Secretly Incredibly Fascinating podcast artwork

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Secretly Incredibly Fascinating

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)

  1. 318

    Night Vision Devices

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why night vision devices are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  2. 317

    Ladders

    Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why ladders are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  3. 316

    Gypsum

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why gypsum is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  4. 315

    Anesthesia

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why anesthesia is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  5. 314

    Subways

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why subways are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  6. 313

    Brown Bears

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why brown bears are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  7. 312

    Buttons (For Pushing)

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why push-buttons are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  8. 311

    Bismuth

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why bismuth is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  9. 310

    Prunes

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why prunes are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  10. 309

    23 Skidoo

    Alex Schmidt and special guests Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica explore why "23 skidoo" is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  11. 308

    family leave week: "Eurovangelists: Hark, The Icelandic Angels Sing!"

    Please enjoy this treat from Alex and Katie! It's Alex's recent guest appearance on the amazing 'Eurovangelists' podcast. You can also hear Katie on 'Eurovangelists', and hear all their episodes, at Maximum Fun's website: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/eurovangelists/ Or by searching "Eurovangelists" in your podcast app. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  12. 307

    family leave week: two curated SIF bonus shows about bison

    Please enjoy this treat from Alex and Katie! It's two SIF bonus shows about bison, never before released to the general public. We hope this lets everyone enjoy a curated bison podcasting experience like never before. (And to hear more than 280 other SIF bonus shows -- and counting! -- please visit https://maximumfun.org/join/ ) Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  13. 306

    baby news!!

    Alex had his baby! And everybody's doing great. :-D ICYMI: Katie also had her baby! Thanks for all your kindness in this special time. And see you in a few weeks for new SIF. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  14. 305

    family leave week: "1 Way To Make An Emoji (the bison emoji podcast)" Episode 1

    Please enjoy this treat from Alex and Katie! It's the first episode of Alex's special miniseries about creating the bison emoji. You can hear all the episodes (including Katie guesting on episode #3 out of 4) at the miniseries's website: https://www.bisonemojipodcast.com/ Or search "1 Way To Make An Emoji" in your podcast app. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  15. 304

    family leave week: "Creature Feature: Think Outside The Butt"

    Please enjoy this treat from Alex and Katie! It's a past episode of Katie's animal science podcast, featuring Alex as the guest and butts as the topic. Hear all the episodes of Creature Feature here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creature-feature/id1409480698 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  16. 303

    family leave week: "The Inspectors Inspectors" Episode 1

    Please enjoy this treat from Alex and Katie! It's the first episode of "The Inspectors Inspectors", never before released to the general public. (To hear all six episodes -- and counting! -- please visit https://maximumfun.org/join/ ) Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  17. 302

    Human Teeth

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Andrew Ti explore why human teeth are secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  18. 301

    Jim Thorpe

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Joey Clift explore why Jim Thorpe is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  19. 300

    baby news!

    Katie had her baby! And they're all doing well. See you Monday for a new Alex-and-guests SIF. And thanks! Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  20. 299

    The Color Yellow

    Alex Schmidt and special guests David Bell and Tom Reimann explore why the color yellow is secretly incredibly fascinating. Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode. Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  21. 298

    Doughnuts

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Tom Lum explore why doughnuts are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  22. 297

    Garlic

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Ellen Weatherford explore why garlic is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  23. 296

    The Number 13

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Robert Brockway explore why the number 13 is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  24. 295

    Crossing Your Fingers

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why "fingers crossed" is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  25. 294

    Baby Bottles

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why baby bottles are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  26. 293

    Sliced Bread

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why sliced bread is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  27. 292

    Toilet Paper

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why toilet paper is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  28. 291

    a holiday hello, and an invitation to enjoy an unstuck-in-time "Inspectors Inspectors" episode!

    Happy holidays from us (Alex and Katie)! Please enjoy this holiday hello. Please also enjoy a new "The Inspectors Inspectors" episode in MaxFun bonus feeds. And see you in 2026!To hear all six episodes of "The Inspectors Inspectors", support us and grab your bonus feeds at maximumfun.org/join Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  29. 290

    Peppermint

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why peppermint is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  30. 289

    Toothpicks

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why toothpicks are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  31. 288

    Interrobangs

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why interrobangs are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  32. 287

    The United Nations

    Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why The United Nations is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  33. 286

    Spurs

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why spurs are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  34. 285

    Credit Scores

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why credit scores are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Visit http://sifpod.store/ to get shirts and posters celebrating the show. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  35. 284

    "Yakety Sax"

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the song "Yakety Sax" is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  36. 283

    Chopsticks

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why chopsticks are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  37. 282

    Pumpkins

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why pumpkins are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  38. 281

    Bonus Show: "The Mohawk Skywalkers Who Build New York City -- And The Former Mohawk Neighborhood In Brooklyn"

    We make a special bonus show EVERY WEEK for Maximum Fun members. Get them all by supporting the podcast at https://maximumfun.org/join/. And please enjoy this special public release of the bonus show for Episode 267 ("Lunch Atop A Skyscraper").Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore the obviously incredibly fascinating topic of Mohawk ironworkers who build (and rebuild) New York City, the Montreal bridge project that sparked their community's ironwork traditions, and the little-known recent past of Boerum Hill.RESEARCH SOURCES:How Mohawk ‘Skywalkers’ Helped Build New York City’s Tallest Skyscrapers (History.com)A Wigwam in Brooklyn (WNYC Public Radio)Little Caughnawaga (The Brooklyn Rail)Skywalkers: A Portrait of Mohawk Ironworkers at the World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial & Museum)10 Fascinating Facts About the Photograph ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ (Mental Floss) -- this is one source repeating the claim Peter Rice might be in the photo. It's possible and not certain.Victoria Bridge (Canadian Society for Civil Engineering)When Little Italy Was Big (PBS Channel Thirteen New York City)Exhibitions: Native New York (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian) Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  39. 280

    "Lunch Atop A Skyscraper"

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the photograph "Lunch Atop A Skyscraper" is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  40. 279

    Speed Bumps

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why speed bumps are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  41. 278

    Flamingos

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why flamingos are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  42. 277

    Bluetooth

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Bluetooth is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  43. 276

    Lint!

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why lint is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5(Alex’s old podcast hosting service required a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, and he's keeping that going for fun. So that’s why this episode’s title has an exclamation point) Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  44. 275

    Neapolitan Ice Cream

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Neapolitan ice cream is secretly incredibly fascinating.NOTE: there's a past episode of SIF about ice cream in general. You don't need to hear it to enjoy this. Also you'll give yourself a fun double feature if you do listen to it: https://maximumfun.org/episodes/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/secretly-incredibly-fascinating-ice-cream/Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  45. 274

    Glow-In-The-Dark Stuff

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why glow-in-the-dark stuff is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  46. 273

    The Color Red

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the color red is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  47. 272

    Root Beer

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why root beer is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  48. 271

    Cathode Ray Tubes

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why cathode ray tubes are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  49. 270

    Zoos!

    Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why zoos are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5(Alex’s old podcast hosting service required a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, and he's keeping that going for fun. So that’s why this episode’s title has an exclamation point) Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

  50. 269

    http www

    Alex Schmidt and special guest Jason Pargin explore why "http www" is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinsifpod

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)

HOSTED BY

Alex Schmidt

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Secretly Incredibly Fascinating have?

Secretly Incredibly Fascinating currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Secretly Incredibly Fascinating about?

A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new...

How often does Secretly Incredibly Fascinating release new episodes?

Secretly Incredibly Fascinating has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Secretly Incredibly Fascinating?

You can listen to Secretly Incredibly Fascinating on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Secretly Incredibly Fascinating?

Secretly Incredibly Fascinating is created and hosted by Alex Schmidt.
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