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Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

<p>From UFOs to psychic powers and government cover-ups, history is riddled with unexplained events. You can turn back now or learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know ... an audio podcast from iHeartRadio.</p>

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In tonight's Classic episode: It's a match for the ages. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, boxing heavyweight champions in their own right, will soon vie for the title of the world's undisputed boxing champion. Irish native and current Dubai resident Daniel Kinahan has a life-long love of boxing -- and, according to Irish authorities, he is the heir to a criminal empire stretching from Dublin to Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and beyond. Recently, Fury set off a firestorm of speculation when he thanked Kinahan for brokering the fight. In today's episode, Ben and Matt dive into the world of Irish organized crime, the sport, science and art of boxing, all to ask: Is there Something They Don't Want You To Know?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Boxing and Crime: The Kinahan Saga

The United States officially confirms they have active weapons in space... but they're not saying exactly what these weapons are, or what they can do. Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest evidence of habitual drug use. An athlete apologies for pooping like crazy during an event. FBI Director Kash Patel goes to D.C. to defend the FBI's new (bizarrely relaxed) hiring practices. Join Ben and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Uncle Sam's New Space Weapons, World's Oldest Drug Use, The FBI and Beastiality

Let's be honest: most Americans aren't super familiar with Greenland, and even fewer have actually traveled there. Located far north in the Arctic, the world's largest island has historically been seen as remote, inaccessible, and brutal. So a ton of people were surprised when the United States asked -- then threatened -- to take it over. In the first chapter of this special two-part episode, Ben and Matt explore why Greenland has suddenly become the hottest real estate on the planet... and whether there's a conspiracy afoot.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Does the US Want Greenland? Chapter One: Frozen Land and Hot Real Estate

Jai Shree RĀM hips the guys to the bizarre -- and possibly terrifying -- technology of 'smart dust'. Duke Nukem shares his first-hand experience with strange events in a missile facility. Weshiwan follows up on the recent Charlie Kirk episodes. Also, congratulations to Megatron on the pineapple. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Smart Dust, Haunted Missile Silos, Charlie Kirk and More

In mere hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10th, 2025, conspiracy theories metastasized across the internet net. Within 33 hours, authorities claimed they had captured the assassin, and began to map out a timeline of the murder. However, a lot of people weren't buying the official explanation. Add to this, multiple people who were not involved faced serious reprecussions for airing their opinions about the murder, or about Kirk himself, in the public sphere. Despite these crackdowns, the number of folks who don't believe the official story is only growing. In the second chapter of this two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore the questions surrounding Kirk's assassination, and whether there is a conspiracy afoot. If so... why?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploding Mics: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk, Chapter Two

In tonight's Classic episode: a new player has entered the strange, often confusing world of Bitcoin -- the non-fungible token, or NFT. This digital token, which can be virtually anything, is technically unique. It's a one-of-a-kind thing existing in an entirely intangible state. Numerous artists, musicians and celebrities have sold NFTs for thousands of dollars, but critics allege this may be anything from a fad to an outright avenue for criminal enterprise. So what exactly is the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know about NFTs? Is this a digital revolution, or another case of The Emperor's New Clothes?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: What the Heck is an NFT?

Recent revelations confirm that the Department of Homeland Security and other parts of law enforcement are secretly accessing your financial records -- and taking you in, even if you haven't committed a crime. Plus, US courts rule people have no right to clean water. A sinister Cat in the Hat AI trend goes viral. Nathan Fielder returns with a surprise documentary. Recent government actions regarding drones and 'AI' inspire an episode in the future. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: The DHS Traces Your Finances, No Water For You! Plus: You Can See Everything, Drone Shenanigans, and More

A year and a day ago, American political activist Charlie Kirk was murdered during a public debate at Utah Valley University. While his name was unfamiliar to many, he was a rising superstar in the world of U.S. conservatives. In the first chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore Kirk's origin story, his skyrocketing popularity -- and why a growing number of people don't buy the official narrative of his assassination.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploding Mics: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk, Chapter One

Since ancient times, human beings have known the sun can be dangerous. Too much exposure to its rays can burn and prematurely age the skin. In fact, the concept of sunscreen may be a non-human invention, as various types of animals coat themselves in protective layers of mud to stave off the at-times brutal effects of heat and sunshine. Fast forward to the modern era -- sunscreen is a huge industry, and people across the planet use it on a daily basis. The science seems sound. Unlike some skin care products, sunscreen actually works... however, it appears sunscreen may also have a dark side. Join Ben and Matt for more in this week's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Episode Where We Ruin Sunscreen

Even now in 2026, much of the world's oceans remain mysterious and thoroughly unexplored. Prompted by news from The Ocean Census, which has discovered thousands of new species (and hopes to discover a hundred thousand more), Ben, Matt, and Noel dive deep into the latest oceanographic research... and ask whether we'll finally find new, giant cryptids out there in the depths. Heck, the real aliens might be beneath the waves.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Underwater Episode

32-year-old Bank of America Vice President Erin Piacenti was fatally stabbed in New York's Time Square. LARPing has become an insult. A low-budget animated film from China becomes a surprise hit. ICE may be buying robot dogs. After a career built on oppossing immigration, far-right political activist Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported back to the United Kingdom. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Bank of America Stabbing, LARPing as an Insult, Chinese Blockbusters, Robot Dogs and More

In the second part of this Classic two-part episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the Great Reset. While it's sometimes called a conspiracy theory, the allegations and speculation circling the WEF and Davos are more like a mix of multiple, at-times contradictory ideas. Listen in to learn more about the criticisms, concerns, and bizarre accusations around Davos and the Great Reset.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Davos & The Great Reset, Chapter II

Modern civilization depends on data centers - these facilities, which can be as small as a single room or as large as gigantic, stand-alone compounds, house the servers and computers that make the digital world spin 'round. However, as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in tonight's episode, the newest iteration of 'AI' data centers triggered a massive public outcry: they're drinking up and contaminating water. They're a profound drain on electricity networks. They're also fueling a ton of local and federal corruption. So what's the future of these data centers? Most disturbingly, what happens when all the water is gone?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Data Center Conspiracy

An Expectant Rebel explains how DARPA's strange SHINE initiative may hack human brains to revolutionize learning -- and possibly create real-life Manchurian candidates. Luke shares a terrifying story about elephants. Shep prompts a conversation about 'AI' and emergency phone numbers. Jai Shree RĀM teases smart dust. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: DARPA's SHINE Program, Elephant Intelligence, AI Emergency Lines and More

Since the dawn of civilization, the greatest rulers on the planet have tried -- and, so far, failed -- to extend their lives past the natural limits of humanity. It seems the present day is no different. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the latest conspiracy surrounding longtime Russian President Vladimir Putin: for several years, he's been pouring billions of dollars into a vast, strange scientific effort to grow and replace organs, to build a vaccine for aging, and much much more. The question on everyone's mind is simple: What happens if he actually succeeds... and what would this mean for everyone else?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putin's Plan To Live Forever

In June of 2020 the World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The city was on lockdown as the world's most powerful people met to discuss something called "The Great Reset" -- the idea of rebuilding society and the global economy in the wake of COVID-19. In the first part of this Classic two-part series, the guys explore the origins of the WEF.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Davos & The Great Reset, Chapter I

CIA head John Ratcliffe visited Moscow in a trip Uncle Sam wanted to keep quiet -- but why? A Chinese robot breaks Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record in the recent humanoid bot games. Meta agrees to an 18 billion dollar settlement over online child safety... though the end result may not be what it seems. Also: cyborg cockroaches. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: A Mystery Trip to Moscow, Robots vs. Usain Bolt, Meta in Hot Water, and More

Spoiler: it's kind of difficult to get a job with the CIA. This pre-eminent spy outfit has high standards, exhaustive background checks, and a mandate to do everything it can to keep foreign forces from compromising it. So how did one career CIA officer manage to steal millions in gold, currency and luxury watches from his employer -- after more or less fabricating his entire resume? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the bizarre saga of the mysterious David J. Rush.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A CIA Heist: The Strange Saga of David J. Rush

Ms. Squared writes in with a fascinating tale of sleeper agents and the Fort Orange Club. Vegan Bookworm weighs in on AI companies and destructive book scanning. CODENAME: Box Boy chats music. MissMegolas hips the guys to a phenomenal Gandalf-themed protest, and Psycubnaut introduces the gang to the idea of 'Devil Corp'. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Sleeper Agents, Devil Corp, Automated Book Scanners, and the Gandalf Protest!

It's no secret that most Americans aren't too familiar with the nation of Sudan. This ancient, beautiful land has long been beset with challenges, conflict and resource extraction. In fact, as Ben, Matt and Noel learn in tonight's episode, there's a civil war happening in Sudan right now. And while this complex web of of warfare has multiple factors, more and more observers are increasingly concerned that there's a conspiracy afoot: Could powerful foreign countries and shady corporations actually be pushing this war for their own benefit, and dooming innocent people in the process?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conspiracy in Sudan: Who's Running the Civil War?

Here's the story: When Don Decker went on furlough to attend his abusive Grandfather's funeral, he experienced something extraordinary -- water fell upward from the floor of his hosts' home, he levitated, recoiled from religious symbols. Multiple witnesses and investigators, some professional, appear to agree there exists a man inxeplicably able to summon rain. In tonight's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel set out to determine the truth behind this strange, disturbing tale.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Devil and The Rain: The Case of Don Decker

A former FBI agent stands accused of stealing almost 1 million dollars' worth of cryptocurrency. NASA assures people that Earth did not, in fact, lose gravity for seven seconds earlier this month. Uncle Sam (or, rather, powerful corporations) aggressively conspire to scuttle wind power. Oh, and Hugh Hefner tried to warn the FBI about Jeffrey Epstein. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: The FBI's Crypto Heist, 7 Seconds Without Gravity, Uncle Sam Hates Wind Power, and More

With just a few missteps, nuclear weapons could end civilization as we know it. And despite their many differences, pretty much every country acknowledges this fact. Each of the nine known nuclear powers have their own laws about how to handle nukes -- but one nation stands unique amid the fold: through a practice of 'strategic ambiguity', the country of Israel has neither confirmed nor denied possession of nuclear weapons. It's the world's worst-kept open secret. And, as Ben and Matt learn in tonight's episode, this nation in particular has a terrifying last-resort policy for their nukes, which don't officially exist. So: What is the Samson Option?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's 'Secret' Nuclear Program: The Samson Option

Byron from Seattle responds to the Hidden Horror of Elephant Shows, prompting a future episode on Seaworld. The Spectacular John and Andi explore the concept of looming water wars -- and just how easy it is for terrorists to hack small-town water facilities. Emily and Mark weigh in on the past, present and future of apprenticeships. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Water Wars and Terrorism, Elephants and Circuses, the Future of Apprenticeships, and More

Landing a gig at the White House is -- surprise -- pretty competitive. And working in the kitchen is no exception. Over the past few centuries, the White House kitchen has evolved in step with the nation. Regardless of who's President, everybody's gotta eat, and White House chefs often form deep relationships and lifelong friendships with their clients. Yet as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in tonight's episode, this proximity to power may have a dark side. Not one, but two former White House chefs have drowned under mysterious circumstances, leading more and more people to ask: Is this a series of tragic coincidences... or is there a conspiracy afoot?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do White House Chefs Keep Drowning?

In the late 19th century, several friends and Freemasons ambarked on a strange endeavor -- creating their own secret society for the purpose of studying magic. While the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn may sound bizarre and obscure today, its existence had a profound impact on later, similar groups and systems. But what exactly was it? Perhaps more importantly -- did any of this magic work? Tune in to learn more in this week's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: What is the Golden Dawn?

Intense heat endangers Italy's cheese banks (which are apparently a thing). Congress weighs whether to ban people from betting on wildfires. ICE plans to roll out electric shock gloves. In the UK, Greggs brings in 'robocops' to deter shoplifters. Oh! And scientists are using AI to design new, real-life viruses. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Trouble at the Cheese Bank, Wildfire Betting, AI Viruses, ICE Shock Gloves, Robocop for Shoplifters, and More

As the largest video-sharing platform on the planet, YouTube can make -- or break -- the careers of billions of creators through policy changes or demonetization. For many people, it's become the primary source of news, education, and entertainment. And other powerful forces are paying attention. In the second chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore how everyone from large corporations to state-level powers, intelligence agencies, and extremist groups push to control aspects of YouTube, conspiring to win a war of narratives -- and make sure you only see what they want you to see.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stuff They Don’t Want YouTube Know, Chapter Two: A Narrative War

In tonight's Classic episode, Ben and Matt return to a continual fascination: Eisenhower warned the public about the rise of the military-industrial complex back in his 1961 farewell address, and over the decades the public has become increasingly aware of the potential for corruption in the close relationship between the military and the private defense industry. But have you heard of the military-entertainment complex? It's the reason you see the US military in so many action films, and the reason Uncle Sam bankrolls video games. In this episode, the guys dive into the surprisingly close links between Hollywood and the Pentagon, exploring just how this relationship evolved -- and why it continues in the modern day.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"CLASSIC: What is the Military-entertainment Complex?	"

With hundreds of hours of content uploaded every single minute, YouTube is is the world's largest video-sharing platform. Billions of users log on constantly, and you can, in theory find information on anything. Yet as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in the first chapter of this special two-part series, YouTube's massive success also comes with controversy... and accusations of conspiracy. Tune in to learn more of the 'Stuff They Don't Want YouTube Know'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stuff They Don’t Want YouTube Know, Chapter One: "Me at the Zoo"

John Parsons Wheeler III -- Jack to his friends -- was a mover and shaker in the Defense industry. Over the course of his career he worked with three different Presidential administrations, and also built a reputation for his tireless charity work. So how can we explain the strange series of events that led to his untimely death, his body discovered in a landfill? Tune in to learn more in tonight's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Who killed John Parsons Wheeler?

In response to the USA's weird obsession with Greenland, Denmark prepares to send its first wave of conscripts. Google makes a massive fumble with a short-lived AI program that allowed people to just 'make up' stuff on Google Earth. Multiple naked guys get on the wrong side of the law, including one who claimed to be Jesus Christ. Also, for some reason, RFK Jr. wants you to know he doesn't have a gag reflex. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Denmark Doubles Down, Google Messes Up AI, several Naked Folks Get in Trouble, RFK Jr., and More

Officially known as the RTX Corporation, the company commonly called Raytheon is one of the biggest defense and aerospace conglomerates on the planet. And with that comes a slew of controversies, cover-ups, and accusations of conspiracy. In tonight's episode, Ben, Noel, and Dylan explore how three guys who were super into refrigerators ended up saving the Allies in World War II ... and quickly realized war is great for business.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The True Story of Raytheon: Three Guys Got Super Into Refrigerators (and then War)

Duke Nukem shares his personal experience working with the Minuteman III. Replying to the episode on conscription, Ian proposes a map for basic training. HR follows up on the story of the USS Liberty, asking for more about the concept of the 'October Surprise'. Night Shift hopes more people talk about an up-and-coming politician named Vermin Supreme. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: The Minuteman, the October Suprise, Vermin Supreme and More

How far would you go to extend your life? While this has always been a focus of the rich and powerful, recent scientific breakthroughs may make an extended lifespan -- or even immortality -- a reality. And with that possibility comes a host of deep ethical and economic implications, from the idea of cloned human organs to how societies can (or can't) deal with a world where no one dies. In tonight's interview segment, Ben, Noel and Dylan welcome Mangesh Hattikudur, the creator of Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever, for a wide-ranging exploration of the past, present and future of the search for immortality.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Organ Trail, with Mangesh Hattikudur

When an unprecedented series of winter storms left millions of people throughout Texas struggling to survive without electricity or clean water, local authorities scrambled to get the lights back on--and to find a scapegoat. What exactly happened? What is it about Texas in particular that made the state so vunerable to this weather, and what happens next? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Power, Water and Texas: What happened?

Online commerce giant eBay gets in deep, hot water for stalking and harassing a pair of trade journalists -- and some actual eBay employees got in trouble. Dr. Fauci has a tense hang session with Congress. The great data center debate continues. Stunning revelations find 'AI' companies have been secretly buying up non-digitized books to feed their models -- and destroying the books afterward. New Jersey becomes the first state to ban grocery stores from jacking up prices based on your personal info. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: AI and the New Age of 'Book Burning', eBay and Stalking, Fauci Rides Again, and More

Elephants are amazing. In addition to being huge, they're also some of the smartest land animals out there (seriously, they have the biggest brains). Yet despite their unique nature, humans have historically mistreated elephants -- and continue to do so today. In tonight's episode, Ben, Noel and Dylan explore the hidden horrors of 'elephant shows'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hidden Horrors of Elephant Shows

Sasquatch's Stunt Double provides an in-depth look at Pro Wrestling. Stoned Coyote inspires a conversation about the short-spined, viral raccoon Jimothy. The Truest Lock shares a story about helicopter repairs, the draft -- and whether the U.S. would be better with mandatory community service. Plus, the guys call Monsanto's Seed Snitch line. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Wrestling From the Inside, The Rise of Jimothy, the Guys Call Monsanto and More

In the fall of 1995, hunters in rural Carmel, New York discovered the remains of 12-year-old Josette Wright. The discovery set the town and local law enforcement into a frenzy, desperate to close the case even if doing so meant bending the law. In this exclusive interview with Paul Solotaroff, the award-winning investigative journalist and creator of the hit podcast The Devil's Quarry, Ben, Matt and Noel learn more about this harrowing tale of crime, cover-up and corruption. Tune in to learn how Paul's investigation may have just solved the case... and what happens next.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devil's Quarry, with Paul Solotaroff

Tales of ancient, advanced technologies have flourished in the last few decades. Is it possible that the stories of flying gods and machines contained in the Vedas — texts written in India over 3000 years ago — are based on real, now lost technological advancements? Join Ben, Matt and Noel to learn more in this week's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Ancient Flying Machines

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega pitches pausing elections -- causing Ben, Matt and Noel to wonder about the future of the United States. Japan invents a new type of 'human refrigerator' to combat growing heat. Former Epstein collaborator Daniel Siad passes away under mysterious circumstances in Paris. Uncle Sam desperately searches for the the sources behind recent journalists' reports at The New York Times. A bizarre incident outside of a federal building in New York. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: No Elections in Nicaragua, Japan's New Refrigerators, The Death of Daniel Siad, Journalists Imperiled, and More

In 1967, under circumstances that still seem incredibly murky, Israeli air and sea forces attacked the USS Liberty, killing 34 crewmembers and injuring more than 170 others. The official story, agreed on by both the United States and Israel: this was a mistake in the fog of the Six-Day War. Perhaps a result of communication breakdowns. Yet, as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in the second chapter of this two-part series -- survivors, politicians, and activists aren't buying the official story. So what actually happened? Is there a cover-up afoot, even in the modern day?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Really Happened to the U.S.S. Liberty? Chapter Two: Conspiracies and Questions

From formula to pureed carrots, baby food is a massive -- and necessary -- industry. Each year millions upon millions of families search for the best, most nutritious food to feed their children, and there's no shortage of advice from experts and parents alike. However, it appears there's a secret to this industry: Numerous baby food products contain ingredients parents can't see on the label, including contaminants like mercury, lead, arsenic and more. How long has this been occurring? What did the manufacturers know, and when? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Contaminants in Baby Food

An open secret: cover-ups are nothing new to the world's militaries, and the United States is no exception. In the first chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt and Noel dive deep into the standing controversy -- and accusations of conspiracy -- surrounding the nation of Israel's 1967 attack on the USS Liberty. Everyone acknowledges the facts of the attack. And both countries issued statements indicating this was an accident. But... decades after the fact, even now in 2026, multiple survivors and investigators are convinced there's much more to the story.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Really Happened to the U.S.S. Liberty? Chapter One: Trouble Brewing

The movement known as Falun Dafa or Falun Gong began in China in the 1990s, and today people across the planet consider themselves practicioners. Adherents claim this combination of meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness and moral philosophy is a path to enlightenment -- but the government of China disagrees. For decades Chinese authorities have considered Falun Gong a dangerous, subversive element. Since 1999 the government has made concerted efforts to suppress this spiritual practice -- but why? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: What is Falun Gong?

ROK's SK hynix raises 26.5 billion dollars in the United States, prompting a conversation about the tricky nature of the 'AI' bubble. A woman castrates her husband in Russia, and a lady in Japan sews someone's mouth shut. Taco Bell releases a statement on America's epidemic of explosive diarrhea. Ben, Matt and Noel always like to end the weekly strange news segment on a good note, so get this, folks: the U.S. may finally be done with Daylight Savings Time.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Financial Shenanigans, Penis Crimes and Mouths Sewn Shut, Nolan Wells, the Explosive Diarrhea Crisis, the End of Daylight Savings Time and More

On six separate occasions during its relatively short history, the United States has practiced conscription: forcing certain members of the public to join the military. In the States, we often just refer to this as 'the draft'. Ever since the close of the Vietnam War, Uncle Sam's fighting forces have been entirely voluntary... yet, as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in tonight's episode, that may change -- and sooner than we'd all like to admit.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Return of Conscription

Hannah shares their experience exploring the inner workings of the Pentagon. Hidalgo prompts a conversation about the terrifying child abuse case unfolding in Vinton, Ohio. CominginhotfromtheUnited Kingdom, K introduces the guys to a darkly hilarious political scandal... and their new favorite MP candidate, Binface. Join Ben, Matt Noel for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Inside the Pentagon, Child Abuse in Ohio, the Guys' New Favorite Politician (LONG LIVE COUNT BINFACE!), and More

Fellow Conspiracy Realists: Ben, Matt, and Noel love pro wrestling. It occupies a distinct niche in American culture from Canada to Mexico -- and it's a huge business. However, as the guys learn in tonight's episode, this multi-billion dollar industry is also riddled with accusations of corruption, crime, and conspiracy.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrestling is Full of Conspiracies

In this week's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel tackle Adrenochrome: it's a real substance, and one sold openly online to labs with the proper paperwork. It's also mentioned in numerous works of literature, from Huxley's "The Doors of Perception" to Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and more. But what exactly is it? Why do people believe it's a sinister, evil drug used by hopelessly addicted elites in the worlds of finance, politics and entertainment? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: What is Adrenochrome?

Ben, Matt and Noel learn about the mysterious, secret 'billionaire summer camp' in Sun Valley Idaho (oh, to be in the 'room where it happens!'). A daredevil couple gets in hot water for scaling the Empire State Building. Explosive diarrhea takes over Michigan. An Iranian funeral. Uncle Sam says PFAs are fine. Oh, and for better or worse, we just created synthetic life. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Sun Valley's Billionaire Summer Camp, Daredevils Scale Skyscrapers, an Iranian Funeral, PFAs, and We Just Created Synthetic Life

Before the breakout of COVID-19, Ben, Matt and Noel predicted a pandemic was on the way. Fast forward to 2026, and many of the same experts the world earlier ignored are raising new alarms: across the world, multiple infections may break through the old checks and balances of evolution to create new pandemics. Some of these could be far deadlier than COVID... and humanity is thoroughly unprepared for a new disaster. Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where are the Next Pandemics?

In this week's listener mail segment: Colin inspires a conversation about the nature of understanding the news -- and why 'triangulating' conflicting news sources remains crucial. Newly-hired to Illumination Global, Unlimited, Calamatiy Chris weighs in with some work notes. Dory plays ShotSpotter. A Certain Chef walks through the science of cooking tacos with salamanders. In response to the guys' two-chapter on series on Flock, W.M. Bacon hips fellow Conspiracy Realists to a show called "Person of Interest".They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: How News Works, IGU Returns, Cooking Salamander Tacos, and More

Here's the story: In October of 1943, hundreds of people watched a top secret experiment go horribly wrong. The US Navy, attempting to create a kind of invisibility cloak for ships, accidentally transported the USS Eldridge through time and space, with disastrous consequences for the crew. It's a thrilling tale, but how much of it is true? Tune in as the guys explore the origin of this bizarre legend (and bust some myths about cream cheese along the way) in this week's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Philadelphia Experiment

Earth is teeming with life, and despite these billions of organisms seeming so different -- it turns out that pretty much all life has surprising commonalities science still hasn't figure out. All our molecules follow the same basic 'directions'. And, recently, experts realized it may be possible to 'flip' these directions, and create cells with opposite or mirrored directions. This could provide massive medicinal and research benefits -- yet, as Ben, Matt and Noel learn in tonight's episode, those same experts are increasingly concerned that creating mirror life could also end the world.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Mirror Life?

In this week's strange news segment: thousands die in the ongoing European heat wave. Sony removes films people already paid for without a refund. Poop crimes abound! Astrophysicist Avi Loeb heads the White House's new UFO council. Tech companies continue the 'AI' debacle, and the world collectively wonders: "Who is 'Mexican Batman'?" Tune in for all this and more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Europe's Murderous Heat Wave, Playstation Judas, Poop Crimes, Avi Loeb, Flying Saucers, 'Mexican Batman' and More

Numbers stations' are hard-core spy stuff, dating all the way back to the first World War. The gist: you can create a radio station that broadcasts encoded messages to assets. Anyone can tune in and hear the full audio -- yet only listeners with a specific, disposable guide can decipher the actual contents. For a long time, this was just another curiosity of conflicts past. Yet as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in tonight's episode, numbers stations remain not just active -- but expanding. Join the guys as they attempt to get to the bottom of the newest station on the block: V32, an off-books numbers station broadcasting in Farsi... and not based in Iran.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

V32: The Mysterious New Persian Spy Radio

In this week's listener mail segment: one of the Bills in Colorado (Ben thinks there are at least twelve) prompts a conversation about the nature of worship vs. belief. Salamander Taco details a tragic saga of Steve Eimers's righteous one-man mission to fight against improperly-installed guardrails. PCC38Lightning thanks Ben, Matt and Noel for their upcoming episode on the U.S.S. Liberty -- while also warning that making this future episode may get them in hot water. Tune in for all this and more. Spoiler: stay tuned for tomorrow's episode on Farsi Number Stations.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Worship vs. Belief, Guardrails and Flock, The U.S.S. Liberty Cover-up, and More

At some point in their lives, most U.S. residents have at least daydreamed of moving to another country. And it seems that every time one politician or another wins an election, some group of Americans says they're finally going to take the leap. With growing chaos at home and abroad, more and more people in the U.S. may actually move. But how does it actually work? Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they get to the bottom of leaving the United States.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Leaving the US Works

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a relatively tiny, remote place -- it's about halfway between Hawaii and Australia, with nothing but ocean on the horizon. And, for decades, this nation has been home to a terrifying secret. As the world entered the atomic age, the United States realized it needed a place to test its new weaponry, and to store the waste these nuclear experiments left behind. Tune in to learn more about US nuclear experiments in the Marshall Islands, and how the consequences of this conspiracy remain in the modern day.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Mystery, Mayhem and Nukes: The Story of the Marshall Islands

In this week's Strange News segment: a Canberra resident gets a world record for being the loudest guy ever. A retelling of previous conversations about non-US people encountering a condiment known as ranch. Data centers and detainment centers encounter public backlash. Write to Ben, Matt, and Noel, and remember: your response to a weekly segement may inform an actual Episode in the future.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: The World's Officially Loudest Guy Ever, Ranch Dressing and the TSA, Data Centers, Billionaires are Lying to You

Throughout history, war has continually resulted in hostages -- these could be soldiers, spies, or civilians. And, even in the heat of conflict, opposing forces will often agree to exchange prisoners through various agreements. On paper, it sounds downright civilized. However, as Ben and Matt discover in tonight's episode, that's often not the case. Tune in to learn more about the controversy and conspiracy surrounding 'prisoner swaps'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People As Currency: The Murky World of 'Prisoner Exchange'

For many, the story began with the receipt of a mysterious card, which led them to a nondescript address in San Francisco. From there, new members of the Latitude Society found themselves living through a complex, enigmatic adventure in a secret society somewhere between a philosophical group, a city-wide theme park and a real-life conspiracy. But what exactly is The Latitude Society? What are its real origins, and where are the members today?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: What is the Latitude Society?

How much personal privacy would you be willing to sacrifice for the Greater Good of stopping crime? The breakout surveillance company Flock Safety claims their nationally-intergated monitoring network can eventually stop all crime. And investors are listening. In the second chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt and Noel fly further into the strange saga of Flock -- and ask whether there's an ulterior motive at play.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Flock Episode, Chapter Two: Expansion, Activism, Orwell and the Future

How did a handful of otherwise unremarkable stocks become some of the most closely watched things on Wall Street? In today's episode, the guys explore the strange series of events that led to massive price fluctuations in GameStop and more. The media portrayed this as the 'little guys' -- amateur traders -- banding together to take revenge on heartless hedge funds. But how much of this is true? What's the real conspiracy, exactly? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Reddit vs. Wall Street: Peasants invade the casino?

In this week's strange news segment: after a quick update on the cartoonish Iran-US negotiations (which we're sure will age well), Ben, Matt and Noel explore China's explosive accusations that other nations are weaponizing animals like sea turtles and fish for spying. AI goes increasingly rogue. Peter Thiel's secretive ‘Dialog’ society gets hacked. Stay tuned for the very end of this weekly segment to get a sneak preview of the actual episodes coming up in the near future.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Animal Spies in China! AI Goes Rogue, Petey Thiel's Secret Network Exposed, and More

In less than a decade since its formation in 2017, Flock Safety has exploded across the United States, with thousands of surveillance cameras in every state except for Alaska. Fans of Flock praise its potential for preventing crime -- but critics are seriously concerned this is just one more step toward a surveillance state. In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the great dilemma (and alleged conspiracies) surrounding Flock.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Flock Episode, Chapter One: Safety vs. Surveillance

In tonight's listener mail segment: a professional NHS investigator responds to the Ben, Matt and Noel's earlier interview segment about the Lucy Letby case. Frog Daddy prompts a conversation about surveillance and META glasses. One Eyed Cyclops shares a terrifying experence with AI-powered scams. Hit up Ben, Matt and Noel -- your appearance on our listener mail segment may just become an episode in the future.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: META Glasses, the United Kingdom is in Trouble, AI Kidnappings and More

As one of the most high-stakes, ambitious operations in all of military history, the D-Day invasion of World War II remains a thrilling -- and terrifying -- tale, constantly retold and reexamined by Hollywood and historians. But there's another strange, oft-ignored story in the D-Day narrative, something Uncle Sam would still prefer we all stop thinking about. Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they dive into the disastrous events of Exercise Tiger... and the cover-up that persists, even now, in the modern day.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exercise Tiger: The Slapton Sands Cover-up

Inspired by a listener mail, the guys explore an enduring, disturbing mystery from across the Atlantic: Between 1993 and the late 1990s, multiple women disappeared in an 80-mile area outside Dublin, which came to be known as the "Vanishing Triangle." But what led to these disappearances? Could one or more of them be connected? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Ireland's Vanishing Triangle

In this week's strange news segment, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into some outright bizarre stories: tornadoes made of fire. The Pentagon versus hundreds of religions. Denver Airport conspiracies, controversial exorcists, laxative-laced brownies, violence in Atlanta's transit system... you name it; we got it. Tune in for more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: The Pentagon vs. Religion, Denver Airport Conspiracies, Poop with a Point, Firenadoes and More

While you may have never heard of Cargill, you almost certainly have bought some of their products. Cargill is the largest privately held company in all of the United States. And,from their humble beginnings as a grain broker, they've expanded across the planet. Critics say they've also left a trail of cover-ups, corruption and conspiracies in their wake. Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they uncover the stuff this global corporation doesn't want you to know.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cargill Might Be The Worst Company You've Never Heard Of

Boozy inspires Ben to propose an investigation into all game show hosts for possible espionage. Swearing In asks why so many tech giants are selling hardware at a loss -- is this part of the surveillance state? The Hero of Canton notes that, of all people, your local law enforcement is actually fighting against the unbridled surveillance of 'Flock Safety'. Also, people who get incarcerated are going to be microchipped. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Game Show Spies, Free Tech is Orwellian Surviellance, Flock is Terrifying and You Should Be Worried

Math is probably the closest thing humans have to a universal language. Through understanding numbers and their relationships, humanity has been able to learn endless truths about reality -- and these investigations continue today. But what if there's something more to numbers? Could certain digits possess strange vibrations, occult insights or predictive powers? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive deep into the puzzling, ancient belief systems collectively known as numerology.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can You Count on Numerology?

In this week's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel return to a bizarre harbinger of chaos to come: on November 22, 2020, the United States withdrew from the Treaty on Open Skies. This treaty, signed in 1992, allows 34 member countries to perform unarmed aerial observations over foreign soil. Imagery captured is shared with the member countries. The U.S. cited Russia's activities with regards to the treaty as their reason for withdrawing.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Open Skies Treaty

Could fermented cabbage save humans from microplastics? What's going on with Putin's secretive, multi-billion dollar life extension project? Over in New York, multiple strange people seem to be popping out of the sewers. Legal action by the tech giant Meta forces Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams to silently protest on a Hay Festival panel, where she wasn't allowed to speak. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Kimchi vs. Microplastics, Vladimir Putin Spends Billions on Longevity, Mysterious Sewer Denizens, A Silent Facebook Protest, and More

It's often said that the modern world has two separate courts: the actual court of legal proceedings -- and the much less reliable court of public opinion. Neonatal nurse Lucy Letby is no exception: despite numerous legal concerns and objections to the prosecution of her case, Letby was convicted of multiple child murders, and remains incarcerated in the United Kingdom today. In this interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome the legendary author, activist, journalist and podcaster Amanda Knox, the creator of DOUBT, to learn more about Letby's story.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lucy Letby Case, with Amanda Knox

S proposes that some modern sports get very close to human sacrifice. Flea asks the gang for recommendations on 'good' HipHop. Laney, the editor of the Tahoe Daily Tribune, asks for more visibility on the Caldor Burn Scar Area. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Blood Sacrifice and Sports, HipHop as Literature, the Caldor Burn Scar Area and More

Depending on whom you ask, Aleister Crowley was: a genius, a conman, a criminal, a philosopher, a prophet, the greatest magician of the modern age, or all of the above. But what was he really like? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the strange saga of 'the Great Beast' ... and ask whether his ceremonial magick actually worked.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The True Story of Aleister Crowley

In this interview, award-winning musical phenomenon Kesha joins the guys on a wide-ranging exploration of everything from UFO disclosure to deep-dive studies of the human brain on psychedelics, allegations of paranormal activity, her new podcast "Kesha and the Creepies" and more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Interview: Psychedelics, Machine Elves and More with Kesha

The first Steroid Olympics -- officially the 'Enhanced Games' took place in Las Vegas. The bizarre story of an Admiral's neck on Fox. A terrifying chemical disaster in Washington leaves one dead and nine missing. Also: fatal umbrellas, dystopian WiFi surveillance, and some real dodgy real estate grifts. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: The Steroid Olympics, Viral Neck Shadows, Your WiFi is Watching You, Chemical Disasters, and More

Everybody's heard of Nessie, the infamous cryptid alleged to reside in Scotland's Loch Ness -- but did you know Lake Superior may be home to a mysterious creature all its own? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive deep into the millennia-old legends of something strange in the lake water. Indigenous tradition calls it the Mishipeshu. Today, locals refer to it as 'Pressie'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressie: The Serpentine Cryptid of Lake Superior

War is an ugly, abhorrent thing--and it's been with humanity since the dawn of our species. While the practice itself is chock-full of conspiracy, corruption and horror, one aspect of war is often ignored: the practice of forcing children to participate. In today's episode, the guys dive into the disturbing stories of children forced into conflict--how the children are taken, how they are indoctrinated, and what happens afterward.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Child Soldiers: A Hidden Horror

Human sacrifice is an ancient, surprisingly common and widely-misunderstood practice found in cultures across history. These ritualized murders occurred in all manner of ways, often as an alleged means of bargaining with or seeking favor from the Divine. Nowadays, most people dismiss it as a barbaric practice of older civilizations -- but as Ben, Matt and Noel argue in tonight's episode, there's a huge conspiracy a lot of modern folks are missing. Stay tuned for the twist at the end!They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blood Magic: The Fact and Fiction of Human Sacrifice

It's often said there's a great crime at the heart of every great fortune, but what about institutions, inventions and other noble pursuits? In today's episode, Ben and Matt take a closer look at the deeply disturbing origins of some of the world's most lauded endeavors, from the world of medicine to environmentalism, academia and more. Get an up-close look at the skeletons in the closets of these generally good things.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: The Disturbing Origins of Generally Good Things

U.S. agencies make waves with a declaration that the current President -- and all his businesses -- can never be audited. Fish take parasitic and embarrasing rides in the ... backs of manta rays. In Germany (and the United States), legacy automakers may shift to manufacturing hardware for the defense industry. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Banning Audits, Tahoe's in Trouble, Fish Butts, Automakers Shift to Defense, and More

Over the course of their relatively short career, Sonic Youth absolutely rocked the music world, creating timeless songs and art that remain deeply relevant in the modern day. Yet as special guest Jake Brennan, the legendary creator of Disgraceland, reveals: there's a dark, disturbing story behind the cover art of their breakout, mainstream album Goo. Join Jake as he breaks down the horrific story of the serial killers informing this art... and teaching Ben, Matt and Noel why neither the band nor the artist understood it at first.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonic Youth and Murder, with Jake Brennan

Dropbear Whisperer asks for more exploration of new AI initiatives like Raveneye and BlueHalo. Hidalgo inspires the guys to explore the story of Tina Resch and (alleged) poletergiest activity. Ancient Astronaut Chick shares her bizarre experience with a US President visiting a local hotel. The Roadrunner's Call needs more people to talk about the threat of Flock cameras. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: RavenEye AI, DeFlock America, the Tina Resch Poltergeist, When The President Visits and More

With distinct food, history, and world-famous culture, Louisiana is one of the most unique states in all of the union. It also has some serious problems. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into the ongoing -- terrifyingly real -- conspiracy of Louisiana's Cancer Alley.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Continuing Conspiracy of Louisiana's Cancer Alley

In the second part of this Classic series, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into another aspect of the global livestock industry: the lives of the animals and humans involved. Learn more about the hidden reality of life for livestock--and how it could eventually impact the entire world, giving rise to superbugs.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Secrets of Livestock Industry, Chapter Two: The Animals and the Bug

The world follows the bizarre saga of a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius. Is a new pandemic on the way? A small-town mayor in Georgia attempts to fire the entire police force. The ongoing data center controversy. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Is the Hantavirus a New Pandemic? Corruption in Georgia, Data Centers, Chinese Spies, and More

Like so many wealthy people, disgraced financier and child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein owned multiple properties across the Western world (spoiler, the day before his final arrest, Epstein tried to buy an obscure palace in Morocco). In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore an unclean place often ignored in the saga. For some reason, one of the world's most successful child abusers purchased a sprawling ranch in the middle of nowhere: a place called Zorro Ranch, in the high desert of central New Mexico. Tune into help the guys figure out the ongoing investigation.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epstein: The Mystery of Zorro Ranch

OrpheusFox hips the guys to a conspiratorial jailbreak... which may have been orchestrated by the CIA. Mr. P. prompts an exploration of mysterious, high-altitude airships. Sea Bat explores the often-buried story of the Port Chicago disaster. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail: Charles Taylor and the CIA, High-altitude Airships, the Port Chicago Disaster, and More.

Have you ever used a Tarot deck? Heck, have you designed your own? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the strange history of the Tarot, from its origin as a card game for wealthy Italians to its present, multivariate state as anything from a fun diversion to a genuine tool of 'divination'. Spoiler, Conspiracy Realists: the guys are pretty convinced they've figured out why the Tarot is so popular -- and how it actually works.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Tarot Cards (Might) Work

The global livestock industry employs millions of people in one way or another -- meat is a big business, and business is booming. In communities across the planet meat is often seen as a status symbol, a way to impress friends and announce one's own success -- but how much should meat actually cost? Critics argue every piece of meat, from a fast-food burger to high-end steak and everything in between, is actually riddled with hidden costs that will eventually be paid by everyone, whether or not they personally eat meat. Join Ben and Matt to learn more secrets of the livestock industry in the first chapter of this Classic series.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLASSIC: Secrets of the Livestock Industry, Chapter One: Why is meat so cheap?

In this week's strange news segment: you can officially enter your sperm in an international race! The legendary, divisive Ted Turner is dead, as is Spirit Airlines. Media freedom is trouble. The Supreme Court has again turned on the US public, gutting the Voting Rights Act and allowing for new levels of Suessian gerrymandering -- and endangering your right to actually vote. Tune in for all this and more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strange News: Sperm Racing, the Death of Ted Turner and Spirit Airlines, Media Freedom is in Trouble, the Voting Rights Act Conspiracy, and More

In an increasingly secular world, people often look back on the past with a mixture of amusement and disdain: "Why," they ask, "would our ancestors really believe in fanciful things like demons, Gods, spirits and angels?" Yet in tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel discover one strange trend that calls these assumptions into question: Why did so many ancient cultures across the world worship snakes, or reptilian-human hybrids? Is there a grain of fact to the legends of Snake Gods? What exactly is a Nāga?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serpent Gods: The Legend of Nāga

In this week's listener mail segment: Poe inspires a conversation about the End of Ownership. Chewy Black Heart asks the guys for more about missing scientists. Nikki explores the Bell Witch Cave.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.