A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)
Credit Unions
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why credit unions are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
27/11/2023 • 1 hour 5 minutes 48 seconds
Canada Geese
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Canada geese are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
20/11/2023 • 1 hour 7 minutes 46 seconds
World's Fairs
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why world's fairs are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: J. Keith van Straaten.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
13/11/2023 • 55 minutes 50 seconds
Grass
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why grass is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
06/11/2023 • 57 minutes 56 seconds
Dragons
Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and Jason Pargin explore why dragons are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
30/10/2023 • 1 hour 13 minutes 32 seconds
Baking Soda
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why baking soda is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
23/10/2023 • 52 minutes 46 seconds
FEED DROP: "Creature Feature: Naturally Barbie!"
Did you know Katie Goldin has her very own podcast? We're bringing you a recent 'Creature Feature' episode about the most pink animals in the world, featuring guest Alex Schmidt.NOTE FOR SIF SUPPORTERS: there's a fresh new bonus show in your bonus audio feed. Head over there to enjoy it. (And if you're not yet a SIF supporter, visit maximumfun.org/join to get that bonus show and so much more.)Creature Feature: "Naturally Barbie!", with guest Alex SchmidtIn honor of the Barbie movie, today's theme is: PIIIINK! All the fabulous fuchsias, the prettiest pinks, found in nature! Pink is sometimes maligned as an "frivolous" color, but as we'll find out, nature takes its pink VERY seriously. From camouflage, to ambushes, river battles and poison, we're taking a look at the dark side of pink.Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ia-
16/10/2023 • 45 minutes 10 seconds
Tattoos
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why tattoos are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
09/10/2023 • 1 hour 31 seconds
Cabbage
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why cabbage is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
02/10/2023 • 58 minutes 1 second
Eeny Meeny Miny Moe
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why "eeny meeny miny moe" is secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Ella Hubber and Caroline Roper.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
25/09/2023 • 58 minutes 17 seconds
Fire Hydrants
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why fire hydrants are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
18/09/2023 • 55 minutes 1 second
Roses
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why roses are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
11/09/2023 • 1 hour 4 minutes 24 seconds
Asphalt
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why asphalt is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
04/09/2023 • 50 minutes 38 seconds
WD-40
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why WD-40 is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
28/08/2023 • 57 minutes 42 seconds
Graveyards
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why graveyards are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: Jason Pargin.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
21/08/2023 • 1 hour 8 minutes 44 seconds
CAPTCHAs
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why CAPTCHAs are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
14/08/2023 • 1 hour 5 minutes 5 seconds
Bras!
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why bras are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5(Alex’s old podcast hosting service required a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, and he's keeping that going for fun. So that’s why this episode’s title has an exclamation point)
07/08/2023 • 1 hour 6 minutes 5 seconds
Octopuses
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why octopuses are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
31/07/2023 • 1 hour 35 seconds
Ice Cream
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why ice cream is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
24/07/2023 • 1 hour 3 minutes 41 seconds
The Name Alex
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the name Alex is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
17/07/2023 • 57 minutes 31 seconds
Apples
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why apples are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Dan McCoy and Stuart Wellington.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
10/07/2023 • 57 minutes 16 seconds
Pentagrams
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why pentagrams are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
03/07/2023 • 57 minutes 56 seconds
Teddy Bears
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why teddy bears are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
26/06/2023 • 58 minutes 13 seconds
The Number 150
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the number 150 is secretly incredibly fascinating. They also discover hoax moon beavers, and discover Saint Nicholas's past life as a pickle-murder solver.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
19/06/2023 • 53 minutes 21 seconds
Narwhals
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why narwhals are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
12/06/2023 • 58 minutes 47 seconds
Neon!
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why neon is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5(Alex’s old podcast hosting service required a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, and he's keeping that going for fun. So that’s why this episode’s title has an exclamation point)
05/06/2023 • 1 hour 6 minutes 57 seconds
Ranch Dressing
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why ranch dressing is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
29/05/2023 • 59 minutes 2 seconds
Beavers
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why beavers are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: John Hodgman.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
22/05/2023 • 1 hour 3 minutes 33 seconds
Batteries
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why batteries are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
15/05/2023 • 56 minutes 42 seconds
Video Game Controllers
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why video game controllers are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Abe Epperson and Michael Swaim.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Support Abe & Michael's independent movie 'Papa Bear': https://seedandspark.com/fund/papa-bear
08/05/2023 • 1 hour 5 minutes 13 seconds
Crows
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why crows are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
01/05/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 19 seconds
Chalkboards
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why chalkboards are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
24/04/2023 • 1 hour 41 seconds
Bagpipes
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why bagpipes are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
17/04/2023 • 54 minutes 12 seconds
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the phrase "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: Jason Pargin.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
10/04/2023 • 1 hour 8 minutes 27 seconds
Taxidermy
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why taxidermy is secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Christian & Ellen Weatherford.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
03/04/2023 • 1 hour 7 minutes 22 seconds
Ducks
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why ducks are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Jordan Morris and Jesse Thorn.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
27/03/2023 • 59 minutes 26 seconds
Pickles
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why pickles are secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guest: Elliott Kalan.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
20/03/2023 • 1 hour 10 minutes 50 seconds
The Ferris Wheel
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Ferris wheels are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
13/03/2023 • 1 hour 5 minutes 2 seconds
Mario Day programming note, and MaxFun Drive heads-ups
Hey this is Alex! We made a special SIF episode about the Mario movie. Become a supporter to hear it!To become a supporter, start a Maximum Fun membership here: https://maximumfun.org/join It'll ask which shows you're supporting. Select "Secretly Incredibly Fascinating". Then that leads you to a Bonus Content ("BoCo") page, where there's a special Secretly Incredibly Fascinating Bonus Content Feed AND an all-of-MaxFun bonus feed. Our special episode about the 1993 'Super Mario Bros.' movie is hosted in the Secretly Incredibly Fascinating Bonus Content Feed.Join our Discord! We hang out there every week. There's also extra tips there for getting your bonus feeds. Discord invite link: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Here's the link to Alex's special FAQ show about all things Maximum Fun: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kNplapKs-w" target="_b
10/03/2023 • 4 minutes 47 seconds
Duct Tape
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why duct tape is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Hear Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
06/03/2023 • 56 minutes 18 seconds
High Fives
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why high fives are secretly incredibly fascinating. They also interview returning guest (and National High Five Day co-founder!) Conor Lastowka.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.Hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Check out Alex's new "explainer podcast" about all things MaxFun: https://youtu.be/6kNplapKs-w (It's uploaded to YouTube because he filmed his face while he taped it.)
27/02/2023 • 1 hour 6 minutes 44 seconds
Leap Day
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Leap Day is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode. And hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
20/02/2023 • 56 minutes 7 seconds
Yeast
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why yeast is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode. And hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
13/02/2023 • 1 hour 3 minutes 10 seconds
Barnacles
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why barnacles are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode. And hang out with us on the new SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
06/02/2023 • 1 hour 2 minutes 16 seconds
Paperclips
Alex Schmidt and his *new co-host* Katie Goldin take a look at why paperclips are secretly incredibly fascinating -- on our first-ever episode on the Maximum Fun podcast network! Hooray!!!Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
30/01/2023 • 1 hour 29 seconds
super mega triple ANNOUNCEMENT about this podcast!
Alex Schmidt has three big pieces of news to share! 1) SIFpod is joining the Maximum Fun podcast network. 2) Katie Goldin is joining up as Alex's weekly co-host. 3) There's now a Discord hangout for our SIF community. Hear all about it here!You can check out the new SIF page at MaxFun's site: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/Join in the fun on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/D5k9X4Rg [note: this invite link expires in February 2023]And see you Monday with another brand-new SIF episode. 🦬
27/01/2023 • 10 minutes 45 seconds
Glitter
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Andrew Ti (‘Yo, Is This Racist?’, Sub-Optimal Pods) and Moujan Zolfaghari ('Mission To Zyxx', 'Tooning Out The News') for a look at why glitter is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
23/01/2023 • 51 minutes 47 seconds
Maps!
Alex Schmidt is joined by author & comedy writer Dennard Dayle (1900HotDog.com, book 'Everything Abridged') and comics & comedy writer Brendan McGinley (1900HotDog.com, comic series 'Citizen X') for a look at why maps are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has an exclamation point)
16/01/2023 • 51 minutes 13 seconds
Undersea Cables
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (new novel "If This Book Exists, You’re In The Wrong Universe") for a look at why undersea cables are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
09/01/2023 • 1 hour 8 minutes 15 seconds
Rubber Ducks
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian Billy Wayne Davis (new special 'Testify') and comedy writer/performer Zac Oyama ('Dimension 20' on Dropout.tv) for a look at why rubber ducks are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
02/01/2023 • 56 minutes 27 seconds
a holiday hello, and bison emoji audio you may enjoy
Hey folks -- happy holidays! Please enjoy this holiday hello, plus the first episode of a podcast miniseries Alex made in 2020. (and "Alex" = me, I'm the one writing this)
Here's the website for the full 4-episode miniseries: https://www.bisonemojipodcast.com/
You can also find the episodes by searching "1 Way To Make An Emoji" in your podcast player.
Have a safe and fantastic rest of 2022, and see you in 2023!
26/12/2022 • 37 minutes 47 seconds
Ball Bearings
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/performers Sam Reich and Mike Trapp (Dropout.tv) for a look at why ball bearings are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
19/12/2022 • 1 hour 2 minutes 2 seconds
Snoopy
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin (‘Creature Feature’ podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why Snoopy is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
See NordPass Business in action now with a 3-month free trial here nordpass.com/sifpod with code SIFPOD.
12/12/2022 • 1 hour 5 minutes 39 seconds
Eggnog
Alex Schmidt is joined by author/podcaster Joel Stein ('Story Of The Week' podcast) for a look at why eggnog is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
See NordPass Business in action now with a 3-month free trial here nordpass.com/sifpod with code SIFPOD.
05/12/2022 • 57 minutes 34 seconds
special re-release: Toasters
Breaking news: the entire Internet fell for a decade-long Wikipedia hoax about the invention of toasters. Here's the BBC's story about that: https://www.bbc.com/news/the-reporters-63622746
Great news: this podcast is one of the only forms of Internet media that didn't fall for that hoax. (Alex researched the real story!) So please enjoy this re-release of our already-accurate "Toasters" episode, featuring special guests Moujan Zolfaghari and Kimberly Clark. Original air date: June 27th, 2022.
02/12/2022 • 53 minutes 50 seconds
The Letter Y
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed, 'Fox Mulder Is A Maniac' podcast) for a look at why the letter Y is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
See NordPass Business in action now with a 3-month free trial here nordpass.com/sifpod with code SIFPOD.
28/11/2022 • 1 hour 48 seconds
Asbestos
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Matt Kirshen (Probably Science, The Jim Jefferies Show) and comedian/podcaster Andy Wood (Probably Science, 4-Time 'Jeopardy!' Champion) for a look at why asbestos is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
See NordPass Business in action now with a 3-month free trial here nordpass.com/sifpod with code SIFPOD.
21/11/2022 • 51 minutes 32 seconds
Truffles
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcaster and bestselling author Dana Schwartz ('Noble Blood' podcast, new book 'Immortality: A Love Story') for a look at why truffles are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/11/2022 • 50 minutes 54 seconds
The Starry Night (1889)
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers Lydia Bugg (1900HOTDOG, the ‘Trailer Park Boys’ comic anthology) and Dan Hopper (Ranker, The New Yorker) for a look at why the painting "The Starry Night" is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Direct link to see the painting: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79802
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode
07/11/2022 • 1 hour 3 minutes 6 seconds
The Great Lakes
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Rebecca Reeds ('The Villain Was Right' podcast) and Eli Yudin ('What A Time To Be Alive' podcast) for a look at why the North American Great Lakes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
31/10/2022 • 1 hour 3 minutes 16 seconds
Raccoons
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Kath Barbadoro ('What A Time To Be Alive' podcast), writer/podcaster David Roth (Defector, ‘The Distraction’ podcast), and comedian Martin Urbano (The Tonight Show), live at Caveat NYC, for a look at why raccoons are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and the video version of this live episode.
24/10/2022 • 1 hour 11 minutes 40 seconds
Barbed Wire
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (new novel "If This Book Exists, You’re In The Wrong Universe") for a look at why barbed wire is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
17/10/2022 • 1 hour 9 seconds
BONUS SHOW #62: The Strange Origins (And Stranger Persistence) Of The ”Razor Blades In Candy” Myth
This is the bonus show for Episode 62! (Halloween Stores)
Alex Schmidt and Jason Pargin explore the obviously incredibly fascinating topic of the U.S. and Canada's favorite Halloween urban legend: what it is, why it's a myth, and how it became one of the most persistent beliefs in North America.
Originally released Sept 27th, 2021, exclusively for patrons at http://sifpod.fun/.
Research sources for Alex's new intro:
the journal Science: "Fainting From Fentanyl Exposure? Nope." https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/fainting-fentanyl-exposure-nope
CBS News: "Sen. Chuck Schumer warns drug dealers are pushing rainbow fentanyl to children" https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/sen-chuck-schumer-warns-drug-dealers-pushing-rain
10/10/2022 • 47 minutes 6 seconds
Cardboard
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians Caitlin Gill (stand-up album 'Major.', shirt store GuaranteeShirts.com) and Blake Wexler (stand-up album 'A Lifetime Of Laughter', podcast 'Blake's Takes For God's Sakes') for a look at why cardboard is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
10/10/2022 • 54 minutes 47 seconds
Eels!
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin (‘Creature Feature’ podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why eels are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
03/10/2022 • 1 hour 5 minutes 45 seconds
Silica Gel Packets
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian Siena East ('NDND' Youtube channel, UCB) and comedian/podcaster Rivers Langley ('The Goods From The Woods' podcast) for a look at why silica gel packets are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
26/09/2022 • 54 minutes 39 seconds
Drive-Thrus
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/musician Sadie Dupuis (new poetry collection 'Cry Perfume', bands Speedy Ortiz and Sad13) and comedian/podcaster Caitlin Durante ('The Bechdel Cast' podcast) for a look at why drive-thrus are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode
19/09/2022 • 59 minutes 16 seconds
Lorem Ipsum
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Cody Johnston and Katy Stoll ('Some More News' YouTube channel, 'Even More News' podcast) for a look at why Lorem Ipsum is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode..
12/09/2022 • 51 minutes 59 seconds
Surnames
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Andrew Ti (‘Yo, Is This Racist?’, Sub-Optimal Pods) for a look at why surnames are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode
05/09/2022 • 1 hour 3 minutes 45 seconds
Barcodes
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Robert Brockway and Seanbaby (1-900-HOT-DOG) for a look at why barcodes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
29/08/2022 • 56 minutes 46 seconds
American Cheese
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Bill Oakley (The Simpsons, 'Steamed Hams Society') for a look at why American cheese is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
22/08/2022 • 52 minutes 56 seconds
Imperial Units Of Measurement
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin ('Creature Feature' podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why Imperial units of measurement are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
15/08/2022 • 1 hour 3 minutes 29 seconds
Rats!
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/writer Josh Gondelman (new stand-up special 'People Pleaser') for a look at why rats are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
08/08/2022 • 59 minutes 44 seconds
Zippers
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Dan Hopper (Ranker, The New Yorker) and actor/comedian Benny Wayne Sully ('NDND' on YouTube, 'My First Native American Boyfriend' short) for a look at why zippers are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
01/08/2022 • 56 minutes 10 seconds
The Interstate Highway System
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Katie Hannigan (‘Lady Journey’ podcast, new special 'Feeling of Emptiness') and Conor Lastowka (‘372 Pages We'll Never Get Back' podcast, writer/producer for Rifftrax) for a look at why the Interstate Highway System is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
25/07/2022 • 59 minutes 46 seconds
The Color Green
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Adam Tod Brown (‘Unpopular Opinion’ podcast network) and Jeff May (‘Jeff Has Cool Friends’ podcast, 'Bullsh*t' on Netflix) for a look at why the color green is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
18/07/2022 • 58 minutes 21 seconds
Manatees
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian Billy Wayne Davis ('Grown Local' podcast) and podcaster Ellen Weatherford ('Just The Zoo Of Us' podcast) for a look at why manatees are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
11/07/2022 • 57 minutes 41 seconds
Stainless Steel
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Joey Clift ('Spirit Rangers' on Netflix, short film 'My First Native American Boyfriend') and podcaster Nnekay FitzClarke ('Minority Korner' podcast) for a look at why stainless steel is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
04/07/2022 • 1 hour 7 minutes 38 seconds
Toasters
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians Kimberly Clark ('Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready', The Late Late Show) and Moujan Zolfaghari ('Mission To Zyxx' podcast, 'Tooning Out The News') for a look at why toasters are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
27/06/2022 • 56 minutes 34 seconds
Carrots
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcaster/creator Jack O'Brien ('The Daily Zeitgeist' podcast) and bestselling author Jason Pargin ('John Dies At The End' series, 'Zoey Ashe' series) for a look at why carrots are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
20/06/2022 • 1 hour 16 minutes 5 seconds
Tulips
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters Miles Gray ('The Daily Zeitgeist' podcast) and Anna Hossnieh ('Ethnically Ambiguous' podcast) for a look at why tulips are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
13/06/2022 • 1 hour 1 minute 1 second
Swiss Army Knives
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian Caitlin Gill (GuaranteeShirts.com, new album 'Major.') and comedy podcaster Brett Rader (Yahoo Sports) for a look at why Swiss Army knives are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
06/06/2022 • 55 minutes 32 seconds
Car Horns
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Diana McCallum (FromSuperheroes.com, host of 'Talk From Superheroes') and comedy writer Eileen O'Connell (Funny Or Die, The Pack Theater) for a look at why car horns are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
30/05/2022 • 1 hour 2 minutes 7 seconds
Menstrual Pads
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Negin Farsad (‘Fake The Nation’ podcast, ‘Birdgirl’ on Adult Swim) and comedy writer Hana Michels (Reductress, The Devastator) for a look at why menstrual pads are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
23/05/2022 • 59 minutes 28 seconds
Dogs Playing Poker
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin ('Creature Feature' podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why "Dogs Playing Poker" is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
16/05/2022 • 1 hour 5 minutes 29 seconds
Chocolate
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Lydia Bugg (1900HOTDOG, the ‘Trailer Park Boys’ comic anthology) and bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why chocolate is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
09/05/2022 • 1 hour 16 minutes 42 seconds
Blood Types
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Rivers Langley ('The Goods From The Woods' podcast) and Riley Silverman ('Troubled Waters' podcast, new book 'Star Wars: Exploring Tatooine') for a look at why blood types are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
02/05/2022 • 1 hour 6 minutes 33 seconds
Saturn
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Soren Bowie (‘American Dad’ on TBS, ‘Quick Question with Soren and Daniel’ podcast) and Daniel O’Brien (same podcast, and ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’ on HBO) for a look at why Saturn is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
25/04/2022 • 57 minutes 15 seconds
Worcestershire Sauce
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed, 'Fox Mulder Is A Maniac' podcast) for a look at why Worcestershire sauce is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
18/04/2022 • 1 hour 10 minutes 20 seconds
The Number Zero
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/podcaster Dave Schilling (L.A. Times Image Magazine, The New Yorker) and podcaster/activist Bridget Todd ('There Are No Girls On The Internet' podcast) for a look at why the number zero is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
11/04/2022 • 56 minutes 52 seconds
License Plates
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer Parker Molloy (‘The Present Age' Substack) and comedian/podcaster Blake Wexler (new stand-up album ‘A Lifetime Of Laughter') for a look at why license plates are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
04/04/2022 • 1 hour 3 seconds
The Color Orange
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Adam Tod Brown (‘Unpopular Opinion’ podcast network) and Jeff May (‘Jeff Has Cool Friends’ podcast) for a look at why the color orange is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
28/03/2022 • 51 minutes 59 seconds
Tuna!
Alex Schmidt is joined by writers/comedians Kandice Martellaro (Stan Against Evil, 'Hanging With Doctor Z') and Valerie Tosi (Conan, new stand-up album 'Beach Trash') for a look at why tuna are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
21/03/2022 • 1 hour 4 minutes 3 seconds
Hockey Pucks
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Dan Hopper (Ranker, The New Yorker) and comedy podcaster Will "Kristi YamaGuccimane" ('JortsCenter' podcast, #Zeitgang) for a look at why hockey pucks are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/03/2022 • 55 minutes 14 seconds
Vending Machines
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers Robert Brockway and Seanbaby (1-900-HOT-DOG) for a look at why vending machines are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
07/03/2022 • 51 minutes 32 seconds
Doorknobs
Alex Schmidt is joined by author/comedian/jurist John Hodgman ('Dicktown' on FXX/Hulu, 'Judge John Hodgman' podcast) for a look at why doorknobs are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
28/02/2022 • 58 minutes 57 seconds
Junk Mail
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcast host/producer Jody Avirgan (‘This Day In Esoteric Political History' podcast, '30 For 30' series) and actor/comedian Benny Wayne Sully ('My First Native American Boyfriend' short, 'NDND' YouTube channel) for a look at why junk mail is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
21/02/2022 • 1 hour 5 minutes 45 seconds
Valentine’s Day
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why Valentine's Day is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/02/2022 • 1 hour 27 minutes 23 seconds
Wool!
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians Caitlin Gill (stand-up album 'Major.', site GuaranteeShirts.com) and Shelby Wolstein ('Keeping Records' podcast) for a look at why wool is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
07/02/2022 • 53 minutes 37 seconds
The Legend Of Zelda
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Stefan Heck ('Go Off Kings' Twitch, 'Blocked Party' podcast) and Hana Michels (Reductress, The Devastator) for a look at why the Legend Of Zelda franchise is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
31/01/2022 • 59 minutes 39 seconds
Bricks
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Conor Lastowka and Michael J. Nelson (Rifftrax, '372 Pages We'll Never Get Back' podcast) for a look at why bricks are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
24/01/2022 • 58 minutes 40 seconds
Bananas
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Lydia Bugg (1900HOTDOG, the ‘Trailer Park Boys’ comic anthology) and comedian/podcaster Teresa Lee ('You Can Tell Me Anything' podcast, album 'We're Still Doing This') for a look at why bananas are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
17/01/2022 • 54 minutes
Shaving
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster John Cullen ('Blocked Party' podcast, album 'Long Stories For No Reason') and comedy writer/podcaster Sarah Pappalardo (Reductress, 'The Reductress Minute' podcast) for a look at why shaving is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
10/01/2022 • 55 minutes 39 seconds
Maize
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin ('Creature Feature' podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why maize (aka corn) is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
03/01/2022 • 1 hour 17 seconds
a holiday hello, and free bonus shows!
Hey folks -- happy holidays! Please enjoy this holiday hello from Alex, plus two free bonus shows.
Research links for bonus show #1, featuring guests Caitlin Gill and Andrew Ti: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-show-1-40113401
Research links for bonus show #2, featuring guest Katie Goldin: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-show-2-cow-40114297
To hear 70+ more bonus shows, follow this tagged link to the full list: https://www.patreon.com/sifpod?filters[tag]=bonus
Have a safe and fantastic rest of 2021, and see you in 2022!
27/12/2021 • 36 minutes 3 seconds
Myrrh
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcaster/creator Jesse Thorn (Maximum Fun, 'Bullseye') for a look at why myrrh is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
20/12/2021 • 1 hour 3 minutes 50 seconds
The Letter X
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher "Nunchucks" Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed, 'Fox Mulder Is A Maniac' podcast) for a look at why the letter X is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
13/12/2021 • 1 hour 9 minutes 57 seconds
TV Dinners
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why TV dinners are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
06/12/2021 • 1 hour 25 minutes 40 seconds
Cursing [contains explicit language]
NOTE: this episode contains explicit language throughout. That language is the topic, so we use it to talk about it.
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Rivers Langley ('The Goods From The Woods' podcast) and comedian Martin Urbano (Jimmy Kimmel Live, New York Comedy Fest) for a look at why cursing is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
29/11/2021 • 59 minutes 9 seconds
Spoons
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Cody Johnston and Katy Stoll ('Some More News' YouTube channel, 'Even More News' podcast) for a look at why spoons are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
22/11/2021 • 51 minutes 13 seconds
Water Towers
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Kath Barbadoro, Patrick Monahan, and Eli Yudin ('What A Time To Be Alive' podcast) for a look at why water towers are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
15/11/2021 • 59 minutes 21 seconds
Keyboards
Alex Schmidt is joined by writers/podcasters Jeff Rubin ('The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show' podcast) and Cody Ziglar (Rick & Morty, Marvel Comics) for a look at why keyboards are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
08/11/2021 • 1 hour 1 minute 39 seconds
Daylight Saving Time
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcasters/producers Anna Hossnieh and Shereen Lani Younes (‘Ethnically Ambiguous’ podcast) for a look at why Daylight Saving Time is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
01/11/2021 • 55 minutes 4 seconds
Gargoyles
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Conor Lastowka (Rifftrax, '372 Pages We'll Never Get Back' podcast) and historian/podcaster Patrick Wyman ('Tides Of History' podcast, new book 'The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World') for a look at why gargoyles are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
25/10/2021 • 1 hour 4 minutes 14 seconds
Labor Unions
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Matt Apodaca, Heather Anne Campbell, and Nick Wiger ('How Did This Get Played?' podcast) for a look at why labor unions are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
18/10/2021 • 1 hour 10 seconds
Vinyl Records
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/broadcaster/author Robin Ince (BBC Radio 4's 'The Infinite Monkey Cage', the Cosmic Shambles podcast network, his new book 'The Importance Of Being Interested') for a look at why vinyl records are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
And here's the playlist Alex and Robin came up with on this episode: https://bit.ly/SIF_VinylRecords
11/10/2021 • 1 hour 3 minutes 27 seconds
Antarctica
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/filmmaker Joey Clift (Netflix's 'Spirit Rangers', new Comedy Central short "How to Cope With Your Team Changing Its Native American Mascot") and comedian/podcaster Craig Fay ('The Villain Was Right' podcast) for a look at why Antarctica is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
04/10/2021 • 1 hour 8 minutes 34 seconds
Halloween Stores
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why Halloween stores are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
27/09/2021 • 1 hour 18 minutes 52 seconds
Rest Areas
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Billy Wayne Davis ('Conan', host of 'Podcast Wayne Davis') and comedy writer/podcaster Diana McCallum (FromSuperheroes.com, host of 'Talk From Superheroes') for a look at why rest areas are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
20/09/2021 • 1 hour 8 minutes 11 seconds
Libraries
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians Siena East ('NDND' Youtube channel, UCB) and Blair Socci (MTV, Comedy Central) for a look at why libraries are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
13/09/2021 • 50 minutes 59 seconds
Jimmy Carter
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Adam Tod Brown (‘Unpopular Opinion’ podcast network) and comedian/podcaster Jeff May (‘Jeff Has Cool Friends’ podcast) for a look at why Jimmy Carter is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
06/09/2021 • 54 minutes 42 seconds
Beans
Alex Schmidt is joined by writers/podcasters/directors Abe Epperson, Adam Ganser, and Michael Swaim ('Small Beans' network, plus Swaim works at IGN.com) for a look at why beans are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
30/08/2021 • 1 hour 5 minutes 57 seconds
Jellyfish
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin ('Creature Feature' podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why jellyfish are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
23/08/2021 • 1 hour 3 minutes 47 seconds
Thunderstorms
*Note with Alex's audio: the show uses his Zoom backup audio until around the 22 minute mark. It's totally listenable! And if you'd like to skip straight to the fancy mic audio, skip to 22:00.
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers Robert Brockway and Seanbaby (1900HOTDOG) for a look at why thunderstorms are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
16/08/2021 • 50 minutes 55 seconds
Shoe Sizes
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters Brett Rader (Yahoo Sports) and Shelby Wolstein ('Keeping Records' podcast) for a look at why shoe sizes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
09/08/2021 • 1 hour 2 minutes 20 seconds
The U.S. Forest Service
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Dan Hopper (Ranker, The New Yorker) and comedian Chet Wild (Unpopular Opinion podcast network) for a look at why the U.S. Forest Service is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
02/08/2021 • 57 minutes 57 seconds
Ampersands
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/podcaster Kat Angus ('I Hate It But I Love It' podcast) and comedian/podcaster John Cullen ('Blocked Party' podcast) for a look at why ampersands are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
26/07/2021 • 55 minutes 42 seconds
No. 2 Pencils
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/comedian Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Stan Against Evil, 'Hanging With Doctor Z') for a look at why no. 2 pencils are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
19/07/2021 • 44 minutes 36 seconds
The Color Magenta
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Caitlin Gill (GuaranteeShirts.com, new album 'Major.') and Alana Johnston ('Self Esteem Party' podcast) for a look at why magenta is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
12/07/2021 • 1 hour 1 minute 44 seconds
Sewers
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcaster/founder Jack O’Brien (The Daily Zeitgeist) and bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why sewers are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
05/07/2021 • 1 hour 15 minutes 29 seconds
Postal Codes
Alex Schmidt is joined by filmmaker/podcaster Justin Decloux ('The Important Cinema Club' podcast, 'No Such Thing As A Bad Movie' podcast) and comedian/podcaster Matt Kirshen ('Probably Science' podcast, The Jim Jefferies Show) for a look at why postal codes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
28/06/2021 • 1 hour 2 minutes 35 seconds
Eyeglasses
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcaster Matt Gourley ('With Gourley And Rust', 'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend', many other incredible shows) for a look at why eyeglasses are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
21/06/2021 • 47 minutes 29 seconds
Harbors
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Caitlin Durante ('The Bechdel Cast') for a look at why harbors are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/06/2021 • 48 minutes 31 seconds
Cat Food
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed) for a look at why cat food is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
07/06/2021 • 1 hour 5 minutes 37 seconds
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Alex Schmidt is joined by writers/podcasters David Roth (Defector, ‘The Distraction’ podcast) and Andrew Ti (‘Yo, Is This Racist?’, Sub-Optimal Pods) for a look at why monosodium glutamate (aka MSG) is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
31/05/2021 • 1 hour 49 seconds
Pigeons
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin (‘Creature Feature’ podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why pigeons are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
24/05/2021 • 1 hour 10 minutes 27 seconds
Mirrors
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Halle Kiefer and Alison Leiby (‘Ruined’ podcast) for a look at why mirrors are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
Direct link to see a "mirror tunnel": https://drive.google.com/file/d/17PElhM1UnBl8I3V0V_lk4lszNECJ_xtR/view?usp=sharing
17/05/2021 • 57 minutes 25 seconds
Air Conditioning
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why air conditioning is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
10/05/2021 • 1 hour 26 minutes 9 seconds
Vanilla
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Lydia Bugg (1900HOTDOG, the ‘Trailer Park Boys’ comic anthology) and comedy writer/podcaster Katie Goldin (‘Creature Feature’ podcast, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why vanilla is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
03/05/2021 • 1 hour 6 minutes 27 seconds
The Color Beige
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Adam Tod Brown (‘Unpopular Opinion’ podcast network) and comedian/podcaster Jeff May (‘Jeff Has Cool Friends’ podcast) for a look at why the color beige is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
26/04/2021 • 1 hour 4 minutes 28 seconds
Playing Cards
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcaster/producer Jordan Kauwling (‘FANTI’, ’The Flop House’) and comedian/podcaster Teresa Lee (new album ‘We’re Still Doing This’) for a look at why playing cards are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
19/04/2021 • 58 minutes 9 seconds
Triangles
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Amir Blumenfeld (‘If I Were You’ podcast, ‘Buckets’ podcast) and Negin Farsad (‘Fake The Nation’ podcast, ‘Birdgirl’ on Adult Swim) for a look at why triangles are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
12/04/2021 • 55 minutes 15 seconds
Time Zones
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcasters/producers Anna Hossnieh and Shereen Lani Younes (‘Ethnically Ambiguous’ podcast) for a look at why time zones are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
05/04/2021 • 55 minutes
Dice!
Alex Schmidt is joined by Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, and Griffin McElroy (authors of the new book ‘Everybody Has A Podcast (Except You)’) for a look at why dice are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
29/03/2021 • 54 minutes 45 seconds
Keys!
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Soren Bowie (‘American Dad’ on TBS, ‘Quick Question with Soren and Daniel’ podcast) and Daniel O’Brien (same podcast, and ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’ on HBO) for a look at why keys are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 1 exclamation point)
22/03/2021 • 1 hour 6 minutes 27 seconds
Goats
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Kath Barbadoro (‘What A Time To Be Alive’ podcast, ‘Lie Cheat & Steal’ podcast) and comedy podcaster Patrick Monahan (‘What A Time To Be Alive’ podcast) for a look at why goats are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
15/03/2021 • 1 hour 48 seconds
Toothpaste
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why toothpaste is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
08/03/2021 • 1 hour 22 minutes
Stop Signs
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers Isaac Cabe and Kandice Martellaro for a look at why stop signs are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
01/03/2021 • 1 hour 1 minute 11 seconds
The Scream (1893)
Alex Schmidt is joined by writers/podcasters Cody Johnston and Katy Stoll (‘Some More News’ YouTube series, ‘Even More News’ podcast) for a look at why ‘The Scream’ is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Direct link to see the main 1893 version of ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lqAfSAqID_AJjFiCwSVOSkjDW8oIQyYo/view?usp=sharing
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
22/02/2021 • 1 hour 10 seconds
Concrete
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters Matt Apodaca (‘How Did This Get Played?’, UCB) and Andrew Ti (‘Yo, Is This Racist?’, Sub-Optimal Pods) for a look at why concrete is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
15/02/2021 • 58 minutes 22 seconds
Refrigerators
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters Miles Gray (The Daily Zeitgeist, 420 Day Fiance) and Rivers Langley (The Goods From The Woods, The Corona Diaries) for a look at why refrigerators are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
08/02/2021 • 1 hour 6 minutes 19 seconds
Butter
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Billy Wayne Davis (‘Grown Local’ podcast, Conan) and comedy writer/podcaster Conor Lastowka (Rifftrax, ‘372 Pages We’ll Never Get Back’ podcast) for a look at why butter is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
01/02/2021 • 59 minutes 10 seconds
Checkers
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/producers Bridgett Greenberg and Cristian Ramirez (Small Beans) for a look at why checkers is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
25/01/2021 • 1 hour 10 minutes 5 seconds
The Color Blue
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Adam Tod Brown (Unpopular Opinion) and comedian/podcaster Jeff May (Sideshow’s Side Show) for a look at why the color blue is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
18/01/2021 • 59 minutes 52 seconds
Nobel Prizes
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Matt Kirshen (Probably Science, The Jim Jefferies Show) and comedian/podcaster Andy Wood (Probably Science, 4-Time 'Jeopardy!' Champion) for a look at why Nobel Prizes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
11/01/2021 • 58 minutes 36 seconds
Potatoes
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcaster/founder Jack O’Brien (The Daily Zeitgeist) for a look at why potatoes are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
04/01/2021 • 1 hour 5 minutes 12 seconds
Random Numbers
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (‘John Dies At The End’ series, ‘Zoey Ashe’ series) for a look at why random numbers are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
28/12/2020 • 1 hour 25 minutes 19 seconds
Mayonnaise
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed) for a look at why mayonnaise is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
21/12/2020 • 1 hour 38 seconds
Musk Oxen
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writers/podcasters Katie Goldin (‘Creature Feature’ podcast, @ProBirdRights) and Elliott Kalan (MST3K, The Daily Show, ‘The Flop House’ podcast) for a look at why musk oxen are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Direct link to see a picture of a musk ox: https://www.alaskawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/AWCC-Muskox-Bulls-Fighting-Feb-2018-6.jpg
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/12/2020 • 1 hour 4 minutes 27 seconds
Chairs
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/writers Laurie Kilmartin (Conan, ‘The Jackie and Laurie Show’ podcast) and Danielle Radford (Honest Trailers, ‘Tights & Fights’ podcast) for a look at why chairs are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
07/12/2020 • 48 minutes 30 seconds
Grapefruit
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcasters/directors Abe Epperson and Adam Ganser (‘Directorpiece Theatre’ and more Small Beans podcasts) for a look at why grapefruit are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
30/11/2020 • 1 hour 45 seconds
Tires
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus (‘The Bechdel Cast’ and many amazing miniseries) for a look at why tires are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
23/11/2020 • 1 hour 1 minute 36 seconds
Ham!!
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/author Robert Brockway (1900HOTDOG, new novel ’Carrier Wave’) and writer/game creator Seanbaby (1900HOTDOG, game ‘Calculords’) for a look at why ham is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
(Alex's podcast hosting service requires a minimum of 5 characters per episode title, so that's why this episode's title has 2 exclamation points)
16/11/2020 • 49 minutes 52 seconds
The Great Gatsby (1925)
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/podcaster/filmmaker Michael Swaim (IGN, Small Beans, Kurt Vonneguys) for a look at why ‘The Great Gatsby’ is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
09/11/2020 • 1 hour 46 seconds
Socks
Alex Schmidt is joined by writer/actress Dani Fernandez (Netflix, HBO Max) and writer/podcaster Dave Schilling (‘Full Court Chat’, The New Yorker) for a look at why socks are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
02/11/2020 • 57 minutes 31 seconds
American Gothic (1930)
Alex Schmidt is joined by podcaster Brett Rader (Yahoo Sports) and comedian Chet Wild (Fox, Hulu) for a look at why ‘American Gothic’ is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
26/10/2020 • 53 minutes 37 seconds
Mustard
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Dan Hopper (Ranker, The New Yorker) and writer/podcaster David Roth (Defector, ‘The Distraction’ podcast) for a look at why mustard is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
19/10/2020 • 1 hour 2 minutes 1 second
Sirens
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (pen name David Wong) for a look at why sirens are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Jason’s excellent new novel releases October 13th: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250195791
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
12/10/2020 • 1 hour 13 minutes 19 seconds
Pears
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedians/podcasters Jackie Kashian (The Dork Forest, The Jackie and Laurie Show) and Riley Silverman (Troubled Waters, The Game Of Rassilon) for a look at why pears are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
05/10/2020 • 52 minutes 7 seconds
Franklin Pierce
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer and podcaster Daniel O’Brien (Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, Quick Question with Soren and Daniel) for a look at why Franklin Pierce is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
28/09/2020 • 1 hour 29 seconds
Wooden Blocks
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer and podcaster Jeff Rubin (The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, CollegeHumor.com) and comedy writer and author Joel Stein (‘In Defense Of Elitism’) for a look at why wooden blocks are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
21/09/2020 • 1 hour 3 minutes 19 seconds
Ketchup
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcasters/writers David Christopher Bell and Tom Reimann (Gamefully Unemployed) for a look at why ketchup is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
14/09/2020 • 1 hour 5 minutes 41 seconds
Venus
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer/podcaster Soren Bowie (‘American Dad’ on TBS, ‘Quick Question with Soren and Daniel’ podcast) for a look at why the planet Venus is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
07/09/2020 • 52 minutes 52 seconds
Going To The Beach
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Jenny Jaffe (Fox, Disney Channel, IFC) and comedy improviser/podcaster Moujan Zolfaghari (‘Mission To Zyxx’ podcast, 'At Home With Amy Sedaris') for a look at why going to the beach is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
31/08/2020 • 50 minutes 45 seconds
Microwave Ovens
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy writer Joey Clift (Netflix, Cartoon Network) and comedian/podcaster Eli Yudin (‘What A Time To Be Alive’) for a look at why microwave ovens are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
24/08/2020 • 52 minutes 47 seconds
Grocery Stores
Alex Schmidt is joined by bestselling author Jason Pargin (pen name David Wong) for a look at why grocery stores are secretly incredibly fascinating.
Pre-order Jason’s excellent new novel: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250195791
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
17/08/2020 • 1 hour 12 minutes 32 seconds
The Color Gray
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian/podcaster Adam Tod Brown (Unpopular Opinion) and comedian/podcaster Jeff May (Sideshow’s Side Show) for a look at why the color gray is secretly incredibly fascinating.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episode.
10/08/2020 • 48 minutes 8 seconds
Cattle
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedy podcaster, comedy writer, and secret bird Katie Goldin (Creature Feature, @ProBirdRights) for a look at why cattle are secretly incredibly fascinating.
This is one of two episodes released on our Super Double Premiere Day! Find the other episode (“U.S. Post Offices”) in this podcast feed.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episodes.
05/08/2020 • 58 minutes 50 seconds
U.S. Post Offices
Alex Schmidt is joined by comedian Caitlin Gill (TruTV, SF Punchline) and comedy podcaster/writer Andrew Ti (Yo Is This Racist?, 'mixed-ish') for a look at why U.S. Post Offices are secretly incredibly fascinating.
This is one of two episodes released on our Super Double Premiere Day! Find the other episode ("Cattle") in this podcast feed.
Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources, handy links, and this week's bonus episodes.
05/08/2020 • 52 minutes 47 seconds
Trailer
SECRETLY INCREDIBLY FASCINATING is a podcast for people who like history, science, comedy, and seeing their world a whole new way. Subscribe here for free weekly episodes! And discover bonus shows and more by visiting sifpod.fun (yes, a website URL can end in ".fun")