#534: A Severe Shortage Of Medieval Pencils

Are we living in the year 1726 and don't realize it? We dig into the mysterious and controversial Phantom Time Hypothesis, which suggests that a significant portion of the early medieval period never actually existed. We examine the evidence for and against this theory and discuss the implications of such a radical revision of our understanding of history. Then, we switch gears and take a look at the smallest penguins in the world and the unusual measures taken to protect them. These adorable creatures are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and climate change, but one particular threat is quite surprising. We explore the creative solutions that scientists and conservationists have come up with to ensure the survival of these tiny penguins and the challenges they face in implementing them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

The Webby Award-winning “Box of Oddities" is a podcast that delves into the strange and mysterious aspects of our world, exploring topics ranging from bizarre medical conditions to unsolved mysteries, and from paranormal phenomena to strange cultural practices from around the world. With a focus on oddities, curiosities, and the macabre, each episode is a journey into the unknown, where hosts Kat and Jethro Gilligan Toth share their love for unusual stories and inject their humor and commentary. From the strange history of medical practices to chilling true crime stories, to natural (and unnatural) events, "The Box of Oddities" satisfies your thirst for the weird and the unusual, offering an informative and entertaining look into the dark and mysterious corners of our world. JIMMY KIMMEL, ABC-TV says, "Should you be the type who has an interest in weird stuff, this is a fun thing to allow in your head!"  “Truth is stranger than fiction, and the Box of Oddities is the strangest of all!” -SLUGGO, SIRIUS XM LITHIUM “Kat & Jethro wring humor from bizarre, macabre and perplexing places.” -BOSTON MAGAZINE