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PODCAST

The Absurd

Welcome friends to The Absurd. A podcast about things absurd. News, histories, mysteries, and strange goings-on. Our stories are freaky, funny, and sometimes frightening. So sit back, get comfy, and get ready for The Absurd.

society & culture

All Episodes

44:02

The Book That Kills, Murder Shrooms, Up Yours! &...

The Absurd ·

2025/06/11

We start off this episode with a new segment known as Darwinianisms. Following that, Rod will tell us about a deadly book. One that has literally caused the death of several people since it’s release in the late 19th century. Mel will then take us Down Under for a bizarre murder case involving some not to tasty mushrooms. We will then learn of a judge’s ruling in Quebec which states our constitutional right to give someone the finger. Then we’ll learn about a man in Alaska who became trapped under a

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50:47

Party Like It’s 1694, Hedviga Golik, Flight...

The Absurd ·

2025/06/04

Mel is going to start us off with a little history trip to look at the largest, most drunken parties in British history. People these days have nothing on the past. Then Rod will take us to 1960’s Zagreb to look at a bizarre case involving a missing woman. They looked everywhere except the most obvious place. Then we’ll take a flight where a male flight attendant was found dancing naked in a business class bathroom. We’ve all heard some baby names that made us shake our heads in dismay. But did you

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49:46

Cold Turkiye, Wandering Womb, The Evaporated & We...

The Absurd ·

2025/05/28

We’re off to Turkey where a young mother visiting from England with her family died. Definitely sad, but what’s really infuriating and ridiculous is the seeming incompetence and negligence of the medical staff, police, and local government. Next, Mel will tell us about the origins of the words hysteria/hysterical and the utterly absurd and disturbing treatments that were utilized to counter this so-called malady. Rod will then take us to Japan to learn about the “johatsu”; the evaporated. People who

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38:13

Bonus Ep 7: 1st Anniversary Listener Q&A

The Absurd ·

2025/05/23

We answer listener-submitted questions about the show, about us, and about food.

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43:32

Preemies At The Circus, More Attic Antics, She Is You...

The Absurd ·

2025/05/21

Mel will start us off by introducing us to Dr Martin Couney, also known as 'the Incubator Doctor', who was best known in medical circles and public view for his amusement park sideshow, "The Infantorium", in which visitors paid 25 cents to view prematurely born babies displayed in incubators. Yup! Next, Rod will tell us about a very long and strange extramarital affair that led to a murder case. Not an unheard of thing to be sure, but there’s so much more to this that makes it utterly bizarre. Then

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26:20

The Rhinoceros Party, Lions Gonna Lion & Kafka’s Doll

The Absurd ·

2025/05/14

This is a first. An episode with Rod flying solo. The reasons why Mel is not here are revealed in the episode. Where could she be? Rod will make good on an earlier promise when he explains the history and purpose of the Rhinoceros Party. Next, he will introduce us to a new segment of The Absurd, and in doing so, he will take us to Iraq, where a man thought it would be a good idea to buy a lion for him to raise and tame. His plans went awry. Lastly, we’ll learn about a beautiful story involving

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48:11

Imaginary Lover, Couch Potato, The Great Imitator &...

The Absurd ·

2025/05/07

Mel will introduce us to Charles and Juniper. A couple very much in love and who spend almost all of their time together since they first met in high school. They would like to be married but the government won’t permit it. Why? Because Juniper doesn’t exist. Rod will then take us to Montreal where two men are facing charges after their roommate died and they left her decomposing body on the couch … for six months. Watch for an update on this one following their court date coming up on Friday. Mel

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44:03

Life In An Elevator, The Elephant Poop In The Room,...

The Absurd ·

2025/04/30

Our first story takes us to China where a woman became trapped in an elevator following some strange circumstances. Even scarier, she died after being stuck in the elevator for over a month. Still in China, Mel will tell us about the Canopia rainforest themed restaurant where patrons can pay over $700 CAD for a 15 course meal containing some … absurd dishes. One which has drawn the ire of officials, is a dessert made of elephant poop. Next, Rod will take us to a small town in Missouri where

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44:24

A Cornucopia of Absurd, This Water Tastes Funny,...

The Absurd ·

2025/04/23

Mel will start us off with a collection of absurd little items such as ketchup as medicine, Knocker-uppers, the origin of the Three Musketeers bar, and medical chainsaw, Next, Rod will take us to Los Angeles for a murder case involving a young Canadian woman. While the police have closed the case, many find their explanation to be … absurd. Then we’re off to Turkey where we’ll meet a family with a strange tendancy to walk and run on all fours. Lastly … who’s up for a game of poop needling?

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55:25

Hooked On A Feeling, IVFu%k-Up, Big Belly Binary &...

The Absurd ·

2025/04/16

South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape in the world, and a woman there thinks she has come up with a way to address it. Sometimes a serious problem requires a serious approach, and while her approach might be brutal, so too is the matter it addresses. Then we’re off to Australia, where Mel will tell us about a case where a woman receiving IVF was given the wrong embryo. Then Rod will tell us about a very rare medical condition that plagued a man in India for 36 years. This is a truly

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57:12

Teddybären Picknick, Dire Consequences, Humans For...

The Absurd ·

2025/04/09

From the 1920’s until the early 70’s, posing with people in polar bear costumes was all the rage in Germany. Pictures of whole families, soldiers, workers, sports teams, and children can be readily found, and all of them are delighted to do so, Even the kids. Then we will learn about the birth of three Dire Wolf pups this year. What’s the big deal about that you ask? Well nothing, except Dire wolves have been extinct for 13,000 years. While still in the realm of science and ethics, Mel will tell us

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50:57

Under The Bed?, Grandma’s New Baby, Rabid Kidney &...

The Absurd ·

2025/04/02

Anyone with kids or remembers being a kid has experienced the request to check for monsters in the bedroom. Of course there are no monsters. Right? A 66 year old woman in Germany proves it’s never too late to have a baby. Or even your tenth baby. Rabies is a truly terrifying disease with a mortality rate of virtually 100% and an agonizing death. Bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are the most common carriers in North America, but imagine contracting rabies in the hospital. Lastly, Mel will tell us

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58:29

Old Timey Quackery, Big Money Dog, Eternal Snickers &...

The Absurd ·

2025/03/26

Mel will take us back a hundred years to look at some accepted medical practices of the day. Think any of these should be reintroduced? I’ve got a couple in mind. Then Rod will introduce us to an Indian man who bought the most expensive dog ever, and a one of a kind dog at that. Next, have you given any thought as to what you want done with your remains when you pass away? I suspect we all have thoughts on that. I’ll bet they differ from what this dude wanted. Lastly, we’ll go back to the 1940’s for

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53:39

Chinese Truman Show, When Babies Were Brave, Ancient...

The Absurd ·

2025/03/19

Ever seen the Jim Carrey movie, The Truman Show? It’s a fantastic movie with a fascinating premise. But it could never really happen. Could it? Parents have always loved their babies, but judging by some of the things that were once considered normal to do with their babies might make you think otherwise. Next, we will learn about a previously unknown species of worm which was found in the Siberian permafrost. Not only were these very worms over 40,000 years old, they also weren’t dead. Lastly Mel

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51:08

In-Flight Nudie, Three Days In A Box, Cave Grave &...

The Absurd ·

2025/03/12

A woman on a recent flight had some type of mental incident which saw her completely disrobe and run down the aisle. She also began striking the fuselage of the aircraft, and assaulted a flight attendant. While on the subject of flying, we’ll meet Reg Spiers, an Australian man who desperately needed to get home from the UK, but with no money, what could he do? How about ship himself home in a crate? Then we’ll learn of a sad and terrifying incident of cave exploration gone horribly wrong. Lastly,

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49:54

Taxidermied Philosopher, Strange Tale of Phineas...

The Absurd ·

2025/03/05

Mel will take us to 18th century England where we will meet Jeremy Bentham. A philosopher, jurist, social reformer, and all round great guy. When he died, his request to be preserved was honoured, and in a most … odd way. Next, Rod will tell us about the incredible and harrowing tale of Phineas Gage. A man who miraculously survived a hideous injury which left him scarred both physically and mentally, but which also led to a massive leap forward in neuroscience. Continuing on in the world of health,

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42:19

Scratch Ticket Shenanigans, Pontiac Prison, She Pees...

The Absurd ·

2025/02/26

Ever bought a scratch ticket? Sure you have. We’re off to France where a stolen credit card was used to buy a scratch ticket which won big. Who gets the money? The owner of the stolen card has a good solution. Next, Mel will take us to Detroit to learn of a sad and extreme example of a mother abandoning her children. Then we’ll meet a woman in New Hampshire who likes to pee in a certain store. And not in the bathroom. Lastly, we’ll go back to the 1800’s where a case of revenge ended up with the

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48:10

Parenting: Doggy Style, Bald Is Gold, Whale of a...

The Absurd ·

2025/02/19

Mel tells us a fascinating and sad story of a little girl abandoned by her parents who was then adopted and raised by dogs. Stories of feral children are not new, but this is a modern case. Then we’re off to Mozambique where several men have been murdered because they were bald. Next, Mel will take us down to Patagonia where a terrifying incident involving a man being swallowed by a whale recently happened. Lastly, those of a certain age will remember just how popular Paula Abdul was. You may also

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43:09

Ghost Ships, Twin Jims, Bullet Dodge, Tiktok Tool, &...

The Absurd ·

2025/02/12

Several ships containing severely decomposing bodies have washed up on Caribbean islands. These macabre vessels seem to come from western Africa, but why, and how? Mel will tell us a tale about identical twins separated at birth who shared an … absurd number of similarities. Then Rod will take us to Utah where one man was shot after claiming he could dodge a bullet. Yeah … he couldn’t. Then we will learn the perils of shooting a Tiktok video while in a cage with a lion. Lastly, Rod will tell us

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48:36

Mel’s Rock Talk, Swiss Cheese Pervert, Blood Countess...

The Absurd ·

2025/02/05

First off, Mel will take us back to where it all began for her; Newfoundland. She will dazzle us with sayings popular on The Rock, and she will quiz Rod to see if he can understand what they mean. There’s a Fun Dip on the line. Next, we’ll meet a man who is unquestionably the cheesiest flasher we’ve ever heard of. Then things get truly gruesome as Mel takes us back to 16th century Hungary to learn about ... Elizabeth Bathory. We know many of you are familiar with her, and we may revisit this one

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