The Internet Says it’s True

On February 25, 1942, the sky erupted with gunfire and anti-aircraft rounds. The ground-to-air assault went on for an hour, and the intended target was an invading Japanese air attack. But there was no enemy. The entire thing was a huge false alarm. It became known as the Battle of Los Angeles. In this episode, we tell the story about the air raid and then talk with Magicians Meadow Perry And Daniel Greenwolf! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, FATCO skincare or INBOOZE, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

At the time of its largest population, Centralia, PA was an Eastern Pennsylvania borough with 2,700 residents. Now there are 5. This is due to a coal fire that's been burning under the town for almost 60 years, and continues to burn to this day. In this episode, we tell the sad story of Centralia and chat with entertainer Scot Nery for the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, FATCO skincare or to register for Cause Camp, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

NEW EPISODE! In 1808, a lover's quarrel in Paris led to one of the most interesting duels ever fought. Monsieur LePique and Monsieur de Grandpré both fell in love with the same ballerina. So they did what anyone caught in a 19th century Parisian love triangle would do: they fought a duel via hot air balloon. In this episode, we tell the extremely French tale and then issue a quick quiz about duels to Professional Mindreader, Eric Dittelman! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

Originally released January 4th, 2021. The dropping of the ball in NYC's Times Square on New Years Eve is a tradition seen by billions of people around the world. But did the tradition of dropping a ball start in New York? In this episode, we explore the real history of the dropping ball and quiz my friend, magician Peter Boie! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

Originally released December 28, 2020. Many Americans have heard of the age-honored German tradition of hanging Pickle-shaped ornament on the Christmas Tree. But is it really a tradition in Germany? This episode explores the truth and myths behind this German "tradition." Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

Originally released October 5, 2020. Using the bathroom in space has never been easy. And since the early NASA space missions of the 1960s, engineers have been solving this problem in ingenious ways. In this episode, we explore some of the many ways Astronauts have been able to go number 1 and 2. And we call Comedy Magician Erik Tait to see if he knows what we've just learned! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

A Japanese man named Daisuke Inoue is credited with being the "Father of Karaoke." What is now a $10 billion industry started with him creating tiny machines out of car stereos for bars around Osaka. This episode is all about his invention and why Inoue never made any royalties on it - missing out on what would now pay him $100 million a year had he patented the invention. Then we play the quick quiz with the host of Scam Nation, Scam School, the Modern Rogue and host of "The World's Greatest Con" podcast, Brian Brushwood. Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For a special discount at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://theinternetsaysitstrue.com/deals

In 1976, a skirmish at the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea led to the brutal murders of two Americans. The skirmish began over the trimming of a tree. The result was the most expensive tree-trimming in history. America and South Korea returned to the tree with all of their military might in a show of force. In this episode, I'll tell you a story about the DMZ that you may have never heard. And then we play the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Abraham Lincoln is known as "The Great Emancipator." But not many people know that during the Civil War, he jailed as many as 2,000 political opponents without charges or trial. The story in this episode revolves around what happened in Baltimore, Maryland in 1861 and why it led to the Mayor, the Police Chief, the entire City Council and many more being jailed indefinitely in a suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus. Then we chat with entertainer Brandon Anderson and play the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

There's an ancient legend that Mongolian Ruler Genghis Khan desired that no one ever know the location of his grave, so he sent an army of men to murder anyone who came in contact with the funeral procession. And it gets even more interesting than that! This episode explores the First Khan's funeral legend, other famous unknown grave sites and then we play with quick quiz with Comedian & Performer Matt Donnelly! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Since 2010, the popular social media platform Facebook has been compiling facial recognition data on its users in one of the most-advanced and largest data set of the technology in history. In November of 2021, the company made the shocking announcement that they'd stop using facial recognition and would begin deleting users' facial recognition data from their servers. In this episode, we explore the history of facial recognition and explore its wins and losses. Then we chat with speaker, author and consultant, Brian Miller. Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

In 1982, Atari released a video game to cash in on the popularity of the movie E.T. The game for Atari 2600 was rushed to production and has been panned as the worst video game of all time. But did Atari try to cover up their mistake by burying millions of game cartridges in a landfill? In this episode, we talk about the development of the game and find out if the Internet says it's true. Then we chat with Author, Speaker and Mind-Reader Jonathan Pritchard for the Quick Quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Get half off when you sign up for an annual plan at One Day University: http://onedayu.com/internet Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

This week's episode is a true crime tale - a shark spits up a human arm in a Sidney aquarium and it leads to one of Australia's most notorious - and strangest - murder cases. This shocking story from 1935 is a crazy one! Then we chat with Amma Marfo for the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Get half off when you sign up for an annual plan at One Day University: http://onedayu.com/internet Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Charles Lightoller was the Second Officer on board the ill-fated maiden voyage of the H.M.S. Titanic. Only saved by an exploding boiler, he went on to a notable life and may have been responsible for saving hundreds of lives during the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk. In this episode, we talk about the Titanic, Charles Lightoller and the heroic actions in Dunkirk, France. Then we invite Comedian and Circus Performer Jonathan Burns on to play the quick quiz! To see Bob and Louie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH5JvkoEzXM Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Get half off when you sign up for an annual plan at One Day University: http://onedayu.com/internet Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

"Anti-Mask" rants have taken over school board meetings, city council meetings, airplanes and stores throughout America. But did people act like this during the Flu Pandemic of 1918? In this episode, we examine what happened during the "Spanish Flu" when mask mandates were put into effect. Then we chat with Comedian Kelly Collette for the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Get half off when you sign up for an annual plan at One Day University: http://onedayu.com/internet Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

The Cobra Effect is a story of unintended consequences. In British-controlled India, the government tried to offer an incentive to help curb the rampant deadly cobra problem. Their solution backfired. This is the story of the model that economist & sociologists call the "Cobra Effect." Then comedy writer Jimmy Mak comes on the show to play the quick quiz! Review this podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-says-it-s-true/id1530853589 Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For access to Joke/Story/Trick, visit http://JokeStoryTrick.com For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ East of Tunesia by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100246 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

After the U.S. Civil War, somewhere between 8,000-20,000 Confederates fled to Brazil where they established their own colony. Even today, you'll see the Confederate Flag flying there as they celebrate the "Festa Confederada" every Spring. In this episode, we examine this strange immigration story and chat with Actress and Comedian Jackie Tohn. Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For access to Joke/Story/Trick, visit http://JokeStoryTrick.com For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

When the Laerdal Toy Company was tasked with creating the very first mannequin for practicing CPR, they used a familiar face - it was that of "L'Inconnue de la Seine" - a famous mask supposedly cast from an unknown drowning victim discovered in the River Seine in the late 1880s. In this episode, we explore the strange case and then talk to Comedian and Author Dan Wilbur for the Quick Quiz! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For access to Joke/Story/Trick, visit http://JokeStoryTrick.com For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ Dissappointment by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100481 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In 2008, a man named Terry Kneiss won a double showcase on The Price is Right by making a perfect bid of $23,743 dollars. But there was more to it than luck. This is the crazy story of a gameshow going through changes and the man who helped Terry win: Ted Slauson. Then we chat with and play the quick quiz with game show fanatic Christian Carrion. Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

When Barbra Streisand's 14-year old Coton du Tulear dog was nearing the end of its life, she sent some of its skin cells to ViaGen Pets. Now two of her dogs are perfect clones of that pet! In this episode, we tell the story of Babs' cloned dogs and chat with Comedian and Actor Maria DeCotis! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

For a very short time period, the Pepsi Cola Company had the sixth largest navy in the world. It was the result of a crazy trade deal with the Soviet Union and the Soviets' love for the soft drink. In this episode, we explore how this came to be and then play the Quick Quiz game with Comedian & Magician Erik Tait! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

In 1950, the West-End Baptist Church in Beatrice, Nebraska exploded from a gas leak. The church should have been full of a practicing choir, but it wasn't. This episode examines the curious circumstances that led each and every choir member to be late that day. Then we play the Quick Quiz with Jethro and Matt from the Drunkard's Walk podcast! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Originally released February 28, 2021. Throughout the 1980s, there were rumors that CNN had produced a video to be broadcast if the world was ending. More than 30 years later, a former intern from the news network was able to shed some light on the subject. In this episode, we explore the famed "CNN Doomsday Tape" and quiz Comedian and Screenwriter Jay Black! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For $10 FREE Invested in your Acorns Account visit https://share.acorns.com/tbkg6 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Originally released January 18, 2021. Did you know that Spock's "Vulcan Salute" in Star Trek was based on a Jewish Blessing? It's true! We explore the history of the hand signal and the accompanying phrase "Live Long and Prosper" in this episode, and then quiz Comedy Writer Jimmy Mak! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For $10 FREE Invested in your Acorns Account visit https://share.acorns.com/tbkg6 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Originally released November 16, 2020. There's a legend in West Virginia that in 1948, famed pilot Chuck Yeager flew an Air Force jet under a bridge in downtown Charleston. Over the years, the story has been embellished and exaggerated, but in this episode, we get to the truth. Then, I ask my pilot friend Doc Sacolick what would happen if he did the same. Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podcast Awards at http://columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For $10 FREE Invested in your Acorns Account visit https://share.acorns.com/tbkg6 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Despite the United States Mint not being established until 1792, the first American coin struck for circulation was actually designed in 1787 by none other than Benjamin Franklin. But why did it feature the words "Mind Your Business?" In this episode explore the coin known as the "Fugio Cent" and then quiz comedy writer Jimmy Mak! Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podcast Awards at http://columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For $10 FREE Invested in your Acorns Account visit https://share.acorns.com/tbkg6 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

Try to imagine how you would bet if a roulette wheel landed on black 26 times in a row. What are the chances that the next spin would land on black? And how much would you be willing to risk? This episode is all about a couple popular gambling fallacies - people betting against a streak of luck and people betting on a streak of luck. We talk about The Gambler's Fallacy and the Hot-Hand Fallacy; then chat with Comedian and Weird Dad Glen Tickle for the Quick Quiz! Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podcast Awards at http://columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent Michael's travel microphone: https://amzn.to/3B6yl7g For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For $10 FREE Invested in your Acorns Account visit https://share.acorns.com/tbkg6 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

You may have noticed something strange while passing a new building under construction: a small tree on the top of the structure. In this episode, we discuss why it's there. It's called the "Topping Out Ceremony" and it's a bizarre tradition/superstition that's lasted more than 1,400 years. Then we do a quiz with Author, Speaker and Comedian Amma Marfo! Vote for this podcast in the Columbus Podcast Awards at http://columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ The Topping Out Ceremony for the North Tower of the World Trade Center. December 23, 1970

In 1971, Juliane Koepcke's airplane was struck by lightning and broke apart 2 miles above the Peruvian Jungle. Miraculously, she was the only one out of the 92 people onboard to survive. In this episode, we tell the amazing story of how she survived the crash and her journey to find safety. Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ

There are many competing theories on exactly how Hollywood, California got its name. Is it possible that the most ridiculous-sounding story is also the most credible? In this episode, we go to "Tinseltown" and explore its history - including the theories behind how it was named. Then we issue the "Quick Quiz" to Actor, Screenwriter and Executive Producer, Michael Hitchcock. Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% at SCOTTeVEST, visit http://scottevest.cwv7.net/a3VBZ The iconic "Hollywood Sign" - first erected in 1923 The Hollywood Sign in its original form, reading "HOLLYWOODLAND." The Wilcox Advertisement for the original plot of land - the first advertised use of the name "Hollywood." The adobe house that was the only dwelling in the area that is now Hollywood, CA. H.J. Whitley's 1886 Journal entry describing his run-in with the man who would inadvertently name Hollywood.

On Easter Sunday in 1939, contralto singer Marian Anderson gave a concert to 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This moment has been called a prelude to the Civil Rights Movement that would come to the nation's forefront 25 years later. The concert was never supposed to happen. This episode explores the racism and segregation of a city that led to the momentous performance. Then we invite So Percussion's Josh Quillen on the show to quiz him! Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent

He was born Joshua Abraham Norton, but to San Fransisco in the mid 1800s, he was Norton the First, Emperor of The United States and Protector of Mexico. Sure, it was a made up title and he held no actual authority, but that didn't stop the citizens of San Fransisco (and one King of Hawaii) from showing him reverence. This episode dives into the history of Emperor Norton - including some of his more prophetic decrees - and then we collaborate with the AWESOME Shannon and Scott from the Song Salad Podcast! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://Patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

LMFAO, BRB, LOL, OMG. It feels tragically uncool to dissect and examine today's texting and internet acronyms, but it turns out some of these acronyms aren't as current as we think they are! In this episode, we learn about how exclaiming "OMG!" dates all the way back to 1917 and chat with Comedian and Co-Founder of Stand Up for Choice, Pat Deering. For Bonus Episodes and Content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent To donate to Stand Up for Choice, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CSU4C

When Adobe announced it would be discontinuing Flash in 2017, developers started replacing it with newer, more robust software. But one railroad system in Dalian, China didn't get the memo. When it was finally globally disabled in January of 2021, the entire railroad was disabled. In this episode, I get nostalgic about the good ole' days of flash animation, then tell the story about how it affected the railroad. Then we chat with Erik Tait, from Ships of the Northern Fleet and Penn & Teller Fool Us for the Quick Quiz! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

In our history, we've had at least 32 "Broken Arrow" incidents: instances of nuclear weapons accidents that don't cause a nuclear war. One of those was in 1958, in which an Air Force B-47 Bomber almost nuked Mars Bluff, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the B-47, it's staggering 10% loss rate and the Mars Bluff incident. Then we catch up with actor and podcaster Michael Spedden for the Quick Quiz! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://Patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

While I'll freely admit there is a sort of "clickbait" nature to this title, I promise this episode is a wild one. It's about the forgotten and sordid past to the popular Mexican stew, Pozole. In addition to learning all about the stew, it's history and ingredients, we learn a little bit about ancient Aztec culture, hear me pronounce words like "Tlacaxipehualiztli" and then do a quick quiz with a Doctor of Food Science, my brother Kyle! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

One of America's favorite children's characters and Sesame Street resident, Big Bird, was almost on board the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle during its disastrous mission in 1986. In this episode, we tell three stories: one about Big Bird, one about the Challenger, and one about how the two almost came together. Then Jim Henson fan Eric Dittelman joins us for the quick quiz! Bonus episodes and content at http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 Carol Spinney portraying Big Bird Henson's original sketch of Big Bird The Crew of STS-51-L Challenger Space Shuttle Mission. McAuliffe is pictured standing second from left.

Did you know Han Solo's iconic blaster, the "DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol" in Star Wars was actually based on a handgun used by the Nazis? In this episode, we talk about the Mauser C96 Pistol, the origin of a few interesting Star Wars props and I quiz Comedian, Writer and Producer, Jay Black who is a much larger Star Wars nerd than I ever knew. This is a good one! Bonus content and extra episodes at http://Patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% Virtual Presenter Course at http://VirtualPresenterCourse.com/30 The Blastech DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol The Mauser C96 "Broom Handle" 9mm with attached case as shoulder stock

Upper-class ladies in Victorian Era England put on a fake limp as a fashion statement. It was just one of many ways they emulated the beautiful Alexandra of Denmark, Princess of Wales who went on to become Queen of England, wife of King Edward VII. In this episode, we talk about the "Alexandra Limp," some other stupid fashion contagions and then we quiz Dan R Morris from the "Tracing the Path" podcast. Bonus content available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% Virtual Presenter Course at http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 Visit Dan R Morris's Podcast "Tracing the Path" at http://tracingthepath.com In France, King Louis the Fourteenth reigned from 1643 until his death in 1715. He was known as “The Sun King” or “Louis the Great.” And the guy had butt problems. Specifically an anal fistula. Listen - don’t google that. Just understand, it’s a butt problem. And at this point in history, physicians didn’t perform surgeries where they cut into people. But barbers had blades they used to cut hair, so a barber named Charles Francois Felix created a special blade-like tool that he called “The Royal Probe” and used it to perform a surgery on the Sun King to cure him of his anal fistula. It was a huge success, Louis was fistula-free and the result is that his courtiers and subjects who wanted to appear king-like tried to get the surgery too - whether they had the ailment or not! Even people who didn’t get the surgery wrapped their butts in swaddles to appear as if they’d gotten the surgery. That’s maybe the grossest example of a monarch becoming a trend-setter. Cleopatra had all of the upper-class women in Rome wearing their hair in a bun at the back of their neck, and wearing eyeliner. If you know the rule about men’s three-button suit coats? You know, Sometimes, always never? Meaning you never button the bottom button on a suit coat? That goes back to King Edward the seventh when he was Prince of Wales and he was too fat to button the bottom button. It started a trend that exists today. So I guess it’s not surprising that a trend started by a monarch had women walking irregularly. Let’s go back to the guy who couldn’t button the button. England’s King Edward the Seventh. His wife was Alexandra of Denmark, so she became Princess of Wales, then Queen of England. She was a beautiful woman, she was known to be very charming and joyful person. When her 3rd child was born, she was stricken with rheumatic fever and almost died. After the birth, she had to use walking sticks to get around, and after a year, had began to walk again without the crutches and - for the rest of her life - had a permanent limp. Alexandra of Denmark had already become a trend-setter as Princess of Wales. She was a huge fashion influencer and the women in England would copy everything she wore. She had a small scar on her neck from a childhood surgical procedure and she often wore choker collars and jewelry high on her neck to cover the scar. English women started wearing similar style chokers. And -just as they had been influenced and tried to mimic royalty before, they did so with her. Even going so far as to imitate her permanent limp. Here’s a quote from an 1869 Edition of the North British Mail newspaper: "Taking my customary walk the other day, observant of men, women and things, I met three ladies. They were all three young, all three good-looking, and all three lame! At least, such was my impression, seeing as they all carried handsome sticks and limped; but, on looking back, as everyone else did, I could discover no reason why they should do so.” It was the “Alexandra Limp” and it caught on like wildfire. A faked limp that was put on by women in the upper-class areas of London in order to appear more like Alexandra of Denmark. Women would walk with a pronounced limp and go so far as to use a cane that they didn’t need. They didn’t have any ailment. They faked it. And in order to do so, they started wearing shoes of two different types - one high heel, one low. The writer in the North British Mail continued, “"A monstrosity has made itself visible among the female promenaders in Princes Street. It is as painful as it is idiotic and ludicrous.” But for shoemakers, they saw an opportunity. They began selling pairs of women’s shoes with mismatched heels, so that walking in them would make the wearer hobble. There is a happy ending to this story. Fads, by definition, fade away and get replaced with something else and that’s the story with the Alexandra Limp. Women of London could soon walk normal again. That is, until the next fad. As the Limp went out of style for ladies of London, a popular fashion journal reported the following: “The Alexandra Limp is to be discontinued forthwith. The skirt of the season, we are informed, is to cling closely round the feet, in consequence whereof ladies will be obliged to walk as if their feet….were tied together.

Frank “Cannonball Richards” became famous for an incredible act where he would stand in front of a cannon and have a 100 lb. cannonball shot into his stomach. In this episode, we talk about the development of this talent and then quiz Comedian and Improvisor Joel Savage! Bonus content is available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% off Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30 For 15% off ScotteVest go to http://scottevest.com and enter promo code “TELLME” In 1887, Frank Anson Richards was born in a Kansas town called Minneapolis to Richard and Ellen Richards. As a young man, he fought in World War I and at some point, realized he had the ability to take tremendous amounts of force to his abdomen. How much? Apparently he figured out that he could take a punch at full force to the stomach and not be affected. He thought he was on to something, so after the war, he entered the Vaudeville Circuit with his iron-clad gut. He would allow people to pay their entry fee to punch him in the stomach. Even world-famous boxing heroes like Heavyweight Champion Boxers Jack Dempsey and Jess Willard punched Richard in the stomach at full force. His Vaudeville act was success. And if you aren’t familiar with Vaudeville, it was a series of performers who would all perform separate acts together on the same bill and often would travel around doing shows in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You could pay one fee and see all these acts. And Frank Richard’s contribution to the show was to show off the strength of his amazing iron stomach. He would ask people to punch him with all their might and it wouldn’t phase him. The act evolved into more elaborate stunts. Frank would lie on the ground and have people line up in front of his body. One by one, they’d get their turn to jump on his abdomen. He’d stand while someone ran a battering ram into him. Then, he’d get struck with a 2x4. As a finale, he’d find the biggest man in the room and allow that man to swing an eighteen pound sledgehammer into his stomach. Many people have seen the famous act of a person being fired from a cannon. It’s a feat that’s been performed in circuses and festivals all over the world. Well in the 1920s Frank Richards had an act with a cannon that was a little different. Rather than being fired from one, Frank Richards had a cannon fired at him. Like into his stomach. And I’ve looked around everywhere. This type of act had never been done before and - believe it or not - has never been done since. It was so popular and unique, he soon became known as “Cannonball Richards.” Here’s how it went. The cannon would be set up and loaded with a one-hundred pound cannon ball and Richards would stand in front of it, wearing eye goggles and a wrap around his belly - only 10 feet away. The fuse was lit, sparks would fly, and the cannon would fire with a big plume of smoke and Richards would take the hit directly to the belly. It became so famous, newsreels of the stunt were spread far and wide as moving pictures became a popular medium. He would tell the newspapers he could only do the stunt for two shows a day. More than that was too painful. But here’s the thing that stuck with me when I read about this. I’ve seen photos of this famous piece of armor from the Battle of Waterloo. It’s in the Army Museum in Paris, France and it’s a Napoleonic Breastplate from a French Cavalry soldier. There’s a clear hole through the front and the back of the breast plate where a British cannonball fired through. It belonged to either François-Antoine or his brother - history really isn’t sure - but whoever was wearing it died on June 18, 1815 and it’s pretty clear evidence that you can’t survive a cannonball hit to the chest. That led me to do further research and learn that the cannonball stunt by Frank Richards was just that - a stunt. The ball was real. It was actually 100 pounds. But the cannon was spring-loaded to propel the ball and release a cloud of smoke, but it wasn’t really being fired by gun-powder. The cannonball would receive just enough velocity to hit him in the stomach - and that it did. Any normal person would be knocked over and injured doing the stunt. But it’s important to note nonetheless - it wasn’t a real cannon. It didn’t matter. The stunt was so wildly popular, the newsreel footage has lived on. It’s been featured all over popular culture. The slow-motion clip of him getting hit but that cannonball and the skin rippling black away from the impact is a popular stock footage clip used in everything. He was featured on the cartoon “Freakazoid!” And “The Fairly Oddparents” and was even referenced in Seinfeld. A whole episode of the Simpson’s had a bit about it where Homer performs the stunt. If you’re a Van Halen fan and have the album Van Halen three, you’ve seen it. That’s Frank Richards on the cover. Although he died in 1969 at the age of 81, Frank Cannonball Richards developed an act so original and unique, that 100 years later

The story of how legendary daredevil Evel Knievel got his name is one of those tales you hear and don't believe because it's just too good. In this episode, we talk about Knievel, how he got his name and quiz Celtic Magician Daniel GreenWolf. Bonus content is available on http://Patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% off Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Legend has it that Harry Kellar, a man who was once the most well-known magician in the world, was the inspiration behind the Wizard of Oz character in the popular L. Frank Baum children's books. In this episode, we learn a little bit about Harry Kellar, a little bit about the Wizard of Oz and a little bit about my wife, Alison! For bonus episodes and content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent For 20% off Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Was film star Hedy Lamarr responsible for the invention of wireless internet? In this episode, we find out about her amazing (and somewhat tragic) life and find out if the internet says it's true! Then we play a quiz game with Cameron Zvara! Bonus content available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% off Virtual Presenter Course at http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Apparently there's a legend that Founding Father and 3rd United States President, Thomas Jefferson introduced Macaroni and Cheese to America. Since I had never heard this before, I take to the Internet in this episode to see if it's true. Then I invite The Albino Rhino, Matt Gwinn, on the show to play a quick quiz! Bonus content available at http://patreon.com/michaelkent Get 20% off Virtual Presenter Course here!

We're all familiar with the use of "John Doe" or "Jane Doe" as a placeholder name or when an identity is unknown. But where did the name come from? This week, we do a deep dive into the history of John Doe and find out who he really was - then do a quick quiz with podcaster Wize Otero! Bonus content is available on patreon.com/michaelkent

There has been one successful coup d'état in American History - a successful violent overthrowing of a city government in 1898. Sadly, it's a story of violence, politics and white supremacy. In this episode, we explore an unpleasant chapter of America's history that not many people know and then lighten the mood with a quiz at the end. Bonus content is available at patreon.com/michaelkent

Throughout the 1980s, there were rumors that CNN had produced a video to be broadcast if the world was ending. More than 30 years later, a former intern from the news network was able to shed some light on the subject. In this episode, we explore the famed "CNN Doomsday Tape" and quiz Comedian and Screenwriter Jay Black! Bonus content is available at Patreon.com/michaelkent

We’re back for a second season and this time with a brand new name - I’m introducing “The Internet Says it’s True!” Every week a listener calls in with something they’ve recently learned from the Internet and I do a deep dive to learn all about it. It’s a show about learning new things. Sometimes they’re histories that we feel like we should have already known about like The hidden village under Central Park and sometimes they’re trivial things like the fact that the guy who invented Pringles was buried inside a Pringles can!

I’m taking a few weeks off from the podcast, and since it’s Black History Month, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the stories that I’ve done that honor the contributions and legacies of Black Americans. This week we’re going back to just a few weeks ago to Episode 21. Here’s “James Brown 1968: Healing a Nation’s Wounds”, originally broadcast on January 25th of this year. I recently learned that historians credit a 1968 James Brown concert with saving the city of Boston from riots after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this special episode, I tell the story of the Boston Garden Concert and how it almost never happened. Then we quiz my friend Josh Quillen.

I’m taking a few weeks off from the podcast, and since it’s Black History Month, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the stories that I’ve done that honor the contributions and legacies of Black Americans. This week I’m going back to the thirteenth episode of Tell Me What to Google. Here’s “The Black Swallow of Death: The Tale of Eugene Bullard”, originally broadcast on November 30 of 2020. Not many Americans know about the first black fighter pilot, Eugene Bullard. He was one of the most decorated War Heroes in France, fought in two world wars, was a spy, a jazz drummer, a boxer...and he was an American. In this episode, we explore the history of this amazing man.