The Story of...

The boys sit down with author, YouTuber, and soothing-voice archetype Honor Lewis of Honor's Diary to discuss the history of the lost continent Lemuria. What was Lemuria? What evidence of it exists? What does it mean for people and religions of today? And can we finally stop discounting the written events of people from thousands of years ago as "just some stories"? Let's get spirtual...

Where were you on NYE 1999? Were you even born yet? For those of us that were and remember it, the dawn of the year 2000 brought hopes and dreams of the future, but also the fear and panic of the end of the world. A little computer bug called "y2k" (Year 2000) was supposed to be the end of everything electronic. And no, this wasn't a cyberattack, or ransomware... this was a bug that was intentionally put into computer system way back when people didn't think of the future. So what happened? How did we fix it? Have a listen as Joe C. explains the problem, the fear, and the outcome of y2k in this weeks Extra Credit episode.

Ever felt an unseen presence guiding you in a life-or-death moment? That’s the Third Man Factor. In this episode, we dive into what it is, where the term comes from, and real-life accounts—from Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic survival to eerie 9/11 stories. Is it a guardian angel, a brain coping mechanism, or something else? We break down the psychology, the mystery, and the theories behind this phenomenon.

The boys are back with 3 unique stories for your enjoyment. This weeks topic: Famous Hoaxes throughout history (whether they were meant to be or not). Join us as we discuss 3 amazing stories that will leave you laughing and wondering "How are people so gullible?"One historical, one magical, and one just completely absurd and hilarious, and some short honorable-mentions. Look at the artwork to get an idea.

In this incisive and hard-hitting episode, we peel back the layers of America’s complex—and often cruel—approach to immigration. From the scars of the Mexican Repatriation, Operation Wetback, and Japanese internment camps to today’s controversial executive orders, ICE raids, and the symbolic (and expensive) border wall, we trace the disturbing continuity of fear-driven policies. With biting satire and in-depth analysis, the episode exposes how immigrants—despite paying billions in taxes and building communities—are persistently demonized as threats. We also explore the irony of a nation that touts freedom and opportunity while sidelining those who have long contributed to its prosperity. Join us as we challenge exclusionary narratives, confront historical injustices, and ask: What does it really mean to be a “good American” in a country built on both lofty ideals and harsh realities.

In this episode, we unravel one of the most infamous documents in CIA history: the Family Jewels. This 700-page dossier, compiled in the 1970s, exposes decades of covert and often illegal activities carried out by the agency.We’ll dive into some of the most shocking revelations, including:​ Assassination Plots: Covert plans to remove foreign leaders who challenged U.S. interests.​ Surveillance Programs: Wiretapping journalists and spying on U.S. citizens in direct violation of the CIA’s charter.​ MKULTRA: Experiments in mind control and drug testing on unwitting participants.​ Illegal Detentions: Kidnapping and holding individuals without due process.​ Domestic Spying: Monitoring civil rights leaders, anti-war activists, and political dissidents during the 1960s and beyond.​ Cover-ups: Internal efforts to bury these actions and protect the agency’s image.This is the story of power, secrecy, and the ethical dilemmas that defined a critical chapter in U.S. intelligence history. Tune in for the full story of the CIA’s Family Jewels.

Join us as we go back to the 1980's, when Satan was to blame for all of the world's ailments: war, crime, serial killers, rape, child abductions, etc... What affect did this have on our culture? And our music?! Was every deviant minded criminal out there just controlled by Satan? Were daycare centers the hub of an international child sex-ring? What did we (NOT) learn from the 80's that is happening right now in the 2000's? And will it continue to happen? Our very special friends and guests Chalice Blythe & Dex Desjardins join us for the 3rd time on this episode and give us plenty to discuss, laugh about and get pissed off about.

Think New Year’s Day is all fireworks and fresh starts? Think again. On this episode of "The Story Of... Extra Credit Edition," we’re diving into the gut-wrenching, heartbreaking history of New Year’s during slavery—a day once known as “Hiring Day” or, more brutally, “Heartbreak Day.” We’re exposing the truths you won’t find in your sanitized history books: families ripped apart, lives auctioned off, and the reverberations we still feel today. We’ll tackle the half-measures of the Emancipation Proclamation, call out the modern rise of white supremacy, and unpack why facing history isn’t “woke” but just being human. It’s raw, it’s real, and yeah—it’s gonna piss you off. But trust me, it’s a story you need to hear. Tune in to "Heartbreak Day: The Dark History of New Year’s in America." Available now wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode of The Story of..., Smith, Mike, and Camp tackle the immune system’s ultimate cheat code: vaccines. Ever wonder how your body learns to fight disease without signing up for the full-blown plague experience? Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of clever trickery and zero cow kissing (looking at you, Edward Jenner). The gang also dives into the dramatic history of anti-vaccine movements, including 19th-century skeptics who thought vaccines would turn you into a human-cow hybrid (sadly, no super moo-powers). It’s science, history, and just the right amount of sarcasm—all delivered straight to your ears. Get ready to laugh and learn!

In this Extra Credit episode, Joe Camp takes you through the amazing history of the Calutron girls- young women hired to do critical work on a secret project and help contribute the war effort in the 1940's. Listen to find out more.

Why do numbers play such a significant role in our lives and cultures? Do they actually hold meaning, or do we just assign them meaning because we’re scared? What’s good, 3 or 7? What’s bad, 4 or 13? Why do angels get triple repeat numbers, but not triple 6’s? Why does Satan get the good one? Join Smith, Mike and Camp as we journey into our favorite numbers, our life paths, and our birthdates on the 3rd episode of the season, recorded on the 3rd of the month, and released on the following 3rd… spooky.  

What if I told you that the Thanksgiving story we all grew up with—the Pilgrims, the feast, the peaceful gathering—was a lie? No, not just a little fib. We’re talking revisionist history with a side of cranberry sauce. On this extra credit episode Thanksgiving: The Turkey, the Lies, and the Leftovers of History, we’re serving up the raw, unfiltered truth behind America’s most celebrated feast. It’s a story of survival, betrayal, stolen land, and… propaganda. From the mass devastation of Indigenous populations to the shady deals that landed the Pilgrims in Plymouth, this isn’t the Thanksgiving tale your textbooks wanted you to know

Welcome to The Story of... Extra Credit, where Smith dives into bite-sized tales of the weird, absurd, and downright spooky. This episode tackles Tamerlane's curse—a chilling legend linking the Soviet Union’s opening of the conqueror’s tomb in 1941 to the catastrophic Nazi invasion just two days later.With plenty of laughs and a touch of "WTF," Smith leaves listeners pondering the mysteries of history and the power of a good old-fashioned curse. Perfect for fans of strange stories who love a side of skepticism and sarcasm!

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Smith, Joe, and Mike dive deep into the fascinating realms of the Akashic Records, the concept of determinism, and the age-old question of whether or not humans can access universal knowledge...

We're finally back for Season 4! And what a way to start it off... Brandon from FDRsWheelchair joins us as we discuss various Cults throughout history. Why do people join cults? What kinds of stuff do they believe? Can it really be THAT bad? Well, it gets horribly terrifying apparently. Join us as we give you The Story Of CULTS *Listener discretion advised, this one gets pretty graphic*

*Season 3 Finale* Operation Paperclip (aka Project Paperclip) was a program run by the US military to allow high ranking Nazi scientists to work in America after the fall of the Third Reich. None of these scientists (who contributed to slave labor, the holocaust, and human experimentation) were ever brought up on War Crimes charges. In fact, most were given a comfortable and lucrative life working in the US. On the other hand, the United States developed into the most technologically advanced society in the world, due in part to the work of these scientists. Looking for a moral/ethical conundrum? Here ya go... Join us for our Season 3 Finale with very special guest Noah Kinsey as we discuss the lasting effects of this dark time in US history.

This week the guys are joined by a legend in the Long Island Hardcore scene, former front man for Mind over Matter and Day in the Life...George Reynolds. George takes us back to the beginning of the legendary Long Island Hardcore scene of the early 90's and talks about what it was like helping to create such an amazing time in music. If you were a part of this scene, you'll love this episode, if you weren't then you'll be introduced to some amazing music. George's Podcast: If I ruled the world podcast Mind Over Matter on Spotify DayInTheLife... on Spotify 515 Jewelry

You may think all punk rockers are drug addicts and alcoholics, but did you know there's a punk subculture of abstaining from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other poisons? It's called Straight Edge, and it's been around since the 80's. What does it really mean? How restrictive is it? Should I be scared of these people? Join Smith, Joe, and Mike as we dive into this subculture, share our experiences with it, and why it may be a good or bad choice for some people. So X-up those hands, throw on your favorite Earth Crisis hoodie, bandanas up, and let's get ready for a Firestorm to Purify.

This week the one and only Keb Pound creator and host of the Stupid History Minute joins the guys to tell the story of the Election of 1800. Were early American politics more civil than today? How exactly did Jefferson beat out Adams? Should we get our history from Broadway? Be sure to check out the amazing Unfiltered Studios collaboration as we bring you The Story of the Election of 1800. Stupidhistory.net Unfiltered Studios The Story of.. on twitter SpartacusCoffee.com

For this part 2 episode, we were lucky enough to be joined by filmmaker/documentarian Erik K. Swanson whom we discussed in Part 1's episode. His infamous videos of Walter and Carlos had us all hooked, and he gives amazing insight into his time with these gentlemen, his exploration of the Freedom Tunnel, and what makes NYC different for the homeless than other areas of the country. He was an amazing guest and we had a great time talking with him and learning so much more about this topic. (Mike was absent, but Jay Burke covered for him) Check out Erik's videos here: https://youtu.be/D4kcJVkAQ_Y?si=8r4X7zmUbAdtILne https://youtu.be/ZlK3QbPAE-I https://youtu.be/zHf8UA1QEvo?si=KiCSIZQ9t6xolv9o

Is there an entire city under the streets of NYC? For years people have spoken about the "Mole People", those who have for one reason or another forsaken the top side world for that of the tunnels below. Join the guys and guest host Jay Burke of the "With Jay Burke Show" as we delve into the misunderstood world of the "Mole People"

What do you know about Judas Iscariot? Yes, THAT Judas... the one who sold out his Lord and savior for 30 pieces of silver, right? Or did he? On this episode we present a different version of history's most infamous snitch, taken from an ancient text referred to as 'The Gospel of Judas.' Join the guys as we delve into religion(s), heresy, acid trips, and a newer version of Christianity that left us all wondering.

For our 60th episode we're talking about the big one...Bigfoot! DJ from Calling All Beings joins the guys as we discuss all things squatchy. Does the Patterson-Gimlin film still standup after all of these years? Is Bigfoot interdimensional? Where the hell is he? All of this and much more, don't miss this one!

An Unfiltered Studios extravaganza this week folks! The Beeb from "Finding Your Way" drops by (as does another UNF brother) to discuss the crazy story behind why we all know the Mona Lisa. This heist literally put the most famous painting in the world on the map. Was it for national pride, was it for money...was it Pablo Picasso? Tune in to find out The Story of The Theft of the Mona Lisa! Check Out Our Network: unfpod.com

Don't worry, we're not trying to convince you the Earth is flat. Rather, we're exploring this absurd conspiracy theory, it's central tenants, and most importantly WHY this theory exists in the face of such clear and apparent evidence to the contrary. There is a staggering number of people who actually believe the Earth is flat... join us as we go off the deep end (or should we say, the "ends-of-the-Earth") and have a laugh or two as we disprove every one of their theories.

We’re back with the second half of season 3!!! Have you heard about the exploits of Eli Cohen? How about Robert Hanssen? How did the FBI assassinate one of the most prolific Black Panther leaders? Listen this week to hear about them all as we bring you The Story of...Spies!

A followup episode: last season we brought you The Story Of The Long Island Serial Killer (LISK)... 4 months later suspect Rex Heuermann was arrested in midtown Manhattan, charged with 3 of the murders (and eventually a 4th) tying him to the original 'Gilgo 4'. Have they caught LISK? Listen this week as the guys talk about the suspect, the evidence against him, how he was caught and why this may or may not close one of the darkest chapters of Long Island history. Revisit our initial episode: Season 2, Episode 16

This week the Smith and Mike have the honor and pleasure of talking with renowned UFO investigator and disclosure warrior Vinnie Adams. We discuss all things UFO/UAP and disclosure. What does disclosure mean? What's holding us back? Are we ready? How close are we really to finding out from world governments that we are indeed not alone. Make sure to check this one out! Vinnie Adams YouTube: Disclosure Team Unfiltered Podcast Studios

This week the one and only history youtuber extraordinaire Mr. Beat @beatmastermatt comes back to visit. We have our very own "Story of...Supreme Court Briefs!" Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? How much property do you own...above your house? Is it illegal to be annoying? Can you legally change your age? All of these questions answered and more...as we tell the stories of some of the weirdest court cases from around the world! Be sure to check out our new network home the Unfiltered Studios Network

If we are going to travel to or inhabit other planets, we're going to need to figure out how to procreate as a species... Luckily, there's a field of science devoted to that: Astrosexology- the study of sex in space. The TSO boys are joined by good friend Jay Burke as we dive into this "black hole" of a topic. What challenges does having sex in space face? Has anyone tried? What can we do about it? What happens to embryos developed in space? And how did "The Sixth Sense" beat out a porn movie filmed in zero-gravity?!? The answers to these questions and more on this weeks episode of The Story Of...

Did Eisenhower have a secret meeting with gray aliens...or was he at the dentist? Did disclosure make Jimmy Carter weep unconsolably and break his faith? What were the views of our other Presidents? Were they "into UFO's"? Did H.W. know more than he let on? Join us as we discuss all of this and more as we tell The Story of...UFO's & Presidents!

This week Joe and Mike take the scientific approach to “The Goldilocks Zone” a term used to describe planets that reside in a zone from their closest star that can still support liquid water. With billions of stars and trillions of planets out there, there’s gotta be life SOMEWHERE, right? Would you travel to go find it? What would that take? Join us for our discussion this week as we tackle these problems and the prospect of encountering alien life.

This week join Smith and special guest Jay Burke as we discuss Florida's controversial social studies curriculum. What effects can this have on students? Why is history being framed the way it is in the sunshine state? What is at stake here? Special thanks to Laura Jane Grace of Against Me!

Happy Holidays from the TSO crew! This week the boys (Smith, Mike & Camp) deconstruct the holiday we all know and love: CHRISTMAS! What is the REAL significance of December 25th? Was Jesus born in January, or even March?! Why do we have Christmas trees? What happened to the debauchery of Christmas? Did you know that Coca-Cola influenced the holiday more than you know? And where did all these ELVES COME FROM?! We also discuss our favorite Christmas memories and get all nostalgic and mushy. Join us this week as the boys get a little soft and take the non-Religious approach to one of the most religious of holidays (which wasn't always the case). BONUS CONTENT: Stay tuned after the episode for some outtakes from our kids (52:08 and 54:04)

Electrocution, drugs, sex, and fascism...this one has it all. Join Smith, Camp, and Mike as we dive into the murky and unethical world of mind experimentation. How far would you go when told to hurt another human being, if it was an authority figure dictating what to do? Was the US government giving free LSD trips with the purchase of a hooker? How easy is it to turn an entire high school class into fascist storm troopers? Tune in to find out as we bring you...The Story of human psychological experiments...

After bombing a radio tower on the island of Chichijima during WWII, a Navy pilot narrowly escapes capture by the Japanese. However, 8 of his fellow airmen are not so lucky…  What happened on Chichijima? And why did it take 60 years for the truth to finally come out? Join Smith, Mike and Joe and learn about the Incident at Chichijima and how it unknowingly affected United States history forever. This story has a plot twist that almost sounds made-up. But we promise… it’s all real.  *Warning: Listener discretion is advised*

One from the vault folks. We had some honorable mentions from our inventions episode last season. This week Smith, Mike, and Bill explore "Greek Fire" and Sex Robots...what could go wrong? What was "Greek Fire" and do sex robots have "wife mode?...join us and find out!

Happy Halloween! This week the guys dive into the dark and scary world of exorcisms and demonic possession. What causes a person to be possessed? How do they get exorcised? Is it real? Is it mental illness? Is it something else entirely? How many exorcisms can one person endure? Definitely one to make you think. Enjoy spooky day.

Join the guys this week with guest host Brandon from @fdrswheelchair as we discuss the weird origins of some team names. From professional, to college, to even high school level, you’re sure to crack up with some of these. What business do Cardinals and Pirates have playing baseball? What are Cowboys doing on the gridiron? Aren’t “Flames” and Ice Hockey contradictory?  Is it Bengals, or Beng-als? Is it Leaves, or Leafs?   Take a listen, have a laugh, and learn something today.  

Season 3 starts off with BANG! POW! KABOOM! The guys tell the story of the Seattle's "Rain City Superhero Movement" and the rise and fall of their legendary leader "Phoenix Jones". We explore the personification of the famous quote, "You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain" and discuss if superheroes would actually be necessary in real life.

Summer is coming to an end, and so is our Summer School session. On our final lesson for the summer, guest host (and honorary member of TSO team) Jay Burke joins Smith and they tackle the myth, the legend, the superstition of.... Ken Daneyko? Just kidding! THE JERSEY DEVIL!!!! (not the hockey team) Where did this legend come from? Is there some weird kangaroo looking beast roaming the Pine Barrens of South Jersey? Or was it just a demon child tossed into the wilderness in the early 1900's? Either way, we don't live there so this is Jay Burke's problem! Join us for The Story of The Jersey Devil Season 3 coming soon…

Summer school continues bitches! This week Join Smith and Dr. Mike as they discuss the origins of everyone's favorite white upper middle class blonde a**hole...Karen! We don't have a manager...so don't ask to speak to one...enjoy! Twitter: @podcaststoryof IG: @podcaststoryof Threads: @podcaststoryof

Is she hell bent on revenge or taking part in natures version of a tiktok challenge? White Gladis and her posse have been terrorizing boats around the Iberian peninsula since 2020 with over 200 attacks and 3 ships sunk. Join Smith and Dr. Mike as we dive into the story of White Gladis and the Orcas.

SEASON 2 FINALE This week Brandon and Dave from the podcast "FDR's Wheelchair" join the guys as we explore the world of cults. Did you know there are entire religious societies built around praying to the "cargo Gods" so that supplies from the US will drop from the sky? What characteristics play into one becoming a member of a cult? How about the people who lead cults? These and much much more as we look into "The Story of Cults" in our season 2 finale. Twitter: @podcaststoryof IG: @podcaststoryof FDR's Wheelchair @ spotify

We welcomed our good friends Dex & Chalice from The Satanic Temple (TST) back to talk about their successful (and newsworthy) 2nd Annual SatanCon held in Boston during April 2023. We learn more about the mission of The Satanic Temple, what goes on at SatanCon, and who REALLY causes the problems (*hint, it's NOT our guests and their followers). Bonus: What music do Satanists like? Is Ralph Macchio the coolest Long Islander ever? And finally the story about how Smith got his nose bitten off by a dog! You'll enjoy this one and learn a lot about TST, what they are and what they aren't. If you missed our first episode, check out Episode 3 this season when we first learned about The Satanic Temple. We promise this one will open your eyes! Very special thanks to thesatanictemple.com

Where do you go to get your food? Where do you put your groceries once you bring them home? How do you stay cool in the summer? And, do you own anything that's not plastic?? The four game changing inventions we look at this week will make you wonder how mankind survived as long as it did without them. Join Smith, Mike, Joe Camp, and our very special guest Jay Burke from the "With Jay Burke Show", as we explore the stories of some of man's "Game Changing Inventions"! Twitter: @PodcastStoryOf IG: @PodcastStoryOf Our Linktree The With Jay Burke Show Jay Burke Twitter: @JayBurkeShow

Were there human giants that towered over our normal-day heights? 8 feet? 10 feet? 12-16 feet?! Unexplained human skeletons, reports throughout history and including modern day... what's out there? And if it's being kept a secret, why? Evidence found all over the world, not just the US. This one will make you wonder.

We all know about the "Tooth Fairy", but did you know in some countries children throw their teeth on their roofs rather than put them under a pillow? We've all seen soldiers salute...but why? Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? What would you do if someone carrying a horses skull on a stick knocked on your door at Christmas and tried to rap battle you for your food and beers? These and many more interesting traditions this week on The Story of...

This week we sit down with historian, Youtuber and history teacher to the internet: Mr. Keith “Hip” Hughes to learn all about famous assassinations and attempts throughout US and World history.  We’ve all learned about Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s theater, but did you know about the plot to assassinate him that was foiled earlier?  What are the strange coincidences between the 2 attempts on President Ford’s life?  And learn the crazy true story of how a dictator assassinated his own brother using 2 patsy’s who didn’t know they were even assassins! Find the answers to these questions and more in this weeks episode.

This week the guys take a look at some of the United States' more controversial declassified documents. Vietnam was a quagmire, everyone knew it, the public, the military, the President...but no one could PROVE it, enter...Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon papers. What the hell is an "Atomic Veteran"? And what did they do to earn such a name? Would the US consider creating a situation that would warrant a war? Would our government consider allowing US citizens to die in order for it invade a foreign country? What is the "Project for a New American Century" (PNAC)? Tune in for the answers to these questions and much more.