I Tell Stories

40 Episodes
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By: Colt Draine and Owen "The Mic" McMichael

I Tell Stories Podcast covers a wide range of topics discussed by Colt Draine and Owen "The Mic" McMichael. From the scourge on humanity of violent business hippies and Scott Baio to peculiar Serbian Mother's Day traditions,the boys offer their unique perspective. Revolutionary artists,legends of folklore and bizzare following of fast food items are just a few of the subjects touched on. I Tell Stories aims to bring attention to individuals and occerrences that are too interesting to be forgotten. Two long time friends who keep each other laughing give listeners their take on the world. Everyone has...

Mac Mall Interview: Cuddies Say Yeee
#100
04/23/2025

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Mac Mall's presence on our milestone 100th episode brings the authentic voice of Vallejo to listeners worldwide. The Bay Area legend opens up about the beautiful chaos of fatherhood, the responsibility of community leadership, and the transformative power of perseverance.

With remarkable candor, Mall shares fascinating insights into Vallejo folklore, including his chilling revelation about likely crossing paths with the infamous Zodiac Killer who called the same small city home. This conversation evolves into a powerful discussion about addressing community violence through positive action rather than empty words. "Words without opportunity...


The Marshmallow Plant: Does it Grow Near the Twinky Shrub
#99
04/09/2025

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Pirates: Jack Ward
#98
03/31/2025

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Yo Momma: Bygone Insults from Days of Yore
#97
03/18/2025

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Food Heists: Me So Hungry
#96
03/10/2025

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Anthony Bourdain: Rarity in an Overcooked World
#95
02/07/2025

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Anton Chekhov: The Lottery Ticket
#94
01/22/2025

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Tenino Washington: Wood Rules Everything Around Me?
#93
01/13/2025

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Superstition: New Years Day
#92
01/03/2025

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Celebrity: Aged Much?
#91
12/23/2024

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Great Scot: Greyfriars Bobby
#90
12/11/2024

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What if a dog's loyalty could echo through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on history? Join us on a heartwarming excursion with Owen McMichael, fondly known as "the Mick," as we celebrate the timeless bond between a man and his devoted Sky Terrier. Travel back to 19th-century Edinburgh to meet Greyfriars Bobby, whose steadfast watch over his master's grave won the hearts of an entire city. This touching tale not only illuminates the emotional connection between humans and dogs but also offers a delightful peek into the quirks of Scottish culture, including...


Landrace: Cannabis's Pure Roots
#89
11/19/2024

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Ever wondered how cannabis strains like Brazilian and Chocolate Thai maintain their genetic purity despite the modern surge of hybrids? Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of landrace strains, tracing their roots from the rugged mountains of the Hindu Kush to the sun-drenched shores of Acapulco Gold. Through personal stories of unforgettable adventures inspired by these rare strains, we illuminate the historical significance and allure of cannabis that has stood the test of time.

Picture pirates navigating treacherous seas—many of whom couldn't swim—and discover intriguing parallels betw...


Vampires: Zosia
#88
10/31/2024

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Ever wondered what happens when the past refuses to stay buried? Join us for a spine-tingling journey as we unravel the mystery of Zosia, a 350-year-old alleged vampire found in Poland. With a sickle around her neck and a padlock on her toe, her burial details read like the script of a horror movie—but was it more than just superstition? We explore the cultural fears that might have sparked such a dramatic entombment, delve into her possible Scandinavian roots, and ponder if her dental quirks or mental state played a role in he...


Fatal Fashions: Dressed To Kill ☠️
#87
10/13/2024

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Can fashion kill? Join us for a chilling exploration into history's most dangerous style trends, where the quest for beauty often came with a deadly price. From the haunting allure of arsenic-laden green dresses that led to tragic fates like that of Matilda Schreier, to the mercury madness that defined the felt hat industry, we unravel the perilous choices fashionistas made in the name of style. This episode promises a spine-tingling journey through time, uncovering tales of toxic dyes, suffocating collars, and even radioactive makeup, all while pondering the bizarre and hazardous lengths...


J.Cole - Port Antonio
10/11/2024

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What happens when dreams clash with reality, and authenticity battles for survival against superficial validation? Young Jermaine joins us to unpack this complex narrative, weaving a tapestry of personal stories and lyrical wisdom that speaks to anyone striving for greatness. From the church steps to the gritty streets, his journey is one of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of staying true to oneself. Explore how he navigates the turbulent waters of societal expectations and personal demons, while remaining grounded in his roots, and the lessons learned along the way that resonate far...


Rock and Roll: Hilarious Song Review
#86
10/08/2024

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Ever wondered how a song critiquing consumerism ends up in a commercial or why a children's author would write a rock anthem? Join us on a whimsical journey as we unravel these peculiar tales of rock history, inspired by Amy McCarthy's comedic insights. Discover the unexpected twists behind Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" and our chuckles over Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra" being sampled by none other than Eminem. With a dash of humor, we blend personal memories with newfound musical trivia, sharing stories like the genius behind Dr. Hook's "Cover of the Rolling Stone"...


ITS Head Quarters: Shanty Talks
#85
10/01/2024

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Ever wondered how many Switzerlands could fit into Montana? Or why a town in California pronounces "almonds" differently? Join us for a whimsical journey through geography, food, and quirky local trivia. We start with a playful comparison of Switzerland, Montana, and Rhode Island, revealing some surprising facts about their sizes. Then, we dive into the origins of almonds, exploring a debated history that points to Asia, despite Spain’s strong association with these tasty nuts. Plus, we share a fun tidbit about a town in California that calls them "almonds" and speculate on th...


Apex Predators: Orcas and Humans Hunting Hand and Fin
#84
09/22/2024

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Ever wondered how orcas communicate or why they carry dead salmon on their heads? Get ready to uncover the secrets of these extraordinary creatures! From their complex social hierarchies to their surprising evolutionary links to land mammals like cows and hippos, this episode offers a captivating look at orcas as apex predators. We'll also reveal a fascinating historical partnership between indigenous whalers and orcas in New South Wales, Australia, where these marine marvels worked hand-in-fin with humans to hunt baleen whales.

Join us as we explore the heartwarming tale of Old...


90’s Mistakes: Oops There It Is
#83
09/13/2024

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Remember the days when you couldn't leave the house without your Tamagotchi, and acid wash jeans were a fashion staple? Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, a decade that many of us hold dear. We reminisce about the fashion trends that have made comebacks, laugh at the TV shows that missed the mark, and debate whether the boy band craze was a hit or a miss. We also pay tribute to the icons that defined the era, from the Wu-Tang Clan to Salma Hayek.

Who...


Baffling America: Agloe New York
#82
09/07/2024

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Join us on a quest through the hidden realm of fictional towns and trap streets inspired by the cunning of cartographers like Ernest Alpins and Otto Lindbergh. Learn how the fictitious town of Aglo, originally created to catch plagiarists, unexpectedly blossomed into a real-life tourist destination. Listen to Darlene Beers as she unravels her family's storied history with the land, debunks myths, and shares the charming, albeit fictitious, tales of the area. We'll also uncover the clever moves by Rand McNally to outwit a lawsuit and how Aglo made its way onto Google...


Linguistics: Origins of English Phrases?
#81
09/02/2024

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Ever wondered why Mr. Burns from The Simpsons answers the phone with "ahoy hoy"? Or what grim practices in Victorian England have to do with phrases we use today? This episode promises a captivating journey through the stories and historical quirks behind familiar expressions like "ahoy hoy," "Saved by the Bell," and "dead ringer." We also share a humorous tale about a bar in Seattle with a clever nod to AC Slater from Saved by the Bell as we explore these linguistic gems.

Join us as we uncover the intriguing legend...


Culinary Pioneer: The OG Robert May
#80
08/30/2024

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What if the first celebrity chef wasn't from our modern era, but from the 17th century? In this episode, we journey through the life of Robert May, whose culinary genius and flamboyant dining spectacles turned him into a historical icon. Born in 1588, May's culinary voyage began in his father's kitchen, but it was his travels to Paris to learn French, Spanish, and Italian that truly set him apart. We explore his unmatched ability to create dining events where frogs leaped from pies and birds extinguished candles, revealing how these dramatic experiences captivated his...


Globally Renowned: World Take Eyes on America 👀
#79
08/05/2024

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Ever wondered how a cheeseburger connects to international policies? We kick off with a fun survey on cheeseburgers and horseback riding, but quickly dive into the deep waters of America's controversial global engagement. Hear about a personal story that brings the conversation home—our family member's near-miss at the Junior Olympics, showcasing the grit and support behind such feats. As we reflect on our travels, you'll find out why the kindness of strangers abroad often outshines the shadow of political tensions.

Imagine the vast landscapes of the US, and compare it with Br...


Piratical Tales: Sealand
#78
07/30/2024

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Picture yourself under the clandestine cover of night, tuning into forbidden rock and roll rhythms that make your heart race. What lengths would you go to defy the status quo? Join us as we unravel the audacious tale of pirate radio in the 1960s UK, where rebel broadcasters like Radio Carolina and Wonderful Radio London braved the law and the waves to bring unfiltered music to the masses. Discover how these plucky DJs transformed ships anchored in international waters into bastions of freedom, for...


Staple of Civilization: The Potato
#77
07/03/2024

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Ever wondered how a humble potato could save your breakfast, polish your silverware, and even reduce puffy eyes? In this episode, we promise you'll uncover the multifaceted marvels of potatoes, from their intriguing history with the Incas to their surprising role in Canadian poutine. We kick things off with a lively chat about our favorite breakfast sides and venture through the historical journey of the potato, including its European introduction by Spanish explorers and a cheeky debate over its arrival in England. Along the way, we sprinkle in some fun discussions about potato-themed events...


American Holiday: The 4th of July
#76
06/26/2024

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Ever wondered how the 4th of July transformed into America's ultimate summer spectacle? Join us as we unpack the layers of history, tradition, and quirky celebrations that define Independence Day. From the jaw-dropping consumption of 150 million hot dogs to the billion-dollar firework displays, we explore the fun and fascinating facts that make this holiday so uniquely American. We’ll also delve into the historical milestones, like the timeline of the Declaration of Independence and the remarkable coincidences surrounding the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

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European History: Ornamental Garden Hermits
#75
06/01/2024

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Ever wondered what it was like to be a hired hermit living in the garden of a wealthy 18th-century English estate? Imagine donning itchy furs, taking a vow of silence, and becoming the ultimate conversation piece for your employer's extravagant garden parties. Join us as we uncover the bizarre and fascinating tradition of ornamental hermits, sharing quirky job descriptions, amusing anecdotes, and a bit of historical context. We'll even compare this peculiar pastime to today's trends, adding a humorous twist to these tales from the past.

But that's not all! We'll trace...


Animals: Species that Will Make you Stick with Dogs
#74
05/13/2024

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Ever wondered about nature's most unusual creatures? Prepare to be amazed as we venture into the eclectic world of animal oddities, from the peculiar snub-nosed monkeys to the giant isopods that seem lifted from a sci-fi novel. It's a wild ride through the animal kingdom, complete with the remarkable strength of coconut crabs and the stylish red-lipped batfish. And just when you think it can't get any more bizarre, we introduce you to the Dumbo Octopus and debate the merits of the bilby as a p...


Scottish Culture: If it’s not Scottish it’s Crrrap!
#73
05/01/2024

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Who knew that Scotland's national animal frolicked in the land of myths, and the country boasts the shortest commercial flight on Earth? Buckle up for a rib-tickling escapade as we unveil the peculiar charms and humorous oddities that make Scotland an enchanting enigma. From chuckling over Shetland ponies' antics to debunking Braveheart's real identity, we're spicing up your day with a slew of hilarious Scottish revelations. And if the quirks of a traditional Scottish breakfast have you baffled, wait until we rev...


30th Anniversary: Nas Illmatic
#72
04/20/2024

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Embark on a sonic pilgrimage with us as we celebrate a milestone in music history—the 30th anniversary of Nas's "Illmatic," a tome of hip-hop culture. Prepare to unearth the intricacies of the album's title, its homage to Illmatic Ice, and to step inside the studio with the legendary craftsmen of its iconic sound, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. As we weave through tales of bootlegging woes and pay tribute to the lyrical prowess of AZ on "Life's a Bitch," we also...


Musical Prodigy: Korla Pandit
#71
04/14/2024

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Prepare to be whisked away on a journey through time as we spin the tale of Korla Pandit, a musician whose enigmatic presence on the American entertainment scene of the 1940s and 50s was as captivating as it was mysterious. Our exploration traverses the melodic path of his career, from the hypnotic blend of East and West that echoed through his performances, to the mesmerizing television presence that earned him a special niche in the hearts of his viewers. The story...


Powder Gets you Hyper: Finnish Soldier Aimo Koivunen
#70
04/06/2024

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Ever wondered how Finnish soldiers survived the brutal winters of WWII, or what secret ingredients might tie into your family's culinary quirks? Strap in for a wild ride through history and humor as we uncover the astonishing impact methamphetamine had on warfare, with a special focus on the daredevil antics of one Emil Kuyven—a Finnish soldier who skied his way out of a Soviet ambush on a potent cocktail of desperation and stimulants. We then pivot to dissect...


Historical Hmmmm: Time Warp
#69
03/21/2024

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Embark with us on a temporal odyssey where the fabric of history intertwines with the mysteries of our perception of time. Together, we'll traverse the peculiar parallels that dance through the ages – imagine the guillotine's final fall echoing in sync with the first screening of 'Star Wars,' or Nintendo's genesis unfolding as the Eiffel Tower pierces the Parisian skyline. Alongside these quirks of chronology, we'll tackle the enigma of why the years seem to sprint by as we grow older an...


Black American History: Henry Box Brown 📦
#68
03/11/2024

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Could you imagine the sheer determination it takes to mail yourself to freedom? That's precisely what Henry Box Brown did, and we've got the gripping details of his journey from Richmond to Philadelphia in a wooden crate—the dangers, the strategy, and the sheer will to survive. But Brown's story isn't just about a daring escape; it's also a window into a pivotal historical debate. We engage with the contrasting views of Brown and Frederick Douglass, unearthing the fraught dynamics between...


Black American History: William and Ellen Craft
#67
03/05/2024

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Embark on the harrowing yet uplifting saga of Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved couple whose love and ingenuity led them to script one of the most audacious escapes in American history. Our narrative weaves through the year of 1848, as we recount the Crafts' extraordinary flight from bondage, with Ellen's fair complexion allowing her to masquerade as a white slave owner and William, her devoted husband, posing as her slave. Their story, filled with suspenseful close calls and the ever-looming specte...


Cinema: Behind the Curtain
#66
02/22/2024

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Ever wondered if a stray cat could steal the spotlight in a blockbuster movie? Or how sushi recipes ended up as the cryptic code in The Matrix? Sit back and spark up some curiosity, because this episode of our podcast is a treasure chest of film trivia and tales that will tickle the fancy of movie lovers and trivia buffs alike. We're rolling out the red carpet for stories that navigate the quirky and unexpected turns of cinema history, from the sa...


Onomastics: Names
#65
02/12/2024

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Ever wondered if your name has the power to shape your destiny? We've all been there, whether it's standing out in roll call or navigating life with a name that's a conversation starter. Join me as we embark on a playful exploration of the world of names, from the creatively courageous to the charmingly conventional. We'll chuckle over parents' inventive naming choices, like the occasional Champagne, and debate whether a distinctive name is a social hurdle or a stride towards indivi...


Oregon History: The Florence Whale Explosion
#64
02/07/2024

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Have you ever heard the one about Oregon's coastal dilemma involving whale guts and dynamite? Buckle up, because this isn't your typical fisherman's yarn—our latest episode unravels the true and uproarious saga of the exploding whale of Florence, Oregon. We'll escort you through the fiasco from its sitcom-worthy inception to the reverberating effects still felt in the community half a century later. Alongside the witty insights of journalist Larry Bacon and the vivid memories of local Kelly Umenhofer, we navigate...


American Culture: The Sopranos
#63
01/28/2024

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As we cruise down memory lane, the unmistakable backdrop of the New Jersey Turnpike sets the stage for our latest conversation, exploring the enduring intrigue of "The Sopranos." Joined by a dedicated aficionado of the series, we delve into the laughter and lore that underpin the show's legacy. From the stark contrasts between Tony and AJ Soprano's views on life to the unique blend of Christmas binge-watching and quotable mafia wisdom, we unpack the layers that make this series a cultur...


Billings Montana Jeopardy: What is Billings?
#62
01/21/2024

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Prepare to be whisked away to "The Magic City" as we put Donnie on the spot with a quiz that's all about Billings, Montana—a city that's more than just a Jeopardy footnote. You'll chuckle along as we explore everything from the legendary "flying burger" to the unmistakable scent of the sugar beet factory, which might just be Billings' version of a welcome sign. But don't worry, it's not all about testing your trivia mettle; we also dive into the local co...