Best Strange Uncles Podcasts (2025)

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CLASSIC: Uncle Sam Tried to End World War II With Bat Bombs 38:12

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11h ago38:12

38:12

Folks, we are phenomenally excited about this week's Classic episode. It sounds like something straight out of the cave beneath Bruce Wayne's Manor, but thanks to the passion of a part-time inventor named Lytle Adams, the United States military really did spend millions attempting to arm bats with incendiary devices and launch them -- real-life bat…

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Introducing: Health Stuff 2:21

14h ago2:21

2:21

Hi, BrainStuff listeners! We're excited to share with you a sneak peek at iHeartPodcasts' latest release, Health Stuff! Health Stuff: On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together, they demystify the flashy trends, and keep you info…

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The Ridiculous History of the "Ice Cream Sundae" 35:19

2d ago35:19

35:19

For fans of sweet, frozen sweets, there's nothing as perfect as ice cream. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max scoop into a bizarrely niche controversy: Who actually invented the 'Ice Cream Sundae,' and why on Earth is it spelled 'Sundae,' rather than 'Sunday'? Ben here: we do figure it out, and history is super weird. Thanks for tuning in! See o…

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Introducing: Health Stuff 2:21

3d ago2:21

2:21

Hi, Ridiculous History listeners! We're excited to share with you a sneak peek at iHeartPodcasts' latest release, Health Stuff! Health Stuff: On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together, they demystify the flashy trends, and keep …

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Zombies, Part Two: The Movies! 53:08

4d ago53:08

53:08

On the shambling heels of their recent episode exploring the bizarre legendary origins of zombies, Ben, Noel and Max dive headfirst into the cinematic side of the undead: zombie movies. As they discover in today's episode, the film version of zombies or the walking dead has become increasingly distinct from the original folklore version -- and this…

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The Toxic Avenger - "I Also Like to Scream" 44:40

3d ago44:40

44:40

The Toxic Avenger - "I Also Like to Scream" The hero we need has arrived right on time! THE TOXIC AVENGER (2023) from Macon Blair & the folks at TROMA was one of our most highly anticipated films of the year and it did not disappoint. Grounded performances from an all star cast combined with genuine punk rock spirit create an incendiary production.…

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BrainStuff Classics: How Do Paleoartists Create Dinosaur Drawings? 6:28

6d ago6:28

6:28

Short answer: Very carefully. Learn about the history and modern practices of paleoart in this classic episode of BrainStuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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CLASSIC: The American Soldiers Who Defected to North Korea and Became Movie Stars 36:33

7d ago36:33

36:33

In this weekend's Classic episode, Ben quizzes Max on his dreams of being a director, ultimately asking: What would the average person do to become famous? Often described as one of the most isolated countries in the world, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since 1948. And while most reports of defectors fo…

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BrainStuff Classics: Why Is the Winchester House Built So Strangely? 7:27

8d ago7:27

7:27

We can't prove whether the Winchester Mystery House is really haunted, but it was definitely built for ghosts. Learn the story of how its strange construction was one woman's unending quest in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/afterlife/winchester-mystery-house.htm See omnys…

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Is the 'Number of the Beast' an Ancient Riddle? 7:25

9d ago7:25

7:25

The number 666 has been adopted by modern horror media as a demonic symbol, but what (or whom) does this number really refer to? Learn about the Book of Revelation and ancient wordplay via numbers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/666.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis 32:11

9d ago32:11

32:11

It's no secret that the Wonders of the Ancient World were pretty... wonderful -- yet also pretty mischaracterized. In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Super Producer Max explore the phenonemal Temple of Artemis, which was built not once, not twice, but three separate times before it ultimately disappeared. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

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Could Piranhas Really Eat a Cow in Under a Minute? 8:06

9d ago8:06

8:06

Piranhas are very efficient eaters, but their frothing feeding frenzy seen in horror movies is mostly based on a myth started by Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/piranha-eat-cows.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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HMSG Interview Sarah Nicklin from V/H/S HALLOWEEN - "The Monster Squad" 1:03:28

10d ago1:03:28

1:03:28

HMSG Interview Sarah Nicklin - "The Monster Squad" We have another great Spooky Season Treat! We got to chat with SARAH NICKLIN one of the stars of the new V/H/S HALLOWEEN (2025) horror anthology about her incredible career and a gateway horror classic THE MONSTER SQUAD (1987)! We hope you enjoy this delightful conversation as much as we did! And b…

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Göbekli Tepe: How Does Humanity's Most Ancient Monument Work? 8:40

10d ago8:40

8:40

In Turkey, a set of prehistoric columns rivals Stonehenge -- but they're 6,000 years older. Learn what we know (and don't know) about the hunter-gatherers who built Göbekli Tepe in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/gobekli-tepe.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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That Time Everyone Loved Radium: What Could Go Wrong? 50:45

11d ago50:45

50:45

Fellow Ridiculous Historians, we all know the inspiring and tragic story of Marie Curie -- however, not everyone is familiar with the absolute boom in radium-associated merchandise, which took the world by storm before the public understood the dangers of radiation. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into a bizarre tale of capitalism, marke…

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Why Are There Sriracha Shortages? 11:46

12d ago11:46

11:46

This blockbuster style of hot sauce started with the Huy Fong brand, but that original 'rooster sauce' is often out of stock. Learn how a combo of weather and legal drama are at the root in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/sriracha.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information…

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How Do Levees Protect Us? 9:56

12d ago9:56

9:56

Levee systems make it possible for us to live alongside bodies of water with less danger of flooding. Learn how engineers design them -- and why levees sometimes fail -- in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/levee.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Trick or Treat - "Your Cage is Shaking Loose" 33:30

10d ago33:30

33:30

Trick or Treat - "Your Cage is Shaking Loose" Our Halloween themed party ends with TRICK OR TREAT (1986). A cautionary tale about following your heroes to the pits of hell & the power of rock-n-roll. Starring Marc Price as a nerd who wants revenge with cameos from rock legends Ozzy Osbourne & Gene Simmons this one rocks hard! We hope you have a ver…

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CLASSIC: How a Broken Toilet Foiled a German Sub 25:48

15d ago25:48

25:48

Toward the end of World War II, the German Type VIIC submarine was acknowledged to be one of the most advanced -- and deadliest -- predators on the seas. Yet, in at least one case, some of the same technological breakthroughs that made these subs astonishing also led to their demise. Join the guys as they dive (get it?) into the strange story of U-…

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TIH 636: Jacy Morris on We Like It Cherry, Misconceptions about Indigenous People, and Writing Violence in Fiction 1:21:13

12d ago1:21:13

1:21:13

In this podcast, Jacy Morris talks about We Like It Cherry, misconceptions about indigenous people, writing violence in fiction, and much more. About Jacy Morris Jacy Morris was born in 1979 in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of ten he was transplanted to Portland, Oregon, where he developed a love for punk rock, horror movies, … Continue reading…

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CLASSIC: Creature Feature: The Dark Tetrad 1:03:46

17d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

It's the weekend! Time to get outdoors, enjoy nature... and, honestly, watch out for crazy animals. Join the guys in this Classic episode as they make an appearance on Creature Feature, the podcast that takes a critter’s eye view to explore how animal behavior parallels the behavior of humans. In this episode, Katie Goldin and the guys explore the …

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CLASSIC: Gustaf Broman Tried to Cross the Atlantic in a Canoe . . . Or Did He? 38:59

18d ago38:59

38:59

Ben here: Noel and I are sailing the seas this week -- wish us luck! Luckily, our Super Producer Max is holding it down with some of our favorite Classic episodes. Here's one I especially enjoyed from 2019, all about strange ocean travels: "In 1895, Gustaf Broman announced he would sail across the Atlantic in a 13-foot-long sailboat crafted from a …

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Retrocast #37 - UI Podcast #248 27:36

19d ago27:36

27:36

A fire department stands back and watches a man's home burn to the ground, a pig flies for possibly the first time ever, fleas are transported on a dog, and a gorilla destroys an American Tourister suitcase, and much more! The Flea Circus video mentioned in this episode can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9BjN_GHIic Images, l…

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Tales of Halloween - "Whoa Dude, Monster Up!" 38:10

19d ago38:10

38:10

Tales of Halloween - "Whoa Dude, Monster Up!" More tricks & a whole bunch of treats await you in this spooky season anthology - TALES OF HALLOWEEN (2015). We discuss 10 titillating tales that take place on All Hallows' Eve. This film is jam-packed with cameos from horror royalty and nods to the genre we love! We hope you enjoy digging into this epi…

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CLASSIC: The Weird, Surprisingly Recent Origin of the Tooth Fairy 27:29

22d ago27:29

27:29

Ben here: Noel and I are sailing the seas this week -- wish us luck! Luckily, our Super Producer Max is holding it down with some of our favorite Classic episodes. Here's one for all the kids scared of dentists: "For millions of kids in the West, the story is as mysterious as it is profitable: Once your baby teeth begin falling out, hide them benea…

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TIH 635: Jacy Morris on Early Life Lessons, Current Writing Routine, and Horror Writing 56:04

21d ago56:04

56:04

In this podcast, Jacy Morris talks about early life lessons, his current writing routine, horror writing, and much more. About Jacy Morris Jacy Morris was born in 1979 in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of ten he was transplanted to Portland, Oregon, where he developed a love for punk rock, horror movies, and writing, all … Continue reading…

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HMSG Interview Becky D'Anna & Jon Laubinger - "Presence" 1:08:50

22d ago1:08:50

1:08:50

We are so excited to celebrate spooky season with our friends, Becky D'Anna & Jon Laubinger, as they launch their new show - DIRECTOR'S TAKE: A SONY PICTURES PODCAST! We got to chat with them about one of their favorite films of this last year, Steven Soderbergh's, PRESENCE (2024). Be sure to check out their New Podcast! Director’s Take brings toda…

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CLASSIC: When Vikings Loot The Wrong Town 39:01

24d ago39:01

39:01

Ben here: we're out on the high seas this week -- true story! While we're away, we're sharing some of our favorite Classic episode. Here's one we absolutely loved, and travel-related: "Like many Viking leaders, Halfdan and Bjorn wanted to be known for their fearlessness in battle and their ability to locate the finest spoils -- they wanted the comm…

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CLASSIC: Were Tulips Really The Bitcoin of the 1600s? 30:21

25d ago30:21

30:21

In the 1600s, residents of the Dutch Republic were -- according to the story -- absolutely bonkers for tulips. A market sprang up around the tulip trade, and people began paying in advance for tulip bulbs, negotiating increasingly extravagant financial agreements and, in some cases, even using tulips as currency. This Tulipmania is often presented …

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Bad Apples - "Pumpkin Palooza" 38:20

26d ago38:20

38:20

Bad Apples - "Pumpkin Palooza" We have another film set on Halloween night for your spooky season listening pleasure - BAD APPLES (2018)! 🍎 🍏 A couple moves to a new city after a tragic loss and get more than they bargained for in their new home. This film stars friends of the podcast Brea Grant & Graham Skipper in the leads! An extra treat for us,…

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CLASSIC: (Some of) History's Dumbest Military Prototypes 55:49

29d ago55:49

55:49

As Ben and Noel hit the high seas, they're celebrating with a special week of their favorite Classics. It's true that the world's militaries often pioneer technological innovation -- but don't let all those great successes fool you! The world's militaries have at least as many failures as they do breakthroughs. Join Ben, Noel and special guest Chri…

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The Dumbest Mobster Ever Tried To Steal Ruby Slippers 40:23

1M ago40:23

40:23

There are few pieces of film history more iconic than Dorothy's magic ruby slippers from 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Yet, at first, the studio had no idea how valuable these would become. The multiple pairs of slippers languished in obscurity until costume department worker named Kent Warner launched a mission to save them. Yet the story doesn't stop …

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TIH 634: Josh Malerman on Fully Embracing Your Writing, Lessons Learnt Watching Evil Dead, and Jizzly Bear 1:21:21

28d ago1:21:21

1:21:21

In this podcast, Josh Malerman talks about fully embracing your writing, lessons learnt watching Evil Dead, Jizzly Bear, and much more. About Josh Malerman Josh Malerman is an American novelist, short story writer, film producer, and one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. He is best known for writing horror and … Continue …

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The Ridiculously Disturbing History of North Korea 48:25

1M ago48:25

48:25

By iHeartPodcasts

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Night of the Demons - "All Alone in Wonderland" 36:36

1M ago36:36

36:36

Night of the Demons - "All Alone in Wonderland" It's officially Spooky Season and we are celebrating with movies set on Halloween ALL MONTH LONG! This week we tackle the cult classic NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988). A couple of girls want to throw an epic party at a haunted mansion, but some uninvited guests from the demon realm crash the fun! We hope y…

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CLASSIC: The Forty Elephants: London’s All-Female Jewel Thieves 42:07

1M ago42:07

42:07

For at least 200 years, part of London’s criminal underground was ruled by a gang of brilliant, all-female jewel thieves. In this week's classic episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise and fall of the notorious Forty Elephants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

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Disco Balls are Ridiculous, and We Love Them 38:47

1M ago38:47

38:47

Human history is absolutely riddled with ridiculous inventions. Some are cartoonishly specific. Others, like the disco ball, serve no purpose other than amusement -- and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the dazzling (get it?) history of the 'myriad reflector.' See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

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TIH 633: Josh Malerman on Watching Evil Dead, Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within, and Sequencing Book Order Like an Album 1:10:37

1M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

In this podcast, Josh Malerman talks about his brand new book, Watching Evil Dead, unearthing the radiant artist within, sequencing book order like an album, and much more. About Josh Malerman Josh Malerman is an American novelist, short story writer, film producer, and one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. He … Continue …

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Bad Apples #6 – Lost Boundaries – UI #247 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

My wife, Mary Jane, joins me to discuss the 1949 movie Lost Boundaries, the screen adaptation of the lives of Dr. Albert and Thyra Johnston, the New Hampshire couple who passed as white for nearly twenty years. You can watch the movie Lost Boundaries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z26VL_0EQksand the Internet Archive: https://archive.or…

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The Truth About "Zombies" 50:17

1M ago50:17

50:17

As summer turns and fall begins, Ridiculous History officially enters the most wonderful time of the year. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the legend of a specific kind of 'living dead' -- the zombie. According to the stories, a zombie is a cadaver reanimated through evil magic, and cursed to obey the commands of a powerful bokor (s…

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The Monkey - “Everything is an Accident” 39:12

1M ago39:12

39:12

The Monkey - “Everything is an Accident” We conclude our Stephen King Birthday Month Celebration with a lot of laughs & tons of gore with Osgood Perkins adaptation of THE MONKEY (2024). This one was a treat - filled with delightful character performances and philosophical life lessons! Have you seen this one? We hope you enjoy this episode & then g…

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CLASSIC: The Malleus Maleficarum: A Real-life Witch Hunter's Bible 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

During Europe's period of witchcraft hysteria, one enterprising (and failed) witch hunter sought to bolster his reputation by creating an authoritative text on the existence, discovery and persecution of witches. While it may seem silly now, the Malleus Maleficarum was a runaway success, with thousands of copies inundating European society even whi…

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What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism? 11:09

1M ago11:09

11:09

Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://people.howstuffworks.com/socialism-vs-communism.htm Se…

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Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror - Documentary TEASER! 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror We got a sneak peak of the new documentary STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror (2025) - about the longest running cult classic just in time to celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary. We discuss our love for all things ROCKY HORROR & talk about how the film played pivotal roles in both of our lives. We hope…

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HMSG Interviews Director, Barnaby Roper & Actor, Eddie Marsan - "All the Devils Are Here" 23:09

1M ago23:09

23:09

Oh my goodness! ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE! We got to chat with Director, Barnaby Roper and lead Star of the film Eddie Marsan about their fresh takes on the Brit Gangster thriller. We gave this film an all around 5 out of 5 Chainsaws! It is absolutely Fantasticgorical and we hope you get a chance to check it out now that it’s in theaters! Check out t…

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How Do Vaccines Prevent Diseases? 13:39

1M ago13:39

13:39

Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness…

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How the Kentucky Derby Became a Thing 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

We’ve all been there, right? You wake up one day, and you say: “You know what? Forget work! It’s so nice outside. I want to put on a fancy hat, watch a bunch of horses run around in a circle, and gamble. Like they do in Europe.” In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn how the volatile, ambitious Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. created a litt…

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TIH 632: Ryan C. Bradley on Ghoulish Books, Books Bound in Human Flesh, and Story Writing Process 1:16:12

2M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

In this podcast, Ryan C. Bradley talks about Ghoulish Books, books bound in human flesh, his story writing process, and much more. About Ryan C. Bradley Ryan is a musician, podcaster, and the author of the novella Saint’s Blood, Bad Connections: Horror Stories and the brand new novel Say Uncle from Ghoulish Books. His short … Continue reading…

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The Ridiculous History of the 90s and Low Culture, with Ross Benes 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

The 1990s were a time of chaos, aspiration, and, above all, ridiculous things. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome returning guest Ross Benes, the author of 1999, for an in-depth exploration of talk shows, crime, transformative media and pop culture forensics. (Ben here: of course we get to films, video games and Juggalos.) See omnystudio…

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Apt Pupil - "I Wanna Know" 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

Apt Pupil - "I Wanna Know" We continue our Stephen King birthday party with a very challenging piece this week - APT PUPIL (1998). A young man's quest for historically accurate knowledge of a WW2 soldier's life and work in Nazi Germany consumes him and his subject alike as they jockey for power. We acknowledge this film is a tough watch, but we hop…