Episodes 1,020
Avg. Duration 38m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.2 (4,485)
Since Oct 2017
Latest Episode Jun 2026

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Schedule
Every Few Days
Format
Episodic
Consistency
72%
Hosting
www.omnycontent.com

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About This Podcast

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

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Recent Episodes

Germans, Sausages and Dachshunds: Oh, My!

Jun 11, 2026 51m Transcript

From baseball games to picnics, from street vendors to haute cuisine, the humble hot dog is an American icon. But where did it come from, and how did it get so popular? In today's episode, Ben, Noel…

The Ridiculous History of Atlanta's Street Names

Jun 09, 2026 43m Transcript

OK, folks: yes, Ben, Noel and Max are well aware of Atlanta's bizarre habit of naming every other street 'Peachtree' something-or-other. But did you know this city also has multiple streets with…

CLASSIC: Susanna Caroline Matilda: The Colonial Grifter Princess

Jun 06, 2026 54m Transcript

In this week's Classic episode: Have you ever dreamed about shedding your old identity, casting aside your obligations and becoming an entirely different person? Susanna Caroline Matilda, narrowly…

A Samurai Walks Into The White House

Jun 04, 2026 35m Transcript

History is often taught as a series of discrete, unrelated events -- and that could not be further from the truth. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore a fascinating Venn diagram of…

What is SantaCon -- and Why Do So Many People Hate it?

Jun 02, 2026 36m Transcript

One thing about the United States -- we'll throw a party for anything. As a result, it's no surprise that back in 1994, a group of well-meaning pranksters in San Francisco decided to don Santa Claus…

CLASSIC: History's Weirdest Flexes, Part Two

May 30, 2026 27m Transcript

While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon is as old as human civilization. Join the guys with special guests Miles and Jack from The Daily Zeitgeist as…

CLASSIC: History's Weirdest Flexes, Part One

May 28, 2026 31m Transcript

Do you know anyone who decided to show off in a weird way? While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon is as old as human civilization. Join the guys…

The Bizarre Parable of New Coke, Chapter Two: A Rise. A Fall. A Conspiracy?

May 26, 2026 44m Transcript

Back in the 1980s, Coca-Cola -- for reasons the public still can't agree on -- rolled out a controversial new formulation of their legendary, still-secret cola recipe. Public backlash in the south…

CLASSIC: How Robert "The Fastest Knife In The West End" Liston Conducted A Surgery With A 300% Mortality Rate

May 23, 2026 29m Transcript

In this week's Classic episode: It's no secret that hospitals can be intimidating, scary places -- but the medical operations of the modern day can't hold a candle to the grisly procedures of the…

The Bizarre Parable of New Coke, Chapter One: Sweeter, Stranger, Strange

May 21, 2026 36m Transcript

Heads-up! We are extremely biased on this one. Back in the 1980s, Coca-Cola was terrified of losing the Great Soda War to Pepsi. In the depths of desperation, they futzed with the golden goose — the…

"Resting Bicycle Face": Bikes and Women's Rights

May 19, 2026 44m Transcript

Nowadays bicycles are a common sight across the world -- they're efficient, convenient, and a great way to get in some exercise. Yet in the late 1800s they were ground zero for a culture war over…

CLASSIC: How Oliver Cromwell Got Executed Several Years After His Death

May 15, 2026 26m Transcript

In this week's Classic episode: today, Oliver Cromwell is known as one of the most famous figures in English history -- he was a Puritan with no military experience when the Civil War broke out in…

The Bizarre Life of Elvis, Part Two: Public Fame, Private Chaos

May 14, 2026 36m Transcript

Have you ever assaulted your hamburger guy? How do you handle your problematic pet chimpanzee? For a lot of us in the crowd, these questions sound ridiculous -- but for Elvis Presley, these…

The Bizarre Life of Elvis, Part One: From Poverty to Pop Stardom

May 12, 2026 31m Transcript

How far would you fly for a sandwich? Decades after his death at just 42, Elvis Presley remains a global pop phenomenon. His short life was full of strange, ridiculous adventures... but how many of…

CLASSIC:Hong Xiuquan: The Younger Brother of Jesus Christ Who Led a Bloody Rebellion in China

May 09, 2026 37m Transcript

In this week's Classic episode: when the schoolteacher who would come to be called Hong Xiuquan first heard of the Christian religion, he wasn't particularly bowled over. However, when he had a…

The Bizarre Saga of the Red Solo Cup

May 07, 2026 39m Transcript

If you're from the United States, you'll instantly recognize the iconic red Solo cup. It's ubquitous at picnics, parties, sports events -- and often seen in TV shows and movies, so much so that the…

The Day a Dalí Escaped From Prison

May 05, 2026 51m Transcript

For decades, the infamous Rikers Island prison was home to a surprising artifact -- a drawing by none other than the world-renowned surrealist artist Salvado Dalí. At least, that is, until 2003...…

CLASSIC: How Big Bill Speakman Fought Off North Korea With Beer Bottles

May 02, 2026 25m Transcript

In this week's Classic episode: Bill Speakman, better known as the “Beer Bottle VC”, single-handedly took on a brigade of Chinese People’s Army Infantry in four hours of close-quarters combat. As he…

A Ridiculous History of Potatoes, Part One: the Origin Story

Apr 30, 2026 49m Transcript

Potatoes are amazing. While these sturdy little tubers may not seem immediately impressive, they're one of agricultural's biggest success stories. So, how did they grow from a domestic crop in South…

When Did We All Start Saying "Bulls*t"?

Apr 28, 2026 39m Transcript

Heads-up, fellow Ridiculous Historians: this is an explicit episode, and maynot be appropriate for all audiences. It's no secret that Ben, Noel and Max are huge fans of etymology -- and there's one…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Ridiculous History have?

Ridiculous History has published 1020 episodes since October 2017, covering topics in History, Society & Culture.

Is Ridiculous History still active?

Ridiculous History is currently highly active with new episodes every few days. Average episode length is 38m.

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