History Teachers Talking: Recent Episodes
History Teachers Talking
History Teachers Talking is a weekly podcast dedicated to providing you with an entertaining way to learn about history from your friendly neighborhood history teachers. Every weekend, Thomas Reszka and Peter Zablocki will talk to you about random history, pop culture, politics, and education in a way that sounds like you are sitting in the classroom having a fun discussion with your favorite teacher. The conversation is always very straightforward, light-hearted, and easy to follow.
The French Revolution was a revolutionary movement that shook France between 1787 and 1799 with effects stretching for generations and still felt to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It took ten years to locate and kill the mastermind behind the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Here is the story of what led to his capture and an analysis of his final moments before being shot by U.S. Navy Seals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When looking at the individuals who were part of the presidential landscape, three come to mind as maybes. Two you might not have ever heard of, and one was the only President of the United States never elected to the position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The FBI began to keep a "Public Enemies" list of wanted criminals charged with crimes in the late 1920s, but the term did not come into its own until the 1930s. Here is the story of some infamous Great Depression gangsters that made the list and popularized the term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The similarity between Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts isn't surprising. Both trace their roots back to the same person: Robert Baden-Powell. Here is the story of their origins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Strikes have been a powerful tactic throughout American History for workers as they've fought for better wages and working conditions. This is the story of some of the more famous ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emerging during the Middle Ages, Barber Surgeons were multifaceted professionals that combined the roles of barbers and surgeons and served as early practitioners of medicine, surgery, and grooming.
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Conquistadors were the explorer-soldiers of the Spanish and Portuguese empires of the 15th and 16th centuries. This is the story of the three most famous (infamous?) ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The doll named "Barbie" launched onto the American toy market in 1959 sporting a black-and-white striped bathing suit, pouty red lips, and a sassy blonde ponytail - the rest is history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Julius Robert Oppenheimer was an American theoretical physicist and director of the Manhattan Project during World War II. He is often credited as the "father of the atomic bomb." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you know that an average American eats thirty pounds of French Fries each year? But that is not even the most interesting fact about the famous side dish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us as we talk about the national symbols of the United States, from the original ones, such as the flag, the bald eagle, and the national seal, to the more recent ones, like Mt. Rushmore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The zip (Zoning Improvement Plan) code was created when the postal service lost a huge portion of its staff who went to fight in the war. This is the whole story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Directly before World War II, the German American Bund was one of the most successful pro-Nazi organizations in the United States, but that does not mean it ended there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The two-wheeler evolved—and seriously improved—over the course of a century, thanks to several different inventors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Though video games are found today in homes worldwide, they actually got their start in the research labs of scientists early 1950s. Here is the whole story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1918, Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages - and then, things went from bad to worse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us as we take a look at some sports milestones that have altered the course of history and become embedded in the collective consciousness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Juneteenth commemorates an effective end of slavery in the United States. This is the rest of its story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Long before there was a Federal Bureau of Investigation, there was the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. This is its story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buffalo Soldiers were United States Army regiments formed during the 19th century to serve on the American frontier that primarily comprised African Americans. This is their story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a little-known episode at the height of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson dispatched thousands of American soldiers to Siberia. This is their story.
North Sentinel Island is home to the fiercely independent Sentinelese tribe known to reject any contact with outsiders. Join us as we discuss the mystery of one of the most isolated places on the planet.
There are 31 American Presidents who served in the military. And then there were those whose service would affect the outcomes of battles, of entire wars, and of the nation itself. Here is their story.
Over the years, certain toys have topped nearly every kid’s list, and in some instances, scarce supplies sent the public into veritable shopping frenzies. Join us as we talk about some of the most notorious consumer chaos-causing products from the last few decades
Between 1839 and 1842, British forces fought a war in China that benefitted drug smugglers... well, kind of. Here is the full story.
The League of Nations was an international diplomatic group developed after World War I as a way to solve disputes between countries before they erupted into open warfare - it failed.
On October 11, 1809, the famous explorer Meriwether Lewis dies under mysterious circumstances in the early hours of the morning after stopping for the night at Grinder’s Tavern along the Natchez Trace in Tennessee.
On April 12, 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne after allied Austrian, Prussian and Russian forces vanquished his army and occupied Paris. This is the story of his downfall and final days.
Marriage is one thing that all of the US presidents throughout history have in common - well, almost all. Join us as we talk about some fun Presidential courtships!
In the 1920s, working-class women were hired to paint radium onto glowing watch dials; and told to sharpen the brush with their lips. This is their incredible story.
While Horror movies are often seen as disturbing, what makes some horror movies even more uncomfortable to watch is knowing they are based on, or inspired by, a true story.
Urban legends are stories we all love to hear—and love to be scared by. Whether you dismiss urban legends as children's lore or believe they're based on fact, you cannot deny some at least make you stop and think for a minute.
In 1983, fearful that the Able Archer 83 exercise was a cover for a NATO nuclear strike, the U.S.S.R. readied its own weapons for launch, and the world as we know it may have ceased to exist.
And you thought you had a bad day at work. There have been some dreadful occupations throughout history, from the gross to the downright dangerous. Join us as we discuss a select few.
Witold Pilecki is the only inmate known to be voluntarily imprisoned at Auschwitz, the notorious concentration and death camp. Yet his incredible story and the extent of his sacrifice remained buried for over 40 years after his execution.
Since 1789, states have joined the union in various ways - with the last two being Alaska and Hawaii, both admitted in 1959. Efforts to add the last two states with “an equal footing with the other States” had picked up in their intensity after World War II when the strategic importance of both territories became more urgent - but even then, it was not that easy to make it happen.
The original Seven Wonders of the World come from a work by Philo of Byzantium written in 225 B.C. called On The Seven Wonders - all but one are now gone. Join us as we talk about the original seven and the new ones that replaced them!
Winston Churchill was an inspirational statesman, writer, orator, and leader who led Britain to victory in the Second World War. In his lifetime, Churchill published more than 40 books in 60 volumes, plus hundreds of articles. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. Join us as we talk about one of the most famous Brits of all time!
Cults have made headlines around the world for many years and continue to fascinate in documentaries and popular podcasts. The stories behind these cults' origins, leaders, and demises are not only interesting but often disturbing. So let us talk about some of them!
The Indiana Jones franchise introduced many fascinating artifacts for Indy to hunt, but which ones are real and based on existing items? Let's find out!
From about 1920 to 1945, radio developed into the first electronic mass medium, monopolizing “the airwaves” and defining, along with newspapers, magazines, and motion pictures an entire generation of mass culture. Here is a brief history of how it all started.
The "trial of the century" is a term that’s been deployed so indiscriminately over the years as to be rendered almost meaningless. Yet, it sure makes for a fun conversation!
Join us for part two of a two-parter, where we talk about the history of baseball. In this episode, we start with the Great Depression and end with the modern game.
Join us for part one of a two-parter, where we talk about the history of baseball. In this episode, we start with the game's 1700s British origins and end with arguably the most popular baseball player of all time, Babe Ruth.
Despite worldwide demonstrations in support of their innocence, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed for murder in 1927. Were they guilty? Well, let's find out!
For over 30 years, Harry Houdini dazzled audiences with his bravura stunts and superhuman endurance. In the end, his death proved as mysterious as his life. Join us as we talk about the most famous magician in history.
The 1970s were a tumultuous time. By the decade's end, the social and political divisions and disappointments it became known for, had set a tone for public life that many would argue is still with us today.
Did you know that the ad campaign that spawned the cartoonish bear, and a fire prevention legend, was only made possible by wartime paranoia about the possibility of a Japanese invasion of the continental United States? Join us for a "Short Lecture" on Smokey the Bear!
In 1863, the Medal of Honor was made a permanent military decoration available to all members, including commissioned officers, of the U.S. military. It is conferred upon those who have distinguished themselves in actual combat at risk of life beyond the call of duty. Join us as we talk about the history and the significance of the Medal of Honor.
Brutus, Judas, and Benedict Arnold are just a few infamous traitors whose deeds transcended time and made their names synonymous with treachery. But, there are certainly more worth mentioning.
In April 1943, a decomposing corpse was discovered floating off the coast of Huelva, in southern Spain, and the British intelligence officers managed to pull off one of the most successful wartime deceptions ever achieved. Join us as we talk about Operation Mincemeat.
The Battle of Midway was an epic clash between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy that played out six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Join us as we talk about one of the biggest turning points of World War II.
You think you have it bad? Wait till you hear about the short and tragic life of one of America's most famous authors of all time.
The airship Hindenburg, the largest dirigible ever built and the pride of Nazi Germany, bursts into flames upon touching its mooring mast in Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 passengers and crew members, on May 6, 1937. Join us as we talk about the infamous disaster!
In April 1982, the British sent their army and navy to re-take the Falkland Islands after their surprise capture by the Argentine military. Join us as we talk about the often forgotten, ten-week war.
The legends of Bigfoot go back beyond recorded history and cover the world. In North America – and particularly the Northwest – you can hear tales of seven-foot-tall hairy men stalking the woods, occasionally scaring campers, lumberjacks, hikers and the like. Join us as we talk about the history of Bigfoot.
Ulysses Grant commanded the victorious Union army during the American Civil War and served as the 18th U.S. president from 1869 to 1877. Join us as we talk about the life of one of our best-known national heroes.
The Soviet Union began an invasion of Afghanistan on Christmas Eve 1979, leading to a ten-year-long conflict, millions of deaths, and world condemnation which helped topple the Soviet Union. Join us as we talk about the last time Russians invaded one of their neighboring countries.
Ghost trains, ghost pilots, unexplained aerial phenomena, disappearing men, disappearing rooms, etc. Join us as we talk about some of the more popular unsolved and unexplained World War II events.
Sensitive Content Warning. In the middle ages, torture was used to extract information, force confessions, punish suspects, frighten opponents, and satisfy personal hatred. Join us and our guest teacher as we talk about some of the most infamous torture devices from the Medieval Times.
At the dawn of the nuclear age, the United States hoped to maintain a monopoly on its new weapon, but the secrets and the technology for building the atomic bomb soon spread. Join us as we talk about the history and current status of the world's nuclear weapons.
Here is a short lecture on the origins and history behind the old-standing tradition of the U.S. State of the Union Address.
February 23, 2022, attacks and explosions are reported throughout Ukraine, including in the capital, Kyiv… wait… what just happened? Join us as we talk about the history leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Allegedly, in the fall of 1943, a U.S. Navy destroyer was made invisible and teleported from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, in an incident known as the Philadelphia Experiment. Join us as we discuss one of the more famous military urban legends.
Here is the short story of why school busses exist - and what's with the yellow? Funny you should ask...
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre shocked the world on February 14, 1929, when Chicago’s North Side erupted in gang violence. It remains an unsolved crime and was never officially linked to Chicago's Al Capone, but he was generally considered to have been responsible for the murders which consolidated his power.
The Chicago Fire of 1871, also called the Great Chicago Fire, burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, and destroyed thousands of buildings, killed an estimated 300 people, and caused an estimated $200 million in damages.
Curious how Amazon got its name? How about a saxophone, or a cardigan sweater? Join us for a short episode where we talk about how certain things got their names.
Martin Luther King Jr., an African-American clergyman, and civil rights leader, was fatally shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, at 6:01 p.m. What happened that day? And did James Earl Ray, a fugitive from the Missouri State Penitentiary, really act alone to bring down one of the most famous people in the world?
What's all this hubbub about the Bermuda Triangle about anyway? Join us as we talk about the mythical section of the Atlantic Ocean and the many unexplained circumstances surrounding some disappearances and accidents within its borders.
Here is the story of the most wanted man in the United States, who managed to evade capture for twelve days after fatally shooting President Abraham Lincoln in April of 1865.
Join us as we talk about the first military action of the Cold War when on June 25, 1950, some 75,000 soldiers from Soviet-backed North Korea poured across the 38th parallel and invaded the U.S.-backed South Korea.
Here is the short story of the World War II Ration D (or the D Ration) - in other words, the chocolate bar that had to taste a little better than a potato.
"Be like water, my friend." Join us as we talk about one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of the 20th century, Bruce Lee.
Our second ever HTTP short lecture concentrates on the Second President of the United States, John Adams. Yet, as opposed to looking at his presidency or even early life, we in turn look at his retirement and death. Ever wonder what happens to presidents once they retire?
The Christmas Truce occurred on and around Christmas Day 1914, with unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front of the First World War. But was it really as big of a deal as history and pop culture wants you to believe?
In a bathroom at a bar in Las Vegas stands a portion of a graffiti-covered wall with urinals attached to it. Its story belongs to that of a much longer wall that once separated the world. Join us as we talk about the history of, and the interesting fun facts about the Berlin Wall.
The world does not begin and end with Marvel and DC. Perhaps not surprisingly, countries around the world have their own unique superheroes and popular comic book characters. Join us for more of a cultural talk about pop culture around the world.
He was taught by Aristotle. In 15 years of conquest, he never lost a battle. He named more than 70 cities after himself. And he did it all before turning 30. Join us as we discuss the story of Alexander the Great.
I like Ike, You like Ike, Everybody Likes Ike... for President. Join us as we talk about life, military career, and the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Did you know that there were four unknown soldier candidates for the WWI crypt? Or that the Vietnam Veteran wasn't an unknown soldier for long? Or that that tomb has been guarded 24/7 since 1937? This and much more on our shorter, albeit still informative conversation about the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier.
So who was really the bad guy here? Was it Burr or was it Hamilton? Did anyone cheat? And what is that whole deal with Burr running away and trying to steal a portion of the United States and institute himself as the ruler of a new nation? All this and much more on this week's episode of History Teachers Talking.
Welcome to History Teachers Talking Podcast's LECTURE series, where either Tom or Peter will conduct a short lecture about an interesting history topic - and all in under 15 minutes. These are bonus episodes that will air in between our feature full-length episodes. This week, join Peter as he discusses a little-known murder case that saw two historically famous adversaries team up for the same cause.
The automobile may have been invented in Europe in the late nineteenth century, but it was in the United States during the twentieth century where it would have its greatest social and economic impact. Join us as we talk about the history of the U.S automotive industry.
Halloween Month continues at HTTP with a discussion on history's lost burial sites; including Genghis Khan, Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and many more.
Monopoly, Chess, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, etc.... you know you played them, but do you know the history behind them? Join us as we discuss the history of some of the most famous board games!
Vlad the Third; Vlad the Impaler; Vlad Draculea; the Real Dracula. Join us as we talk about Vlad the Impaler, the supposed inspiration for Bran Stoker's Dracula.
It was on March 20, 1980, when people began noticing volcanic activity at St. Helens Mountain in Washington. By March 27, a series of small tremors would culminate in the most disastrous volcanic eruption in U.S. history.
Join us as we discuss the (sometimes sad) origins of zombie folklore, from its early days in Haiti to more modern interpretations seen in popular culture.
Six wives, a couple of annulments, a couple of beheadings, a little weight gain, little syphilis (or not) – here is the story of Henry VIII and his wives. Join us and our special history teacher guest, Mrs. Danielle Elia, as we talk about the infamous monarch and his marital adventures!
How much do you really know about the "Second War for American Independence"? It's 1812, and The British Strike Back... sorry couldn't help myself. Anyway, join us as we talk about the War of 1812!
Was it really as careless of a decade as some believe it to be? Rock & Roll, automobiles, the American Dream... but also poverty, racism, and sexism. Join us as we discuss what many high school textbooks call "The Fabulous 50s!"
So, who exactly was Franklin Pierce? Millard Fillmore? How about Benjamin Harrison? Well, we know they were American Presidents, but besides that? Exactly. Join us and our History Teacher guest Dan G. as we talk about the forgotten presidents!
Do you know that the modern rollercoaster comes from gravity railroads created for moving coal? Or that the Ferris Wheel is named after its creator George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.? (what a name!)
Join us as we debunk some of the more common historical misconceptions. We can't cover all, but we can definitely start the conversation...
Did you know that Saturday Morning Cartoons officially ended in 2014 when CW, the last remaining broadcast network to still air them, retired them forever? What happened? Was it the Government? Divorce Rates? Cereal? Join us as we discuss the origins, the heyday, and the demise of our favorite pastime as kids.
Fellow history teacher Mrs. Katy Johnson joins us to discuss the cultural and historical significance of Eleanor Roosevelt… definitely more than just a First Lady.
Should we be celebrating our independence on July 2nd instead of July 4th? Why did Ben Franklin ask Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence? What does it actually say? And who were the 56 guys that signed it? All of that and more on our 50th episode!
Is corporal punishment in school still allowed? Can the principal strip search a student? Are you allowed to post obscene things about your teacher on social media without any repercussions? All those and more as we discuss some of the more important Supreme Court cases that all teenagers (and their parents) should know.
Was FDR really the people’s savior during the Great Depression? Did the New Deal really work? Was it really World War II that took the nation out of the depression? Well… let’s talk about it.
What really caused the greatest economic downturn in the nation's history? Was Herbert Hoover really that bad? Join us for part one of a two part episode on the Great Depression!
Aliens? Perhaps not so much. Yet, it is odd that it took until 2013 for the United States Government to even acknowledge the existence of the famous Area 51. So why is Homey Airport and/or Groom Lake so secretive? What is Area 51?
Here is the story of the one and only United States’ Emperor (self-proclaimed). Joshua Abraham Norton I, "The Emperor of the United States and the Protector of Mexico,” who reigned over this here land for 21 years, between 1859 and 1880. Yep... that happened.
A little bit of history, a little bit of pop culture. A whole lot of “History Teachers Talking.” Join us as we discuss the story of the summer blockbuster from 1975 until today!
Named for sea birds, “the Rock” was once home to Al Capone who played a banjo in an inmate band. It was also home to a Native American occupation force in the early 1970s; not to mention numerous families that called the island home. Join us as we talk about the most infamous and inescapable prison - or was it?
We all heard the song... Most of us know the words... Now join us as we discuss the history behind them.
Join us as we have a brief conversation about arguably the two greatest American inventors of all time – well, one half-American and the other quasi-Canadian. On this episode, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and the War of the Currents!
Perhaps not a historical figure in the most obvious sense, when studying the culture of the latter part of the 20th century one would be hard pressed to miss Andre the Giant. After all, the wrestler and actor was 7 foot 4 inches tall and weighed 520 pounds! Yet, as is often the case, there is more to a person than meets the eye.
Airplane crashes, assassinations, drug overdoses, freak accidents, and a failed lobotomy. Join us this week as we discuss the curse which befell Joseph P. Kennedy’s lineage – arguably the most famous family in American history.
Here is some scoop on the history of vaccines. For example, did you know that the word vaccine comes from the Latin word "vaccinus," which means "pertaining to cows?" Exactly... Join us for another fun and history filled conversation as we discuss vaccines!
With no Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers driving its ascendance into pop culture as is the case with World War II – how much do you really know about United States’ experience in World War I? Want to know more? Well…
Did Hitler die in his bunker on April 30, 1945? If so, how? And if not, did he escape to Argentina, get re-married and have a daughter? This, and more on this week’s episode of History Teachers Talking Podcast.
You know, that time you go west, get lost, it snows, you get hungry, and all of a sudden, your cousin begins to look appetizing. Wait, what? Join us as we talk about the infamous Donner Party of 1846-47.
Fact or fiction? Well, a little bit of both. Join us as we talk about the controversial Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man who gained considerable influence in late imperial Russia.
A time of distrust, fear, and xenophobia. What was it about the "Reds" that made the people of the United States so afraid? Plus, how much are we willing to sacrifice for our safety? Join us as we discuss the First and the Second Red Scare on this week's instalment of the History Teachers Talking Podcast!
Did you know that Mexico was once larger than the United States? Or that we at one point took over the whole country only to keep half of it because U.S. Congress could not get over the idea of expanding Constitutional rights to people of color in 1848? Join us as we discuss the Mexican American War of 1846-1848!
Your mom was your dad’s sister. Your wife is yours. I guess things do not matter much when you are the Pharaoh. Join us as we talk about the short life and reign – as well as discovery and myth – of King Tut.
Behind every great man, is an even greater woman... Join us as we talk about some of the more known (and less known) First Ladies of the United States.
Civil War is over. Slavery in the U.S. is over. Now what? What will freedom mean for the 4 million African Americans that just became free? Join us as we talk about the end of slavery and the process of “Reconstruction” after the American Civil War.
Winner of 9 Gold Medals in Track and Field at the 1912 Olympics and subsequently a Professional Football, Baseball, and Basketball Player; was Jim Thorpe the closest we ever got to a real Captain America? Join us as we discuss the life and career of one of the most famous Native Americans in our recent history, and arguably, the greatest American athlete of all time.
Gunslinger or an excrement smelling fifteen-year-old that could not afford the horse that was under him? Join us as we talk about a time and place where stealing one's horse would get you hanged and where prostitutes had the most steady income out of everyone in town… this was the “REAL” Wild West!
Where did the idea of a presidential pardon come from? Which president had the most pardons? We all know about President Ford's infamous pardon, but what about the approximate 20,000 others? (and that is just in the 20th century alone!)
How much do you really know about Amonute? How about Matoaka? Rebecca? "The Naughty One"? Ok, I guess we do need to talk about the young lady that you know as Pocahontas...
Here is the story of the "plumbers," hidden tapes, "Deep Throat," and "Tricky Dick." Wow, that makes it sound much worse than it really was... or does it? Join us as we discuss the Watergate scandal by which all other political scandals are judged.
What's a ZIP code? How many cigars did President Grant smoke per day? Was Thomas Edison a fraud? Was Cleopatra even Egyptian? Join us as we open up the year, talking about these and many more random history facts, coincidences and happenings.
We begin with the American Revolution and cover every noted female spy (that we know of) through the Cold War. We throw in some international women spies for good measure. James Bond you say? Ha…(sigh)
Want to know how Coca Cola is responsible for Santa as you know him? Or what the deal is with mistletoe? (Hint: Don’t let your pets eat it). Join us as we discuss the origins of holiday traditions!
Join us as we continue a conversation we started nearly twenty years ago as college students tasked with a group project on Pearl Harbor!
So, how exactly do you talk about curse words without using them? Well... Join us as we discuss the origins of some of the words you would not want your grandma hearing you say. We throw in some wacky offenses for good measure.
Radioactive mushrooms? Giant wolfs? Cold War coverups? Listen in as we discuss the unprecedented Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Returning to the show this week is a fellow history teacher and friend, Mr. Dan Agnello.
Join us as we talk about what became known as the first modern election – when 200 years ago, John Quincy duked it out with one Andrew Jackson. And, you thought the 2020 one was “crazy.”
Join us as we talk about the Black Dahlia Murder, the D.B. Cooper hijacking, and a couple of more modern cold cases from American History.
Join as as we talk about the history of the most popular breakfast of the western world... cereal.
With the election just days away, join us as we talk about one of the more influential presidents in United States history.... Harry S. Truman.
Join us as we use this Halloween episode to discuss some real life monsters throughout American history. This one may not be for our youngest listeners...
In a special episode, join us as we welcome Mr. Sipple, a D-Day Veteran who at the age of 17 found himself on a Higgins Boat, landing on Omaha Beach the morning of June 6, 1944; the day we will forever remember as D-Day.
What really happened on that cold March evening in 1932? Join us for our first foray into historical true crime as we discuss the infamous case of the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr., whose father happened to be perhaps the most known man in the world at the time.
What did you do when you were three years old? Davy Crockett wrestled a bear… or did he? Join us as we discuss the story of America’s first super hero… well, at least if you grew up in the 1950s.
Want to know more about the Soviets trying to cross-breed a bear and a human? Or the Nazis' adding another dimension to the term Blitzkrieg, by literally giving their soldiers speed drugs. Or the U.S.' DARPA still spending millions of dollars today in trying to create "kill-proof" soldiers? Well, join the conversation...
Join us as we discuss the historical context behind some of the strangest, or just downright ridiculous laws passed in history.
Join us as we discuss weird, bizarre, and revolutionary weapons from the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
Join us as we talk about comics and superheroes... their origins, histories, and how they are primary sources that reflect our culture, politics, and specific historical moments in our nation's history.
Join us as we look back at another year people (in America at least) could not wait to see end. 1968 had assassinations of major political figures, an unpopular war raging, the crumbling of the political party in power, race riots, protests, and daily numbers of American casualties plastered all over the news each night... yep, like 2020, people were done with 1968.
Join us as we welcome our first ever History Teacher Guest on the show, Mr. Dan Agnello as we talk about the bloodiest battle in American History, the Battle of Gettysburg.
Did you know there have been more than 30 attempts in American History to kill an incumbent President? Let's talk about some of the less known ones!
Join us as we honor Shark Week by talking about Jaws and the New Jersey Shark Attacks of 1916 that inspired it.
Who was the real George Washington? (and perhaps more importantly, why should you care?) Join two history teachers (who do not always take themselves too seriously) in discussing the legacy of the man who was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.