BeFreed
    Categories>Science>Science Gone Wild: The History of Bizarre Experiments

    Science Gone Wild: The History of Bizarre Experiments

    23 min
    |
    |
    25 may 2026
    SciencePsychologyHistory

    Explore the history of bizarre experiments with Science Gone Wild. From staged gunfights to fringe theories, discover the weird side of scientific discovery.

    Science Gone Wild: The History of Bizarre Experiments

    Mejor cita de Science Gone Wild: The History of Bizarre Experiments

    “

    Science isn't just about finding answers; it’s about having the guts to ask the questions that make everyone else uncomfortable. We must maintain a 'permanently ajar' mind, because today’s 'weird' might be tomorrow’s 'accepted truth.'

    ”

    Esta lección de audio fue creada por un miembro de la comunidad BeFreed

    Pregunta de entrada

    Psychedelic apes by Alex Boese, electrified sheep, elephants on acid books.

    Voces del presentador
    Lenaplay
    Milesplay
    Estilo de aprendizaje
    Profundo
    Fuentes de conocimiento
    NUTS4R2: Psychedelic Apes
    link
    https://nuts4r2.blogspot.com/2022/02/psychedelic-apes.html
    Psychedelic Apes by Alex Boese - Pan Macmillan
    link
    https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/alex-boese/psychedelic-apes/9781509860524
    Electrified Sheep: Glass-Eating Scientists, Nuking the Moon and More Bizarre Experiments  by Alex Boese
    link
    https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781250007537
    Electrified Sheep – Alex Boese **** - Popular Science Books
    link
    https://popsciencebooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/electrified-sheep-alex-boese.html
    Elephants on Acid: And Other Bizarre Experiments by Alex Boese
    link
    https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780156031356
    Rambles.NET: Alex Boese, Elephants on Acid: & Other Bizarre Experiments
    link
    https://www.rambles.net/boese_acid07.html

    Preguntas frecuentes

    Science Gone Wild: The History of Bizarre Experiments explores the unconventional and often unsettling history of science. The podcast discusses how the path to scientific discovery is frequently paved with weird experiments, such as staged gunfights in lecture halls to test the psychology of stress. By looking at the work of authors like Alex Boese, the show examines the blurry line between orderly research and 'mad scientist' moments that have shaped human knowledge.

    Alex Boese is an author known for documenting the strange side of the history of science in books like Psychedelic Apes and Elephants on Acid. His work highlights that scientific progress isn't always a logical, by-the-book process. Instead, it often involves hilarious or unsettling experiments that challenge our understanding of the world. The podcast uses his research to illustrate how fringe theories and bizarre tests eventually contribute to what we now consider common sense.

    The history of science includes fringe theories because many ideas that are accepted as common sense today were once ridiculed by the mainstream. Experiments that seem bizarre, such as testing if a dog would save its owner from a fire or investigating why humans cannot tickle themselves, are essential for pushing the boundaries of knowledge. These unconventional methods help researchers understand complex topics like the psychology of stress and the evolution of the human brain.

    Descubre más

    The Best Natural Science Books
    LIBROS

    The Best Natural Science Books

    Explore the wonders of biology, physics, and beyond with the best natural science books—made for curious minds at any level.

    Equipo BeFreed

    Explore Science, Mind, Tech, History & Love

    Explore Science, Mind, Tech, History & Love

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Explore Science, Mind, Tech, History & Love

    This interdisciplinary guide bridges the gap between hard science and human experience, offering a holistic view of our world. It is ideal for curious minds seeking to understand how technology, psychology, and history intersect to define modern life.

    2 h 44 m•4 Secciones
    Explore Human Behavior, Science & Culture

    Explore Human Behavior, Science & Culture

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Explore Human Behavior, Science & Culture

    This plan bridges the gap between biological evolution and modern social science to explain why we act the way we do. It is ideal for curious minds, leaders, and strategists looking to master the psychological drivers of culture and human irrationality.

    4 h 15 m•4 Secciones
    Fun things about the history of the world

    Fun things about the history of the world

    PLAN DE APRENDIZAJE

    Fun things about the history of the world

    Traditional history education often focuses on dates and major events, missing the fascinating, strange, and truly meaningful stories that make our past worth exploring. This learning plan reveals history's quirky side, overlooked innovations, and hidden narratives for curious minds seeking a more complete and entertaining understanding of how we got here.

    3 h•4 Secciones

    Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

    BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000 Mentes Curiosas
    Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

    BeFreed Reúne a una Comunidad Global de 1,000,000 Mentes Curiosas
    Ver más sobre cómo se habla de BeFreed en la web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    1.5K Ratings4.7
    Comienza tu viaje de aprendizaje, ahora
    BeFreed App
    BeFreed

    Aprende Cualquier Cosa, Personalizado

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resúmenes de libros destacados
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categorías en tendencia
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Lista de lectura de celebridades
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Colección premiada
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Temas destacados
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Mejores libros por año
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Autores destacados
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs otras apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Herramientas de aprendizaje
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Información
    Sobre Nosotrosarrow
    Preciosarrow
    Preguntas Frecuentesarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrerasarrow
    Asociacionesarrow
    Programa de Embajadoresarrow
    Directorioarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Términos de UsoPolítica de Privacidad
    BeFreed

    Aprende Cualquier Cosa, Personalizado

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resúmenes de libros destacados
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categorías en tendencia
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Lista de lectura de celebridades
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Colección premiada
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Temas destacados
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Mejores libros por año
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Herramientas de aprendizaje
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Autores destacados
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs otras apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Información
    Sobre Nosotrosarrow
    Preciosarrow
    Preguntas Frecuentesarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrerasarrow
    Asociacionesarrow
    Programa de Embajadoresarrow
    Directorioarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Términos de UsoPolítica de Privacidad

    Puntos clave

    1

    The Fine Line Between Genius and Madness

    2

    The Subjective Nature of Scientific Proof

    3:05
    3:28
    4:04
    5:03
    3

    The Ethics of the "Mad Scientist" Era

    6:37
    7:02
    7:45
    4

    When Curiosity Becomes Catastrophe

    8:48
    9:31
    5

    The Sensory Illusions of Everyday Life

    11:50
    12:06
    12:24
    12:44
    6

    The Malleability of Human Memory

    15:49
    16:02
    16:21
    7

    The Duality of Human Nature

    18:32
    8

    A Playbook for the Open-Minded

    19:55
    9

    Closing Reflections on the Weird and Wonderful

    3:18
    22:11
    22:56

    Más como esto

    Portada del libro Elephants on Acid and Other Mad Experiments
    Elephant on acid tops mad experiments listThe Top 20 Most Bizarre Experiments of All TimeElephants On Acid Chapter Summary | BoeseThe Top 20 Most Bizarre Experiments of All Time
    4 sources
    Elephants on Acid and Other Mad Experiments
    When curiosity overrides common sense, research turns into chaos. Explore the bizarre history of extreme experiments on the human mind and body.
    18 min
    Portada del libro Psychedelic Apes and Fringe Science
    NUTS4R2: Psychedelic Apes
    2 sources
    Psychedelic Apes and Fringe Science
    We often mistake popular guesses for solid facts. Explore the wild, logical theories that challenge our history and show how thin the evidence really is.
    21 min
    Portada del libro All the Weird Things in Life
    source 1source 2source 3source 4
    6 sources
    All the Weird Things in Life
    Explore the fascinating psychology behind why we believe strange things and investigate genuinely unexplained phenomena that continue to baffle scientists - from mysterious creatures to ancient puzzles.
    26 min
    Portada del libro Psychedelic Apes and the History of Error
    Psychedelic Apes by Alex Boese - Pan MacmillanPsychedelic Apes product reviews : Impartial NZ consumer reviews : :Psychedelic Apes by Alex Boese - Pan MacmillanPsychedelic Apes product reviews : Impartial NZ consumer reviews : :
    8 sources
    Psychedelic Apes and the History of Error
    Mainstream science often dismisses fringe theories, but what if the 'impossible' is true? Explore radical ideas on human consciousness and history.
    20 min
    Portada del libro Bizarre history facts and the stories textbooks skip
    The Mystery of the Exploding TeethSafekeepSapiensA Million Years in a Day
    22 sources
    Bizarre history facts and the stories textbooks skip
    History is weirder than you think. Explore the strange military blunders and human moments that prove the past is often more chaotic than any textbook.
    38 min
    Portada del libro From Ancient Wisdom to Accidental Miracles: Medicine's Wild Journey
    Ten DrugsAvicenna's MedicineHappy AccidentsThe Mystery of the Exploding Teeth
    6 sources
    From Ancient Wisdom to Accidental Miracles: Medicine's Wild Journey
    Explore how medicine evolved from balancing mysterious humors to discovering penicillin in moldy dishes. A fascinating journey through medical breakthroughs, bizarre cases, and the human curiosity that transformed healing forever.
    9 min
    Portada del libro On the Fringe
    On the Fringe
    Michael D. Gordin
    A thought-provoking exploration of pseudoscience, examining the blurred lines between fringe beliefs and mainstream scientific thought throughout history.
    10 min
    Portada del libro Quirkology
    Quirkology
    Richard Wiseman
    Uncovering quirky science in everyday life, revealing surprising truths about human behavior.
    9 min