The Spaghetti Tree Hoax That Fooled Millions

The Spaghetti Tree Hoax That Fooled Millions

June 12, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

This episode explores the infamous BBC spaghetti tree hoax and its implications on trust and belief in authority.

On April 1, 1957, the BBC aired a news segment claiming spaghetti grew on trees—and millions believed it. In this Five Minute Friday episode, Shea tells Jody the story behind one of the most famous hoaxes in history, exploring how trust, authority, and a perfectly delivered joke fooled an entire nation. It’s a funny, bizarre, and surprisingly relevant look at why we believe what we’re told—and how easily that trust can be shaken. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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