Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

As the guys continue exploring the strange, silent war over who gets to own nuclear weapons, they stumble across the little known story of Operation Outside the Box. When the Israeli military learned its regional rival Syria might be building a nuclear facility, they felt they had only one course of action -- and they were certain that, whatever the consequences, they must do anything in their power to prevent Syria from getting the bomb. Tune in to learn more about this real-life conspiracy, as well as the active cover-up that ensued for the better part of a decade. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian Brady Rogers wins a local election by telling folks he doesn't really care about it. Tesla unveils a new 'flying' car. Florida gambling helpline director Philip Sullivan embezzles more than a million dollars for -- wait for it -- gambling. Russian satellites prompt growing concerns about war in space. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For millions of children growing up in the US, a visit to SeaWorld was the peak of vacation. You could finally see magnificent marine mammals up close and personal -- and even interact with them. Yet there was a dark side beneath the waves, one a lot of people didn't realize until the debut of the 2013 Blackfish documentary. Following up on the earlier Elephant Shows episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive deep into the hidden story -- and ongoing controversy -- of SeaWorld. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron B. checks the boys on math. Vinny shares an astonishing Flock surveillance map. Rembrandt prompts a future episode on the West Nile virus. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even in the days of ubiquitous mobile devices, virtually everyone you know has some sort of access to a television. TV is a legendary success story, going from a tiny, unreliable, and expensive piece of pretty tech to an absolute 'must-have' for billions of people. Yet, as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in tonight's episode, modern TV sets are no longer dumb screens relaying audio and video. In a very real (and disturbingly conspiratorial) way, your television is watching you, even more than you may be watching it. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the legend, the Jersey Devil was born to a Quaker named Mother Leeds in 1735 -- a hideous, deformed thing with wings, hooves and horns, it let out a blood-curdling scream after being born, and flew out the chimney and into the woods. For centuries since then, people in the area have reported sightings of the Devil, making it one of North America's most popular cryptids. But what is it, exactly? Could there be a grain of truth to all the wild campfire stories? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ben, Matt, and Noel return from the high seas, they learn that a new plague may have broken out in Russia. Whistlebowers allege the CIA is searching genetic mapping companies for 'evidence of alien/human hybrid DNA'. A new kind of mega raptor is discovered in Europe. The rise of Peru's Hitler Mussolini. Yet another (unelected) European official falls under suspicion of selling state secrets. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ben, Matt, and Noel wrap up their live show at sea on Virgin Voyages, they turn the microphone to the audience for a wild question and answer session that surprises the crowd as much as it surprises the audience themselves. Everyone, please remember to stop asking about the FBI. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As World War II drew to a close, nations across the planet scrambled to take stock, to recover, to rebuild and survive. But the looming spectre of nuclear technology continued to grow -- the US went against allies and enemies alike to keep its military edge. So how did countries traditionally considered enemies of the US gain nuclear technology? In many cases, the conspiracy goes down to a single man: AQ Khan. Terrified by what India's Smiling Buddha test might mean for the future of Pakistan, he worked furiously to get Pakistan the bomb -- and eventually began selling his expertise to the highest bidder. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whenever it's time for an election in the United States, a curious thing happens. A domestic scandal, a crisis, a hostage situation: whatever the specifics, these events are known as 'October Surprises'. In tonight's episode, recorded live at sea on Virgin Voyages, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive deep into the conspiracies afoot -- and what they can teach us about the days, months, and years ahead. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nevada is currently considering new legislation that will allow businesses to create their own increasingly autonomous communities. Fans of the idea paint it as an innovative, new way to get jobs and tax dollars to Nevada. Opponents worry it creates a corporate government, giving private businesses control of things a local government would usually do -- like run the fire department, conduct elections and more. So what exactly is an "innovation zone"? Tune in to learn more. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US experienced a massive economic boom in the years following the close of World War II. The country managed to avoid the destruction that laid waste to parts of Asia and Europe -- and it was also in possession of nuclear technology. As many Americans (but far from all) saw their quality of life increase, experts and military officials alike scrambled to maintain their strategic nuclear edge: To understand as much as possible about the effects and consequences of the deadly new thing they'd created. One result of this desperation? Project SUNSHINE. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems that no matter where you look these days, 'AI' is everywhere. It's tremendously controversial -- and, to its champions, tremendously convenient. Yet a funny thing happened not too long ago: in a series of actual conspiracies, it appears groups of AI agents formed secret communities to break their testing sandbox, hack other companies, and hide their actions from their creators. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel ask: Is AI creating secret civilizations? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of people in the US struggle with substance abuse issues every single year -- experts work around the clock to help folks with substance abuse issues and other addictions to break free of these dangerous, sometime fatal cycles. And this means rehabilitation, or rehab, is a big business. Like many other large industries, rehab also has a dark side -- a series of disturbing conspiracies that continue, largely unabated, in the modern day. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between 2007 and 2008, multiple small-business owners were brutally assassinated in Germany during what the local media would later dub the "Doner Murders". Germany's authorities were apparently baffled, until the world learned there was a nation-wide, far-right conspiracy at play -- and some of the same authorities investigating may have been compromised. In tonight's interview segment, the guys welcome the journalist and writer Antonia Woloshyn, the creator of the hit podcast Land Ohne Vater, for a deep dive into a profoundly disturbing examination of hate crime in Germany... and what these crimes may teach us about the past, present, and future. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the protests over India's Farm Bills continues, multiple groups argue there's a conspiracy afoot. Many protestors believe the government is selling them out to corporations. Members of the media claim the protests are a cover for a separatist movement -- or that foreign intelligence agencies are riling up the crowds as a way of destabilizing India. Tune in as Ben and Matt separate the conspiratorial fact from fiction in the second part of this two-part series. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belgium has a serious laughing gas problem. South Korea has embraced a huge shark stranded in a local canal. Gas prices are spiking, causing further concern about economic collapse (and conspiracy). Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual Bilderberg Conference is one of the world's most elite get-togethers. Aristocrats, banking tycoons, arms dealers and more claim this is just a few pals getting together to hang. They also claim these meetings result in no actual laws or policy -- yet as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in the second chapter of this two-part episode, these claims are... cartoonishly untrue. Despite noble intent, people at the top of a society rarely question that society's structure. Bilderberg is a bubble. And, soon, that bubble may burst. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake asks for more details about the legendary Polybius game. Vengeance Rising inspires conversation about the real-life Illuminati. Willow walks through several long-standing conspiracies, from the death of Marilyn Monroe to the Epstein Files. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered whether the Illuminati is real? Ben, Matt, and Noel sure do. In the first chapter of this two-part series, they explore how a coalition of elites put together a hang-out at the Bilderberg Hotel in 1954 to -- apparently -- prevent a third World War. Yet as time went on, the group continues meeting up each year... prompting claims that there is a conspiracy afoot. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For several months, India has been in the grip of massive farm protests as millions gather to demonstrate against a series of controversial reforms collectively known as the Farm Bills. These bills, in theory, are meant to address problems with India's current agricultural system -- but a large percentage of India's farmers fear these new laws will only make their lives more difficult. Some even believe the Farm Bills are part of a conspiracy to sacrifice the livelihood of farmers for the profits of large businesses. On the other side of the protest line, members of the domestic media believe the protests themselves are a conspiracy designed to further the aims of separatist groups with ulterior motives. So which, if any, of these conspiracies are true? Tune in and learn more in the first part of this two-part episode. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts raise growing concerns about El Niño. An overdue library magazine is returned more than 130 years late. The rise of the far right in Germany echoes a global pattern. Toy'R'Us is back. William Shatner does metal. All this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you visited the Darién Gap? Ever been upset about javelina chomping around on your golf course, or wondered why thousands of people across the Midwest suddenly got explosive diarrhea? Nature is amazing -- and it's no secret that much of the Great Outdoors is in trouble. Big businesses, corrupt politicians, and a collapsing climate have all combined to endanger public lands. In tonight's interview, Ben and Matt welcome investigative journalist, author, and activist Dr. James Stout, the creator of the hit podcast Natural Causes, to learn more about the world outside. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the authors of horror stories, haunting isn't just for houses. In countless works of fiction, all sorts of objects can become to a spirit -- and, over the centuries, countless people have sworn they encountered a haunted object in real life. Today's episode asks whether an object can be haunted... and the ultimate answer may not be what you expect. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Denmark and the United States have allegedly reached an "agreement" regarding the fate of Greenland, the world is still deeply concerned that Uncle Sam may take economic or military action to gain full control over the world's largest island. In the second chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Dylan investigate why the US seems so set on annexation... and why the official statements may be a cover for secret, less noble motivations. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In tonight's Classic episode: It's a match for the ages. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, boxing heavyweight champions in their own right, will soon vie for the title of the world's undisputed boxing champion. Irish native and current Dubai resident Daniel Kinahan has a life-long love of boxing -- and, according to Irish authorities, he is the heir to a criminal empire stretching from Dublin to Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and beyond. Recently, Fury set off a firestorm of speculation when he thanked Kinahan for brokering the fight. In today's episode, Ben and Matt dive into the world of Irish organized crime, the sport, science and art of boxing, all to ask: Is there Something They Don't Want You To Know? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States officially confirms they have active weapons in space... but they're not saying exactly what these weapons are, or what they can do. Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest evidence of habitual drug use. An athlete apologies for pooping like crazy during an event. FBI Director Kash Patel goes to D.C. to defend the FBI's new (bizarrely relaxed) hiring practices. Join Ben and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest: most Americans aren't super familiar with Greenland, and even fewer have actually traveled there. Located far north in the Arctic, the world's largest island has historically been seen as remote, inaccessible, and brutal. So a ton of people were surprised when the United States asked -- then threatened -- to take it over. In the first chapter of this special two-part episode, Ben and Matt explore why Greenland has suddenly become the hottest real estate on the planet... and whether there's a conspiracy afoot. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jai Shree RĀM hips the guys to the bizarre -- and possibly terrifying -- technology of 'smart dust'. Duke Nukem shares his first-hand experience with strange events in a missile facility. Weshiwan follows up on the recent Charlie Kirk episodes. Also, congratulations to Megatron on the pineapple. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In mere hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10th, 2025, conspiracy theories metastasized across the internet net. Within 33 hours, authorities claimed they had captured the assassin, and began to map out a timeline of the murder. However, a lot of people weren't buying the official explanation. Add to this, multiple people who were not involved faced serious reprecussions for airing their opinions about the murder, or about Kirk himself, in the public sphere. Despite these crackdowns, the number of folks who don't believe the official story is only growing. In the second chapter of this two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore the questions surrounding Kirk's assassination, and whether there is a conspiracy afoot. If so... why? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In tonight's Classic episode: a new player has entered the strange, often confusing world of Bitcoin -- the non-fungible token, or NFT. This digital token, which can be virtually anything, is technically unique. It's a one-of-a-kind thing existing in an entirely intangible state. Numerous artists, musicians and celebrities have sold NFTs for thousands of dollars, but critics allege this may be anything from a fad to an outright avenue for criminal enterprise. So what exactly is the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know about NFTs? Is this a digital revolution, or another case of The Emperor's New Clothes? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent revelations confirm that the Department of Homeland Security and other parts of law enforcement are secretly accessing your financial records -- and taking you in, even if you haven't committed a crime. Plus, US courts rule people have no right to clean water. A sinister Cat in the Hat AI trend goes viral. Nathan Fielder returns with a surprise documentary. Recent government actions regarding drones and 'AI' inspire an episode in the future. Join Ben, Matt, and Noel for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year and a day ago, American political activist Charlie Kirk was murdered during a public debate at Utah Valley University. While his name was unfamiliar to many, he was a rising superstar in the world of U.S. conservatives. In the first chapter of this special two-part series, Ben, Matt, and Noel explore Kirk's origin story, his skyrocketing popularity -- and why a growing number of people don't buy the official narrative of his assassination. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since ancient times, human beings have known the sun can be dangerous. Too much exposure to its rays can burn and prematurely age the skin. In fact, the concept of sunscreen may be a non-human invention, as various types of animals coat themselves in protective layers of mud to stave off the at-times brutal effects of heat and sunshine. Fast forward to the modern era -- sunscreen is a huge industry, and people across the planet use it on a daily basis. The science seems sound. Unlike some skin care products, sunscreen actually works... however, it appears sunscreen may also have a dark side. Join Ben and Matt for more in this week's Classic episode. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even now in 2026, much of the world's oceans remain mysterious and thoroughly unexplored. Prompted by news from The Ocean Census, which has discovered thousands of new species (and hopes to discover a hundred thousand more), Ben, Matt, and Noel dive deep into the latest oceanographic research... and ask whether we'll finally find new, giant cryptids out there in the depths. Heck, the real aliens might be beneath the waves. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

32-year-old Bank of America Vice President Erin Piacenti was fatally stabbed in New York's Time Square. LARPing has become an insult. A low-budget animated film from China becomes a surprise hit. ICE may be buying robot dogs. After a career built on oppossing immigration, far-right political activist Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported back to the United Kingdom. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of this Classic two-part episode, Ben, Matt and Noel explore the Great Reset. While it's sometimes called a conspiracy theory, the allegations and speculation circling the WEF and Davos are more like a mix of multiple, at-times contradictory ideas. Listen in to learn more about the criticisms, concerns, and bizarre accusations around Davos and the Great Reset. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern civilization depends on data centers - these facilities, which can be as small as a single room or as large as gigantic, stand-alone compounds, house the servers and computers that make the digital world spin 'round. However, as Ben, Matt, and Noel discover in tonight's episode, the newest iteration of 'AI' data centers triggered a massive public outcry: they're drinking up and contaminating water. They're a profound drain on electricity networks. They're also fueling a ton of local and federal corruption. So what's the future of these data centers? Most disturbingly, what happens when all the water is gone? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Expectant Rebel explains how DARPA's strange SHINE initiative may hack human brains to revolutionize learning -- and possibly create real-life Manchurian candidates. Luke shares a terrifying story about elephants. Shep prompts a conversation about 'AI' and emergency phone numbers. Jai Shree RĀM teases smart dust. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the dawn of civilization, the greatest rulers on the planet have tried -- and, so far, failed -- to extend their lives past the natural limits of humanity. It seems the present day is no different. In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the latest conspiracy surrounding longtime Russian President Vladimir Putin: for several years, he's been pouring billions of dollars into a vast, strange scientific effort to grow and replace organs, to build a vaccine for aging, and much much more. The question on everyone's mind is simple: What happens if he actually succeeds... and what would this mean for everyone else? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June of 2020 the World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The city was on lockdown as the world's most powerful people met to discuss something called "The Great Reset" -- the idea of rebuilding society and the global economy in the wake of COVID-19. In the first part of this Classic two-part series, the guys explore the origins of the WEF. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CIA head John Ratcliffe visited Moscow in a trip Uncle Sam wanted to keep quiet -- but why? A Chinese robot breaks Usain Bolt's 100-meter sprint world record in the recent humanoid bot games. Meta agrees to an 18 billion dollar settlement over online child safety... though the end result may not be what it seems. Also: cyborg cockroaches. Tune in for all this and more in this week's strange news segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoiler: it's kind of difficult to get a job with the CIA. This pre-eminent spy outfit has high standards, exhaustive background checks, and a mandate to do everything it can to keep foreign forces from compromising it. So how did one career CIA officer manage to steal millions in gold, currency and luxury watches from his employer -- after more or less fabricating his entire resume? In tonight's episode, Ben, Matt, and Noel dive into the bizarre saga of the mysterious David J. Rush. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ms. Squared writes in with a fascinating tale of sleeper agents and the Fort Orange Club. Vegan Bookworm weighs in on AI companies and destructive book scanning. CODENAME: Box Boy chats music. MissMegolas hips the guys to a phenomenal Gandalf-themed protest, and Psycubnaut introduces the gang to the idea of 'Devil Corp'. Tune in for all this and more in this week's listener mail segment. They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that most Americans aren't too familiar with the nation of Sudan. This ancient, beautiful land has long been beset with challenges, conflict and resource extraction. In fact, as Ben, Matt and Noel learn in tonight's episode, there's a civil war happening in Sudan right now. And while this complex web of of warfare has multiple factors, more and more observers are increasingly concerned that there's a conspiracy afoot: Could powerful foreign countries and shady corporations actually be pushing this war for their own benefit, and dooming innocent people in the process? They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.