In a world where conspiracy and history meets stupidity, 'Stupiracy' takes you on a wild ride through the most bizarre tales ever told. Join hosts Scott Rizzuto and Tim McKernan for a 12 episodes season of absurd, unbelievable, and downright hilarious stories you never learned in history class. This is Stupiracy.
New episodes every Monday.
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to Stupiracy, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim delve into the historical financial bubble known as Tulip Mania. Explore how a simple flower bulb caused a massive economic crash in the 17th-century Netherlands. Learn about the cultural significance of tulips, the rise and fall of their prices, and the lasting impact of this financial frenzy on modern economics. This episode uncovers one of the first recorded instances of a market bubble and its surprising parallels to today's financial markets.
Key Points:
Introduction to Tulip Mania and its historical context.
How tulips became a status symbol in the Netherlands.
The escalation of tulip prices and the economic impact.
The eventual crash of the tulip market and its aftermath.
Comparison of Tulip Mania to modern financial bubbles.
Resources Mentioned:
Historical records of Tulip Mania.
Articles on economic bubbles and market speculation.
"Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused" by Mike Dash.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E11: Elvis is Alive
Season 1 · Episode 11
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 25:54
In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into the enduring conspiracy theory that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is still alive. Explore the official account of Elvis's death, the numerous reported sightings of Elvis after his supposed demise, and the various reasons why people believe he faked his death. From misspelled tombstones to sightings at Burger King, uncover the strange evidence and theories that keep this conspiracy alive.
Key Points:
Official account of Elvis Presley’s death.
Inconsistencies surrounding his death, including the misspelled tombstone and the heavy casket.
Numerous reported sightings of Elvis after his death.
Theories on why Elvis might have faked his death, including escaping the mafia and financial troubles.
The cultural impact and lasting fascination with the idea that Elvis is still alive.
Resources Mentioned:
Rolling Stone magazine's list of top Elvis songs.
"Is Elvis Alive?" book.
Articles and interviews about Elvis sightings and the conspiracy theory.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E10: The Erfurt Latrine Disaster
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 19:04
In this dark and intriguing episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim delve into the gruesome details of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster of 1184. Discover how a meeting of European nobles turned into a horrific tragedy when the floor of a church collapsed, plunging dozens into a cesspit of human waste. Learn about the historical context, the notable victims, and the changes this disaster prompted in medieval sewage systems. This episode uncovers one of the most morbid yet fascinating events in history.
Key Points:
Introduction to the Erfurt Latrine Disaster.
The political context and the meeting of the nobles.
Detailed account of the disaster and its aftermath.
Notable victims of the tragedy.
The impact on medieval sewage systems and public health reforms.
Resources Mentioned:
Historical records of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster.
Articles on medieval sewage systems.
Research by Pastor Leitzman of Tusenhausen.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E9: Queen Elizabeth Was A Cannibal
Season 1 · Episode 9
Monday, August 19, 2024 • Duration 22:27
In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into one of the wildest conspiracy theories about the British royal family: the claim that Queen Elizabeth II was a cannibal. From bizarre stories about her private freezer to tales of corpse medicine, discover the strange rumors that have swirled around the late queen. Learn about the historical context of these claims and why some people believe that the British royals have a taste for human flesh.
Key Points:
Introduction to the conspiracy theory about Queen Elizabeth II.
Historical context of medicinal cannibalism and its use by royalty.
The story of an electrician's shocking discovery in the queen's freezer.
Analysis of why these rumors persist and their impact on public perception.
Broader discussion on conspiracy theories involving the British royal family.
Resources Mentioned:
"Mummies, Cannibals, and Vampires" by Richard Sugg.
Articles and interviews about royal family conspiracy theories.
Historical records on medicinal cannibalism.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E8: The Trial of the Papal Cadaver
Season 1 · Episode 8
Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 20:15
In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim explore one of the most bizarre episodes in medieval history: the trial of Pope Formosus' corpse. Discover how this 9th-century pope was exhumed, dressed in papal robes, and put on trial by his successor. Learn about the political intrigue, the strange customs of the time, and the ultimate fate of the cadaver. This episode delves into the strange and dark world of medieval papal politics.
Key Points:
Introduction to the trial of Pope Formosus.
The political context of the 9th-century papacy.
Details of the trial, including the role of Pope Stephen VI.
The aftermath and legacy of this bizarre event.
The significance of relics and their impact on medieval religious practices.
Resources Mentioned:
Historical accounts of Pope Formosus and Pope Stephen VI.
Articles and books on medieval papal history.
Academic research on relics and medieval justice.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E7: The History of the Middle Finger
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, August 5, 2024 • Duration 22:44
In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into the surprising and fascinating history of the middle finger. From its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its status as a powerful symbol of displeasure today, learn how this simple gesture has evolved over millennia. Discover the cultural significance, historical anecdotes, and unexpected moments in pop culture that have kept this gesture relevant and controversial.
Key Points:
Introduction to the middle finger and its impact as a gesture.
Ancient Greek and Roman origins of the middle finger.
How the gesture was perceived and used in different eras.
The Catholic Church's role in shaping the middle finger's modern meaning.
How the middle finger made its way to America.
Famous instances of the middle finger in pop culture and media.
Resources Mentioned:
Historical records from ancient Greece and Rome.
Anthropological studies on gestures.
Articles on the cultural evolution of offensive gestures.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E6: Kings Sleeping Together to Show Unity
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, July 29, 2024 • Duration 16:45
In this episode of Stupiracy, dive into a curious slice of medieval diplomacy where kings shared more than just their realms—they shared their beds! Join Rizz and Tim as they unpack the tradition of monarchs sleeping together to seal alliances and foster unity. It's history with a twist, exploring how powerful rulers once cuddled up to resolve conflicts!
Show Notes:
Overview: Episode 6 of "Stupiracy" explores a fascinating medieval practice where kings would literally share a bed to symbolize and celebrate peace agreements. This episode digs into the historical context, the personal dynamics involved, and how these actions were perceived then and now.
Topics Discussed:
The tradition of kings sleeping together as a peace gesture, with a focus on Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France.
Cultural and historical perspectives on the practice, including its implications and symbolism.
How this seemingly strange tradition compares to modern diplomatic practices.
Examination of how personal relationships between rulers influenced political decisions and historical narratives.
Entities Mentioned:
Richard the Lionheart
Philip II of France
Medieval European monarchies
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E5: Finland Doesn't Exist
Season 1 · Episode 5
Monday, July 22, 2024 • Duration 21:30
In this exhilarating episode of Stupiracy, hosts Rizz and Tim McKernan dive deep into a fringe conspiracy theory that claims—hold onto your hats—Finland doesn't exist! Yes, you heard that right. The nation of saunas, Santa, and Sibelius is supposedly a figment of the global imagination. Strap in as they dissect this wild theory and explore how a whole country could be an elaborate geopolitical sham.
Topics Discussed:
Introduction to the Finland Doesn’t Exist conspiracy theory
Overview of Finland’s alleged geographic and demographic details
Famous Finnish exports and cultural notes (Nokia, metal bands, supposedly Helsinki)
Historical context and the supposed origin of the conspiracy during the Cold War
Details of the supposed conspiracy involving Japan, Russia, fishing rights, and Nokia phones
Discussion on satellite images, GPS data, and the general disbelief surrounding the existence of Finland
Entities Mentioned:
Finland (or the lack thereof)
Japan and Russia (key players in the conspiracy)
Nokia (the tech giant supposedly from the non-existent Finland)
Famous Finnish bands like Nightwish and Hanoi Rocks
Reddit (where the conspiracy theory gained traction)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E4: Ivy League Nude Photo Scandal
Season 1 · Episode 4
Monday, July 15, 2024 • Duration 25:26
Episode Description:
This episode of Stupiracy peels back the layers on one of the most eyebrow-raising chapters in Ivy League history—the nude photo scandal. Rizz and Tim explore how some of America’s future elites, from presidents to network execs, were part of an eyebrow-raising tradition that involved posing nude as part of college registration. Dive into the quirks, questions, and conspiracies surrounding these shocking snapshots!
Show Notes:
Overview: Episode 4 of "Stupiracy" delves into the bizarre world of the Ivy League nude photo scandal, uncovering the strange and scandalous practice that once was a rite of passage for incoming freshmen at prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Topics Discussed:
The historical context and initiation of the nude photo practice in the Ivy League from the 1940s through the 1970s.
High-profile individuals who were involved, including U.S. Presidents and famous actors.
The controversial purpose behind these photos, linked to eugenic studies and body type theories.
The ultimate fate of these photos and the ethical and legal controversies they sparked.
Entities Mentioned:
Harvard University
Yale University
Princeton University
William Sheldon (Researcher behind the photo practice)
Notable alumni who may have been photographed
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 E3: The Disastrous 1904 Olympic Marathon
Season 1 · Episode 3
Monday, July 8, 2024 • Duration 26:08
In this episode of Stupiracy, Rizz and Tim dive into the sweat-drenched saga of the 1904 Olympic Marathon—a tale so wild, it'll make modern marathons look like a walk in the park. Tune in as they recount how St. Louis' sweltering summer hosted a marathon that was more survival horror than sport, featuring wild dogs, rotten apples, and bizarre "performance enhancers." It's history, but not as you know it!
Show Notes:
Overview: "Stupiracy" Episode 3 unearths the chaotic story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon held in St. Louis. From hallucinating athletes to unscheduled car rides, Rizz and Tim unwrap the most bizarre marathon in Olympic history.
Topics Discussed:
The shift of the 1904 Olympics from Chicago to St. Louis due to the World's Fair.
The unusual and hazardous conditions of the marathon including extreme heat and minimal water stations.
Noteworthy competitors like Fred Lores, who famously "finished" by car, and Thomas Hicks, who crossed the finish line with the aid of strychnine and egg whites.
Other memorable incidents involving wild dogs, rotten apples, and unintended detours.
Entities Mentioned:
1904 St. Louis World's Fair
International Olympic Committee
Fred Lores
Thomas Hicks
Felix Carvajal
Len Tao
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices