At first glance, the Vatican's security service makes no sense. The Swiss Guard is an elite force from, well, Switzerland. So what the heck are these guys from a notoriously neutral nation doing so far down south? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin and evolution of the world-famous Swiss Guard.

At first glance, the Vatican's security service makes no sense. The Swiss Guard is an elite force from, well, Switzerland. So what the heck are these guys from a notoriously neutral nation doing so far down south? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin and evolution of the world-famous Swiss Guard.

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

"Right on," Said the Pope: How the Swiss Guard became the Elite Protectors of the Vatican

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/94e5ed7c-edb2-4c9e-b68e-b1a80163fa4e/transcript

In recent years the public has become increasingly aware of the long-term dangers posed by sports injuries -- but at the turn of the 20th century this wasn't the case. Football players didn't wear protective gear, and in 1905 alone more than 15 players died from game-related injuries. Universities were on the verge of banning football entirely. President Roosevelt, himself a life-long fan of the sport, knew something must be done. Listen in to learn how the 26th President of the US may just have saved modern football.

In recent years the public has become increasingly aware of the long-term dangers posed by sports injuries -- but at the turn of the 20th century this wasn't the case. Football players didn't wear protective gear, and in 1905 alone more than 15 players died from game-related injuries. Universities were on the verge of banning football entirely. President Roosevelt, himself a life-long fan of the sport, knew something must be done. Listen in to learn how the 26th President of the US may just have saved modern football.

CLASSIC: Teddy Roosevelt May Just Have Saved Modern (American) Football

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8bdc52d2-32e4-496a-bed1-b42e013ea22c/transcript

Now, we know this is going to sound weird, but... it turns out one of the world's most popular pop music contests is also one of the world's best examples of 'soft diplomacy'. So what happens when countries that hate each other get together to determine the year's best song? Spoiler: it gets ridiculous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their obsession with the Eurovision Song Contest.

Now, we know this is going to sound weird, but... it turns out one of the world's most popular pop music contests is also one of the world's best examples of 'soft diplomacy'. So what happens when countries that hate each other get together to determine the year's best song? Spoiler: it gets ridiculous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their obsession with the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision, Chapter Two: Pop Music as Problematic Diplomacy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/00c01b6a-d086-4edf-9cc7-b42e0131035d/transcript

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most popular talent shows on the planet, with multiple countries showcasing their culture through pop music spectacles in an effort to win the day. Some of the songs are utter bangers, some become one-hit wonders, and others are downright... bizarre. Looking at you, Irish puppet turkey. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the surprising origin story of Eurovision, along with some of its more controversial aspects.

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most popular talent shows on the planet, with multiple countries showcasing their culture through pop music spectacles in an effort to win the day. Some of the songs are utter bangers, some become one-hit wonders, and others are downright... bizarre. Looking at you, Irish puppet turkey. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the surprising origin story of Eurovision, along with some of its more controversial aspects.

Eurovision, Chapter One: A Ridiculous Origin Story -- and A Smash Success

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ab358365-08ee-4282-a21a-b42b0166ab11/transcript

"Right on," Said the Pope: How the Swiss Guard became the Elite Protectors of the Vatican

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