Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders
Pushkin Industries
Florence, Alabama. 1988. A preacher has an affair. A woman is murdered. One death cascades into more, stretching across decades and leaving no one untouched — victims, bystanders, perpetrators, and those just trying to help. Eventually, the consequences lead to the center of a hot national debate on who should be allowed to live, who should die, and how the state should kill them.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 20, 2020 • 39min
A Memorial for the Living
Dive into the emotional journey of memorial design with a focus on the 9/11 site and its intricate challenges. Explore the profound connections between collective memory and personal stories, examining how memorials can illuminate individual narratives. The discussion extends to the harsh realities of homelessness in Jacksonville, contrasting the tranquility of memorials with ongoing societal issues. Engage with reflections on loss and the significance of nature in remembrance, highlighting the delicate balance between honoring the past and addressing present challenges.
Aug 13, 2020 • 46min
"Oh Howard, You Idiot!”
Clifford Irving, an author best known for his notorious hoax autobiography of Howard Hughes, joins the discussion to unravel the fascinating story behind the scandal. He shares insights on his motivations and the bizarre life of Hughes. The conversation dives into the art of deception and the media frenzy surrounding the fictitious biography, revealing the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Irving reflects on wealth perceptions and the legacy of Hughes, sparking curiosity about ambition, fame, and the quirks that can drive one to audacity.
5 snips
Aug 6, 2020 • 38min
Hamlet Was Wrong
Explore the chaotic and humorous journey of hiring, as personal anecdotes reveal the unpredictability of forming professional relationships. Discover the provocative idea of using lotteries for leadership selection and the surprising truths behind the Peter Principle, where promotions can lead to incompetence. Reflect on the significance of authenticity in job interviews and the emotional layers entwined with hiring experiences. The delicate balance between connection, spontaneity, and the hiring process is laid bare with thought-provoking insights.
8 snips
Jul 30, 2020 • 40min
Goodbye, Farewell and Amen
Explore the haunting legacy of one of the deadliest nights in history and how it remains largely forgotten. Delve into General Curtis LeMay's controversial role in WWII and the moral implications of firebombing Japan. Uncover the devastating impact of napalm during the Korean War, both on combatants and civilians. Reflect on the cultural representation of war in media, critiques of military strategy, and the lingering sorrow from tragedies committed in the name of power. A thought-provoking journey through history's darkest moments.
Jul 23, 2020 • 40min
Bombs-Away LeMay
Conrad Crane, a military historian specializing in WWII, joins to dissect the legacy of Curtis LeMay. They delve into LeMay's uncompromising leadership style and problem-solving prowess. Expect gripping anecdotes about ethical dilemmas during WWII operations, including a striking air force exercise gone awry. The discussion also highlights the dramatic changes in aerial strategies, particularly the controversial nighttime raids on Japanese cities, shedding light on the human cost and moral implications of such decisions.
Jul 16, 2020 • 37min
May the Best Firebomb Win
Dive into the bizarre world of wartime chemistry, where mad scientists concocted explosive innovations. Discover the humorous escapades of Louis Fieser at the National Defense Research Committee and the dramatic birth of napalm in unexpected settings. The podcast reveals a competitive 'bake-off' that led to groundbreaking incendiary devices. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by military strategists like Curtis LeMay and their controversial bombing tactics. Unexpected science meets dark history in this fascinating blend of innovation and warfare!
5 snips
Jul 9, 2020 • 32min
The Bomber Mafia
Explore the riveting evolution of military aviation on the brink of World War II. Delve into Curtis LeMay's dual legacy as a visionary and controversial strategist, leading the Bomber Mafia's radical airpower theories. Discover the intense challenges of the European air war, and how the iconic B-29 Superfortress emerged, altering warfare's landscape. Each chapter unravels the complexities of innovative military tactics while hinting at the emotional toll and ethical dilemmas faced by leaders in combat.
Jul 2, 2020 • 41min
The Powerball Revolution
In this engaging discussion, Adam Cronkright, a political activist known for his innovative reforms in Bolivia's student council election process, shares his journey of transforming voting systems. He reveals how a lottery system can enhance student participation and efficiency in elections. The conversation dives into the challenges of traditional electoral methods, critiques biases in decision-making, and even considers the potential application of similar systems in college admissions. It's a fresh take on democracy through the eyes of students.
Jun 25, 2020 • 40min
Hedwig’s Lost Van Gogh
Sophie Ullin, the great-granddaughter of Hedwig Ullmann, shares her family's poignant story of art lost and recovered during World War II. She discusses the journey of Van Gogh's 'Vase with Carnations,' highlighting its fluctuating value and connection to Hollywood. The conversation touches on the legacy of loss faced by Jewish families, the emotional complexities of art restitution, and the powerful role of art in family heritage. Ullin's insights illuminate the profound relationship between art and personal history.
Jun 18, 2020 • 41min
Dragon Psychology 101
Dive into the mysterious world of art museums and the controversial entrance fees of the Metropolitan Museum. Explore the fascinating link between art, accounting, and the hoarding mentality of characters like Smaug. Discover the emotional significance behind everyday objects through Andy Warhol's time capsules and the psychological depths of hoarding, as illustrated by twin brothers' stories. Unpack the cultural significance of dragons, revealing how they embody themes of power and transformation that mirror human behavior.
