Deep Dive: Galveston’s Storm, Richard the Lionheart, and the Long Story of 'Literally' - September 8, 2025
Jason Miller and Sophia Reed examine the 1900 Galveston hurricane’s devastation and its long-term societal and economic effects, unpack Richard I’s legacy and governance impact, and trace two centuries of figurative use of the word “literally.”
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Show Notes
In this Deep Dive episode, our hosts discuss the lasting impacts of catastrophic weather, medieval kingship, and evolving language.
• 📜 On this day in 1900, hurricane-force winds up to 120 mph struck the Texas Gulf Coast, killing more than 6,000 people and all but destroying the city of Galveston — we explore the human toll, infrastructure collapse, economic consequences, and how communities and institutions rebuilt and rethought risk management.
• 🎂 We celebrate the birthday of Richard I of England (1157) and focus on his tenure from 1189–1199 — his Crusader reputation, how his prolonged absences affected governance and crown finances, and how his legend shaped chivalric ideals and royal legitimacy for centuries.
• 💡 Fact of the day: the word "literally" has been used figuratively for over 200 years — we discuss what that history reveals about language change, why style guides clash with usage, and implications for communication, branding, and legal clarity.
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