A podcast of fascinating facts! What do extraterrestrials, radio signals, and a mushroom from Texas have in common? What is a "number station" and why is it so spine-tinglingly creepy? Join comedians Shane Rogers and Duncan MacEwan for an entertaining and hilarious deep-dive into obscure facts from science, history, and pop culture.
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Body-art aficionados rejoice! MFFI finally takes on tattoos... Long before tattoo machines, sterile needles, and flash books, humans were finding creative ways to decorate their skin. In this week's host swap episode, Duncan traces the history of tattooing from sooty sticks to rotary guns to a nightmare future of automated skin-printers. Follow along to find out how tattooing went from ancient…
Leaf blowers? Glitter? Daylight savings time? Which modern annoyances would be in your top 5? Tell us in Discord ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content. ~ Rep the show! Grab a tee or mug at the MIDNIGHT MERCH store and spread the word. ~ Follow us on INSTAGRAM ~ Send Shane and Duncan a message at…
Why does doubt have a B? Why is colonel pronounced “kernel?” And how can rough, through, though, and bough all ignore the same letters in completely different ways? This week, Shane and Duncan trace the remarkable history of English spelling through conquests, sound shifts, scholarly meddling, and centuries of happy accidents. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show…
Join Shane and Duncan for an exploration of the strange history and surprising science of left-handedness, from sinister medieval myths and bizarre medical theories to the neurological quirks that make southpaws so fascinating. You'll learn why lefties are so rare, why they seem to dominate certain sports, and whether being left-handed really comes with hidden advantages…or hidden risks. ~ Become…
Ghostly lights on the horizon. Thousands of fireflies pulsing in tandem. A lakeshore strewn with petrified figures. A storm that never seems to end. This week, Shane and Duncan take a closer look at some of nature’s strangest spectacles and the weird science hiding behind the myths. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus…
Alfred is back! Longtime friend of the show Alfred Banks returned to the livestream to help the guys tackle one important question: What were the biggest lies we were told as kids? From “If you make a funny face, it’ll stay that way” to “Hard work always pays off,” Alfred and the Insomniacs sorted through decades of parental propaganda to assemble a definitive list of childhood nonsense. Which…
History remembers the great inventors, leaders, and visionaries. This episode is about the other guys. Join Shane and Duncan for a celebration of daredevils, showmen, thrill-seekers, and the professional idiots who turned bad ideas into a spectator sport. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content. ~ Join the community, chat…
Some celebrity deaths become legends. Others become conspiracy theories. A few become both. From an OG Superman found dead under mysterious circumstances to a legendary actress who vanished into the dark waters off Catalina Island, Shane and Duncan explore the evidence, the rumors, and the tabloid chaos that turns real events into cultural mythology. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses…
Power, ego, and one of the most legendary media grudges in Hollywood history. This week, Shane and Duncan dive into the explosive feud between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst, from the making of Citizen Kane to the full-court press to destroy it. Newspapers, blacklists, threats, and enough spite to power a small city. Hollywood has always loved a drama queen. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join…
Long-term grudges and carefully planned revenge. This week, Shane and Duncan unpack the iconic true story of the Forty-seven rōnin, a tale of honor, loyalty, and one of history’s most meticulously executed acts of vengeance. Swords are drawn, patience is tested, and justice takes its time. ~ Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus…
