Episodes

Fascinators, mint juleps, and a centuries-old tradition that nearly collapsed—the Kentucky Derby's rich history goes far beyond the track. How did a 24-year-old architect's twin spires design become an American icon? What catastrophic argument nearly destroyed America's premier horse race? And why must every competing thoroughbred be exactly three years old? Our Derby Day episode traces horse racing from ancient Greek chariot competitions to today's multimillion-dollar spectacle. When Meriweth...

What happens when a pathologist steals the brain of one of history's greatest geniuses? In one of the most bizarre tales from scientific history, we dive into the unauthorized removal of Albert Einstein's brain during his 1955 autopsy and the strange 40-year journey that followed. Despite Einstein's explicit wishes to be cremated without fanfare, pathologist Thomas Stoltz Harvey took the physicist's brain, cut it into hundreds of pieces, and kept it stored in basements and next to beer cases whi...

A warm January day suddenly plunged into lethal chaos across the American prairie. One moment, children were enjoying their first day back at school after weeks of bitter cold; the next, they were fighting for their lives in a swirling vortex of wind-driven snow and temperatures that dropped dozens of degrees in mere minutes. The Children's Blizzard of 1888 stands as one of America's most devastating yet least remembered natural disasters. What made this storm particularly heartbreaking was its...

"You're not a qualified person." With these dismissive words, the Canadian government repeatedly denied women access to the Senate based on a narrow interpretation of constitutional language. But in 1927, five determined women gathered over tea in Edmonton to launch a legal challenge that would reverberate throughout the British Empire. The story begins with Lizzie Cyr, a sex worker arrested for vagrancy in Calgary, whose case inadvertently exposed the precarious legal standing of women in publ...

Did you know a murder mystery novel once helped solve a real-life poisoning case? Agatha Christie's meticulous research and personal experience created stories so scientifically accurate they've saved actual lives. Join us as we dive into "The Pale Horse," Christie's 1961 novel that introduced many readers to the deadly poison thallium. We explore how Christie's wartime experience as a nurse and pharmacy worker gave her intimate knowledge of toxicology that she wove into her mysteries with chil...

The fascinating case of Lizzie Cyr begins with a simple arrest for "vagrancy" in 1917 Calgary and transforms into a landmark legal battle that would permanently alter women's rights in Canada. When Lizzie Cyr, a 29-year-old woman of First Nations and European heritage, found herself homeless and accepted temporary lodging from an acquaintance named John James Ryan, she unknowingly stepped into legal history. After Ryan paid her for sex, claimed she infected him with gonorrhea, and attempted to ...

The deadly attack on Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics stands as one of the most shocking moments in sports history - a terrorist operation that transformed what should have been a global celebration into a horrific hostage crisis broadcast live to over a billion viewers worldwide. When eight members of the Palestinian militant group Black September scaled the Olympic Village fence in the early morning hours of September 5th, they set in motion a tragedy that would forever change how...

A mysterious blue-green glow emanated from the wounds of soldiers on the Shiloh battlefield in April 1862. Those with glowing injuries seemed to survive at higher rates than their comrades, earning the phenomenon the name "Angel's Glow." For 140 years, this Civil War medical mystery remained unsolved. The Battle of Shiloh stands as one of the Civil War's bloodiest engagements, with nearly 24,000 casualties over just two days of fighting. Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant were caught by surpri...

When history remembers Elizabeth Bathory, it recalls a monster - the "Blood Countess" who allegedly murdered 650 young women and bathed in their blood to preserve her youth. But what if the most notorious female serial killer in history was largely a victim of political conspiracy? Our journey into the dark legend of Elizabeth Bathory reveals a tale far more complex than vampire lore suggests. Born into Hungarian nobility and married to a war hero, Elizabeth wielded immense wealth and power - m...

The name Elizabeth Bathory evokes images of horror and blood-soaked legends, but behind the macabre reputation lies a fascinating historical figure shaped by the tumultuous forces of Renaissance Europe. Born in 1560 to a powerful Hungarian noble family, the woman who would become known as the "Blood Countess" navigated a world caught in the violent struggle between the Habsburg Empire and Ottoman Turks. From an early age, Elizabeth's life defied conventional expectations. Exceptionally educated...

The shocking story of how simply washing hands could have saved countless women's lives—and why doctors refused to do it. Meet Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician working in Vienna in the 1840s who made a disturbing observation: women were dying at alarming rates after childbirth in doctor-run maternity wards, while those assisted by midwives usually survived. The difference? Doctors were performing autopsies before delivering babies—without washing their hands in between. When Semmelweis ...

When a fashion trend becomes a target for violence, what does that reveal about a society? In wartime Los Angeles 1943, young Mexican-Americans who wore zoot suits—characterized by their distinctive wide-legged, tapered pants and long coats—found themselves hunted through the streets by uniformed servicemen, beaten, stripped naked, and left humiliated while police arrested the victims rather than the perpetrators. The road to this explosion of violence begins with the story of José Diaz, a 22-y...

Annie Oakley, the legendary sharpshooter, defied all odds to become one of the most recognized figures in American history. This episode reveals how the young girl from Ohio, burdened by personal tragedy, transformed her life through skill, tenacity, and a refusal to be confined by societal norms. Discover her rise to fame in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where she showcased her extraordinary talent while simultaneously paving the way for future generations of women in shooting sports. We expl...

Dive into the whimsical world of the 'Whiskey War,' where Canada and Denmark engaged in an unusual territorial dispute over a tiny patch of rock known as Hans Island. This episode reveals how a small island, approximately 1.3 square kilometers, sparked decades of friendly rivalry characterized by creative flag plantings and playful exchanges of whiskey and schnapps. Discover the lighter side of diplomatic relations as we explore the history behind this rocky battleground nestled in the Nares Str...

What happens when a Carbliss tequila cocktail tastes more like cleaning products? Kate has the answer, and it involves a trusty backup plan involving a classic Modelo. Meanwhile, Bradley finds summer in a can with his newfound love for a Sierra Nevada tropical IPA. Our lighthearted beverage banter takes some unexpected turns, touching everything from AI to genetic testing, and even Kate’s personal experience with genetic profiling for breast cancer. There's a blend of humor and insight as we nav...

Ever botched a brewery's name right in front of the brewer? We did, and it set the stage for a hilarious and heartwarming adventure at Cool City Brewing Company in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Join us as we meet Ryan, the brewer, and his family, savoring their unexpected Berry Habanero Sour that challenges our palates in the best way possible. And seriously, if you're a pretzel aficionado, wait until you hear about their bar pretzel paired with beer cheese and mustard—let's just say we've found our ca...

Ever wondered how people managed to wake up on time before the invention of reliable alarm clocks? Join us as we promise a journey through the quirky world of Victorian-era professions, where the "knocker uppers" reigned supreme. These human alarm clocks roamed the streets, tapping on windows with bamboo sticks or knocking on doors to rouse factory workers before dawn. Dive into the humorous and often chaotic world of these early risers who ensured the city never slept through the morning shift....

What happens when napping becomes an Olympic sport, and BeatBox beverages take center stage? Tune in to our latest episode where Kate and I explore the art of napping, with a humorous twist that might just inspire you to perfect your snooze. As we sip on the spirited flavors of BeatBox, our candid reactions promise plenty of laughs and maybe even a new favorite drink. Plus, fuzzy memories of our Hawaiian adventure weave through our chat, adding a personal touch to our playful banter. Ever consi...

Have you ever embarked on a home improvement project only to find out that painting is not your forte? Well, you're not alone—we're in the same boat! Join us, Kate and Bradley, as we bumble through the joys and pitfalls of painting Kate's closet a bold teal. Though it left us feeling as sluggish as a tortoise on a lazy afternoon, the result was a vibrant splash of color that brightened her room and our moods. And for those wondering, yes, two wrongs don't make a right, but they do make for some ...

Prepare yourself for one of the most surreal and outrageous moments in church history with our latest episode on the Cadaver Synod. Ever wondered how far someone would go for power? Join Kate and Bradley as we promise to unravel the spectacle where the corpse of Pope Formosus was exhumed and put on trial, showcasing the chaotic and comedic lengths of ecclesiastical politics in 9th and 10th century Italy. With the backdrop of a rapidly changing papal lineup and power-hungry Roman factions, we exp...

Ever wondered how a simple gummy can spark a conversation about history and labor movements? We kicked off this episode of the History of Buffoons with a lighthearted chat about our latest obsession with Skittles gummies and the chaos of flu season in our homes. Amid tales of feline antics and our favorite brews—Kate's Kona Big Wave and Bradley's Foggy Geezer hazy IPA—we bring humor and insight to our beverage choices, setting the stage for a journey back in time. Transporting you to the gritty...

Picture this: a refreshing gin and tonic in hand, an exclusive new intro and outro song by Cory Akers in your ears, and a captivating story ready to unfold. Welcome to another episode of History Buffoons, where we spice things up with exciting updates and a touch of humor. We share our thoughts on a potential logo makeover that aligns us more closely with our companion podcast, Origin of Weird, and recount a friend's hilarious logo suggestion that had us laughing out loud. As we sip on our local...

What if a plane crash had the power to not only shatter dreams but also serve as the springboard for an awe-inspiring comeback? Strap in as we sip on a tart strawberry rhubarb hard cider from Illinois' own Obscurity Cider, generously shared by our friend Tara, and journey through the extraordinary life of Elizabeth "Betty" Robinson. We kick things off with a playful chat about Kate's cats, Penny and Oliver, before diving into Betty's groundbreaking achievements on and off the track. From being d...

Imagine unraveling the intricate web of World War II over a casual drink, understanding how a small group used psychological manipulation to control millions. Join us as we explore this chilling history, revealing the dark secrets of the Nazi regime. We even find ourselves captivated by maritime history, discussing shipwrecks and naval battles despite our initial indifference to the ocean. Our curiosity knows no bounds as we journey back to medieval times, delving into the romanticized world of...