Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

A few years back, Julian Assange was a household name in the West. The founder and face of Wikileaks, one of the world's most well-known destinations for leaks of classified information, Assange was hailed as a hero by some and a villain by others. And, whether you think he's a soldier in the war for transparency or some sort of super-villain, there's no denying that many people in power wanted him neutralized by any means possible. In our last episode, we left Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he'd been living, and fighting extradition charges, for several years. Then he seemed to disappear from the headlines. So what happened?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 height of the Covid lockdown, prices for all sorts of things skyrocketed -- global supply chains broke, numerous companies (and, more importantly, families) struggled to survive. Economists, CEOs and politicians alike assured the public that after the pandemic passed, prices would return to 'normal.' Fast forward to 2025: it's post-lockdown... and, if anything, prices have continued to rise. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel ask what's going on -- and discover a very real conspiracy at play.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.

Wells Fargo is one of the most popular retail banks in the United States, and its gigantic customer base uses it for everything from savings accounts to loans and more. However, a few years bank the bank came under fire for perpetuating a conspiracy all its own -- more and more customers found they had multiple accounts and lines of credit opened without their consent, and further investigation found that was just the beginning of the problem. Tune in to learn more about this real-life banking conspiracy, how it was discovered and the consequences (or lack thereof).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 United States Treasury moves to print current President Trump's face on a new coin, prompting an exploration of why the US officially doesn't put living people on the money. Qatar and the US reach a new level in what Lady Gaga would call a "Bad Romance." (Ben here: we recorded this before the news of the Idaho military base hit; the gang and I are currently in international waters -- wish us luck!) Microsoft has a 'come-to-Jesus' moment with Azure. Chinese authorities leverage AI to improve their censorship regulations for Western films. 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.

Let's imagine the worst scenario for civilization: humans, for one reason or another, go extinct. What will rise from the ashes of the Anthropocene to take their place? In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Matt and Dylan explore the possible candidates, from various high-order mammals and avians, to life beneath the seas, to plants, fungi, artificial intelligence and more. (We're extremely excited about this one, and can't wait to hear your picks for the next rulers of Earth.)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 Chef calls in with a fascinating theory on the Kaikōura lights. Nemesis shares an inside look at Big Tobacco, answering Ben's earlier question about smoking inside (and much more). In the wake of the infamous Snuff episode, multiple Conspiracy Realists reach out with jokes, puns, well-wishes, kind words and pet pics. 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.

Humans! Seems like they're everywhere these days. They've also been great for our show, so thanks! Anyhow, the Age of the Anthropocene has fundamentally altered the natural world -- and, no matter what happens, the legacy of the human will remain long after the actual species is gone. What happens when the humans are no more? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt and Dylan explore the still-controversial origin of Homo sapiens, along with how the world might look when Earth's favorite superape no longer rules the roost.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.

HIV and AIDS, the syndrome the infection causes, have become the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. Over the decades people have proposed the infection was purposely designed to kill certain segments of the public, or that it was a lab experiment gone wrong, or that it didn't exist at all. For a time these theories enjoyed massive popularity in the US and abroad... but there was another conspiracy at play, one that most people weren't aware of: join Ben, Matt and Noel to learn more about Russia's Operation Infektion in this week'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.

The world's largest crypto-related heists poses a bizarre dilemma for authorities in London. The perplexing meeting of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and America's generals has everyone -- including the generals -- scratching their heads. The billionaire Peter Theil is raising eyebrows and serious concerns with his technocratic take of the End of Days, and his speech series arguing regulation will inevitably lead to the rise of the Antichrist. Join Ben, Matt and Dylan for 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 an image famous -- and controversial -- all the world round: in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the US government wrought four gigantic sculptures of past US Presidents on the face of the Six Grandfathers. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Dylan explore the truth behind one of America's weirdest conspiracies: Is Mount Rushmore just a big carving? Or is there a secret, hidden for centuries, there within the stone?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.

Happy Rutabaga Day. In this week's listener mail segment, Ben, Matt and Dylan learn about the plans to finally take the sun down a notch. Insight on Savannah, Georgia. All this and more as the gang hurtles toward the end of the year.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 "snuff film" is a profoundly disturbing urban legend: the idea that a shadowy group (or groups) manufacture real-life acts of torture, defilement and murder for the express purpose of commercial gain. For decades, fact checkers and researchers argued that snuff films didn't actually exist. Yet, as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in tonight's episode... that may no longer be the case.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.

For centuries the U.S. government conspired to persecute, attack and marginalize the native population. When open warfare became too expensive, some factions of the government proposed a different approach -- what if, they wondered, we erase native culture? This inspired a massive industry of forced assimilation. Thousands of children were forced into boarding schools where they were taught to act more 'European' while being abused, exploited and placed into forced labor. Tune in to learn more about the conspiracy of forced assimilation, and how its long-reaching consequences affect the country in the modern day.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.

As world leaders convene for the United Nations General Assembly, the US Secret Service uncovers a massive telecom conspiracy -- and has no idea who created it. People are out here peeing in theatres, it's Fat Beer Week as we record, and the Pentagon declares journalists must tow the party line. 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.

In theory, democracy empowers the people -- a citizen's vote is the primary campaign contribution. However, theory and practice are often two very different things. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel peel back the layers on a global conspiracy: a worldwide, well-funded network with deep ties to the US government; a meta-think tank created to make more think tanks. They touch everything from tobacco to climate change, from crafting laws to (allegedly) aiding in government overthrow. For those in the know, the group is simply called "Atlas."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.

Killdeer Fake-out inspires Ben, Matt and Noel to create an episode on the radioactive scandal of Coldwater Creek. Chef Ben asks whether he crossed paths with a knife cult. Sydney prompts an anthropological exploration of the Nacirema. 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.

Like so many other countries, Japan has a complex mix of political parties and activist movements -- some are gigantic, and some are small. Some are legit, and some are crazy. In the recent election, one fringe, far-right party named Sanseitō skyrocketed in the polls, gaining unprecedented prominence on a 'Japan First' platform peddling conspiracy theories, anti-foreigner legislation, and revisionist history about World War II. Is that really what the Japanese voters want? Journalists, critics and the public have serious questions, and are asking whether this group is, itself, funded by foreign powers seeking to destroy Japan from within.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 June 22nd, 1983, 15-year-old Vatican City resident Emanuela Orlandi disappeared after attending a music lesson. Over the decades, numerous people claimed to have seen Orlandi, or reached out with leads on her fate. Yet even now, the case remains unsolved. Join the guys as they explore that facts of the case, the wide-ranging possibilities, the allegations of conspiracy, crime and cover-ups, ultimately asking: What happened to Emanuela Orlandi?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 new Brain Drain: funding cuts and political chaos cause scientists to leave the US -- and other countries love it. Wal-Mart bans an emotional support alligator. Protestors get in hot water in the UK. New Mexico may make childcare free. And one scientist may have just cracked the code on space travel. All this and more -- including the first bot minister -- 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.

In December of 1978, New Zealand's Kaikōura mountain ranges gained international attention as a series of unidentified glowing objects appeared to follow multiple planes in the area. Pilots, journalists, radar techs and air traffic control all confirmed the events -- along with numerous witnesses on the ground. Almost fifty years after the initial sightings, people still can't explain the Kaikōura Lights... and every December, locals look to the sky, just in case the lights return. Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they dive into one of the most bizarre UFO stories in New Zealand history.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 bizarre Power Wheels heist goes awry. TikTok loses its mind over an unidentified ...thing in Panama. A fellow Conspiracy Realist hips Ben, Matt and Noel to a massive (and massively petty) possible conspiracy in the corporate world. 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.

At the height of the Cold War, both the Soviets and the United States raced to hold supremacy across the globe. Over in North Dakota, you can find a strange relic of this unending conflict -- the Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard Complex, a billion-dollar boondoggle built to detect and destroy Soviet missiles. It opened on October 1st, 1975. Just one day later, on October 2nd, Congress shut it down. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel ask: What happened?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 September of 1961, on an empty country road in rural New Hampshire, Barney and Betty Hill experienced the most profound, bizarre night of their lives in what would become the first widely-publicized account of an alien abduction in US history -- the case that would go on to influence hundreds, if not thousands, of abduction cases to follow. But what exactly happened that September night? Join the guys as they sit down with author Toby Ball, host of the Strange Arrivals podcast, to explore the facts, the claims, and the questions that remain unanswered in the modern day.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.

US authorities raid a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, detaining nearly 500 workers and sparking an international crisis with South Korea. The QAnon Queen of Canada is arrested. The rise of teenage assassins in Sweden. US tech companies are complicit in mass surveillance across China. The good and bad of LSD. 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.

As human civilization hurtles headlong toward technology it still does not fully understand, your favorite world governments are in a new arms race to control large language models, generative AI, and the terrifying golden goose -- a fully sentient, artificially created, non-organic mind. So what happens when they discover it? As Ben, Matt and Noel learn in the second chapter of this two-part series: everything is precedent.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.

HR prompts an exploration of the world's internet -- and what happens when it fails. Dale pitches the concept of Anunnaki Pirates. Moose shares some insight into cat conversations. 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.

Corporations across the planet are going crazy for AI -- and governments are no different. So what happens when new technology revolutionizes the same age-old interests of a government? What happens when a new technology revolutionizes the same age-old mistakes as well?In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt and Noel explore governmental interest in AI: the facts, the fiction, and the frightening implications.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 "AI" week here on Stuff They Don't Want You To Know. In tonight's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel revisit their 2020 original exploration of Clearview AI -- to its supporters, this company's facial recognition software revolutionizes safety. To its critics, there's much more on the horizon.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.

Fan of the show Uncle Xi just threw a big party to commemorate the end of World War II. In this week's strange news segment, the guys explore the FOMO of the world's second-strangest science fair.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.

People have attempted to communicate with other animals since before the dawn of recorded history. Today, almost every pet owner feels they have deep, communicative bonds with their pets -- but what about wild animals? In the second chapter of this two-part series, Ben, Matt and Noel discover how 'AI' may soon allow humans to speak directly with multiple other organisms. (We also absolutely wrecked our search history with phrases like "sperm whale phonetic alphabet.")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 Messenger prompts a conversation on video games and divinity. Oz Woman replies to the earlier series on the Anunnaki. Following up on the earlier news about China's artificial womb, PoodleCrab and others walk through the positive -- and negative -- implications. A brief homily on Cracker Barrel. 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.

Do you have a bond with a household pet? Do they understand what you say to them -- and, if so, how much? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Matt and Noel dive deep into a question that's mystified humanity since the dawn of history: Can we really talk to non-human animals? Not at or to... but with? Tune in to learn how science may finally crack the code and turn us into real-life Doctor Doolittles.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.

Propaganda has always been a powerful tool, and humanity's recent technological innovations have only amplified its reach. Long-standing laws in the US were meant to prevent US propaganda for foreign audiences from reaching the domestic population, but over time those laws have been eroded... and, as it turns out, Uncle Sam was secretly pushing propaganda on the people for years beforehand. Tune in to learn more about Operation Mockingbird.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.

US Nationals captured attempting an info war to destablize Greenland. A lawsuit emerges on an airline. A cardboard cartel is in play and, it appears, actively conspiring against you. All this -- plus an orgy dome -- 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.

Oh, praise Enlil! This is our final -- for now -- episode on the concept of the Anunnaki. 'Ben,' Matt, and Noel explore the arguments for 'ancient aliens,' while also discovering real-life, current astronomical information that just might prove a princely seed of truth to all those tall tales of old.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.

Phlounder responds to Ben's earlier point about Friday news stories. A friendly Chef also named Ben prompts a conversation between Matt and Noel about tricorders. Dan B answers questions about Mango the Parrot with, first-hand experience from Blackpool. Also Cryptid Hunters. 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.

Let's be honest, oh mortals: history proves time and time again that one civilization's angels may become another civilization's demons. In Chapter Two of this three-part series on the Anunnaki, "Ben," Matt, and Noel explore the cultural and spiritual evolution of mysterious entities blamed for everything from the original discovery of fire to the provenance of original sin.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.

As anyone who's worked in a kitchen or the hospitality industry can readily attest, there's an entirely different world behind the doors of every kitchen, a world that most diners and restaurant patrons never see. Join the guys as they sit down with world famous chefs Hugh Acheson and Richard Blais to learn more about what really happens behind the scenes in restaurants and cooking shows, as well as how the industry has been been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.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.

Chinese scientists construct a robot capable of carrying a human fetus to term -- will the government allow this in the public sphere? A California man finds his recreational Cessna repeatedly stolen. Dictionary boffins are criticized for canonizing recent phrases and words. 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.

How did the humble primates learn the astonishing arts of agriculture, taming fire, animal husbandry and the sorcery of the written word? If you travel to ancient Mesopotamia, you'll see mysterious references to powerful non-human entities called the "Anunnaki." In the first Chapter of this three-part series, "Ben," Matt and Noel explore the proven historical references to these entities throughout ancient civilization— and ask whether there's any chance a grain of truth informed these tales of old. (Spoiler, we are super excited about this, and hope you tune in.)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. Delay reaches out with a breakdown of trauma medicine guidelines. An anonymous caller details the experience of a military friend who fears they may be turned against the American public. Multiple Conspiracy Realists write in to discuss the unfolding Epstein saga -- especially the idea that powerful forces may be 'breadcrumbing' new information in an effort to control the overall narrative and stymy investigation. 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.

Despite concerted efforts of extremely powerful people, the conspiracies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein refuse to disappear from the news. In chapter two of the 2025 Epstein update, Ben, Matt and Noel dive deeper into the bizarre statements of politicians and business tycoons associated with Epstein's international sex crimes, catch up with the latest disturbing developments... and ask what will ultimately happen to Epstein's only accomplice currently imprisoned: the disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.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 no secret that modern automobiles are incredibly convenient. Ben, Matt and Noel are big fans. Cars these days are almost like rolling computers, chock-full of GPS capabilities, infotainment systems, back-up cameras, security systems connected to the cloud and so on. But there's a potential dark side to all this convenience, and some oberservers are becoming increasingly concerned about what corporations and governments may do with this technology over the long term. In this oddly prescient Classic episode, the guys ask: Are we entering a world where Big Brother can brick your car the same way some tech companies can brick your gadgets?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.

Stoolpigeon or upstanding avian? A parrot in the UK helps bust a drug ring. A massive Labubu heist prompts a conversation about artificial scarcity. Speeding fines may soon be based on an offender's financial status, rather than a flat fee. A scientist argues he's solved the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle -- 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.

More than six years after the disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein died in prison, unanswered questions remain. Who else was involved? Is there a list of known accomplices who participated in the abuse of children? In the first part of this two-part series, the gang investigates the disturbing, lingering questions surrounding the ongoing Epstein scandal -- as well as new revelations that only recently came to light.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.

Korean pop music, or K-pop, originated in South Korea but has become a powerful, global phenomenon. This multi-billion dollar industry manufacturers scores of pitch-perfect idols and groups, performers who become lead trendsetters in the world of fashion, dance, music and more. Yet there's a dark side to this fame, and a peek behind the curtain reveals a brutal, dangerous world of cut-throat competition, financial corruption and abuse. Tune in to learn about the dark side of K-Pop.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 makes a person "cool"? We don't mean physical temperature -- instead, we're asking about the swag, the aura, the almost indescribable vibe with a thousand names across time and culture. For most of human history, the concept of what we call "cool" has been a mystery -- perhaps, that is, until now. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the strange story of how science may have finally cracked the code on coolness. Could you use this knowledge to make yourself cooler? More importantly... is it cool to want to?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.

Whether you consider yourself a true conspiracy theorist or a diehard skeptic, you've definitely heard of chemtrails. True believers are certain that, unlike the contrails made by aircraft, chemtrails are insidious chemicals dispersions meant to poison unsuspecting, innocent civilians across the planet. The concept of chemtrails has been more or less dismissed by scientists and the mainstream media, but it turns out that, in at least one country, something like chemtrails was very much a reality. 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.

New reports raise growing concerns that the next US elections may be endangered -- along with a ton of other rights. After 54 years of fire, Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell" may be closing. Radioactive rhinos and wasps. Sex toys thrown during WNBA games. Israel conducts expansive surveillance of Palestinians, prompting a larger conversation about Big Brother. 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.

As Taser International rolls out increasingly powerful and sophisticated tasers, they also massively expand sales to law enforcement agencies across the United States. In step with this expansion, more and more people end up dying as a result of these "non-lethal" weapons. In the second part of this two-part interview with journalist and filmmaker Nick Berardini, the guys learn more about the past, present and future conspiracies surrounding the alleged 'safety' of tasers.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.