Omnibus
HowStuffWorks
Every week, Ken Jennings and John Roderick add a new entry to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedic reference work of strange-but-true stories that they are compiling as a time capsule for future generations.
Location:
United States
Genres:
History Podcasts
Networks:
HowStuffWorks
Description:
Every week, Ken Jennings and John Roderick add a new entry to the OMNIBUS, an encyclopedic reference work of strange-but-true stories that they are compiling as a time capsule for future generations.
Language:
English
Episodes
The Cabinet of Doom (Entry 171.JE0814)
4/14/2026
In which Bob Crawford, author of America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick and bass player for The Avett Brothers, waxes on William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and an unfortunately named Peacemaker. Certificate #34343.
Duration:01:05:01
The World's Largest Drum (Entry 144.CO0807)
4/7/2026
In which giant university marching drums, mythic African war drums, and even a Salvadoran bronze masterpiece take center stage — guided by Futureling Natalie Hudson. Certificate #31992.
Duration:01:10:02
The Filibuster War (Entry 468.RE0602)
3/31/2026
In which Futureling Hugh Scott unpacks the saga of drifter, doctor, and self-declared president William Walker. Certificate #28903
Duration:00:57:45
"Champagne" in New Mexico (Entry 205.DA0201)
3/24/2026
In which Futureling Katie Tarara uncovers the surprising rise of a symbol of French celebration in the American Southwest. Certificate #31308
Duration:01:14:02
The Pyramid of North Dakota (Entry 1014.IS1901)
3/17/2026
In which a lonely concrete pyramid in North Dakota uncovers the story of America’s ambitious—and short-lived—Cold War missile defense system, with guest Michael Milner. Certificate #1502
Duration:01:18:54
Worcester Sauce (Entry 1442.NU1150)
3/12/2026
In which comedian Saul Henry discusses the global reach of Worcestershire sauce and regional British accents. Certificate #37300.
Duration:00:53:45
Eurowesterns (Entry 431.EZ0902)
3/5/2026
In which Futureling Robert educates John about Germany's all-time best-selling author—and fraudster—Karl May. Special appearance by Einstein. Certificate #23821.
Duration:01:12:28
Surrealist Prank Calls (Entry 1258.OB0102)
2/26/2026
In which Erin Dawson, a trans black metal musician who goes by the moniker Genital Shame, explores the nature of prank calls, their cultural significance, and Longmont Potion Castle. Certificate #50858.
Duration:01:26:38
Candlestick Park (Entry 179.EX3937)
2/19/2026
In which writer and podcaster Grant Brisbee reveals the history of baseball's worst stadium. Special appearance by Richard Nixon and The Beatles. Certificate #31484.
Duration:01:35:39
The Phantom Time Hypothesis (Entry 928.PR1027)
2/12/2026
In which various crackpots and Russians decide that three hundred years of the European "dark ages" simply didn't happen, and Ken doesn't want his eulogy to be vague. Certificate #22651.
Duration:01:43:59
Tama Bell Brass (Entry 1275.PR2225)
2/5/2026
In which author, music executive and host of the Identified podcast Nabil Ayers discusses selling used CDs, The Terminator, The Drum Doctor and more. Certificate #48391.
Duration:01:22:35
Second Missouri Compromise (Entry 1122.MA0624)
1/29/2026
In which Linus Chan explores American citizenship, the law, and the long shadow of the Missouri Compromise. Certificate #24581.
Duration:01:35:25
The History Bureau
1/22/2026
Duration:00:04:08
Neopets (Entry 831.EC0904)
1/22/2026
In which Futureling Kate tells John about the rise, fall, and attempted revival of a millennial obsession. Certificate #30063.
Duration:01:44:55
Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (Entry 386.DA1125)
1/15/2026
In which Futureling Richard Stephens tells of the rapid rise of a Revolutionary general through the military ranks, the challenges he faced as a person of color in a predominantly white society, and the decline of his legacy under Napoleon’s regime. Certificate #40773.
Duration:01:33:49
Glacier Girl (Entry 530.JB3822)
1/8/2026
In which a WWII fighter plane crashes on a Greenland ice sheet in 1942 and is painstakingly recovered and restored by a pilot over two decades. Certificate #25573.
Duration:01:32:48
Exiled to Sentosa (Entry 438.LU2319)
1/1/2026
In which a politician is banished to Singapore’s theme-park island, recounted by Nathan Jennings. Certificate #41799
Duration:01:50:26
E.A. Wallis Budge (Entry 161.IS1901)
12/26/2025
In which the illegitimate son of a Cornish housekeeper rises to the top of the British Museum Egyptology department. Featuring futureling and the host of the podcast Books of All Time Rose Judson. Certificate #43419.
Duration:01:32:32
Penn Cove Whale Capture (Entry 916.JB0712)
12/18/2025
Wherein dozens of Orca were kidnapped in an unspeakable scene and Christopher didn’t bring a laptop (and John didn’t have a camera yet). Certificate #41344.
Duration:01:18:17
Grit (Entry 551.PR1004)
12/11/2025
In which a plucky immigrant "printer's devil" creates a newspaper that puzzles and pays off generations of young American boys, and John avoids a chainsaw duel. Certificate #31682.
Duration:01:48:05