The Maya Worshiped Turkeys, Bizarre Thanksgiving Facts & Weird News

The Maya worshiped turkeys, Thanksgiving and Black Friday had a bizarre history, and weird news about ancient history: all this and more on Friday Night Live with Rob Counts.

Strange turkey facts and Black Friday shopping data kick off this Thanksgiving special. Then hear a Thanksgiving ghost story that’s more than 120 years old, what scientists are saying about alien civilizations using artificial intelligence (AI), and new discoveries about ancient civilizations on Earth. Most interesting of all, Rob did a deep dive on the Maya people. The Maya revered turkeys so much, they may have worshiped them. But the details are even more shocking, indicating that the Maya culture was much more advanced than we’re led to believe.

In this episode, tune in for the “Metaphysical Minute” segment, as well as Rise.TV-exclusive segments, a “Dig Deep” Live Q&A, and the Top 10 Weirder News of the Week. Want to hear about dumb criminals, scientific discoveries, and funny food? See you out… on the edge!

“Dig Deep” Live Q&A: “If you had to worship an animal, which one would you choose?” “You’re a ruler and you own a pet. What kind of pet would you have?” “How do you smoke a turkey in a smoker?” “Can machines be biological?” “How could you develop an intergalactic spaceship that doesn’t require electrical components?” “Why do we not realize our own divinity, being humans who were created?” “Why don’t aliens take over the earth with such precious resources?” “What new episodes are coming up?”

Top 10 Weirder News of the Week:

10. You could reuse your 1996 calendars in 2024. You can also reuse your 1997 calendars in 2025!

9. The FBI wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on X (Twitter), and the comments in response were hilarious.

8. Pizza Hut in China released a “goblin pizza” topped with a deep fried frog.

7. Dutch police found a 2 kg gnome made of MDMA during a drug bust.

6. A man was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after allegedly checking suitcases filled with over 70 pounds of clothing caked in powdery meth that would make Walter White proud.

5. An Indian man woke up on his own funeral pyre. Apparently, he wasn’t dead yet.

4. Horrifyingly, one food influencer’s recipe for Thanksgiving turkey involved preparations in a toilet.

3. Officials at the Great Salt Lake State Park & Marina in Utah warned people not to brine their turkeys in the Great Salt Lake after one washed up on shore.

2. A 10-year-old called 9-1-1 for help—with math homework.

1. A stowaway was caught after sneaking on a Delta flight that traveled from JFK airport in New York to Paris. The person made it all the way there before being apprehended.