For most people, puzzles are a fun, fascinating diversion. Yet throughout history, they've also played a crucial role in the great game of espionage. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome their returning guest A.J. Jacobs, author and creator of The Puzzler podcast, to learn more about the history of puzzles, codes and spies in part one of this special two-part episode.

For most people, puzzles are a fun, fascinating diversion. Yet throughout history, they've also played a crucial role in the great game of espionage. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome their returning guest A.J. Jacobs, author and creator of The Puzzler podcast, to learn more about the history of puzzles, codes and spies in part one of this special two-part episode.

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

The Puzzler Returns, Part One: Puzzles and Spies

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4e998d23-4a06-4973-9a48-b10700f8efec/transcript

Do you know anyone who decided to show off in a weird way? While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon is as old as human civilization. Join the guys with special guests Miles and Jack from The Daily Zeitgeist as they explore some of the strangest (and most petty) flexes in human history.

Do you know anyone who decided to show off in a weird way? While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon is as old as human civilization. Join the guys with special guests Miles and Jack from The Daily Zeitgeist as they explore some of the strangest (and most petty) flexes in human history.

CLASSIC: History's Weirdest Flexes, Part One

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/16c4c760-e93b-4f5f-92bf-b4580126cafc/transcript

Back in the 1980s, Coca-Cola -- for reasons the public still can't agree on -- rolled out a controversial new formulation of their legendary, still-secret cola recipe. Public backlash in the south (and, weirdly enough, Monaco of all places) prompted a quick retraction, and a load of conspiracy theories. Tune in for the second sip of this special two-liter episode on the saga of New Coke, as Ben, Noel and Max unravel the rise and fall of 'New Coke', along with the various conspiracies that haunt this bizarre tale in the modern day.

Back in the 1980s, Coca-Cola -- for reasons the public still can't agree on -- rolled out a controversial new formulation of their legendary, still-secret cola recipe. Public backlash in the south (and, weirdly enough, Monaco of all places) prompted a quick retraction, and a load of conspiracy theories. Tune in for the second sip of this special two-liter episode on the saga of New Coke, as Ben, Noel and Max unravel the rise and fall of 'New Coke', along with the various conspiracies that haunt this bizarre tale in the modern day.

The Bizarre Parable of New Coke, Chapter Two: A Rise. A Fall. A Conspiracy?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/04c65d66-e7ea-4ee9-87e5-b45600eb9f95/transcript

In this week's Classic episode: It's no secret that hospitals can be intimidating, scary places -- but the medical operations of the modern day can't hold a candle to the grisly procedures of the 1800s. Back then, even some of the best surgeons still had about a one in ten chance of their patients dying during or shortly after a procedure. And Robert Liston was no exception. Listen in to learn how this otherwise top-notch surgeon managed to kill not only his patient, but also his assistant and some guy just standing nearby all in the course of one procedure gone horribly wrong.

In this week's Classic episode: It's no secret that hospitals can be intimidating, scary places -- but the medical operations of the modern day can't hold a candle to the grisly procedures of the 1800s. Back then, even some of the best surgeons still had about a one in ten chance of their patients dying during or shortly after a procedure. And Robert Liston was no exception. Listen in to learn how this otherwise top-notch surgeon managed to kill not only his patient, but also his assistant and some guy just standing nearby all in the course of one procedure gone horribly wrong.

CLASSIC: How Robert "The Fastest Knife In The West End" Liston Conducted A Surgery With A 300% Mortality Rate

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5be7d526-05d5-4efd-abba-b45200f90e74/transcript

The Puzzler Returns, Part One: Puzzles and Spies

In 1 playlist(s)

Ridiculous History

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips