Biggest Catfish, Largest Organism & the Smallest Park

This week on Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we laugh along with Flathead Ed of Arizona as he tells us how he landed the largest catfish ever caught in that state, and Mark Ross explains the International tension that has built up around claims of The Smallest Park in the World title. He tells us hands down that Portland, Oregon holds that honor.

More amazing, unbelievable and bizarre stories on the May 20, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio include: Author and adventurer Mike Oswald introduces us to General Sherman, the world's largest organism; historian James Taylor describes the unbelievable beginnings of Brooklyn's Coney Island and the fact that had there been no amusement parks on Coney Island, there would be no Manhattan as we know it today; and The Pretenders provide us with this week's musical egress, "Brass in Pocket".

Zombification, a Zombie Café & Zombies in Pittsburgh

We take a different view of Zombies this week as we look at the pop culture side of the walking dead. We hear from Tony Rossi, the manager of the Georgia Coffee Shop and Café in the Georgia town where the popular Walking Dead TV series is filmed and he relates how much fun it is when the walking dead visit his eatery. Lucy Leitner tells us why Pittsburgh, PA is the epicenter of the Zombie movement in the US.

Additional Amazingly Strange, Weird and Unbelievable Stories we captured for the May 13, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Chad Lewis explores the possibility that "real" zombies do actually exist, thanks to a Haitian process called zombification; Jodi Pliszka says the use of maggots is more common than one might believe in contemporary medical treatment; Zombie make-up artist Barry Anderson relates how funny it is to watch actors in full zombie makeup eat a sandwich during their meal break; and 1970s one-hit wonder Dean Friedman provides the musical egress this week with his catchy hit, "Ariel".

Unbelievable Volcanoes, Dinosaurs & Whales on Tour

Believe It or Not, during the 20^th century, frozen whale carcasses were big draws on the circus and carnival midways! Historian James Taylor visits this week and talks about frozen whales, live whales and exploding whales. Mark Oswald wraps up his series on natural oddities and unbelievable sights at U.S. National Parks, by telling us about the opportunity to walk right up to the crater of an active volcano.

More amazing, unbelievable and bizarre stories on the May 6, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Ryan DeSear, manager of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, tells Ralf about the new Dinosaur exhibit that will be on display through the end of the year; Neal Thompson, the author of the new biography of Robert Ripley, "A Curious Man", talks about his research and the amazing facts he uncovered about the curious man; and Stephen Stills provides the musical egress this week with "Marianne".

Smelling Like a Zombie & a Lake Monster Named Pepie

Believe It or Not! there's a perfume out there that makes you smell like a Zombie. What does a Zombie smell like? While hard to describe, Mark Crames, president of the company that manufactures it, explains why he created it and compares its smell to something that will make most of us cringe. Meanwhile, our intrepid reporter Chad Lewis tells of his search in Lake Pepin, Minn. for the famous monster named Pepie.

Additional Amazingly Strange, Weird and Unbelievable Stories we captured for the April 29,2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Ralf talks with newspaper reporter Janelle Wetzstein who tells the tale of the Petaluma Batman, a mysterious real life superhero who lives (and is loved) in this small California town; National Park historian and chronicler Mark Oswald continues his series this week and takes us to Yellowstone, revealing the strange, natural wonders of this huge national park; Barry Anderson, the professor and founder of Ghoul School, explains the hands-on approach his students take while creating body parts; and country newcomer Kacey Musgraves weaves a poignant trailer park story in our musical egress this week, "Merry-Go-Round".

Rocks that Move, an Honest Thief & a UFO Festival

We begin a series of reports this week on the unbelievable, unusual and strange aspects of our US National Parks. Author Mike Oswald kicks the series off by revealing the one park that is many things - below sea level, the hottest, driest AND largest, and is the only place where one can go to see rocks that move by themselves! Chad Lewis returns to talk about one of the wackiest of all summer festivals, the UFO Festival in New Mexico. It's one of this road warrior's favorites.

Other Strange, Weird and Unbelievable Stories we captured for the April 22, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Ralf "with an F" reports on a thief in Michigan who returned money he stole, plus interest - 30 years later; Mark Stevens of Topps Sports & Entertainment talks about the unveiling of the world's largest baseball card in Florida; the Ghoul School's Barry Anderson recalls the day he was nearly arrested for transporting what appeared to be a decapitated body; Actor J. Larose explains the sometimes painful process of having prosthetics applied in makeup prior to a horror film shoot; and The Reason provides our musical egress this week with "Drive Me Home".

Ripley Radio (An On-Demand Oddcast)

Ripley Radio is a journey through the weird, wacky, whimsical, wild, and totally unbelievable world of the odd, strange and unusual. Each show provides listeners with amazing and absolutely true tales of today, as well as unbelievable facts culled from the extensive archives of the company that has been freaking out families for more than 90 years!

Co-hosts Ralf "with an F" Ingwersen and Tim O'Brien, and their unbelievable multi-talented ensemble report on the latest oddball happenings and outrageous current events each week, but with that added Ripley Twist (of course).

The weekly broadcast is an unpredictable and fun-filled show that proves beyond all dimensions that Ripley's is indeed, the global authority on the weird, strange, bizarre and the UNBELIEVABLE!

Why We Love Horror Flicks & a Chat with a Blind Movie Critic

Actor J. Larose, star of several popular horror films, joins us this week to talk about the genre and why it is so appealing to the public and world-renown FX artist Barry Anderson describes his new adventure - Ghoul School where he teaches the precise and often macabre art of horror makeup.

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the April 8 Episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, include: Tommy Edison, known as the Blind Movie Critic tells Ralf why he doesn't have to have vision to judge a film; James Lowe explains how the US Post Office is going to help reduce its huge deficit - by selling apparel and accessories; We hear how a mayor of a small town was chosen by pulling his name out of a hat; In the Jackpottin' With James Taylor segment, we learn how the world's top expert on sideshows started in the business; and Eddie Vedder and his ukulele provide this week's musical egress with "Longing to Belong".

Seven Years of Hiccups & Human Spontaneous Combustion

This week on Ripley Radio, we present two unbelievable mysteries. What makes a person hiccup for seven years and is there really such a thing as spontaneous human combustion? Is there a cure and what is it like to live with continuous hiccups, and is there such a thing as spontaneous human combustion and if there isn't, why do some people burn into a little pile of ash while nothing else around them is disturbed?

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories we captured for the April 1, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Jim Morris, the baseball player on which the movie, The Rookie was based, talks with Ralf about his amazing adventure and answers the question, "what ever happened to" Jim Morris?; Tim talks about his book, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Baseball Oddities and reads a few unbelievable factoids from its pages; The Defeat of Jess James Days, a festival in Minnesota, is Chad Lewis's contribution to weird fairs and festivals this week; and British rocker Nick Lowe goes mellow and offers us "Hope for Us All", this week's musical egress.

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Visiting Popeye's Home Town & a Half-Blind Baseball Pitcher

One of the oldest cartoon characters in the world is Popeye the Sailor Man and this week we learn from Chad Lewis that Chester, Ill. lays claim as the hometown of the character and each year holds an off-beat picnic in his honor. Getting into the big leagues is tough for any player, but especially hard if you are half-blind. We hear the tale of one half-blind baseball pitcher who has a good shot at it this year – Believe It or Not!

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the March 25, 2013 Episode include: a homeless man talks with us this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and explains how a very expensive diamond ring ended up in his possession and why he returned it, even while the devil on his shoulder was telling him to keep it; Jodi Pliszka reports on a weird medical malady known as Fregoli, a condition that causes you to see the same person, no matter who you look at; Edward Meyer, Ripley's archivist tells us about his newest purchase, a man-eating Bengal Tiger who killed more than 40 people during its life. Not only did Ripley's get the taxidermied tiger, but also the human jewelry found inside its stomach when it was shot during the last century; and the cast of the Broadway show, American Idiot provides us with our musical egress this week with the Green Day song, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".

Favorite Foods of Dead Celebrities & The Art of Eating Light Bulbs

Variety entertainer extraordinaire Todd Robbins drops by this week and tells us that he has eaten more than 5,000 light bulbs during his career as part of his act. It's a learned skill and one has to be very careful, he notes. Frank DeCaro, a celebrity in his own right, shares a few favorite items from his Dead Celebrity Cookbook, including Michael Jackson's favorite treat. The Grim Reaper Gourmet, as he calls himself, appears in the March 18, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the March 18, 2013 Episode include: In her weird medical maladies segment, Jodi Pliszka tells us about periodic paralysis, a symptom that comes on quickly and goes away just as quickly; Joe Tombari and nine of his friends have been playing tag for 23 years and the game goes on! He relates a few of the more outrageous "tags" that have occurred over the years; we learn about the world's record for the most people wearing frog masks; Ripley archivist Edward Meyer reports that one of his latest acquisitions is a 2,500 year old chunk of redwood tree; and Nashville-based Here Come the Mummies provide us with our musical egress with "Aeroplane".

Getting Lucky, Being Lucky & Lucky Charms

Lucky is the topic this week as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013 on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast station of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Stacy Lee Goforth tells us that if you believe strongly enough, you can create your own luck and that virtually anything can be a lucky charm. Chad Lewis examines the "Luck of the Irish" and everything that goes along with it.

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the March 11, 2013 Episode include: A last wish of an 88-year old man was that his funeral procession drive through Burger King on the way to the cemetery for one last Whopper Junior; a high school graduation class of 1948 has plans to hold its 65th reunion - in a funeral home; was there a real St. Patrick and did he truly drive the snakes out of Ireland? We hear one theory; and the Irish rock group, The Saw Doctors, present "D'ya Wanna Hear My Guitar?" as this week's musical egress.

Pushups on Eggs, a $185,000 Cigar & Walking on Water

While most of us can't imagine doing a one-armed pushup of any kind, Darryl Learie holds a world record doing them - with all of his weight balanced on a single egg! He stops by this week and explains how he does it without making omelets. Juan Panesso tells us this week on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, how he acquired and then sold a 19-foot long cigar - for $185,000.

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the March 4, 2013 Episode include: Jodi Pliszka tells the tale of a weird medical malady of a young woman whose eyes close and she can't open them for three days at a time; we hear of some real crazy items available for purchase on the Internet, including the ability to walk on water - sort of; Joe Kasinski of the Orlando Believe It or Not! Odditorium joins us in the studio and tells us what's new at his busy attraction; and Maroon 5 provides our musical egress this week with "Daylight".

Wild Men, Hot Water Bottles & Not Missing Work for 44 Years

Detroit's Deborah Ford retired from the US Post Office in February having never missed a day of work in her 44 years. She visits this week and tells us how she did it. Also this week on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we hear from Brian Jackson, who holds several world records - for blowing up hot water bottles. He once lifted a car with his lungs - sort of.

Other Strange and Wonderfully Weird Stories We Captured for the February 25, 2013 Episode include: Chad Lewis reports on the wild men who at one time probably lived in the woods and hills around your house; Jim Kidrick of the San Diego Air & Space Museum tells us about the new Ripley exhibit that will be featured at his facility through 2013; Ripley archivist Edward Meyer calls in from the floor of that unique exhibit in San Diego; Joe Kasinski from the Orlando Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium updates us on his new exhibits and reports on the success of World Sword Swallower's Day last week; and the group Swedish House Mafia sings their hit, "Don't Worry Child" as this week’s musical egress.

Sword Swallowers Day & The Smartest Horse Ever

This Saturday, February 23, 2013, nearly three dozen sword swallowers will gather at 20 Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, worldwide, to celebrate World Sword Swallower's Day. Dan Meyer, the world's preeminent sword swallower, and founder of this special day, visits with us this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Other Strange Stories We Captured for the February 18, 2013 Episode: Marc Hartzman tells us that Hans may be the smartest horse ever; Dan Diehl, an artist who "paints" with smoke describes his unique talent to us; Ripley's new media expert, Lauren Hubbard, explains how fans of Ripley can interact with the company on the various social media platforms available; Jodi Pliszka reports on a rare, very weird medical malady; and Bruno Mars provides the musical egress this week with "Locked Out of Heaven".

Valentine's Day Oddities & Weirdness

On this special Valentine's episode of Ripley Radio, we take a look at the strange, unusual and non-mainstream ways to celebrate the big holiday dedicated to sweethearts. As more and more people are writing love letters, we hear from David Rees, the world's only professional pencil sharpener, and Barbara Berg returns to explain Ring Shui, a way of predicting if a person is a romantic match based on how they wear their rings.

Additional Weird & Wacky stories on the February 11, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: The head of an exclusive resort tells us that more and more couples, young and old, are discovering the clothing optional way to celebrate; A look at the special Valentine Day promotions found at Ripley attractions worldwide; and Chad Lewis reports on lover's traditions of the past.

In one of the greatest love songs ever recorded, Chris de Burgh provides our musical egress this week with "Lady in Red".

Art from Cremains, Wheelchair Bowling, and a Sub-Zero Challenge

Believe It or Not!, several US cities want to steal the "Icebox of the Nation" moniker from International Falls, Minn.. Chad Lewis joins us this week and tells us about the challenge from these upstarts. A person's ashes from cremation aren't just for urns anymore. Angela explains that all sorts of artistic uses have been created for cremains, including blown glass paper weights and vinyl records.

Other Strange Stories on the February 4, 2013 Episode of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!: George Holscher tells us about the 300-game he bowled - from his wheelchair, becoming only the second person to ever do so; award-winning TV reporter Scott Fais reports on the very off-the-beaten-path location of a private monkey island in Florida; Huffington Post editor Buck Wolf unveils the top weird stories the popular website carried during 2012; and sideshow historian James Taylor recalls the life story of sideshow performer Johnny Eck, the legless man who Robert Ripley once called, "the most amazing man in the world".

The Zombies auditory artifact from 1969, "Time of the Season", is this week's musical egress.

The 3-Legged Man Named Lentini and the Alligator Man Named Jake

This week on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we look at a couple of Legends. Sideshow historian James Taylor introduces us to Francesco Lentini, a man with three legs who spent his life entertaining the weird and strange-seeking masses. David Marsh of Marsh's Free Museum in Washington State, tells us about his most popular exhibit - the remains of Jake the Alligator Man.

Other Strange Stories We Captured for the January 28, 2013 Episode: UFO Researcher of the Year and Huffington Post journalist, Lee Speigel, lists the top UFO stories of 2012; a sheriff's deputy tells of a drug bust his department made and you'll be surprised at what they found guarding the stash; Scott Fais and Ripley archivist Edward Meyer talk about the incredible and mysterious Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida; and Angela reports on how one man is the proof that vodka can make you blind, but whiskey can make you see again!

The Neon Trees provide our musical egress this week with their big 2012 hit, "Everybody Talks".

Why The World Didn't End, The Elephant Man & Top Medical Maladies

This week on Ripley Radio - the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we listen to James Papp, an expert on the Mayan culture as he tells us why the world didn't end in December as predicted by so many. Also we hear from Brent Sicard, who went from being the janitor of a grocery store chain to become its part-owner and CEO - Believe It or Not!

Other Strange Stories We Captured for the January 21 Episode: Jodi Pliszka visits us and lists the top weird medical maladies she reported on in 2012; In his segment, Jackpottin' with James Taylor, the sideshow historian tells the strange tale of Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man; Edward Meyer, Ripley's archivist unveils the top exhibits he acquired during 2012; and TV reporter Scott Fais tells us about a train ride that takes us into the wilderness and back, all in the name of entertainment.

"Seven Day Week", this week's musical egress is compliments of the Detroit-based band, JTX.

Top Stories of the Weird, Strange & Unusual of 2012

It was a big year for the weird and strange and this week on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we take a look at some of the weirdest tales of 2012. Chad Lewis reveals the top roadside attractions he visited during the year and Lee Speigel unveils the top paranormal stories he covered for Huffington Post.

Other Strange Stories We Captured for the January 14, 2013 Episode: Braxton Southwick of the Nat Geo TV show, The Preppers, tells us how to prepare for bad times; John McKissick, the 86 year old football coach who has won 600 games tells us how he did it; Emmy winning TV reporter Scott Fais picks the strangest stories he covered during the year in Florida; and Edward Meyer, Ripley's archivist counts down the top five acquisitions he made on behalf of Ripley's during the year.

Rayland Baxter provides our musical egress this week with "Driveway Melody".

King of Stupid Human Tricks & Crashing a Biker's Funeral

In our first show of 2013, we talk with the king of Stupid Human Tricks, Brian Pankey. He holds more than 2,000 records for doing stupid things! Gail Ruben, the doyenne of death, joins us again and talks about the brighter side of death - the unique, weird and sometimes strange funerals that follow.

Other strange things discussed on the January 7, 2013 episode of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! includes a discussion with Mort Banks who sold a gallon of BBQ Sauce on eBay for nearly $10,000. Tune in to see what kind of sauce brought in that kind of dough! We also hear from Star Donovan who has created an entirely new image of vampires - for grade school kids - in a series of books. Are some "urban legends" really true? We hear that some are much more than myths.

Benjamin Gibbard provides our first musical egress of 2013 with "Teardrop Window".

Hard Core Jousting, Sunken Treasures, Jim Morrison & The Doors

We don't sing Auld Lang Syne, but we do get the year off to a pleasurable start with an unbelievably weird, bizarre and totally fun show. We hear about a Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles where the rock group The Doors once had a recording studio and you'll be surprised what now occupies what was once the sound booth! We also learn that Charlie Andrews is one tough dude! He is the reigning world champion jouster and he explains that it is definitely a sport in which you WILL get hurt.

Additional Bizarre, Unusual and Weird Topics discussed on the December 31, 2012 episode of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! include: Pat Croce, the owner of St. Augustine's Pirate and Treasure Museum tells us that his crew has discovered two ships that were part of Sir Francis Drake's final expedition; we hear that ghosts were blamed for a stash of items stolen from a local police precinct that were found in one of the cop's basement; a cupcake bakery in the UK nearly went out of business because they had TOO much business, thanks to a Groupon; and we are told by return intern Abby that an English historian was found with 20 female corpses in his house - all dressed up as if they were going to a party!

Our last musical egress of the year is a rock version of the traditional New Year's Eve song by the amazing Los Straitjackets. They call it "Soul'd Lang Syne".

Witch Doctors, Alien Hands & 7 Billion People

TV adventurer, author, actor and world traveler Piers Gibbon stops by Ripley Radio this week and tells us about his latest National Geographic Channel show, "The Witch Doctor Will See You Now!", Jodi Pliszka explains what the "Alien Hands" syndrome is all about and provides a few very graphic bizarre examples of what can happen if you have this affliction.

Also on the December 24, 2012 episode of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not! - Return Intern Abby reports that the 7 billionth human on Planet Earth was born on Halloween, a year ago in the Philippines; Chris Epting reports on a booth in Pete's Tavern in Lower Manhattan where O. Henry sat while writing the Gift of the Magi in 1906; We hear that the Sugar Plum Fairy of St. Charles, Mo., was fired just before Christmas and learn of the "Save the Sugar Plum Fairy" groups that have sprung up in an attempt to get her coveted job back; and Edward the archivist relates how bizarre it was spending the day in Thailand, with three "unusual and unbelievable" people - the Scorpion Girl, the Centipede Boy, and the Wolf Child.

We go traditional country this week for our holiday musical egress. Carlene Carter teams up with Daron Norwood for their version of the "Working Elf Blues".

Roadkill Nourishment & Money-Eating Mongrel

This week we feature a Florida woman who left $1,000 in cash on the kitchen counter only to be eaten by her dog! How she got it back may surprise you! We also discover that at least one pregnant woman craves roadkill, not ice cream.

Also on the December 17 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we hear about the holiday activities at Ripley attractions across America. We talk with Michael Hirsch of the New York City Believe It or Not! museum who tells us about his month-long Ripley-style fun, which includes an opportunity to have a mini-Santa sit on YOUR lap! Kim Kiff, manager of the St. Augustine, Florida, Believe It or Not! museum describes her Santa's Village and the city's Nights of Lights and tells us that all Florida residents get into all the Ripley attractions state-wide for half-price in December.

In addition: We learn of Christmas customs of far-away lands: burning goats in Sweden, holiday meals at KFC in Japan, and defecating dogs in Spain; We learn that a bakery refused to bake a birthday cake for a child - named Adolf Hitler; and we hear that on Thanksgiving morning, a live turkey fell out of his nest, crashed through a window and landed inside a restaurant - that was not serving turkey for dinner!

Lady Antebellum provides our holiday musical egress this week with Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Weird Santa Tales, Signs From the Other Side, & Running in Flip Flops

Just two weeks before Christmas 2012, Ripley Radio, the official broadcast program of Ripley's Believe It or Not! takes a look at the darker side of the jolly fat guy dressed in red, including a glimpse at Krampus, which legend says follows Santa around and eats little kids who have been bad. We also hear that our dearly deceased friends and relatives may be trying to reach us from the other side. Author Joe Higgins explains a few ways they may be trying to reach us.

Also on the December 10, 2012 episode, Scott Douglas of Runner's World magazine tells us about a runner who completed a full marathon wearing only store bought flip flops, and Jodi Pliszka explains why doctors implanted horns on the head of an infant boy. Musical stylist, the late Eartha Kitt, provides us with our Christmas musical egress this week with the best recording ever of "Santa Baby".

Lizardman Speaks, Ring Shui, and Tattooing on a Roller Coaster

Canadian sideshow performer, The Great Orbax, wanted to learn to tattoo, so he climbed aboard a wooden roller coaster and practiced - on his brother Sweet Pepper Klopek, while moving 50 mph! Hear from Orbax and Pepper on how this huge promotional stunt played out! The renown and very green Lizardman takes a break from a performance and explains what and why he does what he does.

Also on the December 3, 2012 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we hear about a doctor who cut off a part of a woman's skull and stored it in her stomach for several weeks and we are informed that you can learn a great deal about a person by observing on which finger they wear their rings. Our guest, Barbara Berg, calls it Ring Shui. We also learn that scientists think that by shooting paint balls at an approaching asteroid, the earth may be saved! We turn to Django Django's Hail Bop for our musical egress this week.

Hobbit Food, a Long Walk & 300 Years of travel for Cromwell's Head

Nick Kleckner was homeless and adrift the day he decided to walk from Florida to California. He not only found the West Coast, but a new direction in life as well. He tells us about his remarkable 178 day journey and how it turned his life around - this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Also on the November 26,2012 episode of Ripley Radio: We follow the journey of Oliver Cromwell's head, for 300 years after his beheading; Coach Meg from the Harvard School of Mind Control drops by; Don Ecker of the Dark Matters Radio show tells us there are more UFOs up there than flying saucers; and we hear of a new Denny's menu featuring Hobbit-themed food items.

Funerals, Sea Turtles & Percilla the Monkey Girl

Author and doyenne of death, Gail Ruben visits Ripley Radio this week and tells us about her quest to crash 30 funerals of total strangers in 30 days. Then she blogs about the deceased and her experiences at the funeral. Taking a whimsical approach to death and funerals is her forte.

In Jackpotting with James Taylor, the sideshow historian talks about one of his most unusual friends, Percilla the Monkey Girl. Now deceased, Percilla spent decades on the circus and carnival sideshow circuit, dancing for thousands of paying customers and showing off her body - totally covered with hair.

Also on the November 19 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Chris Epting discusses a very unusual site in Long Beach, California - A family of sea turtles living and thriving in the warm waters of a small channel next to a power plant! Angela reveals the top occupations in which the employees need to drink the most coffee to survive a day at work, Ralf explains how a baby doll saved an entire family from perishing in a house fire and Kim Kiff, manager of the Ripley's attractions in St. Augustine, Florida, drops by and tells us that St. Augustine is a great place to spend a few days during the upcoming holiday season!

Portals to Heaven and Hell & an Armless Video Star

Tisha UnArmed is a video star. Her talent? She videos herself tying her shoes, making a sandwich and doing other things that most of us consider normal, everyday tasks. What makes her videos unique is that she does all these things with NO arms. Tisha tells us that she also takes requests. Chad Lewis reveals several renown Earthly "portals" that are believed to lead to heaven and/or hell.

Also on the November 12 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Jodi Pliszka, in her Weird Medical Maladies segment, expresses her concerns for a woman who can eat nothing but mint Tic Tacs. What does one do with an exotic pet that can't be controlled or is not wanted anymore? Donald Shultz, of Nat Geo's TV show, Animal Intervention, stops by and talks about several of his more unbelievable interventions. Cherrie Currie of the Runaways provides the musical egress with her rock version of the Sonny & Cher classic, "I Got You Babe".

Goblinproofing, Pop Culture Apocalypses & Ma Barker

In an enlightening interview, Ripley Radio listeners learn this week how to repel the harmful curses of the fairy kingdom, when we talk with the insightful Clint Marsh about the new insightful book, "Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop". Chad Lewis drops by and tells us that much of what we know about Ma Barker, the legendary gang leader of the 1930s is myth.

Also on the November 5^th episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we address the end of the world, as we know it. As December 21 approaches, which is being forecast as doomsday by many, author Laura Barcella joins us to discuss how pop culture has addressed 50 different apocalyptic visions. We also hear of a book written with disappearing ink and Mary Hayes from Cassadaga, Florida, the psychic capital of the world, explains how she channels and a little about the spirits on the other side who help her. "When My Train Pulls In", by newcomer Gary Clark Jr., is our musical egress this week.

A Psychic Astrologer, Graveyards & Werewolves

We're back at the historic Hotel Cassadaga this week and learn more about the appeal and the draw of this spiritual little Florida community, known as the "Psychic Capital of the World". We hear ghost stories and visit with famed psychic astrologer Ginny Stern. Diana Morn, the hotel's owner, introduces us to Arthur, the community's most famous spirit. All this on the October 29 Halloween edition of Ripley Radio, the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Also on this week's special show: We learn of a Werewolf Hunt in the UK in which anyone can partake; we talk with Ghost Hunter Kris Williams; we are invited to attend the largest gathering of sideshow performers in the world this weekend in Wilkes Barre, Pa.; and Chad Lewis reveals where a few wickedly cursed graveyards are located. The hokey, if not traditional Halloween song, by Bobby "Boris" Pickett, "The Monster Mash", is our musical egress this week.

Scary Things, Live Psychics & Weird Burial Rituals: all on October 22 Halloween Edition of Ripley Radio

We broadcast the first of two special Halloween shows this year live from the "Psychic Capital of the World", Cassadaga, Fla. From the historic Cassadaga Hotel, we learn of the history and the amazing draw that this small community has had since the late 19^th century. Hotel owner Diana Morn joins us this week on Ripley Radio - the official broadcast partner of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, as does medium and psychic Torre.

Also this week: Chad Lewis reports on the very odd and unusual burial traditions of Europe, and sideshow entertainer The Great Orbax, gives us a preview of what he and his partner are planning to do at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver on October 24. It has something to do with the old wooden roller coaster, a 50 foot drop, and an on-board tattoo attempt. Don't miss it. In keeping with the spirits of Cassadaga, our musical egress this week is "Spirit in the Sky", by Norman Greenbaum.

Witch Watch, Ghosts in a Barn & A Little Tyke Driving a Big Truck

At 9 years old, Kid KJ is the world's youngest Monster Truck Driver, but he will lose that title soon - to his 6 year old brother. Ralf talks with Kid KJ this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Ripley favorite witch, Judika Illes tells us why Halloween is truly the Season of the Witch.

Also this week: we learn that touring musician and author of Road Stories, Peter Aven, has ghosts in his barn recording studio; we hear about a man who was pronounced dead on the scene, got up and walked away; Angela informs us of some very weird restaurants; and we are told that a pair of Elvis Presley's underwear sold at auction for $16,000! Rocker John Fogerty provides our Halloween musical egress with "Wicked Old Witch".

Burning Rocks, Paul Bunyan & Professional Snuggling

Imagine how terrified you'd be if the rocks you picked up on the beach suddenly broke into fire a couple hours later - while they were still in your pocket! Believe it or Not!, you'll hear that story on this week's episode of Ripley Radio! Our newest contributor Chad Lewis reveals why Babe the Blue Ox is blue as he tells us the long-lived tale of Paul Bunyan.

Also this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, you'll hear: about what the Ripley's Haunted Adventures have in store for the Halloween season; a woman who makes $60 an hour as a professional snuggler; a man who has a serious medical malady that keeps him from gaining weight no matter what or how much he eats; that sometimes love can be re-ignited after divorce - 50 years later! The breakout folk group, the Lumineers, play their hit "Ho Hey" as this week's musical egress.

Jesus Toast, Tom Thumb, & Small Horses

This week on Ripley Radio, we talk with the creator of the toaster that can summon up a great image of Jesus each and every time on any slice of bread! Tom Thumb was not the smallest person to ever walk the earth, but he certainly was the most popular of the Lilliputians. Sideshow historian James Taylor and Ripley archivist Edward Meyer present two different segments on the mighty mite general and we are told that Ripley owns the suit in which Tom Thumb was married.

Also, this week: we hear from the breeders of the world's smallest horse; Judika Illes tells us about the Jupiter Retrograde that is currently upon us; Angela informs us that a new Fiat model is offering up as an option the world's first in-car coffee maker; and we hear all about the Oddtoberfest being held at Ripley's Orlando Believe it or Not! Odditorium on October 6. Our musical egress this week is Train's current hit, "50 Ways to Say Goodbye".

Jesus Toast, Tom Thumb & Small Horses

This week on Ripley Radio, we talk with the creator of the toaster that can summon up a great image of Jesus each and every time on any slice of bread! Tom Thumb was not the smallest person to ever walk the earth, but he certainly was the most popular of the Lilliputians. Sideshow historian James Taylor and Ripley archivist Edward Meyer present two different segments on the mighty mite general and we are told that Ripley owns the suit in which Tom Thumb was married.

>>>Also on the Ripley Radio this week:

We hear from the breeders of the world's smallest horse; Judika Illes tells us about the Jupiter Retrograde that is currently upon us; Angela informs us that a new Fiat model is offering up as an option the world's first in-car coffee maker; and we hear all about the Oddtoberfest being held at Ripley's Orlando Believe it or Not! Odditorium on October 6. Our musical egress this week is Train's current hit, "50 Ways to Say Goodbye".

The Minister who Went to Hell & Back, Clairvoyance and Occult Powers

"Swami Panchadasi's Clairvoyance & Occult Powers", a century-old book has served as the basis for modern self-help volumes through the years and contains amazing, unusual and unbelievable claims. Clint Marsh has dusted off the old book, written a new introduction to it and this week joins Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, to explain what it's all about.

>>>Additional Unbelievable, Fun and Weird Items Discusses this Week:

• Philadelphia minister Kevin Benton has written "A Field Guide to Hell", in which he claims to have gone to hell and back - literally. He enlightens us with details about that amazing journey.
• Intern Abby tells the tale of fish falling from the heavens in Honduras.
• Edward reveals facts about the world's first and only underwater post office.
• We learn that the famous Chilean flag that was underground with the trapped miners is now in the Ripley archives.
• We also find out what a swordswallower, an armless man, a legless Elvis impersonator and a former NFL player have in common.
• AND we learn all about Lava Lamps this week when Tim presents it as the topic of the famous Spot the Not! quiz!

Bad Girls, Steampunk, & Broken Wings

Bad Girls Galore - The American West had its share of outlaw women, many of whom were killers and rustlers - and some actually ended up on the short end of a long rope as a result. Author Michael Rutter has documented these bad girls in his "Bedside Book of Bad Girls." He visits with us on the Sept. 10 episode of Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and shares several amazing and shocking stories about a few of them.

>>>Additional Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Items Discussed this Week:

• Steampunk is often defined as Victorian style with an industrial revolution feel to it combined with a touch of Jules Verne fantasy - all mixed together with a 21^st century punk attitude. Sandra Martin, the founder of the Oklahoma Steampunk Expo is on hand to tell us all about this emerging genre and about her annual confab in Oklahoma City.
• Chris Epting reports about a plethora of fallen birds, all with the exact same wing injury.
• Tim plays Spot the Not! using facts culled from the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Baseball Oddities book.
• Edward examines the Steampunk exhibits in the Ripley archives.
• We find out who the fittest man in the world is and where he lives.
• The Eagles present their 1975 Number One hit, "One of these Nights", as our musical egress this week.

The Mouse House, Family Cremains & a Knife Throwing Breast Surgeon

Disneyphile Chad Emerson has compiled a book of essays from Disney aficionados around the world to celebrate the four decades of Florida's Walt Disney World. This week on Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Chad shares with us some of the more unusual and amazing and unbelievable stories from his book.

>>>Additional Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Items Discussed this Week:

• Intern Abby reports on a Knife Throwing Breast Surgeon.
• Sideshow impresario Ward Hall tells Tim O'Brien that there is still validity in exhibiting freaks for entertainment.
• Author Dan Schlossberg covers some of the strange things we're likely to experience during the 2011 Major League Baseball Season.
• Huffington Post's Buck Wolf reveals what a lot of families are doing with the ashes of their dearly departed.
• We hear strange stories from Ripley's Believe It or Not! book on Baseball Oddities.
• Edward Meyer tells us that fruitcakes play an important part in British family customs.
• AND B. Bumble and the Stingers provide our musical egress this week with "Baby Mash".

Year of the Rabbit, a Carny Priest and a Bunch of Creeps

Jody Pliszka visits us this week on Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and explains what the Chinese Year of the Rabbit means to all of us and what we should expect if we were born under one of the five signs of the rabbit.

>>>Additional Random Amazement's Discussed This Week:

• Well-known TV writer and author David Bickell has an unusual and somewhat kooky book and website called Creepiosity. He talks with us about what he finds really creepy in this already strange world.
• Sideshow veteran and entrepreneur Ward Hall explains why he feels that freaks are still a viable entertainment option on today's carnival midway.
• We meet Father John, the Carny Priest who travels across America tending to his flock of itinerant show people.
• Intern Kyle introduces us to a man who has run 365 full marathons in 365 days.
• Ripley's archivist Edward Meyer explains how the marathon got its name and describes the amazing collection of Olympic torches in the Ripley collection.
• And our musical egress this week is Pat Porter's "Blues for Father John".

Talking Animals & a Pyramid on Pike's Peak

"Bats Sing, Mice Giggle" is the name of the new book by Dr. Karen Shanor, a researcher who reveals some amazing and surprising facts about the way animals communicate. This week on Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Dr. Shanor shares some amazing research that is totally unbelievable.

>>>Additional Random Amazement's Discussed This Week

• UFO Phil, perhaps one of the most unusual and fun guests ever on Ripley Radio unveils his plan to build a huge pyramid on the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado so the aliens will have a place to land. He also sings for us and very secretively lists ways for us to tell the good aliens from the bad.
• Intern Abby provides a tale of a dog being elected as the mayor of a small Kentucky town.
• We hear about parrots that are trained to prevent crime and we learn that Ripley's has an amazing collection of weird, strange (and stuffed) animals in its vast archives.
• The Twelve Girls Band provides the musical egress this week with "Carnival".

Frozen Dead Guys & a Veteran Sideshow Talker

Gail Rubin's slightly irreverent but quite practical look at death and funerals led her to be a part of this year's Frozen Dead Guy Festival where she unveiled her new game, the NewlyDead Game. This week on Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, the official radio station of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, she talks with us about how to plan for your own funeral in a fun way.

>>>Other Unbelievable Items Discussed This Week on Ripley Radio:

• Ripley's favorite witch, Judika Illes talks about the recent edict from the Catholic Church about witches.
• Intern Kyle examines the Doomsday Seed Bank in Norway.
• Tim visits with sideshow legend 81-year old Ward Hall who talks about the importance of the sideshow talker, or the Bally, in any midway show.
• We find out what happened to the 100,000 t-shirts that were printed listing the wrong Super Bowl Champion (sorry Pittsburgh)
• We learn about the extensive collection of Ripley's Believe It or Not! death oriented exhibits, including Fantasy Coffins, the gallows from Chicago's Cook County Jail, and the gas chamber chair from San Quentin Prison.
• We are told that Robert Ripley's last word spoken was AMEN, just before he collapsed on live television during a show on funeral customs. He died two days later.

Elvis, Buddy Holly & a Great Fish Story

There are still mysteries and controversy surrounding what many feel is the day the music died, Feb 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens died in a plane crash. This week on the official radio station for Ripley's Believe It or Not!, we talk with Gary Moore, author of the book "Hey Buddy" and he unveils what has not been told to us through the years.

>>>Additional Random Amazement's Discussed This Week:

• We also visit with a security guard in Nashville and hear about his Elvis sighting.
• Chris Epting explains what happened to the pyramid that traveled with rocker Todd Rundgren during the 1970s and in who's backyard it is now standing.
• Edward Meyer, Ripley's archivist tells us about a very large chunk of Elvis's hair in the archives.
• Intern Abby unveils a very odd map of the US in which each state is identified by its biggest fault.
• Tim talks with the quirky CBS News correspondent Bill Geist as they walked through the Ripley's Believe It or Not! odditorium in Orlando.
• Ralf is impressed with the fact that a president of a country has a hit rap song on the charts.

Flying Cars, Presidential Pets & an Italian Art Museum in a Pizza Shop

Two new models of flying cars have been put on the market, a Michigan Pizza Shop turned into a Classical Italian Art Museum is doing well, and we take a look at Presidential Pets that have lived in the U.S. White House through the years - all on the July 30 Episode of the Ripley Radio Oddcast.

Also this week we learn: How the US Government is preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse and what YOU can do to prepare; About the 10 foot by 10 foot jelly bean portraits just purchased by Ripley's Believe It or Not!; That only 10 companies are responsible for most of the products you buy; and our musical egress is Surfin' Safari, the 1962 summertime hit by the Beach Boys.

Cars that Float, Wild West Shows & Rowdy Beer-Drinking Cows

An Amphicar Festival in Ohio, a look back at Wild West Shows, cows disrupting a college beer party, and disgusting food facts about our everyday food choices - all on the July 23 Episode of Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast!

Also this week, you'll hear about: hybrid designer animals; a horse-carriage hijacking where the horse was the hero; an update on the Bearded Lady's reunion with her long-lost son; and for our musical egress we go back to 1983 with Modern English and their hit, "I Melt With You".

Chasing UFO's & Hunting for Big Foot in Texas

Is It legal to hunt for Big Foot in Texas? New information on the famous Rubber Skin Girl, a look at the history of Wax Museums and a chat with Erin Ryder, star of the new TV series Chasing UFO's - all on the July 16 Episode of Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast.

Also this week, you'll hear: about the dad who promised a year's supply of beer to whomever would give his son a job; a new radio station focused on Doomsday; new exhibits at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums worldwide called Ghost in the Machine; and important information needed to survive the current planetary condition - the Mercury Retrograde!

A Ripley Sideshow and a Space & Bicycle Museum

A Summer Sideshow, a Bacon Coffin, a Space & Bicycle Museum, a primer on old time Medicine Shows and a psychic pig! That and more on the July 9 episode of Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast!

The traditional sideshow acts are back at Quassy Amusement Park this July 9-22 as the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Summer Sideshow is presented daily at the Middlebury, CT family funpark. The amazing Todd Robbins will head up the acts in this historic look back at the golden years of the sideshow. It's a free show at the free-admission park and you'll hear all about it this week on Ripley Radio.

One of the most eclectic museums you'll ever find is the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum in Sparta, Wisconsin. From sprockets to rockets, this great little exposition features the evolution of transportation while honoring its home-town hero, one of America's first astronauts. We talk with the museum's Alli Karrell and she tells us about the museum and a couple fun events she will be holding this month.

>>>Additional Weird, Bizarre, Unusual and Unbelievable Stories Featured this Week:

• A psychic pig has replaced Paul the Octopus as the prognosticator for the World Cup games.
• We'll learn a few things about Dinosaurs that we never learned in school.
• Ralf talks with the head of a company that makes anything and everything bacon, including a burial coffin.
• Ripley's sideshow historian, James Taylor tells us that the old time Medicine Shows are very similar to today's television programming. A lot of pitch and a little bit of entertainment!
• What do you do when you find a horse swimming alone in the ocean, two miles from shore? You rescue it, for sure. We hear from a Coast Guard hero who did just that!
• Ralf covers the latest in weird nude news!
• Maroon 5 provides our musical egress this week with their hit "Payphone".

Weird Medical Maladies, Proof of Reincarnation & Miss Artichoke 1948

Psychic Marie Gates, author of "Are We Our Past Lives?", visits Ripley Radio this week and discusses her journey from being an atheist and not believing in re-incarnation to one who believes in both God and re-incarnation. She relates a compelling story that she feels proves that re-incarnation does indeed exist.

Weird Medical Maladies Minute is a new segment that makes its premiere this week. In the series, Jodi Pliszka respectively leads us through a maze of uncommon, unusual and often bizarre human diseases and conditions. She kicks off this week explaining a malady that she herself has suffered for the past 20 years - alopecia universalis - which has left her totally hairless.

>>>

• Miss Artichoke 1948 was a beautiful Los Angeles model who trekked up to Castroville, Calif. to partake in the pageant. The media coverage of her victory kicked off her journey to super-stardom and her position as a Hollywood icon. Have any ideas? Tune in to be surprised.
• A man wants to kill his girlfriend and make it look like a bear did it! His idea was simple. First, he was going to kill a bear, then clean it out and climbed into the skin. When the girlfriend took the trash out he would then maul her to death. He was turned into police by a friend before any bears were harmed.
• Echo Bodine, author of the "Little Book of True Ghost Stories, shares her up-close, personal and often reluctant experiences with the spirits.
• It's been a good year for weird foods. How about Caesar Salad cotton candy?
• Competition for the pizza dollar got hotter than usual in Florida. Two employees, thinking they would help their employer, Dominoes, burned down the neighboring Papa Johns. Poor guys, they are now in jail eating prison pizza.
• We hear a funny story about a 92-year old woman who couldn't produce a driver's license (she isn't allowed to drive anymore) to show proof of age while trying to buy a bottle of whiskey. The clerk refused to sell it to her so she went elsewhere and scored.
• Angela explains how several on-line services will provide fake girlfriends for lonely guys. The ladies will email, text, send photos and post blogs expressing their undying love - presumably for anyone who provides a credit card.
• From a vintage Ripley Radio segment, we'll hear the tale of how a submarine full of sailors, stranded at the bottom of the ocean, was saved by singing.
• Beatlemania at its finest! Ralf has found John Lennon's molar. It's up for auction, with a $15,000 minimum opening bid required.
• And Tim will disclose which American zoo has trained its elephants to wash cars - in exchange for a $20 donation.
• Florence & The Machine provide our musical egress this week with "Breaking Down".

The Tanning Mom Action Figure & How to Train Fleas

It truly is a scary thought. Believe It or Not!, the woman who became notoriously known as the Tanning Mom is now an action figure! A toy and doll company in Connecticut is now selling the figure for $29⁹⁵. And what's more, the company president tells Ralf, that his company can customize an action figure that looks like you! Tune in to this week's Ripley Radio Oddcast for this truly bizarre story.

Power to the People! is more than an anthem. Floor tiles are being installed in London, in time for the Olympics that can generate electricity when people step on them! Angela reports on this unbelievable new and efficient way to create energy!

>>>Additional Weird, Bizarre, Unusual and Unbelievable Stories Featured this Week:

• The Flea Circus was a big draw in Dime Museums and on carnivals for years and yes, they really used fleas as tiny little actors. Sideshow historian James Taylor explains the show and tells us briefly how to train a flea.
• Intern Abby reports that tens of millions of people still live in caves in China. The hillside holes can be rented or purchased and many are equipped with modern amenities.
• Ralf talks with Michigan politician Ann Doyle who is sure of at least one family's vote in this fall's election! The family dog attacked Doyle as she was out campaigning and in turn she earned their vote.
• Our Weird Medical Malady of the Week is Kleptomania. Jodi Pliszka explains that it's not all about stealing.
• A company is now selling salt "harvested" from people's tears of joy, anger, sorrow and from cutting onions.
• What's one thing you don't want to leave behind when you rob a home? You'll hear about one teenager who left behind his backpack and a thumb drive containing all his homework.
• Ripley's archivist Edward Meyer tells us that one of Ripley's newest acquisitions is the full size "Bad to the Bone" motorcycle, made from the bones of road kill!
• In honor of the July 4 weekend, Katy Perry provides the musical egress this week with "Firework".

Getting Booted from a Buffet & a Juggling Triathlete

The triathlon, where contestants swim, bike and run for various lengths are quite common. What's uncommon is to have an athlete juggle balls during all three events. Believe It or Not!, that's what Joe Salter did and Ralf caught up with him afterward for a fun chat. Did he drop any of the balls during the race? Tune in to this week's Ripley Radio Oddcast to find out!

P.T. Barnum made the Dime Museum of the late 1800's a popular attraction to visit for the entire family. These storefront "museums" displayed wild and weird specimens, plus bizarre and strange human acts. As they were fading in popularity in the early 1930's, Robert Ripley patterned his very first Odditorium after these early expositions and took the presentation up several notches. Sideshow historian James Taylor provides the fascinating evolution of the genre in which Ripley still excels today!

>>>Other Weird, Wild, Crazy, Bizarre, Strange and Unbelievable Things Discussed This Week:

• Aren't "All You Can Eat" buffets supposed to serve up ALL YOU CAN EAT? Yea, that's what we thought too, until we heard about this Wisconsin man who got thrown out for eating TOO MUCH! He's now picketing the restaurant.
• Our Weird Medical Malady host, Jodi Pliszka, has a very strange condition to discuss this week - Walking Corpse Syndrome!
• What a sad tale: Grandma saves pile of cash for granddaughter's college. Grandma presents the cash to said granddaughter who takes a picture of it and posts it on Facebook. A not so nice friend of granddaughter sees it, breaks into her house and steals the money during the night!
• A man in Australia runs a half marathon of 13.1 miles on a treadmill in a hot air balloon high above ground - all for charity.
• Intern Abby tells us that the most expensive parking spot, possibly in the world, is now on sale in New York City for a cool million!
• How about a prison in Norway in which the inmates carry keys to their own cells and can come and go as they please? Angela reports on this cushy prison.
• Ripley archivist Edward Meyer reveals where a couple of the 200-plus new exhibits going into Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums this month are headed: St. Augustine gets a Jack Sparrow sculpture made out of old car parts; New York City gets a collection of miniatures including a carving of the Obama family - in the eye of a needle; and Hollywood is gearing up for the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death with a vast exhibit that includes Monroe's famous sweater, a make-up kit, and her original steps in cement from the Grauman's Chinese Theater.
• Rita Ora provides our musical egress this week with her pop hit, "How We Do Party".

Man Becomes First Time Father at 94 & a Swashbuckling Bar Owner

A pirate-themed oyster bar in Florida was being robbed when an employee grabbed the closest weapon he could find - a piece of the theming decoration - and foiled the bad guy's efforts. What did he use? Tune into this week's episode of Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast, and find out!

Through the decades of space travel, US Astronauts have not only claimed to see odd things flying by outside their space capsule, but have brought back photographic proof of those objects. NASA immediately "lost" the data in their bureaucracy and instructed the astronauts that they hadn't seen a thing. Ripley Radio's own UFO and Paranormal investigator, Lee Speigel, reports on this cover-up and hints at what's really happening out there.

>>>More Odd, Unusual, Strange and Unbelievable Things Discussed this Week:

• The wife a 94-year old Indian man gave birth last month to the man's first ever child! Intern Abby relates this heart-warming story in our Father's Day show.
• Angela has discovered the world's most expensive pizza. Where else but in New York City, is a restaurant selling a four-slice pie for $1,000! Listen and find out what goes on top of a pizza that sells for a grand!
• A daredevil monster-truck driver plans to share a very special and dangerous Father's Day with his 14 year old daughter by attempting a stunt that has never been done before. Marc Hartzman explains what this guy is about to attempt IN FRONT OF HIS DAUGHTER!
• Ralf finds a 2,100 square foot garden-themed woman's toilet in Japan. It's a one-seater, so it won't be hard to find, just look for the long line.
• A Croatian lumberjack had a liver transplant and soon became addicted to housework! Believe It or Not!
• Jodi Pliszka reports on the Weird Medical Malady known as Misophonia - the hatred of sound.
• Weird Holiday Creator Tom Roy, shares information on Stupid Guy Thing Day, just in time for Father's Day.
• And the hot new boy band, One Direction provides our musical egress this week with "One Thing".

Dinosaurs Roaming Africa, a Huge Tree House & A Cure for Hiccups

Imagine every time you hear a specific song, whether in the car, at home or on the beach, you immediately go into a seizure. It's a problem suffered by those afflicted with a medical malady commonly known as Music Induced Syndrome. It's rare and it's UNBELIEVABLE! Jodi Pliszka stops by and tells us all about it.

There are people who have recently seen live dinosaurs in Africa! Lee Speigel tells us a fascinating story about an upcoming expedition that will trek into the deep and dark interior areas of the country to see if they also can spot and of course, chronicle the big guys.

>>>

• Horace Burgess, who built the World's Largest Tree House in Crossville, TN tells Ralf how and why he built it and what it is used for today.
• A 13-Year Old school girl has developed a cure for hiccups. Really! Tune in to hear how her science project may have solved an age-old quandary of the medical community.
• Stop, Drop and Sing? Angela reports on new evidence that sound waves can actually put out fires! Believe It or Not!
• Tom Roy, our weird holiday creator, explains a very logical, albeit weird celebration: Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day!
• Edward tells us about a few of the unique exhibits in the newest Believe It or Not! Odditorium, located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore.
• Babe Ruth's jersey just sold at auction for $4.4 million, the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia every sold! Edward notes that Ripley has a collection of Babe Ruth items, most located in the Ripley's Believe It or Not! in New York City.
• Grouplove's catchy tune, Tongue Tied, is our musical egress this week.

UFOs Over Las Vegas, an Adventurous Cow, & Twitter Saves a Wedding

Where is the worst place for a cow to show up after escaping from its farm? This week on Ripley Radio Oddcast, we discover the answer to that question. It's a fun, feel-good animal story that gives an all new meaning to the food chain, AND, it's a perfect Ripley story because it is totally UNBELIEVABLE!

Ripley's paranormal and UFO correspondent, Lee Speigel, joins us and proves that what goes on in Las Vegas never really stays there! On a recent trip during dinner, he missed a major UFO sighting over the city and didn't hear about it for two weeks. When he did, he checked the videos he had shot that evening and discovered an amazing array of various orbs flying over his hotel. He shares that experience with us.

>>> Other Weird, Unbelievable, Bizarre, Wacky and Wonderful Items Discussed this Week:

• Angela has a feel-good story about a couple whose wedding was paid for by donations raised from a Twitter campaign. All their deposits were lost three days prior to their planned nuptials when the wedding planner went bankrupt and it appeared they would have to call off the wedding. That's when the tweets and retweets saved the day!
• The award winning TV journalist Scott Fais joins us around the oblong table again this week and tells us about a Florida castle made entirely from junk and trash. It's now a Bed & Breakfast Inn, where guests dine in the Boat in the Moat restaurant.
• Jodi Pliszka, Ripley's Solutionologist, reports on the weird, but very true malady in which a person can feel no pain whatsoever. It is both rare and dangerous.
• In an effort to stay as sensitive to cultural issues as possible, New York City has banned the use of words such as dinosaur, birthday and Halloween from its formal tests that all school kids must take. Intern Abby reports on this absurd attempt to save our youth.
• A pilot was forced to make an emergency landing when something strange and unusual took place in the cockpit. Tune in to find out exactly what it was. In the meantime, here's a hint. Remember the movie Snakes on a Plane?
• Pity the poor child who thought his hamster had died. He buried it in his back yard and the next day his neighbor returned the very much alive, very dirty hamster to the owner. Weird but true story.
• The group Train provides us with this week's musical egress as they sing their hit Drive By.

Mini-Kiss, Hot Dog Pizza & Home-Made Nuclear Reactors

Believe It or Not, the rock group Mini-Kiss, a group of small guys in full Kiss Rock and Roll makeup, really does exist as a touring band AND they are heading to Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine for a Memorial Day Weekend show! This week, Mini-Gene Simmons visits the Ripley Oddcast and explains their show and their excitement in working with the "real" Kiss in a Super Bowl Pepsi commercial a few years back.

When it comes to putting ingredients on pizza, just about everything has been tried over the years, so what does a pizza chain do now to create excitement and new tastes for their product? The answer is simple - they turn to the crust, not the toppings. Angela checks in this week with a report on what crusty concoctions are appearing on pizzas world-wide - including Pizza Hut's new hot dog stuffed pizza.

>>>Additional Bizarre, Fun, Strange and Unbelievable Topics Discussed this week:

• Intern Abby tells the remarkable tale about Taylor Wilson, a 17-year old who made a nuclear reactor in his mom's basement and is now a teenage consultant with the government.
• We learn if drinking a carbonated beverage and eating Pop Rocks candy can really make you explode as the popular and long-lived urban myth suggests. Nearly 10,000 spectators at a baseball game try it out. Ralf talks with a Pop Rocks VP to see how many survived.
• How do we keep cobra snakes from taking over North America? Tom Roy says all you have to do is yell FUDGE at noon on June 2. It must work. When was the last time you saw a cobra in a woodpile?
• Our in-studio guest, Scott Fais, a reporter with Orlando's Channel 13, unveils two off-the-beaten-path attractions in Ochopee, Fl. - America's smallest post office and the official Skunk Ape Research Center.
• In our Weird Medical Malady Minute, our Solutionologist Jodi Pliszka describes the condition in which a person cannot EVER forget anything.
• Our musical egress this week is "Glad You Came", by Wanted.

Taco-Copters & The Heart Attack Grill

This week, we interview the owner, but we don't necessarily endorse his concept, of a restaurant in Las Vegas that has a huge sign at the front door warning: "Caution, This establishment is bad for your health". There have been several real heart attacks at The Heart Attack Grill, whose slogan reads "High Calorie, High Fun, Good Tasting Food." Samples from the menu include "Flat Line Fries" and the "Triple By-Pass Burger".

Imagine living far from a Mexican food restaurant and you yearn for a taco. What do you do? You get online, order a taco and before long, a flying robotic drone lands on your front lawn, you go out and unload your taco and the drone takes off to conduct yet another palate saving mission. The Taco-Copter is a reality in San Francisco, and there is talk of a Lobster-Copter in New England. But wait - the Federal Aviation Administration has put a temporary kibosh on the idea. Angela gives us the latest details on this innovative food delivery system.

>>>Other Amazing, Awesome and Totally Unbelievable Topics Covered This Week:

• Ralf talks with 6-year old Drew Cox and his mother about the young man's Lemonade Stand that has earned more than $25,000 in sales - all destined to help pay medical expenses for his sick father.
• A High School in Connecticut is in line to set a record in two years for the most twins in a graduating class.
• Abby reports on an interactive celebrity poster in Japan that will kiss you back. Creepy but true!
• Ripley's special guest this week, Scott Fais of Orlando's Channel 13, unveils the location of Florida's Spook Hill, where he witnessed cars, skateboards and a shopping cart rolling backward up a hill. Many different, far-fetched explanations are discussed.
• From her book, Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey, Fran Capo discusses an unsolved murder that involved a minister and the star singer in his church's choir.
• Closing out the show this week, we hear "We are Young" by Fun.

Weird Festivals and a Trip to the Titanic

Less than 200 people have gone below the sea to visit the Titanic in the 100 years since it sank. Fran Capo, a regular Ripley Radio Oddcast contributor is one of them. This week, she relates how she got to be one of the lucky ones, the world record she set while submerged more than two miles below the surface, and she candidly tells us what her greatest fear during the trip was. You'll be surprised as to what it was!

May is the start of the summer in most regions of the Northern Hemisphere and that means the start of a long string of unusual and bizarre fairs, festivals and events. If weird is in your travel plans for 2012, make sure you listen as our ensemble talks about everything from the Garlic Festival and the Monkey Buffett Festival to the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival and the Redneck Games. We also cover the Twins Festival and as many of the food throwing festivals we could find!

>>>Other intriguing, weird, bizarre and absolutely unbelievable things we discuss this week:

• In this, the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, National Geographic magazine features an amazing story that unveils a lot of new and unbelievable facts about the ill-fated ship and its voyage. Ralf talks with the author of that article, Hampton Sides.
• Tom Roy makes his debut this week. He's the one who invents a lot of those weird and bizarre holidays that we celebrate during the year. As the keeper of the website wellcat.com, Tom has "invented" more than 90 such days. This week, he tells us how best to celebrate No Socks Day and Eat What You Want Day.
• Have you ever heard of a radio station giving away a baby as a promotion? We hadn't either until we ran across this story. We talk with the station manager and find out the real truth behind the hype.
• Scott Fais, the "Florida on a Tankful" reporter for News 13 in Orlando, joins us for several shows in May and amazes us with some of the strange things he has seen and reported on during his treks across the state. This week, in keeping with the theme, he tells us all about the Gator Hatching Festival in Palmdale, FL.
• In our Weekly Weird news segment, we hear about a man who was held at gunpoint in front of a McDonald's in Utah and was forced to do the moonwalk.

The UFO Congress, Mob Museums & a Swami Nerd

Lee Speigel, a regular contributor to Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast and a Huffington Post writer, not only gave a popular presentation to the International UFO Congress last month, but he was also awarded the UFO Researcher of the Year. This week, he talks about the award and about the importance of the UFO Congress.

Swami Yomahmi, the self-proclaimed "Original Sideshow Geek", has one of the most original sideshow acts in the business today - combining traditional acts with a heavy dose of nerdiness and humor! He drops by this week and discusses his act, why he does what he does, and maybe most importantly, what his mother thinks of his line of work!

>>>More Amazing, Unusual, Bizarre and Unbelievable Stories Covered This Week:

• Remember the violent St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago? The wall behind the seven mobsters who met their demise is now a leading exhibit at the new Mob Museum in Las Vegas. Where has the brick wall been since 1929? For many years, it was used as a back splash for a men's room urinal in Vancouver, Canada. Tune in for details!
• Extreme Dine & Dash. Five well-dressed men spent the evening drinking and running up the check at a posh restaurant in Australia, and then left an unpaid bill as they all jumped out the windows of the 55th floor establishment. Ralf has full details on what happened to them next!
• Abby relates an incredible tale of how a man stole a woman's identity and lived as that lady, running up more than $100,000 in bills over a 13 year period before getting caught!
• Bicyclist Kevin Foster (aka Captain America), whose feats impressed and encouraged other bikers including Lance Armstrong, talks with Ralf about his bike trek on the Great Wall of China and an upcoming event this summer in each of the 50 states!
• We hear about the Trashy Fashion Show at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine where young women made dresses out of recyclable items, including paintbrushes and coffee filters!
• Edward announces a new traveling exhibit created to show exclusively at Science Museums throughout North America. "Science Behind Ripley's Believe It or Not!" is set to visit 16 venues over the next six years.
• AND Walk off the Earth provides our exit tune this week, their own version of "Somebody I Used to Know".

Tattooed Mayor, US Stonehenges & Ripley's President

This week marks the 100^th episode of Ripley Radio – An On-Demand Oddcast and during the show we hear from Ripley's President Jim Pattison Jr. on how the show is helping keep Robert Ripley's legacy alive and current, and we also hear from many of our guests who we featured during the first 100 shows!

We talk with Ray Johnson, the 46-year mayor of Campo, Colorado, who is thought to be the most heavily tattooed mayor in the US. Ralf questions him on how his constituency feels about all the ink. You'll be surprised at his response.

>>>Additional Weird, Wacky, Bizarre and Wonderful topics Discussed this week:

• Ralf explains the terrible accident that was the demise of a celebrated earless rabbit born in Germany.
• We'll learn just how far it takes for a Guinea Pig to jump to set a world's record.
• Abby discusses Panda Dung Tea, a very expensive beverage.
• Angela lets us know there are at least 12 Stonehenges in the US - made with everything from foam to refrigerators.
• Ripley's Edward Meyer tells us that one of his latest acquisitions is a Last Supper made of Ivory Soap.
• Jodi Pliszka's segment this week on Weird Medical Maladies highlights Object Sexuality and tells the tale of a lady who has fallen into romantic love with the Statue of Liberty.
• AND our musical egress this week features the Eagles singing their 1977 hit, Hotel California.

Area 51, The Hair Hangers of Ringling & Ripley Joins Hall of Fame

Believe It or Not! creator Robert Ripley has been inducted into the Sideshow Hall of Fame, at Coney Island USA! Ninety-four years after he drew his first Believe It or Not! cartoon and 79 years after he opened his first Odditorium at the Chicago World's Fair, Ripley officially joins the esteemed lineup of history's greatest showmen! Tim was there and he reports on how it all went down!

An exhibit featuring the secretive Area 51 has just opened at the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. Ripley's UFO expert Lee Speigel tells us the irony that the museum, part of the federally funded Smithsonian Museum group, would feature something that the Federal Government itself has claimed doesn't exist, wasn't lost on him. Otherwise, it's a well done, expansive and educational exhibit, he notes.

>>>Additional Unusual, Weird, Wild and Wacky Things Discussed this Week:

• Igor Vovkovinskiy, America's tallest living man is in a bind. His shoes are uncomfortable and a set of new, custom fitted ones will cost in excess of $16,000, a sum he doesn't have.
• Angela reports that the sport of Quiddich now exists outside of a Harry Potter film! More than 100 teams gather each year in New York City to compete in the "World Cup" of this bizarre game.
• You'll hear what an amazing grandmother did on her 101^st birthday - just to show up her 75 year old son!
• A unique act in this year's Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus's production of "Dragons", is an amazing duo called the Hair Hanging Wonders. As the name implies, they hang from their tresses as they perform aerial maneuvers! Marc Hartzman visited with them and reports back to Ripley Radio that they are very careful of what hair products they use!
• Ripley's Edward Meyer announces that the new exhibit on dinosaurs has just opened at the Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, complete with robotic beasts and one of a kind dinosaur artifacts.
• In the Weird Medical Maladies Minute, Jodi Pliszka, Ripley's very own Solutionologist, discusses a disorder that prevents a person from ever smiling!
• Ralf talks with the director of the Pima Air & Space Museum about their attempt to fly the largest paper airplane ever flown!
• AND to close out the show we hear Funky Bahia, from the new album by Sergio Mendes, featuring Will.I.Am and Siedah Garrett.

How to Eat Chocolate Bunnies & Tattoos That Vibrate

Ripley Radio's tribute to Easter this week features Ripley-style advice on how one should eat a chocolate bunny and author Anne Perciado Rich visits to explain how bunnies and colored eggs became a part of the most important holiday in the Christian religion.

Have you ever been in a noisy restaurant or a loud rock concert and have been unable to hear your cell phone or even feel it vibrating? Now, our friends at Nokia are creating the technology that will cause a special tattoo on your body to vibrate when a call or email comes in.

>>>Additional Weird, Unusual and Bizarre Items Discussed This Week:

• Marc Hartzman reports on the amazing Torres Family, now appearing on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Eight of them climb onto motorcycles, drive into a 16-foot Globe of Steel, and then proceed to show incredible skill as they run circles around each other at speeds up to 65 miles an hour.
• Tim announces that Robert Ripley has been nominated for the Sideshow Hall of Fame at Coney Island USA in Brooklyn, NY. Voting takes place on Friday, April 13.
• John Rucker was the first African-American man to wear an NBA uniform, but didn't realize he held that distinction until he received a call one day from the New York Knicks, his former team - more than six decades later! Rucker, now being called a pioneer, explains to Ralf how all this happened.
• We learn that two Girl Scouts in Missouri are suing the state over the right to sell cookies.
• Angela reports on what may be the most elaborate Twilight-themed wedding ever held.
• Edward talks about the extensive artwork in the Ripley collection - made of candy!
• AND, we musically close out the show with Katy Perry's new hit, Part of Me.

Girls Turning into Gorillas & Tax Problems of the Rich and Famous

Since its beginning, the Girl to Gorilla illusion has been a hit on circus and carnival midways around the world. Using mirrors, it appears the beautiful girl is slowly turning into a big hairy ape and as she does, the mesmerized crowds stood there silently until something happens that sends them all screaming out of the tent! Sideshow historian James Taylor visits Ripley Radio this week and tells us the reason behind that mass exodus at practically every show.

As the tax deadlines approach in the US, we learn that many of the rich and famous owe incredible amounts of back taxes to the US Government. You'll be amazed to find out what film star still owes nearly $150 million in back taxes!

>>>Other Weird, Wild and Wonderful Discussed on Ripley Radio Oddcast this Week:

• Ripley's own Solutionologist, Jodi Pliszka, reports on an unusual medical malady where a person will break out in hives if they get too cold!
• Baseball team owner and promoter Mike Veeck discusses some of the outrageous promotions he has created over the years, including "Nobody Night", where he deliberately kept the crowds outside in the stadium parking lot while the teams played inside. He now holds the record for the lowest attendance ever at a professional baseball game - Zero.
• Return Intern Abby lists non-drinking uses for a popular soft drink cola, including cleaning coins and de-skunking a dog.
• Ripley archivist Edward Meyer talks about a few pieces of interesting artwork he has recently acquired, including portraits made from jigsaw puzzle pieces, spoons, and old cassette tapes.
• From the files of the Weekly Weird, Ralf shares news of death by couch surfing, a new sport called Taser-ball, and where you will find a Maine coon cat named Hank running for political office.
• AND, Carrie Underwood provides us with our song of the week - Good Girl.

The Boogeyman of New Jersey & The Tennessee Giant

A nun who gives messages and pigs who serve as ball boys are just a few of the weird and wonderful promotions that baseball club owner and promoter Mike Veeck has propagated over the years. The King of Baseball Promotion drops by Ripley Radio this week and tells us what unusual activities he has planned for his ballparks in 2012.

An incredible tale of killing, deception and avoidance of the law is the story behind Fran Capo's segment about the Boogeyman of Westfield. She wrote about him in her book Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey, and she recounts the amazingly grisly story to our listeners this week.

>>>Additional Crazy, Bizarre and Unusual Stories Featured This Week on Ripley Radio:

• One of the creepiest looking insects ever thought to be extinct but wasn't is commonly being called a "tree lobster", and while the story of its survival - down to only 5 creatures at one time - is uplifting, its looks aren't very conducive to nightmare free nights! Angela fills us in on all the why's and where's
• Miles Darden, The Tennessee Giant, is probably the largest man to ever live! Marc Harzman shares the story of the big guy.
• In Jackpotting with James Taylor, the historian tells the tale of the man with three eyes, Bill Durks.
• For nearly a century, mysterious lights have appeared on Brown Mountain, near Raleigh, N.C., and nobody during those 100 years has been able to figure out what they are or where they come from. Return Intern Abby provides an insight into the phenomena and explains how the little community is finally starting to cash in on it.
• Ralf reports on a "dumb criminal" who was caught with several items, including a 19-inch flat screen TV, in his pants as he was leaving Wal-Mart

Orange Haired Daredevil & Homer Simpson's Favorite Beer

Bello Nock is perhaps the most recognizable circus performer ever. In creating his own performance niche as a comic daredevil, he shows as much skill as a daredevil as he does as a clown. His foot tall orange hair helps identify him in either role. Tim caught up with Nock for a quick interview prior to the Circus Sarasota presentation of Bello Mania.

Duff Beer, the drink of choice of the fictional Homer Simpson, was a fictional drink itself until recently. It is now being brewed as a German Pilsner, but only available in the UK. Angela explains why it has taken so long for a brew named Duff to make it to the marketplace.

>>>Additional Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Items Discussed this week:

• One of Robert Ripley's favorite entertainers, Melvin Burkhardt, was the first to carry the name of "Blockhead", having been given that title by Ripley himself at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. In the Jackpotting with James Taylor segment, the sideshow historian describes the wacky and well played life of the original Human Blockhead.
• A 27 pound, 40 inch long Lobster, the size of a three year old child, is the largest lobster ever caught in the waters of Maine. The huge crustacean, nicknamed Rocky by his captors, was released due to laws governing big lobsters.
• Jesus is on sale for $250.000! Tough guy to put a price on, but this 22 square foot portrait is made out of 25,000 colored push pins!
• Intern Abby reports on macabre deaths and injuries, caused by flying body parts of other humans and animals.
• Tim has discovered an item called a "telemarketer repellent" and demonstrates it on air. The electronic device has 25 choices of cleverly recorded messages that you can use to insult and confuse the telemarketer when he calls during dinner.
• Love memorabilia from old subways? New York City is updating old stations and is offering the old benches - bacteria and graffiti included - for $650.
• Edward updates us on the 15 pieces of art he has purchased from the artists of Thailand who create huge sculptures – he's talking 15 to 20 foot tall – made from parts of old cars imported from China. His latest acquisition is a 15-foot tall Godzilla.
• AND, the "Boss", Bruce Springsteen, closes out the show with his new single, "We Take Care of our Own."

Pizza Cravings, Getting Lucky, & Life on the Moon

David Schuler likes good pizza, so he drives nearly 1,500 miles and across 16 states, from Mississippi to Massachusetts, to get the perfect pizza pie. And he stocks up once he gets there. Last time, he went home with 150 of those tomato-soaked ovals of greatness in his backseat. He visits with us this week on Ripley Radio - An On-Demand Oddcast and tells us about his favorite pizza restaurant.

Susan Hyatt says the only difference between lucky and unlucky people is their thoughts. That said, the author of "Create Your Own Luck: 7 Steps to Get Your Lucky On" stops by this week and describes how we all can learn to be lucky!

>>>Additional bizarre, unusual, awesome and weird topics covered this week:

• In 1835, a newspaper reporter in New York City had most of the world believing that there was not only life on the moon, but the inhabitants were large bat-like men with wings. Marc Hartzman shares this hoax with us.
• There really is a town out west named ZZYZX! Angela tells us how to pronounce it and where it's located.
• Ralf reveals that the leader so far for the 2012 Razzie Awards, which honors the worst film of the year, is Jack and Jill, an Adam Sandler film that has 11 nominations for being the worst in just about every category you can think of!
• The oddest book title so far this year, according to a leading book trade magazine is "Cooking with Poo." Tune in to find out if this is really what it sounds like!
• Return intern Abby reports that Adele-sized mannequins are now in demand in U.K. dress shops as the plus-size singer surges in popularity.
• A former football player has set a world record! He flew his finely-crafted paper airplane an amazing 226 feet shattering the old record.
• After living in Rebekah Speight's freezer for three years, a Chicken McNugget that resembles George Washington has been freed and put up for auction on eBay. Profits are set to help send kids to a church camp this summer.
• AND we close the show with a rousing live version of the song Jezebel, by none other than the Herman's Hermits!

Boxing Chimps, Flying Squirrels & the New Jersey Devil!

This year contains the most Friday the 13th occurrences possible in one calendar year - three. And to make things even more daunting for those with Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) is that they are exactly 13 weeks apart! This week on the Ripley Radio Worldwide Oddcast, we examine the number and give everyone a little bit more to worry about, such as the fact that dying in a car crash is 64% greater on Friday the 13th!

The New Jersey Devil, not the Hockey Team, is legendary in the folklore of New Jersey, and this week the author of Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey, Fran Capo, drops by and traces the history of this monster and provides some credibility to those who claim they have seen it.

>>>Other Weird, Bizarre and Totally Outrageous Things Discussed this Week:

• Sideshow historian James Taylor tells us about a unique midway draw during the golden years of the carnival sideshow - boxing chimps. Bob and Mae Noell's Athletic Apes were always challenged, but never beaten, as they travelled from town to town welcoming all pugilistic comers.
• Ralf visits with a fireman in New Jersey who was called to the local hospital to capture a flying squirrel that was visiting the emergency room and wouldn't leave, not once but twice within a month's time.
• One legislator in the State of Kansas, in the U.S., is trying to get the Cairn Terrier, the breed of Toto the canine star in the Wizard of Oz, named as the "official" dog breed in the state. The subject has been brought up before but always defeated, Believe it or Not! Let's hope no one wants to make those scary Flying Monkeys the official state primate!
• In our Weird Medical Maladies Minute, Ripley's Solutionologist Jodi Pliszka explains the terrible and rare genetic condition known as Progeria, where a person turns old very quickly and prematurely.
• Social media is alive in the air! On various airlines, you can chat with that hunk in seat 14B or check out the profiles of those already assigned a seat to see who you would like to sit next to. But they still charge you to check a bag!
• Ripley's official cartoonist, John Graziano, visits our studio and brings along a Ripley's Believe It or Not! book from the 1930s that he says is haunted! A haunted book? Tune in, it's a great story.
• AND, in the famous Spot the Not! quiz, we learn if it is or isn't against the law in Memphis, Tenn. for a frog to croak after 11 p.m.