Ignorance is Bliss: The Doctor Who Killed the President
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
Release Date: 02/24/2025
WD-40: The Space Rocket Idea That Crashed and Burned for Its Inventor
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Was He Thinking? He's the genius inventor (and not-so-bright businessman) who creates a product that eventually appears in four out of five American homes -- yet his poor decisionmaking ensures that he earns next to nothing for his efforts. Learn all about the amazing journey of WD40 in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in production and on its way to you. Watch for it wherever you get your podcasts. And remember to subscribe, like and comment. For 99 other examples of historical, hysterical...
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Back to School Special: Bad Ideas Gone Good
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? Sure they stumbled out of the gate -- but slow and steady wins the race for these six flops that turned out to be fabulous successes: An Upchuck of Historic Proportions He Forgets His Underwear and Turns Blue Blind Teen Creates an Awl-some Invention A Golden Moldy A Not-So-Sticky Situation A Forgettable Film Leads to an Unforgettable Rescue Listen, laugh and learn all about them in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in production and on its...
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O.J. Simpson: An All-Time Great Rusher, an All-Time Worst Lover
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? Given O. J. Simpson’s combination of looks, charisma, and athletic talent, it’s no wonder girls lose their heads (sometimes literally) when the slashing running back is around. But one of the NFL’s all-time great rushers is also one of America’s all-time worst lovers. In this episdode, learn about the various women who dated, married or simply took a stab at romance with the Hall of Fame football star -- and how (or even if) they lived to tell about it. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the...
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The Big Mac Smackdown: McDonald's Battles London Couple for Insulting Their Burgers
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? Environmental activists David Morris and Helen Steel camp under London-area golden arches to hand out their pamphlet titled: “What’s Wrong with McDonald’s? Everything They Don’t Want You to Know.” McDonald’s burger brass (possibly led by an incensed Mayor McCheese) proceeds to flip their collective bun lid, suing the financially-challenged postman and gardener in every imaginable way -- for the next five years. And when the verdict comes in, one party to the suit is happier than, well, a Happy Meal. Find out who in this episode. More Blundering...
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It's President Vs. Ex-President in the Fight to Free A Group of Mutinous Imprisoned Slaves
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? Joseph Cinque leads a group of fifty-four Africans aboard the Spanish slave schooner La Amistad in a daring mutiny near Havana, Cuba, demanding that the crew provide them safe passage back home. Instead they're captured, imprisoned and held by the U.S. government on the condition that proceeds from the sale of said slaves are paid in taxes. What happens next pits the current President against a former President in a human rights battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court. Listen and learn all about it in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to...
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Backyard Steel Plants? China's Great Leap Forward Falls On Its Face
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Was He Thinking? The fearless leader commands you to replace your shrub plants with a steel plant. Dutifully, you and over 23,000 of your comrades obey. Using homemade backyard blast furnaces, kitchen utensils, old farm machinery, anything metal that’s not nailed down is melted down in a frantic effort to meet ambitious steel-production quotas. Here's unsurprisingly bad news: The backyard steel output is erratic and the quality is poor. Now here's the surprisingly bad news: 20 to 25 million people die in the process. Listen and learn all about it in this episode. More Blundering...
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Independence Day Special: The Midnight Ride of Not Paul Revere
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Was He Thinking? Every school kid knows Longfellow’s classic poem that begins: “Listen my children and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.” But hold your horses! Historians tell us that Longfellow ignored as many as forty other brave riders, including a young man who rode farther and alerted more Massachusetts colonists to the impending British raid than Paul Revere ever did. Listen and learn all about it in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in production and on its way...
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The Superman of Inventors: Common Sense is His Kryptonite
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Was He Thinking? An inventor since his teen years, he's Superman when it comes to conjuring up revolutionary innovations: the safety pin, the sewing machine, the fountain pen and the repeating rifle, among others. But he’s kryptonite when it comes to business. Listen and learn how this man's revolutionary innovations made millions for others, yet left him to die penniless. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in production and on its way to you. Watch for it wherever you get your podcasts. And remember to...
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Mad Hatters Introduce the Hippest in Urine-Soaked, Mercury-Infused, Camel-Hair Headwear
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? In the race to create fashion-forward, Euro-hip menswear, nineteenth-century hatmakers aren’t using their heads. Selecting the finest Turkish camel hair with which to produce hat felt, they discover that soaking the fibers in camel urine greatly enhances quality and manufacturing efficiency. One problem: Yet just as mercury makes for beautiful hats, it does ugly things to the human body and mind. Listen and learn how the term "mad hatter" went from an "Alice in Wonderland" fantasy to a grim 19th century reality. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The...
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Father's Day Special: 100 Worst Ideas on the Air -- Author Interview with WNFL radio in Green Bay
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? Well, the producers at talk radio station WNFL were thinking that putting "100 of the Worst Ideas in History" on their airwaves might be a good idea -- and they were right. The infotaining repartee ensues as author Michael Smith shares his insights on the ill-fated XFL football league, the fat-free food additive that caused embarassing digestive issues, the most dangerous kids' game ever invented and much more. Listen, laugh and learn more in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is...
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History tells us that President James Garfield is shot and killed in a Washington railroad station by an irate diplomat-wannabe named Charles J. Guiteau.
The part about Guiteau shooting Garfield is unquestionably true. But the part about him killing the President is dead wrong. Listen and learn all about it in this episode.
More Blundering Brainstorms to Come
The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in production and on its way to you. Watch for it wherever you get your podcasts. And remember to subscribe, like and comment.
For 99 other examples of historical, hysterical stinkin’ thinkin’ from the past, get your copy of popular book "100 of the Worst Ideas in History," available at Amazon.com and better retailers everywhere. Audiobook now available at Audible.com and other platforms.