The boys sit down with author, YouTuber, and soothing-voice archetype Honor Lewis of Honor's Diary to discuss the history of the lost continent Lemuria. What was Lemuria? What evidence of it exists? What does it mean for people and religions of today? And can we finally stop discounting the written events of people from thousands of years ago as "just some stories"? Let's get spirtual...
Where were you on NYE 1999? Were you even born yet? For those of us that were and remember it, the dawn of the year 2000 brought hopes and dreams of the future, but also the fear and panic of the end of the world. A little computer bug called "y2k" (Year 2000) was supposed to be the end of everything electronic. And no, this wasn't a cyberattack, or ransomware... this was a bug that was intentionally put into computer system way back when people didn't think of the future. So what happened? How did we fix it? Have a listen as Joe C. explains the problem, the fear, and the outcome of y2k in this weeks Extra Credit episode.
Ever felt an unseen presence guiding you in a life-or-death moment? That’s the Third Man Factor. In this episode, we dive into what it is, where the term comes from, and real-life accounts—from Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic survival to eerie 9/11 stories. Is it a guardian angel, a brain coping mechanism, or something else? We break down the psychology, the mystery, and the theories behind this phenomenon.
The boys are back with 3 unique stories for your enjoyment. This weeks topic: Famous Hoaxes throughout history (whether they were meant to be or not). Join us as we discuss 3 amazing stories that will leave you laughing and wondering "How are people so gullible?"
One historical, one magical, and one just completely absurd and hilarious, and some short honorable-mentions. Look at the artwork to get an idea.
In this incisive and hard-hitting episode, we peel back the layers of America’s complex—and often cruel—approach to immigration. From the scars of the Mexican Repatriation, Operation Wetback, and Japanese internment camps to today’s controversial executive orders, ICE raids, and the symbolic (and expensive) border wall, we trace the disturbing continuity of fear-driven policies.
With biting satire and in-depth analysis, the episode exposes how immigrants—despite paying billions in taxes and building communities—are persistently demonized as threats. We also explore the irony of a nation that touts freedom and opportunity while sidelining those who have long contributed to its prosperity.
Join us as we challenge exclusionary narratives, confront historical injustices, and ask:
What does it really mean to be a “good American” in a country built on both lofty ideals and harsh realities.
In this episode, we unravel one of the most infamous documents in CIA history: the Family Jewels. This 700-page dossier, compiled in the 1970s, exposes decades of covert and often illegal activities carried out by the agency.
We’ll dive into some of the most shocking revelations, including:
This is the story of power, secrecy, and the ethical dilemmas that defined a critical chapter in U.S. intelligence history. Tune in for the full story of the CIA’s Family Jewels.
Join us as we go back to the 1980's, when Satan was to blame for all of the world's ailments: war, crime, serial killers, rape, child abductions, etc... What affect did this have on our culture? And our music?! Was every deviant minded criminal out there just controlled by Satan? Were daycare centers the hub of an international child sex-ring? What did we (NOT) learn from the 80's that is happening right now in the 2000's? And will it continue to happen? Our very special friends and guests Chalice Blythe & Dex Desjardins join us for the 3rd time on this episode and give us plenty to discuss, laugh about and get pissed off about.
Think New Year’s Day is all fireworks and fresh starts? Think again. On this episode of "The Story Of... Extra Credit Edition," we’re diving into the gut-wrenching, heartbreaking history of New Year’s during slavery—a day once known as “Hiring Day” or, more brutally, “Heartbreak Day.”
We’re exposing the truths you won’t find in your sanitized history books: families ripped apart, lives auctioned off, and the reverberations we still feel today. We’ll tackle the half-measures of the Emancipation Proclamation, call out the modern rise of white supremacy, and unpack why facing history isn’t “woke” but just being human.
It’s raw, it’s real, and yeah—it’s gonna piss you off. But trust me, it’s a story you need to hear. Tune in to "Heartbreak Day: The Dark History of New Year’s in America." Available now wherever you get your podcasts
In this episode of The Story of..., Smith, Mike, and Camp tackle the immune system’s ultimate cheat code: vaccines. Ever wonder how your body learns to fight disease without signing up for the full-blown plague experience? Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of clever trickery and zero cow kissing (looking at you, Edward Jenner).
The gang also dives into the dramatic history of anti-vaccine movements, including 19th-century skeptics who thought vaccines would turn you into a human-cow hybrid (sadly, no super moo-powers). It’s science, history, and just the right amount of sarcasm—all delivered straight to your ears. Get ready to laugh and learn!
In this Extra Credit episode, Joe Camp takes you through the amazing history of the Calutron girls- young women hired to do critical work on a secret project and help contribute the war effort in the 1940's. Listen to find out more.
Why do numbers play such a significant role in our lives and cultures? Do they actually hold meaning, or do we just assign them meaning because we’re scared? What’s good, 3 or 7? What’s bad, 4 or 13? Why do angels get triple repeat numbers, but not triple 6’s? Why does Satan get the good one? Join Smith, Mike and Camp as we journey into our favorite numbers, our life paths, and our birthdates on the 3rd episode of the season, recorded on the 3rd of the month, and released on the following 3rd… spooky.
What if I told you that the Thanksgiving story we all grew up with—the Pilgrims, the feast, the peaceful gathering—was a lie?
No, not just a little fib. We’re talking revisionist history with a side of cranberry sauce.
On this extra credit episode Thanksgiving: The Turkey, the Lies, and the Leftovers of History, we’re serving up the raw, unfiltered truth behind America’s most celebrated feast. It’s a story of survival, betrayal, stolen land, and… propaganda.
From the mass devastation of Indigenous populations to the shady deals that landed the Pilgrims in Plymouth, this isn’t the Thanksgiving tale your textbooks wanted you to know
Welcome to The Story of... Extra Credit, where Smith dives into bite-sized tales of the weird, absurd, and downright spooky.
This episode tackles Tamerlane's curse—a chilling legend linking the Soviet Union’s opening of the conqueror’s tomb in 1941 to the catastrophic Nazi invasion just two days later.
With plenty of laughs and a touch of "WTF," Smith leaves listeners pondering the mysteries of history and the power of a good old-fashioned curse. Perfect for fans of strange stories who love a side of skepticism and sarcasm!
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Smith, Joe, and Mike dive deep into the fascinating realms of the Akashic Records, the concept of determinism, and the age-old question of whether or not humans can access universal knowledge...
We're finally back for Season 4!
And what a way to start it off... Brandon from FDRsWheelchair joins us as we discuss various Cults throughout history. Why do people join cults? What kinds of stuff do they believe? Can it really be THAT bad? Well, it gets horribly terrifying apparently. Join us as we give you The Story Of CULTS
*Listener discretion advised, this one gets pretty graphic*
*Season 3 Finale* Operation Paperclip (aka Project Paperclip) was a program run by the US military to allow high ranking Nazi scientists to work in America after the fall of the Third Reich. None of these scientists (who contributed to slave labor, the holocaust, and human experimentation) were ever brought up on War Crimes charges. In fact, most were given a comfortable and lucrative life working in the US. On the other hand, the United States developed into the most technologically advanced society in the world, due in part to the work of these scientists. Looking for a moral/ethical conundrum? Here ya go...
Join us for our Season 3 Finale with very special guest Noah Kinsey as we discuss the lasting effects of this dark time in US history.
This week the guys are joined by a legend in the Long Island Hardcore scene, former front man for Mind over Matter and Day in the Life...George Reynolds. George takes us back to the beginning of the legendary Long Island Hardcore scene of the early 90's and talks about what it was like helping to create such an amazing time in music. If you were a part of this scene, you'll love this episode, if you weren't then you'll be introduced to some amazing music.
George's Podcast: If I ruled the world podcast
You may think all punk rockers are drug addicts and alcoholics, but did you know there's a punk subculture of abstaining from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other poisons? It's called Straight Edge, and it's been around since the 80's. What does it really mean? How restrictive is it? Should I be scared of these people? Join Smith, Joe, and Mike as we dive into this subculture, share our experiences with it, and why it may be a good or bad choice for some people.
So X-up those hands, throw on your favorite Earth Crisis hoodie, bandanas up, and let's get ready for a Firestorm to Purify.
This week the one and only Keb Pound creator and host of the Stupid History Minute joins the guys to tell the story of the Election of 1800. Were early American politics more civil than today? How exactly did Jefferson beat out Adams? Should we get our history from Broadway? Be sure to check out the amazing Unfiltered Studios collaboration as we bring you The Story of the Election of 1800.
For this part 2 episode, we were lucky enough to be joined by filmmaker/documentarian Erik K. Swanson whom we discussed in Part 1's episode. His infamous videos of Walter and Carlos had us all hooked, and he gives amazing insight into his time with these gentlemen, his exploration of the Freedom Tunnel, and what makes NYC different for the homeless than other areas of the country.
He was an amazing guest and we had a great time talking with him and learning so much more about this topic.
(Mike was absent, but Jay Burke covered for him)
Check out Erik's videos here:
