The Internet Says it’s True

The German Christmas Pickle: Tradition or Marketing?

Many Americans have heard of the age-honored German tradition of hanging Pickle-shaped ornament on the Christmas Tree. But is it really a tradition in Germany? This episode explores the truth and myths behind this German "tradition."

Bonus content is available at Patreon.com/michaelkent

Jumbo: The Jumbo-Sized History Behind the Word

Not many people realize that when we use the word "Jumbo" in the English language to denote something gigantic, we owe the origin of the word to a Barnum & Bailey circus elephant! In this episode, we explore the story behind Jumbo the Elephant and how it launched the use of a word to describe something that's larger-than-life. Then we quick my good friend Jonathan Burns!

 

For bonus content (and this episode has a lot!), visit Patreon.com/MichaelKent

 

Orphan Trains: A Forgotten Piece of a Growing Nation

From 1854 to 1929 many orphaned children were placed onto trains in America's Eastern cities and taken West to find new families. These trains, which came to be known as "Orphan Trains," helped 200,000 children find a new home. In this episode, we interview Shaley George, the Curator of the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, KS and quiz her against Mindreader Eric Dittelman!

Bonus content is available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent

Polio Outbreak: The Illicit Lemonade Stand

In 1941, a little girl in a Chicago suburb gave herself and 4 of her playmates Polio from her sidewalk lemonade stand. This episode explores this case study and how it helped scientists to understand the disease. Then we invite Comedian Marcus Monroe on the show to play the newest version of "Quiz a Friend!" 

See the original newspaper article by clicking here.

Bonus content is available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent

The Black Swallow of Death: The Tale of Eugene Bullard

Not many Americans know about the first black fighter pilot, Eugene Bullard. He was one of the most decorated War Heroes in France, fought in two world wars, was a spy, a jazz drummer, a boxer...and he was an American. In this episode, we explore the history of this amazing man.

For bonus content, visit Patreon.com/MichaelKent 

Air Prelude by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100337

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

A Sandwich by Any Other Name: Hoagies and Grinders

Have you ever wondered why we call a submarine sandwich a sub? Or why some people call them "hoagies," "grinders," or "spuckies?" In this episode, we examine the multitude of origins of some of these sandwich names and we chat with my friend Eric Dittelman (including a surprise visit from his mother)!

For bonus content, visit patreon.com/michaelkent

Flying Under the Bridge: A Chuck Yeager Legend

There's a legend in West Virginia that in 1948, famed pilot Chuck Yeager flew an Air Force jet under a bridge in downtown Charleston. Over the years, the story has been embellished and exaggerated, but in this episode, we get to the truth. Then, I ask my pilot friend Doc Sacolick what would happen if he did the same.

For bonus content and the unedited interview with Doc, visit my patreon at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent

Photos: Doc's Zoom Background | A Photo of the South Side Bridge

Flea Circuses: The Tiniest Entertainers

Have you ever heard of the Flea Circus? If you're like me, you were surprised to find out the original flea circuses used REAL FLEAS! In this episode of Tell Me What to Google, we explore the history of the flea circus, and talk with Psychology Professor and Flea Circus Scholar Richard Wiseman. 

 

For the full unedited video with Richard Wiseman, visit Patreon.com/MichaelKent

 

 

Photos: Professor Heckler's Flea Circus | A Flea Pulling a Chariot  | Mimi Garneau Pitch Card | Richard Wiseman with his Flea Circus

Willy Higinbotham: A Name You Should Know, but Don’t

Willy Higinbotham is considered by many to be the inventor of the world's first video game. But there's more - he was also on the team that helped create the world's first nuclear bomb! In this episode we explore Willy's game, "Tennis for Two" and chat with former video game developer and professional magician, Nick Locapo.

For bonus content, including full unedited video of interviews, visit Patreon.com/michaelkent.

Willy Higinbotham's Photo | Tennis for Two Photo 1 | Tennis for Two Photo 2 | Circuit Drawing 1 | Circuit Drawing 2

Jasper Maskelyne: Winning WWII with Magic

In 1941, Master Magician Jasper Maskelyne was called upon by the British Army to create elaborate illusions to aid in the war effort in North Africa. But for the first time in Tell Me What to Google history, I'm calling this legend into question! In this episode, I examine this unusual story in detail and chat with magician Erik Tait about its veracity!

For the unedited video of my conversation with Erik Tait and more, visit my Patreon.

Jasper Maskelyne's Photo