Omnibus

4.6 (2.5K)
HISTORY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

5D AGO

Pulgasari (Entry 1007.IS4602)

In which North Korea jump-starts its fledgeling monster movie industry by literally kidnapping talent from across the DMZ, and Ken was distracted by skateboarding. Certificate #37139

1h 27m
APR 10

The World's Tallest Building (Entry 1444.GE1104)

In which the measurement of spires and skyscrapers becomes a source of architectural squabbles and global prestige, and John hides in the forest with a guitar. Certificate #51591.

1h 28m
APR 3

Anthropology Days (Entry 053.NU1516)

In which the planners of the third modern Olympics scour the globe hoping to populate a human zoo and maybe make the exhibits do sports, and Ken thinks the periodic table needs some work. Certificate #53289.

1h 31m
MAR 27

The Mona Lisa Heist (Entry 800.JN1206)

In which an Italian workman creates a cultural icon when he attempts to repatriate a Renaissance masterpiece from the laxly secured Louvre, and John upstages Ken's sturgeon. Certificate #35100.

1h 24m
MAR 20

Genuine Leather (Entry 522.GE0321)

In which the tanning industry invents a fancy-sounding term for one of its worst grades of leather, and Ken learns his childhood jacket may have had epaulets. Certificate #46978.

1h 21m
MAR 13

The Dionne Quintuplets (Entry 352.JB0525)

In which five adorable and identical Franco-Ontarians become an international sensation and then wards of the state, and John doesn't know what to call the bulb of Canada. Certificate #31042.

1h 35m
MAR 6

Pedestrianism (Entry 913.PS1833)

In which the first great sporting fad of the 19th century springs from great feats of British walking, and Ken isn't sure how to use protozoa as a metaphor for time. Certificate #21218.

1h 28m
FEB 27

The Battle of the Sisters (Entry 104.GE3008)

In which Hollywood's greatest case of sibling rivalry begins with a swimming pool injury and ends at the Oscars, and John rediscovers pop music thanks to the Queeb. Certificate #30747.

1h 31m

See All (651)

4.6

out of 5

2,534 Ratings

Hilarious and Fascinating Examination of Historical Esoterica

Mar 12

joebrent

My wife and I look forward to listening to this entertaining show together, especially on road trips.
Learn something and occasionally lol irl

Feb 18

Louise's Ears

My regular ‘learn a history lesson’ pods were giving me the sads and somehow I stumbled on this gem. Super duper detailed? No, but I can go elsewhere for that. Informative storytelling sandwiched between random but pleasant yammering? Yes, and that’s exactly what I want right now. Plus I feel like I basically know Seattle now. You know it’s good when even the mean reviews leave 4 stars.
Great Friends - Great Show

Feb 8

Croghan Bologna

The thing that makes this show stellar is the friendship that John and Ken have. Every episode we are invited to hear two men talk about their lives as they weave their way in and out of the topic of the show. I use to think that Omnibus was about a time capsule holding knowledge about obscure topics. I now know that when futurelings uncover these documents, the true treasure will be that some humans of the past took the time to listen, share, and laugh. Thanks John and Ken for not only being friends, but by extension of this podcast, our friends as well. It’s great hanging out with you each week.
First Class

11/13/2024

rt66lady

Thank you for the free lessons! Beautiful show. Really one of the best available. You'd make wonderful teachers.

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.