logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
40m 33s

Famous Dumpster Fires in History: The 19...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

The 1904 St. Louis Olympics featured the strangest sporting event in history. During the marathon, runners paused for naps, got chased by dogs, went apple picking, and doped with rat poison — all while being unwitting participants in a cruel scientific experiment.

*

Thanks for listening! Our next episode comes out Wednesday, June 26th.

*

Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, Jason English
Written by Lucas Reilly
Produced by Josh Fisher
Editing and Sound Design: Emily Marinoff
Mixing and Mastering: Baheed Frazier
Story Editor: Marisa Brown
Research and Fact-Checking: Austin Thompson and Lucas Reilly
Medal-Worthy Voice-Acting: Karl Keadle and Josh Fisher
Original Music by Elise McCoy
Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla
Executive Producer: Jason English

Want to email the show? Go for it. You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Nov 26
A Very Special Thanksgiving Mailbag
<p>It's Fandemonium! This week Dana, Zaron, and Jason respond to listener emails. They tell their Very Special origin stories, pick their favorite episodes, cast the movie version of the podcast, and preview the exciting stories coming this winter.</p> <p>Happy Thanksgiving! Happ ... Show More
18m 12s
Nov 19
The Dogs of Chernobyl
<p>When Russia invaded Ukraine, hundreds of starving dogs were trapped inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. For years, Oregon-based veterinarian Dr. Jenn Betz had been their lifeline. Now, with Putin&rsquo;s troops occupying the site, she had only one thought: How do I get back t ... Show More
45 m
Nov 12
The Grocery Store That Killed Communism
In 1989, Boris Yeltsin walked into a Houston supermarket — and walked out ready to end an empire. What he saw in Texas that day would shake the foundations of the Soviet Union. * On the Very Special Episodes podcast, we tell one incredible story each week. Follow us down a differ ... Show More
43m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Up, Up and Away: The Superman Heist
A Superman fan in Illinois is horrified to discover his entire stockpile of memorabilia has gone missing. As police search for the thief, the collecting community delivers their own brand of justice. * Very Special Episodes is a new podcast with a simple premise: we tell one incr ... Show More
33m 18s
Jul 2024
Athletes: Kerri Strug
Kerri Strug (1977-present) is a two-time Olympian and gold medalist. In 1992, she was the youngest American Olympian. In 1996, she helped the US team win the gold by competing in vault on an injured ankle.   For Further Reading:  Kerri Strug's Unforgettable Determination to Win G ... Show More
6m 42s
May 2022
Prodigies: Hannie Schaft
Hannie Schaft (1920-1945) was an iconic fighter for the Dutch resistance during World War II. Known as the notorious “girl with the red hair,” she spied on the Nazis and executed Dutch collaborators.History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were st ... Show More
7m 35s
Jul 2023
1904 Olympic Marathon
<p>In 1904, the U.S. hosted its first Olympics. It had a host of problems. But the event that was the most dangerous for athletes was the marathon.</p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Abbott, Karen. “The 1904 Olympic Marathon May Have Been the Strangest Ever.” Smithson ... Show More
39m 32s
Jul 2023
The History of Timekeeping (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr David Rooney and Desiree Burch at the literal beginning of time to explore the history of timekeeping. Covering everything from the origins of timekeeping to time in space, we even learn how you can smell the time! Above all, we finally find out who yo ... Show More
28m 20s
Dec 2020
Local Legends: Viola Desmond
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely s ... Show More
8m 27s
Mar 2024
Dr. Seuss
Horton wouldn't want to hear a who about all the things Dr. Seuss may have done...Scumbags of History is a production of Voyage Media and Enthusiast Gaming. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, and Dan Benamor (Voyage Media), J.B. Elliott, Roarke Boes, and Amanda Scherker (Enthu ... Show More
38m 8s
Jun 2021
Fast et Furieuse
<p><strong>Michèle commence à conduire l’automobile de son père à 14 ans.</strong> C’est lui qui lui a transmis sa passion pour les belles voitures de sport. En 1973, elle a 22 ans, un ami lui propose d’être sa copilote pour le Tour de Corse, l’un des rallyes les plus durs du mon ... Show More
14m 30s