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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
Introducing: WikiHole
Take a wild ride into the internet’s most interesting and interconnected Wikipedia entries.
9 min
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
The Beardless Santa - UI Podcast #209
Uncle Dan Vinson devoted his life to making Christmas special for millions of children worldwide.
25 min
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
The Naked Mustard Ladies - UI Podcast #205
A true story that involves mustard, relish, UPS, and 3 nude Michigan women.
20 min
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
The Kid Is Not My Son - UI #198
A wealthy Detroit man suspects that he is not the father of his son. He then learns that his wife isn't the mother. Just whose baby was it?
31 min
24
Dubious Advice - UI Podcast #197
A special look at advice columns and how they have evolved over time.
47 min
25
Frasier, the Sensuous Lion - UI Podcast #196
Frasier was a decrepit old circus lion who proved that it was better to be a lover than a fighter.
31 min