HISTORY This Week

Joining the discussion is Richard G. Fernicola, an expert on the notorious 1916 shark attacks and author of *Twelve Days of Terror*. He recounts the chilling events that led to public panic, including the tragic attack on Charles Bruder at the Jersey Shore. Fernicola highlights how a mix of myth and reality at that time turned sharks from perceived harmless creatures into symbols of fear. The podcast also delves into the community's desperate reactions and the lasting impact these incidents had on society's view of sharks.

William Geroux, author of "The Fifteen: Murder, Retribution, and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America," shares riveting insights into the tumultuous experiences of Nazi POWs in the U.S. He unravels the strange irony of German soldiers enjoying relative comfort in American camps until internal rivalries led to violence. Geroux explores tales of betrayal, a military tribunal's harsh justice, and the moral complexities surrounding these events, revealing not just a dark chapter of history but also reflections on responsibility and ethical dilemmas that resonate today.

In a whimsical discussion, the podcast explores Barbie's fictional presidential run in 1992, linking it with the evolution of dolls as cultural icons. It dives into the fascinating stories behind doll manufacturers like Jumeau and the artistic journey of Rose O'Neill, creator of the Kewpie doll. Their contributions to both art and social movements, especially women's suffrage, highlight the transformative power of toys. The narrative celebrates Barbie’s rise while addressing early concerns about body image, showcasing her lasting impact on play and culture.

Steven Johnson, author of The Infernal Machine, dives into the explosive intersection of labor unrest and anarchism in 1892. He explores the dramatic assassination attempt on industrialist Henry Clay Frick by anarchist Alexander Berkman, fueled by his partnership with Emma Goldman. Johnson discusses how this pivotal moment not only highlighted the urgent struggles between workers and capital but also paved the way for the rise of modern law enforcement under J. Edgar Hoover, reshaping society’s approach to activism, dissent, and political violence.

Philippa Langley, a historian and author of 'The Princes in the Tower', delves into one of Britain's oldest mysteries—the fate of King Edward V and his brother, Prince Richard, believed to be murdered by their uncle Richard III. She challenges long-standing narratives and presents new evidence suggesting the princes might have survived. Langley also discusses the political turmoil surrounding Richard III’s reign and the possibility of Edward V’s escape, urging a fresh perspective on this historical enigma.

Natasha Hodgson, co-creator and star of the Broadway musical inspired by a WWII deception, brings the tale of Operation Mincemeat to life. Historian Nicholas Reed sheds light on the elaborate scheme involving a corpse and a false identity that misled the Nazis in a pivotal moment of the war. They discuss how this ingenious operation not only ensured the success of the Allied invasion of Sicily but also inspired a unique theatrical adaptation. Hear how personal touches and creative challenges brought this remarkable story to the stage.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Ricca, author of Superboys, dives into the creation of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. He reveals how the duo, best friends from Cleveland, brought a national hero to life against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The podcast explores their struggles for recognition and the bittersweet challenges that followed Superman's rise to fame. Additionally, it highlights the personal losses that fueled Siegel's creation and the fight for justice in the comic book industry.

In this engaging discussion, historian Barry Strauss, author of "The War That Made the Roman Empire," joins Alison Futrell, co-editor of "The Oxford Handbook of Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World," to delve into the Colosseum's history. They explore its architectural significance and the power dynamics of ancient Rome through public spectacles. Topics include the role of gladiators, the impact of games on political legitimacy, and the emotional ties between combatants and their audience, shedding light on this iconic symbol of imperial authority.

June 28, 1928. Louis Armstrong is in the studio recording what he hopes will be another hit. His career is on the rise, but he’s not a household name yet. But he’s about to lay down a track – “West End Blues” – that won’t just change his career, but the entire genre of jazz.  But Armstrong didn’t compose “West End Blues” – it was written by his mentor, a man only remembered by people who are really into the history of jazz, a cornet player named Joe “King” Oliver. Armstrong records this song likely as a favor to this father figure, someone who set him on the path to becoming an American icon. Oliver might be forgotten by many, but his role is undeniable. Before “What a Wonderful World” or “Hello Dolly,” how did Louis Armstrong get his start following King Oliver around New Orleans? And how did the complicated, sometimes fractured relationship with his mentor give rise to this legendary career? Special thanks to Ricky Riccardi, director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, New York, and author of several books on Armstrong, including his most recent, Stomp Off, Let's Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

June 22, 1611. It’s been a long, cold winter. Henry Hudson and his crew have been stranded in the Canadian Arctic for months, living on the ice in wooden shacks - starving, sick, and ready to go home. And yet, Hudson wants to carry on and search for the Northwest Passage, a theoretical trading route to the Pacific that could bring him untold fortunes. His crew has had enough. How does this journey go so wrong? And what happens when you push a crew of sailors beyond the extreme? Special thanks to Peter Mancall, historian at the University of Southern California and author of Fatal Journey: The Final Expedition of Henry Hudson. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices