Episodes
Augustus Caesar may be the name etched in history books as Rome's first emperor, but behind every great leader is an even greater right-hand man. This week, we delve into the life of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the unsung hero who helped build and maintain the vast Roman Empire. Agrippa, a brilliant military strategist and gifted engineer, was instrumental in Augustus' rise to power and the subsequent Pax Romana. From crushing rebellions to designing architectural marvels like the Pantheon,...
Published 05/13/24
Welcome to another episode of "History For Weirdos" where Stephanie plunges into one of the sea’s most haunting mysteries—the enigmatic tale of the Mary Celeste. Found adrift in the Atlantic on December 4, 1872, this ghost ship was discovered in a perfectly seaworthy condition, yet eerily devoid of all crew. With the ship’s cargo intact and the crew's personal belongings left undisturbed, the mystery of the Mary Celeste presents a perplexing maritime puzzle that has baffled historians and...
Published 05/06/24
In this special episode of History For Weirdos, we have a very special guest for April 20th (4/20), a cannabis / marijuana journalist and historian who has covered everything about the plant for almost twenty years!
David Bienenstock is the author of "How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High" (Penguin / Random House), and creator/host of the popular podcast "Great Moments in Weed History."
Previously, he served as Head of Content at HIGH TIMES and was a producer at VICE...
Published 04/20/24
In this spine-tingling episode of History For Weirdos, we’re diving deep into the dusty files of the Roswell incident, the UFO phenomenon that sparked an avalanche of conspiracy theories and stoked the fires of extraterrestrial enthusiasts for decades. Join Andrew as he peels back the layers of mystery surrounding the strange events of July 1947. From the first crumpled pieces of debris on a secluded New Mexico ranch to the U.S. Air Force's flip-flopping explanations and the chilling...
Published 04/15/24
We're kicking off Paranormal April with an episode dedicated to one of the most haunted buildings in North America: The Waverly Hills Sanatorium.
Nestled atop a secluded hill in Kentucky, this monumental structure once served as a beacon of hope for tuberculosis patients during the early 20th century. Through a blend of historical insights and captivating narratives, we'll explore the sanatorium's inception, its innovative yet haunting treatments, and the societal impact it had during its...
Published 04/08/24
In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew takes you on a journey back to ancient Egypt, to uncover the story of one of history's most intriguing figures: Hatshepsut, the woman who dared to become pharaoh. In a society dominated by men, her ascent to the throne was nothing short of revolutionary. Through a blend of storytelling and historical analysis, we delve into Hatshepsut's early life, her unconventional rise to power, and her ambitious reign that transformed Egypt. From her...
Published 04/01/24
In this electrifying episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie embarks on a journey back to the tumultuous times of the Hundred Years' War to unravel the enigmatic tale of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. Known for her pivotal role in lifting the siege of Orléans and leading the French to several crucial victories, Joan's story is one that blends mysticism, bravery, and controversy into the fabric of history. But beyond her battlefield exploits, lies a tale of a young woman whose visions and...
Published 03/18/24
In this riveting episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew plunges into the heart of one of the most catastrophic industrial disasters in American history—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. As flames engulfed a New York City garment factory, 146 lives were tragically cut short, most of them young immigrant women. This episode doesn't just recount the harrowing details of the fire itself but peels back the layers of an era, revealing the dire working conditions that led to such a...
Published 03/12/24
Florence Nightingale was a nurse, social reformer, and statistician who revolutionized healthcare in the 19th century. Born into a privileged British family, Nightingale defied societal expectations to pursue nursing education in Germany and France. Her pivotal moment came during the Crimean War when she transformed military hospitals through improved hygiene practices. In this week’s episode, we take a close and nuanced look at Nightengale’s legacy.
Beyond her battlefield innovations,...
Published 03/04/24
In this riveting episode of "History For Weirdos," we strap on our sandals and march back in time to the sun-baked lands of ancient Kush, where the indomitable Queen (Kandake) Amanirenas dared to stare down the eagle banners of Rome. With her one good eye, she saw through the imperial ambitions of Augustus and led her people in a bold campaign that would etch her name in the annals of history as the One-Eyed Queen who challenged an empire. Join us, Andrew and Stephanie, as we unearth the tale...
Published 02/26/24
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In this special two-part episode of "History For Weirdos," join your favorite armchair historians, Stephanie and Andrew, as we mush into the heart of the frozen Alaskan wilderness to uncover the tale of Balto, the sled dog whose bravery and determination saved the children of Nome from a diphtheria outbreak in 1925. This episode isn't just a story about a...
Published 02/19/24
Welcome back to another week of "History For Weirdos"! In today's episode, Stephanie takes us on a fascinating journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Queen of Sheba. A figure shrouded in legend and lore, the Queen of Sheba has intrigued historians, theologians, and adventurers alike for centuries. But who was she really? Was she a wealthy and wise monarch who challenged the great King Solomon, or is there more to her story, woven into the fabric of myth and ancient texts?
Stephanie...
Published 02/12/24
In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," we dive into the shadowy world of espionage during the American Civil War to spotlight a figure whose audacity and heroism remain largely unsung: Abraham Galloway. Born into bondage but never shackled by it, Galloway's daring escape from slavery was just the prelude to a life of defiance, espionage, and unwavering fight for freedom. As a spy for the Union, Galloway ventured deep into Confederate territory, risking everything to bring critical...
Published 02/05/24
In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," we delve into the chilling and enigmatic case of the Papin sisters, a story that rocked France in 1933 and continues to haunt the annals of criminal history. Christine and Léa Papin, seemingly docile maids, committed a crime so brutal that it left an entire nation questioning the depths of human psyche. We explore the fateful night at Le Mans, where the sisters gruesomely murdered their employer, Madame Lancelin, and her daughter, in a manner...
Published 01/29/24
In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew plunges into the murky waters surrounding the assassination of President William McKinley, a pivotal yet often overshadowed moment in American history. As the turn of the century painted a vibrant backdrop of innovation and change, one gunshot at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 not only claimed a president's life but also sent shockwaves through the nation's heart. Join us as we traverse the shadowy paths of conspiracy theories,...
Published 01/22/24
In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", Stephanie dives deep into the murky waters of one of Australia's most jaw-dropping mysteries - the Shark Arm Murders of 1935. Picture this: a peaceful day at Coogee Aquarium Baths, suddenly shattered by the sight of a captive shark vomiting up a human arm! But this was no ordinary case of foul play; the arm bore a distinctive tattoo, unraveling a twisted tale of underworld dealings, shady characters, and unsolved crimes. Join us as we navigate...
Published 01/15/24
In this chilling episode of "History for Weirdos," Andrew delves into the shadowy world of Ancient Rome to uncover the story of Locusta of Gaul, history's deadliest poisoner. Once a trusted assassin for emperor Nero, Locusta's mastery of lethal concoctions claimed the lives of the elite, leaving a trail of intrigue and death that shook the Roman Empire to its core. Join us as we explore the sinister methods, notorious victims, and the dramatic downfall of this infamous figure, whose legacy...
Published 01/08/24
In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", we delve into the harrowing story of Mary Ann Brough, the former wet nurse to Queen Victoria's children, whose life spiraled into tragedy. Serving in the esteemed royal household, Mary Ann's external world was a facade hiding her inner turmoil. In 1854, this turmoil erupted in a horrific event: the murder of her six children, a crime that shocked Victorian England to its core. We explore the societal pressures and personal demons that may have...
Published 01/01/24
Join us on a heartwarming journey through the 20th century in this special Christmas episode of "History For Weirdos." In this episode covering real Christmas Miracles, we explore three incredible stories where the spirit of the season shines through even in the darkest of times. From the daring rescue of 14,000 refugees by the US Ship of Miracles in the Korean War of 1950, to the awe-inspiring orbit of NASA's Apollo 8 mission around the moon in 1968, and finally, the touching Christmas Truce...
Published 12/24/23
In this captivating episode of "History For Weirdos," we delve deep into the enigmatic life and legacy of Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus. Born in 16th century France, Nostradamus was a physician, astrologer, and reputed seer whose prophecies have continued to fascinate and mystify the world for centuries. We explore his early life, marked by academic excellence and a deep interest in the occult sciences, leading to his eventual rise as a sought-after astrologer and seer....
Published 12/11/23
In this episode of "History for Weirdos," we unwrap the captivating tale of Santa Claus, a figure who has sparked wonder in the hearts of millions around the world. Join us on a sleigh ride through time, tracing Santa's origins from the generous St. Nicholas of Myra to the jolly, red-suited icon of today. We delve into ancient winter festivals and medieval legends, exploring how a simple saint morphed into the emblem of Christmas cheer. Discover the surprising twists and turns in Santa's...
Published 12/04/23
In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", we're traveling back to the tumultuous times of Tudor England to unravel the tale of Lady Jane Grey, the 'Nine Days' Queen'. A story shrouded in intrigue and power struggles, Lady Jane's ascent to the throne is a compelling saga of political chess played at the highest stakes. Born into a noble family, Lady Jane was thrust into the viper's nest of Tudor politics, becoming a pawn in a larger game orchestrated by the kingdom's most powerful...
Published 11/20/23
In this gripping episode of "History for Weirdos," we delve into one of the most shocking and unethical medical experiments in American history - The Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Journey with us to 1930s Tuskegee, Alabama, where a seemingly benign medical study becomes a decades-long nightmare for hundreds of African American men. This episode uncovers the disturbing truths behind a study that promised health care but delivered deceit and betrayal.
Discover how the U.S. Public Health Service, in...
Published 11/13/23
Cotard Syndrome, also known as "Walking Corpse Syndrome," is a rare disorder explored in this episode. We delve into the history of this condition, from its discovery by French neurologist Jules Cotard in the 19th century to modern understandings. Listeners will learn about the unique delusions that characterize this syndrome, where individuals believe they are dead, nonexistent, or that their bodies are decaying. We also examine some famous cases and the complexities of diagnosis and...
Published 11/06/23
Boo! Are you ready for a spine-tingling journey through time?
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This week on "History For Weirdos," we delve into the eerie and enchanting history of Halloween. We start at the ancient Celtic fields of Samhain, where the veil between worlds was thin and spirits roamed free. Discover how these pagan rituals, filled with omens and bonfires, evolved under Christian influence into All Hallows Eve. We'll unearth the roots of jack-o'-lanterns, costumes, and why we whisper tales of the supernatural...
Published 10/30/23