijon, France, where a recent discovery of skeletons in a school playground led to an interesting archeological find. To follow up a story in episode 57, we now take a look at illegal baby names. Lastly, Mel will tell us a...

We’re starting off this week with a bizarre tale of what a convicted murderer did to try to get out of his prison sentence. Next we’ll look at the perilous voyage of the Newfoundland based Neptune II, in which the ship was battered by storms and went horribly off course. Mel will then tell us about a Chinese man who swallowed a steel chopstick and was in his throat for eight years. Lastly, we’ll t...

First and foremost, that ultra-annoying background hiss is gone! Now, this week we’re starting off with a story out of Kenya where a Chinese man was arrested trying to smuggle 2,000 ants in his luggage. Then Mel will take us to Malta where we’ll learn about a very bizarre case in which a German teen went missing, but was then found under strange circumstances. Next, Rod will tell us about the sad...

No one likes a colonoscopy, but they are an important procedure in the early detection of cancer. Sometimes though, other things are found. Next, we’ll learn about the deadliest blizzard in known history, in which 4,000 people were killed. Mel will then tell us about a Japanese man who was so determined to solve the murder of his wife, that he continued to rent the unaltered apartment in which she...

Michael Phillips is looking to secure a title that most me would eschew as he seeks to prove that he does in fact have the smallest penis on earth. We’ll then learn about Felix Gretarsson who suffered a terrible accident in which he had to have both arms amputated. But this story has a happy ending though. The human body is truly amazing. We’ll take a little look at some various absurd facts about...

Starting off this episode with the harrowing tale of 4-year-old Karina Chikitova who was lost in the Siberian wilderness with her dog Naida. Then we’ll learn about a family in Australia who received a $6,258 (AUD) fine for not wearing a seatbelt. Thing is, this happened after their car was stolen. Mel will then tell us about an unlicensed hypnotherapist who may well be behind the unexpected deaths...

This week, we’ll start off in Indonesia, where a rather macabre holiday to celebrate the local people’s ancestors. Next, we’ll learn about a Welsh woman tho took a rather … gassy revenge. There are many types of mushrooms. Some are delicious, and some are deadly. The type in this story causes a very specific type of hallucination. Lastly, we’ll go to Argentina where dozens of people were bitten by...

Mel will start us off this week with a crazy party drink that turned out to be incredibly dangerous. Next, Rod will tell us about a truly horrifying case of suicide at a Pennsylvania Olive Garden. Then we’ll learn about a woman who broke into people homes … to clean them. Lastly, we’ll go to Afghanistan to learn about some absurd laws that have been enacted against women and girls.

Today we’ll start with a trip to Texas where a man was shot to death for not sharing his fries. Then a somewhat local story from back in the 90’s where six teenage boys disappeared without a trace. Next, we’ll meet Helen Hulick, a genuine champion of women’s rights who stood up for women who didn’t want to wear dresses all the time. Lastly, we’ll learn about a man in France who went to the hospita...

In 2011 Steve Carter found out he was a missing child. He found an age-progression image through missing children. We will then meet a woman in Thailand who has double-downed on love. Next, we’ll learn the truly harrowing tale of 11-year-old, Terry Jo Duperrault, who found herself adrift in the Atlantic after a terrifying night on her family's boat. Lastly, we will look at a new study which says t...

Starting off with the brutal and amazing survival story of 15-year-old Mary Vincent who, after being attacked and mutilated, survived through sheer will. Next, Mel will tell us about the bizarre disappearance and unsolved death of Josh Maddux. Rod will then take us down to Antarctica where a Soviet doctor had to perform surgery on himself. Lastly, ever felt like someone is right behind you, but wh...

In this episode, we start off looking at an incident where a man in New York City fell into a sinkhole when the sidewalk he was standing on collapsed. But that isn’t the most terrifying part. Next, Mel will tell us about a 9-year-old boy in France who was left to live by himself after his mother abandoned him. We will then look at a most delicious cargo that washed up on a beach in England. Lastly...

A recent story out of Pennsylvania about a man found with over 100 skulls and other various remains in his house. And that’s just the beginning. Next, the last of five sisters who made Canadian history and were exploited by the provincial government has passed away. Mel will then tell us about a truly shocking case of wanton contempt for babies by the milk industry. Then Rod will bring it on home...

This is a reposting of Episode 64: “Ed Gein, 18 Years At The Airport, On All Four Legs, Worst Traffic Jam Ever” which was first aired on July 23rd, 2025. We will be back next week and we will then do our draw for the swag contest. We do apologise.

Hey Absurdians. Due to some truly absurd weather snow, ice storms, and even flooding, we are unable to record this week as the roads are just too dang treacherous. So we are bringing you a replay of one of our favourite episodes, this one aired on June 4th. Also, we will postpone our contest draw until next week, so please continue to like and share our show on your socials, and kindly give us a f...

Starting things off with a look at one of the underappreciated stars of one of the most popular Christmas movies. Next, Mel will regale us with some interesting modern Christmas facts. Then Rod will take us to Iceland where we look at Jólakötturinn, also known as the Yule Cat. This is not a kitty you want to say hello to. Lastly, we will go back to the early 17th century and learn about a terrifyi...

When a whale washed up on an Oregon beach in 1970, local authorities decided that, given the horrible smell, they had to get rid of it. Their plan didn’t go brilliantly. Then we’re off to meet Elsie Eiler, the sole resident (and mayor) of the town of Monowi, Nebraska. Mel will then tell us about Frasier the lion, who after being in a circus for nine years, was sent to an animal reserve where he …...

We’re starting off with a teeny tiny bit of something absurd. Then, Rod will tell us a truly jaw-dropping example of mans inhumanity to man, and perhaps not surprisingly, it’s about the rich. Then Mel talks about a murderous woman who giggled as she confessed. Next we’ll meet Katelyn Thornley, a 12-year-old girl who sneezed … as much as 12,000 times a day! Lastly, we’ll learn how one woman got ove...

Mel kicks off this week’s episode with an incredible bank robbery in Buenos Aires, Argentina that was brilliantly planned and elaborate in its detailing. Yet it was brought down by something so simple. Next, Rod will tell us about Lois Gibson, a woman who is in the Guinness World Records for Most Identifications by a Forensic Artist. Then we’re off to Thailand to learn about a woman who was saved...