After 100 episodes covering everything from cicadas to NFTs, hosts Michael and Michael celebrate this milestone by diving into the surprisingly limited world of blimps. With only 25 active blimps worldwide and half of those actually flying, the duo explores how these "true marvels of technical achievement" have evolved from military surveillance tools to floating billboards. Along the way, they uncover the Goodyear blimp's $20 million upgrade from non-rigid to semi-rigid, Led Zeppelin's connection to Keith Moon's "lead balloon" joke, and why Michelin—yes, the tire company—started rating restaurants to sell more tires.Chapters 0:00 - Intro1:22 - Episode 100 Celebration4:12 - Only 25 Blimps in the World5:04 - From Military Surveillance to Sports Broadcasting6:39 - How Long Does It Take to Learn to Fly a Blimp?7:25 - Blimp Speed and Travel Logistics8:10 - The Three Types of Airships10:06 - Goodyear's $20 Million Semi-Rigid Upgrade11:00 - Hot Air Balloons vs. Blimps12:21 - Led Zeppelin Name Origin Story13:26 - The Hindenburg Disaster Details16:10 - Airship Travel Dreams vs. Reality18:18 - Flight Simulator Talk19:48 - Who Pays for Blimp Operations?21:34 - The Michelin Tire-Restaurant Connection23:05 - Michelin Stars Tangent23:45 - Current Podcast Recommendations25:10 - Wrap UpLinks Mentioned & Further Reading Advanced Airship Engineering & Technology:Next-Generation Airship Design Enabled by Modern Composites - CompositesWorldDeep dive into how carbon fiber composites are revolutionizing rigid airship constructionAirships, Dirigibles, Zeppelins & Blimps: What's the Difference? - Airships.netComprehensive technical breakdown of non-rigid, semi-rigid, and rigid airship classificationsSemi-Rigid Airship Technology - Encyclopedia.comHistorical development and technical specifications of semi-rigid airship designGoodyear Blimp Evolution:Goodyear's $21 Million Upgrade from Blimps to Zeppelins - Machine DesignTechnical analysis of the 2014 transition to Zeppelin NT semi-rigid airshipsThe Goodyear Blimp, Today and Yesterday - Airships.netComplete history of Goodyear's airship program from 1925 to presentMusic & Cultural Connections:How Led Zeppelin Got Their Name - Far Out MagazineThe Keith Moon "lead balloon" origin story and its connection to zeppelin terminologyThe Two-Sided Story of How Led Zeppelin Got Their Name - American SongwriterConflicting accounts from Keith Moon vs. John EntwistleMichelin Guide Origins:Why Michelin, a Tire Company, Rates Restaurants - Capital One Auto NavigatorThe strategic marketing genius behind combining tire sales with restaurant recommendationsMichelin Guide History: From Tire Sales to Culinary Authority - CNN BusinessHow a 1900 marketing ploy became the world's most prestigious restaurant rating systemStay in touch with us by following us on social media.Follow Us on Instagram and Twitter

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