Stuff You Should Know · August 29, 2026 · 50m

Selects: Flagpole Sitting: A Real Fad

This classic episode explores the bizarre phenomenon of flagpole sitting that swept America in the 1920s. The hosts describe the origins of the fad, sparked by daredevil Alvin 'Shipwreck' Kelly, who turned sitting atop a pole into a spectator sport. They discuss the cultural conditions that made such strange fads possible during the Roaring Twenties and recount the records set during this short-lived but intense craze.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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The Golden Age of Weird Fads

The 1920s experienced an explosion of intense, strange fads, with flagpole sitting emerging as one of the most extreme examples.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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Alvin 'Shipwreck' Kelly's Stunt

The fad was largely started by Alvin 'Shipwreck' Kelly, a former sailor who turned flagpole sitting into a competitive spectacle.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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