Jun 13 2020

SYSK Selects: How Flamethrowers Work

Selects 22 min 4 movies discussed
Listen

Who first decided that it would be a great idea to shoot flame at other people from a distance? Josh and Chuck talk about the (very) early origins, history and technology of the flamethrower in this classic episode.

AI Summary

In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the fascinating and horrifying history of flamethrowers, from ancient Greek fire used by the Byzantines all the way through their devastating deployment in World War II. They break down how modern flamethrowers actually work, explain the tactical strategies that employed these brutal weapons, and discuss both military and surprising civilian uses like prescribed forest burns. It's a deep dive into one of humanity's most fearsome inventions that'll make you understand why being a flamethrower operator was basically a suicide mission.


Movies Discussed

District 9
District 9
2009 1h 52m
★ 7.5
"We're like one step away from the alien weapons in District 9, where people just blow up in an almost cartoonish fashion. — Josh compares fictional alien weapons from District 9 to real-world destructive weaponry being discussed." — Josh
Grease
Grease
1978 1h 50m
★ 7.4
"We've both seen grease before. — Josh mentions they're aware of flamethrower exhaust systems from the movie Grease before listeners email about it." — Josh
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
2019 R 2h 42m
★ 7.4
"I just got done watching What's Upon a Time in Hollywood once again. — Chuck mentions rewatching this movie and references it as the reason he picked the flamethrowers episode." — Chuck
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The Call of Duty
1981
"I play Call of Duty now. I like shooter games, too. — Josh mentions playing Call of Duty on PS3, referencing sniper gameplay in the context of flamethrower operators." — Josh

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