Join comedian Matt Lieb, known for his podcasts "Bad Hezbar" and "Pod Yourself a Gun," as he dives into the absurdities of history alongside hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. They humorously debate the quirks of media, recount bizarre tales like Dickens' hair smuggling, and discuss ludicrous animal welfare analogies. The conversation veers into odd rescues and calendar chaos, all wrapped in witty banter. Their comedic chemistry brings a fresh perspective to historical events and the strange intersections of fame, humor, and humanity.
The podcast delves into the absurdities of historical newspaper reporting, showcasing how sensational stories reflect societal norms of their time.
A humorous analysis of a 1914 divorce case illustrates the flamboyant defenses people used, highlighting changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
The discussion of peculiar news stories, like ghost investigations and celebrity relics, underscores the blend of superstition and humor in past journalistic practices.
Deep dives
Exploring Historical News
The episode revolves around the concept of looking back at old newspapers to uncover strange and significant historical events. The hosts and their guest engage in light-hearted banter while navigating through headlines that reflect the oddities and social norms of the past. This approach sheds light on how the news generates reactions from listeners by highlighting the quirks of historical reporting. By contrasting past news stories with current news coverage, they emphasize the sometimes bizarre nature of journalism through the decades.
Marriage Dynamics in 1914
One of the featured stories recounts a divorce case involving a man named John D. Spreckles Jr., who claimed to be a model husband amid accusations of abuse from his wife. This case illustrates the flamboyant defenses individuals once utilized, as Spreckles sought to publicly clear his name through the press, showcasing the societal attitudes toward marriage and divorce in 1914. The humor derived from the absurdity of his situation hints at the challenges faced in domestic relationships of that era. By juxtaposing the serious nature of divorce with the antics of the hosts, the discussion brings light to the timeless complexities of marriage.
A Comedic Take on the Supernatural
The hosts also discuss a bizarre incident involving police investigating claims of ghosts in a vacant storeroom, revealing the entertaining yet absurd nature of such reports in the news. Their reaction invites humor as they speculate on the motivations behind the woman's fear and the police's responses, suggesting that such wild stories were often treated with a serious air. This reflection enables the audience to appreciate the blend of superstition and reality in past news reporting. By weaving comedy into the narrative of the ghost investigation, they provide a context that encourages listeners to contemplate the societal beliefs of the time.
The Culinary Curiosities of the Past
Another engaging discussion involves the peculiar story of a man who received a lock of Charles Dickens's hair that was returned to England to avoid taxation. This anecdote not only skirts around the absurdity of placing value on celebrity relics but also highlights the lengths individuals went to circumvent tax laws in the early 1900s. The hosts' playful banter regarding the significance of Dickens's hair emphasizes the trivial yet fascinating cultural phenomena associated with collectibles. This narrative cleverly intertwines historical curiosity with comedic commentary, bringing a light-hearted approach to an otherwise mundane legal matter.
Wandering the Depths of Sewers
The episode concludes with a tale about a man lost in the sewers for 36 hours, who was eventually rescued and deemed insane for his ordeal. The absurdity of the situation, along with the accompanying reactions of the police and onlookers, serves as fodder for humorous commentary on urban life and the often bizarre experiences of individuals. This story not only captures listeners' attention but also raises questions about mental health and societal perceptions of those in distress. The interplay of humor and tragedy creates a compelling narrative that resonates with modern audiences while revealing the absurd corners of historical news coverage.
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined by comedian and podcaster Matt Lieb