The "Space Western" That Dozens of Movie Studios Hated -- and Millions of Moviegoers Have Loved Ever Since
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
Release Date: 06/08/2025
Now Playing at an Ocean Near You: "Attack of the Frankenfish Monster"
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? In their aquatic laboratory lair, Canadian scientists are playing god: Genetically alterring the genes of a typical 20-pound salmon in the hopes of creating a super salmon -- a 550-pound finned behemoth dubbed "Frankenfish." It's a creature designed to grow faster. Swim faster. Mate prodigiously. And redefine the all-you-can-eat dinner special at Frank's Fish House. Will their creation live to roam the deep blue sea? Find out in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of "100 of the Worst Ideas in History, the Podcast" is in...
info_outline
The Crash Course in Terrorism That Gave the 9/11 Hijackers Their Inspiration
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? If you can't beat 'em, scare 'em. That's the thinking behind the battle-tested terror tactic that convinces young pilots to crash their planes into command-designated enemy targets. When successful, the enemy is made to feel violated and vulnerable -- and the pilot is made to feel, well, dead. That was the calculus bheind the infamous Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Yet it's a tactic that was popularized halfway around the world over five decades before. Listen and learn about it in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next episode of...
info_outline
Long Before Beyonce Went Country, Oprah Went West and Kicked Cowboy Butt
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Were They Thinking? During a hard-charging, hoof-stomping talk show debate over the cattle industry’s cannibalistic practice of feeding cow meat to cows, host Oprah Winfrey declares: “It has just stopped me cold from eating another burger!” Texas cowboys rope Winfrey into court, claiming that her “false defamation of perishable food” has sent their cattle prices tumbling, costing the state’s beef industry millions. What happens when Oprah rides into town for the high-noon legal showdown? Learn all about it in this episode. More Blundering Brainstorms to Come The next...
info_outline
The Lying, Cheating American Tour De France Winner Not Named Lance Armstrong
100 of the Worst Ideas in History
What Was He Thinking? At 2 a.m. each morning, over his devote Mennonite father's objections, he sneaks out of the house to practice his beloved cycling on the frozen hills of Farmersville, Pennsylvania. This dogged determination leads him to a spot on the U.S. Postal Service cycling team -- and to a surprise victory in the heralded Tour de France. But immediately, controversy slams on the brakes. In this episode, learn how and why this little-known cyclist became the focus of international sympathy, then outrage, then criminal indictment and eventual banishment from the sport. More...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineWhat Were They Thinking?
In the sparkling-water-swilling, $3,000-suit- wearing, have-your-masseuse-call-my-masseuse world of Hollywood film production, saying yes to a film concept is fraught with peril. If the movie bombs, you could lose your job (not to mention your masseuse).
Saying no, on the other hand, is easy -- except when the movie you and every other major studio pooh-poohs goes on to become the original summer blockbuster -- and the springboard for one of the most successful movie franchises in history. Listen, laugh 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.