That’s Just Weird with Aaron Mahnke
That’s Just Weird with Aaron Mahnke

Your weekly guide to all the weird things that have happened in our world—both yesterday and today. Each week, we take a short tour of the strangest news from around the world, dip into wild historical events from the past, and explore one larger tale that’s sure to leave you shaking your head. Hosted by Aaron Mahnke.

TODAY IS THE FINAL EPISODE OF THAT’S JUST WEIRD. Thanks for the support and reviews over the past year. And as always…stay weird! ————————— Today we learn about an Australian community that ate their pest problem, an Olympic team with as scheduling issue, and an author who took two worlds by storm. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a church looking for modern attractions, a thunderstorm with a weird sort of rain, and the outbreak that put one German town on its toes. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the terrible monster lurking inside a toddler’s wall, a tragic latrine accident, and a journalist who hunted down an unlikely legend. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about some dolphins that were caught getting high, a milestone picnic for world politics, and the man who walked a dangerous line between two nations. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a feline friend who needs a diet, a historic building lost to flames, and a Florida mystery that left people confused for decades. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the boy with a very unusual talent, the Pope with a nasty grudge, and the team who endured dangerous meals to make us safer. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a man with something terribly wrong with his nose, a wedding unlike any other, and the invention of an iconic treat. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a truck accident with fishy consequences, the passing of a sole survivor, and the friendship between two very different entertainers. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about two sweet friends who have been reunited, a photo of something out of this world, and a race that took way too long to finish. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Episode 44: A Gardening Stink, a Crumbling Man, and a Toilet Tragedy Today we learn about an invasive plant with a smelly problem, a landmark that has eroded away, and crappiest job in the royal court of England. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about as creative proposal for demolition, a town with a fiery core, and four sisters who took the stage by storm for all the wrong reasons. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about an overturned truck filled with bees, a new California law that’s more weird than you’d imagine, and a man who partied so much it got him arrested. ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Visit wordduo.com from your iPhone or iPad for a download link. You’ll love playing WORD DUO! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a scientific impossibility, a prescient dream, and a volcano that changed the world. ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Download WORD DUO on the App Store for your iPhone or iPad. You’ll love this game! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the new fad sweeping South Korea, a four-legged war hero, and a desperate, dangerous killer. ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Download WORD DUO on the App Store for your iPhone or iPad. You’ll love this game! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a job opening at the bottom of the world, a brain that took the scientific community by storm, and a museum theft that’s left an indelible mark on time. ————————— Sponsor: Word Duo: Download WORD DUO on the App Store for your iPhone or iPad. You’ll love this game! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a neighborhood crime spree involving painted wildlife, the book that might have sunk an unsinkable ship, and the French sailor who dug up a legendary treasure.  ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Download WORD DUO on the App Store for your iPhone or iPad. You’ll love this game! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a world record that’s been rescinded, the pausing of Mother Nature, and an agricultural plan that was too bizarre to even try. ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Visit wordduo.com from your iPhone or iPad for a download link. You’ll love playing WORD DUO! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a couple rescued from certain death, some family drama over a frozen relative, and one of the most famous unsolved art crimes in history. ————————— Sponsors: Word Duo: Visit wordduo.com from your iPhone or iPad for a download link. You’ll love playing WORD DUO! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the hotel with a landlord problem, a New England village’s attempt to fix a supernatural threat, and a pair of scientists who spent their professional lives one-upping each other. ————————— Sponsors: Factor: Chef-crafted, dietitian-approved meals delivered right to your door. Head to FactorMeals.com/thatsweird50 and use code ThatsWeird50 to get 50% off. Word Duo: Download WORD DUO on the App Store for your iPhone or iPad. You’ll love this game! ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about an aquarium paternity mystery, a traditional footrace that always falls flat, and the theft of a famous trophy that garnered international attention. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about an aviary espionage mishap, the playground that served as ground zero, and a very dark letter writing campaign. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about new controversy over tea, a pub fight that turned deadly, and an unsolved mystery that brings new meaning to the term “cold case”. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about an advertising fraud that swiftly took over, a dead-ringer of a phone prank, and a nighttime show that had an entire state on edge. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the man with an unlikely clean-up partner, the land deal that almost changed American history, and the man whose life bridged an unbelievable span. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the annual winter wonder that appears in China, history’s most unusual gold shot ever recorded, and a lost heiress that got everyone talking. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a cat video sent in from an unusual place, a custom cheese made for a very important individual, and the union of two of the most famous figures of the 19th Century. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about a space-grown veggie, an unexpected food tragedy, and a dog sled race with more than a trophy on the line. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the theft of a truck filled with sweet confections, the Ohio grave protected by explosives, and the tale of an airline tragedy with a lucky silver lining. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the napping habits of one particular type of penguin, the curious origins of a classic toy, and a simple con that electrified Wall Street. ————————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray. You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here.
Today we learn about the strange bird that won all the votes, the brewery owner who landed the best lease in town, and an Australian mystery that has baffled researchers for decades. ————————— You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here. Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a baseball curse that’s finally been broken, the man who set a record by building a very strange bicycle, and the worst-planned heist to ever take place on Christmas Day. ————————— You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here. Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the unusual green liquid oozing into the streets of New York, how one eye doctor never gave up on his passion for writing, and the West Point party that took a very weird turn. ————————— You can find this episode's sources here, and more information about the show on our website here. Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a recent Chinese experiment to study plant growth on the moon, how a President’s cousin tricked Colonial forces, and the mystery surrounding the temporary disappearance of the best-selling novelist of all time.   Sources here Website here   Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a mysterious grave with padlocked inhabitants, the London scientist turned stage performer who pioneered spooky holograms, and the efforts of one man to resurrect a Founding Father. —————— Sources Website   —————— Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the clown stalking a Scottish town, the dog that kicked off the space race, and the fascinating details of a famous Pharaoh’s curse.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the theft of a massive amount of crabs, a bat mitzvah that broke the bank, and the mining mistake that almost rewrote the geography of an entire state.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a university offering a magical degree, the first labor strike in recorded history, and an Arctic expedition that took a tragic turn that took centuries to solve.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the man with an emotional support alligator, the story of D.B. Cooper, and a diamond so big it tempted fate.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about an ancient Egyptian temple discovered under water, how a Russian church was robbed right down to the ground, and the man who tried to fool the world with a gigantic archaeological discovery.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn how a knife-wielding Chucky doll was arrested, the strange way a famous magician met his maker, and how one divisive candy came into being.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the dog who snuck into a rock concert, the weird history of Arizona’s London Bridge, and how one young radio star transformed boring programming into the stuff of nightmares.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the man pulled over for riding with a bull in his car, the college patron who donated his corpse for display purposes, and a hijacker-turned-folk hero who forced a plane to go all the way to Italy.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about one polish town’s bus route to Hell, the wealthy widow who tried to build a ghost-proof house, and the strange adventure of William the Conquerer’s earthly remains.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the man who discovered hundreds of coins in his field, the railroad industry’s best attempt to garner attention, and the woman who took her relationship to another dimension.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a fish that foretells a dark future, a Naval ship filled with ice cream, and a Word War II spy that helped the Allies win the day.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about how one community restored a giant peanut sign, the controversy surrounding an underwater feature that resembles a road, and an actual school for the training and recruitment of circus clowns.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about the sighting of an alien in a Las Vegas neighborhood, how a world-famous pastry got its name, and how a New Jersey town turned a shipwreck into an attraction.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we visit the Mexican mayor who married a reptile, learn why Peter the Great taxed beards, and just how messy one early Olympic race turned out to be.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a cheeseburger that defies the odds, a ring that might have led to the death of Rudolph Valentino, and a 1963 train robbery that left all of England mystified.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today’s journey explores a parrot with a terrifying voice, a sound so loud that it circled the globe multiple times over, and the first man to hike with way from one end of the Appalachian Trail.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we explore why the waters of Venice turned green, one of Houdini’s greatest feats, and a haunted house story that’s still weird today.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today we learn about a really late library book, an creative way to move beavers, and a strange link between Thanksgiving and Loch Ness.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Today’s journey through the world of weird will visit a snail-racing championship, uncover a hoax that captured the imagination of millions, and recount the theft of one of history’s most famous paintings.   Show Links Website Sources   Credits Narrated and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke, with Robin Miniter as Senior Producer, research and writing help from the Grim & Mild team, and audio production from Otis Gray.
Get ready for a weekly tour of our weird and wonderful world! Each Friday, That's Just Weird with Aaron Mahnke explores unusual news stories from yesterday and today, then dives deeper into one bigger historical tale.  Because everyone needs a little weird in their life!