Useless Information Podcast

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

History Society & Culture Comedy

Update frequency: every 15 days
Average duration: 32 minutes
Episodes: 258
Years Active: 2008 - 2025

Come Dancing with Henry Ford - UI Podcast #018

Henry Ford is best remembered as the father of the Model T and the assembly line, but his efforts to get the American people dancing are nearly forgotten. Also, learn about that small bump that appe…

00:20:53 | Sun 14 Sep 2008

Extracting Gold from Seawater - UI Podcast #017

The true story of the 1897 invention of the "accumulator" that was designed to extract gold from the world's oceans. Also, find out about the significance of the death of Lt. Thomas Selfridge on Sep…

00:19:48 | Sun 31 Aug 2008

The Flubber Fiasco - UI Podcast #016

The unbelievable story of how to deal with the disposal of millions of pieces of the toy Flubber. It's the product that they just couldn't put down! Also, find out about the origin of the name Bluet…

00:18:13 | Sun 20 Jul 2008

The Spirits of St. Louis - NBA's Most Profitable Team - UI#015

The long-defunct Spirits of St. Louis basketball team may actually be one of the most profitable of all time, earning more annually than most likely any team in the NBA. Listen to this fascinating st…

00:19:03 | Sat 05 Jul 2008

Disaster of the USS Indianapolis - UI Podcast #014

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis caused the worst at-sea loss of life in the history of the US Navy. Hundreds of lives could have been saved if the US Navy had not forgotten about the ship. Also l…

00:17:07 | Sun 15 Jun 2008

Henrietta Swan Leavitt Unlocks the Universe - Podcast #013

The largely untold story of human-computer Henrietta Leavitt and how she unlocked the key to the vast universe. Also hear about a woman who hiccupped for 12 weeks, the burglary of William Fricke resi…

00:21:49 | Sat 26 Apr 2008

Antarctica's Red-Light District - UI Podcast #012

Yes, it appears that scientists may have finally found what appears to be Earth's southernmost red-light district. This is a story about penguins and what they do in their spare time. This time, howe…

00:12:47 | Sun 06 Apr 2008

The Great Toilet Paper Shortage - Podcast #011

Learn about one of the most unusual shortages ever in US history - one that was all started by Tonight Show host Johnny Carson. This podcast also features a discussion of the In A Gada Da Vida/Speed …

00:15:57 | Sun 16 Mar 2008

The Hanging of Will Purvis - UI Podcast #010

Will Purvis was hanged for the murder of another man, yet was able to walk away after the hanging was over. Possibly a case of divine intervention, but we will never know for sure. Find out the detai…

00:10:47 | Mon 03 Mar 2008

The Terminal Starring Sir Alfred - UI Podcast #009

Do you recall the Tom Hanks movie The Terminal? His character was stuck in the airport and was unable to leave. Believe it or not, this was very loosely based on a true story, one that was much more …

00:09:05 | Sun 17 Feb 2008

Fight! - Shiloh Baptist Church Disaster - Podcast #008

The true story of the 1902 Shiloh Baptist Church Disaster, which explains why you should never scream the word "Fight!" in a crowded room. Also find out the difference between a meteor, meteorite, an…

00:06:41 | Sat 09 Feb 2008

The 14-Year-Old Inventor of Television - Podcast #007

What were you doing when you were 14 years old? At that very young age, Philo Farnsworth invented something that would change the world forever. There is a very good chance that you are using his inv…

00:12:02 | Wed 06 Feb 2008

The U.S. Camel Corps - UI Podcast #006

As the United States expanded into the Southwest, the heat and lack of water prevented long-term use of horses. The federal government found the perfect solution in the acquisition of camels. While t…

00:10:08 | Sat 02 Feb 2008

The Gimli Glider - UI Podcast #005

The true story of a Boeing 767 that ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet and lost total power. With no airport within gliding range, find out how these courageous pilots dealt with this frightening life or…

00:08:49 | Fri 01 Feb 2008

Titanic - The Unsinkable Violet Jessop - Podcast #004

The incredible true story of the unsinkable Violet Jessop and her survival of the collisions of the three sister ships - Olympic, Titanic, Britannic. The story that the movie should have been based o…

00:08:37 | Thu 31 Jan 2008

Bath School Massacre - Podcast #003

While most people know about the massacre at Columbine, few realize that the deadliest act of US school violence occurred in Bath, Michigan in 1927. Listen to this fascinating story to find out the w…

00:09:14 | Tue 29 Jan 2008

Bat Bombs — The Other Secret Weapon — Podcast #002

The fascinating true story of the development by the US government of incendiary bombs carried by living bats during World War II. One can't help but wonder if WWII would have ended differently if th…

00:10:16 | Mon 28 Jan 2008