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PODCAST

pplpod

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends.Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

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All Episodes

18:58

The Wack Pack: Howard Stern’s Most Infamous...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the strange and hilarious history of the Wack Pack, the assortment of unique personalities that became a key part of The Howard Stern Show. We explore the origins of the group—originally a parody of the Rat Pack—and Howard Stern’s golden rule: that Wack Packers are defined not by any specific peculiarity, but by their total inability to understand why they are funny.Join us as we break down the "Official" roster voted on by Stern and his staff, featuring

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19:33

Mapping Innovation: Inside the Edinburgh Science...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the Edinburgh Science Triangle (EST), a groundbreaking multi-disciplinary partnership connecting universities, research institutes, and science parks across Scotland. We discuss how this collaboration unites the NHS, local councils, and Scottish Enterprise to foster a world-class professional scientific community.Join us as we examine the triangle's three geographic points—Livingston, Musselburgh, and the Easter Bush campus—and their role in driving inward

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17:08

Golden Apricots & Crossroads of Culture: The Yerevan...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

This week on pplpod, we take a deep dive into the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF), Armenia’s premier cinema event. Founded in 2004 and led by honorary chairman and acclaimed director Atom Egoyan, GAIFF serves as a unique "Crossroads of Cultures and Civilizations," showcasing the richness of the human experience through world cinema.In this episode, we cover:• Festival History: From its inception by the Golden Apricot Fund for Cinema Development to its 22nd edition in

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26:17

JAG Season 4 Recap: From Russia with Love, The Baby...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we dive deep into JAG Season 4, a pivotal year for the legal drama that sees the show hitting its stride in the ratings and storytelling department. We break down the explosive season opener where Harm (David James Elliott) and Mac (Catherine Bell) are presumed dead in Russia while searching for the truth about Harm’s father.Join us as we discuss the major character arcs, including Bud Roberts’ (Patrick Labyorteaux) promotion and Harriet Sims’ pregnancy. We also analyze

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35:23

The "Gigolo" Jimmy Del Ray Story: The Heavenly...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we profile the life and career of David Ferrier, better known to pro wrestling fans as "Gigolo" Jimmy Del Ray. We discuss his rise in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), where he replaced Stan Lane to form the legendary Heavenly Bodies tag team with Tom Prichard, managed by Jim Cornette. We cover his "jiggling" gimmick and his run in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), including high-profile matches at SummerSlam and Survivor Series against teams like the Steiner Brothers

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33:23

The Many Faces of Ron Reis: WCW’s Yeti, The Super...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the fascinating and often bizarre career of 7-foot giant Ron Reis. Before stepping into the squared circle, Reis was a basketball standout at Santa Clara University, but he is best known to wrestling fans for his memorable run in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the peak of the Monday Night Wars.We break down his infamous debut at Halloween Havoc 1995 as The Yeti—the "mummy" who broke out of a block of ice to attack Hulk Hogan—and his strange transition

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21:30

Beyond Pad Thai: The History, Regions, and Diplomacy...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we take a culinary journey through Thai cuisine, exploring the rich history and regional diversity that makes Thailand’s food culture world-famous. We dive deep into the core pillars of Thai cooking—balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—and reveal how historical influences from India, China, and Portugal shaped iconic dishes like Massaman curry and foy thong.We break down the distinct flavors of the five main regions, from the sticky rice and larb of Isan (Northeastern

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43:17

The Man Who Replaced Galileo: The Science and Feuds...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the turbulent career of Giovanni Camillo Glorioso, the Italian mathematician and astronomer who succeeded Galileo Galilei as the professor of mathematics at the University of Padua.We dive into Glorioso’s complex relationship with his famous predecessor, including his controversial claims that Galileo did not invent the telescope or the sector. We also examine his scientific foresight, from his agreement with Tycho Brahe that comets were heavenly

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21:27

Menai Bridge (Porthaethwy): Telford’s Masterpiece,...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we travel to North Wales to explore the historic town of Menai Bridge, known in Welsh as Porthaethwy. We dive into the history of the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel built by Thomas Telford in 1826 to span the turbulent Menai Strait.Join us as we discuss the town’s unique landmarks, from the serene Church Island (St Tysilio) and the Belgian Promenade—built by WWI refugees—to the restored beauty of the Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. We also uncover local

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20:16

Patrick Henry: Did He Really Say "Give Me Liberty or...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" It is one of the most iconic quotes in American history, credited with swinging the vote for independence. But did Patrick Henry actually deliver those famous words, or is the version we know a fabrication?In this episode of pplpod, we transport you to March 23, 1775, inside St. John's Church in Richmond for the Second Virginia Convention. We explore how Henry’s fiery oratory urged the Founding Fathers—including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—to raise a

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26:32

"Gentleman" Chris Adams: WCCW Icon, Superkick Creator...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the meteoric rise and tragic fall of "Gentleman" Chris Adams. A British Judo champion turned pro wrestling superstar, Adams became a legend in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), famously feuding with the Von Erichs and forming the Dynamic Duo with Gino Hernandez.We break down his massive contributions to the industry, from popularizing the now-ubiquitous Superkick finisher to training the biggest star in history, Stone Cold Steve Austin.However, behind

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28:54

Dusty Johnson: The Problem Solver Eyeing South...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we take a deep dive into the career of Dusty Johnson, the U.S. Representative for South Dakota’s at-large district. We trace his political ascent from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and his time as Chief of Staff for Governor Dennis Daugaard to his current tenure in Congress.Tune in as we analyze Johnson’s reputation as a moderate Republican and member of the centrist Problem Solvers Caucus. We discuss his notable breaks from party lines—including his votes

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42:34

The Nameless Giant: Ekbletomys and the Extinct Rats...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we uncover the strange case of "Ekbletomys," the massive extinct rodent of Antigua and Barbuda. First described by paleontologist Clayton Ray in 1962, this giant rice rat rivals the size of the infamous Megalomys but remains a ghost in the scientific record.We explore the taxonomic limbo of Oryzomys hypenemus—a species that is technically "unavailable" due to a quirk in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Discover how this unique creature, characterized by a

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28:14

George Forsyth: The Unionist Who Took on Auckland’s...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

From the Battle of Jutland to the chaotic chambers of the Auckland City Council, George Forsyth was never afraid of a fight. In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the life of this uncompromising New Zealand trade unionist and politician.We trace Forsyth’s journey from a Royal Navy Petty Officer in WWI—where he once met T.E. Lawrence—to his 44-year tenure as a union leader, eventually becoming President of the Auckland Caretakers, Cleaners, Lift Attendants and Watchmen's Union.But the real story

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35:01

The IND Fulton Street Line: A Trains, Ghost Stations...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we head underground to explore the history of the IND Fulton Street Line, the vital rapid transit artery serving Brooklyn and Queens. We trace the line’s chaotic origins, from the demolition of the noisy Fulton Street Elevated to the hand-dug tunnels constructed during the Great Depression and World War II.Tune in as we discuss:• The Route: How the A Train and C Train navigate from the Cranberry Street Tunnel to Ozone Park, passing through major hubs like Jay

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17:18

From Dan to Beersheba: Biblical Borders & The British...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we trace the origins of the famous phrase "From Dan to Beersheba," used nine times in the Hebrew Bible to define the settled territory of the Tribes of Israel. We explore its appearance during key biblical moments, from the Battle of Gibeah and the calling of Samuel to the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Finally, we examine how this ancient geographic concept resurfaced during World War I peace negotiations, where British politicians like Lloyd George used it to

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19:07

G Men (1935): James Cagney Switches Sides in this...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

On this episode of pplpod, we investigate the 1935 crime classic G Men, one of the top-grossing films of its year. We discuss how Warner Bros. attempted to rebrand the genre by casting James Cagney—famous for his role in The Public Enemy—as "Brick" Davis, a lawyer turned federal agent.Listen in as we break down the film's production history, noting how it shifted Hollywood's narrative from glorifying the mob to celebrating the FBI during the Great Depression. We also explore the plot, where Cagney’s

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19:01

The Giant Sucking Sound: Ross Perot, NAFTA, and the...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we revisit one of the most famous political catchphrases in American history: the "giant sucking sound." We dive into the 1992 United States presidential election, where independent candidate Ross Perot famously warned voters about the dangers of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).We analyze Perot’s argument from the second presidential debate, where he predicted that low wages and a lack of environmental regulations in Mexico would cause a massive exodus of

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25:42

From Hell: Jack the Ripper, George Lusk, and the...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we tear open the envelope on the most gruesome correspondence in true crime history: the "From Hell" letter. Sent in October 1888 to George Lusk, chairman of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, this package contained a chilling message and a horrifying artifact—half of a preserved human kidney.Join us as we analyze why many experts believe this specific letter, unlike the "Dear Boss" or "Saucy Jacky" notes, may be the only authentic communication from the Whitechapel

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19:42

Albania’s Highest Honor: Inside the "Gjergj Kastrioti...

pplpod ·

2026/02/25

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the history and prestige of the "Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu" Decoration, a high honorary state decoration of the Republic of Albania. Join us as we discuss how the President of Albania awards this title to both Albanians and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the nation's defense and development.We also clarify the distinction between this modern honor and the royal Order of Skanderbeg, while highlighting the legacy of its namesake,

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7,536 results

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