Human Blockheads: A Real Thing

# Stuff You Should Know: The Human Blockhead

Josh and Chuck dive deep into one of the strangest sideshow stunts in entertainment history—the human blockhead—where performers literally drive nails into their nasal cavities. They trace the origins back to legendary sideshow performer Melvin Burkhart in the early 1900s and explore the surprising anatomy that makes this bizarre act possible, including the nasal cavity's six-to-eight-inch passage that extends all the way back to your throat. Beyond the gross-out factor, the guys break down the real challenges performers face, from overcoming the sneeze reflex to avoiding serious sinus infections, while emphasizing that this definitely should not be attempted at home without professional training.