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Two wild stories about two very different women. Brenton details the life of Khutulun, Genghis Khan's Great Great Granddaughter who was a warrior & undefeated wrestler. Then Emily recounts the twisty tale of con artist Elizabeth Bigley, who had 3 pseudonyms, conned banks out of their money and even was a clairvoyant. Khutulun References: https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/khutulunhttps://allthatsinteresting.com/khutulunCassie Chadwick references: https://www.strangehistory.org/cms/index.php/popular/25-item-8

Join us for a space double feature! Emily discusses the Voyager missions, two probes sent out into space collecting data & carrying golden vinyl records filled with Earth sounds and greetings. Then Brenton details the current Perseverance missions to investigate Mars for ancient organisms. Voyager References: https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/timeline/#event-a-once-in-a-lifetime-alignment Perseverance References: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/https://www.space.com/perseverance-rover-mars-2020-missionhttps://www.space.com/mars-helicopter-ingenuity-touches-down-martian-surfacehttps://www.space.com/perseverance-mars-rover-landing-success

Did you know the McDonalds jingle "I'm Lovin' It" was a full on Justin Timberlake song? And that there's controversy over song credits? Brenton details the full history behind the famous jingle. Then Emily dives into the news of the week, the Suez Canal stoppage, and recounts the tale of when it had been blocked before. Long live the Great Bitter Lake Association!Mcdonalds References: https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1227-the-contentious-tale-of-the-mcdonalds-im-lovin-it-jingle/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/12/business/the-media-business-advertising-mcdonald-s-campaign-embraces-a-loving-theme.htmlhttps://www.okayplayer.com/music/pusha-t-im-lovin-it-jingle-no-rights.htmlSuez Canal References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/akd5zg/the-last-time-the-suez-canal-was-blocked-a-utopian-communist-micronation-was-formed-at-sea?utm_content=1617112825&utm_medium=social&utm_source=VICE_facebook&fbclid=IwAR3I_NOXx74292yKikRsQ_2wStzORaePkb02FcB_UUk5EBbrlK2ASk8hSKMhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/world/middleeast/suez-canal-container-ship.htmlhttps://www.space.com/full-moon-helps-free-stuck-ship-suez-canal 

Join us for an exploration of space! Emily brings us tidings of a 9th (we see it as the 10th) potential planet in our solar system named Planet X & the theoretical science behind it. Then Brenton details why channel 37 on TV was only static & how the astronomical science community rallied to protect their studies.Planet X References: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/hypothetical-planet-x/in-depth/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/10/new-dwarf-planet-goblin-solar-system-discovered/ Channel 37 References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy8by7/why-channel-37-doesnt-exist-and-what-it-has-to-do-with-aliens?utm_source=pocket-newtabhttps://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201505/physicshistory.cfm 

We take a walk down memory lane and find we're not in the town we thought we were in. Brenton details the story of Erwin Kreuz, a German tourist who thought he landed in San Francisco but was actually in Maine. Then Emily discusses the history of Lou Ottens and his pioneering work on the cassette. We also segue into discussion of the famous seal Andre (we swear it's related to Erwin's story). Lost SF Tourist: https://www.sfgate.com/local/editorspicks/article/lost-tourist-who-thought-Bangor-was-San-Francisco-15940512.phpLou Ottens: https://www.npr.org/2021/03/10/975598869/lou-ottens-inventor-of-the-cassette-tape-has-died

This week is all about the brain! Emily takes a real deep dive into the science of astral projecting recounting the results found from the CIAs research into the "Gateway Process." Then Brenton dispels the myth around humans using only 10% of their brain and a few other brain misconceptions.Astral Projection reference: https://www.vice.com/en/article/7k9qag/how-to-escape-the-confines-of-time-and-space-according-to-the-cia 10% Myth: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321060#brain-facts 

We shake our heads at the miserable tax situation in America and grant ourselves a reprieve from it by heading to space. Brenton details the long history of Intuit lobbying the US government to keep taxes complicated. Then Emily charts a course for Ceres as we explore the icy seismic activity taking place there.Intuit References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGVK4ibMI-Y https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-return-free-filing-and-how-would-it-workhttps://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-other-countries-use-return-free-filing#:~:text=Denmark%20and%20Sweden%2C%20both%20small,implemented%20tax%20agency%20reconciliation%20systems.https://www.propublica.org/article/how-the-maker-of-turbotax-fought-free-simple-tax-filinghttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2297/texthttps://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-freehttps://www.theverge.com/2020/1/1/21045779/irs-turbotax-free-file-h-r-block-tax-preparation-new-rules Ceres References: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-planets/ceres/overview/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRgpuvjV_Vs

We're back after a week hiatus with strange traditions & dark histories. Emily discovers the fascinating history behind women popping out of cakes, its medieval origin and the current state of the industry. Then Brenton, provoked by a bad article, details the Hollywood Blacklist of the 1950's and why comparisons to cancel culture completely are actively harmful.Cakes References: https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/04/23/pop-out-cake/https://www.thrillist.com/sex-dating/nation/the-history-of-women-popping-out-of-adult-cakesBlacklist References: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hollywood-blacklisthttps://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/hollywood-tenhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Hollywood-Ten 

Have you ever wondered if you might be cursed? That you keep having horrible things happen to you? Well Violet Jessup sure had a lot of curveballs, and we recount how she survived 3 boat sinkings. Have you also ever wondered where in the hell Valentine's Day comes from? You will probably not surprised that the Catholic church overwrote an existing holiday and even has a conflicting mythology of its own.Violet Jessup References: https://mentalitch.com/the-strange-and-unusual-life-of-violet-jessop/https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-survivor/violet-constance-jessop.htmlhttps://museumhack.com/violet-jessop/ Valentine's Day References: https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2

We study the ancient stones of Callanish & intercept a pirate burger joint operation. First Emily details the history of the Calanis stone structures and the ritual practices that we believe accompanied them. Then Brenton tells the story of a Pittsburgh local legend and what was actually happening when things started to go awry. Also discussed: time travel romantic dramas?Callanish References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNuK68MrnlEhttps://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/calanais-standing-stones/https://www.transceltic.com/scottish/mystery-of-scotlands-ancient-callanish-standing-stonesBurger King: https://www.cracked.com/article_28014_the-crazy-story-fake-burger-king-in-pittsburgh.htmlhttps://www.wpxi.com/news/local/fast-food-chain-issues-statement-after-bogus-burge/140343004/https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/fake-burger-king-leaves-customers-asking-questions-200136786.html https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/its-real-burger-king-again-south-side-customers-en/140298737/ https://www.grubstreet.com/2016/01/burger-king-ant-burger.html 

We have two stories of weird historical events resulting human negligence. Brenton recounts the unhinged organization of the 1904 Olympic Marathon, which would sound exactly like a "Wacky Races" episode if it wasn't real. Then Emily recounts the Molasses Massacre & how 2.3 million gallons of molasses flooded Boston.1904 Olympics: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-1904-olympic-marathon-may-have-been-the-strangest-ever-14910747/https://www.avclub.com/the-1904-olympic-marathon-was-the-worst-race-ever-run-1842740808Great Molasses Flood References: https://www.history.com/news/the-great-molasses-flood-of-1919 

Have you ever found yourself in a different time period? Or see an unknown animal emerge from a lake? We believe you! Emily travels over to Liverpool for accounts of people suddenly slipping back in time. Then Brenton recounts Adirondack legend Champ and the many sightings over the years.Liverpool Time Slips References: https://exemplore.com/paranormal/The-Liverpool-Time-Slips-The-True-Story-Of-Mysterious-Occurences-In-Bold-StreetChamp References: https://www.lakechamplainregion.com/heritage/champhttps://books.google.com/books?id=OkdqCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA59#v=onepage&q&f=falsehttps://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1648547&page=1https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.3384449https://skepticalinquirer.org/2013/05/new-information-surfaces-on-worlds-best-lake-monster-photo-raising-question/ 

With the world being a lot this week, we found a couple positive stories to bring to the table this week. Brenton covers New Year's traditions and the origins of New Year's Resolutions. Then Emily takes us to Scotland to discuss the Findhorn Foundation, an eco-village that's recognized by the UN for its sustainability.New Year's References: https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-new-years-resolutionshttps://www.cnet.com/health/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions-and-celebrations/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/new-years-resolutions-historyhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/when-did-new-years-resolutions-startFindhorn Foundation: https://www.findhorn.org/ 

We've got stories of two cities; one that turned into a police state and one that literally sank into the ocean. Emily details the history of pirate haven Port Royal, how it earned it's moniker of the most "vile" city, and why it suddenly sank into the Caribbean. Then Brenton recounts the days leading to the protest of the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the ensuing media circus when Chicago tried to charge 8 protestors with intent to incite violence.Port Royal: https://www.natgeotv.com/int/drain-the-sunken-pirate-city/videos/doomsday-at-port-royal Chicago 7: https://www.britannica.com/event/Chicago-Seven-law-casehttps://www.history.com/.amp/this-day-in-history/the-chicago-seven-go-on-trialhttps://www.history.com/.amp/topics/vietnam-war/chicago-seven-1https://www.npr.org/2020/11/18/936164085/author-says-the-chicago-7-trial-reflected-all-the-conflicts-in-america 

We remember an important scientific observatory and learn about ancient Irish Neolithic monuments. Brenton remembers the Arecibo Observatory, which collapsed this December, and its important contributions to Astronomical studies. Then Emily discusses Newgrange an Irish monument that is flocked to every Solstice with unknown origins.Arecibo References:https://www.space.com/20984-arecibo-observatory.htmlhttps://defector.com/arecibo-goes-dark/https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03421-yhttps://theconversation.com/arecibo-telescopes-fall-is-indicative-of-global-divide-around-funding-science-infrastructure-151734Newgrange Referenes:https://www.ancient.eu/Newgrange/

On this week's extra long "The Audacity of Men" cast, Emily covers the harrowing life of Zelda Fitzgerald, how her work was stolen by her husband F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the gaslighting and abuse that led to her hospitalization. Then Brenton details the Patty Hearst kidnapping, covering the timeline of the events and wider political conscious that would motivate someone to political action.Zelda Fitzgerald References:https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/oct/29/zelda-fitgerald-scott-film-tvhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/zelda-wasnt-crazy_b_3268211http://www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.htmlhttps://www.vogue.com/article/zelda-fitzgerald-birthdayPatty Hearst References:https://time.com/4501670/bombings-of-america-burrough/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/guerrilla-timeline-guerrilla-taking-patty-hearst/https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/07/opinions/patty-hearst-kidnapping-toobin-opinion/index.htmlhttps://www.history.com/.amp/this-day-in-history/patty-hearst-kidnappedhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/guerrilla-rise-and-fall-symbionese-liberation-army/ 

We have many grievances to file and all of them are about land both terrestrial and interstellar. Brenton discusses the weird legal loophole of Yellowstone's "Zone of Death," how it was discovered and the general shrug of indifference towards correcting it. Then Emily opens a complaint with the IAU over Pluto's demotion, while also detailing facts about our former ninth planet.Zone of Death References:https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/can-get-away-with-crime-in-yellowstone.htmhttps://www.vox.com/2014/5/22/5738756/you-can-kill-someone-in-a-section-of-yellowstone-and-get-away-scothttps://www.atlasobscura.com/places/yellowstones-zone-of-deathPluto References:https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/astronomy/item/why-is-pluto-no-longer-a-planet/#:~:text=The%20International%20Astronomical%20Union%20https://www.space.com/why-pluto-is-not-a-planet.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/08/24/world/pluto-no-longer-planet-space-scn/index.html

We take a deep "dive" into one of the most infamous murder cases of the 2000's and the history of going over Horseshoe Falls. Emily brings us the details on Meredith Kercher's murder, Amanda Knox's subsequent arrest, & the media portrayal around her trial. Then Brenton pulls the history of stuntmen going over Niagara Falls, starting with the brave Annie Taylor Edison in 1901.Amanda Knox References:https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/amanda-knoxhttps://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29071255https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-25984238https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-21937829 Niagara Falls References:https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-barrel-ride-down-niagara-fallshttps://www.niagarafallslive.com/daredevils_of_niagara_falls.htmhttps://time.com/5623489/man-survives-niagara-falls/

Two very notable British celebrities known for two very different things. First Brenton discusses the life of Aleister Crowley, his occult practices and the ethics behind his sect Thelema. Then Emily examines Princess Diana's fatal car crash and some theories about what might have actually caused it.Crowley References: https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-37329https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aleister-Crowleyhttps://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/the-great-beast-666-who-was-aleister-crowleyPrincess Diana References: https://occult-world.com/diana-princess-of-wales/

The stars have aligned and we somehow both arrived at separate stories about apathy. First Emily discusses the cautionary tale of Grafton, New Hampshire, which started as a Libertarian "Freedom Project" and ended turning the town's bears against them. Then Brenton looks into the Parrothead subculture, what it means  to live Jimmy Buffet's lifestyle, and his enormous wealth & business ventures.