Things I Learned Last Night

The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia during the same time that we celebrate Christmas. The festivities were shockingly similar. But the thing we need more of this Christmas is the Mock King. This is episode 1 of the 12 days of TILLN Christmas. Every day until Christmas, we're releasing a new mini-podcast episode about all kinds of holiday topics. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1989, retired millionaire Gene Flemming met Andy, the goose. Gene immediately took compassion upon Andy because the poor bird was born without feet. Flemming sought to remedy the goose's situation by inventing a mode of transit for the goose while on the ground. He settled for a modified pair of shoes. The gimmick worked like a charm. From that point forward, Gene and Andy formed an inseparable bond. In an inspiring turn of events, the duo gained notoriety throughout the nation. They made appearances at conferences, schools, and businesses across the United States. Eventually, Andy earned a sponsorship from Nike, and the two appeared as guests on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Unfortunately, this story does not come with a happy ending. On October 19, 1991, Andy was found dead in a local park. Gene spent his remaining years looking for answers that would never come. It is a crime that remains unsolved even to this day. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/andygoose Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eastern tip of Long Island lies Camp Hero. The now-defunct military base has been reclaimed as a state park. However, the reuse of the space does not come with any less conspiracy. For years residents of the neighboring town of Montauk wondered what happened behind the security lines of camp hero. The expectation was nefarious, of course. Today we have full-blown conspiracy theories involving mind control, mutants, and even time travel. So, what, if anything, about the Montauk Project, is true? One thing we know for sure is the stories inspired the Netflix mega-series Stranger Things. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/tilln Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/montaukproject Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fredrick Russell Burnham might have been the first model of American masculinity. His lifestyle would one day permeate into the 20th century as men across the country sought to adopt the mindset of Burnham. The long line of Fredrick's imitators is unsurprising since he was the inspiration for the founder of the boy scouts. Furthermore, one esteemed colleague of his had based much of his beliefs and behavior on him before rising to the president's office. Of course, we are talking about none other than Teddy Roosevelt. Burnham's influence surely is unmatched, and he has the combat record to back it up. However, few remember his part to play in the failed attempt to bring hippos to Louisianna. Fredrick Russell Burnham, along with a couple of unlikely allies, ran a campaign to popularize hippos into the American diet and begin farming hippos on American soil. The only thing that held back this plan was World War 1. Burnham's life, indeed, was extraordinary. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/burnham Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the modern era, few famous eaters are household names. Perhaps the only one who has risen to that level is Joey Chestnut. However, that hasn't always been the case. In the years of the sideshow, people would line up to watch people eat stuff—a strange hobby. One of the more famous cases of people who live off of eating was the man known as Tarrare. His astounding ability to swallow just about anything whole and survive drew crowds from around Europe. His abilities even attracted doctors. In hopes of understanding what allowed him to eat things that would usually kill, Tarrare became the subject of research. That research led to his use in the military as an espionage agent. No one else in history can say that their diet made them a government asset. There is no one like Tarrare. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/tarrare Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the shadow of the 2008 housing crisis, one Malaysian businessman was building staggering wealth. It was an era wrought with financial fraud, and he was no different. Jho Low has become infamous for his lavish lifestyle and multi-million dollar benders. One of his most significant claims to fame was a new years eve event that he celebrated in Sydney, then boarded a private 747, flew to Las Vegas, and partied with celebrities so that he could do New Year's Eve twice. On the other hand, his crime is one of the largest financial scams in history at an estimated value of $4.5 billion. The immense scale of Jho Lows fraud is just the beginning of its intrigue because it also involved the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Arab Emirates government, Goldman Sachs, and a slew of shell companies. Yet, after most of his associates have been arrested, Jho Low has not faced any punishment. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/jholow Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eve Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG for short [MMO for shorter {M for shortest}]). This game has repeatedly found itself in the headlines of more than just gaming magazines. Due to the ultra-realistic in-game economy, the game has often landed articles discussing the complexities of the in-game economic system in finance magazines. More than that, the game has made headlines about the large-scale scams that have taken place, sometimes robbing people of their money in the real world. While the in-game currency, isk, is not transferable to USD, sneaky players sell the currency for USD in the spooky dark web. This economy and the ability to maintain a position in the press have kept Eve Online's player base strong for nearly two decades. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/eveonline Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/tilln and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In July 2014, a handful of Tumblr users opened the doors to the long-awaited DashCon. The eclectic Tumblr community had been dreaming of a scenario where they could gather and celebrate their various fandoms for years. Unfortunately, when a group of friends got together a few months before, they had no clue what they were getting into. Needless to say, the event was a disaster. Before the conference even began, the team that planned the event was heavily laden with problems, from talent backing out to financial missteps. It all culminated in a sad ball pit that has become an internet meme. As a result, DashCon will go down in internet history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/dashcon Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine going out for a night on the town with your friends and returning home to a message on your computer. The scenario sounds pretty standard in the internet age. Now, imagine that same scenario in 1984, long before the internet had entered the public psyche. That is exactly what happened to Ken Webster when his BBC micro became a communication device between him and a mysterious other. Whatsmore, the person on the other end of the line claimed to be from the 17th century. To top it all off, Ken and his girlfriend Debbie have been trying to explain the strange, almost ghostly, events in their home to their new roommate Nic. All this culminated when the group contacted yet another entity on the other end of their BBC microcomputer, which claimed to be from the year 2109. The story seems too wild to be true, but for many who were close to those to whom it happened, the story is far from fiction. Dubbed the Doddleston Messages, these electronic letters predated email and have been attributed to time travelers, ghosts, aliens, and everything in between. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/doddleston Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year after year organizations like Forbes and Bloomberg put together lists of the world’s richest people. Today names like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos top the list. But in the late ‘90s, one man rose to prominence at lightning speed. What’s more, he broke records that have yet to be broken to this day. Masayoshi Son grew his wealth after found his successful business Softbank. The company is a leader in investing to this day. He is most known for his off-the-wall personality and risky investment strategy. This is the fascinating story of one of the wildest investors in history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/masa Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few years ago, escape rooms took the world by storm. The best of these experiences challenged players mentally and physically. The games sometimes even stressed the relationships of those who endeavor to compete together. Anyone who has completed one of these escape rooms has dreamed of a more significant challenge. San Francisco artist Jeff Hull realized that dream in 2014. The experience was called the Latitude Society, and it aimed to give people a sense of awe and wonder while also tangibly challenging them. It, however, had unintended consequences. The participants formed a bond with those who experienced it, and the members began to connect with it in a cult-like fashion. The story of the Latitude Society is a cautionary tale to some and an incredible journey to others. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/latitude Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1910, a train car thief popped out of nowhere and became a noteworthy robber in the history of the wild west. Using his training in explosives from the US military Elmer McCurdy robbed a series of trains and a bank in the central and southwest United States. However, his career as a thief is the least exciting thing about him. It is the life he found after death that has people talking. Let's say this; it took nearly three of his lifetimes before McCurdy was properly buried. At that time, Elmer had seen much of the Continental United States and was seen by most Americans, for that matter. This is the unbelievable story of the life, death, and life after death of bank robber Elmer McCurdy. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/elmer Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a precious art collection once owned by the infamous art collector after whom the museum was named. That collection has likely sparked nefarious thoughts in many visitors dreaming of the potential wealth hanging on those walls. Two robbers, dressed as policemen, realized those dreams on March 18th, 1990. Today the FBI estimates their haul to be valued at $600 Million. The immense value made it the most valuable art heist until the Dresden Green Vault Burglary surpassed it in 2019. Whatsmore, the thieves were never found. The Gardner Museum Heist truly is one of the most amazing art heists in history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/gardner Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's an interesting stretch of land in southern Panama known as the Isthmus of Panama. This unique land mass separates the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by just 51 miles of rocky terrain. Throughout history, people dreamed of a way to traverse this stretch of land by sea. Proposals for a canal through Panama date back to 1534, when it was proposed by Charles V. However, the project wasn't realized for another 400 years when the Panama Canal finally opened on August 15, 1914. This is no ordinary canal, though. It was a feat of modern engineering that is tantalizing even today. To make it even more phenomenal, you won't believe the star-studded list of people who had their hands in its history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/panama Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year some people argue that this is the worst year ever. Over the past couple of years, we have certainly had some genuine contenders. However, most historians agree that the absolute worst year in recorded human history was 536 AD. The year set in motion a turn of events that included wars, famines, volcanic eruptions, and even a dip in global average temperatures. Some researchers have even gone as far as to say that this single year is what propelled humanity into the dark ages and maybe even ended the Roman empire. So buckle up because this is 536 AD, the actual worst year in history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/536ad Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5714661/advertisement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are people across the entire world who are dropping little pucks of metal and organic material around cities and wilderness. What exactly are these pucks? They call them Orgone, and their history is quite strange. It began in the 1930s with psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich who admired Sigmund Freud. We know exactly where this is going, to a weird place. It grew into building boxes called Energy Accumulators, tubes called Cloud Busters, and Orgone Pucks. Each variation is equally bizarre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 1, 1948, a body turned up on the beach in Adelaide, Australia. After nearly 72 years, no one has even come close to solving this case. Yet, when it comes to who the man was, mysteries abound. Despite investigation after investigation, no confirmation was ever found. What was found, however, was numerous strange details. Yet, somehow, the story continues to unfold. Today one thorough investigator has successfully petitioned the Australian government to exhume the body to solve the Tamam Shud Case. While law enforcement has yet to confirm or deny any claims, this private investigator claims he has found the body's identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're constantly bombarded with news from the world's mega-corporations. More and more, it seems like the FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) will just keep getting bigger and bigger. However, according to some historians, these titans of tech are nothing compared to the financial reach and impact of one company that reigned throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Colloquially known as the Dutch East India Company, the VOC (short for Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) laid the foundation for modern business in some good and many destructive ways. What is phenomenal is that by specific estimates, though heavily disputed, the value of this company exceeded 8 trillion USD dollars. That valuation would make this company more valuable than every country on earth today, excluding China and the United States. It was a mind-bogglingly colossal company, which is precisely why we're still talking about them today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People worldwide watched the seconds tick by on December 21, 2012. Due to a 'prophecy' about the world's end, many expected to watch the apocalypse unfold that day. But nothing happened. Unfortunately for our ancient ancestors, they weren't as lucky. Nearly 3200 years ago, the world stopped spinning. At least, it stopped for the major superpowers of the day. As a result, one of the most technologically advanced and well-connected civilizations in human history was wiped from the face of the earth in a matter of years. What happened? Well, no one is certain. There are many clues, however, which help paint a helpful picture of what caused the Bronze Age Collapse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The great depression was one of the most challenging times in history. The financial uncertainty of the time led many to nefarious forms of income. Unfortunately for Mike Malloy, others looked to more extreme measures. Over a few months in early 1933, a group of five directed by Tony Marino repeatedly attempted to kill Malloy to claim a significant life insurance policy they had taken out on him. The group didn't anticipate just how difficult it would be to kill Mike. Night after night, the group concocted increasingly gruesome plans; however, without any clear explanation, Mike survived. Eventually, the group was successful at its goal. But the success wouldn't last long as the group failed to keep quiet and faced the music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jaron and Tim for this special live edition of Things I Learned Last Night recorded live on the Podcast stage at Boulevardia 2022 in Kansas City, MO. In this episode, learn about the history of crafting with Secret Handshake Studios. For more info about Secret Handshake Studios: https://www.secrethandshakekc.com For more info about Boulevardia, visit: https://boulevardia.com Love TILLN? Become a Patron and get more bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the world of UFO sightings, it can often be tough to delineate fact from fiction. Well, actually, sometimes it's pretty easy to see what is fiction. But, lately, there have been well-documented cases of UAP sightings by trained observers occupying the limelight. This is not a new thing. There have been well-documented sightings by professional observers for decades. One such case is the Rendlesham Forest Incident. In December 1980, two separate groups of United States Military personnel witnessed the same craft. Not only did they see the craft, but they also recorded it on a wide array of scientific devices. Base Commander Luitenant Colonel Charles L. Halt recorded his entire encounter on a tape recorder. His tapes are the live reactions of the highest-ranking military officers to ever go public with their stories. For many, the Rendlesham Forest Incident is a nail in the coffin. For others, there are some possible explanations as to what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jaron and Tim for this special live edition of Things I Learned Last Night recorded live on the podcast stage at Boulevardia 2022 in Kansas City, MO. In this episode, learn about the history, technique, and competition circuit for beatboxing with up-and-coming entertainer musicbyskippy. For tickets, music, and more check out: https://www.musicbyskippy.com For info about Boulevardia, visit: https://boulevardia.com Love TILLN? Become and Patron and get more bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ocean is one of the earth's most precious resources. However, like many of the resources on earth, capitalism has not treated them well. For that very reason, Russ George has devised a plan to revitalize the ocean. His controversial theory is called Ocean Pasteurization. To replenish the ecosystem of the world's oceans, George plans to dump iron into the seas to feed plankton and cause an artificial bloom of plankton. Though Russ has acquired a wide array of investors and supporters, many others think he is causing more harm than good. At the end of the day, we do not know what the impact of such an endeavor would be on the ocean ecosystem. So, what would you say he is a hero or villain? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antarctica is one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Few people in the world have ever or will ever step foot on this massive slab of ice. Due to the lack of experience with this strange continent, many conspiracy theories have been born around the area. One of the first and most prolific, Antarctic explorers is US Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Not only did Boyd take a few trips to the continent, but he took the largest single group of individuals with a 4700-person fleet. This mission, however, was cut short. The reason for the change is up for debate, and there have been some wild theories as to the reason. Operation High Jump might be one of the craziest things to happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1980's Tacoma, Washington, faced a stark increase in gang activity. The hilltop neighborhood was a particularly active subset of the city and became a hub for the illegal drug trade in the town. However, when one Army Ranger bought a home in the neighborhood, he took matters into his own hands. Sergeant Bill Foulk installed security cameras and began confronting the gangsters during drug deals. After weeks of this behavior, the crips decided to retaliate. They had no clue that Foulk was an Army Ranger and called a dozen of his Ranger buddies to help defend his home. A 10-minute shootout involving over 300 rounds and about 30 individuals from the crips and the US Army Rangers ensued. Known now as the Ash Street Shootout, the event became a catalyst in the way officers handled local policing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The early days of the internet were truly the wild west. Anyone with the means to post to the world wide web could upload whatever they wanted and leave it out there to the world. That is precisely what inspired Julian Assange to create Wikileaks. The now infamous site was envisioned to be a place where whistleblowers could anonymously leak sensitive information into a platform that would verify and publicize the information. The website gained notoriety for leaking a few very significant sets of documents that were particularly bad for the United States government. Since then Assange has lived a rather precarious life and now faces extradition to the US for trial. The precedent being set in this case could be significant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the first humans took their first breath, we have been trying to subvert the forces of death. But, to date, no one has successfully unlocked the keys to eternal life. At least, no one has publicly discovered the key to endless life. Legends of fantastic figures that found the secret have captivated people for longer than we've been writing. The Count of St Germain is one such mythic figure. This historical figure has long been the subject of stories of everlasting life. For hundreds of years, people have claimed to have encountered the man who, on paper, died 238 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a hot summer day in 1954, a man arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Since the man came on an international flight, he was required to show his passport to be stamped. Upon viewing the man's passport, officials were shocked to find the country that issued the passport was called Taured, a country that does not exist. Furthermore, the man was shocked when he attempted to show his country's location on a map because the location that he called home was not Taured on this map. As quickly as the confusion began, the man from Taured disappeared. Now we're left to decipher the situation. Was this just a hoax, or did the Japanese TSA encounter an inter-dimensional traveler? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today flying is one of the safest forms of transit that exists. Out of the millions of flights every year, only about 30 of those result in an accident in the US, and very few result in any serious injury. However, this hasn't always been the case. In recent history, regulations on air travel were much laxer and allowed for a far greater rate of failure. On Christmas Eve 1971, Juliane Koepcke witnessed how dangerous air travel can be when her plane broke apart in mid-air and plummeted 10,000 feet into the Amazon rain forest. Defying all odds, Koepcke survived the fall. Unfortunately for Juliane, it was an out-of-the-frying pan into the fryer sort of a situation. She awoke after the crash to find herself stranded in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Her story has inspired for decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the start of the internet, forums have been a strange place. Something about allowing people anonymity brings out the worst in humanity. The effect was in full display for Reddit user Religion of Peace. Known for running one of the most nefarious and controversial subreddits in the platform's history, the user garnered an almost mythic status during his time on Reddit. Many users had encountered one of Religion of Peace, often referred to as Milo, and one of his infamous rants. However, the story became much more interesting after Milo died. A series of internet sleuthing led to the possible uncovering of an underground assassin ring hidden in plain sight. Order your Knack Bag: https://knack-bags.pxf.io/5bP5db Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1991, eight people walked in a large glass dome in the Arizona desert. Camera crews captured the group as they disappeared into the void. The structure was built by billionaire Ed Bass who hoped to use the facility for research into what it would take to build a colony on an alien world. The philanthropist enlisted a crew of four men and four women to spend two years locked inside the biosphere without any contact with the outside world. In the most American of ways, the event was broadcast to the world. Biosphere 2 became the world's first reality tv show, and just like every reality tv show, it was dramatic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine you woke up one morning to find the sky is full of circular, triangular, and cylindrical objects darting to and fro in an apparent struggle for aerial supremacy. You might immediately think that you were witnessing an alien invasion. Maybe you'd assume you were hallucinating. But, imagine this happened while you were living in the year 1561. That's exactly what happened to the people of Nuremberg, Germany. The 1561 Sky Battle, also known as the 1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg, excited the imaginations of those who saw it. Whereas our cultural conditioning would lead us to assume it was a fleet of UFOs, the locals on that day thought it was a warning of the impending judgment of God. Regardless of the interpretation, the event is a rather curious one that lacks an obvious explanation. At least, it lacks 100% proof of any of the prevailing theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the names that come to mind when you think of bank robbers? For many, names like Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, and maybe even certain GTA V characters fill the mind. However, these robbers don't even scratch the surface. While, technically, not a bank robber, John Ruffo conned a few dozen banks out of more than $350 million. His case is the most expensive bank fraud in American history. What's more, he got away with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marathon runners are a rare breed of humans. Few hobbies involve wheezing for miles and shopping for shirts that won't rub your skin off. Every year a new challenger appears for these hobbyists to overcome. However, there has never been a more formidable foe for the marathon runner than the Barkley Marathons. This infamous race tests not just its runner's physical endurance but also their mental fortitude. It's a marathon built on the intent that only 1% of runners will complete it. It's a race not for the faint of heart; this is the Barkley Marathons. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving into a new home can be stressful. In the best-case scenario, the new neighbors are helpful or maybe distant, depending on how social of a person you are. But we've all been in that scenario where our neighbors aren't exactly the type of people we wanted to live near. However, noisy or rude neighbors are nothing to the neighbor that the Broaddus family endured after moving into their New Jersey home in June of 2014. While many neighborhoods come complete with a neighborhood watch, this quiet street included its own watcher. The startling true story tells of a family tormented by a stalker who communicated with the family through a series of letters left in their mailbox. Despite the family's efforts, the police, and multiple private investigators, no one ever revealed the true identity of the watcher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These days just about anyone can tell you a thing or two about Scientology. Most of the public exposure to the church of Scientology has come from Leah Remini's documentary series on Netflix. Even though the average person knows the church, few understand exactly what it does or from where it came. Scientology's members' secrecy and financial actions have led most to label it a cult. It is a label that is fitting. Despite this fact, followers hail the founder for his revolutionary new way of thinking. Against all odds, and despite any accreditation, L Ron Hubbard managed to found his own religion. An endeavor that made him very wealthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the idea of other universes, timelines, and dimensions has become mainstream. We've all become well-versed in the possibility of other worlds out there. But how realistic is the idea? Some serious thinkers believe that the sort of universe in the MCU is possible. M Theory is a subset of string theory that seeks to explain all of the other possible dimensions and what is possible. Spoiler alert, there are 11 dimensions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a theme park that surveyed the history of the United States while being shaped like the continental United States. How could that not excite you? In the '60s, the US of A was all the rage in the US, and C.V. Wood saw the hype as an opportunity to capitalize on patriotism. The disgraced Disney Park manager somehow landed a 13-million dollar investment from one of New York's most prolific real estate investors to build the park. Unfortunately, much like his previous attempts at park design, Wood's endeavor would prove a monumental failure. Freedomland met the same fate as the trash in the landfill on which it stood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Point Pleasant. If you chose to stop for gas in Point Pleasant, you might be shocked to see a 12-foot-tall metallic statue of the mythological creature known as Moth Man. Both because it's shocking that a town would erect such a statue on their main crossroad and because it's an utterly terrifying statue. Nestled on the West Virginia and Ohio border, Point Pleasant boasts scenic views of the Ohio River and the Western Appalachian Mountains. The town is host to a long history dating back to the United States' earliest days. However, it was one event on the night of November 16th, 1966, that lives on in infamy for the people of Point Pleasant. It was the day the Moth Man first arrived. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few places have sparked as much public intrigue as Skinwalker Ranch. Dubbed as the most paranormally active place in America, the ranch has books and tv shows in its honor. We can learn much by looking at the ranch owners over the years. When did that haunting begin? What is the nature of the hauntings? Most importantly, what do UFOs have to do with it? The history goes back long before the United States itself. Native Americans tell of legends of terrifying creatures whose names they wouldn't even say aloud. Today we investigate if the stories might be true or just an unbelievable cash grab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The life story of the man who helped found the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is one that anyone would assume is full of intrigue. That is precisely the case with Jack Parsons, one of the lead members of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory which led to the founding of JPL. However, for Jack, his scientific exploits are some of the least exciting points of his life. Parsons dealing with the occult and a few notable, perhaps questionable, colleagues led to his expulsion from the organization he helped found. Eventually, the very thing that brought him success became his downfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video games have long been a joyous escape for many throughout the world. Few other outlets provide people with the same expanse of experiences as that of gaming. However, the profit timelines for game developers have always been a dicey issue. Due to long development time and short sales windows, game developers are often left with many months straight without a profit. Microtransactions were born to combat this reality. If used well, the feature could provide added benefits to both gamers and developers. Unfortunately, they have not been used well, and the effects are beginning to be felt across the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bank Robbery is no easy feat. Many have seen the dollars that move in and out of banks every single day and dreamt of ways to procure the money moving within bank walls. However, few have gone through with a bank heist, and even fewer have pulled off a successful bank robbery. Anthony Curcio is responsible not only for a successful bank robbery but for one of the most well-planned bank heists in recent history. His plans included craigslist, a jet ski, inner tubes, and so much more. Let's take a look at the tale of the craigslist bank robbery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the mid-'90s, the internet took the world by storm. For the first time in history, everyone had access to an unprecedented amount of information. In those early years, the entire web was curated by skilled webmasters who understood the inner workings of the internet. Over time, new technologies allowed everyone to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. Recently, bots were let loose online to fulfill a variety of tasks. Most of these robots perform necessary and helpful tasks. Unfortunately, however, some were deployed for malicious purposes. Major sites across the web have documented the rapid increase in bot traffic on their platform over the past few years. The increased A.i. traffic has led some people to theorize that the internet is dead and the bots have taken over. The theory that we've lost control of the world wide web is known as Dead Internet Theory, and this is its story. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifty years ago, pieces of an ancient wall peaked out from underground all around Rockwall, TX. Today, much of the wall has been buried, but this quiet Dallas suburb may be host to the oldest surviving structure in the United States. It seems pretty clear that this wall is man-made, or at least intelligently made. Yet, despite all the signs, the public discourse regarding the wall is that it is a natural formation. Even still, conspiracies about the wall abound. Some people are convinced that giants were involved. We don't know about that last part, but there's no way this thing is natural. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The globe is dotted with beautiful columns and archways popularized by the Beaux-arts style of architecture. Beaux-arts caught on and took the world by storm, as with many trends. Or did it? According to a relatively new internet, conspiracy buildings in this style are relics from a long-lost empire known as Tartaria. Much of our nation's capital buildings are really just repurposed Tartarian structures that were nearly destroyed by a worldwide mud flood. So, where do Tartarian truthers find the evidence for these extraordinary claims? Buckle up, and let's find out the origins of the tremendous Tartarian Empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humanity has been expanding and advancing for as long as we have existed. It seems like we have an insatiable desire for creating new things and developing our influence as far and wide as possible. Logically, and based on some recent experience, we will eventually expand past our world and begin to colonize the cosmos. However, such a feat will require massive amounts of energy. In 1964 Nikolai Kardashev proposed a scale that measures an intelligent civilization based on the amount of energy consumption and control that the society possesses. He separated civilization into a four-part scale measuring the technological advancement of society. Eventually, his scale came to bear his name and be known as The Kardashev Scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixto Rodriguez was an aspiring musician in the late '60s. After little success, he retired from music and worked as a day laborer in Detroit, Michigan. While Rodriguez spent his days doing odd jobs, his music made waves overseas. This is the story of Sixto Rodriguez, the rock icon that sold more records than Elvis Presley in South Africa. The only problem? He had no idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walt Disney had an issue with the way cities were built in his day. He spent much of his adult life in Los Angeles, notorious for traffic and dangerous corridors. Disney believed he had all the answers, and after the success of Disney land, he began formulating a plan for a new city. Eventually, Epcot would become the project's name, which stood for the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. This city was romantic, to say the least. If Walt had succeeded, it would've been one of the most incredible places on earth. However, many critics point to the glaring flaws with the strategy. The argument is moot, though. The city of Epcot never saw the light of day. After Disney's untimely death, his brother Roy took the reigns of the project and converted it to a larger iteration of the prosperous Disney land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices