Unhinged History

This week Angie and Theresa brought some completely unhinged stories. Theresa starts off with the tale of Christine Jorgeson, the WWII GI who underwent a sex change in the 1950s and went into entertainment. Angie didn't want to be outdone and shared Sally Stanford, the brothel-owning woman who would go on to be mayor of Sausalito. This episode pairs well with: Shelly Bauman WWII Danish Nazi Resistance fighter, Willem Arondeous

First off, let us start by saying that Disney lied to us. Theresa attempts to address this issue by sharing the story of Mulan in the various ways it's gone through history, including the opera. Angie closes us out by sharing the story of Abigail Kawānanakoa, Hawaii's last princess. She covers HRH's philanthropic efforts and her marriage to her wife, Veronica Gail Worth. This episode pairs well with: The last Hawaiian Queen Lili'uokalani The real story of Pocohantas

Do you know the story of the Chinese Amelia Earhart, Kathrine Sui Fun Cheung? Let's fix that. Angie starts this episode off by sharing how this aviatrix entered the history books and became one of the fabled Ninety-Nines. Theresa continues this heart-warming trend by sharing the story of Seneca Village, the thriving Black community in what is now Central Park. She shares how one Black man, Andrew Williams, bought land in this community and homeownership provided generational wealth and changed the trajectory of six generations of the Williams family. This episode pairs well with: Aviatrix Bessie Coleman The Harlem Hellfighters

We all have bad days at work, but never, and I mean never have we struggled as hard as Rear Admiral Zinovy “Mad Dog” Rozhestvensky as he led the Russian Second Pacific Squadron from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean to do his part in the Russo-Japanese War. Theresa has way too much fun sharing what could only be the real-life basis for Mchale's Navy. This episode pairs well with: Why Czar Nicky 2 hated Japan so much (he was attacked by a samurai) 106

You ever learn about a guy so bold and self-assured *and* keeps winning?! Angie tells us the story of the Norwegian Hans Solo, Peter Wessel Tordenskjold. At one point he goes in for a court martial and comes out with a raise instead. Theresa then shares the Dancing Plague of 1518. You know, that time everyone just compulsively danced until they dropped dead? That one. This episode pairs well with: The crazy death of Saint Lawrence The badass adventures of Lorenc Peter Elfred Freuchen

Grab a juice box and settle in. Theresa is telling the story of Nakano Takeko, her joshigun (women's army), and the battle at Aizu-Wakamatsu. Takeko leads this group of 20-30 trained female warriors, think samurai, into battle and shows everyone just what an alpha female looks like. This episode pairs well with: Yasuke, the Black Samurai The saber saint Miyamoto Musashi

Okay, some sets of stories are so delightfully unhinged they will be shared in public, without warning. These are two of those tales. Angie sets things off with the retelling of the Ghost Army, the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops from WWII. These men used inflatable tanks, set design, and everything theater instructors had ever taught to fool the Axis Powers. Then Theresa tells the bizarre tale of Pope Pius II. She shares his spy mission, the dirty book he wrote (The Tale of Two Lovers), and how he funded Vlad the Impaler's campaign against Mehmed II. This episode pairs well with: Nancy Wake Natalie Clifford Barney - American writer

This episode has it all. The plague. Trebuchets. WWII. Ducks. Theresa starts us off with a rollicking tale of how the Golden Horde allegedly flung their plague-ridden corpses into the city of Caffa around 1345–1347 because Khan Jani Beg had some big feelings about losing. Thank goodness Angie takes it upon herself to lighten the load, so to speak. She shares the story of Marine Sergeant Jack “Siwash” Cornelius, the duck that fought in several amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater during WWII. This episode pairs well with: The Children Crusade of 1212 Sargent Stubby, the stray dog who served in WWI

Journey through the pages of medieval writing with Angie and Theresa as we learn about the Voynich Manuscript. Angie unpacks what we know about this unreadable text. She shares theories and touches on aliens. Yup. Aliens. This episode pairs well with: Battle of Hastings and Bayeux Tapestry

Come for the myth of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Stay for Theresa sharing the facts around what we really know about the Voudou Queen of New Orleans. If you're like us, the truth is far more compelling. This episode pairs well with: Julia Brown – the Voodoo Queen The Tignon Law of 1876

This last week of Women's History Month hits hard. Theresa shares the story of Grunya Efimovna Sukhareva, the Russian researcher who discovered Autism decades before Hans Asperger. Angie makes Theresa cry when she shares the story of Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born woman to make it to space. This episode pairs well with: NASA Astronaut – Sally Ride The Immortal Henrietta Lacks

You know these two love a good WWII spy story. Theresa serves up the tale of Aline Griffith, the Princess Spy. She served the Allies during the war while based in Spain before marrying into a noble family. Angie brings us all the way back to the California Gold Rush with the story of Eleanor Dumont, the French card player who earned the nickname "Madame Mustache" later in life. This episode pairs well: WWII Spy Nancy Wake WWII Creator of the SOE Collin Gubbins Stagecoach Mary

Angie starts off strong telling the story of Margaret Skinnider. This strong woman had zero chill. She starts out as a school teacher and turns into a revolutionary in Ireland. She participates in the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin as a sniper. Before we introduce Theresa's story, let's point out that she misspeaks and says, "Mexican-owned Canada" multiple times. She meant California. She's as sorry as she should be. Despite this glaring error, Theresa tells the story of Esther Short, the woman who found Vancouver, Washington. This episode pairs well with: "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes" Grace Quackenbos Portland's Shanghai Tunnels The Pig War

Get a fresh cup of coffee, drink it black, and strap in. Theresa starts us off by sharing the tale of Queen Lili'uokalani, the first and last queen of Hawaii. Angie comes in hot with the tale of a lesser-known aviatrix, Beryl Markham. This woman does it all, including two princes. This episode pairs well with: Abigail Kawānanakoa – the last Hawaiian princess Aviatrix – Bessie Coleman Aviatrix – Kathrine Sui Fun Cheung

Join us as Angie kicks off Women's History Month with an absolute doozy. Kick your feet up and listen to the story of Georgia's Queen Tamar. This absolute badass lived from c. 1160 – 18 January 1213 and was their first queen to rule in her own right. This episode pairs well with: That pope who wrote a dirty book and funded Vlad the Impaler

Some stories just stick with you. In Episode 55, Theresa mentioned Nubian warrior queens in passing. This caused Angie to rabbit hole and dig that story out. So sit back and enjoy the history of the Kandake, or Candaces, Sudan's warrior queens. These women face down Rome, at its height. Theresa brings us back to the US as she shares the story of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the nation's first Black woman physician. She got her medical degree as the Civil War raged and became the only published Black woman in the 19th century. This story pairs well with: The Pyramids in Sudan The first female Indian doctor Anadi Joshi

This romp through history starts with Theresa returning to the 1980's in Brooklyn. She tells the tale of the Lo Life Crew. This group of men united through passion and started boosting Ralph Lauren's Polo merch. From there they unknowingly changed the course of fashion. Angie balances out the episode by taking us back to the Wild West and telling us the story of Stagecoach Mary. Mary Fields (c. 1832 – December 5, 1914), was the first Black woman star route postwoman in the United States. This episode pairs well with: Our favorite jewel thief – Doris Payne "Madame Mustache" Eleanor Dumont Catalina de Erauso – the lieutenant nun

This was an incredible round-up of stories, as we celebrate Black History Month. Angie starts us off with a bang telling the story of Bass Reeves (July 1838 – January 12, 1910) the Black marshall who started his life as a slave. Theresa ponders the severity of travel warnings from the US State Department, as she shares the pyramids of Sudan. This episode pairs well with: Stagecoach Mary Fields The Candaces – the warrior queens of Sudan

Look, you're going to have some big feelings about this episode. This week, Theresa covers Henrietta Lacks and the medical racism that exists. While we have greatly benefited from Lacks' medical contributions, there are a lot of issues with the medical ethics around the HeLa cell line. This episode pairs well with: Black Doctor – Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Some mashups are so bizarrely incredible that you don't know you need until you get them. We hope you're sitting down. This week Angie shares the story of the dark purple menace, Libby Holman. This singer, activist, and actor is on a whole other level. Theresa follows her up sharing the story of Phyllis Latour Doyle. Latour Doyle was a female spy in Nazi-occupied France and used knitting in her spy efforts. ...You're welcome. This episode pairs well with: Actress – Sarah Bernhardt Founder of the SOE – Colin Gubbins

What a year of podcasts it's been. Angie shares the history of the guillotine because, of course, she does. Then Theresa shares the most unhinged Christmas party that ever happened. She tells the tale of the Egg Nog Riots, that time when the Westpoint Academy went off the rails when they overindulged in the holiday drink. This episode pairs well with: General Lafayette The Boston Tea Party

Whew. What a couple of stories we've gathered for you. Angie shares the delightfully unhinged tale of Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. This dude (1742-1819) has zero chill and is why Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo. Theresa must have known what Angie was bringing and matched the unhingedness with her telling of Erasmus of Lueg. This 15th-century knight survived a year-long siege in Predjama Castle and died when he was shot with a cannon while on the toilet. This episode pairs well with: The Lafitte Pirates The Battle of New Orleans

Come hang out with us. Theresa starts off by telling us the folklore of Julia Brown, the Voodoo Queen ...sorta. She does a deeper dive giving you her origin story. Angie torments Theresa by telling the tale of Alexander the Great's death and how he was buried alive. This episode pairs well with: Voodoo Queen – Marie Laveaux Pirate Queen – Artemisia I of Halicarnassus

Come with us to 1066 as Angie starts off by sharing the Battle of Hastings. Don't get too comfortable learning about this battle, because Angie uses it just to share about the Bayeux Tapestry. It is 230 feet long and is believed to have been embroidered by Queen Matilda and six of her women in waiting. The Bayeux Tapestry visually tells the story of the battle. This episode pairs well with: Voynich Manuscript

Venture back with us to WWII and learn more about the enigmatic Colin Gubbins, the Director of the SOE. Under the guise of Professor Sandwich, Gubbins got the Enigma Machine into British hands. He also headed up Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. This is the WWII story you need to hear. This episode pairs well with: Phyllis Latour Doyle – WWII Spy Aline Griffith – WWII Spy Nancy Wake – WWII Spy

This time-sensitive episode reflects fondly on two notable smuggling events. Theresa covers the Boston Tea Party that took place on December 16, 1773. Angie shares the Great Maple Syrup Heist, which while it took place over months, the investigation occurred from December 18-20, 2012. This episode pairs well with: The Great Molasses Flood The Culper Spy Wing Penelope Barker's Tea Party

Join us for a delightful smattering of stories. Angie starts us off by telling us about the Great Balloon Escape. During this story, two families, Strelzyk and Wetzel, smuggle themselves from East Germany over the Berlin Wall on September 16, 1978. Theresa shares the lighthearted tale of Clara, the 18th-century rhinoceros who became a European sensation. This episode pairs well with: That time David Bowie caused the Berlin Wall to fall Sargent Stubby, the stray dog who served in WWI

Brace yourselves. Theresa is coming with spoilers for the movie Killers of the Flower Moon as she covers the horrific murders of the Osage Indians during the Reign of Terror, which took place from 1921-1926. Angie fills her role as the palette cleanser and brightens the mood by regaling us with both the history of mustaches and the waiter's strike of 1907 –– where waiters wanted the right to a day off and to a mustache. This episode pairs well with: Ishi the last Yahi Indian "Madame Mustache" Eleanor Dumont

Whatever you're expecting from this episode, you aren't ready. Theresa shares the story of Francis Pegahmagabow, an indigenous Canadian veteran from WWI. He was the deadliest sniper, the most decorated First Nations veteran, and a staunch defender of his people's rights. This episode pairs well with: The Harlem Hellfighters

We know you're like us. You woke up looking for a story about barmaids, banjo players, the 1814 Beer Flood, and zebras. So Angie shares the story of Lady Meux, the Victoria socialite who really lives a crazy life. This episode pairs well with: Nell Gwyn – actress and court mistress

If you're looking for a story that has everything, click that play button. A pointless battle, pirates, dysentery, and an absinthe bar. Theresa covers the Battle of New Orleans from 1814. You know, it was part of the War of 1812... yeah... it's a doozy. This episode pairs well with: The Casquette Girls of New Orleans

Theresa just can't contain her excitement as she regales us with the pirates from Baratarian Bay. Jean and Pierre Lafitte led colorful lives in the early 1800's in the New Orleans area. Angie shares the story of the only emperor of the United States, Joshua Abraham Norton, ( c. 1818 – January 8, 1880) who lived ruled from San Francisco. This man created his own currency, wrote edicts, and was beloved by The City. This episode pairs well with: The Battle of New Orleans "Lord" Timothy Dexter Santa Anna lost his legs during the Pastry War

Whew. We hope you're fully hydrated for this episode. Theresa starts off with the tale of Arthur the Ghost who haunts the B-29 at Castle Air Museum in Atwater, CA. Angie follows her up with a true crime / supernatural mashup when she recounts the story of Bridget Cleary who is known as "the last witch burned in Ireland" in 1895. This episode pairs well with: The Haunted Queen Mary Helen Duncan – the last woman convicted of the 1732 Witchcraft Act

Join us this week as Theresa shares a bit of history and myth around Portland, Oregon's Shanghai Tunnels. She covers everything from Nina the ghost to the Chinese building and uses them to escape drug raids. This episode pairs well with: The NW Butter Crimes

It's time for some comfy leggings and spooky stories. Join us this week as Angie shares the history behind Lady Mary Howard (1596-1671) and her carriage of bones. This episode pairs well with: Bridget Cleary who is known as "the last witch burned in Ireland"

Come for the history story of Theresa sharing what she learned about Japanese saber saint Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645). He's yet another fighter of history with a remarkable number of duels under his belt -- over 60 duels that he's undefeated in. This episode pairs well with: Yasuke – the first Black samurai

Whew. Grab yourself a tasty beverage of choice and nestle in for Angie sharing how Pepsi once had the sixth-largest navy in the world. Then get your refill before Theresa recounts the War of the Stray Dog. In 1925, Greece and Bulgaria had a conflict with a surprising start. This episode pairs well with: The Crazy Little Country Called Liechtenstein The Pig War The Honey War

No, you aren't suffering a mental breakdown listening to this. Theresa shares how Helen Duncan was the last woman sentenced under the British Witchcraft Act of 1735 ...in 1944. Angie "brightens" the mood by sharing her top 3 favorite mistakes in space. This episode pairs well with: The last witch in Ireland Angie's Favorite Curses NASA Astronaut Sally Ride

Strap your helmets on as Angie starts us off with a tale from the Van Buren sisters. In 1916, these women crossed the country on motorcycles within 60 days making themselves the first women to accomplish such a feat. Theresa refuses to be outdone and talks about the Great New England Vampire Panic. She touches on Mercy Brown, the Jewett City Vampires, and more. This episode pairs well with: Alice Roosevelt The Casquette Girls of New Orleans

Whew. I hope you poured yourself a drink... Theresa starts off by sharing the creator of wifi, and the reason we have nice things like GPS and Bluetooth technology, Hollywood starlet, and Hedy Lamarr. Angie then shares the history of bourbon. This episode pairs well with: Tycho Brahe Cassius Clay

Why does the 1800s get all the greats?! Pop in your earbuds and check out Angie's retelling of The Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. It starts with stealing a train and ends with the United States giving the first Medal of Honor to the participants. This episode pairs well with: Bass Reeves

Few individuals live a life as unhinged as "Lord" Timothy Dexter. Living during the founding of the United States of America, Dexter goes from a poor uneducated son of farm laborers to a rich obnoxious uneducated neighbor. Join us as Theresa recounts the life of this man who keeps making money despite himself. This episode pairs well with: Count Robert and his castle of pranks

Prepare to be delighted with this week's stories. Angie starts us off by sharing the tale of Jerome of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia. This mysterious man appeared on September 8, 1863. Theresa turns around and tells the story of Sergei Ponomarenko, the time traveler from Kyiv who shows up in 2006 with evidence he's been to 2050. This episode pairs well with: The man who ate everything, Tarrare Dunkelgrafen

Join us this week for more incredible tales. First, Theresa shares the story of the 2002 mayoral election in Hartlepool, where residents voted for H'Angus the monkey mascot of the local football team to be their mayor: Stuart Drummond, the man behind the mask made for a surprising leader. Angie recounts her favorite mistress for the English king, Charles II, Nell Gwyn, and her exploits. This episode pairs well with: Clara – the Rhino Lacy Hay, the Countess of Carlisle

Join us as Angie shares the story of the Revolutionary War's Culper spy ring and Agent 355. Before you leave, stick around as Theresa recounts the problematic retelling of possibly trans man Catalina de Erauso, the lieutenant nun, who lived from 1592–1650. This episode pairs well with: The smugglers of the Boston Tea Party Penelope Barker's Tea Party Natalie Clifford Barney - American writer

Get your popcorn ready; we'll wait. Theresa shares the story of 6th-century Frankish queens, Fredegund and Brunhild. These two women married into the Merovingian dynasty and reigned against each other during the 40-year civil war. There are assassins. There are battlefield tactics. This story has it all. This episode pairs well with: Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Tamar of Georgia

Angie starts us out by telling the story of Cassius Marcellus Clay, Former United States Ambassador to Russia, abolitionist, and a man who was just born to fight. Theresa introduces Anandi Joshi, the very first female doctor in India. This episode pairs well with: The Wide Awakes who got Lincoln elected General Harriet Tubman Dr. Rebecca Crumpler

What a roundup. This week Angie starts us off by sharing the history of tignons and the Tignon Law of 1876, requiring Black women to cover their hair. Theresa continues the thoughts of strong women with her retelling of Artemisia I of Halicarnassus, the female general, who fought against the Greeks under Xerxes in the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. This episode pairs well with: The Battle of New Orleans The Lafitte Pirates

Come for the story featuring war elephants and stay for the tale about America's first female activist. Theresa starts by sharing the story of Prince Dejatch Alemayehu, the son of Tewodros II of Abyssinia who was stolen to England. Angie raises the mood by sharing Revolutionary activist, Penelope Barker and her Edenton Tea Party. This episode pairs well with: The history of war elephants The smugglers of the Boston Tea Party The Culper Spy Ring of the Revolution

What a raucous roundup of stories this week! Start your podcast with a rousing tale of the WWII Danish Nazi Resistance fighter, Willem Arondeous. Then jet back 400 years earlier with Angie sharing the story of Julie d'Aubigny, the French opera singer and duel-winning extraordinaire. This unhinged set of stories pairs well with: Colin Gubbins, the creator of the SOE Cassius Clay