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Shane Rogers

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Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Shane Goes Rogue! The History of BoxingGloves on, mouthguards in—this week, Shane and Duncan are stepping into the ring to throw hands with the Sweet Science. How did a sport that started as an all-out brawl become a highly regulated, multi-billion-dollar industry? Who was the first true boxing superstar? And why do boxing matches always seem to spark as much controversy outside the ring as inside it? Lace up, listen in, and get ready for a heavyweight history lesson. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~

2025-02-271h 06

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Greatest Unsolved Internet Mystery: Cicada 3301For years, an enigmatic online puzzle known as Cicada 3301 has baffled cryptographers, hackers, and conspiracy theorists alike. Was it a recruitment tool for a top-secret organization? A test designed by rogue intelligence agencies? Or just the most elaborate internet scavenger hunt ever devised? Join Shane and Duncan as they dive into the mystery, decode the clues, and attempt to unravel one of the internet’s greatest unsolved riddles. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and...

2025-02-131h 09

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The History and Evolution of CatsJoin Shane and Duncan as they dig their claws into the captivating history and evolution of our feline friends. From the revered temple cats of ancient Egypt to the superstition-shrouded mousers of the Middle Ages, and finally to the pampered companions of today, the duo traces the journey of cats through time. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply curious about humanity’s most mysterious semi-domesticated animal, this episode will leave you feline fine. Get ready to unravel the secret lives of cats, one fact at a time! ~ Support the show by becoming a Midni...

2025-01-1652 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Origins of Common Idioms, Phrases, and Figures of Speech (Redux)Have you ever wondered why we "turn a blind eye," "pull out all the stops," or "fly off the handle"? In this episode, Shane and Duncan dive into the quirky, surprising, and sometimes downright bizarre origins of the phrases we use every day. From ancient customs to historical mishaps, discover the stories behind the words—and how they’ve stood the test of time. Get ready to uncover the ‘writing on the wall’ about your favorite idioms and figures of speech! ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus con...

2025-01-0257 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Encore: The Pagan Origins of ChristmasMerry Christmas, insomniacs! Here's a blast from the past. We hope you're having an amazing holiday season. How is Santa Claus connected to cannibalism? Which Christmastide holiday commemorates the slaughter of children? How should you decode the cryptic numerology message 20+C+M+B+22? And what's with all of those airborne reindeer? Welcome to Ghosts of Christmases Past, in which Shane and Duncan explore how tree-worship and animal sacrifice evolved into the bizarre, festive, highly commercialized holiday we know today. So whether you're feeling the Christmas spirit or just feeling jaded and grinchy, grab a cup...

2024-12-2545 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Reckoning: Charles Manson and The Helter Skelter Murders (Part 3)PART 3! In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. INKY'S VIRAL MOMENT: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NFTxXk/ ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonu...

2024-12-051h 00

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Devil's Work: Charles Manson and the Helter Skelter Murders (Part 2)PART 2! In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote...

2024-11-2149 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs ENCORE: The (Original) Darwin Awards ENCORE! Shane needed a break, but we'll be back with a regular episode next week. In the meantime, if you need to chat or decompress, join our Discord community: MFFI DISCORD Warning: if you're not a fan of dark humor, feel free to skip this episode. We won't judge you! For our fellow twisted weirdos...enjoy. "The Darwin Awards salute the improvement of the human genome by honoring those who accidentally remove themselves from it in a spectacular manner!" IN THIS EPISODE: History of the Da...

2024-11-1431 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs SHOW SWAP! AHC - Bonnie and ClydeHey Insomniacs, we have something very special for you today. We're bringing you an episode of one of our favorite podcasts! AHC (Asshole Court) is a show in which three lifelong friends--Buddy, Mikey, and Randy--examine the life of a public figure who may or may not be a giant asshole. They assign a preliminary score based on what they already know of the person, and then they delve into the details of his or her life, and at the end they determine the celebrity's final score (rated from 1 to 11: Mr. Rogers to Hitler). Subjects have included Steven...

2024-11-0758 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Cult of Personality: Charles Manson and the Helter Skelter Murders (Part 1)In this final topic of spooky season, unravel the sinister saga of the Manson Family and the pint-sized puppet master who convinced his followers that Helter Skelter was more than just a Beatles song. From the infamous Hollywood murders to the courtroom circus that followed, Shane and Duncan explore how Manson’s twisted charisma led to one of the darkest chapters in American history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topi...

2024-10-311h 05

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs [Throwback Encore] We Are Legion: Exorcism and Demonic PossessionBEGONE, FOUL DEMON!! NO LONGER SHALL YOU BEDEVIL THE INSOMNIACS OF THE MIDNIGHT MASSES (Apologies for the caps lock, but Satan doesn't respect lowercase.) What's the difference between a demonic vexation, an infestation, and an oppression? How many demons do you have to host to become Legion? And is the Pope really on Twitter? Join the boys for a deep-dive into hellfire and brimstone in this examination of the disturbing history of exorcism and demonic possession. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In...

2024-10-2448 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Jack the Ripper: History's Most Notorious Serial KillerIn the shadowy alleys of Victorian London, a sinister figure lurked, leaving a trail of terror that has baffled historians for over a century. Join Shane and Duncan as they delve into the chilling tale of Jack the Ripper, unraveling the gruesome details of his infamous crimes and exploring mysteries that continue to haunt the annals of true crime. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~...

2024-10-1759 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The NEW 7 Wonders of the WorldGet ready to embark on a globe-trotting journey through time and across continents to uncover the secrets of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the stunning expanse of the Great Wall to the architectural marvels of Machu Picchu and Petra, from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, delve into the history, mysteries, and controversies surrounding these modern marvels. As always, Shane and Duncan are your snarktastic tourguides, explaining why these sites were chosen, the stories they tell, and the incredible feats of engineering and artistry that brought t...

2024-09-1954 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The 7 Wonders of the Ancient WorldPrepare for a silly, whirlwind tour of the most epic bucket list in history: the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From engineering feats that defied logic to legends that refuse to die, Shane and Duncan break down what made these wonders so…well, wonderful. (Or sometimes not.) ~ In this episode: The Great Pyramid of Giza The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Statue of Zeus at Olympia The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus The Colossus of Rhodes The Lighthouse of Alexandria ~ Support the show by becoming a Midn...

2024-09-0542 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Extreme Prisons: From "Squirrel Cage" to Camp 14Unlock the gates to some of the most bizarre and extreme prisons on Earth. From the rotating madness of “squirrel cage” jails to a Norwegian island where inmates roam free; from an overcrowded powder-keg that erupted into a shocking massacre to the grim horrors of North Korea’s Camp 14, join Shane and Duncan as they uncover the bizarre and chilling realities of incarceration around the globe. ~ In this episode: "Squirrel Cage" (Rotary Jail) Bastøy Island Carandiru Massacre Cebu "Dancing Jail" ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac...

2024-08-2247 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Technology Disasters: From Boeing to CrowdStrikeIn our high-tech interconnected world, a single software glitch can spiral into global disaster. Tune in this week to discover the hidden stories, the dramatic consequences, and the lessons learned from these monumental failures. From software glitches that crippled planes and healthcare devices, to power failures that left millions in the dark, Shane and Duncan uncover the human errors and systemic flaws behind some of the most infamous tech failures. ~ In this episode: Y2K CrowdStrike The Northeast Blackout of 2003 Therac-25 The Morris Worm ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight M...

2024-08-0856 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Video Game Scandals: From Hot Coffee To GamergateJoin Shane and Duncan as they expose a trio of scandals that rocked the gaming community. From the hidden sex scene that transformed a popular game into a salacious sensation, to digital treasure chests that blur the lines between gaming and gambling, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening journey into the dark side of the industry. ~ In this episode: Hot Coffee (Grand Theft Auto) Loot Boxes (Battlefront 2) Gamergate ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON

2024-07-1140 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Invasive Species: Claws, Tusks, and Karmic RetributionWell if it isn’t the consequences of our actions. The spread of humans around the globe has accidentally—and sometimes intentionally—led to the introduction of non-native species to vulnerable habitats. And when an animal or plant arrives at a new location, it’s going to do what a critter instinctively does: devour other plants an/or animals; breed, spread disease, and breed some more, all while viciously competing for local resources. It’s a tale as old as time; species gonna species. From felines to amphibians, from vines to hogs, join Shane and Duncan as the...

2024-06-2741 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Deadly Viral Trends and ChallengesJoin Shane and Duncan as they venture into the dark and baffling world of dangerous viral trends. From laundry detergent consumption to milk-crate balancing, uncover the psychological allure, societal impact, and potentially lethal consequences of these hazardous internet fads. ~ In this episode: The Saltine Challenge The Cinnamon Challenge The Tide Pod Challenge The Salt and Ice Challenge The Milk Crate Challenge The Skull-Breaker Challenge The Sleepy Chicken Challenge ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ C...

2024-05-3047 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs From Chernobyl to the Amazon: The World’s Creepiest Ghost TownsPrepare for an eerie, unsettling journey through the silent streets of the world’s abandoned ghost towns. From a city frozen in time by the Chernobyl disaster to the slavery-staffed coal mines of Hashima Island; from the jungle experiment known as Fordlandia to a reputedly–haunted western settlement that boomed and busted with the tides of gold fever, Shane and Duncan embark on a thought-provoking reflection on the impermanence of human settlements and the enduring stories they leave behind. ~ In this episode: Pripyat (Ukraine) Fordlandia (Brazil - Amazon Rainforest) White Oaks (New Mexico) Veros...

2024-05-1649 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Wild World of P.E.T.AWhere is the line between activism and extremism? In this furry, feathered, fanged episode, MFFI tackles one of the most divisive and controversial organizations of modern times: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA’s relentless pursuit of a singular goal has sparked global debate, controversy, scandal, and plenty of eye-rolling. From extortion tactics to undercover operations, from legal victories to losses in the court of public opinion, MFFI explores all of the drama, ethical dilemmas, and cultural shifts caused by PETA's aggressive fight for animal welfare. Follow along as Shane and Duncan wrestle with their own...

2024-05-021h 17

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Wizards, Dragons, and White Supremacy: The Ku Klux KlanHere there be dragons! But not the fun kind… How are wizards, ghouls, and dragons connected to the civil war? What does “AYAK” stand for? And what the hell is a Kleagle? Join MFFI for a journey equal parts ridiculous and horrific as Shane and Duncan shed light on one of the darkest chapters of America’s past. From its secretive inception to its infamous reign of terror, explore the history and lingering legacies of the Ku Klux Klan. ~ In this episode: December 24, 1865, Pulaski Tennessee Civil War, Slavery, and Reconstruction Racist Pranksters...

2024-03-2152 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Black Holes: Time-Warping Cosmic ParadoxesHow powerful is a singularity? Can anything escape from an event horizon? Do black holes “suck”? Dive into the cosmic shadows with Shane and Duncan as they unravel the mind-warping, gravity-bending science behind black holes. ~ In this episode: Sagittarius A* Primordial Black Holes John Michell Dark stars Gravitationally Completely Collapsed Objects John Wheeler Cygnus X-1 Event Horizon Telescope Messier 87 Supernovae Red Giants, White Dwarves, Blue Supergiants Einstein and General Relativity Gravity Nuclear Forces and Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle Quantum Entanglement Hawking Radiation/Evaporation Sanduleak −69 202 Event Horizon Singularity Photon Sphere Ac...

2024-02-0858 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Decoding Blood: The History of Genetics and DNA Profiling (Forensics Part 2)Follow Shane and Duncan along the twists and turns of the double helix as they unravel the history of genetics and DNA profiling. From Watson and Crick to the Human Genome Project, from Green River to the Golden State Killer, learn how genetic material holds the key to solving seemingly unsolvable crimes and curing formerly incurable diseases. ~ In this episode: Deoxyribonucleic Acid: The "Blueprint for Life" The Structure of DNA Nucleotides: Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine, Guanine Sugar Phosphates Friedrick Miescher Photo 51 Rosalind Franklin Watson and Crick The Eagle Pub Nature Magazine DNA Sequencing Frederick Sanger Th...

2024-01-2553 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Blood, Sweat, Fingerprints and Tears: Forensic ScienceWhat do blood, sweat, tears, and fingerprints have in common? They can all be used to solve crimes. In this episode of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs, Shane and Duncan explore the fascinating world of forensic science, and debunk some of the most ridiculous Hollywood myths. Crime doesn't pay, but it sure makes for a great episode… ~ In this episode: A short history of forensics Pre-forensics Trial by combat Cruentation Eureka! Archimedes and water displacement The Theory of Discernable Uniqueness Likelihood Ratios Fingerprints Dermal Ridge Skin Turing Patterns Whorls, Loops, and Arches The Henry Classification Sys...

2024-01-1151 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Famous Ships Lost at SeaWhich nautical tragedy represents the largest loss of life in non-combat American Navy history? Are there any undiscovered shipwrecks in American lakes? How much treasure would you get to keep if you could find the most valuable shipwreck that still hasn’t been discovered? Prepare for a journey through maritime history’s darkest waters, as Shane and Duncan delve into four chilling tales of ships lost at sea… ~ In this episode: USS Cyclops Flor de la Mar Le Griffon SS Waratah ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac...

2023-12-2840 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Native American MythologyJoin Shane and Duncan as they attempt to navigate the sensitive topic of Native American mythology, exploring the elusive world of talking coyotes, giant turtles, divine peace pipes, and the cosmic dance between gods and mortals. ~ In this episode: Debunking "Spirit Animals" The "Noble Savage" Keep America Beautiful and the Most Famous Tear on TV Iron Eyes Cody (Espera de Corti) Native American Philosophies on Nature Indigenous History in the Americas Creation Myth - The Great Turtle (aka Turtle Island) The Chitimacha and the The Great Spirit Coyote and the Permanence of Death ~ ...

2023-12-1446 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Bonus Re-Release: The Pagan Origins of ChristmasChristmas comes early this year with the bonus re-release of one of our favorite episodes exploring the strange, pagan, occasionally twisted origins of the Christmas holiday. How is Santa Claus connected to cannibalism? Which Christmastide holiday commemorates the slaughter of children? How should you decode the cryptic numerology message 20+C+M+B+22? And what's with all of those airborne reindeer? Welcome to Ghosts of Christmases Past, in which Shane and Duncan explore how tree-worship and animal sacrifice evolved into the bizarre, festive, highly commercialized holiday we know today. So whether you're feeling the Christmas spirit or just f...

2023-12-0746 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Gunpowder, Treason, Masks, and Plot: The Legend of Guy FawkesJoin Shane and Duncan for an explosive tale of political intrigue, religious fervor, and a daring conspiracy that could have reshaped an entire nation. ~ In this episode: King Henry VIII and the Anglican Church Catholics vs Protestants "Bloody" Mary I of England Queen Elizabeth I King James VI and I Robert Catesby Thomas Wintour John Wright Guy Fawkes The Secret Police Priest Holes Elizabeth Stuart and the Extended Plot Parliament Delayed The Accidental Conspirator: Thomas Bates Robert Keyes Keeping it in the Family: John Grant, Christopher "Kit" Wright, and Robert Wintour Francis Tresham...Double Cr...

2023-11-3050 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Legendary ”Cursed” ObjectsSpooky season continues! A car that killed a star. A haunted doll. A vindictive painting. Are any of these items genuinely cursed? Not a chance. But hey, it’s it’s going to be a wild ride. Join Shane and Duncan for a silly, skeptical romp through the darkest corners of the untamed internet. ~ In this episode: James Dean’s Little Bastard Robert the Doll “The Hands Resist Him” ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Cha...

2023-10-1951 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs True, Creepy, Unsolved MysteriesSpooky season has arrived! Join Shane and Duncan for a trio of mind-bending mysteries: first, venture into the frozen enigma of Dyatlov Pass, then wander the eerie halls of the Cecil Hotel, and finally unravel the perplexing tale of the Somerton Man. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Chat with fellow insomniacs and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on...

2023-10-0557 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The History and Origin of NamesWhat's in a name? A lot, actually. Names are more than just labels; they carry meanings, stories, and histories that reveal our origins, cultures, and personalities. In this episode, you’ll learn about the ancient roots of some common and uncommon names, the trends and influences that have shaped naming practices over time, and the surprising ways that names can affect our lives. From the ancient annals of civilization to the latest naming trends, join Shane “Gift From God” Rogers and Duncan “Dark Skinned Warrior” MacEwan for an enlightening journey through the fascinating netherworlds of nomenclature. ~ Support...

2023-09-0737 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs *Full Episode* After Midnight with Alfred Banks: The Top 5 Desert Island Movies Rapper, producer, all-around entertainment dynamo, and long-time member of the midnight masses Alfred Banks joins Shane and Duncan this week to generate a list of the most re-watchable movies ever. Can three opinionated guys from different generations find common ground? And what's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord... Make sure to check out Alfred Banks over at Underdog Central! ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and video livestreams over at the brand new MFFI Patreon: PATREON ~ Join...

2023-08-3156 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Extreme Exploration, Space Edition: From Nazi Rockets to the Falcon 9Strap in and prepare for liftoff as Shane and Duncan take you on a jet-fueled ride through the history of space exploration. From the Nazi origins of space-flight to the audacious Apollo missions that captivated the globe, from the unexpected launch of Sputnik to the Space Shuttle's triumphs and disasters, this episode unveils the pivotal moments, groundbreaking achievements, and tenacious spirit that propelled humanity's reach into the final frontier. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vo...

2023-08-101h 22

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Extreme Exploration, Ocean Edition: from Reed Rafts to the Titan SubmersibleWhy did humans first venture into the dark and mysterious depths of the ocean? What discoveries and dangers did they encounter along the way? And how will the ocean-exploring community regroup and flourish in a post Titan-submersible world? Prepare for a deep dive into the history and current state of ocean exploration as Shane and Duncan reveal the fascinating stories of the pioneers, adventurers, and scientists who dared to brave the final frontier on Earth. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at ...

2023-07-271h 13

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs After Midnight with AHC Podcast: The Top 5 Worst Fictional A**holesIt's an AHC takeover! On this week's rowdy, irreverent, NSFW installment of After Midnight, all three guys from the AHC podcast join Shane and Duncan to come up with a definitive list of the top five biggest jerks in fiction. From Mr. Burns to Freddy Krueger to Zach Morris, which epic a**holes will make the list? Thanks to Randy, Buddy, and Mikey for providing this week's hijinks; you can check the AHC podcast here: https://www.ahcpodcast.com/ What's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord... ~ A...

2023-07-061h 06

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The 1980s Satanic PanicHail Satan! In the latest 1980s-throwback episode of MFFI, Shane and Duncan explain how sensationalized accusations and false memories led to the persecution of innocent people, the destruction of families, and the rise of a new form of religious extremism. So turn off the lights, grab your crucifix, and take a trip down memory lane to experience the most notorious episode of mass hysteria since Salem: the Satanic Panic. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the...

2023-06-151h 10

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Outlaws and Renegades: The Hells AngelsPart myth, part mayhem, and all leather-clad rebellion: welcome to the shadowy world of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. In this week’s episode, Shane and Duncan explore the mystique and mysticism of a legendary biker gang, from the notorious riots and murders that publicly defined them to the fiercely-guarded code of honor that binds them. So grab a cup of coffee, or perhaps something stronger, and buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the turbulent history of the HAMC. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclu...

2023-06-0150 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Instruments of War: Medieval WeaponryJoin the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD! On this week's episode, Shane and Duncan delve into the dark and deadly world of medieval warfare to learn how people fought, killed, and survived in the Middle Ages. From the elegant and lethal longsword to the gruesome and gory morning star, explore the history and science behind some of the most fearsome and fascinating instruments of war ever devised. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the...

2023-05-1847 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs AI 2050: The Future of Artificial IntelligenceWhat will AI look like in 2050? Will it solve all our problems, or create new ones? Will our future AI companions be more “Her” or “T1000"? In the latest chrome-plated, mechanized, fully sentient episode of MFFI, Shane and Duncan discuss the possibilities and pitfalls of generative artificial intelligence, and explore all of the ways it might reshape media, society, economy, and culture. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD

2023-04-201h 24

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, and the AI ApocalypseReady or not, here they come: the robots have arrived. Artificial Intelligence has been under development since the 1950s, but viable AI didn't explode into mainstream pop culture until the introduction of ChatGPT in November of 2022. The chatbot has since rocketed in popularity to become the fastest-growing consumer application in history, and prompted an AI arms race that shows no signs of abating. Artificial Intelligence is now piloting cars, painting pictures, composing poems, writing term papers, passing the bar exam, and (presumably) plotting world domination. Join Shane and Duncan to explore the technological breakthroughs that m...

2023-04-0659 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Historical Figures (That Might Never Have Existed)For millennia, characters like King Arthur and Robin Hood have captivated the masses, inspiring songs and books and films and Saturday morning cartoons, but their reality is obscured behind myth and legend. Prepare for history-bending revelations as Shane and Duncan uncover the truth behind famous figures who might never have existed. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Sun Tzu Robi...

2023-03-231h 09

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Old Wives TalesCan an apple a day keep the doctor away? If you swallow your gum, will it spend years in your stomach? Can walnuts repair floor-scratches? (Spoiler alert: no, no, and yes.) Everyone is familiar with Old Wives Tales, those dubious snippets of folk wisdom that have been passed down from generation to generation. But where do they come from? And are they all just harmless superstitions, or do any of them contain a grain of truth? Join Shane and Duncan as they explore the true stories behind some of the most enduring Old Wives Tales. ~

2023-02-2355 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Killer Beasts: Notorious Animal AttacksWarning: This one is brutal. On this week’s karma-packed episode of MFFI, cringe along with Shane and Duncan as they delve into some of the most notorious animal attacks in history. From the killing of Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) by a startled stingray to the public tiger-mauling of Roy Horn (of Siegfried and Roy), explore instances of hubris and outright stupidity that resulted in shocking animal-on-human violence. This episode won’t help your insomnia, but it’s a wild ride… ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unloc...

2023-01-261h 30

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Social Media Meltdowns: The Rise and Fall of MySpace, the Teetering of TikTok, and the Twitter ApocalypseWelcome to the "Social Media Schadenfreude" episode, in which Shane and Duncan delve into the misfortunes of the fortunate. First up: MySpace, the has-been of the social networking world. Next: TikTok, the latest all-singing/all-dancing/all-spying flavor of the month. And last but not least, the endless stream of drama and chaos that is Twitter, from its beginnings as a 240-character bullhorn to its current incarnation as the pet project of a billionaire in freefall. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PA...

2023-01-121h 24

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Mysterious Cases of Lost and Found MediaFrom Nixon's infamous Smoking Gun audiotape to the OJ Simpson "lost confession,” cases of missing and recovered media have commanded public attention and left a lasting impact on the cultural zeitgeist. In this week's muckraking episode of MFFI, Shane and Duncan unearth the most fascinating and bizarre cases of lost-and-found media in history. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Christ...

2022-12-291h 06

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Ghosts of Christmases Past: The Pagan Origins of ChristmasHow is Santa Claus connected to cannibalism? Which Christmastide holiday commemorates the slaughter of children? How should you decode the cryptic numerology message 20+C+M+B+22? And what's with all of those airborne reindeer? Welcome to Ghosts of Christmases Past, in which Shane and Duncan explore how tree-worship and animal sacrifice evolved into the bizarre, festive, highly commercialized holiday we know today. So whether you're feeling the Christmas spirit or just feeling jaded and grinchy, grab a cup of heavily-spiked eggnog, get cozy by the yule-log, and join the boys as they unpack the fascinating pagan history of Christmas.

2022-12-1545 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Animals with SuperpowersSuper strength, super hearing, the ability to fly; many of the standard superpowers from comic books are commonplace in the animal kingdom. But those abilities barely scratch the surface when it comes to the awesome potential of evolutionary adaptation. In this latest episode, Shane schools Duncan on the most unique and powerful critters in the animal kingdom. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In t...

2022-11-0338 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Mummies and Death RitualsEvery society faces an inevitable dilemma: what to do with dead bodies? Join Shane and Duncan as they travel across the globe and throughout history to explore Sky Burial, plastination, "Dancing with the Dead," and the most famous death ritual of all: mummification. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: The World's Oldest Known Burial Site: Qafzeh Death Rituals Around the W...

2022-10-2058 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Filth and Fury: The History and Legacy of Punk MusicWhich famous foursome is considered the first punk band? What did CBGB stand for? In what city did punk originate? What was the wild television moment that made The Sex Pistols a household name? From the first on-stage snarls to punk's final wheezing gasps, follow along with Shane and Duncan as they trace the rise and fall of punk music. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISC...

2022-10-0647 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Gladiators and the History of Human CombatDid gladiators always battle to the death? Who was the most famous gladiator of all time, and why did he never step foot in the Colosseum? Were any gladiators women? What would a day at the Colosseum look and sound like? (Spoiler alert: music accompanied the fights.) Were all gladiators slaves, or could free citizens compete in the arena? Join Shane and Duncan as they explore the history and legacy of human combat in this week’s hacking and slashing, rough-and-tumble episode of MFFI. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or M...

2022-09-0847 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Deadly Plants: From Belladonna to the Gympie-GympieWhat’s the world’s most dangerous plant? Which notorious stinging nettle is capable of an aerial attack? And what the heck is a hemicryptophyte? Join Shane and Duncan as they explore the wild world of toxic foliage in this week’s lush, leafy, and lethal episode of MFFI. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Night...

2022-08-1134 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs *Full Episode* After Midnight: The Top 5 Greatest Movie SequelsTo make up for the lost episode due to Shane’s bout with COVID, MFFI is releasing another full, brand new After Midnight this week! Enjoy your favorite segments like “How Stupid Are We?” and “This Week’s Random Fact,” plus the greatest movie sequels of all time. What’s in your top five? Tell us in DISCORD ... ~ Access the entire back catalog of After Midnights, plus bonus episodes and perks over at the brand new MFFI Patreon: PATREON ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Ins...

2022-07-2131 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Spectral Evidence and Satanic Panic: The Salem Witch TrialsIn the late 17th century, a satanic panic swept through the Puritan colony of Salem, Massachusetts. Neighbors turned on neighbors, families were torn apart, and when all was said and done 19 innocent men and women were dead. And the scariest part? It could happen again. Join Shane and Duncan for a thorough exploration of one of the most shameful episodes in American history: the Salem Witch Trials. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the M...

2022-05-2651 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Megafauna: Titans of the Past and PresentFrom the largest animal to ever inhabit the earth to the heaviest predator of all time, from Spinosaurus to Dire Wolves (they were real!), Shane and Duncan explore the biggest of the big. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Modern Megafauna Blue Whale: Balaenoptera Musculus Megatherium (Giant Ground Sloth) The Pando Aspen Colony Armillaria Ostoyae: Clone Network of Fungus Rhizom...

2022-04-2851 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Mormonism: Private Worlds, Secret Handshakes, and Sacred UnderwearWelcome to another exciting episode of "Is it a cult?" (Spoiler: yep!) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is one of the world's youngest and fastest-growing religions. It's also completely bonkers. In this week's supersized episode, Shane and Duncan marvel at the sheer awesome silliness of Mormonism and recount the unlikely story of the church's enigmatic con-artist founder, Joseph Smith. ~ Support the show by becoming a Midnight Minion, Menace, or Maniac, and unlock exclusive bonus content over at PATREON ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on ep...

2022-04-141h 31

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs After Midnight (Full Episode): The Top 5 Holiday Movies of All TimeAlthough many of you Insomniacs have probably been naughty this year, MFFI is releasing a full After Midnight episode to the regular feed just in time for the holidays. It's a Christmas miracle! From historical classics to modern classics to Die Hard 2, Shane and Duncan debate the best holiday movies of all time. What's in your top 5? Tell us in the MFFI Discord... MFFI DISCORD ~ In this episode: 3 Rounds of Midnight Madness Thunderdome of Ideas (the Top 5 Five Holiday Movies), chosen from: The Grinch Love Actually Rudolph the Red...

2021-12-2338 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Lasers, Steam, and Chrome: The History of Science FictionWho wrote the first ever science fiction novel? Why is Isaac Asimov hiding his middle initial? And which psychedelic author attempted to murder the most wives? In the latest MFFI episode, Shane snd Duncan answer all of the burning sci-fi-history questions that you never cared enough to ask. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: The Epic of Gilgamesh? Johannes Kepler’s 1634 “Somnium” (The Dream) Mary Shelly and the Mad Scientist Trope Frankenstein The Last Man Roger Dodsworth: the Reanimated...

2021-12-1645 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Host Swap: The Marriage Episode (Kidnappers, Bloody Sheets, and Evil Spirits)In the wake of Shane's recent nuptials, Duncan takes the reins to explore the unsettling history and traditions of weddings. What was the original, sinister purpose of the "Best Man"? How are evil spirits related to Bridesmaid's dresses? And in what way is a honeymoon similar to fleeing a crime scene? Listen to find out... ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Marriage/Ownership Best Men/Kidnappers Bridesmaids/Decoys Wedding Party/Accomplices Garters/Zombies White Weddings Cake Smushing Wedding Traditions Around the World ...

2021-11-1840 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Pirate, the Silk Road, and the Dark Web: Ross Ulbricht‘s EmpireRoss Ulbricht created the most notorious website in history when he launched the The Silk Road in 2011. An online marketplace for drugs, guns, poisons, and explosives, the Silk Road would become synonymous with the Internet's lawless new frontier: the so-called "Dark Web." But what really IS the Dark Web? And how did a middle-class suburban kid become the notorious criminal kingpin known as the "Dread Pirate Roberts"? Fire up your TOR browser and cover your digital tracks as you follow Shane and Duncan into the darkest depths of the web for a fascinating true story...

2021-09-2353 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Hunting for Easter Eggs: Secrets Hidden in Movies and Video GamesTen episodes away from the big 1-0-0, the boys are hunting for the true origin story of the elusive video-game Easter egg. (Hint: Ready Player One got it wrong.) Follow along as Shane guides Duncan through some of the most famous, interesting, or pathetically failed examples of hidden content from movies and games. PS: is there an Easter Egg in episode 90? Guess you'll have to keep listening to find out... ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Debunking Spielb...

2021-09-1636 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Unreal: The History and Secrets of Reality TVNever say never. Shane swore that MFFI would never address the dreaded "K" family, but fate (and the Discord crew) had other plans. Join the boys for a fascinating dive into the putrid swamps of television history to learn how the scourge that is Reality TV conquered the entertainment world. In this episode: Reality Television VS Documentary Series The Finances SAG-AFTRA Networks VS Production Companies Writers Strikes The History of Reality TV American Family Meet the Louds Nummer 28 MTV The Real World New York Cast VS Editors Expedition Robinson Survivor Debuts Types of Reality TV Competition/El...

2021-08-2648 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Crimes of the Century: The Lindbergh Baby, the Mona Lisa Heist, and the Fatty Arbuckle ScandalWhy have only a few particular murders and heists and scandals been immortalized in popular culture? Join Shane and Duncan for a dive into three famous capers of the 1900s to help uncover the x-factors that elevate a garden-variety crime to legend status. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Charles Lindbergh The Aerial Daredevil Lindbergh Aviator Worship Air Mail ServiceThe Orteig Prize John Alcock and Arthur Brown The Kidnapping of the Lindburgh Baby The Ransom Notes John Condon, Intermediary The Body is Fou...

2021-08-1255 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Most Dangerous Cult in the World: North KoreaThe largest cult on earth has over 25 million followers, the 4th largest army in the world, and a nuclear arsenal. It also has bowling alleys and karaoke bars, and regularly hosts international marathons. Under three generations of iron-fisted dictators, the so-called Hermit Nation disconnected from the rest of the world, but with the rise of western-educated Kim Jong-un, North Korea is rapidly modernizing. Is the country bracing for change? What is life like in an isolated, rogue state? And is there any point in negotiating with a hostile, nuclear-armed enemy? Join Shane and Duncan for a nuanced exploration of...

2021-08-0543 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Host Swap: The Science Behind Ghosts, Phantoms, and ApparitionsIs it reasonable to believe that ghosts actually exist? From a scientific standpoint, are there any credible explanations for ghost sightings? In the latest MFFI host-swap episode, Duncan debunks his own sketchy theories and then regales Shane with some of the world's earliest ghost stories. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) Franz Mesmer Animal Magnetism Electromagnetic Fields David Cohen and Heart Magnetism Ghost Tale from Ancient Egypt Ghost Tale from China (Mo-Tzu, Emperor Hsuan and Tu-Po) Ghost Tal...

2021-07-1532 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Spy vs. Spy: The History of EspionageIn the first installment of MFFI's espionage series, Shane gives Duncan an overview of the spy game, from its origins in postiquity through the Cold War and all the way to the modern intelligence industry. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Sun Tzu and the Art of War Francis Walsingham and Mary Queen of Scots Alberto Ridolfi Louis XIV and the Cabinet Noir George Washington, America’s First Spy Master The Culper Ring Nathan Hale James Armistead and Lafayette Benedict Arnold The Great...

2021-06-2433 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Cursed Tourism: Unique and Surreal Tourist AttractionsOne traveler’s dream vacation is another’s nightmare. This week, Shane shares his personal picks for some of the least appealing tourist destinations on earth, and a couple that are just plain bizarre. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Bubblegum Alley (San Luis Obispo) Ark Encounter (Kentucky) Aokigahara ("Suicide Forest,” Japan) Isla De Las Munecas (Island of the Dolls, Mexico) Juju Love Island (South Korea) Carhenge (Car Art Reserve, Nebraska) ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomnia...

2021-06-1735 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs International Cryptids: The Strange and ObscureIn the second MFFI host-swap episode, Duncan teaches Shane about a bevvy of baffling and little-known cryptids from around the globe. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Indrid Cold (the Smiling Man) The Fresno Alien Popobawa Tikbalang Melon Heads Skunk Ape The Green Children of Woolpit Kelpie (Water Horse) The Bunny Man The Pope Lick Monster ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas...

2021-06-1036 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Bizarre Laws: International EditionFrom Australia's anti-bunny legislation to Caribbean profanity bans, from lonely Swiss Guinea Pigs to the protected Royal Fish of Britain, Shane and Duncan explore some of the world's strangest laws. ~ Join the MFFI community and vote on episode topics via DISCORD ~ In this episode: Australia: Rabbits of Queensland The United Kingdom: Royal Fish Tasmania: "No Questions Asked" Singapore: Chewing-Gum Ban Germany: Gas on the Autobahn Canada: Protectionist Media The Caribbean: Saint Kitts Public Profanity Ban Switzerland: Solo Guinea Pigs ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an In...

2021-05-1633 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Host Swap: Scottish Facts and FictionsBy popular demand via the MFFI Discord, Shane and Duncan swap roles for a special episode recorded on April Fools Day! Follow along in this Scottish-themed extravaganza as Duncan demolishes the beloved historical farce that was Braveheart, and answers questions that no one ever cared to ask, like, "Have there been any tandem Scottish serial killers?" and "Where is the world's largest hedge?" (Hint: it's in Scotland.) Will this host-swapping Freaky Friday craziness ever happen again? Maybe! Probably not! But who knows? Give the episode a listen and then drop your opinion in the discord:

2021-04-0833 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Diets Debunked: The Sketchy Science of Health and Weight LossMeet the Midnight Masses! Join Shane and Duncan and the rest of the Insomniacs on Discord: https://discord.gg/4KUWbgj4PN ~ What's the most effective weight loss plan? Do any of the trending "diet tips" on the Internet actually work? Why does the keto diet make your breath smell like death? Join the guys for an exploration of the wild history of nutrition science through the ages, and learn which (if any) fad-diets are legit. In this episode: The shifting, shifty food pyramid Fletcherism The cigarette die...

2021-04-0138 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs MFFI Challenge: can Shane make an entertaining episode from the world’s most hated subject?Full disclosure: no one suggested this week’s topic. Why would they? Only an idiot would attempt to make an interesting podcast episode out of the history and specifics of taxation. Shane is that idiot. He’s also a giant nerd, and believes that global finances can be fascinating. Duncan is skeptical. Can Shane make taxes interesting? Listen to find out... In this episode: Egyptian Shat Sin Taxes The Russian Beard Tax The Rosetta Stone Types of Taxes Tariffs Scaled vs Flat (progressive/regressive) Capital Gains ~ Join the...

2021-02-2531 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Stupid CriminalsWay back in episode 2 ("Heists"), Shane and Duncan learned all about the most notorious criminal masterminds in history. In this episode, they meet the B Team. Join the boys for a glorious celebration of schadenfreude, and delight in the misadventures of inept, bumbling criminal wannabes. In this episode: Adventures with Flakka (Patrick Rempe) Facebook dummy #1 (John Mogan II) Penguin heist (Rhys Owen Jones & Keri Mules) ATM blowtorch (??) Britain's Dumbest Criminal (Jamie Sharp) Alias misfire (Shareeka Strawn) Bringing a knife--and a bat--to a gunfight (Derrick Mosley) ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Be...

2021-01-1427 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs More Idioms, a.k.a Say What?You downloaded, we listened. In part 2 of one of the most popular MFFI episodes, Shane and Duncan reveal the meaning and origin behind more of the most-requested common sayings and idioms. In this episode: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth Fall off the wagon Long in the tooth Cold shoulder Face the music Close, but no cigar Welcome wagon Get out of Dodge At the drop of a hat Salt of the earth Second wind Heard it through the grapevine ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by...

2020-12-0328 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Sketchy and Unethical Psychological ExperimentsModern researchers are expected to follow strict ethical guidelines, but it wasn't always this way. For thousands of years, scientific experimentation was a free-for-all, and while American psychological experiments may never have reached Josef Mengele levels on the Evil Meter, there have been some notorious misfires that were downright disturbing. Follow along as Shane and Duncan explore some of the sketchiest psychological experiments every conducted. In this episode: The Milgram Experiment Robber's Cave The Monster Study The Stanford Prison Experiment ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by...

2020-10-0839 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Organized Crime, Volume 1: The YakuzaFor many of us, the word “Yakuza” conjures images of full-body tattoos and severed pinkies, but the actual legacy of organized crime in Japan is much more nuanced. Are members of the Yakuza modern-day Samurai, protectors of the common people, or just a bunch of stone-cold killers? Join Shane and Duncan for an exploration of Japan's most famous criminal organization. In this episode: Yakuza: Good Samaritans? Nomenclature: Boryokudan vs Ninkyo Dantai Origins: Bakuto and Tekiya Hierarchy: Oyabun and Kobun Yubitsume (ritual amputation) Irezumi (ritual tattooing) The largest Yakuza clan: the Yamaguchi Gumi The infamous "Concrete...

2020-09-1726 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Insomniacs Inbox: Bats, Penguins, and the Great Emu WarIn the first ever “Insomniacs Inbox” episode, Shane and Duncan respond to listener feedback, get schooled on Irish names, and pick sides in the Great Emu War. In this episode: Pumpernickel origins Hair misconceptions The Great Emu War Penguin oops Ozzy and the bat Name fiascos ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to...

2020-08-2022 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Cryptids: from the Loch Ness Monster to the Dobhar-chuFrom Bigfoot to Nessie to the Jersey Devil, Shane and Duncan break down the lore and origins of the most popular cryptids. In this episode: Nessie Bigfoot The Dobhar-Chu The Jersey Devil The Chupacabra ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! https://midnightbonus.weebly.com/midn...

2020-08-1333 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Ancient Texts: From the Devil’s Bible to the Magna CartaBefore there were printing presses and modern mass-produced books, there were tablets, tomes, and scrolls. Some were full of wisdom, some were full of...you know. Follow along as Shane and Duncan explore ancient documents, and Shane learns that "texts" is the most obnoxious word to have to say fifty times in a single episode. Yay! In this episode: The Devil's Bible (the Codex Gigas) The Emerald Tablet The Code of Hammurabi The Book of the Law The Magna Carta ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac b...

2020-07-3030 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Scandals: Hollywood EditionIn part two of the MFFI "Scandals" series, Shane and Duncan cover sex, drugs, and murder in tinseltown. In this episode: Mel Gibson VS a paper bag Hugh Grant’s impulse purchase Swan Dive off the H Tim Allen, drug mule The Hollywood Madame, AKA coke and quaaludes The Fappening The Black Dahlia ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee...

2020-07-2340 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Superstition: Black Cats and Devils and Mirrors, Oh MyWhen you step on a crack, do you immediately worry about your mother's back? Do you avoid walking under ladders, or regularly toss salt over your shoulder? If you do, that's honestly kind of weird, but also surprisingly common. And Shane and Duncan are here to tell you why. In the latest MFFI, the boys explain the psychology behind superstition, and how the most common superstitious beliefs were formed. In this episode: The psychology of superstition Cats Ladders Salt Judas Clover Cracks Horseshoes Knock on wood Rabbit's feet Mirrors ...and more ~ Join the M...

2020-07-1635 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Unique, Strange, and Creepy Historical HumansHumans can be amazing creatures. Nellie Bly revolutionized mental healthcare and circumnavigated the globe; Violet Jessop beat incalculable odds and survived unimaginable tragedy (multiple times). People can also be fork-eating, dolphin-masturbating wackjobs. Join Shane and Duncan for a bit of both. In this episode: The Insatiable Tarrare The Unsinkable Violet Jessop The Badass Nellie Bly The Necrophiliac Carl Tanzler The Dolphin-Pleasuring Violet Howe Lovatt ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we...

2020-07-0936 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The Fermi Paradox, A.K.A ”Where are the Aliens?”Where are all the aliens?? According to scientists, the Milky Way galaxy should be teeming with life, but when we point our telescopes and radio dishes at the sky we find nothing but stale, empty space. Is it possible that we’re actually alone in the universe? Join Shane and Duncan for an exploration of the fascinating Fermi Paradox, and learn what science tells us about the alien conundrum. In this episode: Lunch with Enrico Fermi Where are the aliens? The crazy, mind-boggling, existentially terrifying scale of the universe Counting sand The...

2020-06-2530 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Armageddon, Ragnarok, and End TimesDon't rapture me, bro! In the 666th episode of MFFI (not really) Shane and Duncan get cryptic with eschatological prophesies and learn all about the end of the world as we know it. In this Episode: Ragnarok Mayans and the 2012 Phenomenon The book of Enoch Revelations Judgment Day Tribulations Rapture Preppers Bugging out ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a...

2020-06-1830 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Weird and Obscure Facts About the Human BodyWhich is the smallest bone in the human body? The largest muscle? Which of your fingernails grows fastest? At what time of day are you tallest? If you ironed out all of the wrinkles from your brain, which shark would you resemble? Shane and Duncan provide answers to these and other pointless questions in the latest episode... In this episode: Brain wrinkles T-Rex thighs Presbycusis Tongue prints Heart location Lung size Nail length Ossification Aging sucks ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us o...

2020-06-1128 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs The World’s Most-Hated CorporationsCorporations are easy to hate, and some get a bad rap. But there are companies so vile, so cartoonishly evil, that they need to be called out. Wallow in unabashed haterism as Shane and Duncan take on the worst of the worst. In this episode: Turing Pharmaceuticals Wells Fargo Comcast Foxconn The Weinstein Company United Airlines ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show you...

2020-06-0431 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Myths in the Modern World: The OlympiansLegends never die, they’re just recycled. Torture, betrayal, incest...ancient myths are woven so tightly into modern culture that they're inextricable from psychology, commerce, science, and marketing. In the latest quarantine episode, Shane and Duncan chat about the myths and legends that have shaped the modern world. Did we mention incest? In this episode: The Primordial Deities The Titans Incest and The Olympians Frankenstein The Olympics Psychological Conditions (Oedipal Complex, Narcissistic Personality Disorder) Mythological Branding ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on soci...

2020-05-2127 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs UFOs ARE REAL (but they’re probably not aliens)Join Shane and Duncan for an extraterrestrial (maybe?) exploration of all things flying and unidentified. Find out the real name of Area 51, learn about Project Grudge, get a crash course in plasma, and what the heck is a Foo Fighter? In this episode: Roswell Project Sign, Project Grudge, and Project Blue Book Area 51 Foo Fighters Saint Elmo's (Ermo's?) Fire Crop Circles ...and more. ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now h...

2020-04-1636 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs More cults: Moonies, Jonestown, Heaven’s GateCults...still the worst. In part 2: Find out which suicide-cult Shane thinks is "kind of charming”; plus door-to-door monkey sales, Flavor Aid isn't Kool Aid, and what's with all the castration? In this episode: Unification Church (Moonies) People's Temple (Jonestown) Heaven's Gate ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! ...

2020-03-3034 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Idioms (common sayings): Mysteries SolvedDo white elephants exist? (Spoiler: yes.) Was there actually a "Riot Act" and did anyone read it? (There was, and they did). Join Shane and Duncan for a fascinating exploration of colloquialisms, jargon, and vernacular. In this episode: White Elephants The Riot Act Rule of Thumb Crocodile Tears For Pete's Sake Bite the Bullet Cats in Bags Hair of the Dog Loose Cannon High and Dry Baker's Dozen ...and more ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and con...

2020-03-2029 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Screwups and Blunders (Part 2)Another batch of epic mistakes that led to death, destruction, and mayhem. Also, cannibalism. Plus: Shane sucks at accents, Duncan disses NASA, and cats are let out of bags. In this episode: The Donner Party Fat French Trains NASA Tapes Over the Moon Landing The Austrian Army Attacks Itself...Maybe? Penicillin is Discovered Via Absentmindedness Decca Disses the Beatles ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Sho...

2020-03-1539 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Pandemics, Plagues, and ScourgesAre you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? From the Black Death to Ebola, from SARS to Zika, Shane and Duncan explore the worst pandemics in history, and the most terrifying modern diseases. (Much more fun than it sounds.) In this episode: Ebola Smallpox The Bubonic Plague HIV The Spanish Flu H1N1 Coronaviruses (Covid-19 and SARS) And more... ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pr...

2020-03-1557 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Cults: NXIVM and Branch DavidiansCults. They're the worst. In part one: Duncan can't pronounce "Ayn," Shane can't pronounce "Raniere," and everyone hates MLMs. Plus perverts abound, mullets are flaunted, and corpses are (not) resurrected. In this episode: NXIVM Branch Davidians and the Waco Debacle ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! https...

2020-03-1535 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Common MisconceptionsWhat color is the sun? How many spiders do you swallow in your sleep every year? (Spoilers: not yellow, and none.) In this episode Shane and Duncan dispel common misconceptions, pick a fight with Disney, and explore the origins of viral misinformation. ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! http...

2020-03-1337 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Mysterious DisappearancesHow many Americans go missing every year, and how many of those disappearances remain unsolved? Which states have the highest numbers of missing people per year? What actually happened to the most famous missing people in history? Shane and Duncan explore the world of unsolved disappearances, and go deep with a few famous cases. In this episode: Natalee Holloway Jimmy Hoffa Amelia Earhart Disappearances by State ...and more. ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us wi...

2020-03-1338 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Box Office DisastersBombing on stage as a comedian is embarrassing, but bombing in theaters with a multi-million dollar budget is waaay worse. In the latest episode, Shane and Duncan excavate the biggest, dumbest, most expensive Hollywood misfires in history, and revisit the worst theatrical bombs of 2019. In this episode: Waterworld John Carter Cutthroat Island Howard the Duck Battlefield Earth Heaven’s Gate Plus the biggest flops of 2019 (Cats etc) ...and more. ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode...

2020-02-0649 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Conspiracy TheoriesShane and Duncan deep-dive into the paranoid rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. From flat-earthers to the Berenstain Bears, explore the genesis of some of the most ridiculous and fascinating conspiracy theories in history...along with a few that turned out to be true. In this episode: Manufactured viruses Flat earth The Berenstain Bears Chemtrails The Protocols of the Elders of Zion And more... ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now...

2020-01-0141 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Infamous HoaxesShane and Duncan explore hoaxes, swindles, and cons, and Shane reveals the most damaging hoax ever. In this episode: Nessie The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 Clever Hans Piltdown Man Satanic Panic Balloon Boy ...and the most damaging hoax of all time ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! htt...

2019-12-1936 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Notorious HeistsShane schools Duncan on the wild world of heists, and reveals the most expensive heist ever perpetrated. In this episode: D.B. Cooper The Antwerp Diamond Heist The Lufthansa Heist The Pink Panthers Plus, the most expensive heist ever... ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with episode ideas. And we now have Midnight Merch! Show your Insomniac pride and pick up a tee shirt or coffee mug to spread the word! https://midni...

2019-12-1239 min

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs Unexplained PhenomenaWhat do deja vu, the "Wow" signal, and a mushroom in Texas all have in common? As you might have guessed by the title, they're all examples of unexplained phenomena. In this episode, Shane and Duncan explore mysteries that have confounded the scientific community for millennia. In this episode: The Wow Signal The Voynich Manuscript What the Heck is a Yawn Deja Vu Numbers Stations A Drunken Forest Dark Matter and more... ~ Join the Midnight Masses! Become an Insomniac by dropping a review, adding us on social media, and contacting us with...

2019-12-0539 min