Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About…: Recent Episodes
Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About
Each week, the Four Fabulous Fact Friends - ex-dentist and comedian Sam Smith (@ReelBigSmith), zoologist and scientician Dr Nathan Kenny (@SpiralCleavage), science communicator and his-mum’s-a-dance-teacher Thom Adams (@ThomedySci), and legally blonde drama queen Jen Jewell (@Shmennikins) - delve deep into a topic, and try to confuse and amuse each other with their findings.
Pikachu, I choose Yeoh! Michelle Yeoh, that is. Thom wants to know everything (everywhere, all at once) about the superstar actress, martial artist and legit French Knight, and the Big Fact Hunters will boldly go in search of facts.
Kenny wants more than just the bare bones - he wants Sam, Jen and Thom to find him the BEST and most bony facts, in only thirty minutes!
Have you heard the word, about the birds? Jen wants all the words, and info, about the native birds of Aotearoa so she sets Sam, Thom and Kenny to find out the flappiest facts about our feathery friends.
Thom’s trying to discharge his brotherly obligations by tasking the Big Fact Hunters with coming up with facts about his sister’s namesake. In the words of the Bard: “God forbid! Where’s this girl? What, Juliet?”
A sweet treat in place of a new BFH this week, as we throw open the gates and welcome you into a world of pure imagination - our second-ever episode, where we dig deep under the chocolate river and look at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Sam’s taking us back to his mis-spent youth, as he asks the Fact Friends to unearth All the Small Things about one of his favourite bands. Who will pop(punk) out the best fact, and who will be left saying Damnit…?
This week will we take the Highway to Hell, or the Stairway to Heaven? Kenny’s asked the Fact Friends to come up with the most heavenly (or devilish!) facts about heaven and hell, in a surprisingly musical episode.
We’re cracking open the electrified fences today and releasing one of our earliest episodes, from the pre-historic (p)archives of EYDNTKA. It’s the first appearances of both Kenny’s fear of Toblerones and friend of the podcast, Nigel Neill. Welcome… to Jurassic Park.
Ready for some fun and games? Jen is, and she sends the boys off on a Big Fact Hunt for the skinny on Monopoly.
Thom is wary after the Shenanigans, so he sends the Fact Friends off to find Manchester facts, but there’s a Twist!! And also a spite canal…
Jen’s after some sweet, sweet info and she’s sent the boys off to track down the tastiest facts about everyone’s favourite vegetable wildcard, chocolate! Instead, they try to ruin chocolate, objectively the best thing ever.
Thom sets a spicy challenge this week, when he asks Sam, Jen and Kenny to sniff out the most cinnamon-tastic facts. But what’s the link between cinnamon, mummies and KFC?
Sam Smith is Jamaica’n us crazy! He wants Thom, Kenny and Jen to sniff out all the coolest facts about reggae legend Bob Marley, and his bed-wetting dad…
Trews, daks, unmentionables or bottoms; Kenny’s panting for facts about trousers! Featuring an appearance from the Human Centaurpede (sort of).
Sam Smith has a puzzling task for our Big Fact Hunters - tracking down the best facts about the infuriatingly logical Rubik’s Cube, beloved by celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Stephen Curry, and Smiths including Will and Sam.
Jen wants to know all about Zealand. Or Zeeland. Or does she…? The boys scramble to find the most zealous and out-Ze(e/a)landish facts in half an hour, with some Sealand thrown in for a giggle.
Sam wants a Bob each way this week, because he’s hunting for facts about everyone’s favourite Train Guy, Bob Mortimer! What Morti-merry info will Thomas, Nathan and Jennyfer unearth?
Thom has a POWERful need to know more about the OG Morphers, the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers! The Big Fact Hunters head off to find a range of fascinating facts - let’s just hope they don’t Rita Repulsa Thom…
In today’s second podcast, Jen is sending the boys off to wobble their way across the chasm of ignorance and balance their way back with facts about tightropes. They respond with tales of beer and anti-fascism.
It’s double-podcast day because we’ve been slack at uploading! In this episode, Thom is hungry… for blood! No, wait, facts!! About nature’s most fearsome aberration, carnivorous plants! Who do MATHS…
Nathan Kenny has a thirst for vampire facts! He sends the Fact Hunters off to scour the wilds for thirty minutes. The stakes are high!
Thom Adams is positively bubbling with excitement, as he sends the Big Fact Hunters off to sniff out the funkiest fermented facts in half an hour.
Sam Smith is getting double-oh-serious, and has asked the Big Fact Hunters to track down the best facts about international man of mystery, James Bond, in just half an hour. But how could a trained agent who is licensed to kill be beaten by an American songstress?
Thom Adams gets damp and dangerous, sending the Big Fact Hunters off to find the steamiest facts about hot pools in just half an hour. Special guest appearance from friend of the podcast, El Chapo.
Jen Jewell wants to broaden her horizons, so this week she’s asked for facts about San Francisco. Will the boys have time to wear flowers in their hair as they source the best facts in just thirty minutes? And who is Karl?
Fact Controller Nathan Kenny sends the Big Fact Hunters off to find out their most regally naval facts in a speedy half hour. From shitehawks to sundodgers, join us as we tap the admiral and cook Cook in our exploration of Her Maj’s Royal Navy. ⛴🛳⚓️🚣♀️
This week’s Fact Controller is setting boys against girls - Jen sets the boys to find out about the classic Mr Men and Little Miss books. From adorable origins to feminist activism, the Fact Friends gleefully go about ruining these childhood classics, but why did they cut a Spice Girl?
Thom wants facts about unicorns. Not wanting to shatter his dreams by explaining they’re not real, the Fact Friends get to the pointy end of this mythical beastie. But how do they stop terrorism?
Nathan Kenny sends the Fact Friends off to find out the juiciest facts about the Mac-daddy itself, Apple. The apple may not fall far from the tree, but it does keep the doctor away. But is the letter J edible, and how is it relevant?
Sam Smith takes the lead (guitar) as this week’s Fact Controller, and he wants to know all about the ultimate Rockstars - Nickelback! In half an hour, the three remaining fact friends have to (This is How You) Remind (Me) him of the best facts - no Photographs allowed!
Thom is on the hunt for facts about international (and intergalactic) woman of mystery, Carmen Sandiego. But in only thirty minutes, how much sleuthing can the Fact Friends do? And will they discover not just where Carmen Sandiego is, but how she’s doing?
Jen Jewell wants to know everything there is to know about model trains so she sends the Fact Friends off to bring the best facts they can find in half an hour. Who will engine-eer the coolest info and steamroll the competition?
Nathan Kenny challenges the group to search out the coolest facts about ice cream in just half an hour! Who will stay frosty and lick the competition?
It’s our brand new podcast!! This week, Sam Smith challenges the group to find out about certified Short King, Danny DeVito. With only 30 minutes to hunt, who will bring the best fact about this practical-joking, Italian sweetheart?
This is the last episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… so of course we talked about something fluffy and comforting - bunnies!! How did these sweet fuzzy darlings make Jamie Lee Curtis’ mum go psycho? Which bunny had the first ever number 1 rap song? What’s with all the carrots? And are you suffering from weaponised rabbit fever? Find out, on the last ever (for now…) Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About!! (P.S. we’ll be baaaaaack but with a new format lol)
Do you wanna be the very best? Like no-one ever was? Then you can’t miss this week’s episode, where we discuss everyone’s favourite pocket monsters. How can Pikachu cure blindness? What’s worse for Pokémon, boobs, bullets or blackface? What’s the most effective Pokémon item in real life? And what’s really shocking about Pokémon? All this and a whole pokérap more on this episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About…
The Fabulous Fact Friends have once again bamboozled one of their own - Thom thought this was the Reddit episode, but we pulled a switcheroo for April Fool’s Day! How did pigeons ruin the opening ceremony? What are the pitfalls of saluting at the Olympics? What was special about Jesse Owens’ shoes? And how did anti-Semitism help defeat white supremacy? You will Nazi this one coming…
Today we’re taking a trip to the front page of the Internet. Have you Reddit? Who’s more popular, Kevin or Calvin? Why could going to Reddit send you to hell? How did margarine accusations result in headaches for Starbucks? And how did Reddit start in the most predictable way possible? All this and many more upvote-worthy facts on this week’s episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… Reddit!
Memories…. all alone in th- huh? OH! This week we’re talking about our furry feline friends, but definitely Not The Musical. Why are cats’ tongues as tough as nails? Why are we humans the cat’s meow? Which breed of cat did Noah make? And who cleans a cat’s eyes? Join us, and various furry special guests as we discuss our favourite feline facts on this week’s almost-guaranteed-James-Cordon-free episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About…!
Top of the morning to you! This week our interior explorers take on the black gold itself, Guinness. Why shouldn’t we boycott pouring Guinness into a cocktail glass? What happened at the Guinness brewery that resulted in over a thousand ambulances being called? What is THE Guinness world record? And how did it get an ex-British PM un-blind drunk? For this and more malty deliciousness, join us on this week’s episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… Guinness!!
This week we’re talking men, manly men - men in tights (TIGHT tights!!). It’s Robin of Loxley, the caped crusader of Sherwood Forest, the OG communist. But why would it take him half a day to fetch a pail of water? What does he have in common with tea and pudding? Why was NYE 1998 such a massive night for him? And who is the tallest Little John? Join our band of merry outlaws as we discuss everything you didn’t need to know about Robin Hood!
The man so nice they named him twice. Whether Galileo Galilei is your OG fave polymath or you only know him from Bohemian Rhapsody, gather round for some fun facts about our favourite excommunicated heliocentrist! How did he piss of the Americans? Where did Freddy Mercury hide another reference to him? How did he give the British a buzz in 1940? And how is he still flipping the Vatican off? All these and more tangentially related facts on this week’s episode.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a bat?? No, it’s a podcast full of facts about two of the most famous superheroes ever! But why is a snog from Superman entirely forgettable? Why are both Superman and Batman back in black? Which Kiwi Governor-General shared a birthday with Superman and died at only 18? And what’s the link between Batman and Julius Caesar? Find out these and more super bat-tastic facts, on this week’s Everything You Didn’t Need to Know!
Ba da da daaaaaaah…. With no apologies for the ear worm, we’re talking about Full House! Not the poker hand, but the seminal 80s-90s sitcom. How rude!! But do you know which Full House cast member was the best at basketball? How could a Full House win you $5 million? Where was the show filmed topsy-turvy? And whatever happened to predictability? Shoobap-a-bah-dah dah dah daaaaah…
This Sunday, February 6 is te rā o Waitangi, or Waitangi Day - the national day of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re a kiwi who bleeds Speights or a confused foreigner wondering why there are so many drunk people dressed as sheep and Tangy Fruits (RIP) on the tube in London this weekend, come learn something new today! Like, what does the rest of the world do while we celebrate? Which politician has been spelling his name wrong for 76 years? What faces you when looking at te Tiriti o Waitangi? And whose signature is the choppiest? Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora koutou katoa - welcome to Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About Waitangi Day!
Do or do not, there is no try… and yet, this week the Four Fabulous Fact Friends will disobey Master Yoda and TRY to surprise each other with hitherto unknown revelations about the classic space opera - Star Wars!! Which Star Wars star had a Nazi granddad? What does it take to kill Chewbacca? Why is General Grievous a Very Good Capitalist? And why is Obi Wan an even better capitalist? Now guaranteed to contain no questionable Jar-Jar Binks impressions, it’s Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… Star Wars!!
We’re feeling our way through this week’s dotty discussion on the OG tactile reading system - Braille! How does Braille help deaf people to talk with their tongues? Why would a Roman suck at Braille? Why would Louis Braille drop in at Disneyland? And what’s the deal with drive-thru ATMs having Braille on them? Find out on this week’s episode.
She’s the Primest of Ministers, today we’re talking about the Morrinsville Marvel, Jacinda Ardern! What does she have in common with the Pope, Hitler, and Rosanne Barr? What’s her issue with mushrooms? Who was nearly PM instead of her? And how was Ardern’s ascent to power prophecied by a tasty treat? All this and more, on this week’s episode!
Cheasons greetings and a very happy Gruyère to you all! What better way to start 2022 than with a cheesy discussion about everyone’s favourite snack / antipasto category / dinner replacement? Do you know where the early cheese gets the worm? Do you know about the cheesy reality tv star who moved to Aotearoa in 2007? How long can you survive only eating mac and cheese? And why on earth would you spray Lynx Africa on blue cheese?? For these curdled conundrums and more, join us on this week’s episode of Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… Cheese!
Get your glad rags on, because we’re taking a look back at the year that was. A pandemic threatened to interrupt our roaring 20s, but we persevered! Join us as we reminisce - do you remember who went from lounge sets to jumbo jets? Or how a kid earned $4million through shimmying? How about the link between Ashburton and Gentlemen preferring Blondes? And who was half-cut for the first time, in this wonderful year-that-was, of 1921… Happy New Year everyone!!
Love Hard, Die Actually - it’s everyone’s favourite Christmas movies, together at last. Have a holly jolly festive season with cheerful Chrimbo chatter, like what the Puck links Die Hard and Love Actually? How was Bruce Willis both moonlighting and not at the same time? Why was John McClane almost an OAP? And is Bruce Willis the only person in the world to use Bing? Join us for these answers and much more, and a very merry factmas, from all of us at Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About…
Jen finally gets to bust out her moon fact this week, as we take a closer look at Earth’s clingy little sibling, Luna. What part of the moon do we only see in April? Why were Liverpool fans so sad the day man first walked on the moon? What do the moon and Goldilocks have in common? And (finally) how did the moon help write the OED? For the answers to these, and many more questions you never knew you had about our sassy satellite, tune in to this week’s episode! 🌙
It’s a hijack episode this week! Three of the Fact Friends surprise the fourth with a different topic than expected… it’s early 2000s Kiwi apocalypse tv show the Tribe! Did you know that the whole world has been celebrating the Tribe’s 21st birthday? What beloved Kiwi entertainer had a dark Tribe debut? Why was Wellington the perfect choice to film the series? And what Tribal connection is there to New Zealand's leading Earth, geoscience and isotope research facility? Shock, mockery and much more detail about a show you’ve probably never heard of unless you live in Aotearoa or Finland, on this week’s episode!
Crikey!! This week we’re discussing everyone’s favourite croc-loving Aussie, Steve Irwin. What ironic icon helped create Steve Irwin day? Which animal is his nemesis? How is he like Pluto? And what prominent Australian award was he snubbed for, in favour of a truly nightmarish alternative? All this, many dodgy Aussie accents and lots more on this week’s episode.
The Fact Friends delve deep into their childhoods, and beyond, discovering the weird and wonderful world of the fluffy and adorable monsters who make up the Muppet Cinematic Universe. What links the Muppets to an undead Morgan Freeman? Who is the most highly-qualified Muppet? Where did the song “Mahna mahna” come from and why is it so sexy? And what is the Rainbow Connection to… Whanganui? As charming as Elmo and as enthusiastic as Animal, join us as we discuss and enthuse over the marvellously manipulable Muppets.
Not the trial of the Seven Bishops by James VI / II in 1688, this week we’re talking about another significant religious event, it’s the shopping festival known as Black Friday! The Four Fabulous Fact Friends will investigate New Zealand’s super-embarrassing Black Friday record, why Super Mario gives thanks for Thanksgiving, how many people are drunk on Black Friday, and how this sacred day of orgiastic retail frenzy orphaned a beloved fictional character... You don’t even need to queue overnight to get all this fresh chat about Black Friday!
If you live in the Anglosphere, chances are she’s your head of state (and if you’re in the US, our commiserations). Lover of cows, corgis and Anglicanism, this week we’re talking about Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor! How many people is our gracious Queen? How did the Crown let our noble Queen down in 2004? What vehicle can be impersonated uncannily by the victorious Queen? And what does she have in common with Aquaman… (happily and/or gloriously)? The answers to these and even sillier questions, on this week’s episode.
We’re diving deep into the Masters of Puppets themselves this week. Hold on to your butts as we find out the horrifying almost-title of Metallica’s debut album, how they rejected Megadeth not once, but twice, and what their link is to the boy who cried “wolf!” and Victoria’s Secret. All this and lots more nonsense on Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About… Metallica!
She’s the Queen of Country, a woman whose voice is that of an angel and whose personal style is that of an angel at a fresher Halloween party. We’re delving deep into Dolly, asking hard-hitting questions like: what does Dolly Parton have in common with roof shingles, dishwasher cleaner and a vegan chipotle burger? What hours does she sleep? What did Dolly Parton STEAL from acclaimed comedian and podcasting guru Sam Smith? What does Sylvester Stallone regret about Dolly? For the answers to these and even more wildly concocted questions, tune in to this episode celebrating the absolute legend that is Dolly Parton.
Not just for scrubbing your dirty back, it turns out there is more to sponges than you might imagine… What’s terrifying about the combination of Velcro and a sponge? How did esteemed podcaster Nathan Kenny sponge thousands of dollars off Norwegian taxpayers? How did a sponge get a man into first class? What belief from Ancient Rome could stop you getting pregnant today? Come along for some spongetastic funtimes - we can’t promise you’ll be inspired to get a PhD in Spongeology (lol who would amiright?!), but we can promise some terrible puns. And who can say fairer than that?
Glazed, frosted, filled or sprinkled lightly with cinnamon sugar, there’s no denying that these carb-laden fat-bombs are a dietician’s nightmare and your taste-buds’ delight. But, do you know what the whole truth about donuts is? Why might you want one next to you in the trenches? How can you use donuts to complete a bicycle race in 0.0 seconds? And what’s the real reason Americans love their donuts? Find out, as we dive into the deep-fried underbelly of do(ugh)nuts!
Captain Planet, he’s our hero! But how much do you know about the green-mulleted eco-superhero? Do you know why his biggest rival was better off in outer space? What’s the link between Captain Planet, the Grand Duchess Anastasia, and emo rock? Who was the original voice of Captain Planet? And what was the amazingly cool and awesome name which Ted Turner used when he had a cameo on the show? We’re putting asunder bad guys who like to loot and plunder on this episode - join us, and the Power is Yours™️!
This episode is all about the happiest place on earth, the Magic Mouse Kingdom, definitely-not-Disneyworld - it’s Disneyland! Why did Justin Bieber get banned from Disneyland? How can you eat for free at the happiest place on Earth? How many dead bodies are there in the Haunted Mansion? Which attraction was made with the help of Nazi scientists? All this and more, as we explore Disneyland…