100 Myths Debunked - What You Thought Was True Isn’t!

Think you know fact from fiction? In this exciting and educational episode of Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman, we dive into 100 common myths that most people believe but aren’t actually true! From science to history, animals to everyday life, we’ll bust misconceptions and reveal the surprising truths behind the stories. Whether you’re listening at home, in the car, or in your classroom, this episode is packed with fun facts to keep everyone engaged and learning.

You’ll learn:

• Why lightning can strike the same place twice.
• The truth about bats’ eyesight.
• Whether you really lose most of your heat through your head.
• If cracking your knuckles really causes arthritis.
• Why sugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper.
  And so much more!

This episode is perfect for teachers looking to bring engaging trivia to their classrooms, families who want to learn together, or anyone who loves challenging what they think they know. Best of all, you don’t even have to keep score—just kick back, relax, and enjoy learning something new!

Want to hear your school or class mentioned in an upcoming episode? It’s easy! Just send me a message using the "Text Me" link in the show notes, and I’ll give you or your group a shoutout in a future episode. Imagine hearing your name on Trivia Time while we bust myths or tackle trivia questions—it’s a fun way to connect!

Transcript

Hey there and welcome to Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman! Today, we’re shaking things up and busting 100 myths you’ve probably believed your whole life—those things that sound real but totally aren’t. Think you can tell fact from fiction? You might be in for a surprise!

Quick shoutout to Mr. Carson’s 7th-grade class at Lincoln Middle School - You didn’t mention a state but I am glad you are listening. He says, I put episode one on for my class during a brain break and they loved it! Well thank you all so much. 

If Want your class or group to get a shout out in an upcoming episode? Hit the 'Text Me' link in the show notes, and I’ll make it happen!

This episode is all about kicking back and learning something new—no scores, no competition. So, let’s jump right in and see what’s really real. 

Myth: You only use 10% of your brain.
"You’ve heard that one, right? The idea that we only use 10% of our brain? It’s totally false! Brain scans show that we actually use all parts of our brain—even when we’re just chilling out."

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
"Ever hear people say that lightning doesn’t strike the same spot twice? Well, it does. A lot. In fact, tall buildings like the Empire State Building get hit multiple times during storms. Lightning doesn’t play by those rules!"

Myth: Goldfish only have a 3-second memory.
"Poor goldfish get such a bad rap with that whole '3-second memory' thing. Turns out, they can actually remember stuff for weeks and even learn tricks! Who’s forgetful now?"

Myth: Bats are blind.
"People always say, 'Oh, bats are blind.' Nope! Bats can actually see pretty well, but they’re just extra cool because they also use echolocation to find their way in the dark."

Myth: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
"Does cracking your knuckles annoy everyone around you? Sure. But cause arthritis? Not at all. Studies show no connection—so crack away (just maybe not in a quiet room)."

Myth: Hair grows back thicker after shaving.
"Ever shave and think your hair grew back thicker? It didn’t. Shaving doesn’t change the thickness; it just feels different because the ends are blunt."

Myth: Bulls hate the color red.
"Ah, the classic red cape and angry bull. But here’s the thing—bulls are colorblind. It’s not the red that ticks them off; it’s the waving fabric. Mystery solved!"

Myth: Sugar makes kids hyperactive.
"Have you blamed sugar for your kid bouncing off the walls? Turns out, it’s usually the excitement of the party or event—not the sugar. But hey, it’s still a convenient excuse!"

Myth: The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
"People love saying the Great Wall of China is visible from space, but nope, it’s not. It’s way too narrow and blends into the surrounding landscape. Cool, but not that cool."

Myth: Humans have five senses.
"Five senses? Try way more than that. In addition to sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing, we’ve got balance, temperature, and even pain perception. We’re way more complex than just five!"

Myth: A coin dropped from a skyscraper could kill someone.
"You’ve seen this in movies, right? A coin drops from a tall building and BAM—someone’s toast? Actually, no. Air resistance slows it down, so it wouldn’t have enough speed to be deadly."

Myth: Eating carrots improves your night vision.
"Your mom probably told you this one, but eating carrots doesn’t give you super sight. It’s actually a World War II propaganda thing. Carrots are great for you, though!"

Myth: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
"Think Mount Everest is the tallest? Depends on how you measure it. From base to peak, Hawaii’s Mauna Kea is taller—it just has most of its height underwater."

Myth: Shaving makes hair grow faster.
"People always think shaving makes hair grow faster, but it doesn’t. Growth rate is all about genetics and hormones, not your razor."

Myth: You can see the North Star from anywhere in the world.
"Want to find the North Star in Australia? Sorry, it’s a Northern Hemisphere exclusive. You won’t see it below the equator."

Myth: Penguins mate for life.
"Some penguins are romantic for a season, but most of them switch it up the next year. It’s less 'soulmates' and more 'seasonal partners.'"

Myth: Bananas grow on trees.
"Bananas on trees? Not quite. They actually grow on giant plants that are technically herbs. Banana trees aren’t really trees at all!"

Myth: Chameleons change color to match their surroundings.
"Chameleons don’t actually change color to match the background. They do it based on their mood, body temperature, or light. It’s more fashion than camouflage."

Myth: It’s dangerous to wake a sleepwalker.
"People think waking a sleepwalker is dangerous, but really, it’s not. They might just be confused or grumpy, but it’s safer than letting them roam around."

Myth: Dogs sweat through their tongues.
"Everyone says dogs sweat through their tongues, but they actually sweat through their paw pads. Panting just helps them cool off faster!"

"Alright, that’s the first 20 myths busted! I just wanted to pop in to let you know I’m still here and, believe it or not, I’m not always in character—sometimes I just like to hang out and chat. Let’s keep it going as we dive into the next set of 20 myths. Get ready to learn even more surprising truths!

Myth: Humans evolved from monkeys.
"Humans didn’t evolve from monkeys—sorry, Darwin didn’t say that! We share a common ancestor with monkeys, but we took different paths on the evolutionary highway. So no, your great-great-great-great-grandpa wasn’t a chimp."

Myth: If you touch a baby bird, its mother will abandon it.
"Ever hear someone say, ‘Don’t touch that baby bird or the mom will ditch it’? Not true! Most birds don’t even have a strong sense of smell. Mama bird isn’t judging you—she just wants her baby back."

Myth: Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years.
"Swallow your gum by accident? Relax—you’re not starting a seven-year relationship with it. Gum just takes a quick trip through your digestive system and exits like everything else. Not magical, just practical."

Myth: A duck’s quack doesn’t echo.
"Who started this one? Of course a duck’s quack echoes—it’s just not as noticeable as other sounds. So yes, ducks are just as acoustically valid as the rest of us!"

Myth: You lose most of your body heat through your head.
"Cold outside and forgot your hat? Sure, your head feels colder, but you lose heat evenly all over your body. Wear a hat because it’s stylish, not because it’s the ultimate heat saver."

Myth: Lemmings will follow each other to their deaths.
"Lemmings got a bad rep thanks to a staged documentary in the 1950s—yeah, Disney, we’re looking at you. These little critters aren’t out there cliff-diving; they’re just misunderstood explorers."

Myth: The Coriolis effect determines the direction water spins in a toilet.
"Nope! The Coriolis effect doesn’t control toilet water. It’s all about the toilet’s design, not some fancy global phenomenon. So don’t pack that myth on your next science trip."

Myth: Alcohol kills all bacteria.
"Alcohol’s like the superhero of sanitizing—but even superheroes have limits. While alcohol can kill a lot of bacteria, some tough ones, like spores, can survive the party. Wash those hands too!"

Myth: Sharks don’t get cancer.
"Sharks are incredible, but they’re not invincible. They can get cancer—though it’s rare. So no, their cartilage isn’t a magical cure-all for humans either."

Myth: You can ‘sweat out’ toxins from your body.
"Sweating feels great after a workout, but it’s not detoxing you. That’s your liver and kidneys doing the hard work. Sweat is just water, salt, and maybe a little effort."

Myth: The color red makes bulls angry.
"Bulls aren’t art critics—they don’t even see red! It’s the movement of the fabric that ticks them off. So it’s not the cape’s color, it’s the drama that matters."

Myth: Water conducts electricity.
"Pure water doesn’t conduct electricity—it’s all the minerals and impurities in tap water that do. So, distilled water is shockingly safe... but still don’t test this at home."

Myth: Coffee stunts your growth.
"Coffee might keep you awake, but it won’t keep you short. There’s zero evidence linking coffee to stunted growth. So sip away, young baristas of the world!"

Myth: Ostriches bury their heads in the sand when scared.
"Ostriches aren’t out there playing hide-and-seek with sand. They lower their heads to check for danger or turn their eggs, not because they’re scaredy birds."

Myth: Alcohol warms you up.
"Feeling toasty after a drink? Don’t be fooled—it’s all surface-level. Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, making you feel warm, but it’s actually cooling your core temperature. Cheers?"

Myth: Polar bears are left-handed.
"Polar bears don’t have a dominant paw—they’re ambidextrous! Whether it’s hunting or waving at tourists, they use both paws equally."

Myth: Touching a toad gives you warts.
"Toads are warty, sure, but they’re not spreading the love. Warts come from a virus, not amphibians. So go ahead and pick up that toad (if it consents)."

Myth: Napoleon Bonaparte was short.
"Napoleon wasn’t short—he was average height for his time at about 5’6”. Turns out, the 'short guy complex' myth might’ve just been his enemies trolling him."

Myth: Goldfish will grow to fit the size of their tank.
"Goldfish grow based on genetics and care, not tank size. So, no, your goldfish isn’t waiting for a mansion to become the Hulk."

Myth: Eating turkey makes you sleepy.
"Blame the holidays, not the turkey. While turkey has tryptophan, it’s the massive feast and post-meal lounging that’s putting you to sleep. Pass the pie!"

"That’s 40 myths down, and we’re only getting started! I hope you’re enjoying learning all these surprising truths—it’s crazy how much we’ve been told that isn’t actually real. 

Myth: Dogs see in black and white.
"People love to say dogs live in a black-and-white world, but that’s not true! Dogs can see some colors—mainly blue and yellow. Their vision just isn’t as vibrant as ours, but hey, they still see the ball they’re chasing!"

Myth: People can catch a cold from being out in the cold weather.
"Feeling chilly won’t give you a cold, no matter what your grandma says. Colds are caused by viruses, not the temperature. So, bundle up for warmth, not for avoiding a sniffle!"

Myth: Nails and hair continue to grow after death.
"Super creepy, but totally false. After death, your skin dehydrates and pulls back, making it look like your nails and hair are growing—but they’re not. Zombies aren’t getting manicures, I promise."

Myth: Humans have more bacterial cells than human cells in their bodies.
"Ever hear that we’re more bacteria than human? Not quite. The ratio is closer to 1:1, so we’re about half and half. Team bacteria is important, but they’re not winning by a landslide."

Myth: Earth’s days are exactly 24 hours long.
"Think our days are a perfect 24 hours? Not even close. A day is actually about 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long. So, Earth’s spinning just a little faster than we thought."

Myth: Houseflies live for only 24 hours.
"Houseflies are short-lived, but not that short-lived. They usually stick around for 20 to 30 days, which gives them plenty of time to be annoying at your next picnic."

Myth: A black belt in martial arts means you’re an expert.
"Getting a black belt is impressive, but it doesn’t make you a master ninja. It just means you’ve reached proficiency. True mastery takes years—or maybe even a lifetime—of dedication."

Myth: Water going down a drain spins differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
"Nope, your toilet isn’t obeying global physics rules. The Coriolis effect influences large-scale systems like hurricanes, not the direction water spins in your sink or toilet."

Myth: Vikings wore horned helmets.
"Sorry, Viking fans, but those horned helmets are pure fiction. They were invented for opera costumes in the 19th century. Real Vikings weren’t rocking the horns."

Myth: You should pee on a jellyfish sting to relieve the pain.
"Don’t do it—just don’t. Pee can actually make a jellyfish sting worse. Rinse it with vinegar or saltwater instead. Your dignity will thank you."

Myth: The color of a chicken’s egg determines its nutritional value.
"White eggs, brown eggs—it doesn’t matter. The color is just based on the chicken’s breed, not what’s inside. So pick your favorite shade and crack on!"

Myth: You can balance an egg on its end only during the spring equinox.
"Balancing an egg on its end isn’t tied to cosmic magic. You can do it any day of the year if you’ve got the patience and a steady hand. Go ahead, try it now!"

Myth: Your heart stops when you sneeze.
"Does your heart skip a beat when you sneeze? Nah, not really. It might slow down or change rhythm slightly, but it’s still beating strong. No need to worry!"

Myth: Sharks must keep swimming to stay alive.
"Not all sharks are on a never-ending swim marathon. Some species can rest on the ocean floor and still breathe. So, yeah, even sharks take naps!"

Myth: Alcohol kills brain cells.
"Heavy drinking isn’t great for your brain, but it doesn’t kill brain cells outright. It damages the connections between them. So your cells are safe, but your brain might be a little slower on the uptake."

Myth: Sugar causes diabetes.
"While sugar isn’t a direct cause, an overall poor diet can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes? That’s autoimmune, not snack-related. Balance is the key, people!"

Myth: Touching poison ivy spreads the rash.
"Touching someone’s poison ivy rash won’t spread it. The rash is caused by urushiol oil, not the rash itself. But maybe still avoid rubbing elbows with someone covered in ivy goo."

Myth: Humans can’t survive without gravity.
"Zero gravity isn’t immediately deadly, but living in it long-term can cause health problems. Bones weaken, muscles shrink—but you won’t float off into oblivion just yet!"

Alright, 60 myths debunked and counting! I’m loving all these 'aha' moments we’re sharing together. Who knew so many things we believed weren’t true? Let’s not slow down now—get ready to jump into the next set of myths and keep that brain buzzing!"

Myth: You need to drink eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy.
"Eight glasses a day? Not exactly. Hydration depends on your body, activity, and even your food. Don’t forget, water hides in lots of things—like fruits and soups. Your body knows what it needs!"

Myth: Camels store water in their humps.
"Camels and their humps are iconic, but there’s no water sloshing around up there. Those humps are fat reserves for energy, like their built-in snack packs. Smart, right?"

Myth: Touching a butterfly’s wings will prevent it from flying.
"Be gentle, but don’t panic if you touch a butterfly’s wings. While the scales might get a little damaged, it doesn’t stop them from flying. They’re tougher than they look!"

Myth: Coffee dehydrates you.
"Coffee lovers, rejoice! While it’s a mild diuretic, coffee still hydrates you. It’s not an excuse to skip water, but your morning cup is helping, not hurting."

Myth: Cows can only sleep standing up.
"Ever seen a cow lounging in a field? That’s because they lie down to sleep too. Standing naps are cool, but they’re not that dedicated to the pose."

Myth: Einstein failed math in school.
"Einstein bad at math? Nope. He was crushing equations while most of us were learning multiplication. He even taught himself advanced calculus as a teenager. Total math legend."

Myth: Humans swallow eight spiders a year in their sleep.
"Relax—spiders aren’t lining up to dive into your mouth. They actively avoid us, so you’re safe from accidental midnight snacks. Sleep tight!"

Myth: Humans have different 'tongue maps' for tasting sweet, salty, bitter, and sour.
"Your tongue isn’t playing favorites—any taste bud can detect any flavor. That old 'tongue map' idea? Just a map to misunderstanding."

Myth: Humans will explode in space without a spacesuit.
"Exploding in space sounds dramatic, but it’s not true. Without oxygen, you’d lose consciousness quickly, but no kabooms. Space is scary enough without the explosions!"

Myth: Roadrunners are faster than coyotes.
"Sorry, Looney Tunes fans, but coyotes can outrun roadrunners! Roadrunners hit 26 MPH, but coyotes can reach up to 43 MPH. Wile E. was doomed for different reasons."

Myth: Eating before swimming causes cramps.
"That ‘wait 30 minutes’ rule is a myth. Eating doesn’t cause cramps—it’s safe to swim as long as you feel comfortable. Go ahead, cannonball away!"

Myth: Pigeons are dirty and spread diseases to humans.
"Pigeons get a bad rap, but they’re generally clean birds. They’re not disease-spreading villains—they’re just city survivors trying to get by."

Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu.
"Flu shots don’t cause the flu. The vaccine uses inactivated flu materials, so there’s no live virus to make you sick. Shots save lives, not spread germs!"

Myth: Salt makes water boil faster.
"Sprinkling salt in your water? It doesn’t speed things up—it actually makes water take longer to boil. But hey, it adds flavor, so keep it up for cooking!"

Myth: Eating celery burns more calories than it provides.
"Celery’s low-calorie, sure, but it doesn’t burn more calories to digest than it contains. It’s a snack, not a magical calorie burner. Still crunchy, though!"

Myth: Drinking warm milk helps you fall asleep.
"Warm milk doesn’t have magical sleep powers, but the comfort of the routine might help. If it works for you, great—if not, bring on the chamomile tea!"

Myth: A tomato is a vegetable.
"In the kitchen, tomatoes play the vegetable role, but botanically, they’re fruits. They develop from flowers, making them honorary salad fruits."

Myth: Holding a sneeze is dangerous.
"Holding back a sneeze usually isn’t harmful, but forcing it into your sinuses could cause some issues. Just let it out—your nose will thank you."

Myth: Eating more protein makes you more muscular.
"Protein helps, but muscles come from lifting weights, not just eating chicken. Time in the gym, not just time at the grill, is how you bulk up!"

"We’re up to 80 myths busted! Can you believe how many things we’ve been told that aren’t true? It’s been fun learning together, but we’re not done yet—let’s power through the final set of myths and finish strong!"

Myth: Vaccines cause autism.
"This one’s been around for too long, and it’s completely false. Extensive studies show no connection between vaccines and autism—it’s been debunked over and over again. Vaccines save lives, plain and simple."

Myth: Earth is perfectly round.
"Earth isn’t a perfect sphere—it’s more like a squished basketball. It’s slightly flattened at the poles and bulges a bit at the equator. So yeah, Earth’s got some curves!"

Myth: Adding oil to pasta water prevents sticking and improves the sauce.
"Adding oil to pasta water might stop sticking a little, but it also makes sauce slide right off your noodles. So unless you like slippery spaghetti, skip the oil!"

Myth: Sugar causes cavities on its own.
"Blame the bacteria, not just the sugar. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, and they create acids that cause cavities. It’s teamwork, but the bad kind."

Myth: Eating chocolate causes acne.
"Chocolate gets a bad rap, but it’s not causing your breakouts. Acne is mostly about hormones and genetics—so enjoy that candy bar guilt-free!"

Myth: Great white sharks are man-eaters.
"Sharks are misunderstood. Great whites rarely attack humans, and when they do, it’s usually because they mistook us for seals. They’re not out there hunting us on purpose!"

Myth: People lose most of their body heat through their heads.
"Lose your hat, lose all your heat? Not really. You lose heat evenly across your body—so if your hands or feet are exposed, they’ll feel just as cold."

Myth: A penny dropped from a tall building can kill someone.
"A penny falling from the sky sounds scary, but thanks to air resistance, it won’t gain enough speed to be deadly. Annoying? Sure. Lethal? Nope."

Myth: Dolphins are always friendly to humans.
"Dolphins might look like the golden retrievers of the sea, but they’re not always friendly. They can be playful, but in the wrong situation, they can get aggressive. Be cool, and so will they!"

Myth: Taking large amounts of vitamins is helpful.
"More isn’t always better—especially with vitamins. Too much vitamin A can damage your liver, and excess vitamin D can cause bone loss and other issues. Stick to what your body actually needs."

Myth: Dinosaurs and humans lived at the same time.
"Nope, we missed the dinosaur party by about 65 million years. Jurassic Park is fiction, folks. Sorry to crush your Flintstones dreams!"

Myth: Owls can spin their heads 360 degrees.
"Owls are flexible, but they’re not exorcists. They can rotate their heads about 270 degrees, which is still pretty impressive—but no full circles here."

Myth: Alcohol warms you up in cold weather.
"Alcohol might make you feel warm, but it’s all a lie. It dilates your blood vessels and lowers your core body temperature. That ‘toasty’ feeling? Just a trick!"

Myth: Black cats are bad luck.
"Black cats aren’t bad luck—they’re just cats with great style. Depending on the culture, they can even mean good luck. Let’s give these cuties the love they deserve!"

Myth: Cutting an earthworm in half creates two worms.
"Slice a worm, get two worms? Not quite. One half might survive if it has the right parts, but it won’t magically grow a twin. Poor worm."

Myth: You need to wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming.
"Waiting after eating before swimming? Nah, you’re good to jump in. Eating doesn’t increase cramp risk—it’s just an old-school mom myth!"

Final myth—did we really learn the truth about 100 myths today? That’s actually a myth because, honestly, I lost count somewhere along the way.

If you had fun, make sure to hit me up using the 'Text Me' link in the show notes to request your favorite topics or get a shoutout in a future episode. And don’t forget to follow me on TikTok @mr_baldman_trivia for even more trivia, myth-busting, and fun facts.

Thanks for kicking back and learning with me today. Keep staying curious, keep asking those big questions, and I’ll see you next time on Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman! Baldman out!