Episodes

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...

What’s the secret to balancing humor, baseball, and a dash of heroism? Well, it starts with a botched cheeseburger order and our mutual disdain for onions, setting the stage for a delightful conversation over a crisp pseudo sue pale ale. We share our love for a local bar and dive into the fascinating journey of Jim Rice, the legendary baseball star whose story from South Carolina to the Hall of Fame is as inspiring as it is impressive. From his rookie year struggles to his remarkable achievement...

What do airport tunnels, alien hideouts, and a gargoyle named Gregoriden have in common? They're all part of the fantastical lore surrounding Denver International Airport. Join us as we kick things off with a hilarious chat about the etiquette (or lack thereof) of burping before soaring into the sky-high statistics and quirky history of this colossal hub. Covering an area larger than Manhattan, the Denver International Airport not only boasts of being the largest airport in the Western Hemispher...

Have you ever found comfort in a familiar brew and the nostalgia it brings? Join us for a cozy evening where Kate and Bradley indulge in our go-to drinks—Modelo for Kate, and a Summer Shandy for Bradley—while reminiscing about the quirky world of high school yearbooks and the elusive perfect senior quote. Our light-hearted chat meanders through laughter, a bit of leg-slapping fun, and the shared joy of reconnecting with the simple pleasures of life. Journey with us back to the 18th century as w...

Ever wondered how a festival honoring the Roman god Saturn could influence your Christmas celebrations today? Join us, the History Buffoons, as we unravel this and other fascinating tidbits in our festive romp through holiday history. You’ll discover the intriguing evolution of Christmas from public church gatherings to cozy home festivities, all while we sip on some delightful brews and dodge the playful antics of our feline co-hosts. This episode promises not only to satisfy your curiosity abo...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an astronaut and join the ranks of legends like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins? Grab a soda and get comfortable as we share some personal stories, starting with Bradley's dreams of being a musician and Kate's unforgettable, albeit queasy, experience shadowing a biologist. As we reminisce about childhood aspirations, we segue into the extraordinary careers of the Apollo 11 crew, highlighting their iconic contributions to space explo...

Journey with us through the shadowy corridors of history as we unravel the overlooked tale of Rosemary Kennedy, a narrative intertwined with the ingenuity of Operation Mincemeat and the tragic legacy of lobotomies. This episode of "The Origin of Weird" uncovers the complex dynamics within the Kennedy family, where political ambition collided with private struggle. Born amidst the Spanish influenza epidemic, Rosemary's life was irrevocably shaped by her birth complications, leading to unique chal...

Have you ever found yourself in a professional setting, trying to maintain a semblance of dignity while battling a cold? We sure have! Kick back with us as we share our hilariously awkward attempts at podcasting through stuffy noses and comical pronunciation slip-ups. And don’t worry, our signature beverage segment is back—complete with new beer tastings and the inevitable spills that keep us on our toes. But it's not all giggles and guffaws. Bradley opens up about his journey with hearing loss...

Reflecting on poignant personal stories, we find solace and laughter in the memories of my late father. Amidst the grief, Kate and I share a touching scotch toast using one of his cherished bottles, inviting you to join us as we honor his memory. Our heartfelt conversation takes on a lighter note as we share hilarious tales of parenting mishaps, like the infamous "poopy mashed potato diaper" incident. Reminiscing about my childhood antics, like breaking my wrist while washing my dad's car, bring...

What if the fate of World War II hinged on a single, audacious ruse involving a dead man and a briefcase full of secrets? Dive into the bizarre tale of Operation Mincemeat, where British intelligence turned the body of a Welsh vagrant into Major William Martin, a fictional officer whose fabricated existence was meticulously crafted to deceive the Axis powers. You’ll be transported to the coast of Spain, where a local fisherman’s startling discovery set off a chain of events that changed the cour...

Ever wondered if your youthful indiscretions would make for a good laugh? As we sip on some Modelo beers, we reminisce about our own awkward adventures, including a VHS tape mishap and a sneaky swipe of Burt's Bees Chapstick. These light-hearted confessions set the stage for our new segment, "The Origin of Weird," where we invite you to share your bizarre stories with us. Get ready to giggle at our past blunders as we tease the launch of our new companion podcast, promising more quirky tales and...

Ever wondered why a small town in Pennsylvania became the real-life inspiration for a horror movie? Grab a cold one and join us for some History Buffoons fun, as we unravel the mystery of Centralia with our trusty sidekick, Mo, the one-eyed wonder cat, causing mischief in the background. We’re sipping on some unique brews—Pirate's Cove Hell's Lager and Ninja Dust Hazy IPA—as we spill the beans about the quirky beer-naming process and tease some upcoming topics that we’re quite excited about. Ou...

What if you returned home after three years to find everything you loved vanished into thin air? Join us as we sip on a Rugged North Lager and a peanut butter-flavored milk stout, spinning whimsical tales about the possible culprits—from zombies to tornadoes. Our playful banter sets the stage for a journey into the past, where we unravel the historical intrigue of the Roanoke Colony, fueled by ambition, exploration, and the ever-persistent question: what really happened to the vanished settlers?...

Imagine stumbling upon a rare treasure after a long quest—that's exactly what happened when we discovered Seattle Cider Company's elusive Basil Mint hard cider. We share the excitement of finally tasting this sophisticated drink made from fresh Washington apples, recounting the first sip at a Wisconsin bar. Alongside this flavorful exploration, we wander into the culinary world, experimenting with basil in unexpected ways, and share a nostalgic laugh about the infamous challenges of the classic ...

What if a simple beer tasting could take you on a journey through history and friendship? Grab your headphones and a cold one as we kick off with a lively chat about the joys and occasional chaos of podcasting alongside our feline co-hosts. We savor a Founders All Day IPA and a Schilling Cider House hard cider, sharing our thoughts on their unique flavors before reminiscing about nostalgic train rides and a magical visit to the Green Bay Railroad Museum. A special thanks to listener Sarah for in...

Ever wondered what it feels like to sip on Halloween in a can? We kick off our episode by giving Down East's unfiltered craft cider a whirl, complete with a blend of apples, pumpkin, and chai spices that demands a good shake before opening. The cider's strong apple notes and subtle pumpkin flavor make for a curious concoction that even pumpkin skeptics might enjoy. As we indulge in this festive flavor, we share our undying passion for Halloween, from the spine-tingling movies to the eerie books ...

Ever wondered how a strawberry-infused gin and tonic could spice up your summer afternoon? On this episode, we trade in our usual beers for a refreshing cocktail creation. As Kate navigates the whimsical world of household temperature debates with her husband, Nathan, and their playful cat, Oliver, Bradley dazzles us with a gin and tonic featuring a twist of strawberry puree, lime, and mint. With guidance from his mom, Bradley embarks on his first puree-making adventure, and we toast to new conc...

Ever wondered if a breakfast sandwich can outclass a classic turkey and salami roll? Join Kate and Bradley as they launch History Buffoons with a playful debate on sandwich superiority, featuring some new beverages to try—Brewsicle Peach Mango Wheat Ale for Kate and Hazy Bluff Hazy IPA for Bradley. From Bradley’s aversion to white foods to Kate’s childhood antics with whipped cream, the banter sets the stage for a fun yet informative episode. Then, brace yourself for the dramatic saga of Empero...

Ever struggled with taking pills without water, or remember the quirky methods you used as a kid to mask those chalky tablet tastes? We're kicking off this episode with personal stories about our adventures with headaches and medications, from using Cool Whip to swallow pills to laughing at how movies make pill-taking look so effortless. After a few chuckles, we dive into a delightful review of Three Sheeps Brewery's latest beer, appreciating their minimalistic setup and the freedom to BYOF (bri...