On June 1, 1783, a 7'7" Irishman named Charles Byrne died of tuberculosis and complications with giantism. Eagerly awaiting his death was a man regarded as England's greatest surgeon, who was competing with others in the medical community to earn the opportunity of dissecting such a rare medical specimen. Byrne, however, was terrified of post-mortem dissection, and begged his friends to take any measures to keep his body away from the mob of doctors... but Hunter didn't take "no" for an answer.

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

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On June 24, 1801, Victor Hugo was conceived on the peaks of the Vosges Mountains. It's unclear whether this is pertinent to him writing The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

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February 2 of 1685, Charles II, King of England, woke up feeling a little under the weather. What followed was perhaps the most aggressive case of "good intentions, poor execution."

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

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After the discovery of atomic decay, radioactive medicines were soon stocked in drug stores across the world. Today's episode centers on "Radithor," a radioactive patent drug consumed by famed semi-pro golfer Eben Byers; who would go on to be known as "a guy you absolutely shouldn't look up on Google images. Please."

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

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The mellified men, also known as human mummy confections, were a legendary medicinal substance created by steeping a human cadaver in honey. Join us as we unravel another Bipin Banger History Mystery!

Cock and Bull is a primary source on The Dollop. It's also a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

Support Cock and Bull by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/cockandbull

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The Japanese climate is not exactly conducive to mummification. There are no peat bogs, no arid deserts, and no alpine peaks perennially encased in ice. The summers are hot and humid. Between 1081 and 1903, at least 17 monks managed to mummify themselves.

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Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

Support Cock and Bull by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/cockandbull

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CONTENT WARNING: ANIMAL CRUELTY, EATING DISORDERS

In the early 1780s, a family of French famers made the awful, and no-doubt difficult decision to abandon their son. The boy was incredibly skinny, had angel-fine hair, and an insatiable appetite--able to eat his weight in beef. Unable to afford this costly extra mouth, the boy (known only as "Tarrare") was thrown out into the French countryside to fend for himself. What followed was a brief, miserable, and morbidly fascinating life. This is the story of Tarrare: the veteran, sideshow performer, and medical anomaly with a bottomless gut.

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

Support Cock and Bull by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/cockandbull

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Famed geologist and paleontologist William Buckland was among the most energetic and eccentric Deans to ever pass through the halls of Oxford. Not only did he help name the fist-ever dinosaur, but he also played a role in discrediting the Biblical Flood Theory, and... and... checks notes ... And he wanted to eat one of every animal on earth?

Cock and Bull is a somewhat-weekly history podcast about unbelievable characters and shockingly true stories, brought to you by Spencer Foust and Nathan: a sophisticated text-to-speech program. You can donate to our show with the tip jar, which we promise to use for research materials and NOT $1 medium fountain drinks at Taco Bell from 2-5 p.m.

Support Cock and Bull by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/cockandbull

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-b8b8a7 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Cock and Bull.