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!
Our Animal Reserves
Betcha didn’t know some animals serve their countries better than most humans! From a polar bear promoted for ambassadorial excellence to a knighted penguin (yes, really), and even a misbehaving goat who head-butted his way to demotion—these military mascots have colorful careers. And let’s not forget the mule accused of homicide! Join Jimmy Yeary as he shares tales of courageous, quirky, and sometimes chaotic animals who’ve worn military ranks with honor…or hilarity. Betcha Didn’t Know loyalty could look like this!
The World of Pasta: Shapes, Sauces, and Surprises
Is spaghetti singular or plural? Surprise—it’s plural! Dive into the fascinating (and delicious) world of pasta with Emily Isbell as she uncovers the meanings behind quirky pasta names (like strozzapreti, aka “priest stranglers”), the four main pasta categories, and the ultimate sauce pairings. Plus, discover record-breaking feats like an 11,000-pound lasagna and a hilariously “serious” BBC documentary about…spaghetti trees? Don’t noodle around—this Betcha Didn’t Know is pasta-tively fun!
How Military Research Spawned the Internet Age
Betcha Didn’t Know that the internet you’re using right now began as a military project to survive nuclear war! Armon Newton uncovers how a Cold War-era communication experiment grew into the global phenomenon we know today. From the first email (sent between two side-by-side computers!) to the invention of the World Wide Web, this episode will have you marveling at the internet’s evolution—complete with coffee pot webcams, dial-up screeches, and even a near miss with the name “Cadaver.”
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!