Discover the surprising journey of strawberries from wild forage to a beloved fruit. This podcast reveals the covert operations of an 18th-century engineer who helped cultivate larger varieties while spying for Louis XIV. Learn about the fascinating hybridization process, cultural significance, and challenges faced by early gardeners. From ancient myths to modern festivals, the strawberry's impact on society is both delicious and delightful, making it an essential part of culinary and historical narratives.

Discover the trailblazing life of Dorothy Arzner, Hollywood's only female director during its Golden Age. Delve into her challenging upbringing and her rise from script typist to pioneering filmmaker. Explore her unique approach to storytelling and her complex female characters that broke barriers. Learn about her impact on cinematic history, particularly in the pre-code era, and her eventual transition to education, shaping future generations in film. Reflect on the ongoing recognition of her legacy, including a building dedicated in her honor.

Dive into the dark allure of early Hollywood as the murder of director William Desmond Taylor unfolds. Explore the tangled lives of stars like Mabel Normand and the gripping scandals that rocked the film industry. Delve into a chaotic crime scene, intense rivalries, and the emotional turmoil of ambitious actresses. This mystery not only reveals Taylor's secrets but also illuminates the dark side of fame and the transformative era of cinema.

Delve into the critical role of historical strikes, such as the impactful Oakland General Strike of 1946, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women. Discover the fascinating connections between labor movements and Kurt Vonnegut's storytelling, exploring why his works resonate with teenagers. Unearth troubling historical secrets in Mississippi and reflect on the complexities of Vonnegut’s views on women. Celebrate his moral development and the lasting influence of his emphasis on kindness through stories that connect personal experiences with broader social themes.

Join guest host Bryan Young, a talented writer known for his insights on Star Wars, as he dives into the life of iconic author Kurt Vonnegut. They discuss Vonnegut's formative experiences, including his capture in World War II and its profound impact on his narrative style. The conversation highlights the dark humor and poignant themes found in works like 'Slaughterhouse-Five' and 'Cat's Cradle,' while also exploring his personal struggles and legacy. Tune in for a tribute to a literary genius that continues to inspire.

In the aftermath of World War II, the Oakland General Strike erupted, shutting down the city as thousands of workers rallied for their rights. The podcast discusses the socio-economic factors behind this significant labor movement and the fierce determination of retail workers facing opposition. It highlights the legacy of the strike, including the formation of the Oakland Voters League and its role in political engagement. Additionally, it delves into the broader implications of legislative changes like the Taft-Hartley Act on union dynamics and labor rights.

The podcast dives into the powerful Flint Sit-down Strike of 1936, where autoworkers boldly confronted General Motors for better conditions. It highlights the significant struggle for labor rights during the Great Depression and the transformative impact of the National Labor Relations Act. Listeners learn about GM's aggressive tactics against unionization and the intense solidarity among workers, particularly women, during this pivotal labor movement. Ultimately, it showcases how this strike helped shape modern labor relations in the automotive industry.

Dive into the unsettling world of the Children's Morality Code project, revealing how it mirrors dark historical events. Explore the tumultuous life of Mary Hunter Austin, who faced numerous conflicts with influential figures. Discover the ethical dilemmas of past research methods involving children, and the hidden financial mysteries tied to historical personalities. The discussion also touches on the challenges of caregiving, especially for mothers navigating societal pressures while raising disabled children.

Mary Hunter Austin was a U.S. writer known for walking throughout the American Southwest. But her life of activism was far more complicated than brief bios usually  mention.  Research: "Mary Hunter Austin." Encyclopedia of the American West, edited by Charles Phillips and Alan Axelrod, Macmillan Reference USA, 1996. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/BT2330100082/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=6a4f821e. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025. "Mary Hunter Austin." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, vol. 23, Gale, 2003. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1631008133/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=ceca42e0. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025. #0840: Willa Cather to Mary Hunter Austin, June 26 [1926]. https://cather.unl.edu/writings/letters/let0840 Austin, Mary Hunter. “Earth Horizon.” Houghton Mifflin. 1932. Austin, Mary Hunter. “Experiences Facing Death.” Bobbs-Merrill Company. 1931. Blend, Benay. “Mary Austin and the Western Conservation Movement: 1900-1927.” Journal of the Southwest , Spring, 1988, Vol. 30, No. 1 (Spring, 1988). https://www.jstor.org/stable/40169782 Davis, Lisa Selin. “The Loneliest Land.” National Parks Conservation Association. Spring 2015. https://www.npca.org/articles/942-the-loneliest-land Egenhoff, Elizabeth L. “Mary Austin.” Mineral Information Service. November 1965. https://npshistory.com/publications/deva/mis-v18n11-1965.pdf Fink, Augusta. “I-Mary: A Biography of Mary Austin.” University of Arizona Press. 1983. Hoffman, Abraham. “Mary Austin, Stafford Austin, and the Owens Valley.” Journal of the Southwest , Autumn-Winter 2011, Vol. 53, No. ¾. Via JSTOR. http://www.jstor.com/stable/41710078 Lanzendorfer, Joy. “Searching for Mary Austin.” Alta. https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a8713/searching-for-mary-austin-joy-lanzendorfer/ Online Archive of California. “Austin (Mary Hunter) Papers.” https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c85t3ppq/ Richards, Penny L. “Bad Blood and Lost Borders: Eugenic Ambivalence in Mary Austin’s Short Fiction.” Richards, Penny L. “Disability History Image #3.” 8/30/2005. https://disstud.blogspot.com/2005/08/ Romancito, Rick. “The Image Maker and the Writer.” Taos News. 10/2/2024. https://www.taosnews.com/opinion/columns/the-image-maker-and-the-writer/article_7805f16a-8ab9-5645-9e84-4a189e18ac23.html Siber, Kate. “The 19th-Century Writer Who Braved the Desert Alone.” Outside. 1/22/2019. https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/mary-austin-mojave-nature-writer/ Stout, Janis P. “Mary Austin’s Feminism: A Reassessment.” Studies in the Novel , spring 1998, Vol. 30, No. 1. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/29533250 The Ansel Adams Gallery. “Visions of Taos: The Making of “Taos Pueblo” by Ansel Adams and Mary Austin.” https://www.anseladams.com/visions-of-taos-the-making-of-taos-pueblo/ Viehmann, Martha L. “A Rain Song for America: Mary Austin, American Indians, and American Literature and Culture.” Western American Literature , Spring 2004, Vol. 39, No. 1. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43022288 Wynn, Dudley. “Mary Austin, Woman Alone.” The Virginia Quarterly Review , SPRING 1937, Vol. 13, No. 2. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26433922 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1916, a unique initiative sought to create a morality code for children, spurred by evolving views on ethics. The podcast dives into the contrasting American educational landscape and innovative methods used elsewhere, dissecting the complexities of moral education. It addresses the historical impacts of eugenics and ableist perspectives on character education. The decline of character education in schools is explored, alongside personal stories from listeners that highlight contemporary struggles with moral reasoning. A fascinating look at the past shapes today’s views on childhood ethics!