From UFOs to psychic powers and government cover-ups, history is riddled with unexplained events. You can turn back now or learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know ... an audio podcast from iHeartRadio.
32-year-old Bank of America Vice President Erin Piacenti was fatally stabbed in New York's Time Square. LARPing has become an insult. A low-budget animated film from China becomes a surprise hit. ICE may be buying robot dogs. After a career built on oppossing immigration, far-right political activist Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported back to the United Kingdom. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/26 • 57:44
In the second part of this Classic two-part episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the Great Reset. While it's sometimes called a conspiracy theory, the allegations and speculation circling the WEF and Davos are more like a mix of multiple, at-times contradictory ideas. Listen in to learn more about the criticisms, concerns, and bizarre accusations around Davos and the Great Reset.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/26 • 52:59
Modern civilization depends on data centers - these facilities, which can be as small as a single room or as large as gigantic, stand-alone compounds, house the servers and computers that make the digital world spin 'round. However, as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in tonight's episode, the newest iteration of 'AI' data centers triggered a massive public outcry: they're drinking up and contaminating water. They're a profound drain on electricity networks. They're also fueling a ton of local and federal corruption. So what's the future of these data centers? Most disturbingly, what happens when all the water is gone?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/26 • 64:27
An Expectant Rebel explains how DARPA's strange SHINE initiative may hack human brains to revolutionize learning -- and possibly create real-life Manchurian candidates. Luke shares a terrifying story about elephants. Shep prompts a conversation about 'AI' and emergency phone numbers. Jai Shree RĀM teases smart dust. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/26 • 53:05
Since the dawn of civilization, the greatest rulers on the planet have tried -- and, so far, failed -- to extend their lives past the natural limits of humanity. It seems the present day is no different. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the latest conspiracy surrounding longtime Russian President Vladimir Putin: for several years, he's been pouring billions of dollars into a vast, strange scientific effort to grow and replace organs, to build a vaccine for aging, and much much more. The question on everyone's mind is simple: What happens if he actually succeeds... and what would this mean for everyone else?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/26 • 70:58
In June of 2020 the World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The city was on lockdown as the world's most powerful people met to discuss something called "The Great Reset" -- the idea of rebuilding society and the global economy in the wake of COVID-19. In the first part of this Classic two-part series, the guys explore the origins of the WEF.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/26 • 46:44
CIA head John Ratcliffe visited Moscow in a trip Uncle Sam wanted to keep quiet -- but why? A Chinese robot breaks Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record in the recent humanoid bot games. Meta agrees to an 18 billion dollar settlement over online child safety... though the end result may not be what it seems. Also: cyborg cockroaches. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/26 • 72:44
Spoiler: it's kind of difficult to get a job with the CIA. This pre-eminent spy outfit has high standards, exhaustive background checks, and a mandate to do everything it can to keep foreign forces from compromising it. So how did one career CIA officer manage to steal millions in gold, currency and luxury watches from his employer -- after more or less fabricating his entire resume? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the bizarre saga of the mysterious David J. Rush.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/26 • 62:39
Ms. Squared writes in with a fascinating tale of sleeper agents and the Fort Orange Club. Vegan Bookworm weighs in on AI companies and destructive book scanning. CODENAME: Box Boy chats music. MissMegolas hips the guys to a phenomenal Gandalf-themed protest, and Psycubnaut introduces the gang to the idea of 'Devil Corp'. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/26 • 66:57
It's no secret that most Americans aren't too familiar with the nation of Sudan. This ancient, beautiful land has long been beset with challenges, conflict and resource extraction. In fact, as Ben, Matt and Noel learn in tonight's episode, there's a civil war happening in Sudan right now. And while this complex web of of warfare has multiple factors, more and more observers are increasingly concerned that there's a conspiracy afoot: Could powerful foreign countries and shady corporations actually be pushing this war for their own benefit, and dooming innocent people in the process?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/26 • 70:26
Here's the story: When Don Decker went on furlough to attend his abusive Grandfather's funeral, he experienced something extraordinary -- water fell upward from the floor of his hosts' home, he levitated, recoiled from religious symbols. Multiple witnesses and investigators, some professional, appear to agree there exists a man inxeplicably able to summon rain. In tonight's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel set out to determine the truth behind this strange, disturbing tale.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/25/26 • 60:30
A former FBI agent stands accused of stealing almost 1 million dollars' worth of cryptocurrency. NASA assures people that Earth did not, in fact, lose gravity for seven seconds earlier this month. Uncle Sam (or, rather, powerful corporations) aggressively conspire to scuttle wind power. Oh, and Hugh Hefner tried to warn the FBI about Jeffrey Epstein. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/26 • 64:34
With just a few missteps, nuclear weapons could end civilization as we know it. And despite their many differences, pretty much every country acknowledges this fact. Each of the nine known nuclear powers have their own laws about how to handle nukes -- but one nation stands unique amid the fold: through a practice of 'strategic ambiguity', the country of Israel has neither confirmed nor denied possession of nuclear weapons. It's the world's worst-kept open secret. And, as Ben and Matt learn in tonight's episode, this nation in particular has a terrifying last-resort policy for their nukes, which don't officially exist. So: What is the Samson Option?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/26 • 67:28
Byron from Seattle responds to the Hidden Horror of Elephant Shows, prompting a future episode on Seaworld. The Spectacular John and Andi explore the concept of looming water wars -- and just how easy it is for terrorists to hack small-town water facilities. Emily and Mark weigh in on the past, present and future of apprenticeships. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/26 • 61:54
Landing a gig at the White House is -- surprise -- pretty competitive. And working in the kitchen is no exception. Over the past few centuries, the White House kitchen has evolved in step with the nation. Regardless of who's President, everybody's gotta eat, and White House chefs often form deep relationships and lifelong friendships with their clients. Yet as Ben, Matt and Noel discover in tonight's episode, this proximity to power may have a dark side. Not one, but two former White House chefs have drowned under mysterious circumstances, leading more and more people to ask: Is this a series of tragic coincidences... or is there a conspiracy afoot?They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/26 • 68:26
In the late 19th century, several friends and Freemasons ambarked on a strange endeavor -- creating their own secret society for the purpose of studying magic. While the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn may sound bizarre and obscure today, its existence had a profound impact on later, similar groups and systems. But what exactly was it? Perhaps more importantly -- did any of this magic work? Tune in to learn more in this week's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/18/26 • 56:29
Intense heat endangers Italy's cheese banks (which are apparently a thing). Congress weighs whether to ban people from betting on wildfires. ICE plans to roll out electric shock gloves. In the UK, Greggs brings in 'robocops' to deter shoplifters. Oh! And scientists are using AI to design new, real-life viruses. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/26 • 57:56
As the largest video-sharing platform on the planet, YouTube can make -- or break -- the careers of billions of creators through policy changes or demonetization. For many people, it's become the primary source of news, education, and entertainment. And other powerful forces are paying attention. In the second chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore how everyone from large corporations to state-level powers, intelligence agencies, and extremist groups push to control aspects of YouTube, conspiring to win a war of narratives -- and make sure you only see what they want you to see.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/26 • 46:32
In tonight's Classic episode, Ben and Matt return to a continual fascination: Eisenhower warned the public about the rise of the military-industrial complex back in his 1961 farewell address, and over the decades the public has become increasingly aware of the potential for corruption in the close relationship between the military and the private defense industry. But have you heard of the military-entertainment complex? It's the reason you see the US military in so many action films, and the reason Uncle Sam bankrolls video games. In this episode, the guys dive into the surprisingly close links between Hollywood and the Pentagon, exploring just how this relationship evolved -- and why it continues in the modern day.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/26 • 72:21
With hundreds of hours of content uploaded every single minute, YouTube is is the world's largest video-sharing platform. Billions of users log on constantly, and you can, in theory find information on anything. Yet as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in the first chapter of this special two-part series, YouTube's massive success also comes with controversy... and accusations of conspiracy. Tune in to learn more of the 'Stuff They Don't Want YouTube Know'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/26 • 42:47
John Parsons Wheeler III -- Jack to his friends -- was a mover and shaker in the Defense industry. Over the course of his career he worked with three different Presidential administrations, and also built a reputation for his tireless charity work. So how can we explain the strange series of events that led to his untimely death, his body discovered in a landfill? Tune in to learn more in tonight's Classic episode.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/26 • 59:17
In response to the USA's weird obsession with Greenland, Denmark prepares to send its first wave of conscripts. Google makes a massive fumble with a short-lived AI program that allowed people to just 'make up' stuff on Google Earth. Multiple naked guys get on the wrong side of the law, including one who claimed to be Jesus Christ. Also, for some reason, RFK Jr. wants you to know he doesn't have a gag reflex. All this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/26 • 59:20
Officially known as the RTX Corporation, the company commonly called Raytheon is one of the biggest defense and aerospace conglomerates on the planet. And with that comes a slew of controversies, cover-ups, and accusations of conspiracy. In tonight's episode, Ben, Noel, and Dylan explore how three guys who were super into refrigerators ended up saving the Allies in World War II ... and quickly realized war is great for business.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/26 • 53:00
Duke Nukem shares his personal experience working with the Minuteman III. Replying to the episode on conscription, Ian proposes a map for basic training. HR follows up on the story of the USS Liberty, asking for more about the concept of the 'October Surprise'. Night Shift hopes more people talk about an up-and-coming politician named Vermin Supreme. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/26 • 47:17
How far would you go to extend your life? While this has always been a focus of the rich and powerful, recent scientific breakthroughs may make an extended lifespan -- or even immortality -- a reality. And with that possibility comes a host of deep ethical and economic implications, from the idea of cloned human organs to how societies can (or can't) deal with a world where no one dies. In tonight's interview segment, Ben, Noel and Dylan welcome Mangesh Hattikudur, the creator of Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever, for a wide-ranging exploration of the past, present and future of the search for immortality.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/26 • 59:22
When an unprecedented series of winter storms left millions of people throughout Texas struggling to survive without electricity or clean water, local authorities scrambled to get the lights back on--and to find a scapegoat. What exactly happened? What is it about Texas in particular that made the state so vunerable to this weather, and what happens next? Tune in to learn more.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/26 • 69:33
Online commerce giant eBay gets in deep, hot water for stalking and harassing a pair of trade journalists -- and some actual eBay employees got in trouble. Dr. Fauci has a tense hang session with Congress. The great data center debate continues. Stunning revelations find 'AI' companies have been secretly buying up non-digitized books to feed their models -- and destroying the books afterward. New Jersey becomes the first state to ban grocery stores from jacking up prices based on your personal info. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/26 • 70:08
Elephants are amazing. In addition to being huge, they're also some of the smartest land animals out there (seriously, they have the biggest brains). Yet despite their unique nature, humans have historically mistreated elephants -- and continue to do so today. In tonight's episode, Ben, Noel and Dylan explore the hidden horrors of 'elephant shows'.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/26 • 48:44
Sasquatch's Stunt Double provides an in-depth look at Pro Wrestling. Stoned Coyote inspires a conversation about the short-spined, viral raccoon Jimothy. The Truest Lock shares a story about helicopter repairs, the draft -- and whether the U.S. would be better with mandatory community service. Plus, the guys call Monsanto's Seed Snitch line. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/26 • 61:58
In the fall of 1995, hunters in rural Carmel, New York discovered the remains of 12-year-old Josette Wright. The discovery set the town and local law enforcement into a frenzy, desperate to close the case even if doing so meant bending the law. In this exclusive interview with Paul Solotaroff, the award-winning investigative journalist and creator of the hit podcast The Devil's Quarry, Ben, Matt and Noel learn more about this harrowing tale of crime, cover-up and corruption. Tune in to learn how Paul's investigation may have just solved the case... and what happens next.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/26 • 70:22
