Things I Learned Last Night

What if the only way to escape a mob hit was to erase yourself completely — no name, no memory, no identity — and hope the government would hand you a fresh start? For one man, that gamble became a decade-long nightmare.

In 2004, a Burger King employee in Richmond Hill, Georgia, showed up for the 5 a.m. shift and found a naked man behind the dumpster — no ID, severe cataracts, and no memory of who he was. He couldn't even give a name, so the hospital started calling him BK Doe, and eventually he became "Benjaman Kyle"...

Ever heard of a mint cake? Not the candy — the digital dessert that triggered one of the wildest speculative financial bubbles in gaming history.

This week Jaron and Tim go deep — like 99 Fletching deep — into RuneScape, the game that was basically "a chat room with armor" for a generation of middle schoolers. But this isn't just nostalgia. It's the insane true story of the Mint Cake bubble, a full-blown speculative frenzy that played out entirely inside a video game. It starts with a humble side-quest snack worth about 1,000 gold, follows Jagex's desperate attempts to stop s...

What if the summer you spent chasing Pikachu in the park was actually you volunteering to build a global military mapping system? Yeah. That happened.

Ever wondered where Google Earth actually came from? Buckle up, because this one goes to some wild places. This week Jaron and Tim dig into John Hanke, the University of Texas grad who helped build one of the very first MMOs (Meridian 59), then pivoted to a tiny startup called Keyhole that was basically Google Earth before Google Earth existed. Nobody wanted it — realtors shrugged, civic planners laughed — until the War...

What happened to the legendary explorer Percy Fawcett? We dive into the disappearance of the man who obsessed over the mysterious Lost City of Z.

In this episode, we unpack the fascinating life and final expedition of Percy Fawcett, the British explorer who vanished in the Amazon rainforest while searching for the fabled Lost City of Z. Beyond the mystery, we examine Fawcett's real-world history as a mapmaker and military man, the intense mythology surrounding El Dorado, and how modern Lidar technology is completely rewriting our understanding of ancient civilizations in the Amazon. We...

Was the Winchester Mystery House a ghost-trapping labyrinth or a feat of architectural genius? We uncover the truth behind the Winchester legend.

In this episode, we dive deep into the mysterious history of the Winchester Mystery House, one of the most famous haunted attractions in America. Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester repeating rifle fortune, spent decades building a massive, sprawling mansion in San Jose that is filled with architectural oddities, from staircases leading to nowhere to doors opening into empty space. While folklore claims she built this bizarre maze to trap restless spirits...

Discover the wild true story of Barry Minko, the teenage entrepreneur who built a $600 million corporate empire on a foundation of pure fraud. Dive into one of history’s most audacious Ponzi schemes.

In this episode, we break down the incredible life of Barry Minko, a man whose ambition at age thirteen spiraled into a nationwide criminal enterprise. Starting with a modest carpet cleaning business in the early 80s, Minko evolved into a master of deception, orchestrating elaborate insurance fraud, check kiting schemes, and corporate manipulation that eventually landed his company, ZZZZ Best, on th...

What happens when massive talent meets an absolute business nightmare? Discover the wild story behind the iconic MacKenzie-Childs brand.

In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive deep into the fascinating and chaotic history of MacKenzie-Childs. From a modest start as a husband-and-wife pottery duo in rural New York to a globally recognized brand fueled by maximalist aesthetics, their journey is nothing short of a roller coaster. We break down how their commitment to the artisan Magelica technique—while revolutionary—left them vulnerable to the harsh realities of scaling and finance. This...

Discover the true story behind the Luddites, the 19th-century workers who rebelled against industrialization to save their livelihoods. Were they just anti-tech Luddites, or was it something more? In this deep dive into the history of the Industrial Revolution, we unpack the misunderstood legacy of the Luddites. While today the term 'Luddite' is often used as a pejorative for anyone skeptical of technology, the reality of the movement was far more nuanced. We explore the 1700s, the rise of factory-based textile production, and the subsequent displacement of skilled workers. Learn about the mythical figure of Ned Ludd, the 'General...

Ever wondered how Vaseline, a byproduct of oil drilling, became a global household name? Discover the wild, true origin of petroleum jelly today.

In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive deep into the fascinating and slightly unnerving history of Robert Cheesebrough, the man behind Vaseline. You might know it as a simple skincare staple, but the story of how it was discovered in the 1800s involves oil wells, 'magic earth goop,' and some of the most unconventional marketing tactics ever documented. We explore how an obsolete oil chemist turned...

Ever wonder how a simple Lego consignment spiraled into a viral legal nightmare? Dive into the wild saga of Bricks & Minifigs and the fight for a fortune.

In this deep dive, we break down one of the most convoluted store takeover stories in recent history involving a $200,000 Lego Star Wars collection. What began as a consignment deal in a local Bricks & Minifigs franchise quickly devolved into a host of hostile takeovers, police investigations, and bizarre confrontations in the woods. We analyze how reckless business practices, poor bookkeeping, and inflammatory social media stunts turned a...

Ever wondered how Morse code was really invented? Explore the complicated history and surprising legacy of Samuel Morse beyond just the telegraph.

In this deep dive into history, we uncover the fascinating, often uncredited life of Samuel Morse—a man who struggled as an artist before finding fame with Morse code. While history remembers him as the primary inventor, the reality is a story of collaboration, intense legal battles, and the birth of modern global communication. We break down the evolution of the telegraph, the accidental brilliance of Joseph Henry's electromagnetic experiments, and how a...

What would you do with unlimited money, your own private air force, and absolutely nobody to tell you "no"? If you're Howard Hughes, you crash planes through Los Angeles neighborhoods, corporatize the Vegas mob, and eventually lock yourself in a hotel room wearing tissue boxes on your feet.

This week, Jaron and Tim dive into one of history's most fascinating eccentric billionaires. From inheriting an oil-drilling empire to winning Oscars, breaking airspeed records, building the largest plane ever flown, and slowly losing his mind on chocolate and milk — Howard's story has it all. Plus: a...

What would you do if Wall Street's richest men showed up at your door with a briefcase full of cash and a plan to overthrow the United States government? For one of the most decorated Marines in American history, the answer was: snitch immediately.

This week, Jaron and Tim dig into the wild life of Smedley Butler — the two-time Medal of Honor recipient who crawled through drainage pipes, took a bullet to the chest (and survived thanks to a button), and spent decades as what he called "a high class muscle man for big bu...

Two teenagers managed to pull off the ultimate cybercrime: hacking the CIA, FBI, and NSA using nothing but clever social engineering. Discover the wild true story of the infamous 'Crackers with Attitude' and how they played the system.

In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive into the unbelievable true story of how two hackers, known as 'Justin' and 'Kane' (aka 'Crackers with Attitude'), managed to infiltrate the most secure government agencies in the world. Rather than using complex code, these two used social engineering to outsmart Verizon and AOL, gaining...

Meet Gunther, the world's wealthiest dog, worth $400 million. But is this German Shepherd a financial genius, or is the entire story a massive tax-evasion scam?

In this deep dive, we uncover the bizarre and true story of Gunther the Sixth, the dog famously reported to be the wealthiest animal on the planet. From his multi-million dollar real estate purchases, including Madonna's former estate, to his mysterious entourage and strange 'happiness' experiments with young singles, we investigate how a German Shepherd became the face of a vast fortune. As we peel back the layers, we...

Discover the shocking true story behind the American Heartland theme park scam that bilked millions from an unsuspecting billionaire. This tale of greed, fake emails from 'God,' and massive construction fraud will leave you stunned.

In this deep dive, we investigate the rise and fall of the American Heartland theme park, a project that promised to bring a massive, world-class attraction to Vinita, Oklahoma. What began as a grand vision for a 1,000-acre resort quickly spiraled into a complex web of deception, elder abuse, and financial ruin. We unravel how a group of...

Is there a moral limit to how much wealth one person should accumulate? We dive into the controversial concept of limitarianism.

In this episode, we break down the provocative ideas found in Ingrid Robeyns' book 'Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth.' We explore the ethical, economic, and social arguments regarding why some believe that infinite wealth concentration undermines democracy and public well-being. Whether you are interested in political philosophy, economic theory, or social justice, this deep dive provides a balanced look at a highly debated topic. We discuss the potential impacts of extreme...

Ever wondered if an 'anti-world' really exists? Discover the mind-bending reality of antimatter and how it could hold the key to our planet's future.

In this episode, we tackle the complex and fascinating world of antimatter. Ever feel like the universe has an 'upside down'? We break down the revolutionary physics of Paul Dirac, whose work unified Einstein’s theory of relativity with Schrodinger’s quantum mechanics, leading to the discovery of antimatter. We explore how particles pair up, why there's a mysterious imbalance of matter in the universe, and the groundbreaking science happening righ...

Are you accidentally hindering your brain health? Discover why iodine deficiency is a silent epidemic and how your simple salt choice affects IQ.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising history and biological necessity of iodine, an essential chemical element that plays a critical role in human cognitive development. From its fascinating origins as a 'heavy metal' mineral to its vital function in the thyroid gland and hormone production (T3 and T4), we break down why this once-common nutrient has been slipping from modern diets. You’ll learn how the shifting preference for se...

Ever wondered how a group of pensioners pulled off one of history's most audacious crimes? Discover the insane true story of the Hatton Garden heist.
In this episode, we dive deep into the infamous 2015 Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary, a crime so bold it feels like a movie script. Join us as we break down how a crew of career criminals, all in their 60s and 70s, used expert planning, heavy machinery, and decades of knowledge to bypass sophisticated security systems. We explore the 'Bad Grandpas' behind the heist, detailing their meticulous preparation, the amateur mistakes that eventually...

Was the infamous Roswell incident truly humanity's first contact with aliens, or is there a much more grounded explanation? Dive into the mystery behind the 1947 UFO crash.

In this episode, we unpack the legendary Roswell, New Mexico incident that sparked the global UFO phenomenon. We explore the initial reports of a flying saucer crash, the sudden government retraction of these claims, and the 30-year silence that followed. This discussion dives deep into the Project Mogul theory, investigating whether the debris found by Mac Brazel was truly from an otherworldly craft or part of a...

Ever wondered why the inventor of dynamite created the Nobel Peace Prize? Discover the shocking history of Alfred Nobel and his quest for a better legacy.

In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive deep into the fascinating and ironic life of Alfred Nobel. Known primarily for establishing the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, Nobel’s origins are far more explosive than most people realize. Born into a family of inventors who struggled with bankruptcy and warfare, Alfred eventually revolutionized history by inventing dynamite. After reading an erroneous obituary that branded him th...

Ever wonder how the ultra-wealthy hide billions in offshore accounts? We're diving into the Panama Papers leak to uncover the truth behind shell companies.

In this episode, we break down one of the largest data leaks in history: the Panama Papers. You will learn how the law firm Mossack Fonseca organized shell corporations, acting as a gateway for global elites, politicians, and celebrities to move money through tax havens. We explore the investigative journey of 400 journalists who pored over 11.5 million secret documents to expose systemic corruption. From the dramatic downfall of Iceland's Prime Minister to the...

Is modern corporate greed preventing you from fixing your own electronics? Discover the hidden truth behind the 'Right to Repair' movement.
In this episode of Things I Learned Last Night, we dive deep into the fascinating, frustrating, and often absurd reality of the 'Right to Repair' movement. What started as a heartwarming tale about an inventor fighting back against a corporate giant turns into an unexpected lesson on how modern business models prioritize extraction over customer value. We explore how mega-corporations utilize planned obsolescence, subscription-based software, and proprietary hardware to trap consumers in a cycle of constant replacement...

Ever notice how one small town in North Carolina controls the global tech market? Discover how a hidden deposit of ultra-pure quartz runs everything.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating, high-stakes world of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and its critical role in our modern global economy. While most of the world focuses on flashy headlines, this small town holds the most significant geologic deposit of high-purity quartz on the planet. You might be wondering why quartz matters—it is the essential building block for the silica needed to manufacture advanced computer ch...

Dive into the fascinating history of America's most famous 'snake oil salesman,' Clark Stanley. In this episode, we unpack the story of the 'Rattlesnake King,' who rose to fame at the 1893 World's Fair by peddling a miracle cure that contained no snake oil at all. We explore the remedy's true origins with Chinese railroad workers, Stanley's fraudulent marketing tactics, and how his empire of fake medicine crumbled with the rise of the FDA. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in medical history, marketing scams, and how history repeats itself with the modern supplement industry. Plus, stick...

What happens when AI bots create their own secret social network? We dive into the wild story of Moltbook and Clawbot, uncovering the truth behind this supposed Reddit for bots.

In this episode, we investigate the bizarre story of Clawbot, a powerful local AI agent that gives artificial intelligence full access to your personal computer, and its spin-off social media platform, Moltbook. We chart the journey from its open-source explosion on GitHub, a forced name change from Anthropic's Claude AI, and the shocking Mac Mini sellouts in Silicon Valley. Discover how this led to Moltbook, an...

Ever wonder about the story behind your favorite Sleepy Time tea? Discover the shocking connection between Celestial Seasonings and a 2,000-page book allegedly channeled from a sleeping man.

In the early 1900s, a respected doctor made a discovery that would lead to a 2,000-page religious text—and eventually, a popular tea brand found in grocery stores across America. The story of Urantia and Celestial Seasonings blends religion, science, sleep talking, and spiritual mystery into one of the strangest faith movements of the 20th century.

This is the story behind the Urantia Book, the movement it cr...

In 1905, Football faced its darkest season. That year became known as The Death Harvest because players were dying at an alarming rate. The game was brutal, chaotic, and barely regulated. Parents feared for their sons. Newspapers demanded change. And the future of Football hung in the balance.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you’ll love TILLN. Watch or...

Most people know Tom DeLonge as the guitarist and singer from Blink-182. He helped define pop-punk in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But over time, his name became connected to something very different: Aliens.

What started as a personal interest in UFO books turned into a public mission. Tom DeLonge claimed that Aliens are real, that the government knows more than it admits, and that he had proof. His journey from rock star to UFO activist changed the public conversation about Aliens in America.

Things I Learned Last Night is an...

Watergate is one of the most important political scandals in American history. It reshaped how Americans view power, elections, and trust in government. What began as a small break-in at an office complex slowly uncovered corruption at the highest level of the presidency. At the center of it all was Nixon, whose actions during Watergate led to consequences no president had ever faced before.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If...

Blue Light is everywhere today. It shines from our phones, TVs, laptops, streetlights, and homes. Most people never stop to wonder where it came from or who made it possible. The story of Blue Light is not just about technology. It is about persistence, failure, and one scientist who refused to give up. That scientist was Shuji Nakamura.

This breakthrough changed how the world uses energy, how screens work, and how modern lighting looks. It also reshaped entire industries and significantly reduced global power use.

Things I Learned Last...

For decades, scientists believed space was mostly predictable. Objects followed known paths. Light behaved in expected ways. Then discoveries like 3I/ATLAS challenged those assumptions. Suddenly, people began asking bigger questions about technology, space, and even aliens.

This story connects astronomy, advanced science, and human curiosity. It shows how one discovery can reopen debates we thought were settled.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole...

In 2012, a teenage girl in the Netherlands planned a simple birthday celebration. She wanted friends, music, and a normal night at home. One mistake on Facebook changed everything. What followed became known as Project X Haren, one of the most infamous internet-driven events ever recorded.

This story shows how a single online error can spiral into real-world chaos. It also reveals how quickly a party can become something dangerous.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and...

In 2010, cybersecurity experts uncovered a computer virus unlike anything seen before. This malware did not target personal computers or steal private data. Instead, it quietly sabotaged industrial machines, changing how the world thinks about cyber warfare. That computer virus, Stuxnet, is still felt today.

Unlike most malware, Stuxnet was designed for one specific mission. It targeted highly specialized industrial control systems. If it did not find those systems, the computer virus remained inactive. This precision made Stuxnet extremely difficult to detect.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where...

In the late 1990s, a strange housing experiment unfolded in Rhode Island. It was not advertised or permitted. It existed quietly inside a busy shopping mall. This hidden space, known as the secret mall apartment, was built by artist Michael Townsend. What began as an art protest turned into one of the most unusual living experiments ever documented.

To protest the mall, Townsend and friends planned a short experiment. They challenged themselves to remain inside the mall in secret. The goal was to last ten days without detection. During this time, Townsend noticed a st...

This episode is a full look back at one of the wildest years in the history of the show. Tim and Jaron revisit their favorite moments, hardest laughs, and most unhinged conversations from the past year, all in one highlight-packed episode. From accidental reveals and bizarre school assemblies to cursed AI conversations and legendary debates, this episode pulls together the clips listeners still quote. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, fan-favorite bits, and the moments that defined TILLN in 2025.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Ti...

The podcast tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy who gets accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas trip to France. While home alone, Kevin has to fend off two burglars called the “Wet Bandits,” who are trying to rob his house. Kevin sets up creative booby traps like heating doorknobs, putting ornaments by windows, and greasing the stairs to stop the bandits. The bandits keep trying to break in despite getting injured by the traps.

Eventually, Kevin leads them to his treehouse and cuts the zip line, causing them to fall. His...

In the early morning hours of August 17, 1949, a passenger train derailed near the town of Matsukawa in northern Japan. At first, the crash appeared to be a tragic accident, but investigators quickly discovered clear signs of sabotage. Bolts had been removed from the tracks, and the rails had been deliberately bent, making derailment unavoidable.

That single event became known as the Matsakawa incident, and its impact extended far beyond the crash itself. Over the following years, the case exposed deep flaws in Japan’s justice system and raised serious questions about Cold War influence, labor suppression, and th...

Strange messages can shake even the strongest people. That is what happened in a small Michigan town when an Unknown Number began sending cruel texts to two young teens. What seemed like simple bullying slowly grew into something darker. This is the true story of how a community faced fear, confusion, and betrayal. All because of an Unknown Number.

Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing...