Secretly Incredibly Fascinating

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why roller derby 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why VHS tapes 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why bubble tea 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why emergency phone numbers 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Seth Lind explore why cinnamon 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why heterochromia 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the Northwest Passage 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Spam 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 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)

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Janet Varney explore why copper 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Easter eggs 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why theremins 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why indigo 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why salt 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 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)

It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!!Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay.Timestamps:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:22) Tom, Ellen, Alex, and Brenda Trivia

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Clint McElroy and Justin McElroy explore why "Y2K" 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Esperanto 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why pangolins 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Sequoia Holmes explore why "the cool S" 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Programming note: Alex got sick and is resting up. No SIF episode this week. New SIF episode next week. And thanks for your kind patience.

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why accordions 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the painting "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper is secretly incredibly fascinating. (Here's a direct link to see the painting: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/111628/nighthawks)Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Ben Partridge explore why cheddar cheese 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why computer mice 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why road atlases 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Happy holidays from us (Alex and Katie)! Please enjoy this holiday hello. Please also enjoy a full new SIF episode in bonus feeds. And see you in 2025!To hear that live London episode, all about weasels, support us and grab your bonus feeds at maximumfun.org/join

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Christmas trees 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why antidisestablishmentarianism 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why limes 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why sign languages 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Hello and happy U.S. Thanksgiving Week! We are thrilled to share the first 3 episodes of "The Inspectors Inspectors", our unique bizarre recap podcast for the TV show funded and produced by the U.S. Postal Service. Hear the show by supporting SIF at https://maximumfun.org/join.SIFpod and "The Inspectors Inspectors" exist because of the generosity of Maximum Fun members. THANK YOU to everyone who does that wonderful thing.Once you're a member, grab "The Inspectors Inspectors" and all your other BoCo using this how-to: https://maximumfun.org/howtoboco/

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why turkeys 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why "O.K." 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Apollo 17 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why burritos 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Dave Holmes and Craig Stubing explore why diabetes 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Halloween costumes 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara explore why The Mona Lisa 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Renaissance faires 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Pachelbel's Canon 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why salt mines 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the United States Minor Outlying Islands 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why penny-farthings 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why homework 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why popcorn ceilings 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Jeremy Bent and Dimitry Pompée explore why the euro currency 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the letter Q 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why figs (aka "wasp piñatas") 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 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)

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why telephone poles 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why pinball machines are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Visit https://maximumfun.org/boco to get your digital art for Episode 200! There are also posters in the vault for Episodes 50, 100, and 150.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jordan Morris explore why soda cans are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Visit https://maximumfun.org/boco to get your digital art for Episode 200! There are also posters in the vault for Episodes 50, 100, and 150.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the Fibonacci sequence is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Visit https://maximumfun.org/boco to get your digital art for Episode 200! There are also posters in the vault for Episodes 50, 100, and 150.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why helium is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Visit https://maximumfun.org/boco to get your digital art for Episode 200! There are also posters in the vault for Episodes 50, 100, and 150.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

This is a new episode, rounding up a grab bag of new stories! Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why additional tales about paprika, hyenas, cursive, purple, the middle finger, and Microsoft Excel are secretly incredibly fascinating.This week's bonus show is the second episode of our very special TV recap podcast "The Inspectors Inspectors". Become a Maximum Fun member to hear it: https://maximumfun.org/joinAlso, come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why hyenas 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why wrestling 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5Get tickets to see us LIVE at the London Podcast Festival this September: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/secretly-incredibly-fascinating/

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why purple 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why paprika 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Adam Tod Brown and Jeff May explore why cursive 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why tally marks 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the middle finger 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Grover Cleveland 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Jason Pargin explore why Microsoft Excel 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why insulin 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why clouds 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Ross Blocher explore why the dollar sign 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts!J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong from “Go Fact Yourself” are joined by:Ellen & Christian Weatherford - “Just the Zoo of Us” Alex Schmidt & Katie Goldin - “Secretly Incredibly Fascinating”If you’d like to hear more hosts competing for trivia supremacy, visit Maximumfun.org for the full version of this show.

Today is the start of Maximum Fun Drive 2024! Alex and Katie are here to talk about the podcasts, live shows, gifts, potential art, potential game nights, and other rad stuff we're doing to celebrate. Then, the rest of this file is last week's bonus show, as a treat for you.To experience the many things Alex and Katie talk about, and make this entire podcast possible, become a Maximum Fun member! Here's the link: https://maximumfun.org/join/Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Elliott Kalan explore why pistachios 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why caffeine 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 SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guests Robert Brockway and Seanbaby explore why computer cursors 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the name Katie 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why crabs 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 Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Joey Clift explore why "why did the chicken cross the road" 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why scales (the tool for weighing) 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why deja vu 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why machetes 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa" by Hokusai is secretly incredibly fascinating.Direct link to see the art: https://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/as/original/DP130155.jpg 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why windmills 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/wbR96nsGg5Apologies for a brief issue with Alex's mic. You'll hear his backup audio until around nine minutes in, and then the whole rest of the show is his regular mic.

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why lemons 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

Happy holidays from us (Alex and Katie)! Please enjoy this holiday hello, plus the surprising and fun fulfillment of a long-ago prophecy. And see you in 2024!There's also a special new bonus show, released last week, where Alex interviews an expert about Hangeul. That's on top of weekly bonus shows for supporters every week. Visit maximumfun.org/join to support the show and hear that BoCo.Come hang out with us anytime on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why coal 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)

Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the novel Frankenstein 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 Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why ska music is secretly incredibly fascinating. Special guests: Dave Holmes and Riley Silverman.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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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-zz-wpJEKqlOpee3AWWcynJI8Az95_wUOYd6p8imU/edit?usp=sharing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kNplapKs-wHere's the list of this year's MaxFun meetups on Thurs. March 23rd: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=142eOvPSsWQLACZJyd2b9e8sJcmjnc-w&ll=38.449103683287106%2C-98.16156520000001&z=4 Click the locations for details. And here's more info about that MaxFun Meetup Day: https://maximumfun.org/events/meetups/maxfun-meetup-day-2023/Thanks for reading/listening. E-mail Alex (sifpod@gmail.com) if you have any questions. And remember: trust the fungus.

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.)

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.)

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

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

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

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.

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. 🦬

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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-rainbow-fentanyl-to-children/ clip of scaremongering on Fox News: https://twitter.com/justinbaragona/status/1574878436211957783 example of a scaremongering article, from Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/rainbow-fentanyl-targeted-children-lego-box-halloween-1749492 Here's a piece from The Guardian, published April 2022, covering one form the actual fentanyl crisis is taking: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/23/san-francisco-homelessness-street-team-fentanyl Source links for the original bonus episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-show-62-of-56574011

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.

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)

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.

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

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..

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

*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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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")