Betcha Didn’t Know
Welcome to glimpses into the unknown! You’ll enjoy these short videos featuring history, science, biology, and a few facts about everyday life that no one considers. All information here is delivered by the funny teacher you wished you’d had in high school!
Garbo, the Spy Who Fooled the Nazi’s
Betcha didn’t know that the most celebrated double agent in WWII went by the code name ‘Garbo’ and worked both sides so well, he was awarded medals from both the British and the Nazis! Jeff Allen takes you on a hilarious journey into the world of Juan Pujol García—a man who convinced Hitler’s regime he had a full spy network when, in reality, his “agents” were all in his head! Buckle up for one of the greatest cons in history… one that fooled even the Führer!
The Alchemy of Color: How Medieval Artists Made Paint
Join Andy Andrews as he reveals the fascinating history of paint, from egg-based “illuminations” in medieval manuscripts to Tyrian Purple—a dye so rare it was reserved for emperors! Discover how crushed beetles, tree resin, and sea mollusks created iconic colors, why the White House wasn’t always white, and the story behind the Golden Gate Bridge’s “International Orange.” This Betcha Didn’t Know brushes up on the colorful evolution of paint through the ages!
The Surprising Science of Glass
Betcha Didn’t Know…glass isn’t really a solid! Join Andy Andrews as he shatters your expectations with surprising facts about this amazing material. From glass flowing over time to cracks racing at 3,000 miles per hour, this episode is crystal clear in its fun and fascinating science! Learn how glass is made, why old windows look wavy, and how “stunt glass” in movies is actually made from sugar!
Supersonic
Join Briley Crisafi as she dives into the world of extreme sounds, from pig squeals at 130 decibels to the pistol shrimp’s underwater “gunshot” at 218 decibels. Discover how sound travels through air and water, why flies can’t hear their own buzzing, and how infrasound in horror movies can give you chills. Plus, learn about the loudest sound ever recorded—an erupting volcano heard 3,000 miles away! Prepare for a sonic adventure in this Betcha Didn’t Know!
Lights, Camera, Trivia: Surprising Tales from the World of Film
Betcha Didn’t Know the first motion picture was just two seconds long! Join Andy Andrews as he takes you on a journey through fascinating film trivia, from Louis Le Prince’s groundbreaking 1888 short to today’s cinematic masterpieces. Discover how a barista’s mistake led to a Star Wars planet name, how Chewbacca was inspired by a dog, and how Toto from “The Wizard of Oz” earned more than some actors! Packed with surprising stories, this episode shines a spotlight on the hidden tales of film history!
Weird Body Parts You Didn’t Know Had a Name
Betcha Didn’t Know your body has some weird parts you’ve never heard of! Join Comedian Jeff Allen as he uncovers the strange names of familiar body spots, like the “Anatomical Snuffbox” between your thumb and wrist, and the “Popliteal Fossa” behind your knee. Discover the “Philtrum,” that little groove under your nose, and the “Acnestis,” the unreachable part of your back. With terms like “Hallicus-brady-meta-tar-salgia” for a longer second toe, this episode is full of quirky anatomy facts that’ll make you laugh out loud…and sound like a pro at the doctor’s office!
The Buzz About Bees
Betcha Didn’t Know there are around 20,000 bee species worldwide! Join Emily Isbell as she dives into the buzzing world of bees, from the tiniest perdita minima to the giant megachile pluto. Learn how bees’ unique behaviors, like the honeybee’s “waggle dance” and bumblebee’s buzz pollination, play vital roles in our ecosystem. Plus, discover the quirks of honey production, colony life, and their surprisingly hairy eyeballs! This episode is packed with sweet and surprising bee facts you’ll love!
Lady Spies of WWII: Phyllis “Pippa” Latour
Betcha Didn’t Know a WW2 spy outwitted the Nazis with… knitting! Join Briley Crisafi as she unravels the tale of Phyllis “Pippa” Latour, a British secret agent who used knitting to hide secret codes. Disguised as a young girl on a bicycle, Latour transmitted 135 vital messages to aid the Allies during D-Day preparations. Discover how this courageous woman evaded capture, all while wielding her knitting needles as a tool of espionage. This episode is threaded with thrilling history!
Goats & Coffee
Betcha Didn’t Know that coffee was discovered by goats! Join Briley Crisafi as she spills the beans on the legendary origins of our favorite brew. From an Ethiopian goatkeeper’s curious discovery in 850 AD to how these energizing berries became the global drink we know today, this episode is brimming with fascinating coffee facts. Learn how a simple berry transformed into the world’s second most traded commodity, fueling revolutions, philosophies, and even world records. This episode is a jolt of java history!
Playing Cards
Did you know that forging an Ace of Spades in the American colonies was a hanging offense? Join Armon J. Newton as he deals out the fascinating history behind playing cards. From the British Empire’s taxation during the Seven Years War to the evolution of playing card suits from medieval society, this episode is packed with intriguing facts. Discover the historical figures depicted as Kings, Queens, and Jacks, and learn how playing cards were used in World War II to aid American soldiers. Plus, explore the materials and symbolism behind your favorite deck. It’s a full house of fun facts in this Betcha Didn’t Know!
The Blue Whale
Dive into the amazing world of the blue whale with Jeff Allen in this fun and educational Betcha Didn’t Know! Discover fascinating facts about the largest and most intelligent non-human creature on Earth, from its massive size and unique diet to its beautiful, haunting songs. Did you know a blue whale’s tongue weighs more than an elephant? Or that they have belly buttons just like us? Uncover these surprising details and more—it’ll be a whale of a time!
Fireworks
Ignite your curiosity with Andy Andrews in this explosive Betcha Didn’t Know! From a 22-hour firecracker marathon in Hong Kong to the vibrant world of pyrotechnics, learn about the science, art, and even the quirky side of fireworks. Why do people shout “Tamaya!” and “Kagiya!” during a fireworks display in Japan? And what unusual hobbies did Elvis Presley have? This video is a blast—don’t miss out!