400-Year-Old Lock Finally Opened. What's the Combination?

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Today on Simple Joe, I'm digging into a 400-year-old mystery involving a shipwreck, buried treasure, and a brass combination padlock that nobody could open. Back in 1583, a merchant ship called the Ann Francis sank off the coast of Wales, taking its valuable cargo down with it. Centuries later, metal detectorist Peter Hughes spent 21 years recovering hundreds of gold and silver coins and other artifacts, including a mysterious four-letter combination lock. Researchers at Cardiff University finally cracked the code using modern CT scanning technology, but what was the lock protecting, and what does the combination A-N-C-E actually mean? We explore the ship's fascinating history, the unknown value of its recovered treasure, and the mystery that remains even after the lock was opened. And I've got to admit, using a CT scanner almost feels like cheating! I also send a special hello to our friends in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and share a few birthdays, historic events, and daily celebrations. There's just something fascinating about discovering things that have been lost for centuries, especially when they still have a story left to tell. Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. I can see Sinbad standing there in that purple genie outfit. I remember the movie Shazaam. There's just one problem. Apparently, it never existed! Welcome to Wildcard Wednesday, where I'm exploring the strange and fascinating world of the Mandela Effect, when large numbers of people remember something that apparently never happened. We're talking about the Berenstain Bears, Jiffy peanut butter, the Fruit of the Loom cornucopia, the Monopoly guy's missing monocle, and famous movie quotes we've all been getting wrong. But this gets personal when I share a disagreement with Karin and our friend Michelle about something that happened years ago. We're all absolutely certain we remember it correctly, even though our memories contradict each other. I also share how an old family photograph proved I'd been somewhere I had no memory of visiting. We'll explore how our brains reconstruct memories, why people can share the same false memories, and even wander into parallel universes, simulation theory, and some pretty wild ideas about reality. Because the strangest thing about the Mandela Effect might not be what we remember. It might be how completely we trust those memories. What's your Mandela Effect? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email [email protected]. And if you've got an old VHS copy of Shazaam starring Sinbad, we really need to talk! Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. On today's episode of Simple Joe, we're talking about some of life's little surprises, starting with Abraham Lincoln's history in the tavern business and my own experience owning a bar. I also give a shout-out to Daniel in Iowa, who listens during his overnight shifts at a workplace that might just be haunted! Along the way, we celebrate some famous birthdays, revisit the invention of windshield wipers, and explore the strange Mandela Effect surrounding Sinbad and a movie that never existed. Then it's time for Tuesday's Random Questions! Would I rather have unlimited airline tickets or free restaurant meals? What modern convenience couldn't I live without? Who would narrate a documentary about my life? We get into everything from cold shrimp and bologna sandwiches to the books that have shaped the way I think, including Atomic Habits. And as we head toward the holiday season, I share a reminder that matters more than all the things we buy: the best parts of life are the memories we make with the people we love. Because memories are better than stuff. Tuesday's Random Questions Who would you want to narrate a documentary about your life? What modern convenience would you struggle most to give up? Would you rather have unlimited free airline tickets or unlimited free restaurant meals for the rest of your life? What's a food that tastes better cold than hot? What is a book that changed the way you think? Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's episode of Simple Joe, we're kicking things off with a Michigan man who lived 555 days without a human heart, thanks to some pretty incredible medical technology. We're checking the weather in Ann Arbor, Michigan, celebrating birthdays, including Carl Sagan and the Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, and looking back at the fall of the Berlin Wall and the world's first whole-eye transplant announcement. That eye transplant gets me wondering why we aren't using this technology to help more people see again. We also celebrate World Adoption Day, National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day, and National Scrapple Day, which brings back memories of some surprisingly delicious scrapple. Then it's time for Monday Interesting Headlines! We've got an enormous rubber band ball, a mysterious 400-year-old padlock, an electric toothbrush, some very unusual moths, and a hawk that's apparently too fat to fly. That last story reminds me of a particularly bold squirrel I encountered in Washington, D.C. And there's a possible future Top 10 list brewing, thanks to the F'ing Minister Mike, who wants to share the ten things he disagrees with Simple Joe about. As always, I want to hear from you! Which headline should I dig into on Thursday? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email [email protected]. Let's slow down, have a conversation with a friend, and make some great memories. Monday Interesting Headlines Detroit man's 11,578-pound rubber band ball is the world's largest Cryptic padlock from a 400-year-old shipwreck finally opened — but it leaves a mystery This self-powered toothbrush makes electricity to kill cavity-causing bacteria These Moths Use Their Genitals to Fend Off Bats—but Not in the Way You Think. They Emit Ultrasound to Scramble the Predators’ Sonar Hawk found grounded in Virginia driveway was 'too darn fat to fly' Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. In today's Faith Connections episode of Simple Joe, I'm kicking off a three-part series called Jesus Alone, and I want to try something a little different. I'm a Christian, and I believe Jesus is much more than a great teacher or philosopher. But what if, just for these conversations, we set aside the miracles, the resurrection, and the theological questions and simply look at what Jesus actually taught about living a good life? Whether you're a Christian, an atheist, or a skeptic, I think there's something worth exploring here. In Part One, we're talking about how we treat other people. We'll look at Jesus' teachings about loving your neighbor, treating others the way you want to be treated, loving your enemies, and showing real mercy through the story of the Good Samaritan. We'll also talk about reciprocity, resentment, boundaries, and why we shouldn't let somebody else's bad behavior determine the kind of person we become. Is it possible to live with less scorekeeping, more generosity, and more compassion without becoming naive or letting people walk all over us? I think Jesus has some remarkable things to say about that. And maybe the question isn't just whether Jesus was a great teacher, but whether we're willing to actually listen to what He taught. I'd especially love to hear from you if you're not a Christian. Does this philosophy of life make sense to you? Text me at 513-399-6468 or email [email protected]. Let's have a conversation. Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Come take a walk with me on this Saturday evening edition of Simple Joe. No script, no agenda, just a conversation as I wander around my Cincinnati neighborhood and share what's been going on in my life. I'm talking about the importance of good friendships, my regular Saturday morning conversations with Curt and Clay, and how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and live. But the real fun comes from a late-night family game night at my niece's new home, where we played a couple of hilarious games called Medium and Boo and Yay. Somehow, I ended up on the floor howling like a dog, rubbing my belly, and patting my head. There's even a little life lesson in there about taking small steps and learning from feedback. Along the way, I'll share a few thoughts about surrounding yourself with good people, finding opportunities to help others, and not taking yourself too seriously. Because when it comes down to it, spending time with people you love, laughing together, and making great memories matters a whole lot more than buying more stuff. Memories are better than stuff. Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Are some of the most beloved sitcoms in television history actually overrated? On today's Simple Joe, I'm counting down my Top 10 Most Overrated Sitcoms, and this one might get me in trouble! We're talking about shows that became cultural phenomena, won awards, attracted millions of viewers, and earned devoted fan bases. But were they really as good as everybody remembers? I'm looking at popularity, critical acclaim, consistency, and the difference between a show's reputation and its actual entertainment value. Along the way, we'll talk about nostalgia, shows that overstayed their welcome, and why being enormously successful doesn't necessarily mean being great. I'll also confess which beloved sitcom I deliberately left off the list because I just couldn't bring myself to include it! Plus, we're talking ancient crayons, birthdays, historic events, National Nachos Day, and my appreciation for a great saxophone. I'd love to hear which sitcoms you think are overrated, which ones deserve their legendary reputations, and where you think I got it completely wrong. Come hang out with me for a little television controversy, some laughs, and another reminder that memories are better than stuff. Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. Would you take a job walking robot dogs for $20 an hour? That's a real opportunity a San Francisco robotics company called Dimensional was advertising, and today on Simple Joe, we're digging into the story behind the headline. These aren't robotic pets. They're part of an effort to teach artificial intelligence how to navigate the real world, and apparently, that's a lot harder than it sounds. We'll talk about what these robot dog walkers actually do, why the robots sometimes have to be carried home, and how AI and robotics could eventually change the way we work. I'm not afraid of AI, but I do think we need to pay attention to what it means for our jobs and our future. And yes, I'd take that robot dog walking gig! We also get into my favorite way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for traveling, the pressure of picking out donuts for everybody, birthdays, history, and a little more. It's another day of curiosity, conversation, and thinking about where technology might be taking us. Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. It's Wildcard Wednesday, and today I'm throwing down a challenge: Android phones are better than iPhones. Prove me wrong! I've got a Samsung Galaxy S24 for my personal phone and an iPhone for work, so I've spent some time in both worlds. I'm making my case for Android with more choices, better prices, greater customization, Google integration, and the freedom to make my phone work the way I want. Of course, I've got a little fun to poke at the Apple faithful, their loyalty, their ecosystem, and what I lovingly call the Apple cult. But I'll give Apple credit where it's deserved, and I'll even admit that my own Android loyalty might be getting in the way! There's one problem that really hits Grampy Joe where it hurts: my grandkids have iPads, and communicating with them isn't always easy. I'm looking for a good Android-to-iPad messaging solution, and I'm offering a free Simple Joe T-shirt to someone who can help me find one! So whether you're Team Android or Team iPhone, I want to hear your argument. Text me at 513-399-6468 or email [email protected]. Let's have some fun with this! Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!

Welcome to Simple Joe. I’m glad you’re here. It's Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and today on Simple Joe, we're visiting Creston, Iowa, celebrating birthdays, and looking back at a little history involving Chevrolet, Godzilla, and The Wizard of Oz. I've got a question about just how long Godzilla's legs would have to be to walk through the ocean, and I'll tell you why I didn't watch The Wizard of Oz all the way through until I was in my 40s. We're also celebrating National Sandwich Day, which gives me an excuse to talk about my love for a good old-fashioned bologna and cheese sandwich. Then it's time for Tuesday's Random Questions, and this week gets interesting! I'll tell you how I convinced my middle school science teacher that a piece of dried rubber cement was actually a cow's eye, explain why I'd give up television before music, and share a few recurring family jokes that might sound a little strange without the proper context. We'll also imagine Idris Elba playing me in a sitcom about my life and try to figure out which completely ordinary historical moment would be worth visiting in a time machine. It's a fun, sometimes ridiculous, and occasionally thoughtful conversation about childhood memories, our everyday habits, and the strange things that make us who we are. Come hang out with me, and don't forget to send me your answers! Tuesday's Random Questions What is the most convincing lie you told as a kid? If you had to give up either music or television for a year, which would you choose? What recurring joke would appear in the sitcom version of your life? What actor would be wildly miscast as you but hilarious to watch? If time travel existed, what boring historical moment would you want to observe? Email me at [email protected] or send me a text at 513.399.6468. Just say hi, I would love to hear from you. You can get Simple Joe T-Shirts and other cool stuff at thesimplejoe.com/store Check out what I'm reading at thesimplejoe.com/reading If you share the show on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, please use #simplejoeismyfriend; you might get a free t-shirt!