Best Strange Uncles Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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CLASSIC: What does "Idaho" actually mean? 24:53

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17h ago24:53

24:53

Idaho was the 43rd state admitted to the Union, and today it's well-known for potatoes, mining, and stunning forests -- but, even in the modern day, Idaho is home to a surprising mystery: What does its name actually mean? Join the guys as they explore the ridiculous origin story of Idaho's name in this week's Classic episode. See omnystudio.com/lis…

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The Ridiculous History of Dog Food 36:09

2d ago36:09

36:09

Here on Ridiculous History, we are avowedly pr-dog. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into a strange evolution of slave, to companion, to family member, tracing the evolution of dog food as it blossoms into a multi-billion dollar marketing phenomenon (and one heck of a grift). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Bir Tawil: The Ridiculous Tale of "Earth's Worst Real Estate" 31:26

4d ago31:26

31:26

Land! Historically speaking, it's a pretty popular thing. In fact, a great deal of human conflict is based upon fighting over real estate -- yet, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, in at least one case there's a piece of the world no nation wants. For well over a century, Egypt and Sudan have both been fighting over who controls Bir …

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A Forbidden Love - Podcast #249 23:47

4d ago23:47

23:47

In 1937, a small Indiana town was rocked by a scandal that made national headlines: a 12-year-old girl and her 13-year-old classmate became parents, igniting a legal and moral firestorm. Family loyalty, courtroom drama, and the harsh realities of the Great Depression collide in this true tale of forbidden young love. Images, links, and transcripts …

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BARD - Strange Bedfellows and Shifting Perspectives 17:04

5d ago17:04

17:04

Mark and Gary unpack global and domestic headlines, from Israel’s controversial role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict to a shocking $10 million verdict after a six-year-old shot his teacher. The hosts explore how social media reshapes tribal loyalties, how negligence meets justice, and why even the Supreme Court’s balance could soon shift. Watch …

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TIH 637: Delilah S. Dawson on The Violence, Becoming a Writer, and Early Life Lessons 1:09:51

25m ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this podcast, Delilah S. Dawson talks about The Violence, becoming a writer, early life lessons, and much more. About Delilah S. Dawson Delilah S. Dawson is the New York Times bestselling writer of Star Wars: Phasma, Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, The Secrets of Long Snoot, The Perfect Weapon, … Continue reading…

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

7d 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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The Ridiculous History of the "Ice Cream Sundae" 35:19

9d 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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Zombies, Part Two: The Movies! 53:08

10d 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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BARD - Dodgers Drama, Baseball Rules, and the Golden Era of the Postseason 14:27

13d ago14:27

14:27

Mark and Gary kick off this episode with a deep dive into one of the wildest Dodgers finishes in recent memory, a game-ending double play for the ages and a ball wedged in the wall that had fans (and umpires) scrambling for the rulebook. They break down the bizarre play, the brilliance of Kike Hernández, and why this postseason feels like baseball’…

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

14d 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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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis 32:11

16d 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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That Time Everyone Loved Radium: What Could Go Wrong? 50:45

18d 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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BARD - Inside NYC’s High-Stakes Election and NBA Gambling Scandal 19:32

20d ago19:32

19:32

Mark and Gary welcome new Los Angeles Magazine contributor Lauren Conlin to break down New York’s most chaotic headlines, from the polarizing Mamdani-Cuomo race to the mob-linked poker scandal entangling NBA names. Also: Dodgers World Series updates, Twitter trolls, and magic glasses that reveal more than just cards. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt…

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

21d 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

23d 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

25d 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

25d 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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BARD - Otani’s Masterpiece & the Shifting Legal Landscape 17:50

27d ago17:50

17:50

Mark and Gary kick off with awe over Shohei Otani’s historic postseason dominance, especially in Friday's Game 4, which included 10 strikeouts, 3 home runs, and a performance that may go down as one of the greatest in baseball history. From there, the conversation pivots to the latest legal fireworks: John Bolton’s classified docs case, the DOJ’s q…

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

28d 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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CLASSIC: When Vikings Loot The Wrong Town 39:01

1M 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

1M 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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BARD - Facing Trial: Fear, Federal Power, and a Nine-Figure Crypto Scandal 20:34

1M ago20:34

20:34

Mark and Gary dive deep into the emotional and legal realities of facing trial, whether it’s the City of Los Angeles or the full weight of the federal government. From two high-profile indictments (James Comey and Tish James) to a jaw-dropping $188M crypto windfall tied to a presidential tariff leak, they dissect this week’s legal chaos and touch o…

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

1M 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

1M 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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BARD - Diddy’s Sentence, Sentencing Guidelines, and What Comes Next 21:10

1M ago21:10

21:10

Mark and Gary break down Sean “Diddy” Combs’ 50-month sentence, explore the legal strategy behind sentencing guidelines, and weigh the potential for early release, appeal, or even clemency. Plus, insight into how the judge factored in acquitted conduct, reactions from the courtroom, and what Puff’s next steps may be. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt…

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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

2M 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

2M 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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BARD - Comey Indicted, Kimmel Reinstated: Two Worlds Collide in the Court of Public Opinion 24:06

2M ago24:06

24:06

Mark and Gary break down the bombshell indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, examining the grand jury dynamics, legal strategy, and political theater, before turning to the unexpected reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel and what it reveals about corporate pressure, cancel culture, and Hollywood loyalty. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Re…

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

2M 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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How the Kentucky Derby Became a Thing 37:49

2M 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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BARD x 2AM - America Is Dying: Kimmel Silenced, Free Speech Under Attack 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC has sparked nationwide backlash and fierce debate over free speech, censorship, and the state of American democracy. In this episode, we break down why Kimmel was pulled off the air, the legal and cultural fallout, and whether this marks a turning point for late-night TV and the First Amendment. From pu…

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CLASSIC: The Great London Beer Flood of 1814 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

In 1814, a poor neighborhood in London fell victim to a strange, tragic and boozy disaster -- this calamity would eventually leave eight people dead. So what exactly happened? How could an entire neighborhood flood with a deadly deluge of beer? Join Ben, Noel and Max for a bizarre bit of boozy history in this week's Classic episode. See omnystudio.…

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The True Story of Pac Man -- and a Ton of Weird Theories 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

As one of the most iconic games in all of arcade history, Pac Man is recognized across the planet. But how did it get here -- and why are there so many in-depth fan theories about what it means? Is Pac Man a Sisyphean immortal cursed with endless toil? Is he underwater, stealing errant Pong balls? Is he himself a ghost, or on drugs? In today's epis…

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A White Lie - UI Podcast #246 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

A New Hampshire doctor and his wife kept a secret from their children, friends, and community for nearly two decades. That was until the federal government discovered the lie. After the publication of their story in Reader's Digest in 1947, the entire nation would know. Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://useless…

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The Ridiculous Origin of the the Word "Ridiculous" 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

With nearly one thousand episodes out in the world over the years, Ben, Noel and Max realized they've never asked about the origin of the word "ridiculous." In this rollicking, cartoonishly meta episode, the gang learns the history of this specific word -- and why, since before the dawn of recorded history, humans have always been all about a good …

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TIH 631: Ryan C. Bradley on Say Uncle, Early Life Lessons, Setting Stories in the Noughties 1:11:08

2M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

In this podcast, Ryan C. Bradley talks about Say Uncle, early life lessons, setting stories in the noughties, 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 fiction … Continue reading…

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BARD - Charlie Kirk, Civil Discourse, and the Edge of Outrage 24:44

2M ago24:44

24:44

Mark and Gary confront a grim week in American politics following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. They explore the unraveling of civil discourse, rising extremism, and the eerie role of video in shaping public reaction—before ending with a provocative clip from E. Jean Carroll’s post-trial interview that sparks its own debate. Watch Beyond A Re…

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CLASSIC: Dr. Seuss Wrote His Most Famous Book On A Bet 34:57

2M ago34:57

34:57

What are your favorite children's books? In this Classic episode, Ben and the gang acknowledge Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known writers on the planet. "Green Eggs and Ham", one of his most successful books, sold over 8 million copies by 2016 -- but would you believe he wrote it based entirely on a bet? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part Two: The Rise of the Chamber Divers 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

As Axis powers swarm across Europe in the lead-up to D-Day, a small group of scientists refuse to leave their lab, throwing a fair amount of modern ethics out the window (or the sub, if you like) as they race to complete vital experiments in hyperbaric chambers -- the results of which may just change the course of the war. Tune in for part two of t…

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part One: The Return of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance 43:16

2M ago43:16

43:16

Years after their initial conversation with the world's foremost expert on underwater explosions, Ben still sings the praises of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome Dr. Lance back to learn more about the phenomenal -- and, frankly, inspiring -- story of a ragtag crew of rogue …