This week, John debunks 50 common misconceptions that most people have about topics such as vikings, exploding birds and peanut butter
This week, John discusses 35 facts about our favorite neighbor, (Mr.) Fred Rogers, who would have turned 85 years old on March 20th.
This week, John discusses 45 rather odd facts about the lives of US Presidents such as which one ran over a lady with his horse, or what Richard Nixon's favorite snack was (hint: it doesn't sound appetizing).
A monthly game show hosted by Hank Green, where knowledge junkies put their mind to the test. This week, grab a spoon and get ready to see how much you know about cereal!
This week, John discusses 50 surprisingly illegal activities such as throwing snowballs, playing BINGO (for longer than 5 hours), or using Silly String.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at some rather famous people who married their cousins including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Queen Victoria.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John sorts through a number of acronyms and initialisms such as M&M's, SCUBA, and the USA PATRIOT act.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at a number of rather odd pet choices including a tiger, zebra, and chinchilla. By the way, we don't endorse ownership of any of these...except perhaps the sugar glider (they're so cute!).
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at common spelling and grammar errors such as "Stationery vs. Stationary," "Good vs. Well" and "Loose vs. Lose."
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at unusual units of measurement such as a the jiffy, hogshead and micromort.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks 50 common misquotations and misattributions.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at some of history's greatest hoaxes including "Balloon Boy" (the boy, by the way is now in a metal band), "Lonelygirl15" and "War of the Worlds" (you didn't think we could do an episode on hoaxes and NOT include it, did you?).
This week, John kicks off our 3 part "Summer Bummer Series" by looking at some strange medical conditions including, "Burning Mouth Syndrome," "Exploding Head Syndrome," and "Trimethylaminuria" (we'll let you find out what that is...but, you don't want it).
This week, John takes a closer look at micromorts, the probability that something is going to kill you (1 micromort - 1/1,000,000 chance of dying).
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John takes a look at 41 people who have had some rather misfortunate deaths, such as falling down a chimney, being stabbed while using the toilet, and sky diving off the Eifel Tower with a broken parachute.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at the name origins of 26 alcoholic drinks including the Martini, Alabama Slammer, and the Sidecar.
A weekly show hosted by John Green, where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John looks at a fact about each of the 50 United States of America.
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, Hank Green discusses 50 common science misconceptions about topics such as bats, dog years, and dinosaurs.
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John Green discusses the full names of 44 popular fictional characters, such as the Pillsbury Doughboy, Snuffleupagus, and Comic Book Guy.
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John Green discusses 26 animals that have some rather weird mating habits. Yes. Including giraffes.
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John takes a look at some little known facts about Thanksgiving (the American one).
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John takes a look at the origins of some of our winter holiday traditions.
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week we have the incredibly knowledgeable Michael Stevens, from Vsauce, to look at some common inaccuracies found in scientific illustrations.
This week, John looks at 30 behind the scenes stories from Hollywood blockbusters.
This week, John looks at 26 facts about the founding fathers of the United States.
This week, Craig looks at 17 common myths about hair.
This week, John tests a third round of 30 "life hacks" to see if they work as promised.
This week, Paige looks at 23 weird awards you can win!
This week, Paige looks at 23 less than stellar business moves.
This week, John looks at awesome, astounding, and amazing animals!
This week, Craig looks at 16 incredible facts about shampoo!
This week, John looks at some of the ways technology has improved our lives.
This week, John looks at some delicious facts about chocolate.
This week, the episode you've all been waiting for, John looks at some amazing facts about pigs!
This week, Mike takes a look at some of your favorite fandoms!
This week, John looks at 20 facts about Abraham Lincoln.
We do a lot of research around here for mental_floss episodes, and often come across facts that don't fit in to any specific episodes but are too good to keep to ourselves. This week, John rifles through 101 amazing facts.
This week, John looks at 25 towns that made some interesting naming choices.
This week, Elliott talks all things Muppets with Kermit and Miss Piggy (with appearances by Statler, Waldorf, and Animal).
This week, Paige looks at 30 rather strange scholarship opportunities.
This week, John looks at 23 weird celebrity businesses, aka, all the fun ways celebrities can lose money!
This week, John looks 24 strange scientific studies!
This week, John looks 24 foods that probably didn't originate where you think they did!
This week, Aaron shares some facts about truly horrifying parasites! Sleep tight...
This week, John looks at (and tries to break a few) weird world records!
This week, John looks at some unexpected things you'll find aboard cruise ships!
This week, John shares 27 facts about maps.
This week, John looks at 25 lost cities.
This week, John looks at 25 things you probably didn't know about dreams.
This week, Craig looks at historic heists!
This week, John looks at some bizarre conspiracy theories that people actually believe!
This week, Mike Rugnetta takes a look at some inventions that just weren't meant to be.
This week, John looks at some facts about ordinary household items!
This week, Craig looks at some unusual political parties from around the world.
This week, Erin McCarthy (Executive Editor of MentalFloss.com) shares some interesting facts about musicals!
This week, John tells you a few things you probably didn't know about inventors.
This week, Adriene Hill shares some fun facts about money!
This week, John shares some truly ridiculous lawsuits.
This week, Craig shares some great facts about brains!
This week, John shares some fascinating sports facts!
This week, Craig takes a look at some classic horror films!
This week, John tells you some things you probably didn't know about Barbie!
This week, Craig tells you all about wine!
This week, John shares some little known facts about Jim Henson!
This week, John shares some little known facts about popular cities!
This week, Adriene shares some little known facts about fruit!
This week, John shares some little known facts about the science of music!
This week, John shares some little known facts about his favorite romantic comedies!
This week, John shares some little known facts about his favorite holiday films!
This week, John shares 21 things that turned 21 in 2015!
This week, Mike shares some facts about dinosaurs! RAWR!
This week, Adriene shares some little known facts about body language!
This week, John look at some historical inaccuracies in Disney movies!
This week, John looks at 30 more life hacks!
This week, Nick Greene (Editor-at-Large of MentalFloss.com) shares some interesting facts about coffee!
This week, Adriene shares some little known facts about the science of love!
This week, John shares some things you do that hardly anyone else does . . . AKA, what makes you weird!
This week, John shares the post-fame careers of celebrities and athletes.
This week, John discusses the science of friendship!
This week, John discusses United States money!
This week, Mike tells you about some truly strange podcasts!
This week, Elliott discusses the fascinating life of Bob Ross.
This week, John discusses rock bands!
This week, Mike shares some little known facts about the internet!
This week, John shares some bizarre wedding traditions!
This week, Elliott shares some things you probably didn't know about James Bond!
This week, John shares some little known facts about tea!
This week, Mike shares some little known facts about New York City!
This week, John tells you about some jobs your high school guidance counselor probably failed to tell you about!
This week, John shares some facts about one of his favorite subjects . . . The Indy 500!
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John tells you about some lesser known siblings of famous historical figures!
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, Mike prepares you for summer with facts about the world's greatest music festivals!
This week, John shares some truly ridiculous exercise and diet trends.
This week, John give a tour of some of the world's most famous homes.
This week, John shares some little known facts about vegetables!
This week, Mike shares some Fourth of July facts to help you celebrate the holiday!
This week, John shares some amazing nerdy vacation ideas!
This week, Elliott shares some unlikely things that inspired movies!
This week, John shares some facts about his new favorite time period, the Middle Ages!
This week, Mike shares some of the most important moments in Olympic history.
This week, John shares even more great facts about the Olympic Games!
This week, Elliott shares some strange and surprising statistics and figures!
This week, John walks us through some common misconceptions about (American) football.
This week, John tries his best at some parenting life hacks.
This week, Elliott shares some facts about magic!
This week, John shares some facts about Jane Austen!
This week, Elliott talks about some very strange discontinued products!
This week, John tells you some little known facts about historical figures!
This week, Mike shares some bizarre facts about birds!
This week, Mike shares some spin-offs that almost were!
This week, John tells you about the science of family!
This week, John tests some Halloween life hacks!
This week, Mike shares some scientific studies about animals!
This week, John tells you all about The Beatles!
This week, John shares the name origins of some of America's cities!
This week, John shares the accomplishments of elderly people!
This week, Josh Sundquist debunks common myths about blindness!
This week, John reviews 21 things that turned 21 in 2016!
This week, John shares some facts you might not know about a galaxy far, far away...
This week, John shares some facts about fitness!
This week, Mike shares some facts about NASA!
This week, John shares some scientific studies about food!
This week, Mike takes a look at some of the weird and beautiful things the internet loves.
This week, John takes a look at some of the fascinating, and often lethal, history of makeup!
This week, John digs through some fascinating archaeological discoveries!
This week, John looks at everyone's favorite comedians, CLOWNS!
This week, John shares some explosive facts all about volcanoes!
A weekly show where knowledge junkies get their fix of trivia-tastic information. This week, John shares some fascinating facts about the ocean!
This week, John shares some interesting facts about the world's most unique architecture!
This week, John shares some interesting facts about some of your favorite poets!
This week, John shares some of the bizarre nicknames states have for their residents!
This week, John shares some fascinating historical fashion facts!
This week, John takes a look at some of the world's most famous landmarks!
This week, John takes a look at some of America's great National Parks!
Saddle up as John takes a look at some of the wildest facts in the wilderness!
This week, John builds up your knowledge about Lego bricks!
This week, John tells you about one of his favorite things, libraries!
This week, John tells you the name origins of some of the world's most popular alcohols!
This week, John shares some bizarre facts about European royalty through the years!
This week, John tells you about some words that have completely shifted meaning over the years!
This week, John tells you about everyone's favorite marsupial, the koala!
This week, John tells you about 21 things that turned 21 in 2017. Get ready to feel old!
This week, John tells you some of his favorite facts from the past few years of The List Show.
A trivia-tastic, fact-filled show for curious people. This week, Erin tells you about 19 everyday things that science still hasn’t figured out!
Did you know the words antioxidant, sports car, and moonwalking are turning 100 this year? Moonwalking will be 100 years old in 2019, along with other words and phrases like antioxidant or blood typing. In this episode of the Mental Floss List Show, Erin (@erincmccarthy) shares our favorite 100 words and phrases such as balletomane, broadband, and offline that are hitting their one hundredth birthday this year. This week, The Mental Floss List Show runs down the 100 words and phrases turning a century old this year.
Are you a woman? Poor? Old? Do you have a funky birthmark or enjoy hanging out with friends—without a chaperone? Then you could have been accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692! The people of Salem, Massachusetts had extremely rigid ideas about what kinds of behavior were appropriate—especially if you were a woman, poor, or old—and deviating from the norm in almost any way could qualify you as a witch in the 1600s. In this week’s episode of The List Show, Erin (@erincmccarthy) shares 17 signs that you’d qualify as a witch in the 1600s. Watch this week’s episode of The List Show to find out if you could have been accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials.
Everything you thought you knew about animals is wrong! In this episode of The List Show, Erin (@erinmccarthy) debunks 21 widespread myths about dogs, cats, pandas, giraffes, and more—and will make you question everything you thought you knew about your favorite animals.
Can you guess which actor almost played Jon Snow (hint: he ended up playing a not-so-good guy on the show)? What about the most common causes of death in Game of Thrones? In this episode of The List Show, Erin of House McCarthy (@erincmccarthy) shares 31 behind-the-scenes facts about Game of Thrones that will surprise even the most hardcore fans. Watch the episode and test your Game of Thrones knowledge. Are you a Game of Thrones Grand Meister or do you know nothing?
Feeling sick? You might not want to try these historical medical treatments. In this week’s episode of The List Show, Erin (@erincmccarthy) shares 28 old-timey medical cures that you should probably avoid using at all costs. From “asthma cigarettes” (designed to cure, not cause, asthma) to ground up bird beaks, these historical medical cures prove that medical science wasn’t always much of a science.
Keep your eyes peeled the next time you go to a yard sale. Amidst the old VHS tapes and dusty furniture, you just might find some real treasures. In this week’s episode of The List Show, Erin (@erincmccarthy) shares 20 amazing yard sale finds, including classic paintings, expensive jewelry, rare photographs, and even the Declaration of Independence. That’s right, the next time you find yourself flipping through a stack of moldy magazines and old newspapers at your neighbor’s yard sale, keep your eyes peeled for John Hancock’s signature.
How much do you know about the human body? In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 26 facts about the human body, from the surprising origins of belly button lint to why hair and nails seem to grow after death. You’ll learn about your spleen, kidneys, intestines, stomach, skin, and even your philtrum (the dent under your nose). If you’ve always wondered exactly how much coffee your stomach can hold or how many tennis courts your intestines could stretch across, this is the List Show episode for you. You’ll also learn a few funny old slang terms for body parts, and plenty of facts guaranteed to stop any cocktail party conversation in its tracks.
Do you know which famous inventor designed the Soybean Car? Have you heard the nightmare-inducing noises of Thomas Edison’s creepiest creation? In this episode of the The List Show, Erin (@erincmccarthy) shares 35 lesser-known inventions from famous inventors. Tinkerers, Leonardo da Vinci lovers, and people who want to know which Benjamin Franklin-made musical instrument was accused of causing hysteria will want to watch. You’ll also learn about paper bags, genetic knives, and a failed attempt to save James Garfield’s life.
Do you know why hammerhead sharks have that distinctive head shape? Are you curious why shark copulation often involves biting, or how a tiger shark got involved in a murder trial? In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 31 shark facts that will make any week feel like shark week.
Do you know which Disney attraction taught Martin Short the birds and the bees? Can you name the rides that preceded Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?
The solar system: it’s big, it’s heliocentric, and it’s got space junk to spare. In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 22 out of this world facts about the corner of space that’s home to Earth, enough asteroids to keep Ben Affleck working for decades, and a football-shaped dwarf planet called Haumea. Astronomy enthusiasts and NASA know-it-alls will want to watch. You’ll learn how many Earths would fit inside Jupiter, why Pluto lost its status as a planet, and some of the places in the solar system that have shown promising signs of life.
Does the Witness Protection Program actually work? What, exactly, happens when you enter Witness Protection? In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 32 facts about the secretive program that has enabled mafia members to give testimony in a number of high-profile cases.
Do you know which old job involved looking for valuables in the sewer? Have you ever seen a war tuba? In this episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down 22 weird jobs from 100 years ago. Bored projectionists and human computers will want to watch. You’ll learn why teenage boys didn’t last as switchboard operators and the critical role big sticks played in the turn-of-the-century economy.
Where did the dunce cap come from? What about the Pledge of Allegiance? In this back to school episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down 32 ways school in the U.S. was different 100 years ago. Swedish gymnasts and fans of the Trapper Keeper will want to watch. You’ll learn why factories operated their own schools and where the first high school was built.
Do you know the meaning behind Harry Potter spells like Expelliarmus and Wingardium Leviosa? In this episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down the origins of 30 Harry Potter terms. You’ll learn where Dumbledore’s name comes from and how the etymology of "horcrux" has been debated. Users of the three Unforgivable Curses and and Emma Watson super-fans will want to watch.
What does ASMR stand for? Who came up with the term, and who is the biggest ASMRtist out there today? In this (quiet) episode of The List Show, Erin shares 24 facts about ASMR, in the style of ASMR videos. Bob Ross fans and sufferers of misophonia will want to watch. You’ll learn what triggers ASMR and find out how you can test to see if you experience ASMR.
What is creepypasta, and where does it come from? Where did the story of Annabelle the doll come from? Which scary stories are based on real-life events, and how do those stories change over time? In this episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down the origins of 20 scary stories, just in time for Halloween. You'll learn about the purported connection between zombies and pufferfish, and the difference between the Mothman and the Bunny Man.
Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt once gave a 90-minute speech after being shot? Or that he lent his name to the Teddy Bear? In this episode of The List Show, TedHead Erin shares 28 stories about her favorite American president, whose preferred nickname wasn't Teddy, but Colonel. He was a boxer, a hunter, a conservationist, a rough rider, and one of history’s most creative insulters. Get ready to learn all about the life of one of America’s most interesting historical figures, Theodore Roosevelt.
What is the actual history of Thanksgiving? Does turkey really make you tired? And what’s the story with the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade? In this episode of The List Show, Erin debunks 18 Thanksgiving myths. You’ll learn how to cook a turkey so you don’t make your guests sick, the number of calories in a turducken, and why the day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday.
What is a fossil? How do scientists determine dinosaurs' colors? And why did one man pay $10,000 for a piece of counterfeit feces? In this episode of The List Show, Erin answers those questions and more as she discusses 26 Facts About Fossils.
This episode of The List Show features 100 interesting facts about science, math, and much more to wrap up 2019. You’ll learn fun facts about archeological discoveries and the world of entertainment. You'll glean insights from cutting-edge research in a number of fields as Erin (@erincmccarthy) lays out 100 interesting facts we learned this year. Trivia winners and enterprising mathematicians will want to watch. You’ll learn an incredible animal fact about bird embryos and get some tips that might point the way to professional success in the new year. This 2019 rewind focuses on the steps human beings continue to take in advancing our understanding of the world around us.
It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to start planning your 2020 calendar. After this episode of The List Show, you’ll want to pencil in time to throw roasted soybeans at your uncle, take in the wonders of carved radishes, and recognize the majesty of the farm-raised catfish. Erin (@erincmccarthy) explains those holidays and more as she breaks down 18 Weird & Wonderful Holidays To Celebrate in The New Year.
Weird clubs like Project Steve and the Putney High Tide Club exist for perfectly logical reasons. Other strange groups and secret associations, on the other hand—from The Bohemian Club to the Extreme Ironing Bureau— are a bit harder to explain. Erin breaks down those unusual clubs and more in this episode of The List Show. You’ll learn the answer to pressing questions, like “How do I join the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists?” And “What goes on at the Bohemian Grove?” …Sort of. You’ll also find out why the membership requirements for the Association of Dead People aren’t quite what you might think. Spontaneous Brits and despondent architects will want to watch.
The List Show has been one our favorite projects here at Mental Floss since it debuted almost seven years ago. In this episode, we answer audience questions, from "How many facts have you shared?" to "What's your favorite silly fact?" Erin shares all that and more as she answers 16 audience questions about The List Show.
Predictions from the past for how we’d live today run the gamut from the outrageously far-fetched to the eerily accurate. In this episode of The List Show, Erin talks about predictions for the 21st century from sci-fi writers like Isaac Asimov and public figures like Benjamin Franklin. You’ll learn which inventor thought coffee would fall out of favor by the year 2000 and how certain futurists believed we would be able to control the weather. How did people think we'd live in the year 2000? What predictions from the past turned out to be true?
Weird laws can place restrictions on your game of beach bingo and dictate how you can (and can’t) handle salmon. The silly laws and unbelievable ordinances in this episode of The List Show will have you asking yourself, “Am I a hardened criminal?”
Scientists and inventors don’t have to be household names to have had a meaningful impact on the world. This episode of The List Show shares the contributions of 19 scientists who have been overlooked for too long. You’ll learn who developed the idea of evolution by natural selection at the same time as Charles Darwin and the identity of the first woman to fly in space. Erin shares scientists whose work was overlooked in their time, as well as celebrated scientists who we’ve forgotten about over the years.
Millennials are a generation that has been blamed for the death of the American shopping mall and the rise of social media. What myths are there about millennials, and what true conclusions can we draw about this much-criticized generation (sometimes known as Gen Y)? In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 100 facts about millennials.
The feel-good stories and fun facts in this episode of The List Show will hopefully give you a reason to smile in stressful times. From poop pranks to inspiring historical stories to good old fashioned cute dogs and cats, this list is engineered to put a smile on your face. These days, we can all use some good news (even if it's from 150 years ago).
Taxes raise a lot of questions: How do I pay my taxes? Why did tax day change this year? And most importantly: Can I deduct that 15-pound tub of body oil? Erin (@erincmccarthy) isn’t an accountant, but she’ll touch on those questions and more in our list of 25 fascinating tax facts. We’ll dive into the history of taxes, and tell you about the first tax on record. We’ll discuss some of the weirdest taxes ever, like the beard tax imposed by Peter the Great. And we’ll mention some celebrities (and at least one transcendentalist writer) who got in trouble for not paying taxes.
The 19th-century parenting tips shared in this video range from the logical to the ludicrous. You’ll learn why opium was such a popular remedy for children of the 1800s, and why it was once perfectly normal to put your baby in a cage hanging outside your kitchen window. Erin shares some advice that kept kids alive, and lots of other advice that was, let's say ... less successful.
Have you heard about the psychologist who decided to raise his baby son alongside a chimpanzee? It didn’t go exactly as planned. This episode of The List Show is all about Experiments Gone Wrong, from the funny to the fatal. Erin shares well-thought-out experiments that just didn’t pan out as originally envisioned, alongside some truly harebrained schemes that probably never should’ve been tried.
Do you know about the priceless Picasso that was lost in an airplane crash? Or the sad fate of some fundamental fossils found outside of Beijing? This episode of The List Show is all about Priceless Things We’ve Lost Forever, from natural wonders lost to the ravages of time to impressionist paintings lost to the ravages of…an overzealous dorm master. Erin discusses sad moments in history when unique and valuable objects were destroyed by human beings, as well some really cool things that were just lost through happenstance. She even throws in one item that a museum nearly lost track of entirely, before it was triumphantly returned to its place in the historical record.
Fart facts are like farts themselves: incredibly varied, potentially inconvenient, and not something you want to make a mistake with. Erin discusses the history of farts, from tasty Tudor-era cuisine to scientific research into the volume of a fart (you’ll have to watch the video to find out whether or not you could fit an average fart into a travel-sized toiletry bottle). Farts are also discussed as a medium for artistic expression and a topic of political debate. You’ll learn about “The Crazy Toot Trial” and discover that James Joyce really didn’t mind a bit of flatulence.
Do you know about the island that's off-limits because of its deadly snake population? Or the impenetrable vault that supposedly holds the secret Coca-Cola recipe? This episode of The List Show is all about Forbidden Places that humans are strictly barred from visiting. Some are forbidden to protect secrets, and others are forbidden to protect humans from an unseemly fate. Erin is here to help you explore all the places in the world that you can't explore in person. If you've ever wondered how close you can get to the Chernobyl reactor site, you're in the right place.
Conspiracy theories don’t always lend themselves to rational, unbiased information, but that won’t stop us from discussing 17 Facts About Conspiracy Theories in this episode of The List Show. Erin shares some conspiracy theories that turned out to be true, along with some of the factors that can give rise to a new conspiracy theory. For more conspiracy theory fun (without the tin foil hat) check out our article all about historical conspiracy theories: mentalfloss.com/article/588240/historical-conspiracy-theories
Do you know about the inventor who disappeared along with the lighthouse he designed? Or the daredevil whose contraptions vaulted him to fame and then cut his life short? This episode of The List Show is all about the sad but fascinating stories of inventors killed by their own inventions. Erin discusses inventors like Thomas Midgley, Jr. and Harry Smolinski, and tries to separate fact from fiction in the story of Thomas Andrews and the RMS Titanic.
Who was Dolly Parton talking to when she wrote “I Will Always Love You?” And which power pop ballad was originally written for a vampire musical? You'll learn the answers to those questions and more as Erin discusses the unlikely origins of 12 popular songs. This episode of The List Show dives into the strange stories behind pop songs, from the real-life tragedies that led to catchy tunes to the time an imperfect translation gave Britney Spears a hit. In case you forgot, The List Show is a trivia-tastic, fact-filled show for curious people.
Facts about puberty can be a little like puberty itself: difficult to understand and a little uncomfortable for everyone involved. In this episode of The List Show, Erin McCarthy endeavors to share cringe-free facts about puberty that will teach you a little bit about sexual maturation and development without once uttering the phrase “the birds and the bees.” Erin discusses the many way animals can change during puberty and discusses a syndrome that can cause delayed or even absent puberty in human beings.
Facts about Earth can touch on geology, biology, and astronomy, among many other subjects. The surprising Earth facts in this episode of The List Show will hopefully give you a little more appreciation (and many more fun facts) about our planet. Erin shares a whole lot of facts about the planet Earth, from the etymology of the word earth to weird gravitational anomalies (and the reasons behind them). You’ll learn which type of organism makes up the majority of life on Earth, and which planet inspired albums by Joe Walsh and Marvin Gaye (hint: it isn’t Mars).
What are the real-life origins of urban legends? Why are there so many stories about babysitters in distress? And how did a real human corpse end up on display at an amusement park haunted house? Erin breaks down the origins of the Mothman and the Goatman, along with some scary stories you probably heard at a sleepover at some point in your life.
Cryptids, or animals that have been claimed to exist without proof of their existence, span the globe. From world-famous sea beasts like the Loch Ness Monster to more obscure creatures like the Mongolian Death Worm, these stories have popped up over the years in many cultures. Why are there so many questionable claims about the existence of apemen around the world? How do stories of cryptids spread and mutate over time? And if you’re a disobedient kid, how do you make sure you don’t get eaten by a rougarou? Erin explains 22 cryptids, from the Pope Lick Monster to chupacabras.
Does the word "irregardless" send a shiver down your spine? Does poor grammar *literally* drive you up a wall? You'll want to watch this episode of The List Show, all about notables English language mistakes. Erin dives into everyday errors and once-in-a-lifetime mistakes, from a copy of the Bible that proved costly for two printers to tricky homophones that pique your interest.
From partially-drawn presidential portraits to an entire castle that was never completed, this episode of The List Show is all about interesting projects that never quite came to be. You'll learn about the man who tried to give new meaning to the term "ghostwriting" and find out what happened to the Cincinnati subway. Erin shares tales of unfinished novels, buildings, and more. Some projects still have hope of being completed, while others have been lost forever.
Canola oil doesn't come from a canola plant. There's no such thing. In fact, "canola" is an acronym. It's one of 25 acronyms and initialisms that you may not have even known existed, so let's get into it. Justin breaks down all of these words-within-words for you on this episode of The List Show. If you have an idea for a future episode of The List Show, throw it in the comments below ASAP (that's an acronym joke).
Interesting facts about science, math, and much more comprise this episode of The List Show. You’ll learn fun 2020 facts about archeological discoveries and the world of entertainment. You'll glean insights from cutting-edge research in a number of fields as Erin lays out 100 interesting facts we learned this year. Glowing newts and gene-manipulating scientists will want to watch. You’ll learn more than you wanted to know about cow poop and less than you wanted to know about life on Mars. This 2020 rewind focuses on the steps human beings continue to take in advancing our understanding of the world around us.
The "animals involved in crimes" in this episode of The List Show range from petty wildlife criminals to key pieces of evidence. You'll learn about the weevils put on trial and the monkey who likes biting (but not pepperoni).
The Illuminati has been the talk of conspiracy theorists for centuries. But did you know that the Illuminati was actually a real secret society? Not so crazy now, huh? In this bonus episode of The List Show, Justin dives into some very evil and mysterious facts about the real Illuminati.
Scientific mysteries continue to stump experts in fields ranging from meteorology to medicine. Why does the placebo effect work more for some people than others? What's the deal with Morning Glory clouds? And will Oliver kill Erin in her sleep?
From the first art heist in history to a series of high-profile cheese robberies, this episode of The List Show is all about off-the-wall historical heists. You'll learn about the time an entire church was stolen brick by brick and how Jesse James wasn't always as successful as his reputation might suggest. Erin breaks down 17 strange robberies and puzzling burglaries. Beanie Baby lovers and parmesan partisans will want to watch.
Time is on our side in this episode of The List Show, as Erin breaks down leap seconds, 445-day-long years, and many other fun time facts. You'll learn how an atomic clock works and why gravity can make time behave in funny ways.
From Napoleon's penis to Galileo's finger, the body parts of historical figures are steeped in legend. We try to separate the fact from fiction (and the mummified head from bizarre stuffed figure) in this episode of The List Show covering the notable body parts of historical figures.
The British Royal Family is either a potent symbol of national pride or a harmful anachronism, depending on which sources you listen to. The House of Windsor enjoys widespread popularity in the UK and many of its commonwealth realms, and yet a majority of young Britons express a desire to leave the monarchy behind. In this episode of The List Show, Erin (@erinccmarthy) flies through 100 fun facts about the British royal family, from truck-driving queens to scandal-plagued Kings (did someone mention a "love chair"?).
The weirdest weapons in history include a military-grade stink bomb, a pistol disguised as a tube of lipstick, and earthenware pots filled with venomous snakes. Erin breaks down those weird weapons and more in this episode of The List Show. "Weird weapons" is obviously a subjective term, but we think each of these weapons (whether deployed or just proposed) have something strange enough about them to merit inclusion on this list. We'll even cover a "dog doo transmitter," which isn't a weapon at all, but does have the words "dog doo" featured prominently in its name.
Pet advice from the Middle Ages isn't exactly like pet advice from today. Sure, you have your diet tips and expectations for obedience, but there's also a smattering of Latin incantations, unusual remedies, and enough superstition to fill a great dane. Erin breaks down that and more as she discussed medieval pet advice in this episode of The List Show.
The stories behind paintings and sculptures can be as interesting as the work itself. From romantic intrigue to momentous geopolitical events, looking "behind the easel" can shed light on our shared history and culture. Erin shares the stories behind artistic masterpieces, from Rothko's Seagram Murals to Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer.
The most expensive painting in the world (sold at auction) is of rather-disputed provenance. The most expensive sculpture ever sold was "Plan B" for its creator. And the most expensive empire may be the Roman Empire, if you'll allow us some poetic (historic?) license. Justin breaks down 15 of the most expensive "blanks" ever, from kidney stones to comic books.
The Curious Reader is a book from the team at Mental Floss about books and authors, from Achebe to Zami. It includes fun facts about author's past lives and writing processes, interesting trivia about literature, and Mental Floss's cheeky point of view.
Historic con artists used their marks' "confidence" against them. They were able to swindle innocent victims out of money with phony businesses, non-existent products, and a smorgasbord of too-good-to-be-true promises of instant riches. The historical cons, scams, grifts, and tricks featured in this episode of The List Show may be mostly passé, but they teach us something about how con artists ply their trade, in the past and today.
Etymology is not an exact science, but the stories behind word origins and etymologies can still teach us a lot. In this episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down the interesting etymology of 70 words, from vaccine to science. You'll learn the etymology of vaccine and much more.
Romantic advice from the past runs the gamut from the solid to the stupefying. For every logical admonition by an 18th-century Dear Abby, you have a man weighing in with far too many thoughts on women's underwear. In this episode of The List Show, Erin covers relationship tips from the past—roughly the 18th century until the early 1900s—from the admirable to the abominable. You'll learn about the dangers of being a tomboy and the benefits of marrying someone exactly like you (delivered by a man whose resemblance to his own wife will otherwise go un-noted here).
Broadway is a street in New York, but it's also practically synonymous with musical theater. The Broadway facts in this episode of The List Show will shed light on some of the pre-theater history of The Great White Way (and you'll find out when it first earned that nickname). You'll also learn facts about Broadway in its infancy and dig into some of its most recent box-office bonanzas.
When you think about amazing things found in shipwrecks, your mind might go to gold doubloons. But would you think of centuries old (still potable!) champagne? Or love letters that can still be read decades later? In this episode of The List Show, Erin breaks down some of the most fascinating things found in shipwrecks.
Does the Monopoly man have a monocle? Or is your memory playing tricks on you? In this episode of The List Show, host Justin Dodd (@juddtoday) tackles this mysterious memory phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect. From Jiffy peanut butter to the classic 90s genie-comedy Shazaam, we're exploring shared false memories. How many did you "remember"?
The interesting facts in this episode of The List Show are pulled from 20 years of Mental Floss History. We've got fun and slightly random facts about all the important topics: presidents, literature, wombat poop. You'll learn our favorite fun facts about food history and more than you probably wanted to know about tortoise sex.
Why are some animals "ugly"? What does the aye-aye get out of having such big eyes, and why does the star-nosed mole have a star nose? Guest host Jaida Elcock answers those questions and more in this special mini-episode of The List Show.
The NASA inventions (or NASA spinoffs, as they're known inside the space agency) in this episode of The List Show pop up throughout our daily lives. Did you now that NASA helped give us scratch-resistant lenses, memory foam, and the image sensors used in smartphone cameras? Erin (@erincmccarthy) touches on those NASA inventions and more in this not-so-out-of-this-world episode of The List Show.
Whatever happened to pirate Amaro Pargo's treasure? Or over 90 classic episodes of Doctor Who? In this episode of The List Show, host Erin McCarthy explores some of the most interesting and valuable pieces of lost treasure. From lost pieces of media to literal pirate booty, we'll be covering the amazing and tragic stories of valuables that seem to be gone forever.
The ice age may be over, but did you realize we're still in AN ice age? Do you know what causes ice ages, or why some scientists are looking to rocks as a way to combat climate change? Erin answers those questions and many more in this episode of The List Show, all about THE ice age—and ice ages, more broadly (you'll learn about the primary ice ages in Earth's history).
Whether it's "the golden age of television" or "the second golden age of television," the last two decades have been pretty kind to TV. Erin shares fascinating facts about television history (starting, roughly, with the Sopranos) in this episode of The List Show.
The scary stories about "cursed objects" in this episode of The List Show may not all stand up to intense scrutiny, but they can still tell us something interesting about the history and culture they come out of. Does a "cursed" chest of drawers reveal something unresolved in a country's history? Why do we find it so appealing to think James Dean drove a star-crossed car? Erin breaks down the stories of ten so-called cursed objects, ranging from the creepy to the ridiculous. You'll learn about Ötzi the Iceman and Robert the Doll, along with other artifacts said to bring bad luck to anyone in their path.
The history of magic is filled with colorful characters, from Harry Houdini to the Little Man of Nuremberg. In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares fun facts about magic history, from magic-hating monarchs to the history of stage magic as an art form.
The golden age of film defined Hollywood for more than a generation. And while Old Hollywood may evoke romantic images of soft-focus stars, the era was also marked by a certain "make it up as you go" spirit that could lead to folly (or worse). The surprising facts about Old Hollywood in this episode of the List Show run the gamut, from the amusing to the appalling. You'll learn what "The Black Box" was and why a film crew dumped asbestos on Judy Garland.
"Vaccine facts" seems to have become a surprisingly loaded term over the last couple years, but the history of vaccines is actually full of heated opinions and outlandish ideas. In this video, we drill down to just the facts about vaccination and the history of vaccines. You'll learn about the first vaccine, what an mRNA vaccine does (and does not) do, and why anti-vaxxers are not a new phenomenon.
Interesting facts about science, math, and much more comprise this episode of The List Show. You’ll learn fun 2021 facts about archeological discoveries and the world of entertainment. You'll glean insights from cutting-edge research in a number of fields as Erin (@erincmccarthy) lays out 100 interesting facts we learned this year. Tail-regenerating lizards and egg-breaking egg-sperts will want to watch. You’ll learn about a “Lost Golden City” in Egypt and the first recorded observation of a new state of matter.
Do you know what the Boy Scouts have to do with barcodes? Or how Mother Nature inspired the creator of Velcro? The interesting origins of household items may surprise (and, at times, even horrify) you. Erin shares the unusual origins of everyday items, from the air conditioner to saccharin.
The amazing coincidences in this episode of The List Show are drawn from the worlds of astronomy, politics, literature, and more. We've got well-known historical coincidences like the day John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away, along with some lesser-known (or less-considered) coincidences. You'll learn why dinosaurs didn't enjoy total solar eclipses and find out that Galileo had an idiosyncratic (and let's just say it, kind of annoying) way of communicating with his science buddies.
Some of the sickest burns in history have been delivered by writers, but in this episode of The List Show we also cover historic insults from a famous actress, a pop star, and even a Valentine's Day card (sort of). Would-be lover-boys and aspiring film critics will want to watch. You'll learn what Truman Capote said to a man who revealed a bit too much of himself and find out why you didn't want Dorothy Parker penning your eulogy.
Unsolved crimes are exhaustively covered throughout the media, but we have an inkling we'll share at least one unsolved crime from history in this episode that you're not familiar with. From unsolved art heists to mysterious crimes committed against (or by?) royals, you'll be wishing for a 17th century Robert Stack.
The term UFO has become a catch-all for any unidentifiable aerial phenomenon. Floating lights in the sky, strange readings on aircraft radars, and supposed sightings of little green men on the side of the road. How long have humans been seeing things in the sky? You'll learn about the time the White House had a close run-in with UFOs, the origin of the phrase "flying saucer," and the truth behind the UFO sightings in Roswell, New Mexico.
These adorable animals will steal your heart (and possibly your life). Jaida Elcock takes us on a tour of some cute-but-fearsome creatures. You'll learn to respect moose and find out why the blue-ringed octopus is best admired from afar.
No list of paradoxes would be complete without the liars paradox and the Ship of Theseus. But what about Hilbert's paradox of the Grand Hotel, or the sorites paradox? Erin breaks down 9 mind-melting paradoxes in this episode of The List Show, from visual tricks to irresolvable thought experiments.
This episode of The List Show features some of the unluckiest people in history, from baseball grabbers to lottery losers. You'll learn why Roy Sullivan had a hard time maintaining a good head of hair and find out that inventing the saxophone was just one unbelievable moment in the life of Adolphe Sax.
A titanic list of Titanic facts in honor of the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Erin, who has seen the 1997 Titanic film more times than a person should probably admit, shares everything you could want to know about the Titanic, from who was on board to what they ate to how they did (or didn't) manage to survive. You'll learn facts about the Titanic disaster, the media it inspired, and the real-life plans for a Titanic II.
The battles that changed history we cover in this episode of The List Show include some of the usual suspects, like the Battle of Yorktown. But Erin also covers battles that changed history in more unexpected ways, from the World War II engagement that helped instigate a medical breakthrough to the devastating attack that indirectly contributed to the Renaissance.
This list of random facts bounces around from history to science, pop culture to geography. You'll bone up on your trivia and maybe even be inspired to Google why Poland was once partitioned out of existence.
The historical life hacks Erin covers in this episode of The List Show might not cure your head cold or provide a palatable use for stale bread, but you'll at least have to award some points for creativity. You'll learn about toast water and questionable laundry methods, and of course find out that people were recommending cocaine for ... something. These historical life hacks are mostly better left in the past, but we're brining a couple into the present.
Conspiracy theories aren't a modern phenomenon. In fact, some fascinating (if less than convincing) conspiracies have been circulating for thousands of years. Was Queen Elizabeth I a man? Are we leaving in the year 1722? The answers may be obvious, but the stories behind them are interesting and illuminating.
The uncracked codes in this episode of The List Show include the famous (or infamous?) Voynich Manuscript, the slightly lesser-known Beale Ciphers, and some unsolved potential codes with real implications for criminal justice. Voynich Manuscript-obsessive Erin McCarthy shares those moments from the history of cryptography and more. You'll learn how famous cryptanalysts feel about some of the most vexing uncracked codes in history and why Kevin James may be a secret cryptography enthusiast.
Watch this video at your own risk. We've got 15 unfortunate facts that you may end up wishing you'd never learned (we could certainly have gone our whole lives without learning about anesthesia awareness.) Erin shares 15 fascinating, but potentially regrettable, facts. You'll learn about the parasites that call your face home and how a real-life Finding Nemo would've been much less family-friendly. Recreational swimmers and cruise ship enthusiasts will want to (or not want to?) watch.
The deadliest toys ever made include "what were they thinking?" oddities like a children's laboratory kit that included uranium; but other, more seemingly innocuous recreational offerings, make the list—including the Slip 'N Slide and trampolines. You'll learn why you should always heed the age limits printed on toy packaging, wonder why lawn darts ever seemed like a good idea, and hear about an awful incident in Victorian England that may have helped inspire future safety reforms.
Amelia Earhart may be the most famous explorer who got lost, but she's hardly the only one. Lost explorers from history include Roald Amundsen, who led historic (successful) expeditions before disappearing, and Raleigh Rimmel, who may have been looking for a city that didn't even exist.
The planet Venus has been called "Earth's evil twin." It spins "backwards" compared to most planets in our solar system, it's hot enough melt lead, and yet it's the destination for two upcoming NASA missions. The facts about Venus you'll learn in this episode of The List Show cover interesting science, unbelievable history, and even some art. These Venus facts will hopefully have you appreciating the Morning Star (and understanding that erroneous nickname) a little bit.
These animals, no matter how terrifying, have something wholesome in store. Jaida Elcock shows us some creepy-but-cute creatures. You'll learn what makes scary scorpions so sweet, and find out why the some sharks should be loved instead of feared.
Animal sex is as natural as anything can be. Two flatworms engage in a spirited round of penis fencing before one gets hypodermically inseminated against its will; a male antechinus takes part in a marathon sex session leading to its imminent demise; a giraffe checks in with a potential mate's urine to make some important reproductive decisions. In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares facts about animal sex that leave you better informed and perhaps unwilling to make eye contact with your cat.
Spite may not be a productive impulse for emotional well-being, but it's been oddly productive in creating businesses, buildings, and even some new paint pigments. In this episode of The List Show, Erin shares 17 odd things done out of spite from Connie Mack's Spite Fence to the Ford GT40.
Many of the animals living in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are not only surviving, but thriving, despite their hazardous environment. In the years since the nuclear disaster, these radioactive rodents, experimental equines, and mutated mutts are returning to nature against all odds. In this episode of The List Show, host Erin McCarthy shares some fun facts about the animals of Chernobyl.
The unusual words in this episode of The List Show will make a strong case to enter your vocabulary immediately. You'll learn a great archaic word used to describe a coward and some foreign terms that can't quite be translated into English.
Mass hysteria is a very real phenomenon with very hard to identify causes. Whether an entire town can't stop dancing or people suddenly start worrying about minor marks on their windshields, these seemingly unbelievable events have had some surprising (and sometimes devastating) effects.
This perspective-warping episode of The List Show will make you reassess time. You'll learn about how Cleopatra is more modern than you may think, how relatively recent the guillotine is, and that your favorite dinosaur species probably weren't friends.
Interesting facts about science, math, and much more comprise this episode of The List Show. You’ll learn fun 2022 facts about archeological discoveries and the world of entertainment. You'll glean insights from cutting-edge research in a number of fields as Erin (@erincmccarthy) lays out 100 interesting facts we learned this year.
From strange roadside attractions to wonderfully weird museums, the United States is full of interesting sights that don't always show up in guidebooks. In this episode of The List Show, guest host Justin Dodd takes an off-kilter roadtrip through the United States, with stops at a self-flushing latrine, a bobblehead museum, and much more.
Sex Fruit, Robocop, Nutella... all real names people have tried to name their babies. Luckily (or, unfortunately, depending on your opinion) governments around the world have stepped in to prevent these absurd baby names, along with many others. Which do you think is the most outrageous monicker?
Explosions. Gun silencers. Chloroform. All very exciting cinematic tools, but none of them really act the way they do in movies. Today, we're going to break down some of the most egregious lies that movies have taught us over the years.
There are weird facts, facts that are hard to believe, and then there are facts so strange all you can do is say, "huh?" In this episode full of odd facts, you'll learn about Russian space porn and CIA-bankrolled animated films.
Some sources say that being "saved the bell" was originally a reference to people prematurely declared dead. Or that "dead ringers" were once people prematurely declared dead. Or that wakes were designed to ... you know what? Let's just say there are a lot of erroneous stories related to people being prematurely declared dead. In this episode of The List Show, Erin debunks popular (but incorrect) origin stories for popular expressions, from "bring home the bacon" to "raining cats and dogs."
Mermaids, Vampires, and Leprechauns are some of the most widely known mythical creatures, but where did these legendary beings come from?
Silly Putty, bug spray, and Cheetos. Would you ever have guessed this eclectic group of objects all owe a debt to the US Military? Today, we're giving you 9 little-known examples of inventions whose origins are with the military.
The best dish from each state would be impossible to say. Determining favorite food in each state would be nearly as difficult. But we can say that 50 dishes featured in this episode of The List Show have strong fandoms in their respective states. Regional foods of the USA teach us something about history, culture, and deliciousness.
Secret societies inspire equal parts suspicion and envy. Are these shadowy organizations controlling the world behind closed doors, or whiling away the hours with playing cards and silly rituals? In this episode of The List Show, host Erin McCarthy looks at the real, verifiable facts behind some secret (and not-so-secret) organizations, from the Illuminati to the Bohemian Club.
The stories behind these famous inventions are (almost) as incredible as the inventions themselves. From the X-ray to the Super Soaker, we're covering 13 amazing inventions and the stories of their creation.
Famous photographs like the Migrant Mother and Elvis meeting Nixon tell stories without words. Sometimes, though, those stories can be misleading or incomplete. In this episode of The List Show, Erin McCarthy shares the real stories behind some famous photos. She explains why Albert Einstein was snapped sticking his tongue out and how Princess Diana ended up cutting a rug with John Travolta.
Gen X has many names. The Latchkey Generation. The Twentynothings. The MTV Generation. But in many ways, they remain a mysterious group, sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials (which get a lot more societal focus). Let's see what Generation X is really about.
Dial-up modems, a cacophony of digital bleeps and bloops that is ingrained in many of our brains. But would a member of Gen Z even recognize it? How about AOL Instant Messenger? Or a rotary phone? Today on The List Show, we're telling the history of 7 sounds that kids today have probably never heard. I mean, when was the last time YOU used a mechanical typewriter?
Did you know that rats... can't vomit? Or that there's roughly 500 million pounds of hair across the world? Or how about Michael J. Fox's middle name REALLY stands for? Those are just three of 100 WEIRD facts about the world we're going to be sharing today. No theme, just strange facts that will make you go "Huh..." Let's get weird, shall we?
Why call someone a jerk when you can call them a shabaroon? Why use rascal when you can use rapscallion? In today's episode, we're breaking out our favorite old-timey insults that we should definitely start using again.
Which famous singer went out with the foreboding phrase "I'm losing"? And who followed up a rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot with a beautiful promise to her family? On today's episode of the List Show, we're covering some of our favorite "last words" of famous people from history, from John Adams to James Brown.
Vampires, werewolves, killer clowns, America is full of some wild and sometimes disturbing urban legends. In this episode, Erin explains 50 urban legends from all across the United States.
An exploding corpse, a mid-funeral car chase, An exploding corpse, a 45-minute car chase, and a horse-related mishap that lead to a century-long royal tradition. On this episode of The List Show, host Justin Dodd covers funerals gone wrong. Like, really wrong.
The Kentucky Meat Shower? The Great Molasses Flood? What is going on in the world?? On today's episode of The List Show, we're covering some of the strangest disasters from history. Golfballs raining from the sky, fruit juice flooding the streets... who knew the apocalypse would be so... silly?
A nepo baby, or nepotism baby, is a famous or notable figure descended from another famous person or affluent family of some kind. In this episode of List Show, host Erin McCarthy lists 18 nepo babies from history, from Charlie Chaplin to Pericles.
Condoms, 3D movies, the name Tiffany ... All of these things have been around a lot longer than you might think. On today's episode of The List Show, we're breaking down our favorite deceptively old things, from synchronized swimming to Juicy Fruit.
Lightning crotch. Yes, lightning crotch. That's a real thing pregnant people experience, and it's about as bad as you're probably imagining. The record number of babies birthed at one time, the oldest person to give birth, and so much more on today's episode of The List Show, all about pregnancy.
Wastoid, wedgie, and dumpster fire, oh my! 20th-century slang has some of our favorite words and phrases. Learn all about the fun origins of some pretty whacky and absolutely real slang terms from the last hundred years.
In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy runs through every U.S. state’s strangest Guinness World Record, from gargantuan salad fodder in Alaska to Wyoming’s longest beard chain.
What point actually has the claim to tallest point on Earth? Where's the hottest place in the world? Or the most powerful winds?
From Acadia to Zion, we're exploring every single National Park in the United States. Majestic mountains, lush forests, and everything in between. Have you heard of the 'Old Man of the Lake' at Crater Lake National Park? Or the Channel Island foxes? And what's happening with the glaciers at Glacier National Park? Find out all of this and more in this country-spanning tour of every National Park.
Best Picture at the Academy Awards, the highest honor a film can achieve (well, at least in America). From 1927's Wings to 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once, we are giving you one fun fact about every Best Picture Oscar winner. Which film was the first to win all five of the major Oscar awards? And which was the only movie to have an X rating? And which film crew accidentally ate PCP-laced chowder?? Grab your popcorn, we've got nearly a century of movies to cover!
A quick fire starter, how to survive a kangaroo attack, and the secret of your dog's magnetic butt. Today, we're going to be sharing 11 interesting facts that could, in a pinch, save your behind.
Our first episode goes up on March 13th and we'll have a new video every Wednesday after that. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss a thing!
Our first episode goes up on March 13th (1 week from today!) and we'll have a new video every Wednesday after that. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss a thing!
As some of you might know, John is hardly a one-take-wonder. So, enjoy some of our favorite goofs from the past few months of shooting!