Step into the life of Francis Van Wie, a streetcar conductor with charm, wit, and a string of marriages that captivated 1940s San Francisco, transforming a wartime distraction into a national sensation. Join the ride with the "Ding Dong Daddy"!

Images, links, and transcripts for this episode can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/ding-dong-daddy-part-2-podcast-235/

Listen to the song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MReOG3RyXWg by the Cherry Poppin' Daddies.

A list of Francis Van Wie's 18 confirmed wives can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wives-of-Francis-Van-Wie.pdf

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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In 1915, a man known only as John F. Kennedy appeared in Kenosha, WI unable to recall his past or even his own name. With only a few cryptic clues and a suitcase marked with the initials "R.E.J.," he embarked on a journey to uncover his forgotten life. From the kindness of strangers to the shocking revelations of his true identity, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/ding-dong-daddy-part-1-podcast-234/

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network.  Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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A man recovers his lost diamond ring through a chance encounter, manhole covers fly in Chicago, how to divide a Cadillac 57 ways, a man is fined for barking like a dog, and much more!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-31-podcast-233/

You can follow the Useless Information Podcast on these platforms:

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network.  Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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When 17-year-old Abigail Roberson's photo was printed on a widely distributed poster without her consent, it set off a legal battle that would forever change the definition of privacy.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/who-owns-her-face-podcast-232/

You can follow the Useless Information Podcast on these platforms:

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on the Useless Information Podcast.

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Christmas Retrocast! Includes: Tumbleweed replaces the standard Christmas tree for one family, a Santa who practically gave away the store, a policeman has a live turkey thrown at him for Christmas, and much more!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/christmas-retrocast-podcast-231/

You can follow the Useless Information Podcast on these platforms:

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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The harrowing true story of three airmen stranded on an unforgiving, desolate island after their airplane crashed off the coast of Greenland. After the search for them was abandoned, they faced the relentless cold and starvation, teetering on the brink of death. Would they be rescued in time, or would the merciless Arctic become their final resting place?

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/snatched-from-death-podcast-230/

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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Jill ChaCha of the podcast Well… That’s Interesting! cohosts! Includes: A debate over whether we should have female judges, a ventriloquist projects his voice to avoid paying a fine, why homely girls make the best wives, and much more!

You can find Jill’s podcast here: https://www.airwavemedia.com/our-shows/well...-that's-interesting

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-29-podcast-229/

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The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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Something different in this podcast!!! I let podcast hosts Art Quinn and Cynthia Coleman tell one of my stories! It’s all about the 1975 Pet Rock fad and how it all happened.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/pet-rocks-podcast-228/

Comment on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FlipSideofHistory/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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Back in 1957, Leona Gage had beauty, charm, and a crown—until scandal snatched it away. Just what had she done wrong? Discover the whirlwind rise and dramatic fall of the beauty queen who became an overnight sensation.

Video of Leona on the Ed Sullivan Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyUZaZtit_o

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/miss-usa-for-a-day-podcast-227/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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A man is forced to pay for the burial of a porcupine, a stowaway who hid inside of someone’s coffin, a cactus buried under concrete for 45 years, and much more!

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/retrocast-28-podcast-226/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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While Winston Churchill was crossing Fifth Avenue in Manhattan in 1931, he was hit by a car and thrown down to the pavement. Unable to move his fingers and toes, Churchill believed that he was paralyzed. Listen to this story to find out exactly what happened, the severity of Churchill’s injuries, and what consequences the driver of that car faced.

Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/winston-churchill-gets-run-over/

The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one.

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