Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Mysterious pile of dishes in the woods sparks team's curiosityAn unexpected discovery of a large pile of dishes in the woods leads a team on an adventure to uncover its origins, unearthing a sense of wonder and fascination.

      The Endless Thread team came across an intriguing Reddit post featuring a photo of a large pile of ceramic dishes and tea cups in the middle of the woods. This discovery led them on an adventure to find the source of the mysterious pile, splitting them up in the process. The encounter was made more eerie by the discovery of a trailer in the woods and the team's separation. The strange find captivated them due to its absurdity, with the pile estimated to be at least 10-20 feet high and filled with a variety of white plates, saucers, and teacups. The team's reaction to the discovery was one of awe and fascination, drawing comparisons to the dining room of the Titanic washing up on shore. Overall, the team's investigation of the mysterious pile of dishes served as a reminder of the intrigue and excitement that can be found in the most unexpected places.

    • Mystery of the Pennsylvania PlatesThe internet community's fascination with an unexplained pile of plates in Pennsylvania showcases the power of online engagement and curiosity in solving oddities and mysteries

      The internet community, specifically Reddit, is fascinated by an unexplained pile of plates discovered in the woods of Pennsylvania. Despite numerous theories, the identity and purpose of the plates remain a mystery. The hosts of Endless Thread, Ben Brock Johnson and Amari Sivertson, attempted to uncover the truth by contacting the original poster, Matt, but were unsuccessful. They then turned to a popular theory suggested by a Redditor named James, who lives in Australia and has become internationally involved in the mystery. The hosts' investigation highlights the power of the internet in solving oddities and mysteries, as well as the endless curiosity and engagement of online communities.

    • Satellite imagery reveals large pile of dishes in Pennsylvania forestSatellite analysis and campground searches uncovered a large pile of dishes in a Pennsylvania forest, possibly linked to organized crime

      A group of people might be illegally disposing of large quantities of old plates and cups in a forested area near a campground in North Central Pennsylvania. This theory was discovered through a combination of satellite imagery analysis and a thorough search of campgrounds in the state. The discovery led a group of individuals to travel to the location and find a large pile of plates, now labeled as such on Google Maps. The logistics of transporting and disposing of such a large quantity of items suggest the involvement of large trucks and potentially organized crime. The exact identity of the individuals responsible and the reason for the disposal remain unknown.

    • Hit a dead end in Corningware theoryDespite initial theories, the pile of plates is not linked to Corningware or a local dishware company, leaving the team to reconsider their investigation.

      The mysterious pile of plates may not be related to a local dishware company after all. The landowner, Clifford Cross, does not seem to be involved in the production of Corningware, as the discovery site is not in Corning and the materials at the scene are all plastic. The team's theory, based on the location, has hit a dead end. Meanwhile, they continue their road trip, discussing various theories and sharing experiences. The team encountered a man on a three-wheeler, sparking a lively debate about joining him on an adventure. The theories from listeners included the Golden State Killer's modus operandi, hoarding, and a factory closure. The most intriguing theory suggested a connection to Corningware, but it appears to be unfounded. The team is now reconsidering their theories and plans to continue their investigation. The only nearby town is Covington Township.

    • Allegations of environmental law violations against a town's board of supervisorsDespite challenges, thorough investigation is crucial to uncovering the truth about potential environmental law violations.

      The investigation into the controversial practices of the town's board of supervisors, specifically Chairman Thomas Yirk, involves allegations of environmental law violations, including the illegal discharge of raw sewage and dumping of hazardous waste. Despite the team's determination to uncover the truth, they encountered unexpected challenges in reaching the property due to its remote location. The team's producer and host, Anne Marie, remained behind a fence marking the property boundary while the narrator ventured deeper into the woods. The property, owned by Clifford Cross Junior who runs a trucking company, was found to be located in a maze of grassy pathways and meadows, leaving the team uncertain if they were making a mistake or getting closer to their goal. The strange and unexpected challenges they faced highlight the complexities of navigating political controversies and the importance of thorough investigation.

    • Misunderstanding Leads to FriendshipInitial fears of illegal activities turned out to be a misunderstanding, leading to a friendly encounter and potential property purchase.

      The pile of plates and lime on a private property, which had sparked curiosity and concerns of illegal activities, turned out to be a misunderstanding. The property owner, Clifford Cross, had previously used lime on his land for agricultural purposes, but it was no longer present. The Department of Environmental Protection had been investigating based on a tip from the internet. Clifford was not concerned about Ben, Emery, and Josh being on his property and invited them to meet him to clarify the situation. Despite initial fears, they found Clifford to be a friendly and humorous man, and Ben was sold on buying the property from him. This experience reinforced Ben's personal rule to only investigate situations that don't feel stupid, as the potential danger or complexity was not worth the risk.

    • Suspecting the Wrong Man for Illegal DumpingDespite initial suspicion, honest individuals should be treated with respect and given the benefit of the doubt. False accusations can lead to wasted resources and damage reputations.

      During their investigation, the team encountered a man named Cliff who was suspected of illegally dumping plates based on a doctored photograph. However, upon visiting his property and speaking with him, they discovered that Cliff was not involved in any illegal dumping activities. The real culprit was likely someone who had doctored the photograph to implicate Cliff. The team was unable to locate the actual dumping site and left Cliff's property without finding any evidence against him. Despite the initial suspicion, Cliff welcomed the team into his home and showed them around, even providing them with the name of the DEP official involved in the investigation. The team left without finding the person responsible for the illegal dumping and were unable to contact the DEP official, Keith Rule, for further information. Cliff's property was adorned with numerous taxidermy animals, giving the team an eerie feeling, but they left with a newfound respect for Cliff's honesty and hospitality.

    • A team's emotional journey to find lost platesThough faced with disappointment and false leads, the team persevered and learned to appreciate the journey's beauty

      The team's quest for finding a huge pile of plates led them through various stages of emotion, from denial and anger to bargaining and depression. Despite their disappointments, they continued their search at different campgrounds, but eventually had to accept that they might not find what they were looking for. The experience served as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, even when faced with seemingly impossible tasks or false leads. Additionally, the team learned to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings, even if it didn't include the elusive plates. Overall, their journey was a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself can be more rewarding than the destination.

    • Unraveling the mystery of the Pennsylvania platesPersistence and collaboration led to the solution of an elusive mystery through investigative journalism

      Determination and perseverance paid off for the team at Endless Thread, as they were finally able to make contact with the elusive Matt, the original poster of the mysterious pile of plates in Pennsylvania. Despite months of effort and numerous dead ends, they refused to give up and ultimately uncovered new information that brought them closer to the truth. The journey involved reaching out to various authorities, businesses, and even internet communities for help. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most elusive mysteries can be solved through persistence and collaboration. Endless Thread is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the importance of following leads, no matter how long it takes or how unlikely the solution may seem at first.

    Recent Episodes from Endless Thread

    This is Not a Pyramid Scheme

    This is Not a Pyramid Scheme

    Every year, thousands of Americans lose money participating in multi-level marketing (MLM). So, last year, when a new business idea that promised to correct MLM's sins bubbled up on Instagram and TikTok, a lot of people hopped off the MLM train, and onto this new one, lured by the promise of a low-lift and lucrative side hustle.

    This new business idea is called "master resell rights." But what exactly is it? Where did it come from? And does it actually solve any of MLM's problems? Endless Thread investigates.

    *****

    Credits: This episode was produced by Grace Tatter. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. It was hosted by Ben Brock Johnson, Amory Sivertson, and Grace Tatter.

    Endless Thread
    en-usJune 27, 2024

    Worm Wars

    Worm Wars

    When Endless Thread producer Nora Saks learned that a "toxic, self-cloning worm that poops out of its mouth" was invading Maine, she started sounding the alarm about the impending eco-doom.

    Until, that is, state experts clued her into the "real threat" : A different creepy crawly wriggling towards The Pine Tree State's gardens and precious forests, and fast. In this rebroadcast from January 2023, Endless Thread tunnels down a wormhole, encountering a long history of xenophobic rhetoric about so-called invasive species, and some hard truths about the field of invasion biology itself.

    Endless Thread
    en-usJune 21, 2024

    Looking for a Man, Finding a Record Deal

    Looking for a Man, Finding a Record Deal

    In April, a TikTok creator mused, "Did I just write the song of the summer?" Girl on Couch's "Looking for a man in finance" song spawned hundreds of remixes, and won her a record deal. While it might seem remarkable that a five-second TikTok sound can command the attention of pop music kingmakers, the industry has been capitalizing on internet memes for decades. Endless Thread takes a crash course in internet meme pop music history.

    Credits: This episode was produced by Grace Tatter . Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. The hosts are Amory Sivertson, Ben Brock Johnson, and Grace Tatter.

    Endless Thread
    en-usJune 14, 2024

    Scamming the Scammers

    Scamming the Scammers

    Border Patrol is calling: A drug cartel has your bank information, so you need to transfer all your money to a safe Bitcoin account—right now!

    Millions of people will be familiar with calls like this, in which scammers, often in other countries, use threats or promises to rob you. In 2023, individuals and businesses lost an estimated $485 billion to fraud schemes, according to Nasdaq's Global Financial Crime Report.

    Law enforcement will only do so much to recover losses. That is why some online streamers are taking matters into their own hands. And they have become famous for fighting back.

    Endless Thread's Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson explore the complicated, criminal world of scambaiters.

    *****

    Credits: This episode was produced by Ben Brock Johnson and Dean Russell. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. It was hosted by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson.

    Endless Thread
    en-usJune 07, 2024

    SwordTube, En Garde!

    SwordTube, En Garde!

    Sword influencers abound on YouTube. Those who specialize in the historic European martial arts, or HEMA, have gained legions of fans showcasing the fantastic, bladed techniques of yore.

    But talk of parries and pommels has recently given way to bigotry. Endless Thread's Ben Brock Johnson speaks with co-host Amory Sivertson about one valiant influencer fighting back.

    *****

    Credits: This episode was produced by Ben Brock Johnson and Dean Russell. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. The hosts are Amory Sivertson and Ben Brock Johnson.

    Endless Thread
    en-usMay 31, 2024

    Gen Z wants you to take political action, one TikTok at a time

    Gen Z wants you to take political action, one TikTok at a time

    Gen Z is over it. The youngest generation of adults is inheriting a climate crisis, the ongoing fallout from a global pandemic, a polarized political landscape, and a tenuous economic reality.  And many Gen Z members, a generation more likely to identify as progressive than conservative, are ready for something to give.

    Enter: Gen Z for Change — a youth-led non-profit that brands itself as, "the place where the creator economy and progressive politics intersect on social media." The group leverages a hundreds-deep network of social media creators to spread calls to action over TikTok. They've also pulled on the programming expertise within their team to develop a caché of semi-automatic tools that take the guesswork out of engaging with their political agenda.

    Their latest tool, "Ceasefire Now!!" takes these efforts one step further — resulting in, by Gen Z for Change's count, two million emails calling for a ceasefire in Gaza hitting the inboxes of elected representatives in Washington every day.

    Show notes: 

    Endless Thread
    en-usMay 24, 2024

    Catfish for dinner

    Catfish for dinner

    After Taylor Paré was stood up on a date, she turned to TikTok. In a now-viral video, she claimed to have uncovered a new scheme to scam to singles looking for love on the internet. Endless Thread investigates.

    =====

    Credits: This episode was written and produced by Grace Tatter. Mix and sound design by Paul Vaitkus. The hosts are Ben Brock Johnson and Grace Tatter.

    Endless Thread
    en-usMay 17, 2024

    Hype Cycle

    Hype Cycle

    The Vision Pro is Apple's new $3,500 virtual reality headset.

    Since its debut in February, users have found new ways to use this latest iteration of a decades-old technology: scrolling TikTok at work, driving Tesla's Cybertruck, recording their kid's birth.

    But can VR truly integrate into our daily lives? Or will it forever remain a niche technology for geeks and gamers?

    Endless Thread dives into the history of VR and its potential for the future.

    =====

    Credits: This episode was written and produced by Cici Yongshi Yu. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. The hosts are Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson.

    Episodes We Love: Doom Jelly

    Episodes We Love: Doom Jelly

    Imagine sitting in a hospital room for 24 consecutive hours in the most agonizing pain you can possibly imagine. You feel a sense of impending doom. You have a feeling this won’t end well. Then, the pain subsides and you walk away. Jamie Seymour has had that experience eleven different times. He’s a leading expert on one of the world’s most frightening creatures and he’s paid the price.

    This episode originally aired on Oct 12, 2018.

    The Jackie Show

    The Jackie Show

    Our interactions with nature are increasingly mediated by technology. We scroll through wildlife feeds on TikTok. We use Instagram to plan hikes. Even in the wilderness, we religiously bring our phones to document the experience. And then there are animal cams.

    Since the 1990s, people have fawned over livestreams of cute pandas and colorful fish. One could argue that animal cams another example of how we’ve jammed a screen between ourselves and the wild. But the story of Jackie the bald eagle presents a different perspective: one in which technology might bring us closer to our fellow creatures.

    Producer Dean Russell speaks with Endless Thread co-host Ben Brock Johnson about the potential upsides of technonaturalism.

    =====

    Credits: This episode was written and produced by Dean Russell. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. The hosts are Ben Brock Johnson and Dean Russell.

    Related Episodes

    #304 - For Love Of My Cousin - Beckley, West Virginia

    #304 - For Love Of My Cousin - Beckley, West Virginia

    This week, in Beckley, West Virginia, we look at 2 stories, because they were too crazy to pick just one! First, a man with a "history of meanness" takes vengeance & violence to a whole new level, with acts that so brazen, it's like he wants to spend the rest of his life in prison. For the second story, we talk about a murder so horrendous, that's it's hard to believe that it's real. Twelve people are killed, in the most terrible way imaginable, so one teenaged young lady can continue her love affair with her adult cousin. The thing is, she might just get away with it. Find out what happens! It's absolutely mind boggling!!


    Along the way, we find out that West Virginia is for murder lovers, that you can even be murdered for doing exactly what the murderer tells you, and that cousin love must be HOT, because some people will fight for it, over everything!!


    Hosted by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman


    New episodes every Thursday!


    Donate at: patreon.com/crimeinsports or go to paypal.com and use our email: crimeinsports@gmail.com

    Go to shutupandgivememurder.com for all things Small Town Murder & Crime In Sports!


    Follow us on...


    twitter.com/@murdersmall

    facebook.com/smalltownpod

    instagram.com/smalltownmurder


    Also, check out James & Jimmie's other show, Crime In Sports! On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wondery, Wondery+, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    #329 - Drugs, Death Penalties & Shipping Fees - The Innovativeness of Reginald Spiers

    #329 - Drugs, Death Penalties & Shipping Fees - The Innovativeness of Reginald Spiers

    This week, we check out one of the weirdest, craziest stories, ever! He was an Australian javelin thrower, but there isn't much sports to talk about here. Why? Because this guy did so much more. Including putting himself into a wooden box, and shipping himself COD from London, all the way to Australia. From there, he got deep into drug smuggling, with some pretty ingenious ideas. Only problem is, he keeps getting caught. Including being caught with heroin in Sri Lanka, and being sentenced to death! Did he survive to smuggle another day??


    Throw things for international acclaim, ship yourself 13,000 miles, and start a smuggling ring with all of your best friends with Reginald Spiers!!


    Check us out, every Tuesday!

     

    We will continue to bring you the biggest idiots in sports history!! 

     

    Hosted by James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman 

     

    Donate at... patreon.com/crimeinsports or with paypal.com using our email: crimeinsports@gmail.com 

     

    Get all the CIS & STM merch at crimeinsports.threadless.com 

     

    Go to shutupandgivememurder.com for all things CIS & STM!! 

     

    Contact us on... twitter.com/crimeinsports 

    crimeinsports@gmail.com 

    facebook.com/Crimeinsports 

    instagram.com/smalltownmurder


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    #121 - The Tornado Of Temper - The Copiousness of Milton Bradley

    #121 - The Tornado Of Temper - The Copiousness of Milton Bradley

    This week, we navigate through a torrential downpour of arrests, ejections & general craziness. He started out promising, but soon his temper got the best of him, and seemingly took over every aspect of his life. His explosive reactions are mind boggling, as is his relentless need for control while at home. This one is a log jam of insanity!!
    Always react violently to anything that you don't like, control everyone around you, and make sure to text your in-laws obscene videos with Milton Bradley!!
    Check us out, every Tuesday. We will continue to bring you the biggest idiots in sports history!!
    Hosted by James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
    Donate at... patreon.com/crimeinsports or with paypal.com using our email: crimeinsports@gmail.com
    Get all the CIS & STM merch at crimeinsports.threadless.com
    Go to shutupandgivememurder.com for all things CIS & STM!!
    Contact us on...
    twitter.com/crimeinsports
    crimeinsports@gmail.com
    facebook.com/Crimeinsports
    instagram.com/smalltownmurder

     

     

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    S2E29: Murdaugh Trial Recap, Feb. 23

    S2E29: Murdaugh Trial Recap, Feb. 23

    Alex Murdaugh takes the witness stand in his double murder trial. Anne, Charlie and Drew break down the highlights of the testimony, contradictory statements by Alex, and the effectiveness of the State's cross examination from a blockbuster day in court.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    #349 - Blood Icicles - Oakley, Utah

    #349 - Blood Icicles - Oakley, Utah

    This week, in Oakley, Utah, a large family takes the perfect holiday vacation of a lifetime, in a beautiful cabin, in the snowy mountains. This all falls apart when two terrible people turn the whole place into a smoldering bloodbath. The carnage, and cruelty is incredibly nasty, with one monstrous act after another, but the story of survival of the one of the family members is absolutely amazing, and barely even believable. Have you ever heard of a bloody man, snowmobiling with no shoes, in negative 20 degree weather? You will after you hear this!


    Along the way, we find out that skiing is an expensive lifestyle, that some people could possibly be made of actual garbage, and that blood can make an icicle!!


    Hosted by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman


    New episodes every Thursday!


    Donate at: patreon.com/crimeinsports or go to paypal.com and use our email: crimeinsports@gmail.com

    Go to shutupandgivememurder.com for all things Small Town Murder & Crime In Sports!


    Follow us on...


    twitter.com/@murdersmall

    facebook.com/smalltownpod

    instagram.com/smalltownmurder


    Also, check out James & Jimmie's other show, Crime In Sports! On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wondery, Wondery+, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.