Midnight Facts for Insomniacs
Join comedians Shane Rogers and Duncan MacEwan for an entertaining and hilarious deep-dive into obscure facts from science, history and pop culture.
Episodes
History's Greatest Hauntings: The Bell Witch, Scratching Fanny, and Fisher's Ghost
This week, Shane and Duncan go ghost hunting across two centuries and three continents.
In Tennessee, the Bell Witch moves into a farmhouse, wrecks an engagement, and terrorizes a future president. In London, Scratching Fanny knocks against the walls of a Cock Lane lodging, accusing a widower of poisoning his wife. In Australia, Fisher's Ghost perches on a fence rail and points toward his own grav
After Midnight: The Top Five Musical Performances That Changed Everything (sample)
The Beatles on Ed Sullivan? Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison? Which would be in your top five…
Tell us in Discord
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Madness on Trial: The History of the Insanity Defense
For centuries, courts have wrestled with one impossible question: does madness excuse murder?
From Daniel M’Naghten and his delusions about the British government to John Hinckley Jr. and his attempt to win Jodie Foster’s heart by shooting Ronald Reagan, the history of the insanity defense is full of strange crimes, stranger logic, and some truly bizarre courtroom battles.
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Doomsday Real Estate: Luxury Bunkers
This week, Shane and Duncan descend into the strange world of luxury bunkers, from the bizarre Atomitat to a Las Vegas mansion buried beneath the desert, an abandoned Atlas missile silo transformed into a luxury survival condo, and sprawling private compounds designed to keep the ultra-wealthy comfortable while the rest of civilization burns.
Swimming pools, movie theaters, fake windows, hydroponi
Castles, Cannons & Billionaires: The History of Bunkers
Castles, cannons, concrete, and the persistent human desire not to get blown up. This week, Shane and Duncan trace the strange evolution of the bunker, from medieval fortifications and the arrival of artillery to the underground defenses of the World Wars and the nuclear paranoia of the Cold War.
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The History of Tattoos (A Host Swap Livestream!)
Body-art aficionados rejoice! MFFI finally takes on tattoos...
Long before tattoo machines, sterile needles, and flash books, humans were finding creative ways to decorate their skin. In this week's host swap episode, Duncan traces the history of tattooing from sooty sticks to rotary guns to a nightmare future of automated skin-printers.
Follow along to find out how tattooing went from ancient ri
Why Does Doubt Have a B? The Twisted Logic of English Spelling
Why does doubt have a B? Why is colonel pronounced “kernel?” And how can rough, through, though, and bough all ignore the same letters in completely different ways?
This week, Shane and Duncan trace the remarkable history of English spelling through conquests, sound shifts, scholarly meddling, and centuries of happy accidents.
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Southpaws: The Sinister Science of Left-Handedness
Join Shane and Duncan for an exploration of the strange history and surprising science of left-handedness, from sinister medieval myths and bizarre medical theories to the neurological quirks that make southpaws so fascinating. You'll learn why lefties are so rare, why they seem to dominate certain sports, and whether being left-handed really comes with hidden advantages…or hidden risks.
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Nature's Weirdest Phenomena: Ghost Lights, Sailing Stones, Poison Lakes, and More
Ghostly lights on the horizon. Thousands of fireflies pulsing in tandem. A lakeshore strewn with petrified figures. A storm that never seems to end.
This week, Shane and Duncan take a closer look at some of nature’s strangest spectacles and the weird science hiding behind the myths.
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A.M. Livestream with Special Guest Alfred Banks: The Top 5 Lies We Were Told As Children
Alfred is back!
Longtime friend of the show Alfred Banks returned to the livestream to help the guys tackle one important question: What were the biggest lies we were told as kids?
From “If you make a funny face, it’ll stay that way” to “Hard work always pays off,” Alfred and the Insomniacs sorted through decades of parental propaganda to assemble a definitive list of childhood nonsense.
Which wo
Jackasses: The History of Daredevils, Stuntmen and Professional Idiots
History remembers the great inventors, leaders, and visionaries.
This episode is about the other guys.
Join Shane and Duncan for a celebration of daredevils, showmen, thrill-seekers, and the professional idiots who turned bad ideas into a spectator sport.
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Mysterious Celebrity Deaths
Some celebrity deaths become legends. Others become conspiracy theories. A few become both.
From an OG Superman found dead under mysterious circumstances to a legendary actress who vanished into the dark waters off Catalina Island, Shane and Duncan explore the evidence, the rumors, and the tabloid chaos that turns real events into cultural mythology.
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True Tales of Revenge, Volume 3: Orson Welles vs. William Randolph Hearst
Power, ego, and one of the most legendary media grudges in Hollywood history. This week, Shane and Duncan dive into the explosive feud between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst, from the making of Citizen Kane to the full-court press to destroy it. Newspapers, blacklists, threats, and enough spite to power a small city. Hollywood has always loved a drama queen.
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Classic True Tales of Revenge, Volume 2: The 47 Ronin
Long-term grudges and carefully planned revenge. This week, Shane and Duncan unpack the iconic true story of the Forty-seven rōnin, a tale of honor, loyalty, and one of history’s most meticulously executed acts of vengeance. Swords are drawn, patience is tested, and justice takes its time.
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Classic Tales of Revenge: John and Lorena Bobbitt
A knife. A trial. A story that made the entire country cross its legs.
In the early morning hours of June 23, 1993, Lorena Bobbitt swung an 8-inch kitchen knife and launched a thousand news stories, millions of terrible punchlines, and at least two of the weirdest porn films ever made.
Join Shane and Duncan for a sordid tale of abuse, retaliation, courtroom chaos, and a sentence you never thought
Livestream Host Swap: The History Of Pornography
Cave art, ancient smut, scandalous engravings, and the long, slow march toward moving pictures. In this host swap episode, Duncan takes the reins and walks Shane through the early history of pornography, stopping right as things are about to start… moving. Along the way, they hit ancient civilizations, moral crackdowns, and the surprisingly classy origins of something that absolutely refused to st
Bunnies, Eggs, and Ancient Math: The Real History of Easter
The internet will tell you Easter was stolen from a pagan goddess. The internet is wrong.
Join Shane and Duncan as they crack open the strange, surprisingly contentious history of Easter. What starts with a 2nd-century church dispute over calendar math spirals into centuries of tradition, myth, and misinformation, touching on ancient lunar formulas, Roman torture devices, Lenten food rules that ac
Pirates, Snakes, and Shamrocks: The Real Story Behind Saint Patrick’s Day
Pirates. Snakes. Shamrocks. And the stomach-turning truth behind those green rivers...
Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the world’s most recognizable holidays, but the real story is even stranger than the legends.
Join Shane and Duncan as they dig into the bizarre history behind Saint Patrick’s Day, separating fact from fiction and uncovering how one man’s dubious autobiography somehow turned into a
Even More Box Office Bombs: Borderlands and The Marvels
Hollywood promised spectacle. Audiences stayed home.
In this fiscally irresponsible episode, Shane and Duncan return to the financial wreckage of modern blockbuster filmmaking, breaking down the numbers, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and the very modern phenomenon of studios insisting everything is fine while hundreds of millions of dollars evaporate.
Prepare for a snarky, data-driven look at how
More Box Office Bombs: Megalopolis and Tron Ares
They say lightning never strikes twice, but Hollywood keeps proving otherwise. In this budget-busting pair of episodes, Shane and Duncan return to the cinematic graveyard for a fresh look at some of Hollywood’s most spectacular recent failures: the tangled mess of Megalopolis, the glossy fizzle of Tron: Ares, and a few other high-budget disasters that left studios scrambling. It’s a behind-the-sce
Stone, Storm and Shadow: The Solar System, Part 2
In part two of their irreverent jaunt through the solar system, Shane and Duncan venture beyond the inner planets into the vast outer reaches, where storms rage for centuries and icy moons hide oceans beneath their crusts. From Saturn’s sweeping rings to Neptune’s frigid winds, it’s a dramatic tour through the awe-inspiring outer reaches of our celestial neighborhood.
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Fire, Acid, and Ice: The Solar System, Part 1
The Sun is an unrelenting nuclear inferno. Mercury is a dense little rock with zero atmosphere and the worst sunburn in the system. Venus is a cautionary tale wrapped in sulfuric acid clouds, spinning in the wrong direction just to be difficult. And Mars is a frozen desert haunted by the ghost of ancient oceans.
In this episode, Shane and Duncan dig into the bizarre and extreme nature of the inner
Midnight Mind Benders: Famous Paradoxes and Thought Experiments
This week, plunge with Shane and Duncan into the most maddening mental puzzles ever devised, from ancient identity crises and time travel nightmares to philosophical traps that refuse to be solved.
If you replace every part of a ship, is it still technically the same boat? Should you always switch doors and trust the guy in the blazer with the game show smile, or trust your own instincts? And wha
The Pagan Origins of Christmas (Annual Re-release)
-Merry 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
Full Livestream Episode: The Story of MFFI (Plus the History of Podcasting!)
In this special live-streamed double-retrospective, Shane and Duncan trace the evolution of podcasting from its humble beginnings in the shadow of radio and RSS feeds to its rise as a billion-dollar media juggernaut. Along the way, they peel back the curtain on the origin of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs, from the first chaotic and unpolished episodes recorded in a parked car to the latest chaotic
The Explosive Origins of the Nobel Prize
Alfred Nobel made a fortune inventing things that go boom, earning the nickname “merchant of death.”
But with his own death approaching, he set out to salvage his legacy by creating a prize meant to celebrate peace, science, and human progress. The history of that prize, however, is anything but peaceful.
This week, Shane and Duncan explore the strange evolution of the Nobel Prize, from its explos
Host Swap: Witchcraft!
In the first full-episode MFFI livestream, Duncan opens the spellbook on the roots of witchcraft and the modern movements keeping the magic alive.
So grab your crystals (or your skepticism) and settle in for a tale of treacherous ale-wives, black cats, pointed hats, and centuries of persecution. From sacred symbols to sanitized stereotypes, this episode unpacks how witchcraft was vilified, commodi
Copy, Paste, and Panic: The Story of Creepypasta
In this chilling, thrilling, and revealing episode, MFFI explores the internet’s favorite collection of anonymous nightmares. From message boards to movie screens, the crowdsourced horror stories known as “creepypasta” have created legends, fueled obsessions, and, in one notorious case, inspired a real-life murder attempt. Follow along as Shane and Duncan unearth Slender Man, explore Candle Cove,
An Annual Tradition: The History of Halloween
Back by popular demand (and dark ritual), this Halloween classic rises once more from the archives. Join Shane and Duncan for a deep dive into the strange, spooky origins of everyone’s favorite night of costumes, candy, and cultural confusion.
Lock the doors, light the jack-o’-lantern, and celebrate the season with this fan-favorite episode… now officially an annual tradition.
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Size Matters: The Largest Structures Ever Built
Some objects are built with purpose. Others are built with ego, ambition…and a total disregard for scale. In this gargantuan episode, Shane and Duncan dive deep into the most colossal creations humans have ever unleashed on land, sea, and sky.
Prepare to meet the Seawise Giant, a ship so long it could cast shade on a city block. Marvel at Bagger 293, the German earth-eater that looks like it escap
The Wild, Weird History of the Guinness Book of World Records
It began with a shotgun, a missed shot, and a very nerdy debate.
In this record-breaking episode, Shane and Duncan track the origins of the Guinness Book of World Records, uncover the publishing quirks that made it a global phenomenon, and spotlight some of the most astonishing, hilarious, and downright unhinged feats ever committed to paper.
From competitive juggling to tattooed seniors and flam
Obsessed and Possessed: A Guide to the World’s Weirdest Collections
Some people collect coins. Others collect vomit bags, ventriloquist dummies, and an unsettling number of preserved penises.
In this bizarrely specific episode, Shane and Duncan dig into some of the strangest collections ever assembled, from thousands of bras to a lifelong bunny obsession. Follow along as the guys attempt to answer the age-old question: at what point does a hobby become a cry for
Livestream Mailbag Episode!
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Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content.
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Send Shane and Duncan a message at midnightfactsforinsomniacs@gmail.com
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Rep the show! Grab a tee or mug at the MIDNIGHT MERCH store and spread the word.
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Chaos, Criminals, and Coldplay: CEO Scandals from Andy Byron to Harvey Weinstein
What do a disgraced pizza mogul, a Hollywood predator, a fugitive auto exec, and a guy who accidentally triggered a PR meltdown from a Coldplay Jumbotron have in common? Each one became the face of a very public corporate scandal.
This episode unpacks the downfall of John Schnatter, whose meltdown tanked Papa John’s; Harvey Weinstein, whose decades of abuse shook Hollywood to its core; Carlos Gh
The World’s Weirdest Festivals
Every culture has traditions. Some honor the dead. Some feed the local monkey population. Some involve grown men in devil costumes leaping over rows of live infants.
In this episode, Shane and Duncan dive into the world’s weirdest festivals, from tomato-throwing mayhem to camel wrestling to an underwater concert.
Bring goggles. And maybe a helmet.
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Grigori Rasputin: Murder, Mysticism, and the Fall of the House of Romanov
Grigori Rasputin was many things: a wandering mystic, a spiritual advisor to the Russian royal family, and according to persistent rumors, extremely difficult to kill. Was he actually a holy man with healing powers, or just a manipulative con artist who helped bring down an empire?
Most of what you think you know about Rasputin is wrong…but the truth is still pretty wild.
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The Zizian Cult, Part Two: Meat is Murder, and So Are We
The first episode covered the origins; now it’s time for the bloodbath. In part two of the Zizian cult series, Shane and Duncan unpack the chilling details of the group’s most violent acts: samurai swords, parricide, and a vegan warlord with delusions of grandeur. From the calculated murders to the dramatic downfall, this is the story of how an online ideology turned into a real-world body count.
A modern vegan Sith-Lord murder-cult: the Zizians (Part 1)
They preached compassion, practiced anarchy, and packed a samurai sword. In this episode, Shane and Duncan uncover the bizarre rise and explosive downfall of the Zizian cult—a fringe vegan collective turned militant commune. From utopian ideals to armed standoffs, it’s a tale of charisma, control, and a tugboat full of red flags.
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Midnight Menagerie: Nocturnal Animals
From creatures that soar through moonlit skies with uncanny precision to those that hunt the forest in utter darkness, discover the fascinating adaptations that make these animals masters of the night.
Warning: Episodes may be irreverent, ridiculous, and/or mildly unhinged
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Altered States: A Brief History of Psychedelics
Join Shane and Duncan for a journey through the kaleidoscopic world of psychedelics...
Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy/molly), and LSD (acid)--once the darlings of counterculture--are now the focus of cutting-edge research into innovative therapies for anxiety and depression. In this irreverent host-swap episode, delve with Duncan into the science, the scandals, and the stories that ma
Workplace Wreckage: Stories of Industrial Catastrophe
Sometimes the most dangerous place to be is on the clock.
This week, Shane and Duncan explore workplace events so disastrous that they reshaped industries and regulations worldwide. From the Texas City explosion that turned a harbor into a war zone, to the gas leak that exposed thousands to lethal chemicals, these aren’t just tragic accidents; they’re cautionary tales.
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Blood, Sharks, and Sandstone: More Incredible Stories of Survival Against the Odds
Surviving a plane crash is one thing, but cutting off your own arm to escape a boulder? Whole different level. In this follow-up episode, Shane and Duncan are back with more jaw-dropping true stories of survival against impossible odds.
First up: the haunting ordeal of the sailors of the USS Indianapolis, who were left floating in shark-infested waters after one of the worst naval disasters in U.S
Harrowing True Stories of Wilderness Survival
Stranded in the Andes. Lost in the jungle. Trapped in the desert with nothing but a questionable grasp of hydration. History is packed with jaw-dropping survival stories—some inspiring, some terrifying, and a few so ridiculous they strain credibility. In this episode, Shane and Duncan dive into the wildest tales of human endurance, sheer luck, and occasionally, just really poor life choices.
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Trenches, Tactics, and Total Chaos: World War I Explained
It was the war to end all wars…until it wasn’t. In 1914, a tangled mess of alliances, ancient grudges, and questionable facial hair decisions erupted into one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. From the assassination that lit the fuse to the bizarre weapons and plot twists, this episode unpacks the chaos, carnage, and sheer absurdity of World War I.
Strap in for a deep dive into the Gre
Shane Goes Rogue! The History of Boxing
Gloves 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
The Greatest Unsolved Internet Mystery: Cicada 3301
For 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 t
The History and Psychology of Gambling
From ancient dice games to high-tech slot machines, the allure of risk and reward has shaped human behavior for centuries. In this high-rolling episode, unravel the history and psychology of gambling—how it started, why our brains are wired for it, and what keeps us coming back for more. Is it luck, skill, or just pure delusion? Place your bets and tune in for a deep dive into the science of chanc
The History and Evolution of Cats
Join 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-dome
Useless Technology (Throwback Encore)
From umbrellas that distribute rain to radios that print the news, here are the most useless pieces of technology ever foisted an unsuspecting public.
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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
Encore: The Pagan Origins of Christmas
Merry 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 Dun
Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Modern Evangelical Doomsday Cult
Crack open the door on one of the world’s most intriguing and controversial faiths: The Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Despite requiring members to give up holidays, patriotism, voting, birthday celebrations, popular music, any real chance of eternal life in heaven, and blood consumption (seriously), the church topped 8 million members in 2014 and continues to expand.
From apocalyptic roots and bold predi
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.
IN
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.
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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 ac
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.
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Become an
![[Throwback Encore] We Are Legion: Exorcism and Demonic Possession](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog6655168/Add_a_headingasq15.jpg){kind=logo}
[Throwback Encore] We Are Legion: Exorcism and Demonic Possession
BEGONE, 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 exami
Jack the Ripper: History’s Most Notorious Serial Killer
In 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.
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Encore: The Fiery, Pagan History of Halloween
Why do we wear costumes on Halloween? When did pumpkins and candy get involved? And how the heck do you pronounce "Samhain"?
Listen to find out...
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Madness and Mythos: The Legacy of H.P. Lovecraft
Welcome, insomniacs, to another dive into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully unsettling. Tonight, we’re exploring the twisted mind behind some of the most bizarre and influential horror ever written: the one, the only, H.P. Lovecraft. Get ready for dark family secrets, eldritch horrors, cosmic dread, crippling phobias, hateful philosophies, and a peek into the life of a man who gave the worl
The NEW 7 Wonders of the World
Get 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 thes
The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
Prepare 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.)
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Extreme Prisons: From ”Squirrel Cage” to Camp 14
Unlock 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.
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Technology Disasters: From Boeing to CrowdStrike
In 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 system
After Midnight with Alfred Banks: The Top 5 Animated Series of All Time
Rapper/artist Alfred Banks joins the show to debate the 5 greatest animated TV series of all time!
What's in your top 5? Tell us in the Discord...
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Send Shane and Duncan a message at midni
The Devil’s Rope: How Barbed Wire Tamed the West
Prepare to unravel the twisted history of "The Devil's Rope,” and discover how a simple invention sparked fierce conflicts that transformed the American West.
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Video Game Scandals: From Hot Coffee To Gamergate
Join 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.
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Invasive Species: Claws, Tusks, and Karmic Retribution
Well 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
The Pulse-Pounding History of Rollercoasters and Theme Parks
Get ready to plunge into the adrenaline-pumping history of roller coasters, amusement parks, and theme parks. From ancient Russian ice slides to the stomach-churning steel giants of today, discover the twisted tales behind iconic rides and learn about the masterminds who turned thrills into a global phenomenon. Buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the podcast at all times, it’s going to be
Deadly Viral Trends and Challenges
Join 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.
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From Chernobyl to the Amazon: The World’s Creepiest Ghost Towns
Prepare 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
The Wild World of P.E.T.A
Where 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
The Scandalous, Grifting History of Megachurches
In today’s supersized praise-worthy episode, MFFI uncovers the scandalous stories behind the rise of megachurches and explains how a few ambitious, unscrupulous grifters turned piety into profit and faith into a financial formula. From the pulpit to the bank vault, explore the controversial rise of these religious empires and the charismatic leaders who plunder the pockets of their congregations.
Host Swap: The History of War Games and D&D
Duncan takes the reins!
It's been a long time coming, but another host swap episode is finally here. This week Duncan officially ran out of excuses and agreed to play the role of "MFFI Dungeon Master" for an episode full of orcs, backstabbing, wet sand, orcs, battle tactics, critical hits, and orcs.
Did we mention orcs?
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Wizards, Dragons, and White Supremacy: The Ku Klux Klan
Here 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 lin
The Darwin Awards: 2000s Edition
Back by popular demand, and dumber than ever: The Darwin Awards. One of MFFI's most popular episode topics returns, this time with a modern twist...
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Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content.
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Send Shane and Duncan a message at midni
Prison Breaks: Alcatraz and El Chapo
Unlock gripping true stories that defy the confines of steel and stone in this tunneling, plotting, unshackled episode of MFFI.
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Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content.
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Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and vote on episode topics via DISCORD
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Send Shane and Duncan a message at midnightfactsforinsomniac
Black Holes: Time-Warping Cosmic Paradoxes
How 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.
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Become an Insomniac! Join the Midnight Masses by supporting the show on PATREON and unlock exclusive bonus content.
~
Join the community, chat with fellow insomniacs, and
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.
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Blood, Sweat, Fingerprints and Tears: Forensic Science
What 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…
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