Best Human Versus Machine Podcasts (2025)

51
CLASSIC: William Walker: Filibuster and (Fantastically Bad) President 42:22

2d ago42:22

42:22

In today's Classic episode, Ben, Noel, Casey In Spirit and Max explore a bizarrely American story. The adventurer and filibuster William Walker was, in his heyday, lauded as an American hero for his repeated failed invasions of areas of Mexico and Nicaragua. But what led this man on a fanatical mission to invade these regions? Perhaps more importan…

1
Accidental Inventions of the 20th Century, Part Two: The Slinky and the Post-it Note 37:48

4d ago37:48

37:48

While things like the Slinky and the Post-it Note may seem pretty ubiquitous, simple ideas today, they each have their own bizarre accidental origin story. In the second part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the stories of military coil research and a tenacious 3M employee nicknamed "Mr. Persistent." See omnystudio.com/li…

1
Accidental Inventions of the 20th Century, Part One: Penicillin, X-Rays and the Microwave Oven 42:57

6d ago42:57

42:57

Humans have always been compelled by curiosity -- sometimes, this leads to misfortune, but other times... curiosity and accident can also lead to world-changing innovations. In part one of this week's special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin stories of history's greatest accidental inventions, from penicillin to the microwave o…

1
CLASSIC: Lawsonomy: How the Father of the Modern Airline Started His Own Religion 51:46

9d ago51:46

51:46

When middling baseball player Alfred Lawson first learned of the Wright Brothers, he experienced a revelation that would guide the greater part of his life: Aviation, he believed, was the future of more than just transit -- it would become one of the most important advances in the history of the human race. Lawson, brimming with confidence and char…

1
Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System? 36:40

11d ago36:40

36:40

Why is the United States so culturally opposed to the metric system? According to a popular legend, this conundrum dates back to the late 1700s, when a French polymath named Joseph Dombey sailed to Thomas Jefferson with two crucial artifacts: a rod measuring exactly one meter, and a copper cylinder weighing one kilogram, set to bring the new nation…

1
Yet More Ridiculous Historical Honorifics: Ethelred Just Ain't Ready 42:10

13d ago42:10

42:10

Have you been blessed -- or, perhaps, cursed -- with a nickname that just won't go away? Some of most terrifying, inspiring and ridiculous figures in human history are in the same boat. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they return to their continuing series on Ridiculous Historical Honorifics, exploring the stories of Charles the Bald, Ethelred the Unread…

1
CLASSIC: A Dead Pope Goes To Court 27:26

16d ago27:26

27:26

The Catholic Church is no stranger to scandal and controversy, but in January of 897 the institution was home to a new and unique scandal that put the garden variety tales of adultery and financial corruption to shame. Listen in to learn what drove Pope Stephen VI (also sometimes called Pope Steven VII) to dig up one of his predecessors and put the…

1
History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part Two 36:34

18d ago36:34

36:34

What's the weirdest pair of shoes you've ever seen? If you were King, would you force everyone else to be shorter than you? In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, returning guest AJ "Bahamas" Jacobs, creator of "The Puzzler," regales the gang with a wide-ranging exploration of history's most ridiculous clothing. See omnystudio.…

1
History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part One 29:12

20d ago29:12

29:12

It's no secret that history is filled with relatively arbitrary fashion rules, fads and faux pas -- and what may be hot stuff in one era often ends up being seen as cringeworthy in later years. But how ridiculous does clothing of yesteryear get? In part one of this week's special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome their returning guest, the…

1
CLASSIC: War and Candy: The Infamous Tootsie Roll Air Drop 33:28

23d ago33:28

33:28

During the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the First Marine Division seemed doomed. Surrounded, outnumbered, outgunned and running dangerously low on ammunition, the Marines called for an airdrop of ammo only to receive... pallets of tootsie rolls. Over the next two bloody, violent weeks these tiny candies turned out be much m…

1
The Power of AI Partnerships with Mike MacDade and Lilac Ilan 21:09

25d ago21:09

21:09

As Generative AI redefines industries, strong partnerships have never been more critical. In this episode, host Mike MacDade, Head of Operations at Amdocs Strategy and Technology, is joined by Lilac Ilan, Head of Global Telco, AI-Powered Operations at NVIDIA, to explore the unique dynamics of AI partnerships and ecosystem building in the Gen AI era…

1
A Ridiculous History of Tupperware 45:06

25d ago45:06

45:06

Burrrrp! The sound is familiar to any fan of Tupperware -- it's that little whoosh of air when you push down the lid and remove excess air. But what exactly is Tupperware? How did it become such an ubiquitous part of U.S. kitchens? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the surprisingly dramatic rise of Tupperware... and how the unsun…

1
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Mausoleum at Halicarnassus 38:32

27d ago38:32

38:32

Like most rulers of old, Mausolus wasn't exactly known for his modesty. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with the story of a tomb so opulent that humans ended up making a brand-new word to describe it: the Mausolem (at Halicarnassus). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

1
CLASSIC: The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin 34:56

1M ago34:56

34:56

On April 14th, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in Ford's theatre, escaping shortly thereafter and going on the run. The Federal troops in pursuit of the assassin had orders to bring Booth and any of his conspirators back alive. For most of the soldiers, this wasn't a problem. However, Boston Corbett felt he answered t…

1
Paul Is Dead, Part Two: Welcome to the Walrus 45:09

1M ago45:09

45:09

After a US-based college student pens a satirical article exploring hippy folklore and the Beatles, mainstream media takes off -- "Is Paul McCartney actually dead?" they ask, in a growing fever pitch. In part two of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the continuing saga of the greatest conspiracy theory in all of modern music. See omnystudio.co…

1
Paul Is Dead, Part One: The Beatles versus MI5 50:46

1M ago50:46

50:46

It's one of the greatest conspiracy theories in all of modern music -- what if, at the height of their success, the world famous Beatles suddenly lost Paul McCartney? As the theory goes, Paul Prime actually died in a car accident in November of 1966. With millions of fans -- and dollars! -- on the line, the remaining Beatles and MI5 conspired to co…

1
CLASSIC: The Cock Lane Ghost: Haunting, Hoax, Hysteria… or Hilarious? 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

In 1762, crowds from across London gathered in hopes of seeing something the papers called "The Cock Lane Ghost". This alleged spirit was known to communicate in knocks and scratches, reacting to yes or no questions and, according to some observers, seeking justice from beyond the grave. But who was this spirit, exactly? What did this poltergeist h…

1
CLASSIC: Roland the Farter and the Weird World of Professional Flatulence 34:32

1M ago34:32

34:32

Regardless of what polite societies often want us to believe, everyone farts. And we fart often! And, believe it or not, a few rare individuals have been able to turn this embarrassing bodily function into a full-time job. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the weird, weird world of professional flatulence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

1
CLASSIC: Gregor MacGregor Invented a Country and Convinced People to Invest in It 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

When His Serene Highness Gregor the First, Sovereign Prince of the State of Poyais and its Dependencies, and Cacique of the Poyer nation visited London, he made a huge impression. Hundreds of people jumped at the chance to buy land in his remote, Central American paradise. There was only one problem -- the Cacique, whose real name was Gregor Macgre…

1
CLASSIC: Angry Feds and Deadly Booze: The Story of the Chemists' War 29:24

1M ago29:24

29:24

From 1920 to 1933, the U.S. government attempted to ban (recreational) alcohol throughout the nation. In a stunning -- we're being sarcastic here -- turn of events, people circumvented the law and found ways to keep drinking and organized crime blossomed in cities across the country. Listen in to learn just how far Uncle Sam was willing to go to st…

1
We're Late for the April Fools' Episode 42:58

2M ago42:58

42:58

Have you ever fallen for an April Fools' Day gag? Across the world, millions of people pull (hopefully wholesome) pranks on each other every April 1st in a celebration of practical jokes and trickery. But where did this holiday actually come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into this surprisingly murky history of April Fools' Day. S…

1
The Ridiculous History of Vending Machines 1:02:21

2M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Pretty much everyone in the developed world is familiar with vending machines these days -- you see them in all sorts of places, selling all sorts of things. But where did they come from? What's the weirdest stuff sold via vending machine? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the surprisingly ancient concept of automated product dispensers…

1
CLASSIC: Fanny and Stella: The Cross-Dressing Scandal of Victorian England 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

In April of 1870, a shocking court case captivated Victorian England: Fanny and Stella, also known as Frederick Park and Ernest Boulton, were arrested after attending a play at The Strand (in what was then considered inappropriate dress) and held on suspicion of violating the moral codes of the time. Listen in to learn more about the absurd legal w…

1
Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 2: the Battle of Karánsebes 43:31

2M ago43:31

43:31

As Europe increasingly freaks out about the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, a ragtag crew of guys who ordinarily hate each other band together for common cause and GUESS WHAT -- it goes cartoonishly wrong. In the second part of this two-part series, the guys hang with Ben Thompson, the creator of Badass of the Week, as he breaks down the most ridi…

1
Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 1: History's Most Ridiculous Friendly-fire Incident 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

War has always been a chaotic, messy endeavor -- and, sometimes, it's downright ridiculous. In this week's special two-part series, the guys welcome returning special guest Ben Thompson, creator of Badass of the Week, to learn more about the bizarre turn of events that led to the Battle of Karánsebes. In part one, Ben introduces the gang to the leg…

1
Beyond Exponential: Navigating the Future of Business Transformation 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

How are exponential technologies reshaping industries, leadership, and the way businesses operate? In this episode, host Anjali Mahajan, VP - Head of Engineering Services at Amdocs, speaks with Yahli Admati, Head of Business Development UAE at Quris AI, to explore the impact of cutting-edge innovations on business transformation. From AI and automa…

1
CLASSIC: That Time Kansas Imprisoned Women For Having STDs 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

At the close of World War I, American soldiers returned home from abroad with scars, wounds, stories and, in some cases, infections of which their romantic partners were unaware. When cities in Kansas noted the spike in sexually-transmitted diseases, they embarked upon a misguided quest to quell the infections by imprisoning the women these soldier…

1
A Ridiculous History of Processed Cheese 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

Let's be honest: cheese is inherently weird. As humanity advanced, civilizations leveraged positively alchemical science to arrive at the perfect cheeseburger melt. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the evolution of processed cheese -- the not-quite-cheese that changed the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Darién Gap, or: the Real Reason Scotland Lost Its Independence 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

Scotland is a fascinating place, with its own rich culture, cuisine and history. Today, it's part of the United Kingdom -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into Scotland's wildly ambitious plan to build a colonial trade empire straddling the Pacific and the Atlantic. At enormous expense, Scotland gambled everythi…

1
CLASSIC: Oregon Was a White Supremacist Paradise 43:33

2M ago43:33

43:33

Today Portland, Oregon is often portrayed as a left-leaning haven for hipsters across the country, but the original Oregon was a vastly different place. Listen in to learn more about the ridiculous aims of the white supremacists who sought to found Oregon as a whites-only state. Spoiler alert -- there's a fantastic extra segment at the end of today…

1
Apple Versus Apple: The Beatles' Decades-long IP War 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

Spoiler: The Beatles are kind of famous. Yet even worldwide acclaim didn't make them immune to lawsuits. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange story of Apple Inc and Apple Corps, two hugely influential companies that found themselves embroiled in a multidecade trademark beef. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Ancient Wonders of the Modern World: The (Alleged) Hanging Gardens of Babylon 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

We've all heard of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- but what are they, exactly? What made these specific seven creations wonders? Why are some equally impressive structures not considered wonders? In the first episode of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max set out to learn more Ridiculous History of these ancient wonders... starting …

1
CLASSIC: Project A119: The Cold War Plan to Nuke the Moon! 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

It sounds like something straight out of your favorite sketch comedy show -- what if a crack team of scientists joined forces with the world's most powerful military on a mission to nuke the moon? Don't waste too much time asking why we'd want to do this... just imagine the explosion. Join Ben and Noel in today's Classic episode as they explore the…

1
The US Camel Corps, Part Two: The Legend of the Red Ghost 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

As Major Wayne and company finally make the US Camel Corps a reality, tensions continue to rise across the US: the increasingly divided North and South stand at the brink of war. As Ben, Noel and returning guest Jonathan Strickland discover, this is probably why we don't have a US Camel Corps today. However, the Camel Corps did leave us with one fa…

1
The Path Forward: Women Entrepreneurs in Tech with Tal Elor & Maya Elor 13:30

2M ago13:30

13:30

Ever wondered, what does it take to leave the security of a corporate career and dive into entrepreneurship? In this episode, host Mike MacDade speaks with Tal Elor, Co-founder & CPO of Athena, and Maya Elor, Co-founder & CEO of Athena, to discuss their inspiring journey from a military intelligence unit to launching their own startup. They share t…

1
The US Camel Corps, Part One: Several People With A Really Weird Dream 46:23

3M ago46:23

46:23

Let's face it: camels look goofy. And we say this with great affection! In fact, the camel's seemingly awkward appearance is the result of some stellar adaptation toward survival in one of the world's most inhospitable biomes. Back in the 1800s, a small group of camel enthusiasts and supply chain experts looked at the vast swathes of American deser…

1
CLASSIC: Adidas Versus Puma: A Tale of Two Brothers 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

Today Adidas and Puma are two of the industry's most well-known tennis shoe makers, and people around the world prize the footwear for its unique design and reliable craftsmanship. Yet there's a strange, bitter origin story behind these giants of the sneaker world. Join the guys as they delve into a tale of petty recrimination, family feuds and the…

1
CLASSIC: The WWII Naval Battle Won Using Potatoes 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

The U.S.S. O'Bannon was a Fletcher-class navy destroyer with an impressive array of weaponry and a solid track record in conflicts in WWII. However, even the most experienced sailors aren't perfect -- and when the O'Bannon happened upon a hapless Japanese submarine, both crew engaged in a desperate and bizarre food fight. Join Ben and Noel to learn…

1
CLASSIC: The Korean Soldier Who Fought for 3 Armies During WWII 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Born in what is now North Korea, Yang Kyoungjong didn't set out to become a soldier -- but fate had other plans. In today's classic episode, Ben and Noel trace one man's journey through prisons, battlefields and multiple armies in a desperate bid to survive World War II. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
CLASSIC: Philadelphia's Transylvanian Doomsday Cult: The Cave of Kelpius 45:44

3M ago45:44

45:44

There's a nifty bit of hidden history tucked away in Philadelphia's Wissahickon Valley Park -- a cave that, legend has it, was home to a doomsday cult. In today's episode, the guys follow the strange journey of Johannes Kelpius and his followers from Europe to North America as they prepared for the end of days (first in 1694, then in 1700). Tune in…

1
Season 3 Kickoff: Guided Disruption in the Workplace 10:52

3M ago10:52

10:52

Welcome to season 3 of the podcast Your Career: Choice or Chance?—where we explore the powerful concept of Guided Disruption and how AI is reshaping the workplace. Join our hosts Yael, Mike, Manisha, and Anjali as they talk with industry leaders, sharing real-world success stories and practical strategies to help you lead with confidence in the age…

1
CLASSIC: Weird Wars Fought For Dumb Reasons 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

What do a camel, a bucket and an ear all have in common? Each was, at some point, responsible for starting a war. In today's Classic episode, join Ben and Noel as they dive into true stories of weird wars fought over cartoonishly dumb things. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
CLASSIC: The FBI's Quest to Understand "Louie, Louie" 47:12

3M ago47:12

47:12

The Kingsmen's cover of "Louie, Louie" is one of the world's most famously unintelligible songs -- and this haunted the FBI. In this episode, Ben and Noel recount the evolution of "Louie, Louie", as well as Uncle Sam's insanely thorough (and hilariously unsuccessful) attempt to figure out the song's lyrics. The guys also rack up some extra credit w…

1
CLASSIC: The Time a Soviet Premier Was Banned From Disneyland 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

At the height of the Cold War a series of debates in a model kitchen in Moscow (true story!) led Nikita Khrushchev to visit the US on a whirlwind publicity tour. The Soviet leader hobnobbed with politicians, celebrities and business tycoons, soaking up all that America had to offer, often with a few choice remarks along the way. However, there was …

1
That Time Japan Absolutely Rinsed Russia, Part Two: The Togo Turn 38:01

3M ago38:01

38:01

As Japan corners Russian forces in Port Arthur, the Tsar sends a new fleet of ships on a 7-month journey to break the barricade. In a stunning battle that alters the course of history, Japanese Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō executes a brilliant series of manuevers that remain some of the most thoroughly-studied maritime tactics in the entirety of naval h…

1
That Time Japan Absolutely Rinsed Russia, Part One: The Race For Manchuria 35:24

3M ago35:24

35:24

Two Empires. One region, in tenuous balance. While often forgotten in the modern day, the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was a pivotal turning point in early 20th century geopolitics. On one side, the vast Russian Empire: having established control over Siberia, Nicholas II seeks to secure outlets to the Pacific. On the other side of the conflict,…

1
CLASSIC: Kidnapping, Binge Drinking and Costumes: Voter Fraud in the 1800s 33:59

3M ago33:59

33:59

Allegations of U.S. voter fraud have made the rounds in recent years -- but, once upon a time, these were much more than allegations. Join the guys as they explore the massive voting fraud operations that riddled U.S. politics throughout the 19th century in this week's Classic episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part Two: Courtship and Calling Cards 37:10

3M ago37:10

37:10

Cast your mind back to the Victorian Era, when countless singles and would-be paramours struggled to circumvent strict social mores in the search for true love. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of Victorian Era, conspiratorial methods -- especially the infamous 'acquaintance card.' See omnystu…

1
Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part One: "Fan Fiction" 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

The Victorian Era was, on the surface, a time of almost cartoonish sexual repression. Courtship was governed by rigid sets of rules and heirarchy, and even meeting a prospective partner outside of these codified steps could be considered a breach of cultural mores. So, what's a lover to do? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and M…

1
Why did people hate the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge? 31:30

4M ago31:30

31:30

Nowadays most people are fans of national parks, but this wasn't always the case. Join the guys as they delve into the strange "birds vs. babies" conflict over Lake Malheur. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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Human Versus Machine Podcasts

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