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 Death of Mr. McMahon (Entry 319.MA0605)
May 19, 2026
Show notes
In which Nick Butler (Sometimes Weekly) recalls exploding limos, kayfabe and a future President. Certificate #44697
Operation Columba (Entry 869.GE0810)
May 12, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling (and occasional magician’s assistant) Jennifer MacFarlane discusses pigeons and a family story from the southern Netherlands in the fall of 1944. Certificate #23861.
Doorbells (Entry 372.LU0207)
May 05, 2026
Show notes
In which comedian Lisa Lane and John revisit late 20th-century nostalgia, and what technology has done to the delicate art of knocking on strangers’ doors. Certificate #12881
General Mills (Entry 520.GE0615)
Apr 28, 2026
Show notes
In which comedian and writer Alex Falcone discusses weather balloons, broken arrows, and the most general of mills. Certificate #35593.
Nolan Bushnell (Entry 167.MA1323)
Apr 21, 2026
Show notes
In which an Atari founder turns borrowed ideas into a gaming empire, makes a killing, and launches Rick Rat’s Pizza—guided by Futureling Keli Boucher. Certificate #48560.
The Cabinet of Doom (Entry 171.JE0814)
Apr 14, 2026
Show notes
In which Bob Crawford, author of America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick and bass player for The Avett Brothers, waxes on William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and an unfortunately named Peacemaker. Certificate #34343.
The World's Largest Drum (Entry 144.CO0807)
Apr 07, 2026
Show notes
In which giant university marching drums, mythic African war drums, and even a Salvadoran bronze masterpiece take center stage — guided by Futureling Natalie Hudson. Certificate #31992.
The Filibuster War (Entry 468.RE0602)
Mar 31, 2026
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In which Futureling Hugh Scott unpacks the saga of drifter, doctor, and self-declared president William Walker. Certificate #28903
"Champagne" in New Mexico (Entry 205.DA0201)
Mar 24, 2026
Show notes
In which Futureling Katie Tarara uncovers the surprising rise of a symbol of French celebration in the American Southwest. Certificate #31308
The Pyramid of North Dakota (Entry 1014.IS1901)
Mar 17, 2026
Show notes
In which a lonely concrete pyramid in North Dakota uncovers the story of America’s ambitious—and short-lived—Cold War missile defense system, with guest Michael Milner. Certificate #1502
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