(music) Useless Inventions | Trivia Tuesday | LMBYTS #1407 | Jason Newland | 6th August 2025
Inventions That Solved No Problem: A funny catalogue of novelty gadgets
In this episode Jason Lewland walks listeners through a quirky, often absurd collection of novelty gadgets — from the classic pet rock to modern USB pet rocks — and reflects on why so many inventions exist purely for amusement. If you search for "inventions that solved no problem" or "pointless novelty gadgets list," this episode is a playful, human-led inventory of chindogu, kitsch, and clever marketing that turned purposeless objects into cult hits.
Why people buy useless inventions: novelty, nostalgia, and marketing
Pet rock, diet water, and the useless machine reappear in anecdotes about how novelty products sell because they make people laugh, provoke curiosity, or tap into a cultural moment. Jason highlights how some ideas — like the pet rock from the 1970s or the later ‘‘useless machine’’ — became tiny cultural icons despite solving no practical problem. The episode also mentions odd modern novelties like the USB pet rock, banana slicers, and belt bubble-wrap poppers.
Home recording pain points: soundproofing tips for podcasters and creators
Interwoven with the trivia, Jason discusses real-world audio problems: neighbors, street noise, and a dog that barks at minor triggers. He explores practical low-frequency search queries such as "temporary window plug for home recording" and "soundproofing blind for temporary studio use," suggesting temporary window plugs, heavy-duty noise reduction curtains, and strategic microphone choices as achievable steps for hobbyists and indie podcasters.
Personal stories and unexpected tangents
The episode is full of warm, wry storytelling: Vinny the dog hiding a stolen ball, fear of hot air balloons, reflections on aging hair and family genetics, and odd product discoveries like a baby-mop outfit or a tissue hat for allergy sufferers. These human touches make the list of pointless inventions more entertaining and rooted in everyday life.
Takeaways and search-friendly inspirations
- If you’re researching "novelty gadget history" or "pointless product ideas," listen for product names and origins mentioned.
- For creators, look up "DIY window seal for recordings" and "temporary studio soundproofing solutions" for practical fixes.
- If you enjoy humor-led product roundups, search for "chindogu examples" and "1970s novelty best sellers."
Whether you’re searching for weird inventions, quick soundproofing tips, or a light-hearted storytelling podcast episode, Jason’s Trivia Tuesday offers both a long list of ridiculous products and practical, listener-friendly suggestions for dealing with real home-studio problems. Expect laughter, nostalgia, and a handful of surprisingly useful ideas among the absurd.
