Our Fake History

The 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, has recently been in the news. In the 2025 inaugural address it was announced that Alaska's highest peak would once again be known as Mt. McKinley to honour the former President, who was apparently a "great businessman" who made America "very rich." Like many, Sebastian found this newfound interest in president McKinley rather curious. For most of the 20th century he was overshadowed by his successor Theodore Roosevelt, who once claimed that McKinley had the "backbone of a chocolate éclair." Why had this particular President been plucked from history and held up as worthy of emulation? It turns out a growing number of American conservatives, including Republican strategist Karl Rove, have been attempting to revive McKinley's reputation for years. What do they see in this turn-of-the-century politician? Tune-in and find out how threats to annex Canada, civil war stories, and boom-bust capitalism all play a role in the story. Our Fake History listeners can grab Rosetta Stone’s LIFETIME Membership for 50% OFF! That’s unlimited access to 25 language courses, for life! Visit Rosettastone.com/HISTORY to get started and claim your 50% off TODAY!New members can try Audible now free for 30 days and dive into a world of new thrills. Visit Audible.com/OFH or text OFH to 500-500 that’s Audible.com/OFH or text OFH to 500-500.Check out progressive.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Bonus Episode Sebastian takes questions about his recent exploration of mermaid mythology. He gets into the difference between Selkies and Mermaids, and wades into the murky waters of Scottish oral tradition. There is also some discussion of the 2012 hoax documentary Mermaids: The Body Found. Tune in and find out how aquatic apes, near sighted sailors, and good looking seals all play a role in the story.F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean15% off with the code Fakehistory15 at theperfectjean.nyc/Fakehistory15 #theperfectjeanpodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mermaids are part of countless mythological traditions found the world over. Almost ever culture has a belief in some form of human-fish hybrid. In the west the modern mermaid evolved as combination of the sirens in Homer's Odyssey and water spirits described by Pliny the Elder. In medieval times they became symbols of sin: temptresses leading lustful men astray. In 16th century, just as belief in other mythological creatures started to fade, mermaids were suddenly taken seriously as real exotic animals. As European ships started stared exploring more distant waters, tales of mermaid encounters became increasingly common. By the 1700's the scientific community was taking the question of mermaid reality quite seriously. What is it about mermaids that made them seem so real? Tune-in and find out how stolen scales, Starbucks's secretly perverse logo, and a fish-woman from Newfoundland all play role in the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liv Albert, podcaster and author of Let's Talk About Myths, Baby, shares her deep passion for Greek and Roman mythology. She and the host explore mythical figures like Medea, Oedipus, and Medusa, discussing their enduring relevance and evolving interpretations. The conversation highlights the complexities of narratives, including innovative takes on the Trojan War and the fascinating tale of Atlantis. Liv emphasizes how ancient myths continue to reflect cultural truths and challenge contemporary understandings.

Explore the intriguing lives of the helots in ancient Sparta, revealing their harsh realities and the complexities of slavery. Delve into the empowered roles of Spartan women, from education to property rights, showcasing their unique societal position. Enjoy a discussion on historical fiction's ability to bring the past to life, and the importance of distinguishing between fact and entertainment. The lively conversation also honors educators and invites audience engagement, making history more relatable and fun.

Dive into the legendary Battle of Thermopylae and discover the truth behind the myth of the 300 Spartans. Explore the lesser-known yet fascinating Battle of Champions and see how it challenges traditional Spartan valor. Unpack the realities of Spartan society, revealing discrepancies between myth and fact. Learn about the pivotal Greco-Persian Wars and the motivations of both Greeks and Persians, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of various city-states. This thought-provoking discussion invites a reevaluation of heroism in ancient history.

Explore the intriguing myths surrounding ancient Sparta, from the authenticity of its famous poet to the realities behind its so-called equal land distribution. Delve into the complexities of Sparta's government, examining the true power dynamics between its leaders. Discover the truth about the agoge, the notorious training system, which included a mix of athleticism, harsh discipline, and controversial mentorship practices. Uncover how these factors contributed to the Spartan image we know today.

Explore the captivating myth of the Spartans, once seen as unbeatable super-soldiers. Delve into the 'Spartan Mirage,' uncovering how history, art, and politics shaped their legacy. Learn about the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus and question the truth behind Plutarch's accounts. The podcast also investigates the helot system and the infanticide myth, revealing how many traditions may be based on misconceptions. History is not always what it seems!

In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to the start of Season 4 to explore the historical reputation of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian has been celebrated as one of Rome’s “five good emperors”, but is that reputation actually deserved? Hadrian’s reputation is complicated by the mysterious death of his teenage lover, Antinous. What should we believe about this strange chapter in the life of one of Rome’s most celebrated emperors? Tune-in and find out how radical beards, fantastical walls, and ancient man-love all play a role in the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who brought down Al Capone? Was it Eliot Ness and his storied “Untouchables” or is their story the result of distorted memoire written by washed-up glory-hound? If Eliot Ness didn’t secure a conviction against Al Capone then who did? The pinnacle of Capone’s career in Chicago came after years of bloody gang wars, but his most devastating move against his enemies may have brought on more heat than he could handle. Should Capone be blamed for his own undoing? Tune-in and find out how fake history induced heart attacks, sly judges, and evil banjo players all play a role in the story.Thank you for supporting our sponsors!Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FAKEHISTORY at the link below and get 60% offan annual plan: http://incogni.com/fakehistory See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.