Every week, Ken Jennings and John Roderick add a new entry to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedic reference work of strange-but-true stories that they are compiling as a time capsule for future generations.
The Black Footed Ferret (Entry 128.PR2725)
Sep 29, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Katie Nieland explores drones, peanut butter, the bubonic plague, and a delightful animal previously believed to be extinct, while John recounts his experience as a railroad hobo. Certificate #16802.
Vasa (Entry 1K.2248)
Sep 22, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Dan Hope relays the tale of a military vanity, a less-than-a-mile voyage, and John relays his success rate in righting overturned canoes. Certificate #30911.
Paul Winchell (Entry 1433.LU.0506)
Sep 15, 2026
Show notes
In which Bohuš Blahut (RetroThing.com, Tech Hunters) and John discuss ventriloquist, the inventor of the artificial heart and the voice of Tigger too. Certificate #25379.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Omnibus Live at the Portland Book Festival - November 4th
Sep 12, 2026
Show notes
(Live at the Library of Congress) Paper Prints (Entry 897.IS3404)
Sep 08, 2026
Show notes
In which John and Ken record an entry at Library of Congress before a live audience, and Ken pitches the next hit reboot starring John Cena. Certificate #24597
Project Habakkuk (Entry 993.HA0105)
Sep 01, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Faris Alikhan reveals an Allied plan to stop U-boats with a mix of ice and wood pulp, and John asks why everyone at SFO wears quarter-zip sweaters. Certificate #45325.
West Edmonton Mall (Entry 1422.JO0502)
Aug 25, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Adam Wonderly discusses how a rug empire ended up creating a Canadian landmark, and John learns that Anchorage could have done better than an indoor ice rink. Certificate #43923.
The Carnegie Libraries (Entry 188.LU2101)
Aug 18, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Jon Hannah discusses the origins of public libraries, labor exploitation and the uneasy bargain between wealth and the common good. Certificate #39770.
The Maury Island Incident (767.EZ0104)
Aug 11, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Loren Skaggs and John discuss Tacoma, Cold War paranoia, the birth of flying saucer mythology, and the Katuga boat trote. Certificate #31561.
Jugglers, The Internet (Entry 667.EX0722)
Aug 04, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Luke Burrage and John discuss the early history of the internet, Claude Shannon, information theory, and one of the least likely professions ever to be called "Sir". Certificate #28099.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
