The Internet Says it’s True

In 1950, the West-End Baptist Church in Beatrice, Nebraska exploded from a gas leak. The church should have been full of a practicing choir, but it wasn't. This episode examines the curious circumstances that led each and every choir member to be late that day. Then we play the Quick Quiz with Jethro and Matt from the Drunkard's Walk podcast ! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon...

Originally released February 28, 2021. Throughout the 1980s, there were rumors that CNN had produced a video to be broadcast if the world was ending. More than 30 years later, a former intern from the news network was able to shed some light on the subject. In this episode, we explore the famed "CNN Doomsday Tape" and quiz Comedian and Screenwriter Jay Black! Bonus episodes and content available a...

Originally released January 18, 2021. Did you know that Spock's "Vulcan Salute" in Star Trek was based on a Jewish Blessing? It's true! We explore the history of the hand signal and the accompanying phrase "Live Long and Prosper" in this episode, and then quiz Comedy Writer Jimmy Mak! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit htt...

Originally released November 16, 2020. There's a legend in West Virginia that in 1948, famed pilot Chuck Yeager flew an Air Force jet under a bridge in downtown Charleston. Over the years, the story has been embellished and exaggerated, but in this episode, we get to the truth. Then, I ask my pilot friend Doc Sacolick what would happen if he did the same. Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podc...

Despite the United States Mint not being established until 1792, the first American coin struck for circulation was actually designed in 1787 by none other than Benjamin Franklin. But why did it feature the words "Mind Your Business?" In this episode explore the coin known as the "Fugio Cent" and then quiz comedy writer Jimmy Mak!  Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podcast Awards at http://col...

Try to imagine how you would bet if a roulette wheel landed on black 26 times in a row. What are the chances that the next spin would land on black? And how much would you be willing to risk? This episode is all about a couple popular gambling fallacies - people betting against a streak of luck and people betting on a streak of luck. We talk about The Gambler's Fallacy and the Hot-Hand Fallacy; th...

You may have noticed something strange while passing a new building under construction: a small tree on the top of the structure. In this episode, we discuss why it's there. It's called the "Topping Out Ceremony" and it's a bizarre tradition/superstition that's lasted more than 1,400 years. Then we do a quiz with Author, Speaker and Comedian Amma Marfo!    Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Pod...

In 1971, Juliane Koepcke's airplane was struck by lightning and broke apart 2 miles above the Peruvian Jungle. Miraculously, she was the only one out of the 92 people onboard to survive. In this episode, we tell the amazing story of how she survived the crash and her journey to find safety. Bonus episodes and content available at  http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, vi...

There are many competing theories on exactly how Hollywood, California got its name. Is it possible that the most ridiculous-sounding story is also the most credible? In this episode, we go to "Tinseltown" and explore its history - including the theories behind how it was named. Then we issue the "Quick Quiz" to Actor, Screenwriter and Executive Producer, Michael Hitchcock . Bonus episodes and con...

On Easter Sunday in 1939, contralto singer Marian Anderson gave a concert to 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This moment has been called a prelude to the Civil Rights Movement that would come to the nation's forefront 25 years later. The concert was never supposed to happen. This episode explores the racism and segregation of a city that led to the momentous performance. Then w...

He was born Joshua Abraham Norton, but to San Fransisco in the mid 1800s, he was Norton the First, Emperor of The United States and Protector of Mexico. Sure, it was a made up title and he held no actual authority, but that didn't stop the citizens of San Fransisco (and one King of Hawaii) from showing him reverence. This episode dives into the history of Emperor Norton - including some of his mor...

LMFAO, BRB, LOL, OMG. It feels tragically uncool to dissect and examine today's texting and internet acronyms, but it turns out some of these acronyms aren't as current as we think they are! In this episode, we learn about how exclaiming "OMG!" dates all the way back to 1917 and chat with Comedian and Co-Founder of Stand Up for Choice, Pat Deering. For Bonus Episodes and Content, visit http://patr...

When Adobe announced it would be discontinuing Flash in 2017, developers started replacing it with newer, more robust software. But one railroad system in Dalian, China didn't get the memo. When it was finally globally disabled in January of 2021, the entire railroad was disabled. In this episode, I get nostalgic about the good ole' days of flash animation, then tell the story about how it affecte...

In our history, we've had at least 32 "Broken Arrow" incidents: instances of nuclear weapons accidents that don't cause a nuclear war. One of those was in 1958, in which an Air Force B-47 Bomber almost nuked Mars Bluff, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the B-47, it's staggering 10% loss rate and the Mars Bluff incident. Then we catch up with actor and podcaster Michael Spedden for th...

While I'll freely admit there is a sort of "clickbait" nature to this title, I promise this episode is a wild one. It's about the forgotten and sordid past to the popular Mexican stew, Pozole. In addition to learning all about the stew, it's history and ingredients, we learn a little bit about ancient Aztec culture, hear me pronounce words like "Tlacaxipehualiztli" and then do a quick quiz with a...

One of America's favorite children's characters and Sesame Street resident, Big Bird, was almost on board the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle during its disastrous mission in 1986. In this episode, we tell three stories: one about Big Bird, one about the Challenger, and one about how the two almost came together. Then Jim Henson fan Eric Dittelman joins us for the quick quiz! Bonus episodes and...

Did you know Han Solo's iconic blaster, the "DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol" in Star Wars was actually based on a handgun used by the Nazis? In this episode, we talk about the Mauser C96 Pistol, the origin of a few interesting Star Wars props and I quiz Comedian, Writer and Producer, Jay Black who is a much larger Star Wars nerd than I ever knew. This is a good one! Bonus content and extra episodes at...

Upper-class ladies in Victorian Era England put on a fake limp as a fashion statement. It was just one of many ways they emulated the beautiful Alexandra of Denmark, Princess of Wales who went on to become Queen of England, wife of King Edward VII. In this episode, we talk about the "Alexandra Limp," some other stupid fashion contagions and then we quiz Dan R Morris from the "Tracing the Path" pod...

Frank “Cannonball Richards” became famous for an incredible act where he would stand in front of a cannon and have a 100 lb. cannonball shot into his stomach. In this episode, we talk about the development of this talent and then quiz Comedian and Improvisor Joel Savage! Bonus content is available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% off Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresenter...

The story of how legendary daredevil Evel Knievel got his name is one of those tales you hear and don't believe because it's just too good. In this episode, we talk about Knievel, how he got his name and quiz Celtic Magician Daniel GreenWolf. Bonus content is available on http://Patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% off Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Legend has it that Harry Kellar, a man who was once the most well-known magician in the world, was the inspiration behind the Wizard of Oz character in the popular L. Frank Baum children's books. In this episode, we learn a little bit about Harry Kellar, a little bit about the Wizard of Oz and a little bit about my wife, Alison! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent...

Was film star Hedy Lamarr responsible for the invention of wireless internet? In this episode, we find out about her amazing (and somewhat tragic) life and find out if the internet says it's true! Then we play a quiz game with Cameron Zvara!   Bonus content available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% off Virtual Presenter Course at http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Apparently there's a legend that Founding Father and 3rd United States President, Thomas Jefferson introduced Macaroni and Cheese to America. Since I had never heard this before, I take to the Internet in this episode to see if it's true. Then I invite The Albino Rhino, Matt Gwinn, on the show to play a quick quiz! Bonus content available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% off Virtual Prese...

We're all familiar with the use of "John Doe" or "Jane Doe" as a placeholder name or when an identity is unknown. But where did the name come from? This week, we do a deep dive into the history of John Doe and find out who he really was - then do a quick quiz with podcaster Wize Otero!  Bonus content is available on patreon.com/michaelkent

There has been one successful coup d'état in American History - a successful violent overthrowing of a city government in 1898. Sadly, it's a story of violence, politics and white supremacy.  In this episode, we explore an unpleasant chapter of America's history that not many people know and then lighten the mood with a quiz at the end. Bonus content is available at patreon.com/michaelkent