Since the 1980s, Russian and US sources have repeatedly claimed that various groups of terrorists are dangerously close to acquiring a mysterious substance known as 'red mercury.' But what exactly is this stuff -- and why can't anyone agree about its chemical makeup, uses, or effects? Tune in and learn why there might be more to the story.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.