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InfoCast 5000

InfoCast 5000

By Beren Mally

Why does everything exist? Interesting facts about familiar pieces of everyday life! Beren & Sam take you on a journey through the history of items you use every day, but may not know the story behind..
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Ep. 20 Straws

InfoCast 5000Mar 09, 2020

00:00
41:55
Dirty Bits: Hamburgers

Dirty Bits: Hamburgers

The burger madness doesn't stop. More facts and stories between 2 podcasty buns to fill your appetite.


Jun 07, 202145:34
Ep. 57 Hamburgers: Round, Ground, Browned and Downed

Ep. 57 Hamburgers: Round, Ground, Browned and Downed

Get a number 4 off the menu with us, open those choppers and earholes and listen the story of how this American staple got from the mongols to our mouths.

May 31, 202157:58
Dirty Bits: Rockets

Dirty Bits: Rockets

Can't get enough rocket stories? We have explosion content for you this week, guest starring: Pigeons! Not sure what that means? We can't spoil the secrets for you all in the description! More tid bits behind rocket history coming at you! Russian revolutionaries! Failed Russian moon landing attempts! V-2 escapades! Dirty Bits!

May 24, 202101:06:30
Ep. 56 Rockets: The Final Frontier

Ep. 56 Rockets: The Final Frontier

Special guest: BJ from Medicine for the Dead podcast!

Lighting things on fire has always been fun, but its also how we got broke free of gravity's shackles and got ourselves to the moon. From the humble beginnings of bamboo and gunpowder to Nazi war secrets to cold wars, come with us as we travel across history to see how rockets got made! 

May 17, 202101:01:45
Dirty Bits: Wigs

Dirty Bits: Wigs

Looking for more wig on head action? You've come to the right place! This episode is chocked full of the wiggiest tales you could ever shake a a ball of fake hair at! From asian culture to the weaves of today, explore the bits and pieces we weren't able to fit into our normal script! Dirty Bits!

May 10, 202158:09
Ep. 55 Wigs: Get Wiggy With It

Ep. 55 Wigs: Get Wiggy With It

Fake hair don't care. You're getting a jam-packed historical trip on the life and times of our favorite fashion accessory: ze wig. Wacky social rules and over-powdered gentries clogging up battlefields and so much more!
May 03, 202152:51
Dirty Bits: Laxatives

Dirty Bits: Laxatives

Heartfelt stories about poop that will touch your soul. You will laugh, you will cry, you will poop. This is dirty bits.

Apr 26, 202152:50
Ep. 54 Laxatives: Poison is our Friend

Ep. 54 Laxatives: Poison is our Friend

There was a time in human history when constipation was the number 1 scourge of society. This week we are taking a look at all the weird substances we used to ingest to get the old pipes churnin' and burnin'!

Apr 19, 202101:01:43
Taxidermy: Dirty Bits

Taxidermy: Dirty Bits

Scintillating stories of stuffed animals that will keep you sizzling about still-life for another week! Horses! Both alive and dead! Ghost dogs! Cat mummy powder! Welcome once again to the madness that is all the stories we couldn't find into our normal script! Welcome to dirty bits!
Apr 12, 202159:55
Ep. 53 Taxidermy pt. 3: Akeley's Heel

Ep. 53 Taxidermy pt. 3: Akeley's Heel

We are crossing the final sawdust-filled on our journey through taxidermy. We are discussing one of the most famous taxidermists ever to wrap skin and going into the artistic and realism movements of these modern times.
Apr 05, 202141:59
Ep. 52 Taxidermy pt. 2: A Case of the Whimseys

Ep. 52 Taxidermy pt. 2: A Case of the Whimseys

We are covering how taxidermy grew from a novelty to a point where we may have wiped out a couple bird species. We didn't stop there though, the Victorians had a morbidly entertaining view on the subject, and we don't mean dancin' Ragu, the Victorian kitty.
Mar 29, 202138:42
Ep. 51 Taxidermy pt. 1: Arsenic is Forever

Ep. 51 Taxidermy pt. 1: Arsenic is Forever

Worried about dry skin? Don't worry, the Infocast boys are here to provide you with one of the best youth-preserving techniques out there today! That's right, we are giving you the historical rundown of how you can keep looking your best after you expire. The ancient Egyptians may have been the first but what came after that? Listen and find out! 

Mar 22, 202147:47
Dirty Bits: Refrigerators + The Blood Story

Dirty Bits: Refrigerators + The Blood Story

We'll spin you tales of refrigerator past, the rise and fall of icemakers, the return of the ice king, the harrowing tale of a mysterious pool of blood. Join us for our relaxed fit bits that didn't quite make it into the actual script, the dirty bits! 

Mar 15, 202139:16
Ep. 50 Refrigerators: Cold Chain Logistics

Ep. 50 Refrigerators: Cold Chain Logistics

Pop open that door for a midnight snack of historical factoids on how we got from harvesting dirty snow to the compressors and evaporators that keep our leftover pizza cold. Ruthless ice pirates, ruthlesser scientists, the world of refrigeration is full of players. Join us while we try to figure out why refrigerators exist! 

Mar 08, 202144:12
Dirty Bits: Dice

Dirty Bits: Dice

We've taught you all we know about dice but now we are gonna share more about dice than what we had before! Surprise! 3 harrowing tales about the bones that are sure to confound, mesmerize, incite wonder!
Mar 01, 202134:23
Ep. 49 Dice: Dice, Baby

Ep. 49 Dice: Dice, Baby

The outcome of the a dice roll has set the foundation of human civilization since we ever decided to throw bones. Come on with us on a journey through ancient traditions on a quest to figure out why dice exist!
Feb 22, 202137:12
Dirty Bits: Monster Trucks

Dirty Bits: Monster Trucks

Pleased be advised that the beginning of this episode deals with a story involving the death of a child. Skip to 11:40 in the podcast if you would rather not hear about that.
The proverbial dirty bits are down in the bog this time around! We've got a Gravedigger origin story, we look at how ESPN took off and some monster truck show calamities. Join us as we cross the finish line on our monster truck series.
Feb 15, 202134:18
Ep. 48 Monster Trucks pt. 2: Two Boys in a Bog

Ep. 48 Monster Trucks pt. 2: Two Boys in a Bog

Climb up and strap in for our continuance on monster truck history! A new challenger has appeared! Mud will fly, exhaust will fume, trucks will truck! 

Feb 08, 202132:15
Ep. 47 Monster Trucks: Mud, Sweat and Tears

Ep. 47 Monster Trucks: Mud, Sweat and Tears

What's that coming down the track? Is it an egg? No! It's a gigantic truck screaming through the dirt about to do a half-gainer backflip 30 feet in the air. We are starting at the origins of one of the most ridiculous and meticulously-engineered specimens of American culture this week: the monster truck! 

It's a new year and we are back with a new season! 

Feb 01, 202129:43
It's a trailer!

It's a trailer!

Let Infocast 5000 relieve the aches and pains of not knowing the history behind common objects, traditions, institutions. Discover why everything exists with Sam and Beren every Monday morning!

Jan 29, 202101:18
Dirty Bits: Werewolves

Dirty Bits: Werewolves

Jump into the werewolf trials with us and discover the real monsters lurking in the 17th century. Our study of werewolf origins may end here, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about an infamous dog man from Michigan. These are the pages of research we couldn't fit into our normal narrative, these are dirty bits!
Oct 26, 202044:07
Ep. 46 Werewolves pt. 2: Never Cheat on A Werewolf

Ep. 46 Werewolves pt. 2: Never Cheat on A Werewolf

This week the boys finish their Halloween two parter by sharing how werewolves were viewed by medieval Europe , bringing you the highs, the lows, and everything in between . Just make sure you're never accused of were-wolfing , it doesn’t end well...

Oct 19, 202046:06
Ep. 45 Werewolves pt. 1: Womulus and Wemus

Ep. 45 Werewolves pt. 1: Womulus and Wemus

Join us as we journey into the howl-filled night to discover how deep werewolf lore actually goes. The Greeks and Romans loved these beasts and we'll find out why. We'll explore the origins of ancient, eldritch wolf gods that form what we know as modern werewolf mythology today. Welcome to spooky month here at Infocast 5000! 


Oct 12, 202046:35
Dirty Bits: Handkerchiefs

Dirty Bits: Handkerchiefs

What does it mean if Dave in accounting starts flossing himself with a handkerchief while staring at you? Explore the cryptic language of Victorian flirting with us and find out. We will also be going into the history of the paisley bandana, and last but not least, a very cursed commercial that's likely to get you in the right Spooktober mood. Throw the hanky on the floor because this week, we are getting dirty ya'll.

Oct 05, 202046:23
Announcement Regarding Older Episodes

Announcement Regarding Older Episodes

In celebration of the fall harvest, we have decided to let magic gremlins eat some of our older episodes. If you wish to hear anything "vintage" please e-mail me at infocast5000@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you an MP3 of whatever it is you need to hear. 


Love you all! Be safe! Thanks for listening! 

Oct 01, 202001:02
Ep. 44 Handkerchiefs: One for Show , One to Blow

Ep. 44 Handkerchiefs: One for Show , One to Blow

They are tokens of affection, effects of personal hygiene, deliverers of words that can inspire revolutions. Join us as well talk about how the humble handkerchief filled every one of these roles, and more! It may seem like an innocuous enough of an object, but there is important historical significance in the nose-blanket. Get out your fave hanky, wipe the tears from your eyes and get ready for another wild historical journey!


Intro music: Carbon Kin/Fangs to Prove

Outtro: Inossi/Midnight Drive

Sep 28, 202001:07:34
Dirty Bits: Mascots

Dirty Bits: Mascots

We still have more tales to share with you as our journey into mascots reaches the final leg. We've covered sports history, but what about pancakes? We are discussing what makes Aunt Jemima such a controversial figure among breakfast tables everywhere! We are talking about a giant orange sewer monster known only...as Gritty! We are going into the tragic figure of Charles "Victory" Faust! Don't bother with the soap for this one listeners, these are very dirty bits indeed.

Sep 21, 202055:40
Ep. 43 Mascots pt. 2: Are You Not Entertained ?!

Ep. 43 Mascots pt. 2: Are You Not Entertained ?!

 Welcome to the 20th century, where mascots turn from shamanic good luck charms to cute, fuzzy anthropomorphs ready to sell merch and dance for your entertainment. We are shining a light on what manifest destiny means to *ahem* certain football teams, and have a large serving of delicious, muppety goodness as well! 

Sep 14, 202049:30
Ep. 42 Mascots part 1: The Caul of the Game

Ep. 42 Mascots part 1: The Caul of the Game

The ocean of silly, dancing mascots is deeper than you think. How exactly did the concept of a 'good luck' charm roll around? What were mascots before the muppetized versions we think of today? Join us, Infocasters, as we journey back in time where the world of mascots was both simultaneously horrifying and wondrous. 

Sep 07, 202049:47
Ep. 41 Fairy Tales pt. 3: Hail the Monkey King!

Ep. 41 Fairy Tales pt. 3: Hail the Monkey King!

We cap off our fairy tale exploration this week with a dive into a little known tale called Journey Into the West, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. We will be talking about how this story has influenced media in both Asian and European-based worlds, narrative structure in myth, and, how someone goes about peeing on the Buddha's finger. Grab your galaxy-smashing staff and take a journey with us to the East when ancient China was a bit more...magical.  



Aug 31, 202044:17
Ep. 40 Fairy Tales pt. 2: Coyote vs. the World

Ep. 40 Fairy Tales pt. 2: Coyote vs. the World

Welcome back to the world of fantasy and myth! We are taking a look at some Native American myth revolving around our favorite tricky dog: Coyote. How did this figure impact tribal creation stories? What are the roots behind casting such a mischievous figure in such an important role? Can a Coyote poop farther than a crow? All this answered and more on this weeks episode! 

Intro music by: Carbon Kin

Flute music: Lonetreemusic

Outtro: Inossi/Midnight Drive

Aug 24, 202039:17
Ep. 39 Moonbounce: We Come To Scream in the BouncyHouse

Ep. 39 Moonbounce: We Come To Scream in the BouncyHouse

The origin of our inflatable innovation is a tale of ups and downs - inspiring more life-saving technologies than you might think. However, when things go wrong, the jumping stops and the screams begin.
Aug 17, 202049:53
Dirty Bits: Prosthetics

Dirty Bits: Prosthetics

Elephant prosthetics! Knife hands! One-legged tap dancers! We are at the last "leg" of our prosthetics series but still have a bunch to share with you. Welcome to our relaxed fit where we go off script and get a lil' dirty! 

Aug 10, 202053:48
Ep. 38 Prosthetics pt 4: Lt. Dan's Space Age Legs

Ep. 38 Prosthetics pt 4: Lt. Dan's Space Age Legs

This week the Infobois explore the significance of the 20th century for the prosthetics industry and how it led to the necessity for prosthetics to be mass produced in the modern age.
Aug 03, 202057:17
Ep. 37 Prosthetics pt 3: Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be Pirates

Ep. 37 Prosthetics pt 3: Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be Pirates

Yarr matey it's time for ye to come aboard because this episode is chocked full o' those dirty scoundrel pirates! We are exploring the literary influences that pushed iconic prosthetic characters into our media either through amazing deeds, or through treachery. If that weren't enough ya landlubber, we talk about Mr. Charles Dickens himself and how he may have influenced how we see amputees and veterans to this very day!

Jul 27, 202057:17
Ep. 36 Prosthetics pt 2: Gotz to Have it!

Ep. 36 Prosthetics pt 2: Gotz to Have it!

We are talking about 2 legends of the prosthetic world this week. One was a warrior-poet who was paid by the rich but gave back to the poor. The other was a surgeon who gave the gift of a second life to soldiers who had lost their limbs in battle. Travel back to medieval times (not the pizza joint) with Sam and Beren as we dig into the uplifting stories of what were generally dark times of human history. 

Jul 20, 202055:48
Ep. 35 Prosthetics pt 1: One Toe in the Grave
Jul 13, 202041:51
Dirty bits: Handcuffs

Dirty bits: Handcuffs

This week we are talking electric cuffs to put a pep in the step of the binded and a pair of iron mitts designed to keep you from grasping anything beyond your current situation. Last round of handcuff history for ya'll, we are covering some things you may not have heard about yet. 

Jul 06, 202028:16
Ep. 34 Handcuffs pt 2: Houdini's Butthole

Ep. 34 Handcuffs pt 2: Houdini's Butthole

B-b-back from the Victorian up to the modern we are talking about the handcuff stories you haven't heard about. Was Houdini actually magic? Is Japanese hard to pronounce? We are answering the real questions here by talking about the master escape artist himself, and a little BDSM to get you in the mood.

Jun 29, 202047:11
Ep. 33 Handcuffs pt 1: Off the Cuff

Ep. 33 Handcuffs pt 1: Off the Cuff

Think of a safe word because this week we begin our journey into manacle history. Our story starts in ancient Egypt and takes us all the way to victorian Scotland Yard where the importance of a bowler hat's demise cannot be understated. Strap yourself down and listen to our spell/binding/ tale.
Jun 22, 202044:33
Dirty Bits: Tattoos

Dirty Bits: Tattoos

Put on them comfy sweatpants we are gonna relax and let our hair down a bit and talk about some aspects of tattoos we haven't covered yet. Personal tats, modern tattoo culture, prison tats, we got it all baby. Enjoy the extra content! 

Jun 05, 202041:19
Ep. 32 Tattoos pt 4: Sex, Drugs & Sailors

Ep. 32 Tattoos pt 4: Sex, Drugs & Sailors

Our exploration of ink draws to a close as we discuss the life of two renegades who made modern tattooing what its s today. One is an Irish thief and the other is a merchant marine, both of whom casted a mystique across the practice of bodyart. That's right, get out your pointy sticks, grab a bottle of wine and take a trip with us across info land.
Jun 01, 202058:54
Ep. 31 Tattoos pt 3: A Head of the Game

Ep. 31 Tattoos pt 3: A Head of the Game

Our journey in tattoos continues, starting this week in the tribes of the Maori and ending in the victorian era. We've got shark teeth, we've got gunpowder, we've got...giant cookies! Get yourself a cold one, sink down into your comfy chair and insert your listening probes inside your ear canals and allow us to take you on another journey!
May 25, 202037:08
Ep. 30 Tattoos pt 2: Forbidden Ink

Ep. 30 Tattoos pt 2: Forbidden Ink

We continue our globe-spanning look at tattoos this week looking at Christian, African and Japanese bodyart culture. What happens when a whole government cracks down on the freedom of expression through body art? Click the play button and find out!
May 18, 202041:27
Ep. 29 Tattoos pt. 1: Naked Blue Warriors

Ep. 29 Tattoos pt. 1: Naked Blue Warriors

The first collaboration! From Otzi the iceman to ancient Romans, Sam and Beren are teaming up to cover tattoo culture from across the globe. In true Infocast tradition there's going to be some weirdness involving the Egyptian afterlife and a people known for kicking Roman ass. It's gonna be a wild ride ya'll!
May 11, 202052:22
Ep. 28 Hand Sanitizer

Ep. 28 Hand Sanitizer

This week Sam is plunging his hands into the nitty gritty history of hand sanitation , He'll take us on a journey from hand washing’s extremely modest beginnings to the bastion (and completely necessary) of culture it is today! Take a swig of that Svedka and pour it on your hands because it's sanitation time!
May 04, 202059:27
Ep. 27 Girl Scout Cookies

Ep. 27 Girl Scout Cookies

This week, listen to the soothing sounds of two drunk boys yelling about Girl Scout cookie conspiracies. There's a lot of dough at stake in that cookie business, where does it all go? When did little girls selling cookies become a thing or has it always been this way since the beginning of time? Git out yer big frosty glass of milk and trust no-one! 

Apr 27, 202043:49
Ep. 26 Touchscreens

Ep. 26 Touchscreens

This week, Sam will touch your heart with the story behind the screen you use everyday. That's right critters, the harbinger of the robot apocalypse, the touchscreen, has been around for longer than you think. Not only are we talking about how they got here, but also how they work. Ch-ch-ch-check it!

Apr 20, 202043:29
Snow Plows: Infoshort 5000

Snow Plows: Infoshort 5000

Sam shares a quick history of snowploughs pre snowplough inventions ! . That's right, yell and holler all you want but it won't make that snow go away. Git out yer diamond studded shovel buddy and grease up those elbows because here comes history on snow removal scooped right into your ears!
Apr 16, 202035:17
Ep. 25 Coffins

Ep. 25 Coffins

That's right boys and ghouls, this week we are going into the creation behind one of the most traditional ways to bury the dead, and...um...some other questionable ways as well. 

Apr 13, 202044:28