193: Dangling, Shirtless, and Out of Ideas

In this episode of The Shallow End, human decision-making briefly leaves the building—and gravity takes over. First, we head to downtown Vancouver, Washington, where a routine disturbance at a restaurant escalates into a full-blown aerial performance. Instead of running from police like a normal person, one man chooses a bold new escape strategy: climbing onto a rooftop communications cable, dangling 20 feet above the street, taunting first responders, and—because why not—removing his shirt mid-sway. For 45 minutes, cops, firefighters, and stunned onlookers watch what can only be described as a bootleg Cirque du Soleil audition, before physics ends the show in the most slapstick way possible. Then, we travel back to Everett, Washington, for a classic case of criminal ingenuity meeting basic chemistry. Two would-be thieves attempt to break into an ATM using an acetylene blowtorch—successfully cutting their way in, accidentally setting the cash on fire, and then attempting to extinguish the flames using the only tool they apparently planned for: their own urine. Surveillance footage confirms every bad decision. Along the way, we discuss panic logic, commitment to terrible ideas, firefighters who literally “caught” a suspect, and the many ways stress can unlock brand-new genres of stupidity. Plus, a listener email sparks a discussion about naming the show’s mysterious lifeguard voice. It’s a reminder that when humans are under pressure, they don’t rise to the occasion—they dangle from cables, pee on burning money, and give first responders stories they’ll be telling forever. Pour a strong beverage, make better choices than these guys did, and dive into another episode of The Shallow End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices