Best Praxis Hunting Podcasts (2025)

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ScienceStuff, with Jorge Cham 1:04:28

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1d ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Are we living in a simulation? What's the future of AI? How can humans understand the past, present, and future of the universe -- assuming, of course, that time exists? In this interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome special guest Dr. Jorge Cham, the creator of the new hit podcast ScienceStuff, and pick his brain about some of the biggest qu…

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Listener Mail: Bird Deaths, Gas Station Bars, The Battle of Blair Mountain and More 54:03

2d ago54:03

54:03

Sloth inspires a round-up of recent news stories from the world of birds. Fae shares a story of real-life bars inside gas stations. Kevin prompts an exploration of hidden history -- the earth shaking Battle of Blair Mountain, and the resulting cover-up from the Powers That Be. Plus puns. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They …

1
The Raymond Allen Davis Incident 1:16:04

3d ago1:16:04

1:16:04

It's an open secret that not everything is as it seems in the world of diplomacy -- a great many individuals operate with some degree of subterfuge and invisibility. So what happens when things go wrong, and these often disturbing, unseen things become visible? Tonight's story takes us to Lahore, Pakistan: on January 27, 2011, CIA contractor Raymon…

1
CLASSIC: The Surprisingly Unboring Story of Farm Subsidies 1:03:40

4d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Make no mistake -- being a farmer is hard work. Farming outfits often have to carry a huge amount of risk from one season to the next, and any number of things may ruin their prospects, from unexpected weather, market volatility and so on. To mitigate these dangers, world governments often provide funding, or subsidies, to agribusiness in order to …

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Strange News: Tuvalu is Drowning, Chinese EVs, Eating Cheese and More 52:55

5d ago52:55

52:55

Australia is astonished as a full one-third of all residents of Tuvalu apply for the new, limited 'climate visa,' sparking concerns about the future of islands nations amid the global sea level rising. Chinese manufacturers are in hot water over an international scheme to flood markets with 'used' electric vehicles. A guy commits robbery dressed as…

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The Terrifying Tale of Aum Shinrikyo, Chapter Two: "Save The World By Ending It" 58:59

9d ago58:59

58:59

As the Aum Shinrikyo movements gains national, then global, attention, the founder Shoko Asahara begins to move his followers in a darker direction. Convinced that the world can only truly be saved through mass casualty events, Asahara first predicts massive disasters -- and then orders his followers to create these events themselves. In chapter tw…

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CLASSIC: Who killed the Jennings 8? 59:10

10d ago59:10

59:10

Located in Jefferson Davis Parish, the town of Jennings, Louisiana wasn't a particularly well-known place -- in fact, many people in the US would probably have lived their entire lives without ever hearing of the town until a few years ago. You see, Jennings had a secret, a dark criminal underbelly that seethed just below the surface. Over the cour…

1
The Terrifying Tale of Aum Shinrikyo, Chapter One: The Rise of a Cult Leader 1:11:26

10d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Modern-day Japan is often lauded as one of the safest countries on the planet -- but that doesn't make this nation immune to the danger of cults. In the first chapter of this special two-part series, Ben and Matt explore the bizarre, conspiratorial rise of the organization known as Aum Shinrikyo. They don't want you to read our book.: https://stati…

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CLASSIC: Citizenship and the Census 1:14:32

12d ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Every ten years, the United States conducts the census, a crucial survey of the country’s population meant to help Uncle Sam figure out how to plan infrastructure and distribute funding over the coming decade. In recent years, people have argued for and against including a question about citizenship on the census for any number of reasons ... inclu…

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Strange News: Mosquito Drones, the Pharoah's Curse, Alligator Alcatraz, Giant Asteroids, New Blood Types and More 1:04:31

13d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Forget fake birds: China unveils the newest iteration of microdrones, which look almost exactly like mosquitoes. A Russian soldier turns cannibal. French scientists discover a brand-new blood type. Police practice improv. Florida is building an "Alligator Alcatraz," and a giant asteroid may crash into the moon within the next decade. All this and m…

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Interview: Alive Again, with Dan Bush 1:12:06

16d ago1:12:06

1:12:06

How did you get here? What happens when you die? These questions have fascinated (and terrified) human civilization since the dawn of time, and often new discoveries only lead to more questions. In tonight's interview, the guys welcome filmmaker, writer and producer Dan Bush to explore his newest podcast, Alive Again. Tune in for a wide-ranging dis…

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Listener Mail: Gas Station Ding Dings, Synthetic Estrogen and Fish Populations, Palantir and Train Hopping (and More) 44:21

17d ago44:21

44:21

Anne Ominous shares their own experience with sketchy gas stations, and introduces the guys to a new slang phrase for gambling machines. Maximus weighs in with a true story about synthetic estrogen, waste water and fish populations. Following up on news about Palantir and train hoppers, Mr. Delay calls in to ask whether the growing surveillance soc…

1
What is diplomatic immunity? Part III: Shadow Diplomacy 1:08:01

18d ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Everyone knows that diplomatic positions come with a variety of perks and protections, as well as serious responsibilities. But what if you were able to enjoy some of the benefits of being a diplomat, without all those pesky rules and regulations? While it may sound thoroughly illegal, shadow diplomats are very much real -- and a subject of growing…

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CLASSIC: What is 'Skunkworks'? 1:02:47

19d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

For almost 80 years, Lockheed Martin has been working hand in hand with the US government to create cutting-edge, classified tech and craft, working in secret to build some of the world's most iconic spy planes. Nowadays, the so-called "Skunk Works" are more open about their projects ... or are they? Tune in to learn more. They don't want you to re…

1
Strange News: Iran, Hidden History, Ghana, Corruption in Office, and More 58:25

20d ago58:25

58:25

Things are heating up in the Middle East -- as the world studies a possible correlation between pizza orders and US military activity, the United States Air Force and Navy launch the largest B-2 operation in history, striking multiple sites in the nation of Iran. A curious trade group in Ghana protests a new tax regime. Over in Chicago, a long-serv…

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Cults You've Never Heard Of, Part II: Rise of the Zizians 59:02

23d ago59:02

59:02

Nowadays, the "C-word" can be pretty tricky. The word "cult" is usually applied by outsiders toward some group of individuals existing in opposition to a larger society. Most times, these folks are harmless -- eccentric, perhaps, but not dangerous. In fact, we often don't hear about them until they cross a threshold into violent, criminal acts. In …

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Listener Mail: Leon Klinghoffer, a Strange Class Project, A Journey within Palantir. 41:02

24d ago41:02

41:02

John in Connecticut uncovers a bizarre story about one -- or maybe two -- Leon Klinghoffer. The guys' earlier conversations about data aggregation and AI remind Foxillian Fastfoot of a strange class project. An anonymous source placed in Raytheon reveals the disturbing inner workings of the tech giant Palantir -- raising serious questions about tro…

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The Stuff Gas Stations Don't Want You To Know 1:03:28

25d ago1:03:28

1:03:28

As avid fans of the Great American Roadtrip, Ben, Matt and Noel love gas stations. They're a fundamental part of US culture -- and, holy smokes, do they get weird. In tonight's episode, the guys dive into the crime, conspiracy, controversy and underground subcultures of America's filling stations and truck stops... all to discover that there's a to…

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CLASSIC: Colorado's Mystery Drones 1:06:37

26d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

In December of 2019 the Denver Post began reporting a strange pattern over the night sky of northeast Colorado. Around 7pm each night, at least 17 drones -- large ones -- emerged from somewhere and flew over the region in what appeared to be a search pattern, disappearing between 9:30 and 10pm. No one, from federal agencies on down, seemed to know …

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Strange News: The National Guard in LA, Costco ID, Japanese Escalators, Germany's Military Expansion and More 53:59

27d ago53:59

53:59

Massive protests in LA (not to mention many more US cities) prompt the federal government to send in marines and activate the California National Guard -- without the consent of the governor. Japan pays people to stand still on escalators. Germany plans rapid bunker expansion amid fears of Russian attacks. All this and more in this week's strange n…

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Let's Learn Simple Sabotage! 1:08:36

30d ago1:08:36

1:08:36

In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel travel back to the chaotic days of World War II. The newly-minted Office of Strategic Services, which would later evolve into the CIA, conspired to pull off something as brilliant as it was evil: they created the "Simple Sabotage Field Manual," a secret textbook aimed to turn the average civilian into an act…

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Listener Mail: Agroterrorism, Dreams of the Future, Cattle Mutilations and More 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

Clever Innuendo gives a first-hand account of the US Military being super cheap with new tech. 2FAB shares premonitions from the dream state. Goat gets the guys back into cattle mutilation, and Jacqueramaphan prompts an investigation into possible agroterrorism. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our…

1
Is there a lost civilization beneath the Persian Gulf? 55:19

1M ago55:19

55:19

As one of the world’s most historically important bodies of water, the Persian Gulf is home to fascinating evidence of ancient humanity. In tonight’s episode, Ben, Matt and Noel discover the true story of an ancient civilization lost to antiquity. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ …

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CLASSIC: Why do some people think cannabis can cure cancer? 56:20

1M ago56:20

56:20

In tonight's Classic episode, Ben, Matt and Noel dive into a decades-long, surprisingly disturbing conspiracy: with a growing number of Western countries decriminalizing or outright legalizing cannabis, the controversial plant seems set to become an acceptable alternative to some preexisting treatments for appetite loss, chronic pain and more. Yet …

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Strange News: Suspicious Bodyguards, the Resurrection of Walt Disney, Palantir Will Know EVERYTHING About You, and Why That Is Bad. 1:03:37

1M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

The notorious tech giant Palantir may soon create history's most comprehensive -- and controversial -- database on all US residents. Why? Descendants of Walt Disney object to his animatronic likeness. Guinea pigs hate Adele. A bodyguard for New York mayor Eric Adams gets jammed up in shenanigans. Science shows insects are dying out at alarming rate…

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Crime on the Rails: What is the FTRA? 1:04:39

1M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

To some, the Freight Train Riders of America is a vast, secretive criminal network -- deadly ghosts, haunting the country's rails. To others, the FTRA is a loose collection of outcasts doing their best to help each other survive. To still others, the FTRA is nothing more than an urban legend, and never existed at all. In tonight's episode, Ben and …

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CLASSIC: Why don't nations trust NGOs? 1:01:43

1M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

On paper, non-governmental organizations often sound like something everyone can get behind: these institutions are often dedicated to addressing some of the most dangerous, long-running problems on the planet. It may be surprising, then, to learn that a growing number of nations are taking increasingly aggressive actions to ban NGOs, especially fo…

1
Hunting For the Yeren: A True Story 1:02:42

1M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

We've all heard of Bigfoot, the Swamp Ape and so on. Western science largely dismisses the existence of these cryptids. Yet: Did you know there's another associated cryptid in China? Unlike Bigfoot, or the closely-associated Yeti, the Yeren became a subject of intense scientific scrutiny out in the hinterlands of interior China. In tonight's episod…

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CLASSIC: A World Without Cash 1:17:14

1M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

The last time you bought something, did you use a card, cash or something else? If you automatically thought "who uses cash nowadays", you're far from alone. More and more people are eschewing physical currency for digital dollars, and this move seems largely supported by big banks as well some countries. Proponents argue a cashless society has no …

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Strange News: Ditch the Penny, Transparent Skin, The CIA and Star Wars, ChatGPT Refuses to Shut Itself Down, and More 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

The United States may FINALLY ditch the inconvenient and terrible penny (Ben here -- can you tell I write the descriptions?). A popular food coloring turns the skin of mice transparent. Investigations verify the CIA's use of oddly updated websites to communicate with assets. A new ChatGPT model refuses to shut itself down. All this and more in this…

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The Super Soldier Update 1:03:13

1M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

While it may sound like science fiction, human militaries throughout history have always sought for an edge over their enemies -- and, in this search, ethics quickly go out the window. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the latest updates in the creation of a modern "super soldier," from technological breakthroughs to designer drugs..…

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Listener Mail: Gas Station "Casinos," Cannabis, Cryptids, Airport Disasters and Missing Faberge Eggs 1:01:57

1M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Beuford breaks down the mechanics of gas station casinos. Josie explores the science of cannabis and oil-based products. Kangaroo fight updates. FrostyCold1 puts the guys on the strange case of missing Fabergé eggs. Fatigued and Flying explains the issues with air traffic controllers. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don…

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The Bizarre World of Dream Experiments 1:07:06

2M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Multiple animals dream -- and, even now, people have little understanding of why dreaming occurs. In tonight's episode, Ben and Matt explore the newest research in dream states... and, spoiler: they end up with more questions than answers. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omny…

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Strange News: Regeneron Bought Your DNA, CA Birdpocalypse, AI Job Cuts, Free El Gato 1:00:07

2M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Roundup pesticides get a pass from Georgia. CrowdStrike joins the AI craze. A mysterious birdpocalypse in California. Regeneron buys the bankrupt 23andMe, prompting concerns over consumer's DNA. Free El Gato. All this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-y…

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CLASSIC: The Wide World of Food Conspiracies 1:07:14

2M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Whether rich or poor, young or old, everyone on the planet has to eat. Government institutions monitor the safety, cleanliness and consistency of our favorite foods, but as with any global industry, there are more than a few skeletons in the collective closet of the food and beverage business. Join Ben and Matt as they dive down the gastronomic rab…

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What happens in a nuclear war? 1:14:02

2M ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Since the US bombing of Japan in World War II, the world entire has remained terrified of nuclear weapons. Even as scientists and scholars spent decades warning about the existential threat posed by technology that can literally end civilization, countries across the planet raced -- and race still -- to gain this capability for themselves. In tonig…

1
Listener Mail: Dreaming Aloud, Beyond Time 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

In this evening's weekly listener mail segment, "Ben," Matt and superproducer Tennessee Pal welcome in-depth explorations of dreams from a first-hand perspective. Join the gang as they suss out the tricky nature of linear time -- also, bonus points if you wrote to us earlier, They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/stati…

1
Can we really break physics? 1:08:47

2M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

"Why does stuff happen? Can we predict it -- and if so, what do these predictions tell us?" Loosely described, the concept of "physics" is the First Science of human civilization. In tonight's episode, Ben and Matt explore recent discoveries that may well upend humanity's understanding of reality (also, spoiler: check out our upcoming episode on dr…

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CLASSIC: The Smiley Face Murder Conspiracy 1:07:48

2M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Could a group of serial murderers be kidnapping, drugging and drowning young men across the United States? Scores of young male college students have been found dead in what law enforcement calls accidental drownings -- but a team of retired detectives believe there's something more sinister at work. Join Ben, Matt and Noel as they dive into the st…

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Strange News: Octopus Civilization, Newark Goes Dark, Habeas Corpus, and the New Resource Arms Race 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Afghanistan suspends chess due to religious concerns. Newark goes dark -- for just long enough to prompt serious questions. The world witnesses new escalations in the Great Game, as various corporations and countries race to acquire precious mineral resources. Since Ben and Matt always like to end on a good note, this week's strange news segment co…

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Interview: Cancellation Island, with John Cameron Mitchell, Part Two: Action, Praxis, Presence and Poetry 31:41

2M ago31:41

31:41

In a world where everyone feels divided by identity politics, ideology and the fear of cancellation, how does an individual navigate a cultural minefield? How can we empower and encourage direct action? In the second part of this two-part interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome returning guest John Cameron Mitchell for a wide-ranging explorat…

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Listener Mail: Global Rare Earth Unrest, Fears of Martial Law, the Guys Hire an ICP Expert 50:57

2M ago50:57

50:57

Could growing regional conflicts be driven by the race to control certain mineral resources? Could the United States slide into martial law -- if so, what would that mean? Join Ben and Matt for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read…

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Interview: Cancellation Island, with John Cameron Mitchell, Part One: The Lost Art of Gnostic Nuance 52:49

2M ago52:49

52:49

What does it mean to be 'canceled'? How do we collectively navigate the baffling, complex and contradictory world of an 'always-on' society? In the first part of this week's special two-part interview, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome the legendary writer, actor, playwright and activist, John Cameron Mitchell, creator of Cancellation Island, for a wide-r…

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CLASSIC: Is the Dead Sea copper scroll an ancient treasure map? 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

Odds are you've heard of the Dead Sea scrolls -- when the first of these ancient texts were discovered in the 1940s, the scrolls revolutionized our understanding of the past, and, in some cases, gave historians and archaeologists more questions than answers. One scroll, discovered in 1952, remains unique in the collection. It doesn't contain religi…

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Strange News: AI Lovers, Cannabis Burns, Mineral Deals, Underground Cities and Nbiriu Rides Again 59:15

2M ago59:15

59:15

Concerns rise over human relationships with sycophantic chatbots. A town in Türkiye burns confiscated cannabis, prompting controversy. Former US officials the country spent trillions of dollars off the books to create disaster-proof underground cities for the elite. UKR-US mineral deals prompt accusations of quid-pro-quo deals. There may be a genui…

1
CLASSIC: What is "Qanon"? 1:05:00

2M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

What if the stories and narratives you hear in the average mainstream media reporting aren't the entire truth? What if there's something else going on, a secret war between a shadowy cabal and a small group of brave, outnumbered good guys fighting back against their insidious plans for world domination? This is, according to QAnon proponents, a tru…

1
Listener Mail: Backmasking, More Meat Heists, and New England Murders 53:49

2M ago53:49

53:49

Twenty Novel Hotels prompts a re-exploration of earlier conversations regarding backmasking and moral panics. Fellow Conspiracy Realists respond to Ben's questions about meat heists and commercial trucking. Ignicus and others ask for more information regarding the possibility of an active serial killer in New England. All this and more in this week…

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The Prophecy of the Popes 1:00:05

2M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

It seemed the world paused on April 21, 2025, when 88-year-old Pope Francis passed away after a long struggle with multiple health issues. As the Catholic church and the world at large wonders what the future will bring, a once-obscure piece of writing is back in the public zeitgeist: the "Prophecy of the Popes," which purports to predict the ascen…

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CLASSIC: The Story of Atlantis 1:03:38

2M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

The legendary civilization of Atlantis was first mentioned in the works of Plato, in dialogues that claimed to recount information from translations of ancient Egyptian texts. And people have been searching for this city ever since. So what was Atlantis, exactly? A metaphor, a work of fiction ... or a real, physical place? Join "Ben," Matt and Noel…

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Strange News: The Power Goes Out, Fluoridation, Rampant Masturbation, Disney, anti-Narcocorridos, and More 1:01:14

2M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What caused the massive power blackout in Spain and Portugal? Anti-fluoridation activists gain ground in the wake of RFK Jr's newest statement. A former Disney employee gets in hot water for hacking menus. Mexico hopes to popularize anti-narcocorridos. The tariff controversy surrounding Amazon and the White House. The FBI may be close to eating its…