Stuff They Don't Want You To Know (2011)

Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

From UFOs to psychic powers and government conspiracies, history is riddled with unexplained events. Join Ben Bowlin and Matt Frederick to get a closer look at some incredibly compelling Stuff They Don't Want You To Know.
Each video (mp4) is under 5 minutes long.

Does a devil live in Jersey?

The legend of the Jersey Devil dates back for centuries, and hundreds of people have reported seeing the creature. Yet despite extensive searches, no one has conclusively proven its existence. Tune in to learn more about the search.

Post 9/11: The Black Sites

Built to house captured terrorists, Guantanamo Bay's prison remains extremely controversial, and experts aren't sure what will happen to the detainees. And this prison is only the beginning of the story. Tune in to learn more about black sites.

Post 9/11: The Patriot Act

In the wake of September 11th intelligence agencies pressed for new, powerful laws, including the Patriot Act. But what is it, exactly, and why do some people think it has little to do with terrorism? Learn more in the first part of this post-9/11 series.

The Placebo Effect and Pharmaceutical Companies

Scientists have noticed that patients may experience improvements just from thinking they've had medicine, even if that medicine is fake. But why does the placebo effect work, and why do some researchers believe it's growing stronger? Tune in to find out.

What's the deal with debt ceiling theories?

The US government recently raised the debt ceiling in a political conflict between the President and members of Congress. This isn't the first time this has happened, and some conspiracy theorists believe there's more to the story. But what, exactly?

Have oil companies suppressed technology?

As oil supplies dwindle, it seems everyone is searching for the next big energy breakthrough. Oil companies are doing the same thing -- at least, that's the mainstream view. So why don't conspiracy theorists believe them? Tune in to find out.

What happened at Eilean Mor?

In December of 1900, three men at the lighthouse on Scotland's isolated Eilean Mor appeared to have vanished into thin air. But what exactly happened? Tune in to learn more.

Project ARTICHOKE, Part II: What is DORMOUSE?

Which was worse: Project ARTICHOKE or MKULTRA? According to some, ARTICHOKE contained secrets so sensitive that the CIA leaked information about MKULTRA to divert attention from their earlier program. Tune in to learn more about CIA conspiracy theories.

Project ARTICHOKE, Part I: The Manchurian Candidate

Could drugs and psychological torture turn an average person into an unwilling assassin? It sounds like the stuff of sci-fi -- so why do some people believe the CIA tried to do it in real life? Tune in to learn more about Project ARTICHOKE.

Alien Abductions: The Great Conundrum

Stories of alien abductions are found across the world. Yet according to mainstream science, there's no evidence to prove these outlandish claims. Tune in to learn more about the controversy surrounding stories of alien abductions.

What is alchemy?

Stuck halfway between the superstitions of magic and the methodology of science, alchemy was an intellectual haven for some of history's most influential thinkers, including Isaac Newton. But what exactly is it -- and why do some people believe it works?

Is the curse of the pharaohs real?

In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tut. According to rumors, Carter's group was cursed for defiling the pharaoh's grave. Tune in to learn more about the pharaoh's cure -- and why some believe there may be a grain of truth to the story.

What is the money pit?

Located off the coast of Nova Scotia, Oak Island seems like an unremarkable place -- except, that is, for the mysterious site known as the money pit. But what is it, exactly? Who built it? Most importantly, what does it contain? Tune in to learn more.

The Walking Dead, Part II: Resurrection

Some experts believe that Haitian zombies are victims of tetrodotoxin poisoning -- sometimes they've been buried and revived, but they were never actually dead. So what are the odds of actually resurrecting a corpse? Tune in to learn more.

The Walking Dead, Part I: Are Zombies Real?

Nowadays, zombies are big business. But outside of the horror films and video games, is there any truth to the zombie legends? Tune in to find out.

Is the US headed toward hyperinflation?

A dollar doesn't buy what it used to, and some worry that the US is headed toward disastrous hyperinflation. And, according to some conspiracy theorists, this isn't an accident. Tune in to learn more about hyperinflation.

Is the government covering up the risks of fracking?

Hydraulic fracturing is a process used to enhance the output of oil wells, and an estimated 90% of natural gas in the US comes from wells using this process. The EPA claims the process is not harmful -- but not everyone agrees. Why? Tune in to learn more.

The Death of Diana: Accident or Conspiracy?

When Princess Diana died as a result of a horrendous car crash in Paris, the United Kingdom was shaken to the core. As more details emerged, some people became convinced that Diana's death was not an accident. Why? Tune in and learn more.

What if the Cold War never ended?

Most historians agree that the fall of the Soviet Union occurred in 1991, and the KGB was dissolved in the same year. Or was it? Tune in to learn how a Soviet defector convinced high-level members of the US government that the KGB still controls Russia.

Was there a conspiracy to kill Dr. Martin Luther King?

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered at a Memphis motel, the world recoiled in shock. Two months later James Earl Ray was arrested and, ultimately, convicted of the crime. So why do some people think there's a cover-up? Tune in and learn more.

What is the Trilateral Commission?

With around 390 members, the Trilateral Commission is a fairly small group -- so why do they get so much attention from conspiracy theorists? Tune in to learn more about the history of the Trilateral Commission.

The Other Lunar Conspiracy Theories

Most people have already heard the most popular lunar conspiracy theory -- that no one actually landed on the moon -- but what about the rest? Tune in to learn more about other moon-based conspiracy theories, including lunar structures and UFO sightings.

Who's making all those crop circles?

Cereologists don't all agree on how crop circles form, but there are some wild theories out there, including freak weather and UFOs. Also, hoaxers confessed to making hundreds of circles. Tune in to learn more about the theories surrounding crop circles.

Who are the men in black?

Forget Will Smith: The real men in black are much more sinister -- at least, that is, if they exist at all. But what exactly are the men in black? Listen in to learn more about the conspiracy theories concerning these mysterious individuals.

The Knights of Malta

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a centuries-old organization that conducts humanitarian missions around the world. So why do some people believe it isn't as innocent as it appears? Tune in to learn more conspiracy theories.

Is the War on Drugs part of a conspiracy?

The War on Drugs has continued for decades, yet the U.S. remains the world's largest market for illegal drugs. But, according to some, this is a war the U.S. was never meant to win. Learn more about conspiracy theories associated with the War on Drugs.

What happens at Bohemian Grove?

For decades rumors about Bohemian Grove have run wild through the conspiracy world -- but what actually happens at Bohemian Grove? Tune in to learn more.

The Search for The Loch Ness Monster

Scientists from around the world have scoured Scotland's Loch Ness in an attempt to discover the infamous Loch Ness monster (affectionately known as 'Nessie'). Tune in to learn more about the search for Nessie in this episode.

Whistleblowers: Part 3

In the digital age, it's become incredibly difficult to keep secrets. But what does this mean for the future? Tune in to learn more about whistleblowing -- and why some conspiracy theorists think the current controversies aren't exactly what they seem.

Whistleblowers: Part 2

The second episode of this series covers some historical cases of whistleblowing in the US and abroad, examining what happens to the people who leak the secrets of businesses or governments to the public. Tune in to learn more about whistleblowers.

Whistleblowers: Part 1

Whistleblowers are a controversial -- and, some would argue, crucial -- part of the modern world. Watch the first installment of this three-part series to learn more about the history and future of whistleblowing.

FEMA, the New Madrid Fault

Experts say there's a 10% chance that the US will experience a severe earthquake within the next 50 years. However, some conspiracy theorists believe a quake is due much sooner -- and that FEMA is preparing for it in secret. Why? Tune in to learn more.

Why is aspartame such a controversial additive?

Aspartame is sweeter than sugar and packs less of a caloric punch. Sounds cool, right? So why has aspartame become one of the most controversial food additives in history? Tune in to learn more about aspartame conspiracy theories.

What's happening to the bees?

Recently, U.S. beekeepers have reported a disturbing increase in hive failures. Experts are still trying to learn what's driving the collapse of these hives -- but some conspiracy theorists claim the government knew about this before it hit the news.

Will the real Shakespeare please stand up?

William Shakespeare is one of the most well-known, influential writers in the English language -- at least, that is, if he actually wrote it. Tune in to learn more about the controversial debate surrounding William Shakespeare's identity.

What's the deal with crystal skulls?

When Anne Mitchell-Hedges found a crystal skull at a Belizean excavation site, rumors spread like wildfire. People claimed that the skulls possessed supernatural powers. Science has debunked these claims, but they still persist. Why? Tune in to find out.

Global Warming Conspiracy Theories

Global warming has historically been a controversial topic. Today mainstream scientists and politicians still debate the potential consequences of the phenomenon. But what do conspiracy theorists think about global warming? Tune in and find out.

The Philadelphia Experiment: Fact or Fiction?

Nowadays many people are familiar with the legend of the Philadelphia Experiment -- but how did it all begin? Tune in and learn more in this episode.

Why are some people afraid of food regulations?

The FDA is meant to protect consumers, but some conspiracy theorists believe it was built to control the food supply. In fact, they claim UN accords take this plan one step further. Why? Tune in to learn more about food supply conspiracies.

Did Nazis really practice magic?

After World War II, conspiracy theorists started making increasingly strange claims about the Nazi party: One of the strangest claims concerns magic. But why do people believe the Nazi party practiced magic -- even more importantly, is it true?

Is there evidence that ghosts exist?

People have always been preoccupied with what happens to us after we die, leading some to believe in the existence of ghosts. But is there any real, conclusive evidence that these supernatural beings exist? Tune in to find out.

The Illuminati, Part 3: The (Conspiratorial) Future

While skeptics believe the Illuminati disbanded in the 18th century, conspiracy theorists think the organization still exists -- and has nearly accomplished its ancient goals. But what are these goals? Tune in and learn more about conspiracy theories.

The Illuminati, Part Two: The Conspiracies Begin

While mainstream historians agree that the Bavarian Illuminati was founded by Adam Weishaupt in the 18th century, conspiracy theorists think the group is much older. Tune in to hear some of the most bizarre theories about the Illuminati's history.

The Illuminati, Part One: Adam Weishaupt

The Illuminati have been blamed for everything from the revolutions to climate change, but why? Watch this segment of a continuing series to learn more about the founding of the Illuminati -- and why some people believe it disbanded centuries ago.

Would world governments fake the end of the world?

For decades conspiracy theorists have accused the government of hiding evidence of aliens or imminent world disasters, but could the governments of the world actually be planning to fake an apocalypse? Tune in to learn more about Project Blue Beam.

Is China colonizing Africa?

There's no denying that China has major investments in countries across Africa, but what does it mean in the long-term? Tune in to learn why some politicians and conspiracy theorists believe that China is actually colonizing Africa.

Are exorcisms real?

Human beings have believed in possession -- and exorcism -- for thousands of years. Nowadays most people associate exorcisms with horror movies, but are there any real exorcisms in the modern age? Tune in and learn more about exorcisms in this podcast.

Can humans alter probability through thought alone?

Scientists at the PEAR laboratories noticed something odd during their work with coincidence: Some humans seemed to influence random numbers with nothing but their thoughts. Could this be pseudoscience, or a scientific breakthrough? Tune in to learn more.

What's in the Vatican's secret archives?

For decades before the publication of Dan Brown's novels, conspiracy theorists were convinced that the Catholic Church held numerous Earth-shaking revelations within its secret archives. But what's really in there? Tune in to learn more.

Quantum Physics: Teleportation and Holograms

In countless works of fiction, authors use quantum mechanics to explain things like telepathy, teleportation or the shape of the universe. Why? Tune in to learn more about quantum physics -- and why, in some cases, the truth may be stranger than fiction.

Did the CIA use drug money to fund war in Nicaragua?

Gary Webb was a journalist who alleged that the CIA allowed Nicaraguan Contras to smuggle huge amounts of cocaine into LA as a way to fund wars in their home country. His claims were criticized or ignored, and eventually he committed suicide -- or did he?

What inspired the werewolf legends?

Today werewolves are staple monsters in horror movies and Halloween costume shops, but for centuries people believed that human beings could transform into wolves. Why? Tune in and learn some of the possible causes of werewolf legends in this podcast.

The Declining Dollar and the Rise of the NAU

What if Canada, Mexico and the United States became part of something like the European Union? According to conspiracy theorists, the North American Union is already under construction and the dollar's decline is no accident. Tune in to learn more.

What's the deal with DMT?

When users take DMT they experience vivid hallucinations. Some users even believe they have communicated with nonhuman creatures while on DMT -- but why? Tune in to find out why they believe this -- and why some scientists are listening.

What really happened at Jonestown?

In 1978, hundreds of Peoples Temple members committed mass suicide by swallowing poison at Jim Jones' command. But how did this happen? Why do some people believe it was part of a government plot? Learn more about Jim Jones and Leo Ryan in this podcast.

Why hasn't the spread of nuclear weapons stopped?

On July 16th, 1945 the first atomic bomb test ushered in a new era of warfare, with weapons capable of killing millions. But how many countries own nukes today, and how did they get them? The answers may surprise you. Tune in to learn more.

Did ancient civilizations possess advanced technology?

The Baghdad batteries and the Antikythera mechanism have puzzled many historians -- they just appear too advanced for their time. Where did they come from? Listen in and learn why some people think we've drastically underestimated ancient civilizations.

What's the big deal with Wikileaks?

Wikileaks allows whistleblowers across the planet to anonymously submit reports of crime by businesses, individuals and governments. Tune in and learn why some people, including the U.S. government, want the site shut down.

Is the Bermuda Triangle dangerous?

Decades of strange accidents and alleged disappearances have given the Bermuda triangle a terrible reputation -- but how much of this is deserved? Tune in to learn more about the paranormal theories and skepticism concerning the Bermuda Triangle.

Strange Maps -- and Stranger Theories

It's no secret that older maps were inaccurate, or completely unreliable. Yet fringe historians believe that some ancient maps are more than error-ridden antiquities. In fact, they think these maps may change history as we know it. Tune in and learn why.

Did bankers kill Lincoln and Kennedy?

John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln are two of history's most popular and influential U.S. presidents -- unfortunately, they were both also assassinated. Yet some people believe we're missing the big picture behind these deaths.Want to know more? Tune in.

Misinformation vs. Disinformation

The difference between misinformation and disinformation is one of intent: Misinformation is accidental, while disinformation is purposely spread. Tune in to learn more about propaganda techniques -- and what makes a disinfo agent -- in this episode.

Why aren't there more electric cars?

If electric cars have been around since the 19th century, then why haven't they become more widespread? Skeptics say the technology isn't viable yet, but conspiracy theorists think there's more to the story. Tune in and learn more in this podcast.

Unidentified Submarine Objects

Everyone's heard of UFOs, but what about unidentified submerged objects? This episode takes a look at the bizarre Shag Harbour event, in which a mysterious object crashed from the sky -- and allegedly escaped weeks later. Tune in to learn more about USOs.

Beneath the Surface of the Denver Airport

The Denver International Airport opened in 1995. But some people say it's no ordinary airport, and they believe something lurks beneath the tarmac. Learn more about the conspiracy theories surrounding Denver's airport in this podcast.

Why do some people think Nazis built UFOs?

Everyone's familiar with the idea of UFOs, those mysterious airborne objects often linked with extraterrestrials -- but what if there weren't any aliens involved? Tune in and learn why some people believe Nazis may be responsible for modern UFO sightings.

Why do so many farmers have a problem with GM food?

To some, genetically-modified food is the wave of the future -- and also the only way to feed the world's population. To others, it's a bad idea pushed by profit-hungry conglomerates, or something even stranger. Tune in and learn more in this podcast.

What Happened in Point Pleasant, West Virginia?

Between 1966 and 1967, witnesses across Point Pleasant reported a rash of paranormal activity, leading up to the largest bridge collapse in US history. But what actually happened -- and what on Earth is the Mothman? Tune in and learn more in this podcast.

General Butler and the Business Plot

By all accounts, General Butler was a national hero. So when he told Congress that a group of businessmen were periously close to overthrowing the US government, lawmakers took him seriously. Tune in and learn what happened next in this podcast.

What happened to John Paul I?

Pope John Paul I had one of the shortest reigns in Papal history, dying thirty-three days after his appointment. The official cause of death was heart failure, but some journalists and conspiracy theorists suspect foul play. Tune in and learn why.

Can scientists manufacture earthquakes?

Earthquakes are terrifying reminders that some of Earth's processes remain beyond human control. So why do some people think scientists can actually create these disasters? Learn more about earthquake conspiracy theories in this podcast.

Is FEMA a front for a secret government?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was created in 1976 to handle domestic emergencies, but conspiracy theorists allege that FEMA's mission is anything but benevolent. Learn more about FEMA "camps" and FEMA-related conspiracies in this episode.

Could parasites control human beings?

Many science-fiction stories focus on the idea of possession -- the concept of some alien force dominating otherwise normal people and forcing them to behave in strange ways. Could any of these stories be based in fact? Learn more in this podcast.

Why do some people refuse to get vaccinated?

Since vaccines have become widely available, many diseases have become less of a threat to the global population. However, some people believe that vaccines aren't all they're cracked up to be. Tune in and learn more about vaccination conspiracy theories.

Wilhelm Reich and Orgone Energy

Wilhelm Reich was a big fan of Freudian psychology, but he took it one step further. Tune in to learn more about Reich's alleged discovery of orgone energy -- and why some people think the US government suppressed his studies -- in this podcast.

Is the world running out of oil?

Modern civilization depends on energy from fossil fuels. But in a world of increasing consumption and decreasing resources, how long will fossil fuel supplies last? Tune in and learn more about the debate over peak oil in this podcast.

Do we live in the 18th century?

A few fringe professors have caused rumblings with their controversial claim that three hundred years of human history have been entirely made up. But why do they believe in phantom time, and how do they think it happened? Tune in to learn more.

Why do people think governments manufacture diseases?

Through the practice of biological warfare, human beings have used disease as a weapon for centuries. Yet many conspiracists believe the practice continues into the modern age. Why? Tune in and learn more about the possibilities of manmade disease.

Psychic Soldiers and the Cold War

Project STARGATE may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but for years taxpayer cash funded experiments with psychic powers. Tune in to learn more about the Cold War psychics -- and why some people believe these programs continue today.

What happened to the hikers at Dyatlov Pass?

During the Cold War, a group of Soviet hikers disappeared in the Ural mountains. When they were finally discovered, it was clear that something had killed them -- but what, exactly? Learn more about the incident at Dyatlov's Pass in this podcast.

Did the U.S. government steal Tesla's technology?

When impoverished inventor Nikola Tesla died in New York City, the U.S. government confiscated his notes. Why? Were they trying to steal his technology? Did they ever relinquish the notes? Tune in to this episode to find out.

Why did Congress investigate the hum?

In certain parts of the world, groups of people from all walks of life claim to hear a continuous hum. Yet not everyone can hear this noise, and there's no hard proof of its existence. Tune in and learn more about the mysterious hum in this episode.

Joseph Stalin and the Monkey Army

Tasked with building Stalin's new army of super soldiers, Russian scientist Dr. Ilya Ivanov attempted to breed monkeys and human beings. Learn more about humanzees -- and the people who think they already exist -- in this podcast.

What's an energy vampire?

People have told vampire legends for thousands of years, and the monster's image has continuously changed over time. You already know that some people believe in vampires -- but what kind? Listen in and learn more about energy vampires in this episode.

Whatever happened to Project Blue Book?

For ufologists and skeptics alike, Project Blue Book had the potential to be a gold mine. Learn how the US Air Force launched an official UFO investigation that spanned decades -- and why some people suspect a conspiracy -- in this episode.

Who owns the Federal Reserve?

Through the management of currency and interest, the Federal Reserve attempts to keep banks secure -- but some believe it has another purpose. Tune in and learn what conspiracy theorists think about the Fed in this episode.

Are there living dinosaurs?

According to mainstream science, dinosaur populations were wiped out eons ago. Or were they? Discover why some cryptozoologists and theorists believe that dinosaurs still exist today in this episode of Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.

Were ancient empires founded by aliens?

For centuries, the achievements of the past baffled modern societies. How could ancient empires build architectural marvels like the pyramids or the Nazca lines? Tune in and learn more about the conspiracy theorists who think they've found the answer.

Was Earth home to a race of giants?

Cultures across the planet have legends describing giant, human-like creatures. Usually, these stories are dismissed as folklore -- yet some people believe a race of giants did exist at some point in Earth's past. Tune in and learn more in this episode.

Why can't we catch a Sasquatch?

Everyone has heard stories about sasquatch sightings, and tales of wild ape-men date back into prehistory. So why haven't we caught one yet? Learn more about bigfoot in this episode.

Does the CIA use body doubles?

Over the past decades, the CIA has been accused of everything from selling guns to assassinating people. Yet that's not the craziest part: Some people believe the CIA is actually replacing its enemies. Tune in and learn more in this episode.

Why do some people still believe Earth is flat?

Thousands of people across the planet believe that the world is flat. Why? Their 'evidence,' while not convincing, is certainly bizarre. Tune in and learn more about one of the craziest conspiracy theories on Earth in this episode.

Do Freemasons control Washington?

Conspiracy theorists across the world believe that freemasons control the District of Columbia through the use of arcane symbols and geomancy. But why? Tune in and learn about the strange beliefs driving this conspiracy theory.

Does our solar system have an extra planet?

With Pluto's recent demotion from the ranks of proper planets, the slippery definition of what is or is not a planet has revived several astronomical conspiracy theories. Learn about the most bizarre conspiracies surrounding Planet X in this episode.

What exactly is the Chupacabra?

Although sightings of the Chupacabra were first reported in Puerto Rico, eyewitness reports soon began to arrive from across the Americas. But what exactly is this thing? Is it even real? Learn the craziest Chupacabra conspiracy theories in this episode.

Are serial killers controlled by a cult?

Serial killers typically work alone. However, some serial killers have claimed to be part of a nationwide cult -- and some people believe them. Why? After all, this theory relies on the statements of the criminally insane. Learn more in this episode.

What was the New England vampire panic?

Between 1799 to 1892, families across New England dug up the corpses of their children, parents and siblings, desecrating the bodies in an effort to prevent them from rising from the grave. Learn more Stuff They Don't Want You To Know in this episode.

Why does the United States fluoridate water?

Communities across the US add fluoride to the water supply. Mainstream experts believe it prevents tooth decay, but conspiracy theorists think there's something sinister afoot. Tune in to learn the craziest fluoride conspiracies in this episode.

Why do people think the world will end in 2012?

Thousands of people across the globe believe the world will end in 2012 -- but why? Tune in and learn more about the beliefs of 2012ers, from interpretations of the ancient Mayan calendar to concerns over irregular sunspot cycles and solar storms.

What is a "chemtrail," exactly?

Experts agree that jet contrails are harmless, yet thousands of people think the vapors are evidence for anything from massive drug dosing to weather wars. Why? Learn more about the conspiracy theories surrounding chemtrails in this episode.

Did the Nazis prove that Earth is hollow?

As World War II raged across Europe and the Pacific, the conflict reached every continent on the planet, including Antarctica. Learn more about the little-known Nazi expeditions to Antarctica -- and what they hoped to find there -- in this episode.

Is the CFR part of a global government?

Formed in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations is one of the most influential organizations in the United States -- but who are they? Strap on your tinfoil hat and take a look at the conspiracy theories surrounding the CFR and one-world government.

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