Episodes

  • These “True Story” Movies, Lied to You

    These “True Story” Movies, Lied to You
    May 11 2026
    “Based on a true story.”
    It’s one of the most powerful phrases in entertainment — but how much of it is actually true?
    In this eye-opening and entertaining episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Eric Thomson, we dive into the fascinating world of so-called “true story” movies and uncover the shocking ways Hollywood has twisted reality for drama, emotion, and box office success.
    From altered characters and fictional events to completely invented scenes, many famous films have blurred the line between truth and storytelling far more than audiences realize. But why do filmmakers change history? Is it harmless entertainment, or does it reshape the way people understand real events forever?
    Through clever storytelling, humor, surprising facts, and unexpected twists, this episode explores some of the biggest exaggerations and hidden truths behind movies audiences trusted as accurate. You’ll discover how cinematic magic can transform real-life stories into something entirely different — sometimes inspiring, sometimes misleading, and sometimes completely unbelievable.
    Whether you’re a movie lover, history fan, or simply curious about how stories are shaped, this episode will make you question everything you thought was “true.”
    🎙️ Podcast: Did You Know?
    👤 Host: Eric Thomson
    📍 Category: Comedy, Mystery & Storytelling
    🎧 Hosted and controlled on Spreaker
    Sit back, relax, and prepare for plot twists both on-screen and off — because sometimes the biggest fiction is the part labeled “true story.”
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    11 mins
  • The Truth About Pointy Shoes in the Dark Ages

    The Truth About Pointy Shoes in the Dark Ages
    May 11 2026
    What if one of the strangest fashion trends in history was also one of the most controversial?
    In this curious, hilarious, and surprisingly fascinating episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Eric Thomson, we step back into the strange world of the Dark Ages to uncover the bizarre truth behind pointy shoes — the outrageous footwear trend that captured attention across medieval Europe.
    At first glance, they may seem funny or ridiculous, but these unusually long and sharply pointed shoes were more than just fashion statements. They became symbols of wealth, power, status, and even rebellion. Some were so exaggerated that people reportedly needed strings to tie the tips to their legs just to walk properly. But why did society become obsessed with such impractical footwear? And what hidden meanings did these shoes carry in a world shaped by strict social rules and superstition?
    Through entertaining storytelling, unexpected historical facts, humor, and strange twists, this episode explores how fashion influenced identity during one of history’s most misunderstood eras. From royal courts to crowded medieval streets, we reveal how something as simple as shoes became a reflection of class, vanity, and human behavior that still feels surprisingly relatable today.
    🎙️ Podcast: Did You Know?
    👤 Host: Eric Thomson
    📍 Category: Comedy, Mystery & Storytelling
    🎧 Hosted and controlled on Spreaker
    Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the weird side of history — because sometimes the strangest trends tell us the most about humanity.
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    9 mins
  • The Forgotten Genius of Vincent van Gogh

    The Forgotten Genius of Vincent van Gogh
    May 11 2026
    What if one of the greatest artists in history died believing he was a failure?
    In this emotional, fascinating, and deeply intriguing episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Eric Thomson, we explore the extraordinary life of Vincent van Gogh — a man whose genius was overlooked during his lifetime, only to become legendary after his death.
    From loneliness and rejection to passion and artistic obsession, this episode uncovers the struggles behind the masterpieces that changed the art world forever. Why did Van Gogh sell so few paintings while alive? What drove him to continue creating despite constant hardship, criticism, and emotional battles? And how did a forgotten artist become one of the most celebrated creative minds in history?
    Through immersive storytelling, surprising facts, emotional depth, and moments of humor, this episode takes listeners inside the turbulent world of a man who painted with unmatched intensity and imagination. You’ll hear about his famous works, his complicated relationships, the myths surrounding his life, and the haunting twists that continue to fascinate historians and art lovers today.
    This is more than a story about art — it’s a story about resilience, misunderstood brilliance, and the painful cost of creativity.
    🎙️ Podcast: Did You Know?
    👤 Host: Eric Thomson
    📍 Category: Comedy, Mystery & Storytelling
    🎧 Hosted and controlled on Spreaker
    Prepare for a journey through color, passion, and tragedy — because sometimes the world recognizes genius only after it’s too late.
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    6 mins
  • The Floating Soap That Rose to Fame

    The Floating Soap That Rose to Fame
    May 6 2026
    What if a simple mistake could turn an ordinary product into a global sensation?
    In this fascinating and entertaining episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Eric Thomson, we uncover the surprising story behind the famous floating soap — a product that quite literally rose to fame. What began as an unexpected accident in a factory turned into one of the most brilliant and successful ideas in marketing history.
    But how did soap start floating in the first place? And why did that small, strange detail capture the attention of millions?
    As the story unfolds, you’ll discover the curious chain of events, the clever decisions that followed, and the twist that transformed a simple error into a worldwide phenomenon. With engaging storytelling, light humor, and intriguing insights, this episode reveals how innovation sometimes comes from the most unexpected places.
    This isn’t just a story about soap — it’s a story about chance, creativity, and the power of seeing opportunity where others see mistakes.
    🎙️ Podcast: Did You Know?
    👤 Host: Eric Thomson
    📍 Category: Comedy, Mystery & Storytelling
    🎧 Hosted and controlled on Spreaker
    Get ready for a story that bubbles with curiosity and ends with a twist — because sometimes, the smallest accidents can make the biggest splash.
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    6 mins
  • The invention of the Potato Chip was an accident.

    The invention of the Potato Chip was an accident.
    May 6 2026
    What if one of the world’s most محبوب snacks was never meant to exist?
    In this fun, surprising, and slightly mysterious episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Eric Thomson, we uncover the accidental story behind the creation of the potato chip — a crispy invention that changed the way the world snacks forever.
    It all started with a simple complaint… a customer who wasn’t satisfied. But what happened next turned frustration into one of the most iconic foods in history. Was it genius, luck, or just pure coincidence? As we dig deeper, you’ll discover the unexpected chain of events, the personality behind the creation, and the twist that turned a kitchen experiment into a global phenomenon.
    Blending humor, storytelling, and fascinating facts, this episode takes you on a journey from a small kitchen moment to a worldwide snack revolution. Along the way, we explore how some of the greatest inventions aren’t planned at all — they just happen.
    🎙️ Podcast: Did You Know?
    👤 Host: Eric Thomson
    📍 Category: Comedy, Mystery & Storytelling
    🎧 Hosted and controlled on Spreaker
    Get ready to see everyday things in a completely new way — because sometimes, the biggest ideas come from the smallest accidents.
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    5 mins
  • The Real Colonel Sanders' Road to Success

    The Real Colonel Sanders' Road to Success
    May 4 2026
    We all recognize the white suit, the black string tie, and the iconic goatee. But before Harland Sanders became the global face of Kentucky Fried Chicken, he was a sixth-grade dropout who faced a lifetime of rejection, job losses, and literal explosions. ​In this episode, we peel back the "Original Recipe" to reveal the man behind the brand. This isn't just a story about fast food; it’s a masterclass in persistence, showing us that it is never too late to start, and you are never too old to succeed. ​What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    • ​The Early Struggles: From farmhand to mule hole cleaner—the chaotic early career of Harland Sanders.
    • ​The "Secret" Before the Sauce: How a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, became the unlikely birthplace of a multi-billion dollar empire.
    • ​A Trial by Fire: The incredible story of the gunfight at Hell’s Half Acre and the many times Sanders almost lost everything.
    • ​The Power of 'No': At age 65, with only a $105 Social Security check to his name, Sanders was rejected 1,009 times before finding a partner for his chicken recipe.
    • ​The Legacy: How the Colonel maintained his fierce standards for quality until his very last breath.
    ​Key Takeaways: ​"I made a resolution that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of money, nor amount of labor, could keep me from giving the best that there was in me." — Colonel Harland Sanders
    ​Why Listen? ​If you are feeling stuck in your career, facing rejection, or wondering if your "big break" will ever come, this episode is your wake-up call. Harland Sanders didn't find his massive success until he was an "old man"—proving that the only way to truly fail is to quit.
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    Not Yet Known
  • The Pearl Incident_ A Daring Escape That Shook the Nation

    The Pearl Incident_ A Daring Escape That Shook the Nation
    May 4 2026
    In April 1848, the quiet waters of the Potomac River became the stage for one of the most ambitious and provocative acts of resistance in American history. Seventy-seven enslaved individuals boarded a schooner named The Pearl, risking everything for a chance at a life of freedom. ​In this episode, we unpack the harrowing journey of the men, women, and children who attempted to sail 225 miles to the North. What drove them to take such a monumental risk? Who were the allies on the shore, and what went wrong when the winds turned against them? ​What We Cover in This Episode:
    • ​The Mastermind & The Vessel: The roles of Daniel Drayton, Edward Sayres, and the courageous organizers within the enslaved community.
    • ​The Night of the Escape: A minute-by-minute breakdown of the secret boarding and the initial hope as they set sail from Washington D.C.
    • ​Betrayal and Capture: How a sudden storm and a devastating betrayal led to their capture at Point Lookout.
    • ​The Aftermath: The violent riots that broke out in the capital and how this "incident" became a turning point for the abolitionist movement, eventually influencing the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
    • ​Legacy of Courage: Why the story of The Pearl remains a symbol of the unbreakable human spirit.
    ​Key Highlights: ​"The Pearl Incident wasn't just a failed escape; it was a loud, defiant cry for liberty that echoed through the halls of Congress and changed the course of a nation."
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    6 mins
  • How The Exorcist Possessed American Culture

    How The Exorcist Possessed American Culture
    May 1 2026
    In this episode titled “How The Exorcist Possessed American Culture?”, we dive deep into one of the most influential and controversial horror films of all time—The Exorcist—and explore how it went far beyond cinema to leave a lasting imprint on American culture.
    Released in the 1970s, The Exorcist didn’t just scare audiences—it reshaped how people viewed horror, religion, and the supernatural. In this discussion, we examine how the film triggered nationwide fear, sparked intense debates about faith and evil, and even influenced real-life reports of possession and exorcism across the United States.
    We also explore how Hollywood used fear as a powerful storytelling tool, how audiences reacted emotionally and physically during screenings, and why The Exorcist became a cultural phenomenon that still echoes in modern horror films today.
    This episode is crafted and hosted for your podcast on Speaker.com hosting platform, where you explore powerful stories, cultural history, and thought-provoking topics that shape society.
    If you're fascinated by horror history, media influence, and the psychological power of film, this episode will take you deep into the shadowy intersection between cinema and belief.
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    5 mins