Tom Slick: Not the Cartoon | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Josh and Chuck introduce the episode focused on Tom Slick, often regarded as the most interesting man few people have heard of. They discuss how Tom Slick was a wealthy adventurer, philanthropist, and intellectual curious about phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster and Yetis. Despite his wealth, he used his resources to engage in scientific pursuits to help humanity.

Tom Slick Jr. was influenced by his father, Tom Slick Sr., a successful oil Wildcatter. His father's early success made the family wealthier, but his untimely death at 46 profoundly impacted Tom Jr. His mother remarried to her brother-in-law, Charles Urell, after both their spouses died. Tom's upbringing was filled with wealth, and he retained a fascination for adventure and exploration instilled by his father.

A significant event in Tom's youth was when his stepfather, Charles Urell, was kidnapped by the gang led by Machine Gun Kelly. Urell kept his cool allowing the FBI to catch the criminal. During the incident, Tom was away, having gone to boarding school and later planning an adventurous trip in Europe in search of the Loch Ness Monster, piquing his lifelong interest in cryptids and exploration.

Tom Slick delved into crossbreeding animals, driven by scientific curiosity rather than profit. He created the Brangus cattle, a crossbreed suited for hot, arid countries. Meanwhile, his interest in cryptozoology led him to expedition in search of cryptids like Yetis. His work in breeding and research showed his commitment to applying his wealth towards human advancement and understanding nature.

Slick developed Science City near San Antonio, founding several research facilities that contributed significantly to science, with projects spanning from animal hybridization to producing oral contraceptives. His wartime work included potentially acting as a spy in Chile, targeting Nazis, which adds to the enigma of his diverse interests and secretive life. His family believed he was involved in espionage.

He married twice but eventually preferred single life focused on adventures and filling his curiosity. He founded several research institutions that had a significant positive impact on science, such as introducing Brangus cattle and developing steps in cancer research. His method of engaging with questions was to use his wealth to foster solutions, never fearing failure, and always learning.

Slick's expeditions looking for the Yeti were well-equipped with tranquilizers and tracker dogs, aiming to capture rather than kill. During these quests, he collected footprints and hair samples but found no definitive evidence. Allegedly, he was involved in helping the Dalai Lama escape Tibet. Slick’s fascination with the unexplained blurred the lines between scientific inquiry and mystical beliefs.

Tom Slick supported cryptozoological endeavors even with his involvement in secretive CIA missions across Asia. He collected potential evidence of Yetis and engaged Hollywood with figures like Jimmy Stewart potentially aiding in collecting biological samples. Despite no conclusive findings of Yetis or Bigfoot, these pursuits illustrated his diverse passions from science to fringe theories.