Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Meet the 24-Hour Code Crackers of World War II Dec 03, 2018

Show notes

The success of Operation Hydra in decoding enemy messages handed the Allies a key advantage in the fight against deadly German U-boats. The hunted had become the hunters.

The F-4 Phantom Gets Put to the Test In Vietnam Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

It's December 1966, and a U.S. pilot is leading a squadron of six F-4 Phantoms on a dangerous bombing mission over North Vietnam. Every mile of their 100 mile route is dotted with North Vietnam's lethal defenses.

The Hagfish Is the Slimy Sea Creature of Your Nightmares Nov 19, 2018

Show notes

The hagfish is a slime-emitting ocean-dweller that's remained unchanged for 300 million years--and it shows. It has a skull (but no spine), velvet smooth skin, and a terrifying pit of a mouth that's lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth.

Pocahontas Redefined How Europeans Saw Native Americans Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

Prior to the arrival of Pocahontas in England, indigenous people of the Americas were viewed as cannibals, brutish, and non-Christian. Enter Pocahontas, who arrived in London, baptized and speaking English.

A Honey Badger Cracks Open a Thick Ostrich Egg Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

Ostrich eggs can weigh up to three pounds and have some of the hardest shells around. This honey badger, however, isn't about to let any of that get in the way of a tasty, protein-filled snack.

The First Submarine to Launch Rockets from its Deck Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

It's June 1945 and the USS Barb has just launched an unprecedented attack on the factories of the Japanese island of Shari. It's the first time that rockets have ever been launched from a submarine.

Why the A400M is the Most Advanced Military Transport Plane Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

When it comes to military transport, the A400M is in a class of its own: it has a 37 ton maximum payload, a fuel capacity of 16,000 gallons and the capacity to fly 5,500 miles without refueling.

Gelada Baboon Reacts to Being Cheated on With Fury Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

If a gelada queen doubts her king's influence, she'll happily play the field. But when she gets caught, it's up to the alpha to fight for what's his.

This Swedish King Built a Warship That Redefined Naval Combat Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

In the 1560s, Eric XIV of Sweden was determined to change the way naval battles were fought. The result was Mars: a giant of a warship that would rely on artillery and firepower to devastate her rivals.

This Giraffe Risks Everything by Drinking in Lion Territory Oct 22, 2018

Show notes

A giraffe takes a long drink from a local watering hole, with watchful lions in close proximity. The giraffe isn't brave, just desperately thirsty, while the lions aren't lazy, they're just waiting for nightfall.

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