Best Vampire Historian Podcasts (2025)

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Queen Mary's Rusty Bottom, Is Prince Eric ok?, & Jerry the Chimps Big Adventure 39:03

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3d ago39:03

39:03

Trevor and David are back with another wild ride of an episode—starting with "Wait-Times” for your desk (yes, really), and ending with the legend of Jerry the Chimp from a pre-Disneyland “The Jungle” in Anaheim. Along the way, they unpack some wild plans for WestCOT Center, and the Queen Mary’s slow-motion sink into chaos. There’s Tiki-a-Go-Go hype…

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The Autobiography of Howard Hughes 14:56

4d ago14:56

14:56

In the world of literary scandal, there have always been books filed under "non-fiction" that are better positioned elsewhere in the library. In this episode, historian Patrick W. Reed looks at one notorious example - Clifford Irving's authorised "autobiography" of the world's most famous recluse, the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Selected B…

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Looking for Absolution 31:10

4d ago31:10

31:10

In the wake of the Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt, a vicious murder and an act of vengeance leave a soul in need of absolution… Inspired by the third of twelve local ghost stories recorded by a monk at Byland Abbey around the year 1400, this story is followed by a chat about its history, the system of serfdom and its end in medieval England, …

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Dadventureland, Vampire Hulks, & Grimm Disney Fairytales 43:14

20d ago43:14

43:14

Trevor and David return to the mic for a wild ride through the Disney multiverse of mayhem. This week’s episode cruises from a retirement-home Sinatra serenade to the “officially unofficial” Anaheim Halloween Parade broadcast. Along the way, the guys rant about how Disney turned witty skipper improv into Dadventureland, reminisce about Universal St…

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Disney Queue Cloggers, 110 year old Beach Bunnies, & the Furby that wouldn’t die. 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

Three years in and somehow we’re getting weirder, in the best way. We kick off with Taco Bell’s Y2K menu (double down on the double-decker), a Furby that will not die, and Jess’s spooky-cool “Bottle-yaga” for Knott’s Into the Fog. David returns from a cross-country odyssey (Marceline pilgrim badge unlocked) plus an Angels Flight joyride and a spicy…

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How I Got These Scars 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

As a young student, Thelyphron took on what sounded like an easy job to make some money, but it turned out to be a lot more dangerous than he thought… Adapted from the comedic story of Thelyphron in Apuleius’ novel Metamorphoses (also known as The Golden Ass), this re-telling gives the story a slightly darker tone, leaning into the horror just a li…

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The Cottingley Fairies 24:01

2M ago24:01

24:01

A return to the Fortean and the supernatural, and to the eminently gullible world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as Bunkum & Ballyhoo explores the story of fairies photographed in a Yorkshire garden, and how one of England's most famous authors made them a media sensation. Selected Bibliography & Sources The Coming Of The Fairies by Arthur Conan Doyle …

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Skyway Spartan Kicks, Dinner with Eisner, and Casey Jr's coming off the tracks 42:36

2M ago42:36

42:36

The lads welcome special guest Tim Kelly this episode for a whirlwind of Disneyland in the ’70s, from speeding Casey Jr. trains and Skyway shenanigans to fireworks misfires and Tinker Bell crash landings. Tim also dives into his days as a pitcher, scout, and coach with the Dodgers and Angels — including unforgettable moments at Dodgers Fantasy Camp…

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Deadhead episode: Aladdin's Oasis Heist, Cast Member Habits, & Indiana Jones and the Temple of Spencer Gifts 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

From Hitler’s car in Orange County to an Oceans 11-style heist at Aladdin’s Oasis , this episode’s got it all—Disney history, legendary Jungle Cruise pranks, and a few rants about live-action remakes & neon snakes in Indiana Jones. Plus, the weird cast member habits we just can’t shake. Laughs, chaos, and a little backstage mischief all in a days w…

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MyPillow Walt, Barstool Brothels, & The Matterhorn is a dangerous place to be-headed 47:42

3M ago47:42

47:42

The lads return with a tiki-fueled tales of: summer brain fog, terrifying theme park rides, and a very unexpected encounter at Vegas’ Golden Tiki. They dive into the new Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland—does it honor the man or haunt your dreams? (he has a pillow for that). Plus: a punk rock museum detour, brutal tiki bar opinions (sorry, Palm…

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The Psychic Mafia 24:23

4M ago24:23

24:23

Bunkum and Ballyhoo returns for its third series, as author and historian Patrick W. Reed looks at the phenomenon of True Believer Syndrome, through the story of the spiritualist medium M. Lamar Keene, his stranger than fiction true life story, and his fears of being stalked by who he called "The Psychic Mafia". Selected Bibliography The Psychic Ma…

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Scary Jungle walkthroughs, Presidential Ball pits, & How does one properly talk like a pirate? 41:28

4M ago41:28

41:28

Doctors, professors, and murder hornets—oh my! This episode the lads spiral through dog codependency, Disneyland popcorn secrets, the true origin of pirate talk. Also: Gilligan’s role in eternal damnation, cartoon anvils and much much more. Welcome to the ball pit of madness.

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Robin Hood's Death 37:20

4M ago37:20

37:20

A middle-aged Robin Hood is convinced a blood-letting will be the perfect cure for a chronic illness, but a mysterious old woman he meets in the woods suggests he may be about to lose too much blood… This story is based on the ballad Robin Hood’s Death and other Robin Hood ballads, and is followed by a discussion of medieval monks and blood-letting…

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Walt-amatronics, Leapin’ Lemmings, & Universals Spielberg Spending Spree 45:34

4M ago45:34

45:34

Trevor and Dave are back—one with a busted back, the other with a knee brace—and things quickly spiral from aches and pains into a galaxy of chaos. This episode covers everything from Tiki to robot Walt Disney, and Spielberg’s legendary theme park hustle. They dive into Andor and the tonal whiplash of A New Hope, but that's just the beginning. You’…

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Mousin’ around Kansas City, Mario Kart sabotage, & Uncle Walt's Bench Collection 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

Join the lads as they discuss: BBQ in gas stations, hungover grading sessions, and accidentally stalking Walt Disney’s old houses. Jess makes a noble Mario Kart sacrifice at a brewery where a live jazz band plays the soundtrack in real-time. They also pay tribute to Brian Wilson, break down Disney films badly and dive into early Walt Disney history…

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E.T. Gets Thirsty, Taking chairs from Toons, & Discount Jungle Seafood Stew 43:23

5M ago43:23

43:23

From baby river ducks to self-driving taxis and forgotten E.T. subplots, this episode takes more twists than the Nile. Join the lads as they dive into: Ancestry.com rabbit holes (spoiler: everyone was a farmer) Tiki Room bathrooms Groucho Marx’s swingin' grave neighbor The lost subplot where E.T. tries to date Elliot’s mom (no, really) Disney break…

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Doc’s DeLorean Deductible, The Macarena Awakens, & Super-Money-Abu-Dhabi-Disney-alidocious 49:50

6M ago49:50

49:50

This episode, the lads tackle: College finals, Three theme parks in one month, the painful realization that Knott’s Berry Farm might actually be Earth’s closest point to the sun, and much more. Along the way: Universal Fan Fest may have out-Disneyed Disney. The Macarena beats out John Williams for the first time ever. Meeting C-3PO in person absolu…

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Solid Gold Babies, Punched in your Dark Universe, & The Haunting of Post Malone 33:05

6M ago33:05

33:05

This week, we sip from the Holy Grail (okay, it’s a Japanese beer cup), explore theme park trauma (Universal’s nut-busting coaster design, we’re looking at you), and go deep on cursed objects—like the time Post Malone got possibly haunted via shoulder contact. We also ride the Hogwarts Express, review Hagrid’s rollercoaster, debate who really deser…

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Orpheus and Eurydice 33:37

7M ago33:37

33:37

When a little boy isn’t listening to his grown-ups, Nanny decides to tell him a story about what happens if you don’t listen and remember instructions that have been given to you… Inspired by Virgil, Georgics, 4.453-527 and Ovid, Metamorphoses, 10.1-85, this is a re-telling of the classic Greek myth, followed by a discussion of ancient Greek weddin…

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The BengHELL BBQ, Hot Sauce Challenge 34:27

7M ago34:27

34:27

So, funny story, Dr. Skipper and I recorded a real fun episode and when i went to edit it, I found i didn't select our microphones! So no useable audio was recorded. Rookie move on my part. But all is not lost! We didn't want to leave you hip skips and shriners empty-handed. So we're releasing edited audio from last years Hot Ones hot sauce challen…

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The Afterlife Of The Highgate Vampire - The Secret Ingredient Is Nazis! (The Highgate Vampire, Part 2) 33:21

7M ago33:21

33:21

Part two of a double-header on the story of The Highgate Vampire takes a closer look at the principle players - David Farrant, and Reverend Sean Manchester - to explore the background of two extraordinary characters, the unsavoury and unsettling beliefs that so often lurk behind the irrational and the conspiratorial world-view, and asks why Bunkum …

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Jungle Methane Monsters, Mind Elves Make Me Happy, & Release the Mechanical Ellen 38:12

7M ago38:12

38:12

Join the lads as they discuss: The Methane monster, Top Disney snacks, and Marvel’s stacked Doomsday cast. Plus: Tiki travels, Snow White Whiners, Dave's Disneyland magazine debut, Fun Disney Movie Translations, and the eternal question—fix the bathroom or buy Lady Gaga tickets? All this and much much more.…

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Does A Vampyre Walk In Highgate? (The Highgate Vampire, Part 1) 33:00

7M ago33:00

33:00

Series two of Bunkum & Ballyhoo closes out with the extraordinary story of the Highgate Vampire - a supposed supernatural phenomenon that haunted one of London's great cemeteries in the 1970s, and the ongoing feud between the two duelling occultists and vampire hunters at its heart. Are we ever really that far from the irrational beliefs and moral …

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Fireworks or Fuggedaboutit, Temple Dives, & I Kali Maa’d in San Francisco 1:14:39

8M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Join us for a super-sized 55th episode! The lads chat about everything from: Dangerous Florida Jungle Cruise traditions, Disneyland fireworks team fun, and why Disney managers fear making decisions. We dive into Indiana Jones Adventure’s 30th anniversary, featuring an epic fan-run event with Tony Baxter & John Rhys-Davies (Sala!)—plus, did Indy onc…

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Grey Owl Is Not What He Seems 13:04

8M ago13:04

13:04

Bunkum & Ballyhoo explores the life and complicated legacy of the voice of the Canadian wilderness, an early vocal spokesman for conservation, environmentalism, and native rights; Grey Owl, and the thorny issue of cultural appropriation. NOTE:This episode contains historical quotations which some listeners may find offensive. Selected Sources: The …

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The Life & Times Of The Great Antonio 14:42

8M ago14:42

14:42

Bunkum & Ballyhoo host Patrick W. Reed returns to the familiar territory of professional wrestling history to uncover the true story behind one of wrestling's most infamous matches, and to shed light on the story of the wrestler, strongman, and legendary Montreal eccentric, The Great Antonio, and asks what we might find when we look behind a meme o…

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Orca flavored ice cream, Doctor Skippers Jungle Adventure, and Hair o' the dog at Tail o' the Pup 43:26

8M ago43:26

43:26

Join the lads as they discuss: Beach Bum Barry's app, Popeye's chicken and the return of the double down, Letting our magic keys expire, Dr. Skippers favorite day at Jungle Cruise, Jungle Justice, and much much more!

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Timarchus in the Underworld 44:45

9M ago44:45

44:45

Timarchus gets more than he bargained for when he consults a mysterious oracle and finds himself in the afterlife. Inspired by Plutarch, On the Daimonion of Socrates, and followed by a discussion of ancient near death experiences and mystery cults. Buy Creepy Classics: Ghost Stories from Ancient Rome (UK): https://amzn.eu/d/b6Y4JzR Buy Creepy Class…

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Carlos Kaiser, Brazil's Phantom Footballer 12:38

9M ago12:38

12:38

Bunkum & Ballyhoo explores the highs and lows of the footballing career of Brazilian soccer superstar Carlos Kaiser - 13 years, 10 teams, and zero goals. In fact, he never even made it on to the pitch. Selected Sources: Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never To Play Footballby Rob Smyth Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never To Play Football, directe…

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PURO #14: (1963, Part 1) Gorillas, Haystacks, & Killers... OH MY! 1:49:43

9M ago1:49:43

1:49:43

The Puro Wrestling Academy returns for the Season Finale episode, as Professor Dan Ginnetty covers the first 8 months of 1963 in Japan. Giant Baba returns from his 2 -Year North American excursion, the 5th Annual World League is upon us, Rikidozan married for a 4th time, even in losing Antonio Inoki continues to generate much-needed experience, "Ma…

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Frank Searle, Monster Hunter Extraordinaire 15:04

9M ago15:04

15:04

Bunkum & Ballyhoo takes its first cautious steps into the murky waters of Cryptozoology as it visits the shores of Loch Ness, and the caravan of its most notorious monster hunter Frank Searle to learn whether the camera truly never lies. Selected Sources Loch Ness: They Created A Monster, directed by John MacLaverty Loch Ness Investigation - What R…

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Listener questions, Heckling the hecklers, & It's a small snap after all. 54:24

9M ago54:24

54:24

Join the lads as they answer your questions! Everything from "Do you have podcasts for other jobs?" to "Best Comeback to a Rude Guest" becomes starters to some real fun trips down memory lane. If you thought the show bounced around from topic to topic before, hunker down grandma this listener question episode is comin' your way!…

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The Deadliest Man Alive & The Secret Of The Dim Mak 16:06

10M ago16:06

16:06

Bunkum & Ballyhoo returns for Series 2 and Episode 1 takes a look at a legend of comic book ad pages - this is the story of the wild claims and even wilder life of the self-proclaimed Deadliest Man Alive, the Master Of The Dim Mak and the Dance Of Death, Count Dante, and his Black Dragon Fighting Society. Selected Sources: The Deadliest Man Alive: …

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Ska band knife fights, Near-sighted Rebel Spies, & I Like Big Boats and I Cannot Lie. With special guest Mike Robles 58:24

10M ago58:24

58:24

Join the lads as they welcome guest Mike Robles and discuss: His time at Disneyland working everything from Star Tours, Jungle Cruise to the Mark Twain and Columbia, Storybook land silliness, Pirating during Fantasmic, interviewing Stan Lee, Kitschy Horror Films, his Video Game Industry Career, and much much much more.…

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The Lady in the Cupboard 36:36

11M ago36:36

36:36

The family ghost makes an appearance in George and Henry's home every Christmas, but one evening she appears unexpectedly with terrible news... Inspired by Mary Lewes, Stranger Than Fiction, this Christmas ghost story is followed by a discussion of crisis apparitions, and 18th century British Christmas traditions. This is a public episode. If you w…

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Neverland Thirst Traps, Mogwais in Hill Valley, & Nicolas Cage's Jungle Adventure 53:34

11M ago53:34

53:34

Join the lads in an off-the-rails year end chat as they discuss: Flying to Japan, Ludacris' Chicken & Waffles, Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, Designing for Divers, The Teddy Roosevelt Lounge, Rediscovering Gremlins, Revamping the Hall of Presidents, Vanilla Ice and Christian Rap, Spotify Wrapped, Dr. Skippers book release at Bookman, Best and …

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Making Jungle Jingle, Parking lot Jewel Heists and Special Guest, Imagineer Kevin Lively 57:04

11M ago57:04

57:04

Our 50th episode! Join the lads as they discuss with Imagineer Kevin Lively: His time on Jungle Cruise, funny guest stories, his time at Imagineering creating the Jingle Cruise, the Skipper Canteen, revamping the Jungle Cruise, and much much more!

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PURO #13: (1962) Vampire Blassie Wreaks Havoc, Baba's U.S. Excursion 1:54:43

11M ago1:54:43

1:54:43

The Puro Wrestling Academy returns, as Professor Dan Ginnetty talks 1962 in Puroresu History. Just some of the topics include, "Vampire" Fred Blassie wreaking havoc in his feud with Rikidozan, hear how Blassie's bloody style left some fans DEAD (literally)! Plus. we discuss World Title Changes, Tag Title Changes, the 4th Annual World League, Thesz …

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D.A.R.E. to be stupid, Epic Universal Holes, & Skippers Shooting Blanks 41:13

12M ago41:13

41:13

Join the lads as they discuss: The unique smells of the Jungle, Trevor's upcoming trip to Japan, ruining Major League careers, The Mummy, a new sport called "Food Punch", Universal's upcoming Epic Universe theme park, favorite/least favorite Thanksgiving foods, Ironic stories from the D.A.R.E. program, Reading the crowd on the Jungle Cruise, Dave's…

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Episode 6 - Claude Cahun & Marcel Moore, Jersey's Anti-Nazi Queer Icons 22:04

12M ago22:04

22:04

Episode 6 of Bunkum & Ballyhoo rounds up a season on World War 2-related bullshit by looking at when lies and propaganda can be used for good, exploring the lives and times of the revolutionary queer surrealist artists Claude Cahun & Marcel Moore, and how they stood up to Nazi oppression in occupied Jersey. Selected Sources: Disavowals by Claude Ca…

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Surprise! It's a vasectomy, Adventureland Area Greeters, Skippers Skipping Stupid Shtick 38:45

12M ago38:45

38:45

Join the lads as they discuss: Spotify AI DJ Experiences, Dave's Surprise Vasectomy, Trevor's Upcoming Trip to Japan, Waffle House Ordering System, Disney Parks and Upcharging, Dr. Skippers experience as an Area Greeter at Disneyland, Jungle Cruise Jokes They Disliked, Upcoming Book Release Event, and much more!…

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PURO #12: (1961) Great Antonio Arrives, Bill Miller Unmasks, Inoki Ascends, More 1:46:19

1y ago1:46:19

1:46:19

It's time for another edition of the Puro Wrestling Academy, as we talk the year of 1961 in Japan. We look at the Third World League Tournament, The Great Antonio’s rise (and fall), an epic Title vs. Mask showdown, Kintaro Oki’s breaking out, Antonio Inoki moving up the card, Giant Baba leaving for the U.S., Rikidozan attempts to promote boxing and…

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Immortal House - Full Production 2:02:34

1y ago2:02:34

2:02:34

Send us a text Happy Halloween Beloved Initiates! This is the full audio of the dramatized adaption of Immortal House! I hope you love it. This full production has two new questions from two new hopeful initiates, one I spoke to at WA State Horror Con last week. Ken Carlson stars as the vampire Laurence Roch. Amy Riddle performs as Sarah, the human…

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Episode 5 - Halloween Special: The Martian Invasion of 1938 15:37

1y ago15:37

15:37

Episode 5 is a spooktacular Halloween special looking at Orson Welles' infamous Halloween 1938 radio production of War Of The Worlds, and the stories of mass panic and chaos when the American public believed that the Martians really were coming - or did they? Audio Sources: War Of The Worlds by Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre On The Air Charles C. Sh…

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Immortal House Episode 3 46:56

1y ago46:56

46:56

Send us a text In the exciting conclusion to Immortal House, Beloved Initiates, Laurence, an accidental vampire of two centuries and a first time home buyer, is struggling with memories of his last love, but he has friends even if he has forgotten them. Episode 3 CAST: Ken Carlson stars as the vampire Laurence Roch. Amy Riddle performs as Sarah, th…

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Immortal House Episode 2 52:14

1y ago52:14

52:14

Send us a text In this second episode, Beloved Initiates, Laurence, an accidental vampire of two centuries and a first time home buyer, budget expectations are getting the better of his judgements and worse, he keeps falling into the memories of some of his biggest mistakes and talking to his memories. Worst of all, Sarah might have realized there …

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Deadhead: Chasing Robo Lincoln, Mushka the movie, and Yo Ho,Yo Ho, It’s a Mylar Table for me 41:51

1y ago41:51

41:51

Unfortunately Trevor has fallen ill with Bronchitis so this episode will be what we Skips call a deadhead. Which is when you send a boat out on the river without guests to keep things moving. But like the old NBC slogan said, if you haven't seen it, it's new to you! Join the lads as they discuss: Paper Mache Aliens, The Battle of Britain, Golden Gi…

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Episode 4 - The Hitler Diaries 17:50

1y ago17:50

17:50

Episode 4 of Bunkum & Ballyhoo looks at one of the most notorious hoaxes of the 20th century - the Hitler Diaries; how a clumsy forgery fooled the world's press and one of England's most respected historians, why sometimes a lie only needs a particularly enthusiastic believer to take flight, and how these phony diaries connect to a notorious Holoca…

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PURO #11: (1960) INOKI & BABA DEBUT! 1:41:26

1y ago1:41:26

1:41:26

NEW Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty is here! We talk the huge year of 1960 in Japan as business is BOMING! How Rikidozan finds Inoki AND Baba in an unbelievable story. Then, it's the DEBUT of Antonio Inoki, and the DEBUT of Shohei "Giant" Baba in the ring! Plus, the 2nd Annual World League Tournament. Toyonobori's Troubles. The Ricky Waldo st…

1
Orestes in Tauris 41:52

1y ago41:52

41:52

A terrible crime weighs on Orestes and he is pursued across the world by ghosts both literal and metaphorical - how can he lay these ghosts to rest? Inspired by Aeschylus, Eumenides, and Eurpides, Iphigenia in Tauris, this modernised re-telling of a classic Greek myth is followed by a discussion of a Taurian goddess, the Oracle at Delphi, and the F…