Ridiculous History

This episode explores the life of Mata Hari, the Dutch courtesan and dancer who became a controversial figure during World War I.

Hosts Ben Bullen and Noel Brown discuss the Cold War development of tactical "backpack nukes," such as the B54 Special Atomic Demolition Munition.

Ridiculous History explores the dark history of entomological warfare, detailing how the US, Japan, and Nazi Germany weaponized insects like fleas and mosquitoes.

This episode explores the true story of Yasuke, an African man who became a samurai and bodyguard for warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th-century Japan.

This episode explores the bizarre obsession of King Frederick William I of Prussia, who formed the Potsdam Giants, a regiment of exceptionally tall men.

In this classic episode, hosts Dead and Noel interview Wayne Federman, a comedy historian and Curb Your Enthusiasm alumnus, to explore the legacy of Dick Gregory.

In this episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Noel Brown, Max Jamin, and Ben Zeller explore the racist origins of tipping in the US, tracing it to…

Hosts Noel Brown and Ben Bolin, joined by producer Max Williams, explore the confusing and controversial history of tipping in the United States.

Hosts Noel Brown and Ben Bowlin explore the scandalous history of *I Modi*, a 16th-century erotic print series created by Giulio Romano and Marcantonio Raimondi.

Hosts Ben Bolin and Noel Brown detail the dark history of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate, beginning with the 1914 massacre by Julian Carlton.

Hosts Noel Brown and Ben Boland explore the controversial life of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, focusing on his rise to fame and personal scandals.

Hosts Ben and Noel explore the history of political body doubles, detailing how MI5 used actor Ewen Cameron to deceive Nazis during WWII.

Ridiculous History introduces research associate Ames Doyle to discuss 17th-century astrologer William Lilly, who pioneered horary astrology.

This episode of Ridiculous History examines the controversial life of Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star-Spangled Banner.

Ridiculous History explores "Fort Blunder," a US military fort accidentally built on Canadian soil due to mapping errors, costing millions and becoming a decaying historic site.

This episode continues the saga of Thomas Jefferson’s feud with Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, detailing Jefferson’s attempt to prove…

Ridiculous History hosts welcome Lauren Vogelbaum to discuss the 18th-century discovery of mastodon fossils in America.

Hosts Noel and Ben explore Pacific cargo cults, where islanders worshipped WWII soldiers and modern goods as divine gifts.

Hosts Ben Bullin and Noel Brown explore the bizarre history of baby gear, from early "snot suckers" to dangerous wooden car seats designed for sightseeing rather than safety.