Listen daily for weird news from around the globe. Ripley's Believe It or Not! was founded in 1918 by cartoonist and adventurer Robert Ripley, we are the authority on all things weird, odd, amazing, and unbelievable!
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The podcast explores the widely reported story of Ayapaneco, a unique language from southern Mexico believed to have only two surviving speakers who refused to communicate. However, the episode reveals this dramatic narrative was entirely fabricated by an ad agency for a campaign, with around 14 actual speakers existing and some being paid by the government to teach the language. The agency staged the feud and even faked building a school to mislead news outlets globally.
This episode delves into the incredible abilities of Shaolin monks, explaining how their rigorous training allows them to perform seemingly superhuman stunts. It highlights feats like consciously raising body temperature to dry wet sheets, throwing needles through glass, and resisting sharp objects through techniques like Qi Gong and specialized breathing. The segment demonstrates how these impressive skills, while appearing mystical, often have scientific explanations.
During the Civil War, Confederate President Jefferson Davis attempted to move the South's treasury to safety, leading to a frantic journey of gold and valuables. This treasure was eventually intercepted by Union forces, but then ambushed by a guerrilla group known as bushwhackers. These bushwhackers made off with significant loot, burying and hiding it, leading to a long-standing mystery about its final resting place, with theories ranging from Lake Michigan to Wilkes County, Georgia.
This episode explores Lake Natron, a unique Tanzanian lake with an extremely high pH and temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of burning human flesh. While living creatures like flamingos have adapted to its caustic waters, the lake's concentrated sodium carbonate naturally mummifies dead animals, turning them to "stone" on its shores.
This episode explores the Medaille de la Famille Francaise, a unique award from the French government for parents of large families. Originally created in 1920 for women and later extended to men, the medal comes in bronze, silver, and gold based on the number of children. It delves into the nomination process, historical eligibility rules, and even the possibility of posthumous awards.
Discover the quirky history of duels, featuring strange rules like medieval women dueling men in pits and bizarre topless contests between women over flower arrangements. The episode also recounts a fatal hot air balloon duel over a dancer and dueling's surprising re-emergence as an Olympic sport using wax bullets, highlighting its dangerous past.
Discover how a study from Makuri University suggests sharks have a surprising preference for jazz music. Scientists found sharks responded to jazz, theorizing their acute hearing makes them receptive to its changing beats, similar to the irregular sounds of struggling prey. This research also highlights potential impacts of boat noises on shark behavior.
This episode uncovers the unique tale of Benjamin Franklin's eulogy for his beloved pet squirrel, Mungo, detailing its life and demise. It also explores the historical context of squirrels as pets in 18th-century America, their representation in art, and clarifies misconceptions about rabies risk. Furthermore, it highlights the remarkable hibernation abilities of the Arctic ground squirrel, offering a captivating look into these creatures.
