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Fact Off

Stove Leg Mediawww.spreaker.com
Join Alex, Mike, and Pat for a weekly Fact Off ~ a (mostly) friendly competition in which the three elaborate on different facts and then debate on what fact is the best.
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Episodes

Orcas and the Zoot Suit Riots

The Facts: First, we explore the peculiar world of strange orca fads, unraveling the bizarre behaviors and trends observed among these magnificent creatures. Then, we shift gears to shed light on the historical Zoot Suit Riots, delving into the tensions and conflicts that erupted in 1940s Los Angeles. VOTE HERE

Jul 07, 202339 min

Bones and Perverts

The Facts: First, we explore the bone-chilling discovery of human remains unearthed in the basement of none other than Benjamin Franklin, shedding light on the enigmatic facets of this esteemed Founding Father's life. Then we encounter the perplexing tale of Whipping Tom, a notorious pervert who haunted the streets of 18th-century London, striking fear into the hearts of unsuspecting citizens. Join us as we unravel these captivating stories, revealing the hidden secrets that lie beneath the surf...

Jun 09, 202335 min

Painless Parker and Caesar's Revenge

The Facts: First, we explore the fascinating life of dentist Edgar R. R. "Painless" Parker and his unorthodox methods. Known for his innovative techniques and showmanship, Parker revolutionized dentistry by combining entertainment and oral care. From extracting teeth with his bare hands to performing dental procedures in front of large audiences, Painless Parker's extraordinary approach forever changed the way people perceived dentistry. In the second part of the episode, we uncover the captivat...

Jun 02, 202336 min

Rolling Wieners, Vibrating Beds, and Sweet Cones

The Facts: First up is the iconic Wienermobile, the beloved hot dog-shaped vehicle that has been cruising American roads since the 1930s. Discover how this unique marketing tool for Oscar Mayer became a cultural icon and an enduring symbol of American fast food. Next, we explore the magic fingers bed, a sensation of the 1960s. Learn about the origins of this vibrating bed technology, how it gained popularity in motels and hotels, and the cultural implications of this quirky trend. Finally, we un...

May 19, 202350 min

Fast Cars, Golden Spikes, and Cheesy Parties

The Facts: First, we learn about the origin of soap box derby racing and how it evolved from a simple pastime to a national competition. Next, we delve into the history of the Golden Spike, a commemorative spike driven into the ground at the end of the American Transcontinental Railroad. Finally, we discover the story of Andrew Jackson's giant cheese gift and how the White House rid itself of the cheesy funk. Join us as we uncover the fascinating history behind these three stories. VOTE HERE Fac...

May 11, 202345 min

The Draft, a Punch, and Portland, Oregon

The Facts: First, you will discover the humble origins of the NFL draft. Then, you'll hear about an iconic comic book cover featuring Captain America delivering a punch to Hitler's face. Finally, you'll find out how a popular city in Oregon got its name. VOTE HERE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER EMAIL...

Apr 28, 202338 min

Taxation, Protest, and Cheese

First, we learn about the origin of the income tax in America, which was first introduced during the Civil War to raise funds for the Union Army. Then, we dive into the origin of the word "boycott," which originated during the Irish Land War in the late 1800s to protest unfair treatment by landlords. Finally, we take a deep dive into the 1.5 billion pounds of government-owned cheese that is stored in converted mines just outside of Springfield, Missouri. We explore how the government's efforts t...

Apr 20, 202342 min

From the Stone of Scone to Death by a Bag

The Facts: First, we delve into the fascinating history of the Stone of Scone and its journey from Scotland to Westminster Abbey. Next, we discuss the surprising problem of defective purple LED stop lights, and the safety concerns they pose on the roads. Finally, we discover the ancient Roman practice of Poena Cullei, a gruesome punishment where criminals were sewn into a leather sack and thrown into the river. Join us for a thought-provoking and eclectic mix of topics. VOTE HERE Facebook / Inst...

Apr 07, 202347 min

Poor Parties and Papal Perversions

The Facts: First, we delve into the phenomenon of poverty parties during the Gilded Age in America, where wealthy elites would throw extravagant parties themed around poverty and destitution. Next, we turn to the Cadaver Synod, a bizarre event that took place in 9th century Rome. This macabre spectacle involved the exhumation of the corpse of a deceased pope and the posthumous trial and condemnation of his remains. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail....

Mar 31, 202334 min

The Origins of Seasons, The Patron Saint of Television, and the Halley's Comet Scare of 1910

The Facts: we delve into the fascinating origins of the names of the seasons, from the ancient Greeks to modern-day astronomers. We also explore the surprising story of the patron saint of television and how she came to be associated with this modern technology. Finally, we uncover the little-known tale of the 1910 Halley's Comet scare, a moment in history when the world thought the end was nigh. Join us as we uncover the curious and often strange stories behind some of the world's most intrigui...

Mar 24, 202338 min

Buried Treasure, a Missing Child, and Canned Meat

The Facts: First, we delve into the mystery of the buried Atari ET games in the New Mexico desert and how it became one of the most infamous moments in video game history. Then, we revisit the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and the media frenzy that surrounded it. Finally, we look at the history of Hormel spam, its role in feeding American soldiers during World War II, and its ongoing popularity in many parts of the world today. VOTE HERE Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @factoffpod thefactoffpodcast@gmai...

Mar 09, 202355 min

The Deadly Island, the Picky Eaters, and the Cursed Tribe

The Facts: First, we delve into the infamous Snake Island, a remote Brazilian island teeming with venomous snakes that has been off-limits to visitors for decades. Next, we learn about the surprising origin of the children's menu in restaurants, which emerged as a response to the Prohibition era in the United States. Finally, we explore the mysterious Kuru disease, which affected the Fore people of Papua New Guinea in the mid-20th century and caused a wave of deaths until its origins were discov...

Mar 03, 202346 min

From Fish Burgers to Battlefield Blunders: Exploring the Origins of the Filet-O-Fish, Activision Achievement Patches, and the Battle of Kará

The Facts: First, we delve into the origins of the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich, which was created in the 1960s by a franchise owner who noticed a drop in sales during Lent. Next, we learn about Activision's Achievement Patches, which were introduced in the 1980s as a way to reward gamers for achieving high scores and completing difficult challenges. Finally, we dive into the bizarre and tragic tale of the Battle of Karánsebes, a military skirmish in 18th century Austria that was sparked by ...

Feb 24, 202346 min

Butte’s Toxic Pit, Operation Big Itch, and Second Chance Body Armor

The Facts: How Berkeley Pit became toxic and the great lengths taken to keep wildlife away from the deadly waters. The strange, declassified military tests that weaponized fleas. And how a botched robbery during a pizza delivery led to the creation of the modern bulletproof vest. Vote or Die Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 202343 min

The Tragic Tale of Franz Reichelt, the Resilience of the American Chestnut Tree, and the Yippies' Wild Day at Disneyland

The Facts: Discover the tragic story of Franz Reichelt, a French inventor who jumped from the Eiffel Tower in 1912 wearing a parachute suit he had designed himself. The episode also delves into the history and decline of the American chestnut tree, which used to be one of the most abundant trees in the eastern United States before a devastating blight wiped out most of the species. Finally, the episode explores the little-known story of the Yippie movement's attempt to take over Disneyland in 19...

Feb 03, 202344 min

From First Lady to Fast Cars: The Story of Edith Wilson, NASCAR, and the Fight to End Pay Toilets in America

The Facts: the remarkable story of Edith Wilson, the wife of former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson who became the de facto president after her husband suffered a stroke; the surprising origins of NASCAR, a sport born from the bootlegging days of Prohibition-era America; and the grassroots movement led by the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America, which fought for the right to free, accessible public restrooms for all. Join us as we explore the stories behind these three very different but equal...

Jan 27, 202347 min

The Laughing Song, the Serum Run, and the Brooklyn Bridge

The Facts: the story of a forgotten recording artist pioneer, the tale of Balto and Togo’s harrowing journey through the tundra, and the Roebling family defies all odds to build the Brooklyn Bridge. Vote Here Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @thefactoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 202352 min

The Gentleman Pirate, Sperm Oil, and New Year's Resolutions

The Facts: How a midlife crisis lead to the pirate’s life, the origin of new year’s resolutions, and the many uses for sperm oil. Vote Here Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpodcast Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 202342 min

Mistletoe, Lemmings, and Wayne Gretzky

The Facts: How mistletoe worked its way into our holiday traditions. A nature documentary that spawned the saying, “Don’t be a Lemming.”? And the one career accolade that Wayne Gretzky earned but did not receive. VOTE HERE Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 202240 min

Florida Monkeys and the World’s First Vending Machine

The Facts: How Silver Springs State Park ended up becoming home to hundreds of rhesus macaques monkeys and the odd problem the world’s first vending machine solved. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 09, 202246 min

Rudolph, Active Sonar, and Fort Knox

The Facts: How Robert L. May and Montgomery Ward created the classic Christmas character, Rudolph. Why the portrayal of sonar in movies doesn’t reveal its true destructive power. And how Fort Knox became America’s gold vault. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 02, 202243 min

Baby Cages, Charles Goodyear, and 1229 University of Paris Strike

The Facts: How baby cages became a popular commodity in large cities like London. The tragic tale of Charles Goodyear, the inventor of vulcanized rubber. And the events that led up to the violent 1229 University of Paris strike. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 202246 min

Sputnik 2, Aeschylus, and the American Hippo Bill

The Facts: How Russia sent the first creature into orbit, the unlikely death of an ancient Greek tragedian, and Robert F. Broussard’s preposterous proposal to end the American meat shortage. VOTE HERE Send us your facts: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @factoffpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 202247 min

Bats, Werewolves, and Malleus Maleficarum

The Facts: How bats became Halloween icons, the horrifying murders that inspired werewolf legend, and the historical manual on how to discover and annihilate witches. VOTE HERE Send your facts to @factoffpod on Twitter or email them to thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 202242 min

The Haunted Queen Mary, the University of Texas Tower Shooting, and the Candyman

This week's facts: how the massive ocean liner, the Queen Mary, became a haunted hotel. Find out the troubled backstory of the University of Texas tower shooting. And learn how one trick-or-treating incident sparked an unfounded fear of candy tampering. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 202244 min

Betty Crocker and the Quest for the Philosopher's Stone

The Facts: How Betty Crocker rose to fame to become the most trusted source for cooking tips, advice, and recipes. And how Hennig Brand made an unlikely discovery in his quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14, 202233 min

The Deadly Tomato, Lazarus Lizards, and Bill Fong's Legendary Bowling Record

The Facts: Why the world believed the tomato was a poisonous fruit, the family that brought on Cincinnati’s lizard invasion, and Bill Fong’s legendary Texas bowling record. VOTE HERE Socials: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 07, 202240 min

The War on Christmas, the Conqueror, and No White after Labor Day

The Facts: Find out why it’s unfashionable to wear white after Labor Day, why the movie the Conqueror haunted Howard Hughes’s career, and just how far back the war on Christmas goes. VOTE HERE Socials: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 03, 202242 min

Erfurt Latrine Disaster, Sandwiches, and Happy Birthday

The facts: the unbelievable Erfurt latrine disaster, the convoluted history of the sandwich, and how the Happy Birthday song became America’s favorite tune. VOTE HERE Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22, 202241 min

Echo and Narcissus, the Mechanical Turk, and the King's Daughters

Alex shares the mythical origin of the word’s narcissist and echo. Mike tells the tale of a long-forgotten automaton chess player nicknamed the Mechanical Turk. Pat reveals the strange history behind the rapid population growth in New France (Canada). Link to Vote Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @factoffpod Email: thefactoffpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16, 202240 min
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