Cutting Class: Recent Episodes

Jess and Joe

Jess and Joe provide a humorous and thoughtful approach so some of the lesser known or poorly explained stories of history. These two history teachers will set the record straight and unveil some fascinating and lesser known stories of American and World History

View Details

Here it is folks, The Final Episode! Please excuse our poor attitudes and my dropped mic towards the end of the show. You’ll see when you get there! But we’re wrapping up this wonderful podcast journey with our favorite president, Calvin Coolidge. We hope you enjoy. Thank you all for listening to our show. Even … 177 – Calvin Coolidge in the Black HillsRead More »

View Details

First off, we apologize as Jess’ mic is terrible in this recording and could not be repaired beforehand. Jess brings us a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT as well as the story of the Ramree Island Massacre in which supposedly nearly 500 Japanese soldiers were eaten alive by the jungles of Myanmar in WWII. Listen in to this … 176 – The Crocodile Massacre of WWIIRead More »

View Details

Today we return to the skies as Jess tells the tale of a true American hero of WWII that was lost to the history books. Perhaps it’s because the time was so full of heroes it’s not surprising a few get left behind over time. But perhaps it’s also because he just so happens to … 175 – Major Dick Bong’s Soaring SuccessRead More »

View Details

Learn about this historical icon of horror and his surprising amount of socialistic political dealings in this episode!Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

View Details

Didn’t you know? Paul is dead! He’s been dead for decades but THE MAN doesn’t want you to know! For years many Beatlemaniacs were convinced Paul had died in 1966 and there were secret clues hidden across the albums that could be decoded with some wit, some wisdom, and probably some weed. Listen into this … 173 – Paul McCartney Died in 1966!Read More »

View Details

Sure… Butter, Watson, and Sir Chonksalot are great dog names. But what about those super stereotypical dog names we’ve all heard of? Where did those come from? Today we look into the origin of three super generic names for man’s best friend. Watch! – Rescued by Rover! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 Consider Supporting … 172 – Where Dog Names Came FromRead More »

View Details

Joe brings the finale of our series of aircraft in odd places series when a young man with a really bad idea decides to just pop in on the Soviet heads of state on a one man mission of peace. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Consider Supporting us on Patreon for … 171 – Surprising the SovietsRead More »

View Details

Back in the glory days of America we would celebrate THE Founding Father with a day of his own awesomeness. But no longer. That day was destroyed by none other than Washington D.C. itself! Learn about how President’s day usurped Washington’s Birthday and the numbskullery involved in it’s whole creation. Sources – 1 2 3 … 170 – Why We Stopped Celebrating Washington’s BirthdayRead More »

View Details

Joe continues to thrill and amaze you with his bizarre tales of planes gone wild. Did you know a plane crashed just a few yards away from the White House during Bill Clinton’s Presidency? Listen in for this sad but strange tale! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

View Details

Inspired by his own storytelling, Joe brings us a similar story to last weeks episode of a rogue aircraft going to all the wrong places. During Nixon’s presidency one helicopter pilot in training decided the best way to impress all his naysayers was to take a Huey on a joyride to the White House. Listen … 168 – Huey Heads to Washington!Read More »

View Details

In 1968 during an Airshow to commemorate the Royal Air Force one pilot by the name of Allan Pollock decided that he was unhappy with the bureaucratic fat cats in London who felt the RAF funding was excessive. So he decided to very calmly and reasonably take a Hawker Hunter jet fighter plane out for … 167 – The Tower Bridge IncidentRead More »

View Details

Today we’re releasing a 2019 Patreon exclusive episode due to some unforeseen life circumstances that prevented us recording a new show! If you’ve heard it then it’s a perfect time to listen to Body By Calvin one more time. In this show we examine North Korean Prison Labor camps and discuss why countries turn a … 166 – Escaping North KoreaRead More »

View Details

Jess is back with another Medical Miracle Man of the early 1900s. Dr. John Brinkley was an infamous medical quack known best for his Goat Gland treatment in which he would surgically insert goat testicles into men suffering from impotence, infertility, or just about any medical illness you can imagine. Learn about the rise and … 165 – Dr. Brinkley goes nuts for goats!Read More »

View Details

Joe and Jess have a blast examining this monumental undertaking of stonework. We look at the controversial Gutzon Borglum who picked up the job after being run out of the South. We also discuss the methods of building and the pushback from Lakota Indian tribes who once called this place “home.” Sources – 1 2 … 164 – Mount Rushmore’s Controversial CreationRead More »

View Details

We’ve known for years that Heavy Metal represented the greatest threat to all civilized nations. But today Joe brings us definitive PROOF that heavy metal was the final straw that broke the Soviet Union’s back. In 1991 the Monsters of Rock would showcase in Moscow and lead to a massive crowd of over a million! … 163 – How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet UnionRead More »

View Details

Who doesn’t love stomping Goombas and grabbing some coins? But if you ever played Mario 2 then you may have noticed it feels a bit different from the rest. Sometimes its even labeled as Super Mario 2 USA. There’s actually a really good reason for that! Learn about how the more odd Mario characters like … 162 – Super Mario 2’s Bizarre Origin StoryRead More »

View Details

It’s geek chic to lay out all the origin tales of Earth’s mightiest heroes. So Jess and Joe decided to give you the origin tale nobody seems to talk about and that is the young upstart Rudy the Reindeer. Listen in as we discuss this newcomers origin tale and how he saved a story, saved … 161 – Rudolf the Reindeer’s Origin StoryRead More »

View Details

Looking for a fun fact to share between political and religious arguments this holiday season? Look no further and listen in!Time to clue in on a shocking fact about John Tyler and his long lived progeny! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6

View Details

William Henry Harrison’s famous early death in 1841 led to an interesting problem for the United States in the form of who would take power. Eventually the task would fall on John Tyler who would become perhaps one of the most hated men in America and eventually stand alone abandoned by his competitors and even … 159 – The Accidental PresidentRead More »

View Details

Today we’re releasing a special Patreon Exclusive show from April of this year! We’ve been blessed to have many supporters over our years and we continue to gain more and more! Check out this special Patreon exclusive to see what kind of goodies you’ve been missing! In 1997 a new era of online video gaming … 158 – To Kill a Dork KingRead More »

View Details

Moustapha Akkad born in Aleppo Syria came to the United States in the mid 20th century with a dream of the theatre. He would go on to produce a 30+ year movie franchise easily recognizable today. Not familiar with his work? Listen in to today’s episode and learn about his journey to bring the Middle … 157 – Akkad the ProducerRead More »

View Details

Woah now, something is wrong! Due to unforeseen circumstances Joe and Jess weren’t able to record but no worries! We’re releasing to you all an Exclusive Patreon only Episode we did for Halloween WAY BACK in 2019. What a different time it was. Listen into how presidents of yesteryear celebrated this spooky night! It’s a … 156 – Halloween in the White House!Read More »

View Details

In the spirit of this spooky season, Joe tells us the tale of Matthew Hopkins the Witchfynder General which was mostly a self appointed title to a man with nothing much else going for him. Ever wonder where Monty Python got those ridiculous ideas about proving witches? Then look no further for many would be … 155 – The Witchfynder GeneralRead More »

View Details

Young Living is THE name in north American Essential Oils. But how much do you know of the recently deceased founder Gary Young? Today Jess takes a look into the bizzare life of Gary Young. Accidently drowning babies? Jail time for practicing medicine without a license? A super sketchy clinic in Mexico? Find out more … 154 – The Chamomile-lionaireRead More »

View Details

Joe dives into the abrupt and unexpected death of America’s first president on today’s show. You may have heard a little about the blood letting or even the enemas. But what killed George Washington? Today we look at long held mystery of America’s first presidential death. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 153- George Washington is dead!Read More »

View Details

In the promising spring of 1945, the little town of Bly Oregon rocked by events they could never have predicted. Due to the nature of these events the incident was kept quiet and mostly hidden from the American public and especially the rest of the world. Due to the secretive nature of the cover-up, families … 152 – The Bly Balloon IncidentRead More »

View Details

Joe bites into history and the delightful topic of tooth decay today. From the earliest origins and the dreaded “tooth worms” to some more modern approaches to our rotten teeth. Join in for this toothsome story! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Consider Supporting … 151- What DID they say on Tooth Decay?Read More »

View Details

After a moment of pure inspiration this 4th of July Joe simply had to dig into the facts on eating. As long as people have been eating food theres always that one person who feels they can eat more than someone else. Listen in as we see how deep the rabbit hole goes and some … 150 – A History of Competitive EatingRead More »

View Details

Chester Arthur is a president most Americans would struggle to even recognize AS a president. But this foppish fiend of the White House was known for extravagant clothing, wicked sideburns, and rooting out the spoils system in the United States. Check out this episode for a crash course on an often-forgot president! Sources – 1 … 149 – A Dandy Fop for a PresidentRead More »

View Details

Ahh! The 27th Amendment! Its that one that… yeah… does the freedom right? Don’t even remember what it does? Well you’re in luck! Sit back and enjoy as Jess and Joe not only remind you of what it is but enlighten you to the strange story of how it was passed over a hundred years … 148 – The Weird Origins of the 27th AmendmentRead More »

View Details

When it comes to Julius Ceasar there is a lot to talk about. But in today’s show, Joe shares one of our personal favorite stories about Julius Ceasar in which he is captured by pirates while on the way to Rhodes. Check out this questionably true story that is unquestionably awesome! Sources – 1 2 … 147 – Caesar’s Pirate AdventureRead More »

View Details

Did you know the Washington Monument was supposed to have several smaller towers around it? Did you know it was inspired by the Egyptians? Learn about the history of this iconic American monument that nearly failed completion several times! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 … 146 – Washington’s Weird MonumentRead More »

View Details

Kate from Ignorance was Bliss joins Jess and Joe to discuss the 1980 Mt. St Helens eruption! We discuss some psychological oddballs who refused to leave, the carnage of the eruption itself, and volcanoes of course! Join us for this special Mash-Up Episode with a much more successful podcaster! Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content … 145 – Mount St. Helens Holdouts with Kate from IWBRead More »

View Details

Joe leans into his metal heritage and looks into some brutal killings recorded regarding early christians. While the stories themselves are sad they’re morbidly fascinating. Listen into this non-exhaustive list of stonings, skinnings, and more! Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content and swag!Visit our website for more info!

View Details

One of the most controversial foreign policy decisions of the 20th century was America suggesting a “League of Nations” after WWI and then immediately refusing to join that very same league. What happened!? Some nations even blame America’s refusal to join as the lynchpin problem for leading to WW2. So why on earth did this … 143 – Henry Cabot Lodge Finale!Read More »

View Details

Now we get into the nitty gritty on Lodge. He’s really remembered in US history for two things. This week we cover the first of those which is his unflagging support for Imperialism. Singin’ Songs and pickin’ fights around the world! Like brothers from another mother, he and Teddy Roo would be the most adamant … 142 – Henry Cabot Lodge pt. 2Read More »

View Details

It’s time we finally delve into the infamous Henry Cabot Lodge. Why should we care about this Senator from Massachusetts? Perhaps because he was one of the single most influential Americans in the early 20th century? Anti-Immigration, pro-war/imperialism, and a profound racist, his beliefs would shape much of American foreign policy before and after WWI. … 141 – Henry Cabot Lodge Pt. 1Read More »

View Details

Jess brings us a medical mystery of history that broke out in WWII when soldiers came down with bizarre symptoms that baffled the battlefield doctors and nurses. When a medical expert get called into to solve the case he stumbles upon an international cover up that could change the outcome of World War II. Not … 140 – A WWII Medical Mystery in BariRead More »

View Details

Joe can’t help but share his disdain for President Wilson. Today he looks at his unprecedented end of office months as he suffered a major stroke which left him at the mercy of his cabinet and his wife who struggled to determine who really was fit to lead the country. Listen in on this medical/political … 139 – Wilson Strokes Out!Read More »

View Details

Jess misses his opportunity to make Babe references while Joe lays down the history of the American Pig War with Britain. Yet another series of border disputes emerges as a wandering pig nearly sets off a conflict between two nations in 1859. Listen in on perhaps the most bizarre of near-miss conflicts for the red … 138 – The War Over a PigRead More »

View Details

It’s been far too long since Jess and Joe looked at another heroic individual from wars past! Jess delivers the goods on Benjamin Solomon, a humble dentist sent to fight plaque and cavities in WWII. But that wouldn’t be all that Solomon would slay as he landed on the beaches of Saipan. Join us this … 137 – Benjamin Salomon: A Dentist at WarRead More »

View Details

Gather your candles and obsidian mirror folks! It’s time to speculate and commune with the beyond! Joe takes us on a magical mystery tour of Elizabethan England and the magical mathematician who advised the queen and coded the language of angels! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 … 136 – John Dee the Mathemagician!Read More »

View Details

Almost exactly 50 years ago Florence Oregon was visited the by the bloated corpse of a 8 ton 45 foot sperm whale. The whale posed quite a conundrum for local government as people unsure of how to remove the great stinking corpse. It wasn’t until the Highway Division showed up with a man, a plan, … 135 – Florence Oregon’s Whale EncounterRead More »

View Details

Henry Wallace isn’t exactly a household name. He’s not one you’d find in the history textbooks or even a late-night binge of the History Channel. But Henry Wallace bought into some weird characters and ideas during his time as the Secretary of Agriculture and commerce under FDR. Check out this weird tale that connects all … 134 – America’s Most Bizzare Secretary of AgricultureRead More »

View Details

We’ve all seen that famous photograph of Harry Truman holding up the newspaper declaring his defeat. Nowadays people have very little idea of who this “Dewey” guy even was. So what made it seem so obvious that he would win? Joe gives us the lowdown on this famous historical photo and the “obvious outcome” that … 133 – Fake News: Dewey Defeats Truman!Read More »

View Details

Joe and Jess dive (see what we did there?) into the wild history of the Devil Docs of the navy and their role in various historical events of the past. Not all soldiers carry guns, but these ones certainly do. Check out these badasses who excel and saving and taking lives. Sources – 1 2 … 132 – Navy Devil DocsRead More »

View Details

Today we wrap up (see what I did there?) Houdini’s legacy with his mysterious death. As the war with the Spiritualists raged on Houdini will die under odd circumstances. Was it an act from beyond the grave? Was it a hit by the Spiritualist leaders? Or was it all unlucky circumstance? You decide! Sources – … 131 – Who Killed Harry Houdini?Read More »

View Details

No, that’s not a sadist being locked up for funsies. It’s Harry Houdini! Harry Houdini is a name we’ve all heard at some point before. Images of straight jackets, handcuffs, and death defying feats jump to mind first. But there’s more to this trickster’s life than simply being an escape artist. Joe gives us the … 130 – Houdini’s Life and War on SpiritualismRead More »

View Details

Many people have heard the story that a gripping radio drama caused panic back in the 1930s of a REAL alien invasion. Wailing in the streets, bodice ripping, and gnashing of teeth are said to have ensued. But is this really the case? If not? Why not? Joe takes on this classic American legend of … 129 – Did A War of the Worlds Radio Play cause mass hysteria?Read More »

View Details

Jess introduces us to Master Chief Carl Brasher who has quite a heroic legacy. This is kind of a side-story to a previous episode we did a while back. See if you can guess which one! Special shout out to Bob who recommended this topic. Sources 1 2 3 4 Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive … 128 – Carl Brashear the hero is here!Read More »

View Details

We’re not just blowin’ smoke! Today’s episode is entirely around the Presidents and their cigar smoking habits. We’ll make no mention of anything else they may have been accused of doing with them. Joe brings us the details on the leaders of the past and of course… yet another visit from our favorite president ever. … 127 – The Presidents CigarRead More »

View Details

We return with the follow up of our last episode on the Beirut explosion. This time we take a look at a heavily requested topic. The Halifax explosion is the largest non-nuclear explosion the world has ever seen and the whole thing happened by a terrible accident. Listen into this amazing story of titanic proportions! … 126 – The Halifax ExplosionRead More »

View Details

August 4th 2020 Beirut was shook by a massive explosion on the north side of town. Today Jess takes a look at the causes and consequences of this blast and how it may shape Beirut’s future. We know it’s not history yet, but it will be! NOTE: Jess epic failed and recorded with his internal … 125 – The Beirut Blast of 2020Read More »

View Details

Christopher Lee was an astounding actor whose career spanned half of the 20th century and beyond. He’s best known for his villainous roles from Dracula to Dooku. But did you know he served in WWII or that he’s related to royalty? Did you know he was an award winning heavy metal musician? Learn more about … 124 – The Dramatic Life of Christopher LeeRead More »

View Details

You remember Emperor Norton I right? You learned about him in gradeschool I imagine as the first emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. No? Oh! Well let us fill you in on this bizzare and somewhat heartwarming tale of a man who lost it all and decided to pick himself up again … 123 – The First and Only Emperor of the United StatesRead More »

View Details

Few countries can boast of a war against our feathered foes. We covered one battle against birds in the Chinese Communist Calamity episodes but now it’s time to look into Australia’s army versus that of the Emu hordes plaguing the western farms in the early 20th century. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 122 – The War on EmusRead More »

View Details

It only took about 150 years but American women finally got the right to vote! Joe wraps up the series on Women’s suffrage with the Perfect 36 and Tennessee’s unique “War of the Roses” to gain women’s right to vote. Not surprisingly it all boils down to one young man’s decision and a mother’s guilt! … 121 – The Perfect 36 and Women’s Right to VoteRead More »

View Details

You knew it wouldn’t be that easy right? The fight to vote didn’t end in Seneca Falls and women would struggle onward for nearly about another 70 years before they could vote. But the Civil War threw a real whirlwind of change in America as to who was a citizen, who could vote, and who … 120 – The Continued Struggle for Women’s SuffrageRead More »

View Details

As we near the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, Joe seeks to outline the key players in making this reality take place. But to do so we have to dive back to probably the biggest push for women’s voting since Jane Addams was in the White House. The Seneca Falls convention … 119 – Seneca Falls and the early push for women’s suffrageRead More »

View Details

Today’s show is a spin on our usual podcast in which Jess tries to stump Joe with some stories about World War II. Which are true and which aren’t? Did the British have a reindeer aboard a submarine? Did American’s plan to release glow-in-the-dark foxes on the japanese? Find out on today’s show! Sources – … 118 – World-War-True or FalseRead More »

View Details

Joe delivers the goods on a bizarre uprising of socialist farmers in Oklahoma that formed just before the US went to war in WWI. Learn about their Americanized version of the socialist doctrine that led them to do some pretty weird things! Sources – 1 2 3 Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content … 117 – Green Corn and the Socialist Rebellion of OklahomaRead More »

View Details

Today Jess tells us the story of Franz Reichelt, an Austrian man with the dream of making people safe. in the early 1900s, the rapidly growing hobby of airplane use demanded a safer parachute to protect pilots. Franz thought he was just the dressmaker for the job. The only problem was he didn’t have a … 116 – The Tale of the Flying TailorRead More »

View Details

Joe gives us the overview of an often overlooked hero of the “first civil rights movement” that took place in the 1920s. Marcus Garvey is an excellent example of one of the many different approaches people had to gaining black equality at the early 20th century. Learn about how fancy hats, 30 year old ships, … 115 – A Man, A Hat, A Dream of Black EqualityRead More »

View Details

Join Joe and Jess as we take a double listener request to cover the famous American sniper from Vietnam. If you’ve never heard of Carlos Hathcock then prepare to be amazed by this guy’s feats that distinguish him as one of America’s most impressive snipers. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 … 114 – Carlos Hathcock: Worming his way to “Sniper Legend”Read More »

View Details

No this episode doesn’t recall Joe’s high school dating experience. We take a brief look at the infamous gang wars of the early 20th century as Al Capone and his crew faced off against “Bugs” Moran. What could be more fun than bootlegging, bosses, and bloodshed? Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 … 113 – Valentine’s Day MassacreRead More »

View Details

Learn today about the wild history behind the controversial 1978 Wold Cup Olympics that was held in Argentina during the military junta’s time in power. This story has it all! Sports, death threats, nationalistic egos, and Henry Kissinger! Find out how the Junta “cleaned the streets” and to put a happy face on a not … 112 – Argentina’s Dirty War Pt. 2Read More »

View Details

This month Jess and Joe will dive into with the little known “Dirty War” that took place in Argentina from 1976-1983 after the death of Juan Peron. What followed would be a miltary coup followed hostile closure of any democratic forms of the government. They just so happen to also have the World Cup hosted … 111- Argentina’s Dirty War Pt. 1Read More »

View Details

Today we look at the famous Buffalo Soldiers which were a famous black american military regiment formed directly after the American Civil War. For many black Americans, they were the first official black heroes of the US military. We specifically focus on their service during the Spanish American War and how a famous American President … 110- Buffalo Soldiers, the REAL heroes of San Juan Hill?Read More »

View Details

Joe takes us way back to Ancient Egypt in which we learn of Amenophis IV and his attempt to essentially destroy the Pantheon of Egyptian Gods. It takes quite an ego to overturn your entire culture’s religion and put yourself at the center of it but that never stopped him from trying. Find out about … 109- Ignoring the Gods of EgyptRead More »

View Details

If William Jennings Bryan hasn’t already had a wild ride just wait for the infamous finale to his career. WJB would represent the state of Tennessee as it fought to uphold it’s Butler Bill which forbade the teaching of evolution in schools. Clarence Darrow and the ACLU would have a thing or two to say … 108- WJB and the Scopes Monkey TrialRead More »

View Details

The WJB saga continues as we look into the his time at the White House! After years of trying (and failing) Bryan finally made it to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But how? What got him there? And what on earth could possibly possess him to RESIGN after years of trying to get in there? Find out … 107- America’s Most Influential Loser Part 3Read More »

View Details

We return to this week to the ever-present but never president, William Jennings Bryan. Early 20th Century America had just begin to flex her imperial muscles at the Spanish American War and beyond. But this would not be without controversy. The silver-tongued boy orator is back to argue that invading foreign countries and plundering their … 106- America’s Most Influential Loser Part. 2Read More »

View Details

America has spawned many “losers” over the course of it’s existence. Many of them live and die as nobodies. But occasionally one of those losers is a real somebody despite his/her tenacity for supporting the losing side throughout their life. Meet William Jennings Bryan. This guy was THE mover and shaker in the early 20th … 105 – America’s Most Influential Loser Part 1Read More »

View Details

Get your ticket to the impeachment show! We dive into the first American President to face the wrath of Congress…it’s as convoluted as it is petty. What did Johnson do that was SO WRONG he was the first president in American history to face the dreaded impeachment powers? Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 … 104- Impeaching Andrew JohnsonRead More »

View Details

During WWI a contingent of all black soldiers would volunteer to serve their glorious country. Not surprisingly, they wouldn’t be given the same treatment as other eager young men who wanted to fight the Great War. Despite being assigned Despite being originally assigned supply and bathroom cleaning duties, they would go on to be one … 103 – The Harlem HellfightersRead More »

View Details

The FBI’s director, J. Edgar Hoover, has a long and wild history. He’s a man who made a lot of enemies and crushed a lot of people in the name of purging America of internal threats. Jess and Joe are joined by Moxie of Your Brain on Facts to look into the wild stories of … 102- J. Edgar Hoover’s Dirty DeedsRead More »

View Details

In 1884 a brand new worker’s utopia opened it’s doors to newcomers. It was equipped with much of the latest in greatest homes and neighborhoods. But like all Utopias, it was not set to last. Not too long after the happy new workers moved into Mr. Pullman’s company town things started to go very dark … 101- George Pullman’s Catastrophe TownRead More »

View Details

Did you know in that Europe would drag animals into the court room and put them on trial for hundreds of years? Pigs, donkeys, locusts, and even slugs would be summoned before the court and sentenced with various punishments for their crimes! What on earth? Were Europeans just insane or was this for a laugh? … 100- A Cow in the CourtroomRead More »

View Details

Kate from Ignorance Was Bliss joins us today as we pick her brain about lobotomies. We look at the history of Dr. Freeman who popularized it in the United States as well as some other specific examples of the procedure and what it does. Finally, we tackle the hidden story of Rosemary Kennedy the sister … 99- Lobotomies and Rosemary KennedyRead More »

View Details

Nikola Tesla has enjoyed a newfound publicity as of late. Perhaps because the man was a mad genius. Not only did he invent some incredible things we use today but he also was quite mad towards the end of his life. Learn about the wild life of Tesla and why such a world renowned inventor … 98- Nikola Tesla the definitive “Mad Scientist”Read More »

View Details

Joe and Jess dive into this story of California Representative Leo Ryan who had a knack for theatrical politics. Perhaps we also find out why politicians are big fans of staying out of the field. He was a man who believed in seeing it first hand and getting himself right in on the action. When … 97- Rep. Leo Ryan’s ticket to JonestownRead More »

View Details

Ever since video games have been publicly available people have worried they were a “gateway drug” enacting these violent behaviors FOR REAL! Sadly, in the wake of yet another public shooting this summer, games have yet again become whipping boy for political pundits looks for an easy scapegoat. It seems like every week another “groundbreaking … 96- The Moral Panic of Video Game ViolenceRead More »

View Details

WARNING: Hide yo’ kids and hide yo’ wives ’cause LBJ’s harassing ever’body up in here! Lyndon Johnson was a crass son of a gun and this episode shows it! You’ve been warned. We’re looking at the incredibly bizarre behavior of our 36th president of the United States. If you want to see our Civil Rights … 95- Lyndon Johnson, a Genitalia Waving BullyRead More »

View Details

In the late 1980’s Pepsi struck a deal to exchange cola syrup for submarines and other warships. Find out on today’s show about how an Eisenhower Era product exhibition in New York and then Moscow sparked the infamous ‘kitchen debates’ between Khrushchev and Nixon. But they also sowed the seeds of Pepsi products being sold … 94- The Pepsi Fleet of WarshipsRead More »

View Details

Somebody’s poisoned the watering hole! Imagine pools of toxic ooze bubbling up from your front yard. Imagine your kids coming home with strange burns on their hands and faces. Now imagine you find your entire town is buried over a toxic waste dump and your property is worthless. Not only that, but your local representatives … 93- The Love Canal TragedyRead More »

View Details

We’ve all seen Back to the Future and Doc Browns awesome Delorean time machine right? If you haven’t amend this immediately and return to our podcast. But the Delorean has a fascinating history with it’s creation and its creator, John Delorean. This is a wild story that has it all! FBI investigations, Cover-ups, Embezzlements, Millions … 92- The DeLorean’s Amazing Origin StoryRead More »

View Details

Rachel Carson was famous for exposing DDT as a dangerous pollutant pesticide in her book “Silent Spring.” It arguably started off the environmentalism movement in the United States. But as Americans’ ditched the DDT other nations of the world demand it more and more. Learn about this fascinating controversy in today’s show! Special Shout out … 91- Should DDT make a Comeback?Read More »

View Details

For nearly 50 years after WWII one of the most amazing stories of American ingenuity and deception was kept secret. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Ghost Army was declassified. Imagine a force of 1,100 men sent to destroy the nazis with… Art? Acting? Sound equipment? What on earth is this all about? Find out … 90- The Ghost Army of WWIIRead More »

View Details

In the early 1900s a Banana planter named Sam Zemurray would plot the overthrow of Honduras with a rag-tag team of mercenaries. This was done directly in defiance of the government of Honduras and even the government of the United States. So why was he doing this and how did he get away with it? … 89- The Banana Man Takes HondurasRead More »

View Details

While most run from danger, there are those who run directly towards it. Edith, a nurse of WWI, found herself in exactly this situation when the Germans invaded Belgium. Learn the amazing story of a woman who risked life and limb to save British, Belgian, and even German soldiers from the Great War. Special shout … 88- Edith Cavell: The Heroine of BrusselsRead More »

View Details

Eugenics was cutting edge science in early the 20th century. All the educated elite were aware of it’s implications and goals. Popular authors, actors, and even politicians lobbied for it. Now it’s synonymous with death, forced sterilizations, and even Nazism. What happened and why is it coming back into conversations as a possibility in 2019? … 87- Eugenics: Science Runs Amok!Read More »

View Details

Today it’s a beautiful island for biking, snorkling, and nature walks with cute little critters called quokkas. But this island has a dark past that should be learned. When indigenous peoples became problematic to British settlers in Western Australia they were sent to Rottnest Island and subsequently died by the hundreds. Today we dive in … 86- Rottnest Island: A Vacation Site of DeathRead More »

View Details

Ever heard of the Holodomor? Most Americans haven’t! It refers to a debated “genocide” that took place in Ukraine in the early 1930’s. The stories of Communist collectivization and control of the food are shocking and heartbreaking. Thus only proves once again our bias against Stalin as one of the worst humans in history. Between … 85- A Communist led Ukrainian Genocide?Read More »

View Details

Imagine floating thousands of feet in the air with your spouse and small children in a hot air balloon you built in your garage with scrap parts. Oh yeah, and the Western German police will arrest you or maybe even kill you if they catch you doing it. This is exactly what happened in 1979 … 84- Floating to FreedomRead More »

View Details

In 1950 a man by the name of Algier Hiss was found guilty of perjury. He reportedly lied under oath about his involvement in a Soviet spy ring that was operating before and during WWII….Hiss would go on to serve about 4 years of jail time and spend the rest of his life maintaining his … 83- Was Hiss a Snake?Read More »

View Details

Jess and Joe deliver a special episode on State Testing using Tennessee as an example of how this seemingly innocuous practice ruins learning in the classrooms. If you’re not interested, then join us next week for another exciting show. But if you’d like to hear why teaching history and learning history in state schools is … 82- State Testing is a TravestyRead More »

View Details

In a special dedication episode, Joe takes us into the History of Scientology discussing some of the core beliefs of this bizarre religion. Not only this, but he covers Operation Snow White in which the church infiltrated the US Government in order to spy on those spying on them! Finally, we discuss a bit of … 81- A Brief look at ScientologyRead More »

View Details

In today’s episode we look at the 1966 Palomares incident in which the US accidentally dropped 4 Hydrogen bombs over the little town of Palomares Spain. Why did this happen and how have I not heard about this before!? Find out on today’s show! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 a decent video Stratofortress refueling … 80- Accidentally Nuking SpainRead More »

View Details

We’ll take a short break from our Moral Panic Series to bring you some fun tales we’ve been individually cooking up. On today’s episode Joe dives into the lesser-known Falklands war of 1982. Britain’s first invasion since WW2 ends up with a smack down on Argentina in these practically deserted islands off of the coast … 79- What the Falklands?Read More »

View Details

Today Jess delivers us our third tale of moral panic on Dungeons and Dragons itself. in the 1970s and 1980’s as this game was growing in popularity there were many who believed it may lead kids down a path of delusion and devil worship. Today’s epic of an episode covers the origins of D&D, the … 78- Dungeons and Dragons is the Devil!Read More »

View Details

We’ve all heard that story that some Nazis escaped to South America and maybe even Hitler got away there. But why is this a rumor and where did they go? Today Joe dishes on the history between Argentina’s Juan and Eva Peron and their connections to Nazi Germany. Not only this, but we look at … 77- Juan and Eva Peron’s Wild RideRead More »

View Details

Check out some “undeniable proof” of the evils in Comics by Dr. Wertham Part 2 of our Moral Panic series details the terror of the 1950s and the 10 cent plague. Kids and adults everywhere were reading comic books and it was a nightmare for parents and some congressmen. We’ll dive into the congressional pressure … 76- Comics Will Rot Your Brain!Read More »

View Details

Who hasn’t wanted to check out George Washington’s second Secretary of State? Though he may be historical trivia today he was quite the guy back in the day hobnobbing with the likes of Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton and more! Check him out! www.presidencies.blubrry.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/presidencies-of-the-united-states/id1191633316?mt=2

View Details

Jess and Joe begin a mini-series on Moral Panics in America and where better to begin than with the King himself? Today’s episode is a dive into the moral hysteria surrounding this young musician from Mississippi. He terrified parents, pastors, and even the FBI! Check it out! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 74- Elvis Presley: A Danger to DecencyRead More »

View Details

Join Joe and Jess as we take a look at one of the most notorious commandos of the Third Reich. Otto Skorzeny is a die-hard fascist who will be used time and time again by the Reich to try and make “miracles” happen. His mot famous accomplishment will be breaking Mussolini out of prison in … 73- Otto Skorzeny: Hitler’s HitmanRead More »

View Details

William Henry Harrison’s Family story isn’t over yet. Did you know his grandson would be Benjamin Harrison, future president? The man who connected these two presidents was John Scott Harrison. He was the ONLY man in American history thus far to be the son of a president and a father of a president. But this … 72- The Harrison Family Horror ShowRead More »

View Details

Did you know America had a president who died within a month of taking office? He’s easily the shortest term president we’ve ever had and hopefully will ever have. But who was he really? The story behind William Henry Harrison is quite interesting! Join Jess and Joe as we visit one of the littlest known … 71- America’s 31 Day PresidentRead More »

View Details

Both Jess and Joe were taken/dragged to a local performance of Les Mis and it got us thinking about what the historical background was. It’s easy to assume this is just another part of the French Revolution but you’d be flat out wrong! Learn about this history of this famous play with Jess and Joe! … 70- The History Behind Les MiserablesRead More »

View Details

Last week we told your Britain’s favorite story of defeating the Spanish with a little bit of grit and a lot of luck. This week we tell you their less popular counter-invasion that goes just about as awful as the Spanish invasion did. Check out this little known tale of the English Armada! Sources- 1 … 69- The Counter-Fail of the English ArmadaRead More »

View Details

We’ve all heard of the Spanish Armada at some point. Maybe you even know they get a whoppin’ to be remembered for the Ages. But what happened to this massive invasion force and why? What was at stake? Jess and Joe dive into this classic British propaganda tale in which they pretty much take credit … 68- The Epic Fail of the Spanish ArmadaRead More »

View Details

Jess deals out the goods on Tom Boyd’s new book! If you thought the ideas of building a non-Shire fantasy Utopia in our town was odd just wait until you hear about the source material! We promise this is the last you’ll hear of the bobbins! We’re bringing you the historical goods next week! Creepy … 67- The Bobbins are BackRead More »

View Details

Most of us have heard of Lenin’s embalmed body from all the way back in the early 1900s. Maybe you’ve even heard that Mao Zedong is entombed as well. But did you know almost all major communist leaders have followed this practice and it’s still going on today in the 21st century? Today Jess deliver’s … 66- What’s the deal with Communist Mummies?Read More »

View Details

Somewhere in a magical place just behind the Walmart and the Home Depot there is a mystical land in Knoxville Tennessee. We couldn’t keep this to ourselves. It’s a land of Elves, Dwarves, and of course the Bobbins. This may sound similar to some works of fantasy and lore but rest assured any resemblance to … 65- Meet the Bobbins!Read More »

View Details

In this final episode we look at the end of Bush Sr’s time as President. Desert Storm! We look at the infamous NEW WORLD ORDER speech given during this time. Illuminati anyone? We discuss Saddam Hussein’s great folly and the International Response. Finally, we look at what brought about Bush’s failed re-election campaign and the … 64- Desert Storm and HW Bush Part 3Read More »

View Details

The Invasion of Panama was yet another of the major events to take place during H.W. Bush’s short 4 years as president of the US. We take a look at this brief but bizarre invasion and the “Pineapple Face” Face man himself. Tune in for some modern fun! Sources- 1 2 3 4 5  Famous Photo mentioned

View Details

Despite being a 1 term president, HW Bush had quite an impressive track record as president. We’re devoting not one, not even two, but 3 episodes to this one termer! Today we look at his legacy recently. We weigh some strengths and weaknesses of this president. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 62- George H.W. Bush Part 1Read More »

View Details

Anyone familiar with the American Civil Rights movement of the 1960s will be familiar with George Wallace. He’s the archetypal villain of the movement and with good reason. As the Governor of Alabama his famous defending the status quo would often be quoted. “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever!” But we know how it … 61- Challenging the Narrative with George WallaceRead More »

View Details

In today’s episode we take Woodrow Wilson to the test on his abysmal Civil Rights record. Then we compare him with the amorous and often mocked Warren G. Harding. Say what you will about the corrupt or inept Harding… He was lightyears ahead of his predecessor on Civil Rights. Today we ask why it is … 60- Woodrow Wilson: an Overrated RacistRead More »

View Details

President Harding isn’t just known for his lackluster presidency or his scandals at Teapot Dome. He’s also remembered as one of the more promiscuous presidents in American History. The guy even had his security detail keep an eye out for his wife as he made out like a teenager in a closet with one mistress! … 59- Sexy Scandals of President HardingRead More »

View Details

Many have valiantly fought for the title of worst American President. Perhaps we’ll never decide who truly deserves this crown. But in this episode, Jess and Joe dive into Warren G. Harding’s time in office to debate whether or not he really deserves a place among the top 3 worst presidents or not. It’s got … 58- The Worst American President?Read More »

View Details

Joe and Jess return to the Heroes of WWII series to tell the story of John Basilone. John was a WWII marine who served in both Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions and go down as an American Hero of WWII. He’s also the subject of … 57- John “Badass”iloneRead More »

View Details

We’ve all been a part embarrassing childhood plays of the first Thanksgiving. But what really happened? Do we even know? Jess and Joe dive into some basics on where Thanksgiving came from and some fun facts. Did you Know Jefferson refused to celebrate Thanksgiving? Did you know FDR had the holiday moved for two years? … 56- A Little Thanksgiving HistoryRead More »

View Details

It’s time for Operation Vittles! Russia has Western Berlin behind a blockade and it’s up to the Allied Powers to save the day! Here’s our ode to American awesomeness! Can you imagine feeding half of a major world city purely by airpower? Now imagine that airpower is under threat of enemy fighter shooting them down. … 55- The Berlin AirliftRead More »

View Details

No this isn’t a wicked new band of Joe’s. Today we discuss Helena Blavatsky, a Russian woman of the 19th century who traveled the world and started the bizarre Theosophy movement. The rabbit hole goes deep with these guys so we just barely scratch the surface of this topic. If you listen closely, you might … 54- Blavatsky and the TheosophistsRead More »

View Details

This is an unscripted and unplanned episode but we wanted to take a second and talk with you, the listeners, about how the show has gone over the last year. We hope you enjoy this candid discussion of how our podcasting expectations and reality lined up. We also discuss some favorite episodes and reflect on … 53- A Review of our 1st YearRead More »

View Details

As a special treat, or perhaps a trick, this show is releasing Monday! Joe’s got the lowdown on some History of Halloween for you guys to get in the spirit of things. (See what I did there?) This is also our 52nd episode! That’s a whole year! We’ll be giving you double episode this week … 52- A Halloweeny HistoryRead More »

View Details

Warning! This episode was cursed! We’ll spare you details but we had all kinds of problems with this episode. It’s finally working but this one has an odd transition later in the episode so just bear with us!  Otherwise, we hope you enjoy this show! The Pacific Ocean is home to a vast array of … 51- Cargo Cults!Read More »

View Details

If you haven’t heard of the fantastic Bonus Army then you have to check out this episode! This story holds a star-studded cast of American characters. It’s a story of honor, horror, and holdouts. It’s 1932 and the Great Depression has struck. A horde of WWI veterans will descend on Washington to demand pay they … 50- The Bonus Army CatastropheRead More »

View Details

Revenge is a dish best served in heaping portions. Olga of Kiev who is sainted by both the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches will wreak bloody havoc on those who wronged her in the past. This is a “must-hear” story of shocking payback! Sources 1 2 3 4

View Details

Imagine a time the US was importing Mexican workers by the thousands to do simple labor jobs. No, it’s not a Trump dystonian nightmare! It’s the Bracero Program! Learn about this bizarre standard from US history Jess and Joe never actually teach their students! America has a long history of relying on it’s southern neighbor … 48- USA: “Mexicans Wanted!”Read More »

View Details

The Panama Canal is a darker story than you may know. Think about it for a second… How did the United States gain land in the middle of Central America? It’s a story that is more complicated than you may think. It will require taking the land, threatening Columbia, and also a side coup d’etat … 47- The Bloodstained CanalRead More »

View Details

A TUESDAY episode? Who could have predicted that? This show is special! This is our “live show” rehearsal! So if you caught us at the East Tennessee Historical Fair you may want to pass. Honestly, I think we did even better in person! But here you go! A fun story from our part of the … 46- The Hillbilly ProphetRead More »

View Details

No more playing around. America will claim her “just reward” for “helping” the Cubans. This conflict, however, will prove to be an expensive, costly headache for the US. It may even be a foreshadowing for another costly headache of a war that will drag on in Eastern Asia later that century. It turns out invading … 45- The American Filipino WarRead More »

View Details

“Here I come to save the daaaay!” Mighty Mouse’s motto is a perfect backdrop for America’s intervention into the Cuban independance movement. In the second story of American Imperialism we look as the US seizes control of Cuba in their efforts to “help.” If you’ve never heard this story of America’s treatment of their neighbor … 44- The Spanish American WarRead More »

View Details

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind right? Well apparently not for Hammurabi and his impressive set of codes. Jess and Joe dive into one of mankind’s oldest records of law. We dig into the history of the codes, where they came from and how we have them today. Then we have … 43- Hammurabi’s Code of FunRead More »

View Details

The stage is set for the first American overthrow of a foreign government. Join us to the exciting, insulting, frustrating, and even shocking conclusion to this strange tale. Today we’ll see how those carefully laid plans pan out.  As a bonus, you’ll finally learn about “ol’ Twinbeard” himself on our cover art!   Sources – … 42- The Heist of Hawaii Part 2Read More »

View Details

How did Hawaii become a state? How did the United States gain control over islands 2,000 miles away? Well the story isn’t pretty! Learn about how some devious businessmen force America’s hand to conquer these friendly people. Jess and Joe begin a new long running series on American Imperialism with this first story. Don’t worry … 41- The Heist of Hawaii Part 1Read More »

View Details

John Quincy Adams approved the funding but Congress did not! Today Joe and Jess dive into the weird world of the Hollow Earth Theory! What’s in there? Dinosaurs? Angels? Nazi scientists? Flying Saucers? A monorail? The answer, of course, is all of the above! If you loved Flat Earth then this is even better! You … 40- The Hollow Earth PeopleRead More »

View Details

A crocodile in the White House? A corrupt bargain? A throw down with Andrew Jackson? What all went on with the oft-forgotten but interesting life of our 6th president and his four short years in office. Not only that! But he’s the son of a president and their two presidencies are weirdly similar. Check it … 39- John Quincy AdamsRead More »

View Details

Ozzy’s Madness knows no bounds! What better way to be hardcore than to encourage your own adoring fans to kill themselves? Sound far fetched? Well it certainly didn’t in 1985! Learn about how Ozzy was accused of being a cult-like leader whose music pushed young people to take their own lives. Sources – The first … 38- Ozzy Osbourne Wants You DeadRead More »

View Details

We’ve all heard the rumors that Disney has hidden sex symbols in their classic animated films. Be honest, haven’t you looked at least once? Joe and Jess dive into the rumor mill and try to get at the heart of this 1990’s “pornography for kids” scandal! Is it real? Is it a rumor? Whats the … 37- Are Disney’s Dirty Jokes Real?!Read More »

View Details

Did you know Russia sent women to fight in World War 2? Did you know that they terrified the Germans? Check out this episode on the badass babooshkas of WWII and some of the hilarious and embarrassing responses they received from Americans. Sources 1 2 3 4

View Details

Happy 4th of July! Today we’re unloading a special holiday episode celebrating America’s Independence! You may not know of the time in 1985 when scores of men stormed the beaches of Florida to wreck havoc on freedom loving Americans. Don’t worry, Chuck Norris took care of it! This was made into a feature-length film/documentary titled … 35- Chuck Norris Saves America!Read More »

View Details

World War II ended in 1945 but why on earth are a few Japanese men still fighting all the way up to the 1970s? Is this chivalry, stupidity, or something else? Join Jess and Joe as we look at three different men who were all “Japanese Holdouts” for different reasons. Sources 1 2 3 4 … 34- Never Gonna Give You UpRead More »

View Details

In 1986 Cleveland released 1.5 million balloons and set a new world record. They had no idea the chaos that would ensue. Join Jess and Joe for this fun look at the Balloon Madness of 1986! Pictures! 1   2   3   4   5 Sources 1 2 3 4

View Details

Not all heroes of WWII were human! Today’s episode looks at a few of our furry or feathered friends who participated in man’s insatiable desire for death. Learn about some bizarre bats, a dangerous duck, an elderly elephant, a boozed-up bear, and a daring dog in today’s show! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 32- Animal Heroes of WWIIRead More »

View Details

During WWI two notorious laws would be passed. The Espionage and Sedition Acts would drastically limit the freedom of speech and prohibit Americans from criticizing the war, the draft, and even the government itself. Amazingly, when challenged, the Supreme Court defended these as not contradictory of the 1st Amendment! Today we discuss Schenk v. US … 31- Banning Free Speech in AmericaRead More »

View Details

Imagine a war hero who never fired a gun. Crazy right? Desmond Doss did just that during WWII as he refused to use a rifle and insisted purely on acting as a medic to his men. You may have even seen the recent film about his life titled “Hacksaw Ridge.” We’ll talk about how realistic this … 30- A Hero Without A WeaponRead More »

View Details

School shootings continue to plague America. As high-school teachers, this hits especially close to home. On today’s bonus episode. Jess and Joe discuss their thoughts on school shootings, reason’s why some proposed solutions will not work, and some suggestions of our own. We’re not experts and we don’t claim to have the solution. But we … 29- Thoughts on School ShootingsRead More »

View Details

Today is a story of horror and gore! Elizabeth Bathory was once accused of killing over 600 young girls and literally bathing in their blood. How much of this story is true and how much of this is simply legend? Let’s find out!

View Details

It’s Finland’s frozen Thermopylae! Prepare for one of the greatest stories of World War II you’ve never heard about! The Winter War between Russia and Finland is easily one of the most amazing stories rarely told! Today We look at bravery in the face of overwhelming numbers and the world’s most deadly sniper. Who would  … 27- Finland’s Glorious Last StandRead More »

View Details

Ever heard of the sword-wielding, bow-shooting, bag-pipe playing, Nazi buster of World War 2? Check out this episode on Britain’s 20th century medieval hero! “Mad Jack” Churchill is the first of many of our series on WW2 heroes.

View Details

In 2018 one controversy rages on and must be dealt with. What exactly is the shape of our planet?! Here we look into just a small portion of the bizarre beliefs behind Flat Earth believers. We could do more but it would just give us all a headache.

View Details

Today we embark on a very fitting Podcast Crossover Episode to talk about the new Avengers Infinity War movie. SPOILERS so you’re warned! Join us and the boys over at OmniGeeks as we react to this blockbuster film. Fair warning, this is a pretty rough edit with coughs, interruptions, and stupid statements included.

View Details

This is it! Today’s China is a bleak and scary place as we see Deng’s policies unravel and Xi Jinping set himself up as an authoritarian with powers rivaling that of Mao Zedong. This is a must-listen-to episode that will give you the chills! Tell us what you think of this wild new world!

View Details

What Come’s Next? Soon You’ll See! From the 1970s to the 1990s China underwent rapid economic growth under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. Is this the end of the CCP? Is Capitalism here to save the day? Find out on this episode of Cutting Class!

View Details

You say you want a Revolution? The CCP tried to win the hearts of the youth after the Great Flop Forward. They didn’t know what horrors would be let loose by young adults when given the chance. Check out this wild tale of the Chinese Cultural Revolution!

View Details

Who says you can’t be a commune farmer by day and steel worker by night? Learn about one of biggest flops of Communism with the Great Leap Forward! The Five Year Plans of Stalinist Russia went so well then why not try it in China? What could possibly go wrong? We’re laying the groundwork for … 20- China’s Communist Calamity Pt. 1Read More »

View Details

Learn about the bizarre butchery of America’s 20th President. Today we cover the little known president James Garfield and the major issue facing his presidency that lead to his murder! Not only that, but we get gruesome with some medical malpractice that ends this poor guy.

View Details

For some, a game of Monopoly feels like an endless trap with your family. But  during World War II, it could be a blessing in disguise. Today we learn about how British and US forces used Monopoly boards to break POWs out of Nazi prison camps. Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6

View Details

Six years ago on March 15th, a wild, naked man was arrested in San Diego. He happened to be the creator of Kony 2012, the most popular viral Youtube video in history at the time. What on earth happened? Learn about this 2 week long hysteria of 2012! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 17- Kony 2012: A Viral MeltdownRead More »

View Details

Crushing labor unions? Anti-semitism? Being one of Hitler’s heroes? Not all is sunny in Fordlandia! Join us as we look at the darker, less discussed sides of Henry Ford’s legacy! Sources  1 2 3 4 5

View Details

Henry Ford is a far more interesting character from history than we give him credit. The Model T and the assembly line are great and all but what about his flying cars? What about his square-dancing jungle utopia? Oh! You haven’t heard of this? Neither had we! Check out this fascinating episode about America’s most … 15- Henry Ford’s Capitalist Jungle UtopiaRead More »

View Details

This week Joe and Jess discuss the 1918 Spanish Flu! Exactly one hundred years ago, a horrible plague swept through the world leaving devastation in its wake. It was possibly the worst disease to strike mankind in recorded history! Join your hosts as they brave this often overlooked “Spanish Flu”, the potential origin of the … 14- The “Spanish” Flu of 1918Read More »

View Details

Get pumped for what may be our strangest episode yet!  Jess and Joe dive headfirst into the madness of Emperor Nero and discuss things like self-aggrandizement, bankrupting the empire, murder, sex, and the Olympics!  Beware, this episode features some gross and unruly concepts, so lock up your children! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 … 13- Nero the HeroRead More »

View Details

Join Joe and Jess as they delve into Roman madness!  We explore the life and crimes of infamous Romans Agrippina and her son Nero in part 1 of a 2 part series. This episode covers the exploits of Agrippina, an ambitious woman that positioned herself as the puppet master of Roman politics.  We then delve … 12- A Mother and a MurdererRead More »

View Details

Join us on a thrilling eastern European adventure as we delve into the history and mythology of Vlad Tepes of Wallachia! We look into the Impalers favorite methods of torture, his wars against the Ottomans, and some awesome myths surrounding his grim cruelty. We end the show with a brief talk about the literary Dracula … 11- Vlad the ImpalerRead More »

View Details

Roosevelt is out of office but not out of amazing stunts up his sleeve. What does the manliest of men do after being president of America? Get shot by lunatics, explore the Amazon, and volunteer for World War I of course! Join us for the final chapter of Roosevelt’s amazing life. Sources 1– 2– 3– 4– 5– 6– 7– 8– 9– 10– 11

View Details

Roosevelt has invaded the White House! In this episode Jess and Joe take a small look at how Roosevelt squeezed all that mustachioed manliness into the confines of the presidential mansion. Enjoy some snippets of his personal life as President of the United States. From his kids terrorizing the White House staff to Roosevelt literally … 9 – Theodore Roosevelt: Manliest of Men Pt. 2Read More »

View Details

Ivy league graduate, boxer,  big game hunter, cowboy, soldier, president, and explorer. If space exploration had occurred you better bet this guy would have been the first up there. Is there anything he can’t do? This is our first series episode! We can’t contain all of him to simply one episode so be prepared for … 8- Theodore Roosevelt: Manliest of Men Pt. 1Read More »

View Details

Humans consistently invent newer and better weapons to defeat other humans. But not all of these devices are good at it. In fact, some of these weapons are downright goofy. In this show, Jess and Joe highlight a few ridiculous weapons from the past. This episode best enjoyed when you can actually see the images. … 7- Wacky WeaponsRead More »

View Details

Merry Christmas! Where did tinsel come from? Why is that little man pooping near baby Jesus? Who are the Christmas goblins? Why is that woman disemboweling children? We’ll be diving into some weird beliefs and stories of the world’s biggest holiday.

View Details

The story of the False Dmitry is legendary. Not one, not two, but 3 people all try to pretend they’re the same czar of Russia with hilarious consequences. Enjoy as Poland pulls a Wile E. Coyote parade of ridiculous Czars just to try and take the throne. This story has everything! Zombies, murderous rage, and … 5- The Funny Tale of the False DmitrysRead More »

View Details

Alert! – Adult Content in this Episode – Did you know Kellogg’s Corn Flakes were made to discourage touching yourself? Did you know that the inventor of Corn Flakes was reportedly never intimate with his wife? Today Jess and Joe dive into the strange beliefs of John Harvey Kellogg, the inventor of Kellogg Corn Flakes.

View Details

Ever heard of the time the United States tried to take down communist Russia with a cat? Of course not. The Cold War brought us laugh-a-minute kinds of fun. If we weren’t threatening nuclear annihilation or destroying foreign nations with proxy wars then we were busy spying on one another. These spy games brought us … 3- Operation Acoustic KittyRead More »

View Details

How much do you really know about America’s 30th president? Did you even remember that he was a president? In this show Jess and Joe explore the little known facts of one our most overlooked presidents in history. Sit back and relax as we turn an often forgotten president into one of your new favorites.

View Details

In this episode Joe and I will be introducing you to what this show is all about. We hope to provide some interesting details about why we started the show and what we hope you all will get out of it. If you have any questions feel free to ask them in via Social Media … 1- Welcome ShowRead More »