logo
episode-header-image
May 12
59m 7s

BALLOON BOY

CHELSEY WEBER-SMITH
About this episode
In 2009, the news reported live as a six-year-old boy careened through the air at 7,000 feet trapped inside a homemade balloon craft. Millions tuned into the harrowing saga, but once the balloon finally hit the ground, no little boy was found inside. Details then emerged that seemed to indicate it was all a hoax created by a family as part of a PR stunt for ... Show More
Up next
Aug 4
Polybius: The Arcade Conspiracy
This is a bonus episode from our subscribers-only podcast Hysteria Home Companion. I share the history of an 80s urban legend with our producer Miranda Zickler, one about a dangerous video game that appeared in Portland arcades with possible links to the mysterious government age ... Show More
40m 36s
Jul 28
Not Just a Phase: Goths Through History with Christine Laskowski
Christine Laskowski shares her research into how an ancient barbarian people known as the Goths came to represent everything from edgy Hot Topic fashion and the band Joy Division to the Notre Dame cathedral and Flannery O'Connor's writing. Christine is the host of the podcast T&J ... Show More
1h 15m
Jul 21
The Imaginary Gods of ChatGPT with Journalist Miles Klee
Miles Klee is the author of a recent Rolling Stone article titled People Are Losing Loved Ones to AI-Fueled Spiritual Fantasies which tells the stories of ChatGPT users who have come to believe that their chatbot is a sentient spiritual being. For this episode, Miles and I discus ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Selects: The Strange Story of Sea Monkeys
Anyone who ever picked up a comic book as a kid probably marveled at the ads for the mysterious Sea Monkeys. In reality, they are just brine shrimp, not fantastical beings with magical powers. But the story behind the invention of the Sea Monkey is tale all its own. Listen in to ... Show More
52m 51s
Jan 2025
THE LORE OF TTP
Today, Jon and Kris dive deep into THE LORE of TTP—what truly makes TTP, well, TTP. From hilarious inside jokes to absurd sayings and the stories that shaped the show, this episode is packed with laughs and nostalgia. Whether you're a longtime listener or just starting out, this ... Show More
1h 15m
Nov 2024
865: Real World Reunion, Wet Dog Shake, & Monkeys on the Run
Sarah returned to her Real World house and wasn't prepared for how emotional it would make her, and now she's considering why the experience brought out so many feelings. We talk about "wet dog shake," what causes it, and why some mammals have that response to certain stimuli, wh ... Show More
1h 4m
Feb 2025
Throwback: Monkey Mayhem
Today we're doing a throwback episode to one of our favorites from the early days of Stories Podcast. Zane the monkey LOVES to play pranks... even though no one else thinks they're funny. But whatever! They just can't take a joke! So when he plays a prank on a leopard, nothing wi ... Show More
22m 51s
Nov 2024
99. Not For Pity Invites + Mini Adventures as Self Care
Get 10 FREE meals at ⁠https://hellofresh.com/freenotforeveryone⁠. Visit ⁠⁠skims.com⁠⁠ and let them know we sent you! Select Not For Everyone after checkout. Get up to 40% off at ⁠cozyearth.com/NOTFOREVERYONE⁠. Use code NOTFOREVERYONE. __ This podcast is like a box of chocolates…y ... Show More
1h 19m
Jul 4
The Clearwater Monster
Early one morning in 1948, a phone call woke up the police chief in the small town of Clearwater, Florida. The caller said he’d seen something strange at the beach. Residents had found an odd set of footprints in the sand, and a rumor began circulating that Clearwater Beach had a ... Show More
34m 2s
Feb 2024
Hotel Primate
Hotel Primate is expecting its first two guests, and its owner just can't wait. Written especially for this podcast by Simon. If you enjoyed this story, please do leave us a review. And, if you'd like to suggest an animal for a future Animal Tales story, you can do so by emailing ... Show More
13m 24s
Aug 2024
Where's My Platypus?
Eliza had been invited to a tea party held by a platypus. If only she could find it! Written especially for this podcast by Alice.  If you enjoyed this story, please do leave us a review.  And, if you'd like to suggest an animal for a future Animal Tales story, you can do so by e ... Show More
18m 13s
Mar 2024
The Dull Axolotl
In a lake in Mexico lives a colourful group of friends – well, all except one of them. Written especially for this podcast by Alice. If you enjoyed this story, please do leave us a review. And, if you'd like to suggest an animal for a future Animal Tales story, you can do so by e ... Show More
16m 43s
Aug 6
178: The Most F*ed Up Baby Products in History
Hi friends, happy Wednesday! I don’t know if this is happening to any of you out there, but suddenly, everyone I know is having a baby. Which means I’m looking at one baby registry after another. Honestly I don’t mind, I love buying baby stuff. It’s so little and cute. But lately ... Show More
54m 40s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami