Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Remember when we said it was only a matter of time before robot dogs got guns mounted on them? Well, guess what! Also: a Boar's Head update, the bizarre case of Eric Adams, the push to transcribe the human genome to a memory crystal; that and much, much more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 17th, 2024 thousands of pagers intended for use by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon and Syria. The next, hundred of walkie-talkies detonated in the same manner. This operation was precedented in design, but not in scale -- and across the planet, people began to wonder: Is my own equipment safe? Can you really remotely blow up a mobile device?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you donate your body parts? Should nuclear facilities feed AI? What do more people need to know about addiction? All this and more in this week's strange news segment -- spoiler: stay tuned for the episode this Friday.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Located in Staffordshire, England, the Shepherd's Monument is a bas-relief recreation of Nicolas Poussin's painting “Shepherds of Arcadia”. However, the sculpture has several key differences -- one of which has baffled historians, experts and others for centuries: What's that mysterious inscription? What on Earth could it mean? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A billionaire's sunken yacht holds sensitive data -- and governments want it. A child abducted in 1951 is found alive. The United States cosigns the execution of Marcellus Williams despite public outcry -- including protests from the original jury, prosecutors and defense. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you ever grow up hearing a story or fact that, years later, you learned wasn't true? The podcast My Momma Told Me, hosted by Langston Kerman and David Gborie, dives deep into the world of conspiracy in the Black community. In tonight's interview, they join the guys for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from ghosts, moon landing conspiracies, fast food, and more. (Also we shamelessly try to score tickets for their upcoming live show.)They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An anonymous listener relates first-hand experience with the dark side of adoption and the state childcare industry. Metagent asks for more information about black sludge. Dockerby -- and many other professional educators -- write in with responses to the recent idea of replacing teachers with 'AI' in so-called teacherless classrooms. Plus, of course, Letters From Home. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out in Micronesia, an ancient civilization rose and fell, leaving nothing but oral history, folklore, and a stunning, ruined, megalithic city. So what exactly is Nan Madol? How did it come to be? What led to its downfall? In tonight's episode, Ben and Matt explore the enduring mystery of Nan Madol.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While serial killers may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, the human species hasn't changed as much as we all might like to think. Join the guys as they dive into the mysterious, grisly stories of proven and suspected serial killers from ancient civilizations across the planet.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the largest covert operations in history occurred in Lebanon, where exploding pagers and walkie-talkies injured thousands - prompting disturbing, dangerous questions. Japan's corporate culture makes it so difficult to resign that people are hiring third-party 'resignation experts.' The US denies allegations that the CIA may have masterminded a failed plot to murder Venezualan leader Nicolás Maduro. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustenance is one of the few things uniting all living beings. Whether we’re talking aristocrats or peasants, celebrities or your typical college student struggling to get by on ramen noodles, everyone needs to ingest some form of energy to survive. So what happens when the population continues to grow and traditional farming methods become less viable? Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they explore the terrifying future of food.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Princess Diana died as a result of a horrendous car crash in Paris, the United Kingdom was shaken to the core. As more details emerged, some people became convinced that Diana's death was not an accident. Why? Tune in and learn more in this Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 10, 2001, an explosion rocked a cozy Scottsdale neighborhood. The mother of the family, along with her children, were discovered murdered inside. The father, Robert Fisher, disappeared -- and may still be out there, somewhere. Join Ben and Matt as they welcome Jon Walczak, the creator and host of the Missing series, to learn more about his newest work Missing in Arizona, and the techniques he's using to search for one of the most wanted men in the world.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the United States is home to some of the world's most advanced medical technology, it's no secret that it has a terrible healthcare system -- millions of people are one bad diagnosis away from bankruptcy or death if they cannot pay the insurance companies controlling their access to life-saving treatments, medicines and therapy. Yet the US also has the world's highest incarceration rate, with over 700 people out of every 100,000 currently serving time -- what happens when they get sick? Tune in to learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know about healthcare in prison.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, David Game College has instituted a revolutionary -- and disturbing -- pilot program: What if, they argue, we can just have AI teach students in place of human teachers? "What could go wrong?" Researchers create a biohybrid robot controlled by a King oyster mushroom -- and it just learned to start walking around. Months of turmoil in the small town of Millersville, Tennessee lead to a TBI raid of the local police department. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The human world is increasingly 'assisted' by a pantheon of automations. Yet this emergent reality brings to bear fundamental philosophical quandries about the nature of not only the mind but the soul of things called 'artificial.' In tonight's episode, sponsored by Illumination Global, Unlimited, Ben, Matt and Noel see both sides of a dangerous future.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much do we really know about MKULTRA (spoiler: not much). What about Project Monarch? What's the deal with all these viral stories about Venezuelan gangs invading apartment buildings in Colorado -- and fighting off the cops? All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adoption is, at heart, an amazing concept. People who'd love nothing more than being part of a family come together and create their own -- no two ways about it: adoption genuinely saves lives. At least, that is, when everything works as planned. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the harrowing, more sinister sides of the adoption industry.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1967 the tiny fishing community of Shag Harbor became ground zero for one of the most infamous UFO sightings in Canadian history. More than 50 years later, people still haven't forgotten the bizarre series of lights they saw that October night... but what exactly were they? Listen in to learn more about the mysterious event known as Canada's Roswell.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After making waves in 2019 with his affable nature and mysterious harness, the legendary beluga whale Hvaldimir has been found dead -- prompting serious questions. A recent meta-study appears to indicate no link between mobile phone use and cancer. Authorities allege an LA-based car rental company was, in fact, a front for "crime tourism." All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting is a pretty big deal -- and, around the world, it's also often controversial. Current civilization puts a great amount of weight on the legitimacy of a given election, and it's no surprise that people often call elections into question. Enter the election monitoring industry: a global network of third-party, independent observers who (in theory) get on the ground in a given country, and verify the voting results for the world at large. Yet there's a bag of badgers here... why are so many experts concerned that election monitoring may have become a weapon? What, exactly, are zombie monitors?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when so many social security numbers get exposed, all at once? What's happening up at Mount Weather? Could an inorganic, sentient mind reach back through time to ensure its own creation? We promise we'll get to the recent events about Venezuelan gangs and Colorado. For now, thanks for joining the gang in the latest segment of listener mail.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern civilization is far from perfect, but it's still pretty amazing how we can often order produce from around the world, right to our doors, even if it's out of season. How does this happen? What makes it possible to preserve fruit far past its natural time -- and are there hidden consequences involved? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the wide world of produce conspiracies.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ticketmaster was founded in 1976, and since that time it's grown to be one of the most powerful forces in the industry -- whether you've gone to symphonies, concerts or plays, odds are you've run into Ticketmaster while trying to get your seats for the show. Yet numerous people allege that this company wields enormous, dangerous influence over artist, venues and fans alike. Tune in to learn more about the rise of Ticketmaster.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doberman puppies remain missing in the aftermath of a tragic Colorado homicide. Two veteran astronauts remain stranded in space as the world works to bring them back to Earth safely. China discovers a way to generate water on the moon. Next question: Would you pay to have sunlight delivered you in the middle of the night? All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do the mysterious Ica stones genuinely depict humans and dinosaurs co-existing? Did some ancient South American cultures actually possess fantastic flying machines, advanced medical techniques, and telescopes? According to the Peruvian physician Javier Cabrera Darquea, the Ica stones proved all of this and more, fundamentally reshaping the story of human history. However, not everyone was convinced. In part two of this special two-part series, the guys continue their investigation of the Ica stones. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. E provides an insider perspective on pest control. Surf Writer (Rider?) inspires a future episode on the porous borders of Myanmar. A Reptilian contacts the gang. All this and more in tonight's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When outsiders first encountered the ancient Inca Empire of Peru, they were astonished by the magnifcent stone work -- and struck by an abiding sense of mystery, a fascination which has only grown over the centuries. In the 1960s, a Peruvian physician began collecting a bizarre series of carved rocks known as the Ica stones. These stones, claim the true believers, do more than just teach us the hidden history Peru... depending on whom you ask, they may rewrite the history humans entirely. Tune in to learn more in part one of this special two-part episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the hectic news cycle of 2015, numerous stories popped up in headlines, only to disappear as soon as another event (or scandal) came to light. One story in particular remains enigmatic in the modern day: During the investigation into the Clinton email scandal, an FBI report found that "There was a powerful group of very high-ranking State [Department] officials that some referred to as 'The 7th Floor Group' or 'The Shadow Government.'" What exactly did this mean? Was there really a shadow government operating in Washington? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial tech tycoon Mike Lynch temporarily goes missing after his luxury yacht sinks off the coast of Sicily. Elon Musks's social platform X raises concern with its recently-unveiled AI image generator, which apparently has no "guardrails" for content. Authorities bust an enormous, frightening Chinese crime network that harvested bones from more than a thousand corpses for dental implants. If all of this has you worried, never fear: Vladimir Putin has officially announced anyone concerned about the fall of Western civilization can seamlessly move to Russia. (Spoiler: don't.) All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier, the guys explored the fact, fiction and speculation surrounding MKULTRA programs, during which the Central Intelligence Agency financed and directed multiple illegal experiments on US citizens. The program was officially disbanded before it became public knowledge, but thousands of people aren't buying the official story -- instead, they say, insidious operations continued throughout the country. Where do these claims come from? Is there any proof?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rumors spread for decades: Somewhere in the US, our own government was conducting dangerous, heinous and illegal experiments on citizens from all walks of life. This conspiratorial tale seemed set to remain little more than an urban legend -- until, that is, intrepid reporters and members of Congress managed to expose MKULTRA, the insidious series of experiments run by the Central Intelligence Agency with almost no oversight. In the decades since the revelation, MKULTRA has been featured in countless works of fiction, documentaries and more. But what exactly was it? Join the guys as they separate the MKULTRA fact from fiction.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a fan of ghosts and spirits -- not to mention the Ghostbusters franchise -- you've heard of ectoplasm. According to the true believers, this ghostly goop is the physical residue of entities from beyond the mortal plane, summoned by mediums to communicate directly with the living. But what exactly is this stuff? How does it work? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into the strange history of this ethereal substance, separating fact from fiction in a quest to finally determine the truth about ectoplasm.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the span of modern human history, the Arctic has been a desolate, dangerous wasteland of freezing ice, inaccessible waters and more than a bit of myth. Yet as the ice recedes, countries and corporations around the globe are already gearing up to take possession of the region's future trade routes -- and billions of dollars' worth of previously untouchable resources. The pieces are already on the chessboard, with multiple groups accusing each other of cover-ups and deceptive tactics. One questions looms larger and larger with each passing season: Who will control the Arctic?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine your wife dies on a Disney vacation, and their lawyers try to get your wrongful death lawsuit dismissed... because you signed up for a Disney+ trial subscription several years earlier. Corporate food giant Mars acquires Kellenova for $36 billion, furthering the danger of monopolization in the world of food. Could glitter help terraform Mars? What's up with the newest Banksy controversy? Are Americans finally fighting back against fake inflation? All this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home insurance. Yeesh! For most folks, it's somewhere between a necessary evil and a snoozefest. If you're like most homeowners, you have insurance on your property -- policies issued to, in theory, protect you when things go wrong. But what happens in a world where disasters move from possibilities to annual certainties? What happens when the insurance companies themselves can't afford to do business in the face of constant natural disasters? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel tackle an emergent crisis: a world where no one can afford continual, chaotic Acts of God.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sveriges baffles the crew when they ask whether the infamous Stocholm syndrome is entirely made up. Frederick wonders whether European manufacturers are intentionally sabotaging plastic bottles. The High Topped One is concerned about Blackstone's recent purchase of the DNA company Ancestry. All this and more -- with a big thanks to Alpha Flight -- in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In tonight's episode: a strange, twisting tale of hidden history. While most people these days associate the Nazi party with the horrors of World War II, Nazis were active far before that time. Join Ben and Matt as they delve into the story of two vast conspiracies: the Nazi plan to infiltrate American government, business and academia, versus the US plan to stop them. At the center of this bizarre story: Leon G. Turrou. To some, he saved the country. To others, he came all too close to bungling the job.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 2, 1935, a man checked into room 1046 at the Hotel President in Kansas City. He gave his name as Roland T. Owen, and listed his a home address in Los Angeles. Later, he was found brutally beaten, exhibiting signs of torture. He passed away shortly thereafter... and there the mystery begins. Roland, you see, was a fake name used by one Artemus Ogletree, from Birmingham, Alabama. Join the guys as they unravel the strange, twisting story of Artemus Ogletree's murder in tonight's classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore approves insects as a food source -- and the reasoning behind this may surprise you. The EPA (finally) bans an incredibly dangerous herbicide known as DCPA. Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr. comes clean about dropping a bear carcass in New York's Central Park. Plus: the Scottish corpse shortage, a questionable suicide, and weekly spy updates. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four centuries before Columbus reached the western hemisphere, Cahokia was a prosperous pre-American city with a population similar to London’s. In fact, it was probably the largest North American city north of Mexico at that time. While Cahokia was a major population centre around AD1050, by 1350 it was largely abandoned by its people – and, even today, no one is sure why.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conspiracy Realist scbuggeek writes in with an inside look at Big Bug. Lauren writes in for more information on the raid of a Fuyao factory raid in Dayton, Ohio. C provides an Irish perspective on potential future automotive speed limiters. In tonight's letters from home, Ben asks the guys about their ideal last meals. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays most people in the United States are well aware of the larger Civil Rights movement -- including the US government's conspiratorial efforts to destroy those movements and their leaders. Yet there's another story wrapped up in this strange tale of government power versus movements for equality: the story of the American Indian Movement, and how the US power structure's actions set the stage for later conflicts like Waco.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington, D.C. is home to numerous organizations and institutions created to broker deals and funnel power from one place (or policy) to another. Many of these organizations operate more or less openly, while others pride themselves on their discretion and ability to stay out of the public eye. The Family is one of the latter -- a secretive group founded in 1935 as a religiously-motivated movement to bring its interpretation of Christianity to the halls of Congress and beyond. But what exactly is the Family? More importantly, what exactly are they up to? Join the guys as they peer behind the curtain.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain will roll out a new "porn passport" to track online visits to adult websites. The gang weighs in on the manufactured controversy around the Olympics. China publicizes a breakthrough in nuclear energy. Drugs, pigs, tectonic shifts: all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's often been said money doesn't buy happiness. In fact, it can lead to more problems, up to and including troubling, mysterious disappearances. In tonight's episode, the guys explore the story of the notorious Swedish business tycoon Carl-Erik Björkegren -- a man who, one day, simply disappeared. Was he murdered? Or did he orchestrate a brilliant escape from the long arm of the law?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arborious prompts a conversation about ESP and the nature of intuition. Joe calls in to ask whether state-level actors have countermeasures against psychic abilities -- which will be a future episode. Ben brings one of his current obsessions to the air: What is the most dangerous large, non-human animal, as defined by: the one animal that could beat up any other animal. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story has all the makings of a science-fiction blockbuster: in 1937, an intrepid archaeologist discovers hundreds of perfectly-engraved stones, surrounded by humanoid remains and carved maps of constellations. Later analysis reveals these stones are 12,000 years old, and tell the story of ancient aliens crash-landing on Earth. This is the tale of the 'Dropa Stones.' In tonight's episode, Ben and Noel ask: Is any part of this story true?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malay folklore, the Orang Minyak is an supernaturally agile, humanoid creature coated in an oily, slippery substance. It is primarily known for abducting young women at night. There are other, similar creatures in folkloric beliefs across the planet -- boogeymen meant to warn children against disobeying their parents or social mores. But something about the Orang Minyak is different: Since the 1950s, it's been a prime suspect in numerous assaults and attempted crimes, with authorities and bystanders both claiming there was something supernatural about these crimes.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fake Picassos launch a fascinating discourse about gender in Australia. The massive Crowdstrike outage exposes troubling vulnerabilities in software infrastructure across the planet. Amid all this chaos (shoutout to cocaine sharks), experts are worried the long-foretold Yellowstone supereruption may be on the way... and no one sure's what will happen it the whole thing blows. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.