Digest

The podcast hosts introduce their guest, Jen Cobra, a comedian performing in the Cirque du Soleil show "Mad Apple" in Vegas. They then play a game where they guess the year of a newspaper they're about to read. Jen correctly guesses the century, but Dave is off by a few decades. The newspaper is revealed to be from Boston, Massachusetts, dated December 10th, 1831. The hosts begin reading an article about a man named Patton who has invented an antidote to fire. The article suggests that Patton should also invent an antidote to frost, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and the fact that water is the antidote to both fire and frost. The article then mentions fire-breathing slaves in Sicily, prompting the hosts to discuss the bizarre nature of the article and the fact that it seems to be about a traveling freak show. The article claims that the fire-breathing feats are not new and were known ages ago, shocking the hosts with the use of the word "pyrotechnic" in 1831. The article provides instructions on how to resist fire, including how to walk on burning coals and hold red-hot iron, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like something out of a demon-devil movie. The article mentions that fire-breathing practitioners were called "Hocus Pocus" in the reign of King James I, prompting the hosts to discuss the lack of a headline in the article and how it would be impossible to summarize it in five words. The article shifts to a rival fire king in New York, who is also performing fire-breathing feats, leading the hosts to discuss the competitive nature of the fire-breathing scene and how it seems like a traveling freak show. The article refers to the original fire king as the "Napoleon of Fire" and discusses how he has inspired competitors in New England, prompting the hosts to discuss the article's nickname machine and how it seems to be about a competition between fire-breathers. The article describes the new fire king in New York, Mr. Houghton, who performs feats like drawing a red-hot shovel over his tongue and lips, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a collection of bizarre stories about traveling freaks. The article describes Mr. Houghton's performance, which includes eating hot oil and molten lead, prompting the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day "Fear Factor" or TikTok videos of people eating hot wings. The article discusses a French physician who has published a book on the medical use of gold, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a collection of bizarre medical practices. The article describes a practical joke played on a captain who was stealing almonds and raisins from a grocer, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day security cameras in stores. The article mentions that the King shook hands with Earl Grey at a recent meeting, leading the hosts to discuss the significance of this event and how it seems like a big deal for the time. The article describes a large owl that was shot near Hudson, New York, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a random story about a dead owl. The article discusses the antidote to suicide, which is employment, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a way for the editor to justify his own hard work. The article describes two men who died from inhaling charcoal fumes while sleeping in a cabin, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a public service announcement about the dangers of charcoal. The article describes a man who was found drunk and nearly frozen to death in a park, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a collection of random stories about people who have been found in strange situations. The article describes a man named Osboldston who is attempting to ride 200 miles in 10 hours for a bet of 1,000 sovereigns, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day endurance races. The article mentions that the Washington Telegraph received seven pictures of whole hogs, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a random story about pigs. The article advertises a tomb for sale in the South Bay, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day real estate listings. The article advertises a pew for sale in Reverend Ripley's church, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day church fundraising. The article discusses the importance of wearing fashionable hats, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day fashion trends. The article discusses a man who wore a beaver hat that was out of fashion, leading the hosts to discuss the absurdity of the article and how it seems like a precursor to modern-day fashion faux pas. The hosts wrap up the podcast and discuss how bizarre the newspaper was. They encourage Jen to come back on the show again.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Newspaper Exploration

The podcast hosts introduce the show, their guest Jen Cobra, and play a game guessing the year of a newspaper they're about to read. They reveal the newspaper is from Boston, Massachusetts, dated December 10th, 1831.

00:04:41

The Antidote to Fire and Frost

The hosts read an article about a man who claims to have invented an antidote to fire, leading to discussions about the absurdity of the article and the fact that water is the antidote to both fire and frost.

00:10:07

Fire-Breathing Feats and Traveling Freak Shows

The article mentions fire-breathing slaves in Sicily, prompting discussions about the bizarre nature of the article and its connection to traveling freak shows.

00:15:46

The "Napoleon of Fire" and Fire-Breathing Competition

The article shifts to a rival fire king in New York, leading to discussions about the competitive nature of the fire-breathing scene and how it seems like a traveling freak show. The article refers to the original fire king as the "Napoleon of Fire," highlighting the article's nickname machine and its focus on competition.

00:26:29

Bizarre Medical Practices and Modern-Day Parallels

The article discusses a French physician who has published a book on the medical use of gold, prompting discussions about the absurdity of the article and its connection to modern-day culture, such as "Fear Factor" and TikTok videos.

00:53:48

Precursors to Modern-Day Culture

The article covers various topics, including a tomb for sale, a pew for sale, fashionable hats, and a man who wore an out-of-fashion beaver hat, leading the hosts to discuss how these topics are precursors to modern-day real estate listings, church fundraising, fashion trends, and fashion faux pas.

00:59:35

Conclusion and Appreciation

The hosts wrap up the podcast, discussing the bizarre nature of the newspaper and encouraging Jen to come back on the show again. They acknowledge Jen's presence and express gratitude for her participation.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main topic of the newspaper article discussed in the podcast?

  The article is about a traveling freak show featuring a man who claims to have invented an antidote to fire and can perform various fire-related feats, including fire-breathing and walking on burning coals.

• What is the significance of the newspaper being from 1831?

  The year 1831 is significant because it provides a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of that time period, particularly the fascination with fire-related feats and the lack of scientific understanding of fire and its effects.

• What is the hosts' reaction to the newspaper article?

  The hosts are amused and shocked by the absurdity of the article, which they find to be a collection of bizarre stories about traveling freaks and unusual events. They also point out the article's lack of a headline and how it would be impossible to summarize it in five words.

• What is the connection between the newspaper article and modern-day culture?

  The hosts draw parallels between the article and modern-day culture, such as the popularity of "Fear Factor" and TikTok videos of people eating hot wings, as well as the prevalence of security cameras in stores. They also discuss how the article reflects the human fascination with the unusual and the desire to push boundaries.

• Who is Jenkober and what role did they play in the conversation?

  Jenkober is a person who participated in the podcast or event. They were likely a guest or contributor, and their presence is acknowledged and appreciated.

• What did the speaker learn from the experience?

  The speaker mentions learning valuable lessons from the experience, highlighting the importance of learning and growth.

Show Notes