Ripley Radio

Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! talks with the world’s oldest Facebook user,105 year old Edythe Kirchmaier this week. We called her at work and she took a few minutes off to chat with Ralf with an F. We also talk with Tad Johnson, of the Brainerd, Minn. Jaycees, the organizer of the world’s largest charity ice fishing tournament which hosted 10,000 fishermen this year, all huddled around little holes drilled in the ice! Additional Weird and Wacky Facts you’ll Hear on the February 24 Episode of Ripley Radio: Chad Lewis takes us on a trip to a roadside attraction in Iowa, a 1912 house where a gruesome ax murder took place in 1912. One can now visit the house, and if you prefer, can bring along a sleeping bag and sleep overnight on the floor, for only $450; Jodi Pliszka explains that 15% of the population has Vampire Syndrome. Tune in to see if you could be afflicted; Ralf reports that mile marker 420 on Interstate 70 in Colorado keeps getting stolen, so authorities solved the problem by posting a mile marker 419.99 sign a few feet down the highway; Angela lists the weird holidays coming up in March; and Lynn Waddell, author of “Fringe Florida,” explains the sport of swamp buggy racing and tells us about her ride on the Redneck Royalty. Bastille performs Pompeii as this week’s musical egress.

It’s World Sword Swallowers Day on Saturday, February 22, and more than 30 performers will be displaying their dangerous art at 15 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums and at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. The originator of this weird and strange event is Dan Meyer and he stops by to tell us why the day is so special AND important not only to fans of the sideshow arts, but to the world medical community as well. We also hear from Alexandra Chauran on the February 17 edition of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The author of “Have You Been Hexed?” she will educate us on how to tell if we’ve been hexed, and as a bonus, she’ll tell us how to put a hex on someone else! Additional Weird and Wacky facts you’ll hear this week on Ripley Radio: Jodi Pliszka talks about Stone Man’s syndrome, a condition in which a person’s muscles turn into bone; Ralf talks with Pasco County (Fla.) sheriff’s spokesman Doug Tobin about a man who was shot as he drove along in his car, not realizing immediately that he was shot; Angela updates us on Ripley’s two touring shows, one in San Diego and one in Phoenix; John Graziano, Ripley’s official illustrator joins us in the studio and explains how it took him 25 years to land his dream job; and Lynn Waddell, author of “Fringe Florida,” is also an in-studio guest and talks about the strange and wild exotic animal sanctuaries in the state of Florida. Shakira, with the help of Rihanna, provides us with this week’s musical egress, Can’t Remember to Forget You.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, this episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! could prove to be a life saver for the lovelorn. Ripley’s resident witch, Judika Illes has shared with us step by step instructions on how to cast a love spell on that person you have had your eyes on. You don’t want to miss this! Also, Chad Lewis shares his research on some of the items that people have married – including dolls and an amusement ride. Really! He also describes several unusual and strange wedding chapels. Additional Weird and Wacky facts on the February 10 edition of Ripley Radio: Ralf talks with the man behind the largest gingerbread house ever made; perhaps the only drivable truck, made out of 11,000 pounds of ice, was created in Toronto for Canadian Tire and they made a TV commercial out of the process; Joe Kasinski of Ripley’s Orlando Believe It or Not! Odditorium drops by for another visit and tells us how popular Ripley’s famous Fertility Statues remain, with some traveling thousands of miles just to rub the two ebony statues; and Angela tells us that while pizza is indeed from Italy, pasta actually has its roots in China. Believe It or Not! The Imagine Dragons provide our musical egress this week with Demons.

TDo real witches like how television portrays their kind? This week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, our friendly witch Judika Illes reviews a couple shows that were popular in 2013 that featured witches. We hear that in the end, it’s all great entertainment. Just because its winter, doesn’t mean the outside weirdness has to stop. Chad Lewis takes us to a downhill shovel race championship and then to an international water tasting festival. Additional Weird and Wacky facts on the February 3 edition of Ripley Radio: Joe Kasinski of Ripley’s Orlando Odditorium, joins us and reports that several new attractions are being built near the Ripley’s location on popular International Drive, including the tallest observation Ferris Wheel in the state; police spokesperson Tiffany Wood relates how a contest winner for the TV show Breaking Bad ended up getting himself busted for drugs; Angela continues her series on weird football facts when she tells us that in an average National Football League game, the ball is in play for less than 11 minutes; and we hear how a small town beer pub owner took on giant Starbucks in a copyright infringement squabble. Ke$ha joins Pitbull this week for our musical egress, Timber.

This week’s strange happenings on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! includes a roundup of the weirdest and oddest things about the National Football League, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday! Did you know that more than 70% of NFL players go broke within a few years of leaving the sport? Details on this and many other strange facts will be shared. Also, we’ll hear about thieves who not only stole beer from a Florida Walmart, but they also inadvertently stole the manager as well! Additional Weird, Wild and Wacky Stories on the January 27 episode of Ripley Radio includes: Jodi Pliszka talks about a young boy whose body is totally covered in fish-like scales; Chad Lewis reports on the largest city-wide murder mystery weekend ever held in the U.S.; Joe Kasinski of Orlando’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium gets a chance to boast about his newest exhibits; Ralf talks with 11-year old Aidan Fisher, whose guitar playing video on YouTube has taken the world by storm; and we learn of a new endurance running record by a New Zealand woman who ran 310 miles straight – in three days, without rest! Holly Williams, the grand-daughter of country music legend Hank Williams, and a star in her own right, provides our musical egress this week with a contemporary drinking song from her newest album, The Highway, simply called Drinkin’.

After years of being challenged because her full name wasn’t on her official identification, Hawaiian resident Janice “Lokelani” Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele (go ahead, try it) has won a personal battle and the state is now required to print the entire name on her driver’s license. Ripley Radio talks with the former Miss Hawaii, now a TV reporter, about what is being called a “great day” for all Hawaiians. And in Harrisburg, Pa., a huge strawberry fell and broke but a new one was prepared in time for New Year’s Eve. What’s all that about? We hear what happened this week on the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the Jan. 20 episode of Ripley Radio: Chad Lewis tells us about his most popular road trip of 2013, from Minnesota to South Dakota, with several stops at funky roadside attractions along the way; Author and Disneyphile Sam Gennawey’s new book, The Disneyland Story, provides an inside scoop on the making of the happiest place on earth and relates a couple weird and strange stories he uncovered along the way; Joe Kasinski of the Orlando Believe It or Not! Odditorium joins us in-studio and promotes what’s new at his location, including a new painting done only in mustard and ketchup; and speaking of ketchup, Angela reports on what we probably don’t know about Heinz Ketchup. The critically acclaimed art pop tune, Royals, by New Zealand teenager Lorde, is our strange and beautiful musical egress this week.

One of the strangest men to ever work the circus sideshows of the U.S. is Bill Durks, who was billed as the man with three eyes and two noses. This week on Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, sideshow historian James Taylor talks about this most unusual man. Also, Chad Lewis recalls his favorite road trip of 2013 and how he unexpectedly discovered the home of Winnie the Pooh. Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the Jan. 13 episode of Ripley Radio: Jodi Pliszka reveals the top three medical maladies she reported on in 2013, including one in which uses maggots for part of its cure; Ralf gets shut down by an editor at the Denver Post when he calls to ask about the position of editor for their recreational marijuana website; Celebrity TV reporter Scott Fais reports on an odd trip through a dark ride at a German theme park that would have parents in the U.S. loudly complaining; Angela points out that there is a difference between a geek and a nerd; Ralf reveals that a recent poll shows that people in Ohio cuss more than anyone else; and Ripley archivist Edward Meyer unveils the Top 10 items that he acquired during 2013. For our musical egress this week, the Lovin’ Spoonful asks the question, Do You Believe in Magic?

Happy New Year and may it be as Weird, Wacky and Wonderfully strange as you wish it to be. A good place to start that journey is by listening to Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! every week in 2014! It’s Wacky guaranteed. This week, James Taylor, our sideshow historian talks with us about Bruce Snowden, the last Fat Man to work the carnival midways of America and Chad Lewis, our intrepid reporter unveils the monster that we all need to be on the look-out for this year – the Slender Man Monster, who was born on the internet. A strange story indeed. Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the January 6 episode of Ripley Radio: We hear from Rabbi Noah Muroff, who found nearly $100,000 in cash in a second-hand desk he purchased. Tune in to see what the good Rabbi did with his found treasure; Juli Moody, the self-proclaimed Female Human Link, is a very, very strong lady. She explains how she was tethered to two motorcycles going in opposite directions and was able to stop them both – dead in their tracks; Florida TV celebrity reporter Scott Fais joins us and reveals his favorite weird stories of 2013, and one includes watching alligators hatch – in your own hand; and Ripley Archivist Edward Meyer presents his “Weirdest Acquisition of the Year” list of 2013 and strangely enough, it includes a McDonald’s Happy Meal he received in the mail. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers present this week’s musical egress, the 1994 hit, American Girl.

A week after Christmas and still in the holiday spirit, 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 30 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.

You’re not going to hear any sappy holiday music this week on Ripley Radio’s first-ever Strange and Weird Christmas Music special. No Alvin and the Chipmunks, or Snoopy, or probably anything you’ve ever heard. While most of the staff took the week off, co-host Ralf, with an F snuck into Ripley’s musical archives and pulled out some of the strangest stuff that even he thinks is over the top. He put together a fun and odd show that is destined to become a holiday classic on Internet Radio! Among others, you’ll hear on the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, are Weird Al, the South Park gang, and the Jingle Babies sing their renditions. You’ll also hear Zombie Christmas, the first recording Jon Bon Jovi ever made (and probably won’t admit it today), comedian Steve Martin with a most irreverent Christmas story, The Four Seasons, and Paul Simon. Ralf offers up a “Name the artist of that weird song” quiz as well as some facts that you probably didn’t know about Christmas. Ozzy Osbourne provides the quite freaky (even for him) musical egress on this first tribute to weird music, with his rendition of a Christmas Classic, done in true Black Sabbath style!

Twas the week before Christmas and things got weirder than usual on Ripley Radio, the official radio broadcast of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! We hear how hot-dog eating champion Joey Chestnut added dessert to his repertoire and won a Twinkie eating contest by downing more than 10 pounds of those sweet little delights accounting for 18,000-plus calories! And, Jodi Pliszka reveals how drinking a whole lot of cola over a long period of time, can be quite detrimental to your health. Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the Dec. 16 episode of Ripley Radio: Angela unveils where the most unusual, and most dangerous drinking locations are in the world; Florida TV personality Scott Fais explains how the state’s snowbirds this year may be upset to learn that a popular hot springs soaking spot located in a deep sinkhole, has been closed; in Texas, lightning does strike twice when it hits the same man twice within seconds while he competed in the off-road challenge – Paychecks for Rednecks; and Varla Ventura, author of Banshees, Werewolves, Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night, provides a primer on the Irish fairy creature, the Banshee. Chris Kenner provides this week’s musical egress with the original version of 1961’s I Like it Like That!

A strange but true story kicks off this week’s episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio program of Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, when we hear from surfer dude Jeff Horton on how he knocked out a shark that attacked him off the coast of Hawaii – with his fists. Chad Lewis reports on a 1961 event in which aliens stopped by a Wisconsin farmhouse and traded saucer pancakes for a fresh supply of water. Witnesses throughout town reported seeing the spacecraft as well, but by all reports, they didn’t get any pancakes. Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the Dec. 9 episode of Ripley Radio: Jodi Pliszka reports on a malady in which hair is growing out of an individual’s eyeball; Ralf talks about a dandelion plant, in near bloom, that a doctor removed from a child’s ear; Orlando TV celebrity Scott Fais tells us that snowbird season has now officially begun in Florida; and TV reporter Carrie Vick reveals the real purpose why a 6th grade student has worn a Green Bay Packers jersey, without ever taking it off, for more than two years. The Rosebuds provide this week’s musical egress with a new Christmas song, Journey to Christmas Island.

How does a beer brewed with meteorite dust really taste? Or, how about diving into the world’s largest chicken nugget? That’s just two of the weird stories we explore this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Additional Wacky and Unbelievable Stories on the Dec. 2 episode of Ripley Radio: We triple-dog-dare you to travel to Hammond, Ind. to admire a new statue commemorating the movie classic, “A Christmas Story,” which highlights that horrifying moment in the film when Ralphie’s friend Flick is dared to lick the frozen flagpole in the middle of winter. We talk with city officials about the statue and the fame the movie has brought to the city. Jodi Pliszka tells us that drinking full strength soy sauce can be fatal and Chad Lewis reveals where this year’s hot festivals celebrating the bad dude of Christmas, Krampus, will be held. Australia’s Boom! Bap! Pow! provides the catchy musical egress this week with Suit.

The elderly rock this week on Ripley Radio. 76-year old Dr. Stanley Paris, already a record setter in several categories, is setting out to be the oldest and the fastest person to ever sail around the world – solo!; Ward Hall, the King of the Sideshow, is still on the bally stage in front of his sideshow at 84 and has no plans to retire; and Audrey Crabtree finally received her high school diploma at 99 years of age. We talk with Paris and Crabtree about their activities and achievements and sideshow historian James Taylor visits us and talks about one of the most unusual men he has ever met in his life - Ward Hall. Additional Wacky Stories on the Nov. 18 episode of Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! The planet’s most unusual alcoholic drinks, including seagull wine, are discussed; and we hear from author Todd Borandi, who wrote the book, “Awakening among Zombies and Vampires,” visits and explains how he went from being a zombie to being a vampire to a being a fully aware human! He tells us how he did it! Katy Perry provides this week’s musical egress with her new hit, Roar!

Another eclectic roundup of weird, wild and unbelievable news this week on Ripley Radio, the official radio show of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! We hear about a five year old youngster who is serving his second term as mayor of the Restaurant Capital of the World, Dorset, Minn. Laura and Rick, local restaurant owners talk with us about their friend the mayor; A deaf dog gets the credit for foiling a home invasion by sensing the intruder was someone to play with and started jumping around on the wood floor, making noise that awoke its owner who came out of the bedroom brandishing a gun. We talk with the newsman who uncovered this unbelievable story. Additional Wacky Stories on the Nov. 11 episode includes: Author Lynn Waddell has written “Fringe Florida,” a book that proves what we’ve been saying for years on Ripley Radio. Florida is a very weird state. She shares several stories from her book with us; in our medical malady of the week segment, Jodi Pliszka reports on the sad story of two brothers whose illness causes them to grow mentally younger day by day; and we learn of yet another specialty product for the bacon lover – bacon body scrub! Anna Kendrick provides us with our musical egress this week, with When I’m Gone.