Ridiculous History

Today the United States Military Academy at West Point is known as one the country's top-notch training institutions, but back in 1826 it was home to a night of pure egg-nog-fueled pandemonium. Join Ben and Noel as they retrace the drunken, crazed steps of cooped-up cadets who decided to fight the power one Christmas in today's Classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a millionaire, billionaire or aristocrat too busy to manage the day-to-day affairs of palatial estate? If so, you may have already secured the last word in personal service: the butler. In today's episode, inspired by strange memories of the sitcom Mr. Belvedere, Ben, Noel and Max explore the real history of butlerdom, from supervising jugs of booze all the way to the bespoke managerial services of the modern day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyndon Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, known for his profound legislative impact and quirky obsession with phones, shares insights into his unique communication style. The discussion reveals his outrageous phone habits, with loads of lines in the White House and his Texas ranch. Anecdotes highlight his multitasking abilities and the hilarities that unfolded, including a wild story featuring a Secret Service agent. This glimpse into Johnson's personal side showcases a leader who was as humorous as he was relentless in his pursuit of power.

Join Lizzie Peabody, host of Sidedoor, as she unravels the compelling narrative of James Smithson, a complex figure whose personal struggles unexpectedly shaped American culture. Discover how his monumental donation led to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution, fueled by his vision for knowledge dissemination. The discussion weaves through Smithson's scientific contributions, the emotional weight of nostalgia, and the colorful characters involved in this historic journey. Prepare for humor, poignant reflections, and the quirky legacy of a revolutionary philanthropist!

Lizzie Peabody, host of the Smithsonian Institution's own podcast, joins to reveal the fascinating story behind the founding of the world-renowned Smithsonian. She dives into the scandalous origins of the institution and discusses the intriguing mystery surrounding the crypt containing James Smithson's remains. The conversation also highlights quirky unsolicited donations and remarkable historical documents, making history feel tantalizingly close. Prepare for unexpected stories that bring the legacy of the Smithsonian to life!

Discover the dark allure of arsenic, once dubbed 'inheritance powder' due to its deadly reputation throughout history. Explore how it served both as a potent poison and a medicinal compound, with figures like Julia Tofana weaving through its twisted legacy. Uncover its surprising presence in everyday products of the past and the hidden dangers of white arsenic. Delve into the chilling tales from Victorian England, where societal dynamics complicated its use. Join the journey through history's most morbid mysteries!

The podcast discusses the disturbing history of orphan trains in the US, exploring efforts to improve public health, child auctions and labor proposals, the controversial practice of sending children to farming communities, challenges in documentation and oversight, and the impact of the orphan train movement on the foster care system.

Join the Ridiculous Crime and Ridiculous History teams for a game of 20 Questions on strange historical flexes. Banter about podcast setups, furry community practices, and guessing male political figures from 18th century Europe. Dive into Versailles hygiene, Victorian era films, and a politically applauded act. Enjoy sponsor ads, host reflections, and games on famous historical figures and presidential trivia.

The podcast discusses the controversial history of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, exploring theories of government involvement. They delve into the religious turmoil in England, the aftermath of the plot, and the symbolic legacy of Guy Fawkes as a revolutionary figure. The episode also touches on the evolution of Guy Fawkes Day, failed assassination attempts on King George III, and includes sponsor promotions.

Ancient India's Arthashastra predates Machiavelli's 'The Prince' by 2,000 years, outlining similar ruthless strategies. The podcast explores parallels between both texts and discusses unethical tactics for rulers. The hosts take a Machiavellian traits test from the 1970s and banter about human nature.