While San Marino may not make many international headlines, this micronation has one of the most fascinating origin stories in all of Europe. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how a formerly rural area just about 6 miles from Rimini became a home for a stonemason hoping to get away from it all.

While San Marino may not make many international headlines, this micronation has one of the most fascinating origin stories in all of Europe. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how a formerly rural area just about 6 miles from Rimini became a home for a stonemason hoping to get away from it all.

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.

Ridiculous History

Micronations: How a Guy Got Ran Out of Town and Created San Marino

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1048c1e6-0e84-4d80-9e8c-b019001ffcfb/transcript

Today the world agrees minstrel shows were horrific, weaponized stereotypes meant to dehumanize people. But not too long ago, minstrel shows and the related "coon songs" were some of the most popular music in all of the United States. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join Katie Mitchell and Yves Jeffcoat, the creators of the On Theme podcast, to learn more about the complex relationship of creativity, capitalism, entertainment and race -- all found in the story of one brilliant composer: Ernest Hogan.

Today the world agrees minstrel shows were horrific, weaponized stereotypes meant to dehumanize people. But not too long ago, minstrel shows and the related "coon songs" were some of the most popular music in all of the United States. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join Katie Mitchell and Yves Jeffcoat, the creators of the On Theme podcast, to learn more about the complex relationship of creativity, capitalism, entertainment and race -- all found in the story of one brilliant composer: Ernest Hogan.

On Theme, Part One: Ernest Hogan's Success and Regret

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/28fca2e3-e3de-42c2-bc7d-b1770112258a/transcript

Today the Ford GT40 is one of the world's most iconic vehicles -- but this award winning automotive beast is, it turns out, the result of a serious grudge match. Join Ben, Noel and the gang as they delve into the strange, spiteful history of the Ford GT40 in today's Classic episode.

Today the Ford GT40 is one of the world's most iconic vehicles -- but this award winning automotive beast is, it turns out, the result of a serious grudge match. Join Ben, Noel and the gang as they delve into the strange, spiteful history of the Ford GT40 in today's Classic episode.

CLASSIC: How A Grudge Match Launched the Ford GT40

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f04ddba0-40f9-46ad-b6f5-b17301330c9f/transcript

ad break

If you're like most folks in the West, your laptop and phone use something called the QWERTY keyboard, named for the six letters at the upper left of the board. At first glance, this layout makes no sense. It's not in alphabetical order, and most of the typing is done by the left hand. So how did we end up with this thing? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they break down the strange story of the QWERTY keyboard -- and why it remains so commonplace today.

If you're like most folks in the West, your laptop and phone use something called the QWERTY keyboard, named for the six letters at the upper left of the board. At first glance, this layout makes no sense. It's not in alphabetical order, and most of the typing is done by the left hand. So how did we end up with this thing? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they break down the strange story of the QWERTY keyboard -- and why it remains so commonplace today.

The QWERTY Keyboard is Purposely Bad

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0503e9d9-1c2e-4739-bd5c-b172015720a3/transcript

Micronations: How a Guy Got Ran Out of Town and Created San Marino

In 1 playlist(s)

Ridiculous History

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips