Useless Information Podcast

Podcasting since 2008! - It really is all true! Quirky, bizarre, and unusual stories from the Flip Side of History.

History
Comedy
Society & Culture
26
Pete the Python - UI Podcast #221
The incredible true story of an 18-foot, 150-pound python who escaped from the Fort Worth Zoo back in 1954.
37 min
27
The Man Who Would Become Uncle Sam - UI #220
Historian Kathy Sheehan takes us on a tour of Troy, NY, the home to Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson.
29 min
28
Mr. Benefactor - Podcast #219
An unidentified benefactor distributed substantial sums of money around the city of Aurora, Illinois.
16 min
29
Retrocast #26 - Podcast #218
A man is arrested for stealing his own money, a barn is stolen while a farmer slept, & much more!
24 min
30
A Crucifixion in Chicago - UI Podcast #217
In 1945, police were shocked to find a man nailed to a wooden cross underneath Chicago’s elevated railway.
19 min
31
Retrocast #25 - UI Podcast #216
An alligator is found in a California swamp, a mummified man inspires a Don McLean song, and much more!
29 min
32
The Strange Case of the Poppy Seed Roll - UI #215
In 1933, two people died at a restaurant within minutes of each other of similar causes, yet they didn't know each other.
20 min
33
The Lightning Tamers - UI Podcast #214
Our modern world is dependent on electricity. But did you ever stop to wonder where it all began?
56 min
34
The Radiator Romeo - UI Podcast #213
In 1937, Harold Hulen ardently loved Florence Hurlbut, repeatedly proposing but facing rejection. Determined, he devised a bold plan to win her love.
25 min
35
Retrocast #24 - UI Podcast #212
A family is limited to one bath per week; a woman catches a trout with a fly swatter, Beatles hair is clogging up swimming pools, and much more!
83 min
36
The Poor Rich Man - UI Podcast #211
In 1950, Hecht’s planned a mega-store in Arlington, but an 82-year-old preacher demanded a hefty sum for his property, creating a showdown.
25 min
37
Christmas Retrocast - UI Podcast #210
A look at letters to Santa through the years, a judge who sentences two men to get a boy his Christmas gifts, Santa’s pants fall down, and more!
33 min
38
The Beardless Santa - UI Podcast #209
Uncle Dan Vinson devoted his life to making Christmas special for millions of children worldwide.
25 min
39
Retrocast #22 - UI Podcast #208
A hippopotamus is on the loose in Detroit, Chicago steaks are really horse meat, a boy’s crib is struck by lightning, and much more!
35 min
40
Slippery the Sea Lion - UI Podcast #207
Cyril, the sea lion, embarked on an epic escape from a London, Ontario zoo in 1958, setting his sights on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Could he make it?
35 min
41
Retrocast #21 - UI Podcast #206
Boston women face deadline to marry, a man’s feet are too big for the Marines, a vice-principal cuts images from a sex-ed textbook, and much more!
33 min
42
The Naked Mustard Ladies - UI Podcast #205
A true story that involves mustard, relish, UPS, and 3 nude Michigan women.
20 min
43
Retrocast #20 - UI Podcast #204
A kangaroo is on the loose in NYC, a woman fails her driving test 39 times, someone is sneaking under the tables at college libraries and painting women’s toenails, and much more!
39 min
44
Boxed for a Better Life - UI Podcast #203
Johann Beck was jobless in Germany. He dreamt of a new life in the U.S. but lacked funds. His unusual plan to cross the Atlantic changed everything.
33 min
45
Retrocast #19 - UI Podcast #202
A WWII vet could only rent a home if he brought a live goat, Baltimore requires male go-go dancers to cover their breasts, and a woman who saw The Sound of Music 864 times, and much more!
31 min
46
Back Into the Woods - Podcast #201
Ted Hollingworth discusses the intense search for his 5-year-old sister Pamela Hollingworth back in 1941.
63 min
47
Mississippi Bans Sesame Street - UI Podcast #200
In 1970, Sesame Street was banned in Mississippi due to alleged concerns over its racially diverse cast.
30 min
48
Bonus Episode: I Am a Guest on the Off Exit 10 ...
I discuss how I became a teacher, what it was like to be on the Internet before the world wide web, how the podcast came about, & more.
96 min
49
Retrocast 18 - UI #199
A deer stabs a man, a dress made from postage stamps, three teenagers take a joyride in an airplane, the history of the pay telephone, and much more!
28 min
50
Bonus Episode: The Cold War Spy Swap
With the recent passing of FBI cryptanalyst Marvin Lautzenheiser, History Daily tells the exciting story of aka Rudolf Abel and his Cold War spy swap with US pilot Gary Powers.
21 min