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The Box of Oddities — Comedy
The Box of Oddities

The Webby Award-winning “Box of Oddities” is a podcast that delves into the strange and mysterious aspects of our world, exploring topics ranging from bizarre medical conditions to unsolved mysteries, and from paranormal phenomena to strange cultural practices from around the world. With a focus on oddities, curiosities, and the macabre, each episode is a journey into the unknown, where hosts Kat and Jethro Gilligan Toth share their love for unusual stories and inject their humor and commentary. From the strange history of medical practices to chilling true crime stories, to natural (and unnatural) events, “The Box of Oddities” satisfies your thirst for the weird and the unusual, offering an informative and entertaining look into the dark and mysterious corners of our world.
JIMMY KIMMEL, ABC-TV says, “Should you be the type who has an interest in weird stuff, this is a fun thing to allow in your head!”

“Truth is stranger than fiction, and the Box of Oddities is the strangest of all!” -SLUGGO, SIRIUS XM LITHIUM

“Kat & Jethro wring humor from bizarre, macabre and perplexing places.” -BOSTON MAGAZINE

Copyright: © 2023 Eleven Eleven llc

Latest Episodes:

579: Worst Game Show Ever Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

Join us in a world where the peculiar reigns supreme in episode #579 of the Box of Oddities! This time, we're unearthing the bewildering and oftentimes hair-raising tales of bizarre medical devices and practices from history. Have you ever heard of an ether frog or an anti-masterbation machine? We're dissecting the stories behind these and more as we explore the lengths humanity has gone in the name of medicine.

In the second half of our episode, we're traveling back to the cobblestone streets of Victorian England to unravel the layered meanings behind being labeled a 'Spinster.' Discover the societal pressures, expectations, and stigmas faced by unmarried women during this era. Learn about the resilient ladies who defied conventions and forged paths of independence and how the term ‘spinster’ evolved over time, weaving a fascinating tale of societal norms and rebellion.

The contents of this Box contain the following ingredients: Bizarre Medical Devices, Historical Medical Practices, Victorian Spinsters, Box of Oddities, Unusual History, Weird Tales, Strange Practices, Victorian Era, Historical Women, Society and Norms, Unearthed Curiosities, Spinsterhood, Medical History, Peculiar Tales, Historical Oddities.

Uncover the mysteries of history's strangest practices and societal norms! Subscribe to Box of Oddities and don’t miss an episode of unearthed curiosities. Leave a review and share your thoughts on Victorian Spinsters and Bizarre Medical Devices!

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#578: Delicious Blue Vein Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

"Is that really Champagne you're drinking?" Uncover the fascinating history and intricate process that led to the protection and recognition of products like Champagne and Roquefort Cheese as a national treasure.

Then, Jethro transports you to the lush landscapes of Brazil, where a bizarre and chilling story unfolds—the tale of the "Mysterious Men in the Lead Masks." Discover the eerie details surrounding the deaths of two Brazilian men found wearing lead masks on a hillside and the cryptic messages they left behind. Could it be a secret cult, extraterrestrial encounters, or something even more sinister? The Box of Oddities team explores the many theories and unearths the unsettling truth behind this puzzling case.

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#577: Communists In The Gazebo Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Venture deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies as Jethro explores the legendary haunted halls of the Banff Springs Hotel. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park, this majestic hotel hides a dark secret. With its ghostly apparitions, unexplained phenomena, and history steeped in mystery, the Banff Springs Hotel has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted places in North America. JG takes a chilling tour of its eerie history, sharing spine-tingling stories of ghostly encounters that will send shivers down your spine.

Then, brace yourself for a hair-raising encounter with one of nature's most formidable and bizarre creatures, the Tarantula Hawk Wasp. Kat reveals the fascinating world of this nightmarish insect, known for its paralyzing sting and gruesome reproductive habits. Discover why this insect has earned its place in the annals of natural oddities and hear tales of real-life encounters with this creature that make the Banff Springs Hotel's hauntings seem almost mundane.

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#576: Ancient Mesoamerican Influencer Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Join hosts Kat and Jethro as they explore the bizarre and fascinating world of history and sports.

First, we delve into the eerie and macabre world of Xipa Totec, the Aztec god of agriculture and fertility, and the shocking festival held in his honor. Prepare to be both horrified and intrigued as we discover the gruesome details of the Flayed Man Festival. Learn about the ancient rituals and beliefs that led to this chilling event, where human sacrifice played a central role in the Aztec civilization's religious practices. Kat and Jethro spare no detail in their exploration of this dark chapter in history, leaving you with a newfound understanding of the Aztec culture's complexities.

Then, one of the most iconic moments in sports history was the Battle of the Sexes between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Relive the excitement of the 1973 tennis showdown that captivated the world and challenged gender norms in sports. Join us as we recount the remarkable journey of Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and feminist icon, who took on the flamboyant and self-proclaimed "male chauvinist pig" Bobby Riggs. Learn about the high stakes, the media frenzy, and the powerful message this match sent to society about gender equality in sports.

This episode uniquely blends the eerie and the inspiring, showcasing humanity's capacity for darkness and triumph. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be transported into the worlds of ancient rituals and groundbreaking sports history on Box of Oddities!

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#575: Mounting The King Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Join hosts Kat and Jethro on a journey through the quirky and enigmatic on this episode of The Box of Oddities Podcast. In the first half, we examine the astonishing life and perplexing disappearance of a true prodigy, William James Sidis. From his early days as a child genius to his subsequent descent into obscurity, this tale of intellectual brilliance and societal pressures will amaze you.

Then, in the second half of the show, we shuffle the deck and take you on a whirlwind tour through the captivating history and evolution of the modern deck of cards. From their mysterious origins in ancient China to their intricate symbolism and design, we uncover the secrets hidden within the cards you've held in your hands countless times. Prepare to be astonished by the unexpected connections and oddities that have shaped the deck of cards we know today.

So, join us as we explore the extraordinary life of William James Sidis and unveil the hidden stories behind the cards we play with every day. It's an episode packed with prodigies, mysteries, and a touch of whimsy, only on The Box of Oddities Podcast!

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#574: Teabagging Killer Bees Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

First, we unearth the eerie allure of abandoned amusement parks—those haunting relics of joy, now overrun by nature and time. Why are we so captivated by these derelict wonderlands? From the remnants of roller coasters echoing past laughter to the phantom melodies of rusted carousels, there's an inexplicable magnetism to these places that evokes both nostalgia and fear.

Then, we journey deep into the heart of the Amazon, where automotive magnate Henry Ford once tried to recreate a slice of Americana. Dubbed "Fordlandia," this ambitious project aimed to establish a rubber-producing town in the wilds of the rainforest. Yet, despite its grand vision, it crumbled amidst cultural clashes, environmental challenges, and the stubbornness of the jungle itself. Discover the unique challenges Ford faced and how this dream devolved into one of history's most intriguing misadventures.

Join us for this double feature of deserted delights and industrial intrigue as we explore the corners of history that many have forgotten—but Box of Oddities never will! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Every click helps unearth more curiosities for your listening pleasure.

The Contents of this Box include Abandoned amusement parks, nostalgia, fear, Henry Ford, Fordlandia, Amazon jungle, rubber industry, Americana, cultural clashes, environment, history, Box of Oddities.

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#573: Platypus' Aren't Real Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we wander through the mysterious realms of the unknown in this episode of The Box of Oddities.

First, we dive deep into the world of cryptozoology and the enigmatic creatures that once existed only in the realm of myths and legends. Get ready as we unveil the astonishing truth behind creatures that were once thought to be purely fantastical.

Discover the fascinating blend of fact and folklore surrounding these creatures for centuries, and learn how modern science has uncovered the reality behind the myths.

But the intrigue doesn't end there! In the second part of our episode, we turn our attention to the dark and haunted history of Houska Castle. Nestled deep within the heart of the Czech Republic, Houska Castle is not your typical medieval stronghold. It's a place where legends of demonic forces, eerie mysteries, and supernatural phenomena intertwine.

Prepare to be chilled to the bone as we recount the spine-tingling stories of Houska Castle's enigmatic past. From its construction over a mysterious bottomless pit believed to be a gateway to hell to the unsettling reports of paranormal activity within its walls, this castle is steeped in tales of horror and the unexplained. We'll delve into the castle's unsettling history, exploring the eerie occurrences that have plagued it for centuries.

So, grab your headphones and get ready for a double dose of intrigue and the unexplained on this episode of The Box of Oddities. Creatures that were once the stuff of legend are now revealed, and the haunted halls of Houska Castle await those brave enough to uncover their secrets. Don't miss this thrilling and mysterious journey into the unknown!

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#572: The Induced Labor Day Special Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Prepare for a truly extraordinary Labor Day special on *The Box of Oddities*! In this episode, we take you through past episodes' fascinating world of labor-related oddities.

Join Kat and Jethro as they revisit some of the most intriguing tales that blur the lines between labor and the extraordinary, from the tiny little man who built the sprawling coral castle by himself to Madam C. J. Walker, whose business changed the world. We'll also visit the labor room of one hospital that saw the birth of a baby made of stone!

Get ready to be amazed by the odd, the unusual, and the extraordinary on this Labor Day special of *The Box of Oddities*!

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#571: Kissing Mothman's A** Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Join Kat and Jethro for another journey into the unknown on this episode of *The Box of Oddities*. Prepare your pork taint to be intrigued and mystified as they delve into two enigmatic topics that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality.

**Segment 1: Encounters with the Grinning Man - Indrid Cold**

Step into the shadows of the unexplained as Jethro unravels the chilling accounts of encounters with the enigmatic figure Indrid Cold. With his unsettling grin and unearthly demeanor, Cold has been sighted in numerous incidents throughout history, leaving witnesses bewildered and fearful. Discover the baffling stories that range from Mothman prophecies to tales of UFO sightings, all connected by this mysterious and elusive presence. Could Cold be an extraterrestrial visitor, an interdimensional being, or even more perplexing? Tune in as *The Box of Oddities* uncovers the spine-tingling details of these eerie encounters.

**Segment 2: Whispering Waves of Secrets - Number Stations**

Unlock the hidden world of espionage and cryptic communication as Kat investigates the haunting phenomenon of number stations. These enigmatic radio broadcasts, emitting seemingly random sequences of numbers and codes, have perplexed codebreakers and conspiracy theorists for decades. Journey into the heart of Cold War intrigue, the history, purpose, and theories surrounding these clandestine transmissions. Are they messages to spies? Covert instructions? Or perhaps glimpses into a parallel dimension? Discover the eerie allure of number stations and the lingering questions that baffle experts and enthusiasts.

Get ready for a double dose of the uncanny, as *The Box of Oddities* takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the inexplicable world of Indrid Cold sightings and the cryptic realm of number stations. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that challenges your perceptions and invites you to explore the extraordinary mysteries surrounding us.

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#570: The Cat Box Made Me Do It Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Step back to the year 1087 as we investigate the astonishing and macabre tale of William the Conqueror's ill-fated funeral. What should have been a dignified farewell to a legendary monarch quickly spiraled into unexpected calamities and bizarre mishaps. Discover this medieval spectacle's extraordinary circumstances, from betrayal to fire to legal squabbles to an incredible explosion that left those who came to mourn regretting their decision to attend.

Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as we explore the world of Toxoplasma gondii, the enigmatic parasite that may hold the power to manipulate minds. Journey into the realm of this microscopic organism that infiltrates its hosts' brains, potentially altering behavior and influencing decision-making. Could this parasite lurk in unsuspecting individuals, steering their actions from within? Kat and Jethro explore the scientific research, controversies, and tantalizing theories surrounding Toxoplasma, shedding light on its captivating potential to shape human behavior in ways we never thought possible.

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