549 - The Great 'Oil Sniffer' Scandal

Do Go On's 549th episode, 'The Great Oil Sniffer Scandal,' masterfully blends historical absurdity with sharp social commentary, recounting the 1970s hoax in which Italian inventor Aldo Bonasoli and Belgian Count Alain de Villegas deceived French officials with a fraudulent device claiming to detect oil through 'wave technology.' The so-called 'oil sniffer' was revealed to be nothing more than a photocopier and a pre-recorded PowerPoint, yet Elf Aquitaine invested over $460 million (in 2026 dollars) in the project—driven by desperation during the oil crises, the sunk cost fallacy, and a dangerous mix of wishful thinking and groupthink. The fraud was exposed in 1983 by scientist Jules Horowitz, who demonstrated the machine could only 'correct' a bent ruler, proving it fabricated results. Despite the scandal, no one was held accountable, and the inventors vanished, with Bonasoli claiming Soviet interest in his 'secret' tech. The episode uses this tale as a cautionary reminder of how charisma and crisis can enable massive fraud, even within intelligent institutions. The second half of the episode shifts to vibrant fan engagement, featuring listener contributions like tongue-twisters, a comedic Spanish lesson, and a delightfully absurd Wikipedia entry about faux Russian pro wrestlers. The hosts lead an inventive 'invention game' based on listener names and locations, culminating in the induction of four new members into the Trip Ditch Club and one rare honor—Soph Waldron’s induction into the exclusive Triple Triptage Club for nine years of loyal support. The segment is filled with theatrical rituals, playful miscommunications (notably the 'Bonnie and Clyde' mix-up, corrected to 'tattoos'), and heartfelt appreciation for the podcast’s community. The episode closes with a warm, intimate farewell, encouraging listeners to stay connected via social media and the tour mailing list, reinforcing the show’s joyful, inclusive, and deeply interactive spirit.