A ventriloquist once ruled the radio waves, captivating millions with stage tricks that made no visual sense but somehow worked perfectly through a speaker. The world’s love for a good illusion runs deep, stretching from ancient oracles channeling voices through their bellies to audiences mesmerised by dummies with invisible lips. Humans have always been drawn to spectacle, even when it requires a leap of imagination. The world of competitive chestnut-smashing, known in England as Conkers, has moved far beyond childhood nostalgia. Now it is a battleground for grown-up pride, world championships and the occasional controversy. When the stakes are glory and bragging rights, even a simple game can become the centre of suspicion and scandal. Even stone skimming is not immune to drama. The World Stone Skimming Championships recently faced its own rule-bending episode, with contestants trying to perfect their throws in shady ways that organisers had to address. Whether it’s radio dummies, nut-bashing or stone skipping, humans will always find a way to turn even the silliest competition into a drama.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction  02:27 The Curious Case of Radio Ventriloquism 05:18 King of Conkers Controversy  08:53 Stone Skimming Championships and Cheating Scandals 12:18 Conclusion and Listener Engagement SOURCES: Cheating scandal rocks world stone skimming championships ‘King Conker’ cleared of cheating at World Conker Championships The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.