Boo! Are you ready for a spine-tingling journey through time? - 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...

Happy spooky season Weirdos! We have an absolute classic lined up for you: In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", we go back in time as Steff shares little known stories about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.  You might've heard the basics, but did you know that there were some truly bizarre accusations including animals and ghosts?  We're diving deep into the weird and wild side of this infamous historical event that still gives us the creeps today. Get ready to have your mind...

In this spine-chilling episode of "History For Weirdos", Andrew delves deep into the dark, tumultuous life of Vlad III "Tepes" (or "the Impaler" in English), the 15th-century ruler whose savage reign became the genesis of the vampire legend, Dracula...possibly. As we journey through the fog-covered landscapes of medieval Wallachia, listeners will uncover the intricate tapestry of Vlad's duality - a brutal, fearsome ruler yet, in the eyes of many, a national hero. Each twist and turn of his...

In this intriguing episode of History For Weirdos, we take you back to the 19th century when tuberculosis (known as "consumption") bizarrely became the epitome of chic in Victorian society. Join us as we unravel the macabre allure of pale complexions, romanticized illness, and sanatorium tourism that transformed tuberculosis (TB) into a cultural phenomenon. From fashion and literature to art and photography, discover how society's fascination with this deadly disease influenced the era's...

In this week's episode of History For Weirdos, we delve into the insane life of Porfirio Rubirosa, a man whose existence reads like a Hollywood screenplay. Rubirosa, born in the Dominican Republic, led a life that oscillated between playboy, diplomat, and alleged assassin. He was notorious for his dashing looks, extravagant lifestyle, and a string of high-profile relationships to some of the world's most iconic women, including Marilyn Monroe and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Join us as we explore the myths...

In today's episode of "History For Weirdos", we delve deep into the life of "La Malinche", one of the most enigmatic figures of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Often branded as a traitor in Mesoamerican history, "La Malinche" or Malitzen, was a pivotal bridge between two worlds, navigating her role as Hernán Cortés' translator, confidante, and strategist during the downfall of the Aztec Empire. We explore the nuances of her decisions, challenging oversimplified narratives and shedding...

Let's take a deep dive into one of history's most profound and enigmatic mysteries: the abrupt end of the Bronze Age and civilization as a whole. At a time when complex societies, monumental architecture, and sophisticated trade networks spanned the known world, a sudden and dramatic collapse left once-mighty civilizations in ruins. Over a span of just a few generations, major cities were abandoned, scripts forgotten, and trade routes severed. - Yet, within this shadow of decline, the seeds...

Listen to the second half of our special 100th episode including more Q&A and short stories submitted by you! Made by the Weirdos, for the Weirdos. - *Recorded at Spotify Studios in Los Angeles, CA

We did it Weirdos, we got to the 100th episode! Listen as we go over some Q&A as well as read off some short stories submitted by you, the Weirdo community. An episode created by you. - *Recorded at Spotify Studios in Los Angeles, CA

In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", Stephanie delves into the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood to uncover a mystery that continues to baffle historians and true-crime aficionados alike: the strange and untimely death of the talented actress Thelma Todd. Known to her fans as "The Ice Cream Blonde," Thelma Todd was a shining star of the silver screen. Her comedic flair and sparkling presence graced dozens of films during Hollywood's Golden Age. But behind the laughter lay a...

In this episode of History For Weirdos, Andrew embarks on a captivating exploration of one of ancient India's most compelling figures: Ashoka Maurya aka Ashoka the Great. From the conquests of Alexander the Great & Ashoka's grandfather, Chandragupta, to his early upbringing to his rise as a powerful ruler, his fierce conquests, and his subsequent transformation after the brutal war in Kalinga; we delve into Ashoka's life. Join us as we uncover the profound shift that led him to embrace...

In the midst of World War II, a clandestine and formidable witch coven emerged to stop the Nazi regime. Fueled by a desire to protect the innocent and alter the course of history, they crafted the "Cone of Power" spell. Hear all the details about this covert and mystical intervention in this week's episode to wrap up our "Summerween" series! - ✈️ Get all the details & reserve your spot here for the HFW trip to Italy! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating,...

Join us this week on a chilling journey as we uncover the haunting history of Willowbrook State School, a nightmare of neglect for children with disabilities. In this gripping episode, Andrew dives deep into the heart-wrenching stories of abuse, deplorable living conditions, and the tireless efforts of activists who exposed the horrors within its walls. Listen in horror as we shed light on the dark legacy of Willowbrook and how it continues to shape our understanding of disability rights...

In December of 1900 three lighthouse keepers on the remote island of Eileen Mor vanished. More than 100 years later people still wonder what happened. Was it spirits? A storm? Or something more sinister? Stephanie dives into all the details and theories. Listen now to this week’s episode to decide for yourself! - ✈️ Get all the details & reserve your spot here for the HFW trip to Italy! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating, reviewing, subscribing and...

Ghost stories have been around for quite some time. They are ancient, literally. This week, Andrew tackles the first known "spooky" ghost story in recorded history, dating back to the first century Roman Empire. The earliest story comes from a well known Roman author and historian, Pliny the Younger. A haunted house in ancient Athens, a stoic philosopher and a conspiracy...what more could you ask for?! - **Go here to get info on the Weirdo trip to Italy! You can get notified on trip info by...

Buckle up Weirdos, this one is about as strange as it gets. An expedition through the Ural Mountains in the Soviet Union during the night / early morning of February 1st & 2nd, 1959 goes horribly wrong. All nine explorers perished in the brutally harsh Soviet winter. The tragedy at Dyatlov Pass, as the incident would come to be known as, would immediately fascinate and horrify all who have studied the event. But how they died is what mystifies us to this day. What caused them to roam...

In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Stephanie embarks on a thrilling journey to explore the extraordinary life of Julie d'Aubigny, aka La Maupin, an unapologetic badass of 17th-century France. Known for her skills as an opera singer, her vivacious lifestyle, and her remarkable prowess in dueling, d'Aubigny was a woman far ahead of her time. From her rebellious upbringing as a fencing master's daughter to her audacious exploits in the French aristocracy, we trace her path, examining the...

Get ready for an epic journey back in time in this tantalizing episode of "History for Weirdos"! Join one of your favorite weird history aficionados, Andrew, as he unravels the enigmatic life and enduring legacy of Ancient Greece's legendary poet, Sappho. Often referred to as the "Tenth Muse," Sappho was a lyrical genius whose poetic compositions, brimming with vivid expressions of love and longing, have enchanted audiences for millennia. Yet her life, shrouded in mystery and peppered with...

Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey back to Ancient Greece on this special double-header episode of "History For Weirdos". This time around, we’re diving deep into two enthralling and, at times, outright bizarre Greek myths: The captivating adventures of Theseus and the heartfelt, peculiar story of Baucis and Philemon. In the first half of the episode, we'll journey alongside Theseus, the legendary king of Athens, known for his heroics and bold ventures. Join us as we recount his...

This week, we embark on a chilling journey into the dark history of "Starvation Heights", a notorious sanatorium in Olalla, Washington. Join us as Steff unravels the story of Linda Burfield Hazzard, the fasting specialist / serial murderer who did it all in the name of "healing." - ✈️ Reserve your spot here for the HFW trip to Italy! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating, reviewing, subscribing and sharing it today. Your support means so much to us. Let's...

Stephanie & Andrew will be going LIVE on Instagram at 12:30PM Pacific on Friday, May 19th. We'll be speaking about our trip, answering any questions you might have and just hanging out. Mark your calendars now and let's chat! IG Handle: @historyforweirdos

In today's episode, Andrew will be connecting a legendary ancient Athenian playwright to a doomed 19th century sea voyage searching for the fabled northwest passage… to a haunted painting. This is an absolutely wild tale of how some words can last throughout the ages. - ✈️ Reserve your spot here for the HFW trip to Italy! Also check out the history podcast rankings: https://riverside.fm/blog/best-history-podcasts - Our sponsors for this episode: BetterHelp:...

*This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Go to babbel.com and use the promo code "hfw" to get three free months!* **Go here to get info on the Weirdo trip to Italy! You can get notified on trip info by inputting your email address. Spots will go fast so make sure you don't miss out!** In this electrifying episode of "History for Weirdos," join Stephanie as she delves into the mysterious Tunguska event, a monumental explosion that rocked the remote Siberian wilderness back in 1908. With a...

**This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Go to www.betterhelp.com/hfw for 10% off your 1st month!** Join us on this episode of "History For Weirdos" as we dive into the extraordinary lives of two unlikely World War II heroes: Wojtek the Bear and "Unsinkable" Sam the cat. Discover how Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, became a beloved member of the Polish army, carrying ammunition and boosting morale during WWII. Then, learn about "Unsinkable" Sam, a tenacious feline who survived three...

***Check out the survey to travel with us here!*** **This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh. Go to www.hellofresh.com/hfw50 for 50% off your 1st order!** In this fascinating episode of "History For Weirdos", we dive into the bizarre life of Tarrare, an 18th-century French showman known for his insatiable appetite and peculiar eating habits. From eating live animals to performing on stage, this story is not for the faint of heart. Get ready to learn about one of history's strangest...