Stuff You Missed in History Class
By HowStuffWorks.com
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Podcast Description
Want to know more about Operation Mincemeat? How about Clybourne Park? Join Deblina and Sarah as they explore some of history's most fascinating people and events in the Stuff You Missed in History Class, courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
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1 |
Operation Mincemeat, Part 2 | Operation Mincemeat aimed to relay false information to the Nazis by dropping a corpse where they would find it, along with fake documents. The British agents gave their corpse a backstory to make it more believable. But was the story too good to be true? | 23 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
A Visit to Clybourne Park | The Pulitzer-winning play “Clybourne Park” took inspiration from Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin the Sun.” In this episode, we talk to Clybourne Park’s Tony-nominated director Pam MacKinnon about the work and historical research that went into the play. | 21 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
The Prince of Humbug: P.T. Barnum | P.T. Barnum is best known as a circus man, but he spent most of his career running a curiosity museum and staging freak shows. Barnum attracted people to his American Museum through shrewd advertising, or “humbug.” He also wasn’t afraid of a hoax. | 16 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Operation Mincemeat | Once the Allies invaded North Africa, the Nazis began planning. Both sides knew Sicily was the obvious choice for the next Allied invasion, so the Allies needed some subterfuge. Luckily, the British had an idea -- and all they needed was a dead body. | 14 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
Freya of Arabia | After a childhood spent roaming Europe, Freya Stark began saving money to take Arabic lessons. Once fluent, she traveled into areas few outsiders had ever been, documenting her travels in best-selling books. Listen in to learn more about Freya of Arabia. | 9 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
The Battle of Sekigahara | After the Japanese ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi died, regents and bureaucrats scrambled for power. The rivals Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari rallied supporters to face off in Sekigahara. Tokugawa emerged victorious. But what happened next? | 7 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
Who was the real Professor Moriarty? Part II | When Adam Worth stole a portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire, he fell in love with the painting. But a botched theft in Belgium landed him in prison, where the story of his life reached Arthur Conan Doyle and inspired the character of Professor Moriarty. | 2 5 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
Horace Wells and the Gas War | Dentist Horace Wells set up shop in Hartford in 1836, before the discovery of anasthesia. At an exhibition in 1844 he became certain that nitrous oxide could revolutionize medicine. He tried to demonstrate his findings... but things didn’t go as planned. | 30 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
Who was the real Professor Moriarty? Part 1 | Professor Moriarty was based on a real man: Adam Worth. After being falsely reported as dead during the Civil War, Worth began a life of crime. When Worth moved to London he began his Moriarty phase, but his peculiar criminal quirks led to his near ruin. | 25 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
Four Flights of Female Aviators | Amelia Earhart is the most well-known female aviator, but there were several notable female aviation pioneers. Raymonde de Laroche was the first woman to earn a pilot's license, and Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. | 23 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
Who was the Great Imposter? | Ferdinand Demara took on several bogus personas throughout his imposter career -- everything from a professor to a monk. Demara stole the identities of regular people, and often performed their job duties. Tune in to learn more about the Great Imposter. | 18 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
Who was the real Indiana Jones? | Although Lucas and Spielberg claim Indiana Jones was only inspired by adventure movies and pulp fiction, people have still suggested real-life inspirations. Tune in to learn more about several contenders, including Roy Chapman Andrews and Otto Rahn. | 16 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
Westward Bound: Beryl Markham's Transatlantic Flight | Beryl Markham was Africa's first female licensed racehorse trainer, but by the 1920s she'd found a new passion: flying. She went on to become Kenya’s first female commercial pilot, and by 1936 she was ready to fly solo across the Atlantic. Or was she? | 11 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
The Heiress Explorer: Louise Boyd and the Arctic | When gold mine heiress Louise Boyd staged her first Arctic expedition in the 1920s, she hunted polar bears with aristocrats. Yet she also met other explorers who encouraged her in more scientific pursuits. Listen in and learn more about her expeditions. | 9 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
George Arents: Hobbies and the Heathenish Weed | How did advice from his great uncle inspire tobacco businessman George Arents to become one of the great contemporary bibliophiles? Listen in as Sarah and Deblina interview Michael Inman, the curator of the New York Public Library Rare Books Division. | 4 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
Belle Starr: A Bad Rap for the Bandit Queen (Part 2) | After Jim Reed’s death, Belle eventually married Sam Starr. Rumors circulated: Was Belle a barfly or a mom? In 1883, Belle and Sam served 9 months in prison for stealing horses. Tune in to learn how the Bandit Queen set out to turn her reputation around. | 2 4 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
Charles Dickens Takes America | Charles Dickens is best known for chronicling life in London, but he also wrote about the United States – and not in a flattering light. When touring the U.S. and Canada with his wife, Dickens found many American customs repugnant. Tune in to learn more. | 28 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
Belle Starr: A Bad Rap for the Bandit Queen | Belle Starr is often remembered as a notorious outlaw who spent her free time carousing in saloons. But new accounts suggest that, while she wasn't a saint, she also wasn’t the “female Jesse James” some biographers made her out to be. So what’s the truth? | 26 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
From Diplomacy to Black Diaries: Roger Casement | Roger Casement was an Irish-born British diplomat. He eventually became an Irish nationalist. After his arrest, he was sentenced to die. To stifle support for Casement, the government also released the "Black Diaries" which outed Casement as gay. | 21 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
Frida Kahlo: An Introspective Life (Part 2) | Frida Kahlo took pride in caring for her husband Diego. In 1930, the couple went to the United States. When they returned to Mexico, their rocky relationship affected Frida’s health. As her marriage worsened, Frida's star in the art world gradually rose. | 19 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
From Brontë to Bell and Back Again | The Brontë sisters quickly rose from obscurity to notoriety after their three novels were published under the Bell pseudonym. Join Sarah and Deblina as they discuss the sisters' rise to fame and the scandalous suggestions about their lives and morals. | 14 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
Frida Kahlo: An Introspective Life (Part 1) | Frida Kahlo contracted polio at the age of 6. Undeterred, she went on to have an active childhood and adolescence. After a tragic accident left her bedridden for more than three months, she began to pursue painting and politics. | 12 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
Growing Up Brontë | The Brontë sisters are considered some of the best writers of the 19th century but their past may surprise you. Join Sarah and Deblina as they discuss the sisters' childhood tragedies, unconventional educations and their imaginary worlds. | 7 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
Mary Anning, Princess of Paleontology | Mary Anning started hunting for fossils in Lyme Regis in the early 1800s. Around 1811, she uncovered the complete skeleton of an ichthyosaurus. She made several significant contributions to paleontology, so why didn’t she always get credit for her work? | 5 3 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
Evliya Çelebi: World Traveler and Companion to Mankind | Evliya Çelebi grew up in 17th century Istanbul as the "boon companion" of Sultan Murad IV. In his 20s, Evliya had a prophetic dream and spent decades traveling. During his travels he wrote the Seyahatname, one of history's important travel narratives. | 29 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
The Fairy Tale Life of Hans Christian Andersen | Hans Christian Andersen is often considered the father of the modern fairy tale, but his life was not the quiet existence depicted in his photos. His personal life is fairly bizarre, and he is sometimes compared to his own outcast fairy tale figures. | 27 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
Bessie Coleman: Daredevil Aviatrix | Bessie Coleman knew that becoming a pilot was her dream. Because she was a black woman, no American flight schools would admit her. Despite the obstacles, Bessie managed to become the first African-American woman in the world to earn a pilot's license. | 22 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
Leading the Charge: The Massachusetts 54th | A 1792 law prevented African Americans from taking up arms in the Civil War. As attitudes against blacks serving changed, black regiments were formed. But prejudices remained until the heroism of black soldiers won the attention of the nation. | 20 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning in Love | Robert Browning’s early work wasn’t as well-received as Elizabeth Barrett's poetry. Yet Barrett mentioned his work in one of her poems, and they started a correspondence that blossomed into love. However, Elizabeth's father remained an obstacle. | 15 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
Who was the real Lone Ranger? | The Lone Ranger has traditionally been portrayed by white actors, but many believe this character is based on an African-American named Bass Reeves. A former slave, Reeves became one of the most successful lawmen in U.S. history. Tune in to learn more. | 13 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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31 |
The Booth Conspiracy | Most people know the story of President Lincoln's assassination, but what happened afterward? In this podcast, we cover John Wilkes Booth’s escape, his co-conspirators' attacks against other officials and the strange connections between Booth and Lincoln. | 8 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
Jack Johnson and the Fight of the Century | During Jack Johnson's time, the heavyweight championship was unofficially a whites-only title. Despite discrimination, he fought title-holder Tommy Burns in 1908. Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion, but some questioned his legitimacy. | 6 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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33 |
Sir Stamford Raffles and the Conquest of Java | By the early 19th century, the Dutch controlled of most of the East Indies. Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles fought to oust the Dutch from the area. He also tried to enact radical reforms in Java, but he was fired by British East India Company. Why? | 1 2 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
There’s Always a Seat for Queen Nzinga | The warrior queen Nzinga used wily tactics to maintain her kingdom’s independence during colonization. Born in the Ndongo Kingdom, Nzinga staged a coup, harbored runaway slaves, and kept a harem of men. Tune in to learn more about queen Nzinga. | 30 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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35 |
H.H. Holmes and the Mysteries of Murder Castle, Part 2 | In the first part of this episode, Deblina and Sarah covered Herman K. Mudgett's early life, including how he first became known as H.H. Holmes. But how did Holmes manage to complete his murder castle? What happened to him afterwards? Tune in to find out. | 25 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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36 |
H.H. Holmes and the Mysteries of Murder Castle, Part 1 | As a student, Herman K. Mudgett used corpses to commit insurance fraud. In 1886, he moved to Chicago under the alias H.H. Holmes. In 1888, Holmes started constructing a building with secret passageways and an airtight vault. So, what was it for? | 23 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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37 |
Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram: Part 2 | Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen was an expert skier, zoologist and artist: By combining these skills, he became one of Norway's earliest heroes. Listen in as Deblina and Sarah look at the life and times of Fridtjof Nansen in the second part of this episode. | 18 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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38 |
Fridtjof Nansen and the Fram: Part 1 | Fridtjof Nansen was an artist, skier, zoologist and one of Norway's earliest heroes. The first part of this episode covers his early adventures, while part two covers his humanitarian career. Tune in to learn more about his first major expeditions. | 16 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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39 |
W.C. Minor: Madness, Murder and a Dictionary (Part 2) | When we last left the story of W.C. Minor, he'd fatally shot a man in London. In the conclusion of this episode, Sarah and Deblina look at the events that led Minor to become one of the Oxford English Dictionary's most prolific contributors. | 11 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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40 |
Public Enemies: 5 Gangsters to Know | For every Al Capone, there was a cast of lesser-known men who were often just as dangerous. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina explore the lives of gangsters such as "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn and Roger "The Terrible" Touhy. Tune in to learn more. | 9 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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41 |
Ötzi: Everyone's Favorite Copper Age Man | In 1991, two hikers in the Alps found a mysterious body. The frozen mummy turned out to be a 5,300-year-old man -- a discovery that's given researchers an unprecedented peek into the Copper Age. Tune in to learn more about the Iceman. | 4 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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42 |
W. C. Minor: Madness, Murder and a Dictionary (Part I) | In the first part of this episode, we look at the early days of William Chester Minor. Minor originally studied medicine and served and practiced surgery in the Union Army. Eventually he was committed to a hospital for the insane. But what happened next? | 2 1 12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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43 |
Unearthed in 2011: Part 2 | In part two of this episode, we continue to uncover some of the most interesting historical discoveries of 2011, from the world's oldest winery to France's oldest brewery. Tune in to learn more about the biggest historical discoveries of 2011. | 28 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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44 |
Unearthed in 2011: Part 1 | In this two-part episode, we take a look at some of the most interesting historical finds of 2011, from one of Captain Henry Morgan's pirate ships to a rare portrait of Jane Austen discovered by British author Dr. Paula Byrne. Listen in to learn more. | 26 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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45 |
The Christmas Truce | During the first Christmas of World War I, British and German soldiers laid down their weapons and celebrated the holiday together. They sang carols, traded insignia and buried their dead. How did the truce start, and why didn't it happen again? | 21 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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46 |
The Halifax Explosion | The Halifax Explosion was one of history's worst man-made, non-nuclear explosions. The disaster killed about 2,000 people, and part of the city was completely leveled. So how and when did Halifax begin to rebuild? Tune in to find out. | 19 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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47 |
Rosalind Franklin: DNA's Dark Lady | The men who are usually credited with discerning DNA's structure won the Nobel Prize in 1962, but they used Rosalind Franklin's research. In 1952, she captured the best DNA image available at the time, and the Nobel winners used it without her knowledge. | 14 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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48 |
The Kaiser's Chemist: Fritz Haber | Fritz Haber has a mixed legacy. The Nobel-Prize-winning Father of Chemical Warfare was responsible for fertilizers that fed billions, as well as poisonous gasses used during World War I. Tune in to learn more about Fritz's complicated life and work. | 12 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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49 |
Civil War Medicine: Angels of the Battlefield | Women weren’t initially welcome in the Civil War armies, but thousands eventually ended up serving as nurses. We feature five here. Listen in to learn about nurses like Sally Louisa Tompkins, whose hospital became one of the most successful of the war. | 7 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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50 |
John Dillinger: Public Enemy Number One | John Dillinger robbery career began when he was paroled in 1933. Several escaped inmates joined Dillinger, and they were arrested in 1934. Dillinger escaped, but was gunned down in July. To this day, conspiracy theories abound about his death. | 5 12 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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51 |
The Empress of Austria and Her Cult of Beauty | Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, is often considered the public’s “favorite” member of the Habsburgs. She only reluctantly carried out her duties, but her murder created an outcry across Europe -- and the story doesn't end there. | 30 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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52 |
Mug Shot! Alphonse Bertillon and Criminal Identification | In the 19th century, Alphonse Bertillon standardized the mug shot and came up with a system of organizing police records; he also conceived a new way of identifying people. Tune in to learn more about the rise -- and fall -- of Bertillon’s system. | 28 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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53 |
The Death of Stonewall Jackson | As a Confederate surgeon, Dr. MacGuire's first assignment was under the command of Lieutenant General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, who became his most famous patient. Tune in to learn what McGuire’s writings reveal about Stonewall's last days. | 23 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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54 |
Polio: The Dread Disease | Polio was a terrifying threat in the early 20th century: It often left victims paralyzed or dead. Yet two vaccines caused an immediate drop in polio cases and today they’ve nearly eradicated the disease. But what exactly happened? Tune in to find out. | 21 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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55 |
How Vincent van Gogh Worked | Today, Vincent van Gogh has come to fit our idea of the tortured artist. Aside from his art, he's best known for cutting off his ear and committing suicide. Yet new research debates both of these van Gogh moments. Listen in to learn more about van Gogh. | 16 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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56 |
Maximilian, Mexico’s Habsburg Prince | For a time, Mexico was ruled by a Habsburg prince: Ferdinand Maximilian. While Maximilian was unwelcome, he upheld liberal reforms and modernized the government. As his support dwindled, Mexico’s rightful president worked to take back the country. | 14 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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57 |
The Gunpowder Plot, Part 2 | In Part 2 of The Gunpowder Plot, we discuss how a group of English Catholics attempted to carry out their plan. Yet the Plot was discovered days before the event. Were the conspirators betrayed by someone within their own ranks? Tune in to learn more. | 9 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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58 |
Bloodwork, Part 2 | In part two of this interview series, Dr. Holly Tucker discusses the research methods behind her new book, "Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution." Listen in to learn more about the controversial history of transfusions. | 7 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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59 |
The Gunpowder Plot, Part 1 | Under Queen Elizabeth I, English Catholics were subject to discriminatory laws. When King James I took the throne, Catholics unsuccessfully petitioned him for toleration. Tune in to learn how this led a group of Catholics to attempt regicide. | 2 11 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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60 |
Blood Work, Part I | In part one of a special author interview, Dr. Holly Tucker talks about her new book, "Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution." Tune in to learn more about the startling history of blood transfusion. | 31 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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61 |
Civil War Medicine: Mary Edwards Walker | When the Civil War began, Mary Edwards Walker sought work as a surgeon. When the Union refused to give her an appointment, she worked as a volunteer. She became the first woman to win a Medal of Honor. Tune in to learn more about Mary Edwards Walker. | 26 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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62 |
Secret Science: Alchemy! | Many think of alchemy as a fool’s pursuit, but alchemy has a rich history closely tied to medicine and metallurgy. Additionally, techniques developed by alchemists strongly influenced chemistry. So how come we don’t call chemistry alchemy? | 24 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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63 |
Who was the real Dr. Frankenstein? | It's no secret that Mary Shelley's infamous novel has influenced generations of writers, but is completely based on fiction, or was Shelley inspired by real-life events? Tune in to learn more about the real Dr. Frankenstein. | 19 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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64 |
Why would you put a cadaver on trial? | In 897, Pope Stephen VI had his deceased predecessor Formosus exhumed and put on trial. The corpse was found guilty, but this desecration disgusted Romans and made them rebel. Tune in to learn more about the period known as the Papal Pornocracy. | 17 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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65 |
The Sisters Fox: They Talked to Dead People | In 1848, the Fox family began hearing strange noises, and sisters Maggie and Kate started communicating with spirits. They built a career as mediums, and today they're credited with launching the modern spiritualist movement. But was it all a hoax? | 12 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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66 |
Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Turtle Ships | When Japan invaded Korea in 1592, the Korean forces were unprepared for Japan's troops. The Korean navy, however, was a different story. Commanding Admiral Yi Sun-sin repeatedly defeated the Japanese. But was it enough to end the war? Tune in to find out. | 10 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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67 |
John Dee: Her Majesty's Secret Sorcerer | Born in 1527 to a Welsh family, John Dee grew to become one of Queen Elizabeth's most memorable advisors. Join Sarah and Deblina as they delve into the life and times of this scholar, statesman and sorcerer. | 5 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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68 |
Who is D.B. Cooper? | In 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines flight 305. He received a ransom of $200,000 -- and then jumped out in midair. Over the years, the FBI has searched for Cooper with little luck. Tune in to learn more. | 3 10 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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69 |
Who was the Mistress of Murder Hill? | In 1908, a fire leveled the Indiana home of Belle Gunness. Four bodies were found in the cellar, and it seemed possible that Gunnes might have escaped. When about a dozen more bodies were found, Gunness was revealed as a serial killer. | 28 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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70 |
The Freedom Rides: Australia Takes Note | The final part of this series takes place in Australia, where students were inspired by the Freedom Rides and protested discrimination against Aborigines. Tune in to learn how the group tried to break down racial barriers and empower local Aborigines. | 26 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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71 |
Not Ned: Bushrangers in Later Years | After 1853, many bushrangers were native-born. Ben Hall seemed on track for a peaceful life until two wrongful arrests put him on different path. And then there's “Mad” Dan Morgan. who was known for meaningless murders, cruelty and violence. | 21 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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72 |
The Freedom Rides: Nashville Steps Up | When Nashville college students picked up where CORE riders stopped, they were eventually incarcerated in Mississippi. Yet more riders kept coming. Tune in to learn more about this major victory for the Civil Rights movement in this follow-up episode. | 19 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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73 |
Not Ned: Early Australian Bushrangers | While Ned Kelly may be the most famous bushranger, he's certainly not the only one. Join Deblina and Sarah as they explore the lives of early bush rangers in this podcast. | 14 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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74 |
The Freedom Riders: CORE's First Wave | In 1961, buses and terminals in the South were illegally segregated. The Civil Rights group CORE sent riders to test the law, riding from D.C., to New Orleans. However, no one was prepared for the violence that waited in Alabama. Tune in to learn more. | 12 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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75 |
The Radium Girls | Between in 1917, hundreds of women got jobs applying radium-treated paint to various products. Many experienced severe health problems. Five former workers decided to sue the U.S. Radium corporation, and faced a campaign of misinformation. | 7 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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76 |
5 War Dogs of History | Dogs have been used in war for a long time and are still used today. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina look at five war dogs known for their strength, loyalty and intelligence. Tune in to learn more about war dogs from World War I through Vietnam. | 5 9 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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77 |
A Sampling of Historic Spirits, Part 2 | The second episode of this two-part podcast covers historic alcohol that’s still (mostly) drinkable. Tune in to learn more about the world’s oldest Champagne, a bottle of beer from the Hindenburg, and whisky from the failed Endurance expedition. | 31 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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78 |
Tamerlane and the Battle of Ankara | Timur the Lame (that's Tamerlane to the Westerners) conquered areas from Persia to Russia throughout the late 1300s. His last great battle was in Ankara against Sultan Bayezid I. But how exactly did he gain the upper hand? Tune in to find out. | 29 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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79 |
A Sampling of Historic Spirits, Part 1 | Ancient alcohol can tell us a lot about a society. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina cover millennia-old residues left behind in Chinese pottery, Egyptian jars and more. They also explore the science behind identifying the ingredients of these brews. | 24 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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80 |
The White Ship and Empress Matilda | In 1120, the heir to the throne, three of the king’s other children, and many of the kingdom's youths drowned at sea. This left a woman named Matilda as heir. Yet her cousin Stephen seized the prize, triggering 19 years of battle called “The Anarchy." | 22 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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81 |
5 Historical Hoaxes | Historical hoaxes are surprisingly common. For example, a N.Y. cigar maker once commissioned a gypsum skeleton to pass off as a 10-foot-tall petrified man called the Cardiff Giant. Join Deblina and Sarah as they explore history's most successful hoaxes. | 17 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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82 |
Orson Welles and the War of the Worlds | In 1938 Orson Welles produced a series of radio dramas, including one based on “War of the Worlds.” The broadcast aired the night before Halloween and caused a mass panic. But why did so many listeners believe the show was real? Tune in to find out. | 15 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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83 |
Who was the Indiana Jones of Botany? | Nikolai Vavilov traveled to 64 countries gathering seeds and plants and established the first seed bank. Stalin had the botanist sentenced to death, but his seed bank endured: Other scientists guarded the stores from rats, starving Russians and the Nazis. | 10 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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84 |
More with David McCullough | In the second portion of their interview with author David McCullough, Sarah and Deblina, focus specifically on their favorite parts of his new book "The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris." Tune in to learn more about McCullough's research process. | 8 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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85 |
The Trial of Leo Frank | In 1913, 13-year-old Atlanta factory worker Mary Phagan stopped in for her pay -- and was never seen alive again. Authorities charged Jewish superintendent Leo M. Frank with murder. But did Frank kill Mary Phagan, or was he framed? Tune in to learn more. | 3 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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86 |
Marian Anderson - The Lady from Philadelphia | An acclaimed African-American contralto, Marian Anderson was barred from singing in Constitution Hall in 1939. She sang at the Lincoln Memorial instead. The concert was broadcast around the country -- and also heard by a young Martin Luther King, Jr. | 1 8 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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87 |
How the Bayeux Tapestry Works | The Bayeux Tapestry is considered the one of the most important images of the Medieval Age. It’s a stunning piece of art, and it covers a crucial event in Western history: The Norman Conquest of Britain. Tune in to learn more about the Bayeux Tapestry. | 27 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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88 |
A Tale of False Dmitry | The false Dmitriy was actually one of three imposters claiming to be the son of Ivan the Terrible. So what made his story seem more believable to the Russian populace? Join Sarah and Deblina as they examine the curious tale of the False Dmitriy. | 25 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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89 |
The Rise and Fall of Carthage | Carthage was a trading hub of the ancient world, challenging the budding Roman Republic. In 264 B.C., Rome and Carthage began the Punic Wars, which continued for more than a century. Tune in to learn more about the rise -- and fall -- of Carthage. | 20 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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90 |
The White Rajahs of Sarawak | In the 1830s, James Brooke sailed toward the Malay Archipelago and ended up becoming the Rajah of Sarawak. Brooke governed Sarawak until the 1860s and made several beneficial reforms. But what happened next? Join Sarah and Deblina to learn more. | 18 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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91 |
Civil War Spies: Mary-Elizabeth Bowser | After her father died, Elizabeth Van Lew freed the family slaves, including a girl named Mary. When the Civil War began, sources say Mary became an agent in Van Lew’s “Richmond Ring." Join Sarah and Deblina to learn more about Civil War spies. | 13 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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92 |
The Darien Disaster | In the late 1600s, a financier tried to start a Scottish colony in Panama. Despite English roadblocks, the Scots successfully raised funding. But the expedition faced disease, death and poor trade, taking down the settlers -- and, ultimately, Scotland. | 11 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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93 |
Victoria and Albert | She’s one of Britain's best-loved queens, but Victoria’s parentage made her an unlikely heir. When she became queen at 18, she rebelled from her upbringing. But an early marriage to her cousin Albert changed the way she lived and ruled. | 6 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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94 |
Civil War Spies: Belle Boyd | Belle Boyd got her start as a spy in Martinsburg, Virginia, at the age of 17. In 1862, the "Cleopatra of the Succession" obtained – and risked her life to deliver -- information that may have been pivotal to the outcome of the Battle of Front Royal. | 4 7 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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95 |
The Rite of Spring Riot | Riots are a distressingly common part of human history, and the strangest events can trigger widespread violence. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah take a closer look at one of history's strangest riots. Tune in to learn more. | 29 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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96 |
Civil War Spies: Allan Pinkerton | Allan Pinkerton fell into detective work when he discovered a gang of counterfeiters in Illinois. In 1861, he helped thwart a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln, which may have led Lincoln to later tap Pinkerton to organize the first Union espionage. | 27 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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97 |
Alan Turing: Codebreaker | Alan Turing, conceived of computers decades before anyone was building one. He also acted as a top-secret code breaker during World War II. Despite his accomplishments, he was prosecuted as a homosexual by the British government. Tune in to learn more. | 22 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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98 |
Ned Kelly's Last Stand | Bushrangers, a type of bandit, troubled Australia until the late 1800s. Ned Kelly, the most famous bushranger, became an outlaw in 1878, and his gang successfully conducted several raids. Tune in to learn why many Australians think of him as a folk hero. | 20 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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99 |
The Copper Kings and the Recluse Heiress | Recently deceased heiress Huguette Clark was reclusive -- she hadn't been photographed since 1930. Her father was the wealthy William Andrews Clark, whose political battles started the War of the Copper Kings. Tune in to learn more about the Clark family. | 15 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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100 |
The King of Beaver Island | In 1850, James Strang was crowned king of Michigan's Beaver Island. He got the opportunity to lead after meeting Joseph Smith and converting to Mormonism. After Smith’s death, Strang tried to step in as his successor. Tune in to learn what happened next. | 13 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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101 |
Cahokia: North America's First City? | Most people have heard of great South and Central American empires, but Mississippian civilizations are more obscure. At its peak, the Mississippian city known as Cahokia was bigger than London. So how did it get so big -- and why was it abandoned? | 8 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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102 |
Who was the pride and sorrow of chess? | Bobby Fischer called Paul Morphy “the greatest chess genius in history,” By age 20, he earned recognition as America’s best player after winning the nation’s first chess championship tournament in 1857. So why did his career end after only two years? | 6 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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103 |
Princess Caraboo: Imposter from Javasu | When a mysterious woman sporting a turban showed up in England, people took her for a foreign beggar. But she claimed to be a princess who had been kidnapped by pirates! Eventually, however, the truth proved stranger than fiction. Tune in to learn more. | 1 6 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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104 |
History's Unforgettable Fires | After covering the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, Deblina and Sarah return to the topic of disastrous fires in history. Listen in as they recount some of history's most famous fires, comparing and contrasting the factors leading to these catastrophes. | 30 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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105 |
An Interview with David McCullough | In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough discusses his book "The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris," which follows the experiences of American expats in the French capital. Tune in to learn more about McCullough's work. | 25 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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106 |
Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim | Queen Victoria loved two men: Prince Albert, and after his death, her servant, John Brown. Late in life, the Queen had a third partner, a Muslim man named Abdul Karim. So why did Victoria’s children want the records of this relationship destroyed? | 23 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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107 |
Fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory | In the early 1900s, New York City's Triangle Shirtwaist factory was one of the largest blouse factories in the city. It was also incredibly unsafe. Learn how a fire at this factory triggered a national change in attitudes surrounding workplace safety. | 18 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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108 |
Sink the Bismarck! | The German battleship Bismarck was the most feared warship in the world – a powerful complement to U-boats. But when she sank the pride of the British fleet, the battle cruiser Hood, in a matter of minutes, her fate was sealed. Tune in to learn more. | 16 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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109 |
A Pure Food Father and His Poison Squad | In the late 1800s, no one really monitored food additives. After Congress refused to regulate food safety, Harvey Wiley had groups of healthy men ingest poisons for six months. Tune in to learn how these "Poison Squads" shed new light on Wiley’s cause. | 11 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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110 |
The 300th Episode: The Real | It's the three-hundredth episode of your favorite history podcast, and what better way to celebrate than to take a closer look at real story behind the blockbuster film 300? Listen in and learn more in this episode. | 9 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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111 |
More Shipwreck Stories: Battleships! | In this all-listener-suggested episode, Deblina and Sarah take a look at why four different warships from around the world went down, and why they were built In the first place. Tune in to learn if your suggestion made it on the airwaves. | 4 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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112 |
Jimmy Winkfield: Derby Pioneer | Jimmy Winkfield won the Kentucky Derby twice, and he was also the last African-American jockey to win the race. Winkfield moved abroad in 1904 to continue his career, but it wasn't until 2005 that Congress honored his work. Tune in to learn more. | 2 5 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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113 |
5 Shipwreck Stories | From the sinking of Black Sam's Wydah to the Medusa's disastrous accident off the African coast, history is rife with tales of shipwrecks. Listen in as Sarah and Deblina as they recount the stories of five shipwrecks that have made their mark on history | 27 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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114 |
The Tussaud Test of Popularity | Although Madame Tussaud's museum is world-famous, the story of Marie Tussaud herself is less well-known. So who exactly was she, and how did she create one of the world's most popular museums? Tune in and learn more in this episode. | 25 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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115 |
Westminster Abbey: Royal Wedding Edition | This year, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married at Westminster Abbey. Listen in to learn more about royal weddings as Sarah and Deblina travel through the centuries to look at the Abbey’s connections to the crown and to the Windsors. | 20 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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116 |
The Disappearance of the Lindbergh Baby | On March 1, 1932, 20-month-old Charles Augustus Lindberg Jr. disappeared. The kidnappers left several clues at the crime scene, authorities eventually made an arrest and a trial ensued -- but some still wonder whether the right person was convicted. | 18 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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117 |
Who was the real Robinson Crusoe? | In 1695, Alexander Selkirk ran away and joined a band of buccaneers. In 1704, after a fight with his captain, Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island about 400 miles west of Valparaiso. Tune in to learn more about the real-life Robinson Crusoe. | 13 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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118 |
How the New York Draft Riots Worked | To recruit troops for the U.S. Civil War, the Federal Congress passed the Union Conscription Act in 1863, which drafted able-bodied men between the ages of 20 and 45. Needless to say, this didn't go over well in New York. Tune in to learn more. | 11 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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119 |
The Amistad Mutiny | In 1839, Africans held captive by slavers revolted and ordered the Amistad's crew to return to Africa. However, the ship was captured in Long Island and the slaves were put on trial -- but that's not the end of the story. Tune in to learn more. | 6 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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120 |
The Oneida Utopia | In 1848, a preacher named John Humphrey Noyse founded the Oneida community. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah recount the rise and fall of the Oneida community -- including its focus on shared labor, gender equality and free love. | 4 4 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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121 |
Five Real-life Amazons | Amazons are a well-known element of mythology, but are there any historical figures that could be considered real-life Amazons? Listen in as Deblina and Sarah traverse the globe to find five examples of historical Amazons. | 30 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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122 |
Little Queen for President | In 1872, the Equal Rights Party nominated Victoria Woodhull for president, but her radical views and an personal scandal caused her to lose many supporters. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina recount the life of the first woman to run for U.S. president. | 28 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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123 |
Dr. Livingstone, I presume? | David Livingstone was a missionary working in Africa, and for six years he lost contact with the western world. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah recount the adventures of Livingstone and Henry Stanley, the journalist who found Livingstone in Africa. | 23 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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124 |
Who is India's Joan of Arc? | Lakshmi Bai was born into wealthy family in 1830, but she was far from the typical aristocrat. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah recount the life and work of Lakshmi Bai, from her youth to her instrumental role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. | 21 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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125 |
Lambert the Pretender, Irish-crowned King | Lambert Simnel was born into a humble position, but over the course of his life he became both a pretender to the throne and an imposter. Tune in to learn how this young man was used as a pawn in this story of classic royal intrigue. | 16 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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126 |
The Mystery of Saint-Ex | Since its publication in 1934, The Little Prince has become one of the world's most well-known children's books -- and the story of its author is almost as extraordinary. Tune in to learn more about the life -- and disappearance -- of this author. | 14 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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127 |
Don't Cross the Dragon Lady | When people think of pirates, they usually picture male, western scoundrels flouting the law throughout the Caribbean. However, piracy is not a solely western pursuit. Listen in as Deblina and Sarah recount the exploits of pirates in the South China Sea. | 9 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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128 |
The Riotous Life of Caravaggio | Michelangelo da Caravaggio may not be as well-known as Leonardo da Vinci, but this amazing painter has been receiving more and more attention in recent times. Why? Listen in as Deblina and Sarah explore the controversial life of Caravaggio. | 7 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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129 |
The Best Mardi Gras Ever | Mardi Gras has been a legal holiday in New Orleans since 1875, and the annual Fat Tuesday celebration has become a legendary part of the city's culture. But which Mardi Gras celebration was the best? Listen in as Deblina and Sarah explore Mardi Gras. | 2 3 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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130 |
Who was America's first black millionairess? | Sarah Breedlove Walker was born in 1867 and grew up in a shack in a Louisiana. She began working as a washerwoman, but continually worked her way up to become the owner of her own manufacturing company. Listen in to learn more about Madam CJ Walker. | 28 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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131 |
How the Stono Rebellion Worked | In September of 1739, a slave rebellion shook the foundations of the colony in South Carolina. But how did it happen? Tune in to learn more about the factors leading to the Stono rebellion, as well as its long-term effects. | 23 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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132 |
Phillip V, Reluctant King | Some historians think Phillip V of Spain was mad, but why? Listen in as Sarah and Deblina recount the strange rule of Phillip V, who abdicated the throne for several months in 1724. | 20 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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133 |
The Crafts' Escape to Freedom | When Ellen and her husband William made their escape from a life of slavery in Georgia, they traversed over 1,000 miles to reach freedom. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah recount the astonishing journey of the Craft family. Tune in and learn more. | 16 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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134 |
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre | During Prohibition, the US was awash in booze-fueled crime. Gangsters feuded savagely to control their turf, especially in Chicago. On Feb. 14th, 1929, these rivalries culminated in one of America's most notorious unsolved crimes. Tune in to learn more. | 14 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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135 |
Who was the last French Bourbon? | The story of the House of Bourbon is pretty complicated. Luckily, Deblina and Sarah are here to examine the web of people and events leading to the fall of the House. Tune in and learn more about Henri, comte de Chambord, the last French Bourbon. | 9 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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136 |
How Tulip Mania Worked | A funny thing happened to the Dutch during the 17th century: They went nuts for tulips, paying exorbitant amounts for a single bulb. But what exactly triggered this commodity bubble? And what do revisionist historians have to say? Tune in and find out. | 7 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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137 |
The Last Emperor of Ethiopia | Haile Selassie wasn't just the last emperor of Ethiopia -- he is also hailed as a messiah. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah explore the astonishing life of Haile Selassie. Tune in to learn more. | 2 2 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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138 |
5 Unlikely Inventors | From Marlon Brando to Harry Houdini, it's common knowledge that performers are uniquely gifted -- but several have also gained reputations as gifted inventors. Tune in to learn more about five of history's most unlikely inventors. | 31 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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139 |
Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV | Madame de Pompadour was born in Paris in 1721, and eventually became the mistress of King Louis XV. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah describe Madame de Pompadour's rise to power. Tune in to learn more. | 26 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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140 |
Hone Heke's Rebellion | Also known as the Northern War, Hone Heke's Rebellion took place between in New Zealand over the course of 1845 and 1846. In this podcast, Sarah and Deblina recount the events leading up to the war -- as well as the consequences of Heke's actions. | 24 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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141 |
The Affair of the Poisons | From hemlock to cyanide, poison has unfortunately played an integral part in many of history's great sagas, But in 17th-century France, the scandal over poisoning reached an unprecedented level. Tune in and learn more. | 19 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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142 |
El Dorado and the River of Despair | Driven by visions of unimaginable riches, Spanish explorers subjugated the cultures of South America and exploit the resources for their masters in Europe. Chief among these visions was the hallowed El Dorado, or the City of Gold. Tune in to learn more. | 17 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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143 |
How did a Hollywood starlet invent cellular technology? | Hedy Lamarr was an extraordinarily beautiful film star, but she wasn't just another pretty face. In this podcast, Sarah and Deblina recount Hedy's biography and her little-known career as an inventor. Tune in to learn more about Hedy Lamarr. | 12 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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144 |
The Last Years of the Red Eminence | Cardinal Richelieu wielded tremendous political power, but he also made more than a few enemies. Would they seek revenge in his later years? In this episode, Deblina and Sarah recount the last years of Cardinal Richelieu | 10 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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145 |
Why did a riot start over Shakespeare? | As one of the most influential writers in the English language, Shakespeare is typically associated with cultural sophistication rather than violent bouts of near-anarchy. But this wasn't the case during the Astor Place Riot. Tune in to learn more. | 5 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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146 |
The Rise and Fall of the Green Gallant | A man of many appellations -- Henry the Great, the Green Gallant -- King Henry IV was a very popular French royal . In this episode, Sarah and Deblina explore the controversial life and reign of Henry of Bourbon, including the surprising fate of his head. | 3 1 11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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147 |
Unearthed in 2010: 5 Historical Finds | Over the past 12 months, experts have been hard at work hunting down hard evidence of times, places and people lost in the course of history. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina recount 5 of the most important historical finds of 2010. | 28 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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148 |
Mansa Musa and the City of Gold | Talk about making an impression: When emperor Mansa Musa went on a pilgramage from Timbuktu to Mecca, he gave away so much gold that he crashed the gold market in Cairo. Tune in and learn more about Musa and Timbuktu in this podcast. | 27 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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149 |
Did Oliver Cromwell cancel Christmas? | Oliver Cromwell was a Puritan, military leader and powerful politician in the 17th-century Parliament, but nowadays he's also known as an inveterate grinch. How did he get this reputation -- and, more importantly, did he deserve it? Tune in to learn more. | 22 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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150 |
Did Empress Wu's reign change China? | During the Tong Dynasty, Chinese women were often treated as second-class citizens. This made the rise of Empress Wu even more extraordinary. But did her work have a lasting effect? Learn more about how -- or if -- Empress Wu permanently changed China. | 20 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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151 |
What have we learned from gladiator graveyards? | Although most people are familiar with gladiators, movies have skewed popular understanding of these fighters. So how can we separate the fact from the fiction? Tune in to learn how gladiator graveyards have changed the way we regard gladiators today. | 15 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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152 |
5 Amazing Astronomical Discoveries | The study of the heavens is one of humanity's oldest pursuits, and it's still a work in progress. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah explore the details of five amazing astronomical discoveries, beginning with the work of Copernicus. | 13 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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153 |
Why is there a "graveyard of ships" near Naples? | In 2008, the Aurora Trust began a survey around an island named Ventotone, off the coast of Naples. They found an astonishing group of Roman shipwrecks, and they also found a mystery. How did all these ships sink so close together? Tune in to find out. | 8 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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154 |
Tycho Brahe: An Astronomer's Untimely Demise | Tycho Brahe is hailed as an influential astronomer, but why? Tune in and learn how this groundbreaking astronomer lost his nose, built the world's first observatory and met with an untimely demise in this podcast. | 6 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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155 |
The Mysterious Death of Christopher Marlowe | Christopher Marlowe was one of the most talented writers of the Elizabethan era, but his career was cut short when he was stabbed to death at the age of 29. In this episode, Deblina and Sarah take a closer look at the mystery surrounding Marlowe's death. | 1 12 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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156 |
Why did Augustus exile his own daughter? | Exile is never a pleasant experience, and meting it out on a family member is positively brutal. So what could drive Augustus to exile his own daughter? Tune in and find out -- the answer might surprise you. | 29 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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157 |
Who was the real Sherlock Holmes? | Arthur Conan Doyle wasn't the first person to write a mystery novel, but his focus on scientific methods and brilliant protagonist made the stories of Sherlock Holmes world-famous. Yet is Sherlock Holmes based on a real person? Tune in to find out. | 24 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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158 |
Tagore, Erstwhile Knight | In addition to being the first Asian Nobel laureate, the multitalented Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore was known for his political influence. In this episode, Sarah and Deblina trace the life of Tagore through his childhood to knighthood and beyond. | 22 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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159 |
George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate | With four acres of floor space and over thirty bedrooms, the opulent Biltmore Estate occupies a unique place in the history of the United States. In this episode, Candace and Sarah trace the history of the Vanderbilt family and their magnificent estate. | 17 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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160 |
Historical Name-dropping in Lost | The hit show "Lost" is replete with historical name-dropping, but who are all these people mentioned in the show? In this episode, our resident history buffs crack the case and track down some of the historical names used in "Lost." | 15 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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161 |
5 Show-stopping Historical Weddings | History is full of astonishing events, and the history of marriage is no exception. Listen in as Sarah and our special guest, Candace, explore five of the most show-stopping, opulent weddings in history. | 10 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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162 |
A Jewish Pirate's Life for Me! | During the golden age of Caribbean piracy, people from all walks of life set sail in search of gold. Yet you may be surprised to hear that some of the pirates were Sephardic Jews. Tune in and learn more about the lives of Jewish pirates. | 8 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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163 |
The Cinderella of the Harem | Roxelana has one of the strangest rags-to-riches stories in history. As a slave who entered Suleyman's harem and rose through the ranks to become the wife of the Sultan, Roxelana became a symbol of the Ottoman empire. Tune in to learn more about Roxelana. | 3 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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164 |
La Reconquista and the Alhambra | In the early 8th century, Moors occupied most of the Iberian peninsula. During the Reconquista, Christians rallied to conquer the land. Listen in and learn more about this epic conflict, which spans some of the most formative times in Spanish history. | 1 11 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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165 |
He Was Killed by Mesmerism | Today, Franz Mesmer is hailed as the father of hypnosis. His original pursuit was called mesmerism, but what exactly was it? How did it (supposedly) work? Listen in as Sarah and Katie explore the strange theories of Franz Mesmer. | 27 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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166 |
10 Historical Animals You Should Know: 6 - 10 | Did Tycho Brahe really own a moose with a drinking problem? Did a U.S. President keep a pet alligator? Tune in as Katie and Sarah take a look at some of history's strangest pets (and their equally bizarre owners). | 25 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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167 |
The Battle of Marathon | Nowadays marathons are a popular pastime for health buffs across the world, but how did they get started? The origins of the marathon date back to the fifth century B.C., when Greeks depended on messengers to carry news. Tune in to learn more. | 20 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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168 |
Spring-heeled Jack, Mystery Assailant! | Most people are familiar with Jack the Ripper, but Victorian England was also plagued by an odd character named Spring-Heeled Jack. Were reports of this bounding scoundrel a symptom of mass hysteria, or something factual? Tune in to learn more. | 18 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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169 |
10 Historical Animals You Should Know: 1 - 5 | History is full of astonishing stories, and not all of them revolve around humans. In the first part of this two-part series, Katie and Sarah cover five of history's most memorable animals. Listen in to learn more about historical animals. | 13 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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170 |
Is there a real Macbeth curse? | Some actors believe it's bad luck to say 'Macbeth' in the theater unless the play is being performed -- but why? In this episode, Katie and Sarah explore the origins of the Macbeth curse and the life of the historical Macbeth. | 11 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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171 |
The History of Chocolate | Nowadays chocolate is popular across the world, but it got its start thousands of years ago in Mesoamerica, where it was much more than a mere sweet or ingredient in desserts. Learn more about the history of chocolate in this podcast. | 6 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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172 |
Lizzie Borden and Her Axe | In 1892, Abby Borden was brutally murdered in her home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter her husband Andrew Borden was also murdered, and his daughter Lizzie Borden was the primary suspect. But why was she acquitted? Tune in and learn more. | 4 10 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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173 |
5 Sinners in Dante's Inferno | When Dante wrote The Divine Comedy, he consigned several of his real-life enemies to hell. In this podcast, Katie and Sarah examine Dante's habit of putting his enemies in his fiction, focusing on five people the average Florentine would have known. | 29 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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174 |
Real-life Moby Dick Sinks a Ship | Although Herman Melville's opus is a work of fiction, it was inspired by real-life events. In this episode, Katie and Sarah explore the story of the real-life Moby Dick -- and the unfortunate vessel that encountered it in the Pacific. | 27 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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175 |
The Race to the South Pole | When Scott and Amundsen launched rival expeditions to the South Pole, they knew that only one group could be the first to reach the pole. Each believed his strategy would prevail, but which explorer won? Tune in and learn more in this podcast. | 22 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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176 |
The Curse of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond | The Koh-i-noor diamond has a long, storied history -- and a reputation for bringing trouble to its (male) owners. In this episode, Katie and Sarah trace the adventures of the infamous diamond, from its Indian origins to its final resting place in Britain. | 20 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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177 |
Who was King Tut... really? | When Egyptologists studied King Tutankhamen's DNA, they learned some surprising things: In addition to being disabled, the king was inbred. And this is just the beginning. Learn more about the real King Tut -- and where he came from -- in this podcast. | 15 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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178 |
The Death of Mozart | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in December of 1791, bringing his profound career to an untimely end. But how exactly did he die? Join Katie and Sarah as they examine the life of Mozart -- and the questions surrounding his death -- in this podcast. | 13 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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179 |
Who was the "Greatest Traitor?" | Sir Roger Mortimer is known as the "greatest traitor," but why? Sarah and Katie explore the life and times of Sir Mortimer in this episode, from his early conflicts, his successful rebellion against Edward II, and his ignominious end. | 8 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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180 |
Was there a female pope? | During the Middle Ages, thousands of faithful Catholics believed in the story of a female pope named Joan. But is there any evidence for this story -- not to mention the other stories that grew from the original tale? Listen in and learn more. | 6 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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181 |
Napoleon in Egypt: The Savants | When Napoleon planned a secret mission to Egypt, he authorized three men to create a Commission of Sciences and Arts. However, the commission's 151 members soon learned the mission wasn't what they'd expected. Tune in and learn more in this podcast. | 1 9 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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182 |
The Trung Sisters vs China | The Trung sisters were daughters of a Vietnamese lord in the first century, when Vietnam was occupied by the Han Dynasty. Listen in and learn how these remarkable leaders fought to free their kingdom and why they remain highly revered in Vietnam today. | 30 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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183 |
Why is Richard I called the Lionheart? | Today, Richard I -- better known as Richard the Lionheart -- is an iconic, legendary figure in European history. But how did he become "the Lionheart" in the first place? Tune in and learn more about Richard I in this podcast. | 25 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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184 |
The Lovers of Catherine the Great | It gets lonely at the top, and even larger-than-life monarchs like Catherine the Great needed a bit of romance now and then. Tune in and learn more about Catherine's lovers -- and if she ever found the true love she was looking for -- in this podcast. | 23 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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185 |
The Battles of the Pyramids and Nile | In 1798 Napoleon decided to launch an expedition to Egypt instead of leading a direct attack on England -- but why? In this episode, Katie and Sarah explore the Battle of the Pyramids (Napoleon himself came up with the title). Tune in and learn more. | 18 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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186 |
Five Stars of the Wild West | It didn't take long for America to romanticize cowboys. Even after most cowboys gave up their spurs, Wild West shows captivated audiences across the country. Tune in and learn more about the stars of Wild West shows, from Buffalo Bill to Annie Oakley. | 16 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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187 |
Catherine the Great in Power | Katie and Sarah highlight some of the details of Catherine the Great's reign, from wars and rebellions to her Enlightenment ideals and desire to further Westernize Russia, in their continuing series on the influential female ruler. | 11 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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188 |
Catherine the Great's Rise to Power | Catherine the Great remains one of the most influential female figures in European history, but how did she get her start? In the first segment of this two-part series, Sarah and Katie explore Catherine the Great's rise to power. | 9 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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189 |
Medici Murders and a Basket Baby | Centuries after the fall of their line, the Medici remain one of history's most powerful -- and notorious -- families. In this episode, Sarah and Katie trace the unfortunate and mysterious deaths of Medici family members. | 4 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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190 |
A Crusade Gone Wrong | Of all the Crusades, the Fourth Crusade was the least successful: It created a permanent divide between Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. But what exactly went wrong? Tune in and learn more in this podcast. | 2 8 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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191 |
Did any Germans resist Hitler? | During World War II, the Nazi totalitarian party did not tolerate dissent. Despite the risks involved, some Germans did attempt to resist Hitler's government. In this episode, Katie and Sarah explore the story of the White Rose, a secret resistance group. | 28 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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192 |
Who was the infant ruler of Russia? | Ivan IV was still an infant when he was proclaimed the Emperor of Russia. In this episode, Katie and Sarah explain how this strange ascension occurred -- and how Anna Leopoldovna became the power behind the throne. | 26 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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193 |
Why did Henry Ford build a city in the Amazon? | Anxious to control his own rubber company, Henry Ford built a utopian community in the midst of the Amazon. In this episode, Katie and Sarah explore the construction of Fordlandia, the life of its inhabitants and what eventually went wrong. | 21 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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194 |
Burke and Hare, Who Didn't Steal Corpses | From 1827 to 1828, Burke and Hare were accused of killing fifteen people and selling their bodies to medical students. But were they really resurrectionists? Tune in to learn the truth about Burke and Hare in this podcast. | 19 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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195 |
Mad King Ludwig Dines Alone | From his opulent, solitary dinners to the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle, it's no surprise that King Ludwig II was known as an eccentric. In fact, people thought he was mad. But why? Tune in and learn more about Mad King Ludwig in this podcast. | 14 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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196 |
Who was the Last Queen of Hawaii? | Born in 1838, Lili'uokalani became the queen of Hawaii in 1891. Unfortunately, she was destined to be Hawaii's last monarch. Listen in and learn how Hawaii became a state in this podcast. | 12 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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197 |
Kamehameha The Great | Born shortly after the appearance of Halley's comet over Hawai'i in 1758, Kamehameha was hailed as the king who would unite the Hawai'ian islands. But how did he turn this prophecy into reality, and what happened to him in the end? Tune in and learn more. | 7 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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198 |
What really happened on Bloody Sunday? | In 1972 the tension between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republican Army rose to a fever pitch as the British Army and Irish protestors clashed. Learn more about the contentious partition of Ireland -- and Bloody Sunday -- in this podcast. | 5 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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199 |
Mata Hari, Sinister Salome? | Mata Hari was an exotic dancer and a courtesan, but today she's known more for her work as a spy. In this podcast, Katie and Sarah take a look at the extraordinary life of Mata Hari -- and whether the French intelligence community used her as a scapegoat. | 30 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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200 |
A Conspiracy Starring Aaron Burr | After Aaron Burr slew Alexander Hamilton in the duel of 1804, his legislative career was over. In March of 1805, Burr left the political sphere and moved west -- but his story doesn't end there. Tune in more about Burr's later adventures in this podcast. | 28 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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201 |
How Oscar Wilde Worked | The larger-than-life poet and novelist Oscar Wilde remains one of Ireland's most well-known authors, but his life wasn't all accolades and praise. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the struggles and triumphs of Oscar Wilde in this podcast. | 23 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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202 |
A Holocaust Story: Hannah Szenes | Amid the anti-Semitic and hostile environment of Hungary, the poet Hannah Szenes joined with resistance forces, risking her life to save Jewish communities. Tune in and learn why Hannah Szenes is known as the "Joan of Arc of Israel" in this podcast. | 21 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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203 |
Mutiny on the Bounty | The mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty has been popularized in film, but how accurate is this depiction? In this podcast, Sarah and Katie take a closer look at this legendary mutiny -- and figure out whether William Bligh deserves his terrible reputation. | 16 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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204 |
How Tecumseh Worked | Born in 1768, Tecumseh was a leader of the Shawnee tribe who united several Native American tribes in opposition against the expansionist U.S. forces. But who was this legendary leader? Tune in and learn more about the real Tecumseh in this podcast. | 14 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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205 |
The Bombardment of Baltimore | Years after the American Revolution, Britain and the United States were still locked in conflict. Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the British bombardment of Baltimore in 1814 -- and how it inspired a lawyer named Francis Scott Key -- in this podcast. | 9 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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206 |
Lillie Langtry, The Jersey Lily | In her time, Lillie Langtry was known as the most beautiful woman in the world. But how did she get her start? Listen in and learn how The Jersey Lily became an international celebrity in this podcast. | 7 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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207 |
How the Pony Express Worked | The Pony Express used a system of riders and horses to safely deliver mail between Missouri and Sacramento -- a distance of over 1900 miles. But how did it work? Join Katie and Sarah as they trace the rise and fall of the Pony Express in this podcast. | 2 6 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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208 |
Who was the Emperor of the United States? | When Joshua Norton returned to San Francisco following a disastrous business deal, he was a little bit loopy. Norton went to the newspapers and declared himself emperor of the United States. Here's the crazy part: it worked. Tune in and learn more. | 31 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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209 |
Caligula Disentangled | According to most popular accounts, Caligula was an insane, cruel and bizarre emperor. But how reliable are those stories? Join Katie and Sarah as they take a look at Caligula's life -- and try to separate the facts from the rumors -- in this podcast. | 26 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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210 |
Nefertiti and the Heretic Pharaoh | Today historians know very little about Nefertiti, but during her time as Egypt's queen she was revered as a goddess. In this episode, Sarah and Katie explore the reign of Nefertiti, and why her controversial husband Akhenaton was considered a heretic. | 24 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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211 |
The Shipwreck that Saved Jamestown | When a relief mission left Plymouth in 1609 to assist the troubled colony of Jamestown, an intense storm separated one vessel from the rest of the fleet. Learn how this shipwreck may have saved Jamestown -- and inspired Shakespeare -- in this podcast. | 19 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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212 |
Simon Bolivar, the Liberator | Born in 1783, Simon Bolivar grew to become known as the George Washington of South America. But how did this happen? Listen in and learn how Simon Bolivar left a life of luxury to pursue liberation from Spain in this podcast. | 17 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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213 |
A Grim Tale: The Brothers Grimm | Fairy tales weren't always safe fodder for the latest Disney film. In fact, some were downright macabre. Learn more about the original versions of fairy tales -- and the eccentric brothers responsible for popularizing them -- in this podcast. | 12 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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214 |
The 47 Ronin and the Samurai's Code | Historically, the samurai were Japanese warriors famous for their loyalty to their feudal lords and adherence to a strict code of honor. Tune in to learn more about the samurai and the legendary tale of the 47 Ronin. | 10 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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215 |
What is the highest-value art heist in history? | From cat burglars to immoral, obsessed collectors, we've all heard stories of notorious art thieves. But in terms of loot, which of history's outrageous art heists was the most successful? Listen in and learn more in this podcast. | 5 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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216 |
How Charlie Chaplin Worked | Charlie Chaplin is perhaps best known for his portrayal of 'The Tramp,' a character with raggedy clothes and a heart of gold. But who was the real Charlie Chaplin? Learn more about one of the most influential actors of silent film in this podcast. | 3 5 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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217 |
Catherine de' Medici and the Scarlet Nuptials | In this episode of the continuing Medici super series, Katie and Sarah follow up on the further adventures of Catherine de'Medici. Listen in and learn how the St. Bartholomew Day's massacre contributed to Catherine's notorious reputation in this podcast. | 28 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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218 |
Is there a money pit on Oak Island? | In 1795, a farm boy named Daniel McGinnis found a strange depression in the ground on an island in Nova Scotia's Mahone Bay. As he and his friends began to dig, they realized they'd stumbled on much more than an ordinary hole. Tune in and learn more. | 26 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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219 |
Catherine de' Medici, Italian Orphan | Catherine de' Medici remains the most famous female member of the Medici clan. Orphaned at a young age, Catherine survived struggles with childhood illness and eventually became the Queen consort of France. Tune in and learn what happened next. | 21 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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220 |
The Second Act: Notable Vaudevillians | In a follow-up to the earlier episode on the history of vaudeville, Katie and Sarah take a closer look at some of the most memorable vaudevillians. Listen in and learn more about everyone from the Marx brothers to Winsor McCay in this episode. | 19 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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221 |
Who was Emanuel Swedenborg? | When the philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg sought mechanical explanations for nature, he found himself struggling with his faith as he searched for evidence of the human soul. But what happened next? Tune in and learn more in this podcast. | 14 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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222 |
How Michelangelo Worked | As a painter and a sculptor, Michelangelo became famous within his own lifetime. But who exactly was this artist, and what compelled him to create his masterpieces? Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the life of Michelangelo in this podcast. | 12 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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223 |
A Brief History of Vaudeville | Vaudeville flourished from the late 19th century into the Depression era. It was one of America's most famous forms of entertainment at the time. Tune in as Katie and Sarah take a look at this family-friendly variety show from America's bygone days. | 7 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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224 |
Savonarola, the Unarmed Prophet | Girolamo Savonarola wasn't the typical Dominican friar. He began protesting moral corruption in the clergy at a young age. Eventually he came to Florence, the dominion of the powerful and decadent Medici clan. Tune in and learn what happened next. | 5 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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225 |
Death at the Duomo: The Pazzi Conspiracy | When the Pazzi family became entangled in a plot to assassinate Lorenzo and Giuliano de'Medici, the conspiracy grew until it reached the steps of the Vatican itself. Learn more about this coup attempt -- and its ultimate result -- in this episode. | 31 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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226 |
Bar Kokhba vs. The Romans | Born Simon ben Kosiba, Simon bar Kokhba led the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Roman empire. The revolt succeeded momentarily, and the Romans were expelled from Judea -- but the conflict was far from over. Tune in and learn what happened next. | 29 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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227 |
Nellie Bly & Stunt Journalism | Born in 1864, Nellie Bly wasn't your average journalist -- in fact, she feigned insanity to gain entry into a mental institution. Join Sarah and Katie as they take a closer look at the life of Nellie Bly, America's original stunt journalist. | 24 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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228 |
How the Book of Kells Works | Created around 800 AD, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript held at Trinity College in Ireland. Listen in to learn more about the Book of Kells -- and how it survived for so long -- in this podcast. | 22 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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229 |
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland | As High King of Ireland, Brian Boru fought against -- and ultimately ended -- the rule of Niall Noigiallach's descendents. Tune in as Katie and Sarah take a closer look at the life of Brian Boru in this podcast. | 17 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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230 |
Who stole the Amber Room? | Often hailed as "the eighth wonder of the world," the Amber Room is an opulent room adorned with gold and precious amber. History buffs would love to see the room for themselves, but there's one problem: it's missing. Learn more in this episode. | 15 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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231 |
What happened to the Romanovs? | The House of Romanov ruled Russia from 1613 until 1917, when Nicholas II abdicated the throne. But what actually happened to the royal family? Tune in as Katie and Sarah get to the bottom of the mysterious demise of the Romanovs in this episode. | 10 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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232 |
Josephine Baker, The Toast of Paris | With a career spanning five decades, Josephine Baker was a star of stage and screen. However, she was also a spy for the French resistance during World War II. Tune in and learn more about Josephine Baker in this podcast. | 8 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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233 |
Who were Garibaldi's 1000? | Giuseppe Garibaldi led the ultimate underdogs in an expedition to overthrow the Bourbon family ruling Sicily in 1860. Tune in and learn how this ragged band of roughly 1,000 people forced the royal army of 20,000 men to surrender in this podcast. | 3 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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234 |
Stokely Carmichael and Black Power | Born in 1941 in Trinidad, Stokely Carmichael moved to the US at the age of 11. Once he arrived he set upon a path that permanently changed American society. Listen in and learn how he became the leader of the Black Power movement in this episode. | 1 3 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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235 |
Mary Seacole and the Crimean War | When Mary Seacole was born, racism was rife and no formal nursing institutions existed. Tune in to learn how Mary Seacole overcame these obstacles and became one of the world's most recognizable nurses in this episode. | 24 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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236 |
Zenobia, Warrior Queen | Some authors have described Zenobia, a queen of Palmyra, as a second Cleopatra. Listen in as Sarah and Katie explore the history of Palmyra and Zenobia in this episode. | 22 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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237 |
Was Satchel Paige the greatest pitcher in history? | Born in Alabama in 1906, Satchel Paige rose through the ranks to become one of the most popular baseball players in the Negro Leagues. Tune in as Sarah and Katie explore the career of one of baseball's greatest pitchers. | 17 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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238 |
What was the Champagne Safari? | On July 6th, 1934, Charles Bedaux set off on an expedition from Edmonton to British Columbia. This was no ordinary trek -- the travelers moved in style, bringing along every imaginable luxury. Tune in and learn what happened next in this episode. | 15 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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239 |
Is the Taj Mahal a symbol of love? | The Taj Mahal was built by the Mogul ruler Shah Jahan as a memorial to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In this episode, Sarah and Katie delve into the stories of one of the world's most opulent mausoleums. | 10 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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240 |
Who was the real Bluebeard? | "Bluebeard" is one of Charles Perrault's most disturbing and grisly stories -- but could it be true? Join Sarah and Katie as they explore the depraved life and crimes of Gilles de Rais, the real-life basis for Perrault's Bluebeard. | 8 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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241 |
Who was "Black Moses"? | Tune in to this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class to learn more about the life and philosophy of Marcus Garvey, a black nationalist leader known as "Black Moses." | 3 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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242 |
History's Greatest Battle Horses | Although prehistoric societies hunted horses for food, they quickly realized the animals were more useful as a means of transportation. Tune in as Katie and Sarah explore one of the most specialized types of horses -- battle steeds -- throughout history. | 1 2 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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243 |
Toussaint L'Ouverture and the Haitian Revolution | When the Haitian revolution broke out, Toussaint L'Ouverture did not originally take part in the violence -- at least, that is, until the British became involved. Learn more about Toussaint L'Ouverture and the Haitian revolution in this podcast. | 27 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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244 |
Into the Ghastly Blank with Burke and Wills | When John O'Hara Burke and William John Wills attempted to traverse Australia, the inland area of the continent was terra incognita known as the "ghastly blank." Learn what the expedition discovered in this episode. | 25 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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245 |
King Porus vs Alexander the Great | As Alexander the Great pushed across the globe on his quest for world domination, he met with an unexpected obstacle: King Porus of the Punjab region. Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the historical Battle of the Hydaspes in this episode. | 20 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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246 |
Who would have been the Nazi king? | Although Edward VIII is often remembered as a British King who abdicated the throne for love, FBI files suggest that there may have been a more sinister motive. Tune in and learn more about Edward VIII's possible Nazi connections in this podcast. | 18 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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247 |
Wallis Simpson and the Abdication Crisis | In 1936, Britain's King Edward VIII renounced his throne in order to marry an American socialite named Wallis Simpson. Join Katie and Sarah as the explore the astonishing story behind Britain's only royal resignation. | 13 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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248 |
The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | In 1974, publishing heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. Originally a hostage, Hearst eventually became a member of the SLA, participating in at least two robberies. Tune in to learn more about Patty Hearst. | 11 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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249 |
How the Hearst Castle Works | When newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst grew weary of camping, he asked Julia Morgan to build a 'small bungalow' in San Simeon, California. More than 20 years later, the gigantic Hearst Castle remains one of the most opulent homes in North America. | 6 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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250 |
The Death of Lord Darnley | In February of 1567, Lord Darnley lay sleeping in a house called Kirk o'Field when it exploded. He was certainly dead, but when his body was discovered it seemed that he died of strangulation ... and here the mystery began. Learn more in this episode. | 4 1 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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251 |
The Real Citizen Kane | Critics around the world agree that Citizen Kane is one of history's best films -- but who was the basis of this story? Listen in as Sarah and Katie take a look back on the life of William Randolph Hearst in this episode. | 30 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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252 |
The Virgin Queen's Great Love | Elizabeth I never married. Instead, she encouraged (and avoided) many suitors without making a commitment. Additionally, many people believed Elizabeth was in love with a man named Robert Dudley. Learn more about Elizabeth's great love in this episode. | 28 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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253 |
What was Saturnalia? | Winter solstice celebrations predate Christmas, and trace back into antiquity. Saturnalia was one of these ancient traditions, and it was very different from the celebration we recognize as Christmas today. Tune in and learn more in this episode. | 23 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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254 |
Bungled Attempts at One-Person Flights | Nowadays almost every urban center has an airport, and the idea of flying across an ocean seems normal. Yet this wasn't always the case. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the fascinating stories of the people who tried -- and failed -- to fly. | 21 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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255 |
Rival Queens: Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I | Although they were cousins, Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart had little in the way of familial affection. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a closer look at the infamous rivalry between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I in this episode. | 16 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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256 |
How the Taiping Rebellion Worked | In 1850, a disillusioned would-be bureaucrat named Hung Hsiu-ch'uan became the head of a rebellion against the Qing dynasty. Learn the story of this rebellion -- and how it influenced modern China -- in this episode. | 14 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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257 |
Elizabeth The First, Before She Was Queen | As the only child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I was born into a world of privilege and danger. Learn more about the tumultuous life of Elizabeth I before she became the Queen of England in this episode. | 9 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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258 |
Harry Houdini, Master Mystifier | Once known as the world's greatest magician, Harry Houdini's reputation still resonates with modern fans of illusion and magic. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the fact -- and fiction -- surrounding the spectacular Harry Houdini in this episode. | 7 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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259 |
How did Meriwether Lewis die? | In 1809, Meriwether Lewis died of gunshot wounds -- but how did this happen? Historians still debate the circumstances involved. Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the facts -- and sensationalism -- surrounding the mysterious death of Meriwether Lewis. | 2 12 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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260 |
Why did Angkor fall? | At its height, the city of Angkor was larger than Rhode Island. Replete with ornate architecture, the metropolis also served as a religious center. Yet by the time Europeans discovered the site, it was ruined. What happened? Listen in and learn more. | 30 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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261 |
How the First Thanksgiving Worked | Nowadays, Thanksgiving has become an official holiday, complete with its own trappings of tradition and mythology. But how much of the conventional Thanksgiving story is true? Join Sarah and Katie as they take a closer look at the first Thanksgiving. | 25 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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262 |
How the Opium Wars Worked | In the 19th century, Britain tried to remedy a trade deficit with China by hooking the country on opium. Tensions rose as more and more Chinese citizens became opium addicts, eventually leading to war. Learn more about the Opium Wars in this episode. | 23 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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263 |
Pocahontas: An American Princess | Born around 1596, Pocahontas was the daughter of the chief Powhatan. Today she is remembered as an ardent supporter of the Jamestown colonists -- but how much of this story is true? Learn more about Pocahontas in this episode. | 18 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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264 |
Was there really an Atlantis? | According to Plato, Atlantis was an ancient civilization destroyed by an earthquake over 10,000 years ago. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a look at the myth of Atlantis -- and the bizarre theories surrounding its location -- in this episode. | 16 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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265 |
Who was the Enchantress of Numbers? | The first computer programmer was a woman named Ada Lovelace. Learn how the daughter of Lord Byron -- one of the most famous poets in the Western world -- moved out of her father's shadow and became a herald of the electronic age in this episode. | 11 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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266 |
How Lord Byron Worked | Whether the topic is Lucrezia Borgia or Frankenstein, Lord Byron keeps popping up in podcasts. Who was this poet, and why is he associated with so many historical figures? Join Katie and Sarah as they take a look back at the incomparable Lord Byron. | 9 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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267 |
A History Mystery: the Mad Trapper of Rat River | In this episode, Sarah and Katie take a crack at one of Canada's strangest mysteries: The Mad Trapper of Rat River. Travel back to 1931, when a man calling himself 'Albert Johnson' led the Canadian police on a 150-mile chase -- all without saying a word. | 4 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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268 |
How Lucrezia Borgia Worked | As the daughter of a pope, Lucrezia was born into dizzying power and political intrigue. She was also controversial -- rumors of incest and other crimes dogged her and persist today. Join Sarah and Katie as they try to separate the fact from fiction. | 2 11 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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269 |
How Marie Laveau Worked | Over the course of her life, Marie Laveau wielded enormous influence as the notorious Voodoo Queen of New Orleans -- but how much of her story is true? Join Sarah and Katie as they unravel the fact and fiction surrounding the legendary Marie Levaeu. | 28 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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270 |
The Birth of Frankenstein and the Vampyre | With Halloween looming, Sarah and Katie travel back in time to explore the historic challenge that led to the creation of Frankenstein and the vampiric Lord Ruthven. Tune in to learn more about the birth of these intentionally horrific creatures. | 26 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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271 |
St. Paul's Watch and the London Blitz | Saint Paul's Cathedral stands on the site of four previous churches, the earliest of which dates back to 604. When German forces bombed London in World War II, Churchill formed a group to protect the ancient church. Tune in to learn what happened next. | 21 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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272 |
Pompeii: Lost and Found | When Mount Vesuvius erupted in August of 79 AD, Pompeii was buried in volcanic ash and rock. As time passed, Pompeii was forgotten. Learn more about the catastrophe that destroyed Pompeii -- as well as the city's rediscovery -- in this podcast. | 19 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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273 |
The Caning of Charles Sumner on the Senate Floor | The outspoken statesman and abolitionist Charles Sumner served as a senator from 1851-1874. Learn how Senator Sumner's 1865 protest against the Kansas-Nebraska Act prompted one of the most violent altercations in senatorial history. | 14 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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274 |
What happened to Cleopatra's children? | Everyone's heard of the breathtaking Egyptian queen Cleopatra -- but have you ever heard of her children? Listen in as Katie and Sarah investigate the lives of Cleopatra's four children in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 12 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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275 |
King Herod's Tomb | King Herod wasn't the world's worst ruler. Yet seventy years after his death his tomb was desecrated and forgotten. Learn more about the life and death of King Herod (along with the rediscovery of his tomb) in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 7 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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276 |
How the Boston Molasses Flood Worked | Today, people associate molasses with cookies and other sweets. Yet in 1915 molasses was used in munitions as well as food -- and Boston had one of the biggest tanks around. Learn how molasses flooded Boston in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 5 10 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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277 |
Interview with President Jimmy Carter: Cuba | In the final episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter examines human rights and the United States, using Cuba as an example. Learn more about the United States and Cuba in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 30 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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278 |
How Blackbeard Worked | Better known as Blackbeard, Edward Teach (or, alternately, Thach) started out as a lowly privateer. Listen in as Katie and Sarah explore the facts behind the legendary pirate -- as well as the history of piracy -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 28 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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279 |
Interview with President Jimmy Carter: Human Rights | In the fourth episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter examines human rights and the foreign policy goals of the United States. Learn more about the United States and human rights in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 23 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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280 |
Madame de Maintenon and Louis XIV | As the Sun King, Louis XIV ruled France for over 70 years. Yet even a king can't get everything he wants. Learn about Louis' secret marriage to Madame de Maintenon -- and why it was secret -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 21 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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281 |
Interview with President Jimmy Carter: Camp David Accords | In the third episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter looks back on his work forging the Camp David Accords. Learn more about international negotiation in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 16 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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282 |
How the Shootout at the OK Corral Worked | The infamous shootout at the OK Corral has been immortalized in American culture -- but what's the real story behind the legend? Join Katie and Sarah as they explore the events that led up to this famous shootout in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 14 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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283 |
Interview with President Jimmy Carter: Free Elections | In the second episode of a five-part series, former President Jimmy Carter details the Carter Center's work supporting free elections and fighting disease across the globe. Listen in and learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 9 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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284 |
John Snow's Ghost Map | In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Katie and Sarah discuss Dr. John Snow's famous "ghost map" and work tracing a cholera outbreak in Victorian London. | 7 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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285 |
Interview with President Jimmy Carter: Guinea Worm Disease | This episode, the first in a five-part interview series with former President Jimmy Carter, details the Carter Center's work on the eradication of Guinea worm disease. | 2 9 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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286 |
How the Newsboy Strike of 1899 Worked | At the turn of the century, New York paperboys formed the backbone of the city's paper distribution network. When publishers increased the cost of wholesale papers in 1899, the newsboys went on strike. Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 31 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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287 |
What happened to Norte Chico? | In the arid Norte Chico region of Peru, archaeologists found several ancient mounds and a large amount of fish bones. Why did the city's founders move to an inland desert? How did they get all these fish? Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 26 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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288 |
Franklin's Lost Expedition | After he joined the Navy at 14, Sir John Franklin traveled the world and eventually became the governor of Tanzania. In 1846, he set off to explore the Arctic -- and never returned. Learn more about the mystery in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 24 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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289 |
How Eleanor of Aquitaine Worked | Born in the 12th century in a world where women had few rights and little power, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a woman ahead of her time. Learn more about Eleanor of Aquitaine's rise to power in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 19 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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290 |
How Mark Twain Worked | Almost a century after his death, Mark Twain remains a literary legend. Join Katie and Sarah as they take a closer look at the quintessential American author in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 17 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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291 |
The Story of Bonnie and Clyde | When Clyde Barrow met Bonnie Parker in 1930 , they felt an instant, deep attraction. Learn how this couple went from love at first sight to a string of notorious bank robberies in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 12 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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292 |
The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee | During an eclipse in 1889, Jack Wilson dreamed that he died, spoke with God and returned to spread a message through the resurrection of a ritual called the Ghost Dance. Learn more about the Ghost Dance in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 10 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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293 |
How the Sacco and Vanzetti Trial Worked | When Sacco and Vanzetti were charged with murder, the Italian-born anarchists didn't receive a fair trial because of their political views and foreign birth. Learn more about the trial -- and its repercussions -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 5 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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294 |
Historical Pooches | From the average Joe to the president of the United States, people across the world have pet dogs. Get the details on the canine companions of history's most influential personalities in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 3 8 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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295 |
Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr | As political rivals, Hamilton and Burr began a bitter exchange of insults, leading to a duel in 1804 that resulted in Hamilton's death. Learn about the ideas that drove Hamilton and Burr to violence in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 29 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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296 |
How the 1916 Shark Attacks Worked | In 1916, a series of shark attacks took place along the shores of New Jersey. The media downplayed the first attack as a fluke -- but the attacks continued. Tune in and learn more about the story that inspired Jaws in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 27 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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297 |
The Red Light District of New Orleans | Established in 1897, Storyville was a legal twenty block red-light district in New Orleans. Tune in as Katie and Candace take a look at the colorful history of New Orleans' infamous prostitution district in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 22 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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298 |
Malaria and the Panama Canal | The idea for the Panama Canal goes back to 1534, when the Spanish surveyed the area. However, the canal wasn't built for centuries, and it was an arduous task. Learn more about the malaria plaguing canal builders in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 20 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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299 |
America's Favorite Outlaw: Billy the Kid | Born Henry McCarty in New York City, Billy the Kid committed his first act of murder before he turned 20. Join Candace and Katie as they explore the fact -- and fiction -- surrounding the legendary outlaw in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 15 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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300 |
How the Dancing Plague of 1518 Worked | In the summer of 1518, a woman in Strasbourg, France started dancing -- and didn't stop. By the end of the week, the compulsion to dance had spread to hundreds of people. Learn more about the dancing sickness in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 13 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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301 |
How the Stonewall Riots Worked | On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, one of the few bars that welcomed gay patrons. Learn how this raid triggered the first major gay rights protest in U.S. history in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. | 8 7 09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 301 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Interesting Podcast
Although sometimes the dialogue seems a little rehearsed or forced, the topics are really interesting, and there's lots of great stuff to listen to. As a non-American, it can seem a little biased towards more American history at times, but they usually explain the background enough to make that interesting too. And there is some effort to make it international and cover other countries too. I really like it, and hope it continues. :-) It's just short little pockets of history/humanities that otherwise I wouldn't know ...
Not for history buffs but more the bi-curious historian
This podcast covers a diverse range of history topics with a light touch. This isn't for people who are big on history, but rather for those who enjoyed reading the 4 paragraph summaries of historical events in Encarta as a child. Since both of the two main hosts, Jane and Candace, left the podcast has taken a battering. Katie and Sarah are not as infectiously enthusiastic as the former hosts and Sarah seems to be scared of talking, which isn't great for a podcast host. Overall it's good but not what it used to be.
Enjoyable
Nice overviews on historical topics. Not uber deep, but interesting overviews that give you info on a topics that you may not have known anything about. Obviously for more in depth analysis you need do your own further research but I like that I can usually get thru an full episode or more to and from work. If you want something interesting to listen to to pass the time thus is worth a listen.
