History For Weirdos

In this week's special episode of History For Weirdos, we discuss the intersection of LSD, the CIA and the Nazi Party with New York Times bestselling author Norman Ohler. His books, "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" & "Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age" uncover the shocking and pervasive use of drugs throughout Hitler's regime.From methamphetamine-fueled soldiers on the battlefield to the search for a miraculous truth serum, Ohler's meticulously researched book reveals the extent to which narcotics shaped the decisions and actions of Nazi Germany and subsequently the United States. We'll dive into the disturbing details of Hitler's own drug dependency, the mass distribution of performance-enhancing substances to the troops, and the pharmaceutical industry's complicity in fueling this chemical frenzy.Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of the intersection between drugs, power, and war. Ohler's insights will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the darkest chapter in human history. This is one episode you won't want to miss!-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Spanish Inquisition, a phrase that evokes images of torture chambers, religious persecution, and a dark chapter in human history. But what was the Inquisition truly about? Was it a brutal campaign of religious oppression, or a complex historical phenomenon with nuanced motivations? In this episode of History for Weirdos, Andrew looks into the murky depths of the Spanish Inquisition, separating myth from reality, and exploring the motivations behind this infamous institution.Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the intricate tapestry of events that led to the establishment of the Inquisition by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, the methods employed by its inquisitors, and the lasting impact it had on Spain and the world. From the persecution of religious minorities to the suppression of intellectual dissent, we examine the Inquisition's far-reaching influence and the profound consequences it had on countless lives. Prepare to be both fascinated and disturbed as we explore the dark side of human history, and shed light on a period that continues to intrigue and horrify to this day.-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of "History For Weirdos", Andrew and Steff interview Jon Collins-Black, the author of "There's Treasure Inside" which gives clues to one of the greatest hidden treasures in American history! Jon personally spent over $2 million of his own money to acquire different treasures, often of a historical nature. Lost Spanish gold, Hellenistic jewelry, an art deco brooch that used to belong to Jackie Kennedy, and even a first edition Charizard Pokémon card can be found in the loot.If you want to hear from the man himself on why (and potentially where) he hid the treasure, you'll want to give this a watch (or listen). You can pre-order his book now at https://treasureinside.com/-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*Originally released on April 19th, 2020*Happy Labor Day Weirdos!Ever heard of a labor strike happening over 3,000 years ago? We bet you haven't! In this episode of History For Weirdos, we're dusting off the ancient papyrus scrolls and taking you back to the reign of Ramses III in 1157 BC. It turns out that even in the grand shadow of the pyramids, workers had their breaking points. Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the tale of disgruntled artisans and laborers who decided to down tools and demand their due. This wasn't just any protest; it's considered the first recorded labor strike in history!Get ready to explore the surprisingly relatable struggles of these ancient Egyptians who were fed up with delayed rations and unfair treatment. We'll delve into the fascinating details of their daring act of defiance and the unexpected consequences that rippled through the kingdom. It's a story that reminds us that the fight for fair working conditions isn't a modern invention; it's as old as civilization itself. So, buckle up for a time-traveling adventure that will leave you marveling at the resilience and resourcefulness of the world's first strikers!-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the name "Cleopatra" often conjures images of the famed Egyptian queen (Cleopatra VII), we're venturing even further back in time to uncover the captivating story of Cleopatra Syra, Cleopatra I. First, a princess of the vast Seleucid Empire, her life was a tapestry woven with political intrigue, familial strife, and a relentless pursuit of power once she was married off to the Ptolemies as a political pawn. Often overshadowed by her more renowned namesake, Cleopatra Syra's story is an incredible one: resilience, ambition, and the complexities of ruling in a world dominated by men.Join us on this episode of History for Weirdos as we shed light on this enigmatic figure. We'll explore her pivotal role in the Ptolemaic dynasty, her strategic marriages, and the challenges she faced navigating a court rife with conspiracies and betrayals. From her early years as a pawn in political games to her later reign marked by both triumphs and tragedies, Cleopatra Syra's life offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked corners of Hellenistic Egypt.-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com-Sources:https://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Forgotten-Queens-Egypt/dp/1541602927/ref=asc_df_1541602927?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693608195517&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12411698651690026370&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061109&hvtargid=pla-2290758998283&psc=1&mcid=39fb71c1eb903ff6935d68b67023cfed&gad_source=1&dplnkId=a6dec084-1a72-4f6a-9c37-5ef782d11a26&nodl=1https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-I-Syrahttps://the-past.com/feature/the-cleopatras-part-1-cleopatra-i-the-syrian/https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_I_Syra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for a wild ride back to New Kingdom Ancient Egypt, where we're shining a spotlight on Akhenaten, the pharaoh who turned the religious world upside down. Forget pyramids and mummies - this guy was all about the sun, and he wasn't afraid to shake things up. We'll dive deep into his obsession with the sun god Aten, his audacious attempt to erase the old gods, and the bizarre artistic style that flourished under his rule.But it's not all sunbeams and rainbows. We'll also explore the backlash against his radical reforms, the mystery surrounding his family life, and the desperate attempts to erase his memory from history. Was Akhenaten a visionary ahead of his time, or just a power-hungry heretic? Join us as we uncover the truth behind this enigmatic pharaoh and his sun-drenched legacy. It's a story so weird, it'll make your head spin faster than a scarab beetle on a hot desert day!-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie looks into the extraordinary life of Jim Thorpe, a man whose athletic prowess remains unmatched to this day. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation, excelled in virtually every sport he attempted, from football and baseball to track and field and even ballroom dancing. He won Olympic gold medals, played professional baseball and football, and left an indelible mark on the world of sports.But Thorpe's story is not just one of triumph. It's also a tale of resilience in the face of prejudice and injustice. Join us as we explore Thorpe's remarkable achievements, the challenges he overcame, and the legacy he left behind. Get ready to be inspired by the story of a true sporting legend, a man who defied expectations and proved that greatness knows no bounds.-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com-Sources:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpehttps://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-thorpehttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Jim-Thorpe-American-athletehttps://www.profootballhof.com/players/jim-thorpe/https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=TH016https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobituaries-the-final-resting-place-of-sports-superstar-jim-thorpe/https://www.biography.com/athlete/jim-thorpehttps://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/jim-thorpe-backlash-olympic-medals-debacle-and-demise-carlislehttps://www.potawatomiheritage.com/encyclopedia/jim-thorpe/https://usopm.org/jim-thorpe/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-are-jim-thorpes-olympic-records-still-not-recognized-130986336/https://www.ripleys.com/stories/jim-thorpe-pennsylvaniahttps://www.pbs.org/native-america/blog/warrior-spirit-jim-thorpes-lasting-impact-on-sportshttps://www.unc.edu/discover/jim-thorpes-olympic-wins-restored-110-years-later/https://www.history.com/news/jim-thorpe-sports-native-american-athlete-olympicshttps://sourcenm.com/2024/05/06/jim-thorpe-honored-by-president-joe-biden/https://brightpathstrong.org/meet-jim-thorpe-a-real-life-native-american-superhero/https://oklahomasportshalloffame.org/jim-thorpe-museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Empires rise and fall, and yet, some stories get lost in the sands of time. Today on History for Weirdos, we're dusting off the annals of history to bring you the tale of Zenobia, the fierce queen of Palmyra. Not your average monarch, Zenobia defied the mighty Roman Empire, carving out her own kingdom in the heart of the Syrian Desert. This wasn't your run-of-the-mill rebellion, folks. We're talking a full-scale challenge to one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen.Zenobia was a queen like no other - a warrior, a scholar, and a leader who dared to dream of a world where Rome didn't rule everything. But what led this remarkable woman to challenge an empire? And how did her story end? Join us as we delve into the life and times of this extraordinary figure, exploring the political intrigue, the daring battles, and the ultimate fate of Zenobia, the rebel queen of Palmyra.*This episode was originally released on June 21, 2022*-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever heard of a labor leader / mobster vanishing into thin air? Buckle up, Weirdos, because this week we're diving deep into the perplexing disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, a man whose life was as captivating as his vanishing act.Andrew takes you on a wild ride through Hoffa's fascinating backstory, his meteoric rise to power as the head of the Teamsters Union, and the accomplishments that made him a legend... or a villain, depending on who you ask. We'll look into the shady dealings, the whispers of mafia connections, and the events that led up to that fateful day on July 30th, 1975 when Hoffa simply vanished from a suburban Detroit restaurant.Was it a mob hit? Did he fake his own death? Or did aliens abduct him for some intergalactic labor negotiations? Okay, maybe not that last one, but we'll explore all the theories, from the plausible to the downright bizarre, as we try to unravel this enduring mystery.So grab your detective hats and join us on this deep dive into one of history's most perplexing unsolved cases. It's a tale of power, corruption, and a disappearance that continues to baffle even the most seasoned investigators.-*We had a technical issue recording this episode so please excuse the audio in this episode. Thanks for your understanding!*-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com-Sources:Where is Jimmy Hoffa? A Look at Searches in Michigan (Detroit Free Press)Jimmy Hoffa (Wikipedia)Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa (PBS)Jimmy Hoffa (Britannica)A Worker's Hero (Teamster.org)Jimmy Hoffa (Biography.com)Wright, Chris. "The Life & Times of Jimmy Hoffa." Class, Race, and Corporate Power (7:2,2019).Jimmy Hoffa (Detroit Historical Society)Following the Facts to a Possible Hoffa Hit House (Mob Museum)"They Paint Houses": The House Where Jimmy Hoffa Was Killed (Daco Investigations – PI)The Search for Jimmy Hoffa's Body (The Week)"Blood Found at House Not Hoffa's" (The Oakland Press)"Found in Ford's train station: Whiskey, water, but no Hoffa." Automotive News, vol. 94, no. 6919, 2020/02/03/, pp. 36. ProQuest, https://proxy.lib.wayne.edu/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.proxy.lib.wayne.edu/trade-journals/found-fords-train-station-whiskey- water-no-hoffa/docview/2351618755/se-2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready, Weirdos, because this week's episode is a royal rumble! We're digging into the dirt (literally) to unearth the strange saga of Richard III, the infamous English king whose reputation has been mangled by Shakespearean drama. But was he really the villain we've been led to believe? And what's the deal with his missing body turning up centuries later under a parking lot?!Join Stephanie as she pieces together the clues, sifts through the historical muck, and separates fact from fiction. We'll explore the Wars of the Roses, investigate the controversies surrounding Richard III's reign, and reveal the astonishing discovery that finally put his bones to rest. It's a tale of betrayal, political intrigue, and a surprisingly modern twist that proves truth can be stranger than fiction. So buckle up for a wild ride through medieval England, where even a king isn't safe from a little parking drama!-Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.comIG/Threads: @historyforweirdosWebsite: historyforweirdos.com-Sources:Wikipedia (King Richard III)University of LeicesterRoyal.ukWestminster AbbyBritannicaWas Richard III a Bad King? (History Today)King Richard III Visitor Centre "Multi-isotope analysis demonstrates significant lifestyle changes in King Richard III" (Article from the Journal of Archeological Science and accessed from ScienceDirect) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices