Cutting Class

Here it is folks, The Final Episode! Please excuse our poor attitudes and my dropped mic towards the end of the show. You'll see when you get there! But we're wrapping up this wonderful podcast journey with our favorite president, Calvin Coolidge. We hope you enjoy. Thank you all for listening to our show. Even … 177 – Calvin Coolidge in the Black HillsRead More »

First off, we apologize as Jess' mic is terrible in this recording and could not be repaired beforehand. Jess brings us a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT as well as the story of the Ramree Island Massacre in which supposedly nearly 500 Japanese soldiers were eaten alive by the jungles of Myanmar in WWII. Listen in to this … 176 – The Crocodile Massacre of WWIIRead More »

Today we return to the skies as Jess tells the tale of a true American hero of WWII that was lost to the history books. Perhaps it's because the time was so full of heroes it's not surprising a few get left behind over time. But perhaps it's also because he just so happens to … 175 – Major Dick Bong's Soaring SuccessRead More »

Learn about this historical icon of horror and his surprising amount of socialistic political dealings in this episode!Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Didn't you know? Paul is dead! He's been dead for decades but THE MAN doesn't want you to know! For years many Beatlemaniacs were convinced Paul had died in 1966 and there were secret clues hidden across the albums that could be decoded with some wit, some wisdom, and probably some weed. Listen into this … 173 – Paul McCartney Died in 1966!Read More »

Sure… Butter, Watson, and Sir Chonksalot are great dog names. But what about those super stereotypical dog names we've all heard of? Where did those come from? Today we look into the origin of three super generic names for man's best friend. Watch! – Rescued by Rover! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 Consider Supporting … 172 – Where Dog Names Came FromRead More »

Joe brings the finale of our series of aircraft in odd places series when a young man with a really bad idea decides to just pop in on the Soviet heads of state on a one man mission of peace. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Consider Supporting us on Patreon for … 171 – Surprising the SovietsRead More »

Back in the glory days of America we would celebrate THE Founding Father with a day of his own awesomeness. But no longer. That day was destroyed by none other than Washington D.C. itself! Learn about how President's day usurped Washington's Birthday and the numbskullery involved in it's whole creation. Sources – 1 2 3 … 170 – Why We Stopped Celebrating Washington's BirthdayRead More »

Joe continues to thrill and amaze you with his bizarre tales of planes gone wild. Did you know a plane crashed just a few yards away from the White House during Bill Clinton's Presidency? Listen in for this sad but strange tale! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Inspired by his own storytelling, Joe brings us a similar story to last weeks episode of a rogue aircraft going to all the wrong places. During Nixon's presidency one helicopter pilot in training decided the best way to impress all his naysayers was to take a Huey on a joyride to the White House. Listen … 168 – Huey Heads to Washington!Read More »

In 1968 during an Airshow to commemorate the Royal Air Force one pilot by the name of Allan Pollock decided that he was unhappy with the bureaucratic fat cats in London who felt the RAF funding was excessive. So he decided to very calmly and reasonably take a Hawker Hunter jet fighter plane out for … 167 – The Tower Bridge IncidentRead More »

Today we're releasing a 2019 Patreon exclusive episode due to some unforeseen life circumstances that prevented us recording a new show! If you've heard it then it's a perfect time to listen to Body By Calvin one more time. In this show we examine North Korean Prison Labor camps and discuss why countries turn a … 166 – Escaping North KoreaRead More »

Jess is back with another Medical Miracle Man of the early 1900s. Dr. John Brinkley was an infamous medical quack known best for his Goat Gland treatment in which he would surgically insert goat testicles into men suffering from impotence, infertility, or just about any medical illness you can imagine. Learn about the rise and … 165 – Dr. Brinkley goes nuts for goats!Read More »

Joe and Jess have a blast examining this monumental undertaking of stonework. We look at the controversial Gutzon Borglum who picked up the job after being run out of the South. We also discuss the methods of building and the pushback from Lakota Indian tribes who once called this place “home.” Sources – 1 2 … 164 – Mount Rushmore's Controversial CreationRead More »

We've known for years that Heavy Metal represented the greatest threat to all civilized nations. But today Joe brings us definitive PROOF that heavy metal was the final straw that broke the Soviet Union's back. In 1991 the Monsters of Rock would showcase in Moscow and lead to a massive crowd of over a million! … 163- How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet UnionRead More »

Who doesn't love stomping Goombas and grabbing some coins? But if you ever played Mario 2 then you may have noticed it feels a bit different from the rest. Sometimes its even labeled as Super Mario 2 USA. There's actually a really good reason for that! Learn about how the more odd Mario characters like … 162 – Super Mario 2's Bizarre Origin StoryRead More »

It's geek chic to lay out all the origin tales of Earth's mightiest heroes. So Jess and Joe decided to give you the origin tale nobody seems to talk about and that is the young upstart Rudy the Reindeer. Listen in as we discuss this newcomers origin tale and how he saved a story, saved … Rudolf the Reindeer's Origin StoryRead More »

Looking for a fun fact to share between political and religious arguments this holiday season? Look no further and listen in!Time to clue in on a shocking fact about John Tyler and his long lived progeny! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6

William Henry Harrison's famous early death in 1841 led to an interesting problem for the United States in the form of who would take power. Eventually the task would fall on John Tyler who would become perhaps one of the most hated men in America and eventually stand alone abandoned by his competitors and even … 159 – The Accidental PresidentRead More »

Today we're releasing a special Patreon Exclusive show from April of this year! We've been blessed to have many supporters over our years and we continue to gain more and more! Check out this special Patreon exclusive to see what kind of goodies you've been missing! In 1997 a new era of online video gaming … 158 – To Kill a Dork KingRead More »

Moustapha Akkad born in Aleppo Syria came to the United States in the mid 20th century with a dream of the theatre. He would go on to produce a 30+ year movie franchise easily recognizable today. Not familiar with his work? Listen in to today's episode and learn about his journey to bring the Middle … 157 – Akkad the ProducerRead More »

Woah now, something is wrong! Due to unforeseen circumstances Joe and Jess weren't able to record but no worries! We're releasing to you all an Exclusive Patreon only Episode we did for Halloween WAY BACK in 2019. What a different time it was. Listen into how presidents of yesteryear celebrated this spooky night! It's a … Halloween in the White House!Read More »

In the spirit of this spooky season, Joe tells us the tale of Matthew Hopkins the Witchfynder General which was mostly a self appointed title to a man with nothing much else going for him. Ever wonder where Monty Python got those ridiculous ideas about proving witches? Then look no further for many would be … 155 – The Witchfynder GeneralRead More »

Young Living is THE name in north American Essential Oils. But how much do you know of the recently deceased founder Gary Young? Today Jess takes a look into the bizzare life of Gary Young. Accidently drowning babies? Jail time for practicing medicine without a license? A super sketchy clinic in Mexico? Find out more … 154 – The Chamomile-lionaireRead More »

Joe dives into the abrupt and unexpected death of America's first president on today's show. You may have heard a little about the blood letting or even the enemas. But what killed George Washington? Today we look at long held mystery of America's first presidential death. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 153- George Washington is dead!Read More »

In the promising spring of 1945, the little town of Bly Oregon rocked by events they could never have predicted. Due to the nature of these events the incident was kept quiet and mostly hidden from the American public and especially the rest of the world. Due to the secretive nature of the cover-up, families … 152 – The Bly Balloon IncidentRead More »

Joe bites into history and the delightful topic of tooth decay today. From the earliest origins and the dreaded “tooth worms” to some more modern approaches to our rotten teeth. Join in for this toothsome story! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Consider Supporting … 151- What DID they say on Tooth Decay?Read More »

After a moment of pure inspiration this 4th of July Joe simply had to dig into the facts on eating. As long as people have been eating food theres always that one person who feels they can eat more than someone else. Listen in as we see how deep the rabbit hole goes and some … 150 – A History of Competitive EatingRead More »

Chester Arthur is a president most Americans would struggle to even recognize AS a president. But this foppish fiend of the White House was known for extravagant clothing, wicked sideburns, and rooting out the spoils system in the United States. Check out this episode for a crash course on an often-forgot president! Sources – 1 … 149 – A Dandy Fop for a PresidentRead More »

Ahh! The 27th Amendment! Its that one that… yeah… does the freedom right? Don't even remember what it does? Well you're in luck! Sit back and enjoy as Jess and Joe not only remind you of what it is but enlighten you to the strange story of how it was passed over a hundred years … 148 – The Weird Origins of the 27th AmendmentRead More »

When it comes to Julius Ceasar there is a lot to talk about. But in today's show, Joe shares one of our personal favorite stories about Julius Ceasar in which he is captured by pirates while on the way to Rhodes. Check out this questionably true story that is unquestionably awesome! Sources – 1 2 … 147 – Caesar's Pirate AdventureRead More »

Did you know the Washington Monument was supposed to have several smaller towers around it? Did you know it was inspired by the Egyptians? Learn about the history of this iconic American monument that nearly failed completion several times! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 … 146 – Washington’s Weird MonumentRead More »

Kate from Ignorance was Bliss joins Jess and Joe to discuss the 1980 Mt. St Helens eruption! We discuss some psychological oddballs who refused to leave, the carnage of the eruption itself, and volcanoes of course! Join us for this special Mash-Up Episode with a much more successful podcaster!

Joe leans into his metal heritage and looks into some brutal killings recorded regarding early christians. While the stories themselves are sad they’re morbidly fascinating. Listen into this non-exhaustive list of stonings, skinnings, and more!

One of the most controversial foreign policy decisions of the 20th century was America suggesting a “League of Nations” after WWI and then immediately refusing to join that very same league. What happened!? Some nations even blame America’s refusal to join as the lynchpin problem for leading to WW2. So why on earth did this … 143 – Henry Cabot Lodge Finale!Read More »

Now we get into the nitty gritty on Lodge. He’s really remembered in US history for two things. This week we cover the first of those which is his unflagging support for Imperialism. Singin’ Songs and pickin’ fights around the world! Like brothers from another mother, he and Teddy Roo would be the most adamant … 142 – Henry Cabot Lodge pt. 2Read More »

It’s time we finally delve into the infamous Henry Cabot Lodge. Why should we care about this Senator from Massachusetts? Perhaps because he was one of the single most influential Americans in the early 20th century? Anti-Immigration, pro-war/imperialism, and a profound racist, his beliefs would shape much of American foreign policy before and after WWI. … 141 – Henry Cabot Lodge Pt. 1Read More »

Jess brings us a medical mystery of history that broke out in WWII when soldiers came down with bizarre symptoms that baffled the battlefield doctors and nurses. When a medical expert get called into to solve the case he stumbles upon an international cover up that could change the outcome of World War II. Not … 140 – A WWII Medical Mystery in BariRead More »

Joe can’t help but share his disdain for President Wilson. Today he looks at his unprecedented end of office months as he suffered a major stroke which left him at the mercy of his cabinet and his wife who struggled to determine who really was fit to lead the country. Listen in on this medical/political … 139 – Wilson Strokes Out!Read More »

Jess misses his opportunity to make Babe references while Joe lays down the history of the American Pig War with Britain. Yet another series of border disputes emerges as a wandering pig nearly sets off a conflict between two nations in 1859. Listen in on perhaps the most bizarre of near-miss conflicts for the red … 138 – The War Over a PigRead More »

It’s been far too long since Jess and Joe looked at another heroic individual from wars past! Jess delivers the goods on Benjamin Solomon, a humble dentist sent to fight plaque and cavities in WWII. But that wouldn’t be all that Solomon would slay as he landed on the beaches of Saipan. Join us this … 137 – Benjamin Salomon: A Dentist at WarRead More »

Gather your candles and obsidian mirror folks! It’s time to speculate and commune with the beyond! Joe takes us on a magical mystery tour of Elizabethan England and the magical mathematician who advised the queen and coded the language of angels! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 … 136 – John Dee the Mathemagician!Read More »

Almost exactly 50 years ago Florence Oregon was visited the by the bloated corpse of a 8 ton 45 foot sperm whale. The whale posed quite a conundrum for local government as people unsure of how to remove the great stinking corpse. It wasn’t until the Highway Division showed up with a man, a plan, … 135 – Florence Oregon’s Whale EncounterRead More »

Henry Wallace isn’t exactly a household name. He’s not one you’d find in the history textbooks or even a late-night binge of the History Channel. But Henry Wallace bought into some weird characters and ideas during his time as the Secretary of Agriculture and commerce under FDR. Check out this weird tale that connects all … 134 – America’s Most Bizzare Secretary of AgricultureRead More »

We’ve all seen that famous photograph of Harry Truman holding up the newspaper declaring his defeat. Nowadays people have very little idea of who this “Dewey” guy even was. So what made it seem so obvious that he would win? Joe gives us the lowdown on this famous historical photo and the “obvious outcome” that … 133 – Fake News: Dewey Defeats Truman!Read More »

Joe and Jess dive (see what we did there?) into the wild history of the Devil Docs of the navy and their role in various historical events of the past. Not all soldiers carry guns, but these ones certainly do. Check out these badasses who excel and saving and taking lives. Sources – 1 2 … 132- Navy Devil DocsRead More »

Today we wrap up (see what I did there?) Houdini’s legacy with his mysterious death. As the war with the Spiritualists raged on Houdini will die under odd circumstances. Was it an act from beyond the grave? Was it a hit by the Spiritualist leaders? Or was it all unlucky circumstance? You decide! Sources – … 131 – Who Killed Harry Houdini?Read More »

No, that’s not a sadist being locked up for funsies. It’s Harry Houdini! Harry Houdini is a name we’ve all heard at some point before. Images of straight jackets, handcuffs, and death defying feats jump to mind first. But there’s more to this trickster’s life than simply being an escape artist. Joe gives us the … 130 – Houdini’s Life and War on SpiritualismRead More »

Many people have heard the story that a gripping radio drama caused panic back in the 1930s of a REAL alien invasion. Wailing in the streets, bodice ripping, and gnashing of teeth are said to have ensued. But is this really the case? If not? Why not? Joe takes on this classic American legend of … 129 – Did A War of the Worlds Radio Play cause mass hysteria?Read More »

Jess introduces us to Master Chief Carl Brasher who has quite a heroic legacy. This is kind of a side-story to a previous episode we did a while back. See if you can guess which one! Special shout out to Bob who recommended this topic. Sources 1 2 3 4

We’re not just blowin’ smoke! Today’s episode is entirely around the Presidents and their cigar smoking habits. We’ll make no mention of anything else they may have been accused of doing with them. Joe brings us the details on the leaders of the past and of course… yet another visit from our favorite president ever. … 127 – The Presidents CigarRead More »