4Thirty in the Morning

Current events, as seen by 'blue-collar America', 4Thirty in the Morning is a perspective-based, news commentary and oddities podcast designed to provide an alternative take on the happenings around the world. Co-hosts Ben and Pat are both authentic, working-class guys, and their rough-around-the-edges style, personal anecdotes, and ever present sense of humor, blend together to offer a unique discussion on fringe topics, while also bringing relatability to complex subject matter.

Ep. 160: More Haunted Places, Pumpkins, and Mark Sanchez

Spooky Season is upon us once again, have you witnessed any 'paranormal activity' lately? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat put on their scariest Halloween costumes as they discuss yet another round of stories revolving haunted locations, including several that they've investigated themselves. The guys also brew up a witch's potion worth of odds and ends this week, and tackle plenty of news stories that you probably missed for a reason. Did a 20th century science experiment manage to prove 'psychokinesis' while trying to disprove the paranormal? Is a lighthouse guarding America's northern border also the site of compelling ghost stories? What exactly are the origins of 'Halloween'? Is Mark Sanchez the scariest Quarterback in NFL history? For answers to all of these questions and a spooktacular amount more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

10-31
01:09:07

Ep. 159: Dreams, Consciousness, and Jay Cutler

Most of us dream to some extent. Some can barely remember most dreams, while others can dream so vividly that they can even control and manipulate their subconscious ruminations. But what exactly are dreams? And how are they related to the general idea of consciousness? On the latest, semi-lucid, episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat hit the snooze button a few too many times as they sleep on plenty of different topics regarding the significance of dreams to humans, and they sleep-walk through several general theories on consciousness and spirituality in the process. They guys also bring their usual robust package of news stories to the table this week, and Pat gives his bi-monthly Sumo update that most listeners probably were not waiting for. Did the Enlightenment philosopher Descartes solve an anatomical enigma that explains how biology and spirituality could intertwine to project the human soul? Are dreams really a gateway towards actual interdimensional travel? Is consciousness strictly a human characteristic? Could remote-viewers be astro-projecting themselves subconsciously through their dreams? For answers to these questions and a night-time's worth more, please don't sleep on the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning!

10-15
01:06:38

Ep. 158: Movie Theories, Hellfire Missiles, and Kebobs

The art of 'Motion Picture' has captivated pretty much everyone born in the 20th century and beyond. But could some of the movies considered 'classics' by audiences old and new hide deeper meanings? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat take a trip to the box office with their notebooks readily at hand, and cut through the reels of some of Hollywood's biggest block-busters, finding more questions than answers along the way. Was 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' really just a precursor to 'Fight Club'? Was the wise Jedi Master 'Ben Kenobi' really pulling strings beyond what is shown on screen in 'Star Wars'? Did 'Mike', the hero of the Best-Picture winning film 'The Deer Hunter' live on as 'Travis Bickle' of Martin Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver'? Are we trying to shoot down UFO's and failing? For answers to these questions and a cutting-floor's worth more, please give a listen to the latest episode of 4Thirty In the Morning!

09-24
59:20

Ep. 157: Spy Stories, Cracker Barrel, and the Bermuda Triangle

Secret agents and espionage have long been a fascinating part of history, and have inspired some great books, movies, and television shows along the way. But are the true tales behind some of the world's craftiest spies crazier than anything fiction has to offer? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat conduct some undercover reconnaissance as they snoop into some of the wildest spy stories that history has to offer, from agents that spent years undercover, to those recruited specifically for special jobs, to some that weren't even actually spies at all, and more. The guys also deal with a handful of varying news stories this week, dish out a few opinions on the culinary arts, and share some thoughts on plenty of other topics along the way. Was a Major League baseball player better remembered not for his years on the diamond, but for his time as a spy in WWII? Did a guy manage to sway influence over a large swath of counterintelligence agents, only to be operating under his own delusions? Have some technological advancements got their launch as tools for espionage? Has the mystery of the 'Bermuda Triangle' finally been solved? For answers to these questions and many more, be sure to give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

09-03
01:25:49

Ep. 156: The Ark of the Covenant, Dinosaur Tracks, and Tua Tagovailoa

Few artifacts within Western religion were said to hold as much power as the Ark of the Covenant, and fewer have compelled so much mystery. On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat consult the Burning Bush as they try to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Old Testament's most compelling object, the 'Ark of the Covenant'. Delving into religious texts ranging from the Torah, to the Quran, to some of the 'deuterocanonical books' only featured in certain Christian Bibles, the guys try to paint a comprehensive picture of this incredible artifact, while telling the story of its travels, and speculating on its fate in the process. Was Hollywood's 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' film much more fact than fiction? Could the Ark of the Covenant really have been a food-generating machine? Was the Ark really destroyed during the Babylonian conquest, or could it have been hidden away, only to emerge in America today? Who would win in a fight, a bear or a Pomeranian? For answers to these questions and plenty more, please give our latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

08-22
01:10:01

Ep. 155: Aliens, Part XVI

Yep... they're back at it... On the latest episode of 4Thrity, Ben and Pat fire up the warp drive once again to engage in yet another extraterrestrial discussion, this time covering some of the latest rumored developments surrounding the possibility of Alien Disclosure. The guys also delve into their usual dose of news stories this week, including a few that play on some of the topics they've discussed in past episodes. Could Bob Lazar really be an unknowing participant in a top-secret disinformation campaign? Is a newly discovered comet headed towards earth really an alien spacecraft? Is remote viewing still being used by highly-classified government agencies? Are 'yeti blood sacrifices' being integrated into the training regimen for prospective Catholic clergy? For answers to these questions and lightyears more, give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

08-05
01:11:32

Ep. 154: Modern Buildings, Fake Lawyers, and Anthony Weiner

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been building buildings, and while some ancient structures continue to amaze even today, modern architecture is showing no signs of slowing down. On the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning, Ben and Pat lay out the blueprints as they explore some of the most impressive buildings on our planet, from incredible skyscrapers to mind-bending manufacturing centers and more. The guys also cover their typical dose of news stories this week, discuss some odds and ends, all while attempting to crack a joke or two in the process. What is the largest factory in the world? What makes Manhattan the ideal place for skyscrapers? Will there ever be a 'mile-high' tower? Is the bald eagle population recovering in Ohio? For answers to all of these questions and plenty more, don't miss the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning!

07-14
01:00:25

Ep. 153: Ghost Ships, Martian Spiderwebs, and Illegal Mining Operations

Few aspects of our world are as compelling as the 'High Seas', but the beauty and adventure often associated with our oceans also comes with its horrors. On the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning, Ben and Pat hoist the main sail and embark on a voyage through nautical history as they discuss some of the strangest tales of 'Ghost Ships' haunting the waters, from abandoned vessels drifting across the seas for decades, to 'phantom' mariners forever sailing in search of safe harbors. The guys also break down their usual dose of news stories as speculation this week, all while trying not to scuttle the jib in the process. What exactly makes a ship a 'Ghost Ship'? Is a certain famous ethereal vessel the harbinger of impending doom for any sailor that sets eyes on it? Could some historical 'ghost ship' mysteries really be explained by aliens? Is Czechia a hotbed for illegal dentistry? For answers to these questions and a nautical mile's worth more, be sure to drop anchor and listen to the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning!

06-29
54:30

Ep. 152: Crazy Experiments, Sasquatch Sightings, and Underwater Fossils

The world of science is always changing and evolving, with hypotheses developing into reality every day. But for every successful experiment, there seems to be plenty of outlandish ones that can make anyone wonder 'how was this ever allowed?' On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat head into the laboratory to discuss some of the strangest experiments ever conducted, from the casually hilarious to the most horrific and unethical. The guys also share their usual dose of topical news stories this week, freshen up on the latest developments from the world of Sumo, and share a few stories to round things out. Did 'The Philadelphia Experiment' of World War II actually take place? Did a mad Soviet Scientist genetically engineer a two-headed dog? Did a less-than-ethical 1950's case study change the landscape of social psychology? Does Japan have a new Yokuzuna? For answers to these questions and many more, be sure to give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

06-23
01:03:33

Ep. 151: Dumb Criminals, Underwater Scooters, and O'Hare International Airport

The guys have covered criminals on plenty of past episodes, usually dealing with sophisticated schemes and the cleverest of cons. Plenty of illegal activity, however, is not so well-thought-out. On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat investigate the underworld once again, this time in search of lawbreakers that are somewhat lacking in terms of brainpower. The guys also dish out their usual dose of wild and whacky news this week as they speculate on all sorts of off-the-wall situations, share a little irrelevant insight, and wander down rabbit holes that only they can find. Did a famous serial-killer do himself in thanks to a floppy disk? Did a team of criminals really use invisible ink in an attempt to hide their faces from security cameras? Have several famous sports-stars found themselves on the wrong side of the law for the most asinine of reasons? How did a Doordash driver find himself on the tarmac of one of the world's busiest airports? For answers to these questions and a million more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

06-03
01:08:58

Ep. 150: Ancient Egypt, Tryptophan, and Alpaca Escapes

Perhaps the greatest of all early civilizations, few can deny the impact that Ancient Egypt has had on our world even today. But for all we know about this incredible culture, is much more still shrouded in mystery? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat take a trip up the Nile and back in time as they discuss everything they possibly can about the ancient Egyptians, from the earliest days of Narmer, to the Ptolemaic dynasty, and more, all while postulating some theories on the mysteries still surrounding this incredible culture. The guys also share their usual dose of news this week, talk a little NFL, and share an important Sumo update in the process. Did the conquests of Napoleon in the late 18th century inadvertently result in the translation of Egyptian Hieroglyphics? Did the discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 20th century unleash an ancient curse upon the archaeological team responsible? Could the Great Sphynx really be more than twice as old as conventional dating has previously established? Is a meth-smoking raccoon on the loose in Ohio? For answers to these questions and plenty more, be sure to give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

05-21
01:19:20

Ep. 149: Sophisticated Crime, Worm Lizards, and Nick Castellanos

You've heard the guys talk about 'con-artists' and 'clever criminals' before, but do some ne'er-do-wells take their exploits to a new, 'sophisticated', level? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat skirt the law as they perpetrate yet another discussion centered on the world of crime, this time targeting 'sophisticated' criminals operating way ahead of their time. The guys also break down their latest dose of news headlines this week, while also sharing a few stories and making some wildly inaccurate NFL predictions in the process. Was an IBM copy machine reconfigured into one of the most sophisticated amateur bombs ever created? Did a 'cryptobro' swindle away billions from the rich and famous? Is Ancient Egypt the scene of the crime for the greatest grave robberies in human history? Did the infamous Sandworms of the 'Dune' novels once actually crawl our planet? For answers to these questions and many more, please give our latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

04-30
01:08:59

Ep. 148: 'Wrong Place, Wrong Time' Stories, Dire Wolves, and Boris Johnson

There's nothing worse than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While most stories like this unfortunately end in tragedy, every once in a while a ill-timed misadventure serves as the launching point for a much greater mystery. On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat share some of the craziest chance encounters they're familiar with, from untimely demises to unbelievable coincidences and more, while also sharing a few of their own run-ins with fate along the way. The guys also share their usual dose of news stories this week, while also taking the time to clear up a few loose ends from previous episodes. Was one of the victims in a famous 20th century homicide at the scene of the crime by pure chance? Is it possible to survive not one, but two nuclear weapon attacks? Did an old baseball 'curse' take on new life due to a fan simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is it legal to create your own A.I. attorney to advocate for you in court? For answers to these questions and plenty more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

04-16
01:17:04

Ep. 147: More Missing People, Police Goats, and Basketball Records

Over 600,000 Americans are reported missing every year, and while many of them are quickly discovered, plenty vanish never to be seen again. On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat put on their investigative hats once again as they examine another round of the strangest cases of missing persons that history has to offer, including stories that have baffled sleuths for over 100 years and more. The guys also dish on a handful of interesting news stories this week, tell a story or two, and provide another critical update from the world of Sumo. What percentage of missing people cases can be explained by wild animal attacks? Did a fire indirectly lead to the most mysterious disappearances in West Virginia history? Did the theft of a 727 jet lead to one of the strangest disappearances in the 21st century? How much does a human toe go for on the Australian black market? For answers to these questions and plenty more, be sure to give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

04-01
01:19:59

Ep. 146: Paranormal Activity, Mosquitos, and Pringle Can Attacks

You know by now that Ben and Pat both believe in ghosts, but how vast does their knowledge of the paranormal stretch? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, the guys enter the supernatural realm once again as they share stories and compare notes on everything related to 'paranormal activity', from haunted locations, to unexplained phenomena and more. They also dive into their usual dose of news stories this week, while also sharing some listener feedback along the way. Are 'time-slips' the best explanation for paranormal activity? Could a centuries-old account prove that the devil himself once walked the earth? What percentage of the population believes in ghosts? Is it illegal to broadcast the news while drunk in Korea? For answers to these questions and a frightful many more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

03-17
01:11:29

Ep. 145: The Weather, Highland Bulls, and Jack the Ripper

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone that has to get around in the world, the weather probably impacts life in some way for just about everyone every day. But are some meteorological events so extreme that even the most seasoned 'storm-chasers' won't pursue them? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat brave the elements as they discuss everything they can possibly think of regarding the weather, from the rarest of atmospheric phenomena, to extreme weather regions, and more. They also share their own weather stories this week, provide some updates on past topics, and, as always, dish out some news stories that you won't find anywhere else. Does the government really control the weather? Is New Hampshire the home to the most extreme weather in the world? How many tornadoes pop up across the U.S. every year? Has the identity of 'Jack the Ripper' finally been uncovered? For answers to these questions and many, many more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

03-03
01:10:29

Ep. 144: AI, Bitcoin Hard Drives, and Jim Tressel

AI, or 'artificial intelligence' has quickly come to dominate the attention of cyberspace and the tech world. But what exactly is AI in the first place, and how much of an impact is it already having in our world? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat hack their way into yet another speculative discussion, this time discussing the development and impact of AI, from it's current uses, to concepts in development, to hypothetical situations and more. The guys also deliver their usual dose of news stories this week, while also providing a quick Sumo update and wrapping up a few loose ends along the way. As AI currently held back by linear computing technology? What kind of impact could 'Quantum Computers' have on the future of artificial intelligence? Do any computers already have the ability to think on their own? Does success as a college football coach qualify someone for state-level executive leadership? For answers to these questions and a qubit or two more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

02-18
01:06:36

Ep. 143: Fringe Theories, Italian Falconers, and Terunofuji

The guys have covered plenty of 'conspiracy theories' throughout the show thus far, but how crazy is 'too crazy'? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, the guys put their tinfoil hats on once again as they try to find the fringiest conspiracy theories circulating the web lately, touching on areas such as TV, college football, geopolitics and more. The guys also share their usual smattering of news stories these week, while also breaking down the latest in the world of Sumo and sharing some travel stories along the way. Does a long-running television series have too uncanny of a knack at predicting the future? Did a college coach manage to manipulate the entire 2024 NCAA season in a convoluted attempt to settle a personal feud? Did a mysterious arcade game appear on the west coast in the 1980s as part of a CIA psy-op? What happens to your credit score if you're mistakenly reported to the IRS as deceased? For answers to these questions and way too many more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

01-29
01:16:17

Ep. 142: The History of Food, Dinosaur Highways, and Italian Health Laws

What did you have for breakfast? Was it something that you hunted or gathered? Or was it the product of agriculture? On the latest episode of 4Thirty, Ben and Pat take a bite out of a buffet-sized topic as they discuss the history of food, covering everything from the hunter-gatherers of pre-history, to the development of agriculture, to the innovations that brought your favorite meals to the dinner table today. The guys also share some news stories this week, muscle through some all-too-common technical difficulties, and speculate on the kind of odds-and-ends you wouldn't find anywhere else. Are there still people today that subsists exclusively on hunting and gathering? What commercial food sources still feed people without the need for agriculture? Were 'Corn Flakes' created to be intentionally bland? Is it a good idea to ensure that your microphone is facing the right way before recording a podcast episode? For answers to these questions and a smorgasbord more, please give the latest episode of 4Thirty in the Morning a listen!

01-18
59:57

Ep. 141: The History of Christmas, Zoo Escape Drills, and Chinese Secret Police

It's that time of year, and as Ben and Pat wrap up their last-minute Christmas preparations, they also took the time to ponder how the Christmas season came to be in the first place. On the final episode of 4Thirty for 2024, the guys bring out the Figgy pudding, and their history books, as they dive deep into the origins of the holiday, from the actual birth of Christ, to the reason why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, and more. The guys also share some of their classic news stories this week, along with plenty of their own tales of Christmas's past. Did Jesus ever celebrate his own birthday? Did Emperor Constantine try to line up the celebration of Christmas with other pagan festivals of the time? Who was the first U.S. President to feature a Christmas tree in the White House? For answers to these questions and a yuletide more, please give this extra festive episode of 4Thirty of the Morning a listen! Merry Christmas!

12-24
01:00:44

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