The Internet Says it’s True

The Woman Who Fell From the Sky and Lived

In 1971, Juliane Koepcke's airplane was struck by lightning and broke apart 2 miles above the Peruvian Jungle. Miraculously, she was the only one out of the 92 people onboard to survive. In this episode, we tell the amazing story of how she survived the crash and her journey to find safety.

Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent
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Hollywood: The Many Stories of its Name

There are many competing theories on exactly how Hollywood, California got its name. Is it possible that the most ridiculous-sounding story is also the most credible? In this episode, we go to "Tinseltown" and explore its history - including the theories behind how it was named. Then we issue the "Quick Quiz" to Actor, Screenwriter and Executive Producer, Michael Hitchcock.

Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent
For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30
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The iconic "Hollywood Sign" - first erected in 1923


The Hollywood Sign in its original form, reading "HOLLYWOODLAND."

The Wilcox Advertisement for the original plot of land - the first advertised use of the name "Hollywood."

The adobe house that was the only dwelling in the area that is now Hollywood, CA.

H.J. Whitley's 1886 Journal entry describing his run-in with the man who would inadvertently name Hollywood.

Marian Anderson and the D.A.R.

On Easter Sunday in 1939, contralto singer Marian Anderson gave a concert to 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This moment has been called a prelude to the Civil Rights Movement that would come to the nation's forefront 25 years later. The concert was never supposed to happen. This episode explores the racism and segregation of a city that led to the momentous performance. Then we invite So Percussion's Josh Quillen on the show to quiz him!

Bonus episodes and content available at http://Patreon.com/MichaelKent

 

Norton I, Emperor of the United States (feat. Song Salad)

He was born Joshua Abraham Norton, but to San Fransisco in the mid 1800s, he was Norton the First, Emperor of The United States and Protector of Mexico. Sure, it was a made up title and he held no actual authority, but that didn't stop the citizens of San Fransisco (and one King of Hawaii) from showing him reverence. This episode dives into the history of Emperor Norton - including some of his more prophetic decrees - and then we collaborate with the AWESOME Shannon and Scott from the Song Salad Podcast! 

For bonus episodes and content, visit http://Patreon.com/michaelkent

For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

OMG - A History

LMFAO, BRB, LOL, OMG. It feels tragically uncool to dissect and examine today's texting and internet acronyms, but it turns out some of these acronyms aren't as current as we think they are! In this episode, we learn about how exclaiming "OMG!" dates all the way back to 1917 and chat with Comedian and Co-Founder of Stand Up for Choice, Pat Deering.

For Bonus Episodes and Content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent

To donate to Stand Up for Choice, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CSU4C

 

Adobe Flash and The Demise of a Chinese Railroad

When Adobe announced it would be discontinuing Flash in 2017, developers started replacing it with newer, more robust software. But one railroad system in Dalian, China didn't get the memo. When it was finally globally disabled in January of 2021, the entire railroad was disabled. In this episode, I get nostalgic about the good ole' days of flash animation, then tell the story about how it affected the railroad. Then we chat with Erik Tait, from Ships of the Northern Fleet and Penn & Teller Fool Us for the Quick Quiz!

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For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Broken Arrow: The Time We Almost Nuked South Carolina

In our history, we've had at least 32 "Broken Arrow" incidents: instances of nuclear weapons accidents that don't cause a nuclear war. One of those was in 1958, in which an Air Force B-47 Bomber almost nuked Mars Bluff, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the B-47, it's staggering 10% loss rate and the Mars Bluff incident. Then we catch up with actor and podcaster Michael Spedden for the Quick Quiz!

For bonus episodes and content, visit http://Patreon.com/michaelkent
For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Human Sacrifice and Mexican Food

While I'll freely admit there is a sort of "clickbait" nature to this title, I promise this episode is a wild one. It's about the forgotten and sordid past to the popular Mexican stew, Pozole. In addition to learning all about the stew, it's history and ingredients, we learn a little bit about ancient Aztec culture, hear me pronounce words like "Tlacaxipehualiztli" and then do a quick quiz with a Doctor of Food Science, my brother Kyle! 

For bonus episodes and content, visit http://patreon.com/michaelkent
For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, visit http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

 

The Challenger Disaster and Big Bird

One of America's favorite children's characters and Sesame Street resident, Big Bird, was almost on board the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle during its disastrous mission in 1986. In this episode, we tell three stories: one about Big Bird, one about the Challenger, and one about how the two almost came together. Then Jim Henson fan Eric Dittelman joins us for the quick quiz!

Bonus episodes and content at http://patreon.com/michaelkent

For 20% Virtual Presenter Course, go to http://virtualpresentercourse.com/30

Carol Spinney portraying Big Bird

Henson's original sketch of Big Bird

The Crew of STS-51-L Challenger Space Shuttle Mission. McAuliffe is pictured standing second from left.

Origin of the Blaster: Han Solo's Weapon in Star Wars

Did you know Han Solo's iconic blaster, the "DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol" in Star Wars was actually based on a handgun used by the Nazis? In this episode, we talk about the Mauser C96 Pistol, the origin of a few interesting Star Wars props and I quiz Comedian, Writer and Producer, Jay Black who is a much larger Star Wars nerd than I ever knew. This is a good one!

Bonus content and extra episodes at http://Patreon.com/michaelkent
Get 20% Virtual Presenter Course at http://VirtualPresenterCourse.com/30

The Blastech DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol


The Mauser C96 "Broom Handle" 9mm with attached case as shoulder stock