00:00 The podcast episode titled "SYSK Selects: How Human Cannonballs Work" discusses the concept of shooting human remains out of a cannon.

04:13 The podcast episode discusses the concept of shooting human remains out of a cannon and the history of human cannonballs, starting with the Farini Projector in 1871.

08:16 The human cannonball idea took off in the late 19th century, with performers like George Loyal being shot out of cannons and caught by trapeze artists, requiring precise timing and practice, and modern cannons use compressed air to shoot the performer out at a force of 3,000 to 6,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

12:14 To ensure a successful human cannonball act, a lot of planning and testing is required, including taking into account factors like wind speed, body weight, and obstacles, and using test dummies to determine the correct trajectory and landing spot on the net.

15:52 The Zucchini family, who performed in circuses from the 1920s to the 90s, had five brothers who became human cannonballs, and they worked with the Ringling Brothers and pushed the envelope with their stunts, including Mario Zucchini being shot over two Ferris wheels.

20:26 30 out of 50 human cannonballs have died, and the Smith family holds records for the longest distances, with David Cannonball Smith Jr. flying 193 feet and his father flying 201 feet.

24:27 Out of 50 human cannonballs, 30 have died, and to prevent accidents, they have to stay in shape and be able to brace themselves and go rigid when shot out, wearing only a helmet and maybe some padding, relying on nets and airbags for safety, although there have been instances where the airbags failed, such as in the case of Elvin Bale who missed the airbags and tried to solve the problem midair.

28:44 Several human cannonball accidents have resulted in serious injuries and death, including instances where the net collapsed, the airbags failed, and performers collided with each other, leading to broken backs and fatalities.

32:36 There is a hidden tunnel beneath a barn in upstate New York that was part of the Underground Railroad and is still intact today.