The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things cover art

The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

By: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox Bleav
Listen for free

About this listen

A weekly variety podcast giving you just enough information on a topic to stand your ground at any social gathering. We explore stories from the realms of true crime, history, and incredible people.© 2025 The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things True Crime World
Episodes
  • When Hippos Attack: Nightmare on the Zambezi and the Miracle Paddle That Saved Their Lives
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of the Compendium, we recount the harrowing true survival story of a 1994 Zambezi River attack. What began as a serene safari turned into a nightmare when a hippo capsized a canoe, leaving guide Phil Longden severely injured. Days later, another group faced a similar fate, battling both hippos and crocodiles in a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the chaos, a blue paddle became a symbol of hope, aiding in their escape. This tale of courage and resilience highlights the dangers lurking in the African wilderness and the extraordinary measures taken to survive.​

    We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

    • Terror on the Zambezi – by Hannes Wessels, Africa Unauthorized
    • Terror In The Zambezi: I Shouldn't Be Alive - Youtube

    Host & Show Info

    • Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
    • About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
    • Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin
    Community & Calls to Action
    • Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
    • 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
    • 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
    • ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon
    📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Oceangate Titan Disaster: A Billionaire’s Dive into Hubris, History, and Horror
    Jun 10 2025

    In this episode of the Compendium, we’re exploring the Oceangate Titan disaster—a chilling tale of ambition, oversight, and tragedy. On June 18, 2023, the Titan submersible imploded during a descent to the Titanic wreck, claiming the lives of all five aboard, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. Despite prior warnings about the sub's carbon-fiber hull and safety concerns, the expedition proceeded, leading to catastrophic failure. We delve into the events leading up to the disaster, the aftermath, and the broader implications for deep-sea tourism and engineering ethics.

    We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

    • Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (2025) - Netflix Documentary
    • Titan Submersible Implosion - Wikipedia
    • OceanGate Faces Federal Investigation a Year After the Titan Submersible Implosion - Wired
    • Titan Sub Footage Captures Chilling Moment of Implosion Heard by Support Ship - YouTube

    Host & Show Info

    • Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
    • About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
    • Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin
    Community & Calls to Action
    • Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
    • 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
    • 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
    • ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon
    📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong
    Jun 3 2025

    In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the real story behind the McDonald's hot coffee case—a tale often misrepresented in the media. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, suffered third-degree burns from coffee served at dangerously high temperatures. Despite seeking a modest settlement, McDonald's offered only $800, leading to a lawsuit that highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer rights. We delve into how big business and media narratives distorted the facts, turning a legitimate claim into a symbol of "frivolous lawsuits." This case became a catalyst for American tort reform debates, revealing the profound impact of corporate influence in politics.​

    We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

    • Liebeck v. McDonald's - The American Museum of Tort Law
    • Legal Myths: The McDonald's "Hot Coffee" Case - Public Citizen
    • Hot Coffee Documentry (2011) - Susan Saladoff
    Host & Show Info
    • Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
    • About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
    • Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin
    Community & Calls to Action
    • Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
    • 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
    • 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
    • ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon
    📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins

What listeners say about The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.