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Unhinged History

Unhinged History

179 episodes — Page 2 of 4

Ep 132Episode 129 | Ovaries Can’t Ride on Trains

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We're back to exploring the gritty unhinged history of WWII spies this week as Theresa shares the story of the war's most decorated spy, Odette Samson. This French-born woman left her three young girls in Britain and joined the war effort, as a courier (the fatality rate of couriers was over 40%). During this mission, she fell in love, got tortured, sent to Ravensbruck, and survived without giving the Axis powers any intel. This all-around badass is a name we should all know. This episode pairs with: WWII Spy: Nancy Wake WWII Spy: Toto Koopman

Jul 11, 202557 min

Ep 131Episode 128 | Team Mafia Boss

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This episode has it all. Today, Angie takes center stage when she shares the correlation between sliced bread, the Normandy, and WWII. Come for Theresa losing her mind at how sliced bread relates to anything. Stay for a thorough retelling of Operation Underworld, or how the Italian mafia helped protect Americans, as the first line of defense from Axis U-boats. This episode pairs well with: Collin Gubbins – creator of the SOE

Jul 4, 202552 min

Ep 130Episode 127 | Anything But Therapy

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You haven't heard it all until you've encountered the chaos of Tallulah Bankhead. This stage actress struggled to break into Hollywood while racking up over 500 lovers of both genders. Come for the unhinged antics of a starlet. Stay for her surprising activism. This episode pairs well with: Tallulah's Ex-Girlfriend and WWII Spy: Toto Koopman

Jun 27, 20251h 7m

Ep 129Episode 126 | These are Some Beige Names

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There is nothing Angie loves more than the drama, pomp, and circumstance of Charlie Two's court (Charles II). Today's story is another instance of royal gossip as she shares a possible love triangle between Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill, and Abigail Marshem. This episode pairs well with: Another juicy moment from Charlie Two's Court: Nell Gwyn

Jun 20, 202545 min

Ep 128Episode 125 | This Girl Used Her Honey Pot

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There are certain things you can expect from this podcast and today's episode is no deviation. Theresa shares the story of Toto Koopman, the first famous biracial model and WWII spy. Her list of lovers runs from Tallulah Bankhead to Winston Churchill's son. Because she was a hell of a lot more than her black book, she served the Italian resistance faithfully and survived the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Angie refuses to be outdone and shares the story of the gender non-conforming Queen Nzinga. This boss stood her ground against the Portuguese and made them regret tangling with her. This episode pairs well with: WWII Spy: Nancy Wake WWII Spy: Josephine Baker Sudan's Warrior Queens Yaa Asantewaa

Jun 13, 20251h 20m

Ep 127Episode 124 | Can I Just Lay Down Now?

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Happy Pride Month! We're kicking off June with stories that are meant to be told. Angie starts with Lucicus Beebe. This dandy of a gentleman did everything with the utmost panache. He toured the US and Europe in his own decked-out train car and remained fashionable, even when reporting on fires that broke out. Theresa brings in the tragic story of the pink triangle, which started in concentration camps and is a potent symbol of the queer community. Many wearers of the pink triangle in these camps were not freed when the camps were liberated – instead, they remained imprisoned until the early 70s. After gaining freedom, they reclaimed this symbol, and it is now a positive symbol for the LGBTQIA+ community. This episode pairs well with: William Dorsey Swann Stonewall

Jun 6, 20251h 6m

Ep 126Episode 123 | 3 Type-A Raccoons in a Trenchcoat

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This episode is yet another shiny example of something you never expected. Theresa starts off sharing the story of Wong Kim Ark, the US citizen you likely never heard of. He is the man who challenged the government, had his case heard by the Supreme Court, and established himself as the first person named as a recipient of birthright citizenship. Oh, this was back in 1898. Angie, as flabbergasted as she is, somehow figures out a way to share the tragic tale of Torii Mototada. This samurai warrior made a fantastic stand in the late 1500s. Knowing he would likely die in his final stand, his sacrifice was honored by the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who dismantled the blood-stained castle and used the boards as ceilings in temples to ensure his deeds were never forgotten. This episode pairs well with: Lone Fir Cemetery The Blood-Soaked Battle Angel and the Battle at Aizuwakumatsu

May 30, 202559 min

Ep 125Episode 122 | Retirement Sounds Great After That

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Grab your weighted blanket and settle in with a mug of calming tea. You'll need it. Angie kicks things into high gear when she shares the story of the legendary female samurai, Tomoe Gozen. Listen along to Theresa thinking she knows more of the story than she actually does. Theresa takes a sharp left turn by sharing the story of the Lone Fir Cemetery and the Chinese Immigrants who built Portland, Oregon. In true Theresa fashion, she gets us all aggregated before surprisingly ending on a ray of hope. This episode pairs well with: Blood Soaked Battle Angel Yasuke The Shanghai Tunnels

May 23, 20251h 11m

Ep 124Episode 121 | It’s Either This or Literal Violence

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Since Angie took the entire episode last week, Theresa brought a hell of a story this week. Grab your popcorn and hunker down because she's sharing the story of the 442nd. This heroic group of Japanese-American soldiers in WWII bravely fought for five days and nights through freezing rain and dense fog to rescue 211 Texans pinned down by German troops. This episode pairs well with: The Joshigun (women's army) fighting during the Battle of Wakimatsu

May 16, 202553 min

Ep 123Episode 120 | Lemme Keep the Cook

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Dude. Brace yourself. Angie found a whopper of a story. Buckle up for her telling of Yoshiko Kawashima, a member of the Qing dynasty who was a gender-fluid spy for the Japanese in the early 1900s. Whatever you're expecting, this ain't it. This episode pairs well with: Aline Griffith

May 9, 202549 min

Ep 122Episode 119 | Going on Vibes Alone

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Woowwee. This week is a crazy mashup of stories. First off, Angie shares a Japanese festival called Nakizumo, where sumo wrestlers attempt to make babies cry, on purpose. Theresa overcomes her feelings about this to share the story of Richard Sakakida, a Nisei (a first-generation Japanese American) sent to spy on the Japanese in Manilla before the US's entrance to WWII. She shares his capture, torture, and survival. It's a lot. These stories pair well with: The Spaghetti Hoax The Time the Japanese bombed Oregon during WWII

May 2, 20251h 11m

Ep 121Episode 118 | Thanks for Translating Past Theresa

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Join your favorite unhinged historians as they bring you some crazy stories. Today Theresa shares the tale of Molly Williams, the first female firefighter, who was also the first Black woman firefighter. Oh, and she did it at the age of 71. Not to be outdone, Angie regales us with Lilian Wyles, the first female inspector of Scotland Yard. This barrier-breaking woman paved the way for women in the police force in the UK, and you need to hear her story. These stories pair well with: Stagecoach Mary "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes" / Grace Quakenbos

Apr 25, 20251h 0m

Ep 120Episode 117 | Suckers for Resistance Stories

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At Unhinged History, we are nothing if not consistent. To prove that, Angie shares a solid resistance story from WWII. In this unbelievable tale, Major Cary Elwes, not that Cary Elwes, along with fellow SAS sneak behind enemy lines, steal a train, and rescue POWs. Theresa presses all the buttons triggering outrage as she shares the Mexican Repatriation Act, that time the United States deported up to 1.8 million people, with up to 60% of them being citizens. This episode pairs well with: The man who created the SOE The Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War "Mad" Jack Churchill The Black Village That Thrived in Central Park

Apr 18, 20251h 6m

Ep 118Episode 116 | The Tea of the Time

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No matter what you expected, you never guessed this week's stories. Theresa kicks things off with the tale of Hazel Scott, the Black musician who seamlessly blended classical and jazz. She was the first Black woman to have her show on national TV in the 1950s. Angie refuses to be chill with her choice of stories when she shares the story of Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalhami, the Persian pirate prince. This man starts his life on land selling horses before a 20-year career in piracy. This episode pairs well with: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Artemisia I of Halicarnassus

Apr 11, 20251h 2m

Ep 117Episode 115 | I’m So Glad You Didn’t Ask

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In celebration of April Fool's Day, Angie and Theresa are at it again. Angie starts off with the tale of the Cardiff Giant. George Hull and his cousin William Newell created this elaborate hoax to convince people that they found a giant petrified man – then the showman Barnum gets involved. Theresa then shares the story of the Fox sisters. These renowned mediums ushered in the Spiritualist Movement. But were the frauds? This episode pairs well with other hoaxes of history: Spaghetti Hoax The Time Traveler

Apr 4, 20251h 7m

Ep 116Episode 114 | More Impressive Than a 1300s Prenup

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Aww, the sweet feeling of predictability. Theresa starts us off with the particularly unhinged story of Jeanne de Clisson, the Lion of Brittany. This female French pirate was an absolute menace for 13 years as she pillaged her countrymen in a revenge plot. Angie is well, the sweet, amazing soul she is, week after week, as she shares the story of Mary Kingsley. This Victorian adventurer makes a name for herself trekking through Africa and hanging out with cannibals. This story pairs well with: Catalina de Erauso, the lieutenant nun Nellie Bly Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth

Mar 28, 202557 min

Ep 119Episode 113 | Everyone Loves Us, But Vermont

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Angie kicks us off with Tarenorerer. This Aboriginal woman comes from Tasmania. After being a slave for a brief period, our girl escapes from slavery and shows the colonizers how much of a pain this rebel leader can be. Theresa picks up from here and regales us with the story of French sculptress Camille Claudel. This woman comes of age during the late 1800s and makes a name for herself while having a tumultuous relationship with renowned artist Rodin, who is also married. This trainwreck is bigger and worse than you think it will go. This episode pairs well with: General Harriet Tubman The Queen of the Paris Lesbians – Natalie Clifford Barney

Mar 21, 20251h 7m

Ep 114Episode 112 | A Level of Chutzpah to Rock the Name Elmo

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Join us this week as Angie and Theresa serve up some fabulous stories of strong-willed women. Theresa starts with Rosemary Bryant Mariner. This naval aviator holds many firsts. She was the first woman to fly a tactical jet, the first woman to command an aviation squadron, and she was one of the first women to serve aboard a navy warship. Angie goes on to tell the story of Nellie Bly. This hard-hitting journalist elevated investigative journalism. She's most known for infiltrating a New York City asylum and taking a record-breaking trip around the world. This episode pairs well with: The WASPs of WWII "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes" – Grace Quackenbos

Mar 14, 20251h 17m

Ep 113Episode 111 | The Bad Batch are the 99

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This episode is in response to a move to pull key stories from the Air Force History Class. We believe in telling stories that have representation. These stories are filled with struggles and hardships. Theresa starts by sharing the WASPs of WWII. The Women's Air Service Pilots bridged the gap created by men serving on the front lines. These 1074 women shuttled planes from factories, were test pilots, towed targets, and more. At least 30 of these women died during their duty during their two years of service. Angie regales us with the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. These men flew bombers and fighters during WWII. Although they were relegated to older planes, they outperformed many other units. This episode pairs well with: Aviatrix – Bessie Coleman Aviatrix – Kathrine Sui Fun Cheung The Harlem Hellfighters of WWI

Mar 7, 202554 min

Ep 112Episode 110 | Petrol Filled Champagne Bottles

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This week's stories are incredible. Angie starts off with the story of Ronald Erwin McNair, the second Black NASA astronaut. Not only was he an astronaut, he was a fifth-degree black belt and accomplished saxophone player. His tenacity helped him rise through the ranks at all of his goals. His life is cut short, tragically, when the Challenge spacecraft explodes. Theresa lightens the mood by reverting to a love of hers – female spies of WWII. She regales us with the story of Josephine Baker, the nude dancer, turned actress, turned spy. Just when you think you know what is happening Theresa says something else out of right field. This episode pairs well with: Astronaut Sally Ride Angie's Favorite Space Mistakes Astronaut Kalpana Chawla WWII Spy Nancy Wake WWII Creation of the SOE / Collin Gubbins WWII Spy Phyllis Latour Doyle WWII Spy Aline Griffith

Feb 28, 20251h 3m

Ep 111Episode 109 | That’s an Awesome Going Away Party

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Whatever you were expecting, this wasn't it. Theresa shares the over-the-top story of Eartha Kitt. Come for her rough childhood and stay for her playing Cat Woman. Between that and the CIA compiling a dossier about her with some racy gossip, this story has it all. Angie zips much further back into history to share Toussaint Louverture with us. This Haitian general led during the revolution against France. Sometimes called the "Black Spartacus" he ends slavery on his island. It's a riveting tale. This episode pairs well with: Actress – Libby Holman Actress – Hedy Lamarr Slave Uprising – Gabriel's Conspiracy and Guion Buford Jr.

Feb 21, 20251h 3m

Ep 110Episode 108 | No One Destroys Like the Hoover

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This week the dynamic duo do what they do best. Angie kicks us off by sharing her greatest love, Egypt, with us and telling us facts about King Tutankhamun. Maybe you've heard them all before, but you've never heard Angie gush about him. Theresa dips into her bag of stories that make you both happy and livid. Come for her telling the tale of how the Black Panther Party created the Free Breakfast Program, which is the reason public schools offer it nationwide in the US. Stay for FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who is depicted as the villain. This episode pairs well with: Pyramids of Sudan More reasons to hate Hoover – the Osage Indian's Reign of Terror

Feb 14, 20251h 11m

Ep 109Episode 107 | A Token Aristocrat

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Journey with us on a fantastic romp through history. Theresa shares the story of Enheduanna, the first named author. She lived in approximately 2300 BC, in ancient Sumaria, and wrote hymns for 42 temples and three epic poems. Angie regales us with the tale of Jeffrey Hudson. As a member of the court of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of Charles I of England, he lived quite the life. This man was raised as a gentleman, fought a duel, and was kidnapped by pirates. Angie failed to tell Theresa that Jeffrey Hudson was only 18 or 19 inches high and more often known as the "queen's dwarf." This episode pairs well with: Angie's favorite court mistress – Nell Gwyn

Feb 7, 202553 min

Ep 108Episode 106 | Victoria's Grandbabies Were Clones

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Strange things happened this week. Both Angie and Theresa cover a very specific time in Russian History. Angie starts with the story of Maria Bochkareva, who created and led the Russian Women’s Battalion of Death during WWI. Then Theresa harkens back to the Otsu Incident. In May 1891, Russian Crown Prince Nicholas Alexandrovich visited Otsu, Japan, when he was attacked by the Samurai Sanzo Tsuda. This would sour his affinity for Japan and lead to the Russo-Japanese War and the infamous Russian Second Pacific Squadron from Episode 69. This episode pairs well with: The Nightwitches of WWII Infamous Russian Second Pacific Squadron

Jan 31, 20251h 4m

Ep 107Episode 105 | This is Why HOAs Exist

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Ever wonder about extremely niche aviation stories? No worries, we got you. This week Theresa shares the tale of Franz Reichelt, the "Flying Tailor." This man dreams of creating a parachute and believes his invention would work if he could only jump from a higher surface, so he tests his prototype from the Eiffel Tower. He leaves a six-inch crater as his legacy. Angie surprises Theresa by telling her about The Flying Nightingales, the nurses during WWII who flew injured troops across the channel. Their bravery saved many troops. This episode pairs well with: WWII –George “Skeeter” Vaughan and the Moccasin Rangers Founder of the American Red Cross – Clara Barton

Jan 24, 202548 min

Ep 106Episode 104 | Weaponized Incompetence That I’m Okay With

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Join us this week as Angie shares the unhinged story of Doug Hegdahl. This POW during the Vietnam War single-handedly saved the lives of over 250 men by memorizing their names and info to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." This episode pairs well with: Jesse Owens and Carl Luz Long – WWII Tootsie Rolls at the Chosin Reservoir

Jan 17, 202549 min

Ep 105Episode 103 | Proof Fashion Will Get You Anywhere

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This week, Theresa takes us on a jaunt through history to share about the Wide Awakes, the Republican political movement that elected Lincoln president during the fateful 1860 election. Started by Eddie Yergason, who made a cloak to wear to prevent his clothes from getting messed up by the torch he'd carry during a rally that Cassius Clay was speaking at, he galvanizes the party. We might have just uncovered Theresa's new Roman Empire, as she touches on so many previous episodes. This episode pairs well with: General Harriet Tubman Cassius Marcellus Clay Robert Smalls

Jan 10, 202555 min

Ep 104Episode 102 | Mentally Into Tim Curry

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Cuddle up with a warm beverage and get ready. Theresa kicks things off by sharing the Hatpin Panic, where women at the beginning of the 1900s were using hatpins in self-defense against assault on public transit. It sparks global outrage – against the hatpins, not the assault. Once you have ordered your new hairpins made of forged steel, Angie tells the story of Lucy Hay, the countess of Carlisle. You likely remember her as Milady de Winter in The Three Musketeers. This episode pairs well with: "Madame Mustache" Eleanor Dumont Nell Gwyn Julie d'Aubigny

Jan 3, 202555 min

Ep 103Episode 101 | I’m Not Going to Admit Anything

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This week, Angie and Theresa did deep cuts of history and brought you little-known stories of some mighty women. Angie kicks things off with Yaa Asantewaa. She was the Queen Mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti empire. If you're looking for a strong African queen, we got you. Not wanting to be outdone, Theresa shares the story of Hajjah Ghazala bint Ammar, an Amazigh Chaoui woman who stood up to the French in the Algerian War, as told through the photographs of Marc Garanger. This episode pairs well with: Candaces – Sundanese Warrior Queens Sundiata Keita, a.k.a. The Lion Prince Prince Dejatch Alemayehu

Dec 27, 202453 min

Ep 101Episode 100 | Because I Was Bored, Sir

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Welcome to the 100th episode. We promise to be just as unhinged as ever. Today Theresa starts us off with the story of Harriet Tubman. Come for the part about the Underground Railroad. Stay for the part where she's awarded the rank of general post-humorously. Angie brings us back to WWII by sharing the crazy life of Jack Churchill – the legend of the man who: carried a sword into battle, played bagpipes, and had the last confirmed kill in battle with a bow and arrow. This episode pairs well with: Abolitionist – Cassius Marcellus Clay Black Union Fighter – Robert Smalls WWII Creator of the SOE – Colin Gubbins

Dec 20, 20241h 9m

Ep 100Episode 99 | This Sounds Credible Already

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Get ready to discover your new favorite Chinese Queen Consort and General, Fu Hoa. This absolute legend enjoyed battle axes and oracle bones. Listen to Angie share her life around 1200 BC. Theresa carries the girl boss vibes by sharing the story of Alice "Diamond Annie" and the Forty Elephants. This girl gang was known for two things: Shoplifting Throwing great parties Listen to their methods, crimes, and lives. You won't be disappointed. This episode pairs well with: The Real Story of Mulan The Start of the Han Dynasty Jewel Thief – Doris Payne The Jewel Heist Featuring Arthur Vicars

Dec 13, 202458 min

Ep 99Episode 98 | Come on, Brain! BRAIN!

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Whatever you thought we'd cover this week, you're wrong. Theresa starts us off with the disappearance of Agatha Christi. Christi vanishes for 11 days. Was it amnesia? A fugue state? Angie deals with this troubling story by lobbing her own into the mix. She tells us about George “Skeeter” Vaughan and the Moccasin Rangers. Skeeter is credited with the longest knife throw in wartime, taking out a Nazi soldier at 87 feet. He goes on to live quite the life. This episode pairs well with: WWII Creator of the SOE – Colin Gubbins WWI Indigenous Fighter – Francis Pegahmagabow

Dec 6, 202447 min

Ep 102Episode 97 | Scrooge McDuckian Vault

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Come with us this week for some fairly unhinged tales. Angie shares the story of the 1901 San Francisco Mint Heist. It's giving Ocean's 11, true crime, and a treasure tax? Theresa picks up the baton and shares the story of Sacagawea. Learn about her tragic background and stay for the mystery around her death. This episode pairs well with: Irish Crown Jewel Heist The Maple Syrup Heist Matoaka – the Real Pocahontas

Nov 29, 20241h 12m

Ep 97Episode 96 | Witchcraft Was on the Table and We Chose Violence

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We know you listen with the expectation of hearing wild stories and this week, we delivered. Theresa starts by sharing the death of Sioux Chief Sitting Bull and the Massacre(s) at Wounded Knee. Angie thankfully saves the emotional tone by sharing the meat shortage from the turn of the 1900s in the US and the proposal to import hippos to fill the void with the American Hippo Bill. This episode pairs well with: The Osage Indian's Reign of Terror Lawnchair Larry Crazy Facts About the Country: Liechtenstein

Nov 22, 20241h 6m

Ep 96Episode 95 | The Defense Shuts Up

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Another classic roundup of stories. Theresa kicks things off with the Indian Occupation of Alcatraz and how it influenced reforms positively impacting Indigenous people. Angie shares the story of Saint Lawrence's martyrdom and whatever you think she's about to say, she isn't. Trust us. This episode pairs well with: WWII Hero – George “Skeeter” Vaughan and the Moccasin Rangers St. Vitus and the Dancing Plague

Nov 15, 20241h 15m

Ep 95Episode 94 | You Are Now Among Heroes

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Angie takes the entire episode to share the history of the Berlin Wall. Whatever you thought this episode would contain, we highly doubt you have two rival zoos caught on opposing sides of the wall locked in an "animal arms race," the myriad of SNAFUs around spycraft, and David Bowie performing at the Reichstag in June 1987. Bowie's performance shifted public sentiment around the Soviet government's control over Eastern Berlin and is credited with bringing down the wall. This episode pairs well with: Josef Linowski Stealing a Sidewinder Missle

Nov 8, 202452 min

Ep 94Episode 93 | Allow Me to Destroy Everything You Said

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Whew. This week Theresa takes the entire episode to share the story of Ishi, commonly referred to as "the last Indian." She sets the stage with the start of the Gold Rush and how settlers wiped 2/3 of native peoples off the census of California within two years. Then shares how one feared tribe, the Yahi fought to survive. On Aug. 29, 1911, a starving middle-aged man, walks onto the pages of written history as the last member of his tribe. After he dies, his wishes for his body are ignored and spark a lengthy court battle as several indigenous tribes fight to unite his brain and body and give him the last rites he deserves. This episode pairs well with: Sacagawea and her mysterious death(s)

Nov 1, 20241h 0m

Ep 93Episode 92 | The Good Ghost Gossip

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Celebrate Halloween with this week's roundup of tales. Angie starts us off with her favorite ghosts said to hang out at the Tower of London. She shares the stories of just her favorites (Guy Fawkes, Anne Boleyn, the princes in the Tower, Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guilford Dudley, and Sir Walter Raleigh). Then if you're looking for reasons to give up sleeping ever again Theresa regales us with SUNDS (Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome) and the Origins of the Freddy Kruger franchise. This frightening story, based on several true stories explores the unexplained deaths of 117 Hmong refugees in the early 80s and how they inspired the invention of the serial killer haunting the dreams of teenagers in suburbia. This episode pairs well with: Angie's Favorite Curses The Hmong Still Fighting the Vietnam War

Oct 25, 202455 min

Ep 92Episode 91 | Ghosts You Want as Roommates

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Spooky Season is in full swing this week. Theresa shares the story of the first legally haunted house in the US that spawned the Ghostbuster Ruling. Refusing to be outdone, Angie regales us with the investigation into the vampire Arnold Paole. This according to sources, is the most famous vampire. Have you ever heard of him? This episode pairs well with: Sarah Winchester and the Winchester Mystery House The New England Vampire Panic The Casquette Girls of New Orleans

Oct 18, 20241h 1m

Ep 91Episode 90 | Try Bigger Crimes

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Firmly leaning into the spooky season, Angie shares Samhain and the Origins of Halloween. Come for the costumes and fire festivals, stay for the carved turnips that look like shrunken heads. Theresa steals a story from Angie's backyard when she tells the story of Sarah Winchester and the Winchester Mystery House. In typical Theresa fashion, she debunks the myths and breaks hearts regarding the ghost stories. This episode pairs well with: Angie's Favorite Curses The Haunting of Lady Mary Howard The Ghostbuster Ruling

Oct 11, 20241h 18m

Ep 90Episode 89 | I'll Take My Chances With the Sharks

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Spooky Season stories hit differently. This week Theresa shares the story of the Haunted Queen Mary, one of the most paranormal places to visit in the US. Come for the WWII milestones, stay for the tragic death of a crew member. Angie dips way back into history and tells the tales of the werewolf trials we've had through our past. This episode pairs well with: The Haunted Shanghai Tunnels in Portland, Oregon Vampire Arnold Paole The Last Witch of Ireland – Bridget Cleary

Oct 4, 20241h 1m

Ep 89Episode 88 | I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Queen

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Not every story starts out with Angie using Snoop Dogg as a source, but this week's does. Join us as Angie shares the story of Jesse Owens and Carl Luz Long. This unlikely friendship starts at the Berlin Olympics between Black athlete Jesse Owens, and German Carl Luz Long and displays the best parts of humanity and good sportsmanship. Theresa's story on the other hand is a sharp left turn. She regales us with information on Lorenc Peter Elfred Freuchen. This forgotten arctic explorer was 6' 7", and once got caught in a snowstorm and had to chisel his way out using a pick made out of his own fecal matter. This episode pairs well with: Similar Vibes: Peter Wessel Tordenskjold The Lafitte Pirates Rear Admiral Richard E. Bryd and His Hollow Earth Theory

Sep 27, 202455 min

Ep 88Episode 87 | A Different Flavor of WWII

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This week's roundup of stories is a happy accident. Today Angie and Theresa bring you two very different stories from WWII. Theresa kicks it off with the Night Witches, the only female combat pilots from WWII. These badasses are from Russia and you're going to love them. Angie starts by sharing the history of the US paying its soldiers with booze, then explains how the attitude toward alcohol shifted. Somehow she ends up telling the story of the United States retrofiting a cement barge into an ice cream flotilla. This episode pairs well with: Aviatrix – Beryl Markham Tootsie Rolls at the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War

Sep 20, 20241h 9m

Ep 87Episode 86 | I Agreed Too Early

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Today's roundup of history stories you didn't know starts when Angie tells the story of General Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, or as you know him, General Marquis de Lafayette. This man was part of so many plot points of history your head will spin. To keep up with the craziness, Theresa shares the many Defenestrations of Prague, kicking off the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years War, and beyond. For some reason, the people of Prague keep yeeting people out of windows and it's bananas. This episode pairs well with: The Smugglers of the Boston Tea Party Revolutionary War's Culper Spy Ring and Agent 355 The Crazy Facts of Liechtenstein

Sep 13, 20241h 11m

Ep 86Episode 85 | I Am Not Here to Make Sense

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We hope you have handfuls of sweet snacks this week as Theresa and Angie share their stories. Theresa starts with The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 – an incident that would forever coat Boston in a sweet smell. Angie must have intuited Theresa's story because she tells the story of Tootsie Rolls at the Chosin Reservoir. Her story occurred during the Korean War when a group of Marines known as the "Chosin Few" needed to figure out how to survive subzero temperatures. It was so cold that the radiators cracked. Thankfully the Marines had $13,547.80 in Tootsie Rolls (or $176,613.28 in today's money). They used the candy to plug holes and retreat. This episode pairs well with: The Maple Syrup Heist When the Navy had a Concrete Ice Cream Barge

Sep 6, 202453 min

Ep 85Episode 84 | It's Only Treason If You Lose

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Whew. What a week! Angie starts us out by sharing Gabriel's Conspiracy. This is the story of a slave living in the late 1700s and his attempt to gain his freedom. To elevate the mood, Angie also touches on Guion Buford Jr, the first Black astronaut. Theresa takes a sharp left turn and shares the story of the Harlem Hellfighters, the 369th regimen made of primarily Black soldiers who saw more combat than any other unit of American soldiers during WWI. This story pairs well with: Seneca Village – the Black Village in Central Park Tootsie Rolls at the Chosin Reservoir During the Korean War

Aug 30, 202458 min

Ep 84Episode 83 | Misery is My Paintbrush

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Look we've all said some things in the past. Sometimes it's Theresa saying stuff like there was a Children's Crusade in 1212. And other times it's Angie regaling us with Count Victor Lustig's cons like a money box or selling the Eiffel Tower. Either way, this week's tales are unhinged. This episode pairs well with: The siege of Caffa That time a man stole a sidewinder missile... How "Lord" Timothy Dexter kept falling up

Aug 23, 20241h 3m

Ep 83Episode 82 | Classic Art With a Feminist Tarantino Flair

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Sometimes we learn about someone so delightfully unhinged it makes Angie think that Theresa is the modern incarnation of that human. Today, Angie shares the story of Theodore Roosevelt's daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth. And listeners, you'll have to tell us if she and Theresa are the person. Theresa turns around and shares the story of Elisabetta Sirani, an Italian Baroque painter during the 1600s who created some fantastically violent paintings. This episode pairs well with: Julie d'Aubigny – the sword-fighting badass The craziness that is the Voynich Manuscript

Aug 16, 20241h 15m

Ep 82Episode 81 | A Costco Worshipping a God

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The Parthenon has lived her life, honey. Little did you know what a varied life she's led. But don't worry, Theresa jumps on and shares how the iconic temple of Athena only recently fell into ruin. Angie moves in and shares the story of Tycho Brahe. This old-timey astronomer seemed to live a rock star-esque life even dueling over "who's the better mathematician." This episode pairs well with: Artemisia I of Halicarnassus The death of Alexander the Great The history of the guillotine Count Robert and the castle of pranks

Aug 9, 202458 min

Ep 81Episode 80 | You Got a Worse Word I Can Use?

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Join us in an unhinged selection of stories. Angie kicks things off with the antics of Specialist Skippy Schwarz and shares the myriad of things he's banned from doing. Some of these exploits include wearing a kilt made of fruit roll-ups, allowing sock puppets to take over his watch, and having the right to a strip search when detained by MPs. Theresa brings up the intellectual tenor when she shares the historical background of Pocahontas. Because apparently Disney lied to us, Theresa uses her real name, Matoaka. This episode pairs well with: Sacagawea Lawnchair Larry

Aug 2, 20241h 16m