Stuff You Missed in History Class

Discover the inspiring story of Walter Harper, a man of mixed Athabascan and Irish descent, who became the first to conquer Denali. The podcast explores his friendship with Hudson Stuck, detailing their roles in transforming Alaska's society during the Gold Rush. Learn about the 1913 expedition, the team’s unique skills, and the creative solutions they employed to tackle harsh conditions. From hunting caribou to making vital gear adjustments, this tale sets the stage for an epic ascent in the mountains.

Explore the life of Washington Irving, from his early days near Sleepy Hollow to his literary masterpieces. Discover how his writings shaped American Christmas traditions and influenced Charles Dickens. Delve into Irving's complex views on race and his adventures as a diplomat in Spain. Uncover nostalgic portrayals of Christmas customs that revived the holiday in the U.S. and examine the lasting impact of his tales like Rip Van Winkle. A fascinating journey through an often-overlooked literary giant!

Tracy ponders the bathroom habits of Jack the turkey in the White House, while Holly expresses her disdain for food preference debates. They share personal tales of unconventional pets, including raccoons. Holly recounts a parrot that swore under pressure, leading to humorous insights on animal behavior. The duo discusses childhood memories around cranberries, offering homemade sauce tips. They explore cranberry cocktails and encourage kindness during the holidays, making playful suggestions for unique food pairings.

Cranberries have deep roots in North American history, originally used by Indigenous people for food and dye. The podcast dives into the fascinating methods of cranberry harvesting, contrasting flooded bogs with dry picking. It explores the rise of canned cranberry sauce, thanks to Marcus Urann’s innovative spirit. Listeners learn about the fruit's connection to maritime trade and even its decor use during the holidays. Climate change poses a significant threat to cranberry cultivation, raising concerns for future harvests.

Forget dogs and cats! The podcast dives into the bizarre world of unusual White House pets. Discover the myth surrounding John Quincy Adams' alleged alligator. Meet Jack, the turkey spared by Tad Lincoln, and hear tales of Andrew Jackson's foul-mouthed parrot. And don't miss the antics of Rebecca the raccoon, a Thanksgiving gift that became a media sensation. With charming stories of mischief and companionship, these quirky pets show a different side of presidential history!

Explore the fascinating origins of The Nutcracker, a blend of German and Russian storytelling. Delve into E.T.A. Hoffmann's eerie tale, featuring Marie and the iconic Nutcracker. Discover how Dumas's lighter adaptation shaped Tchaikovsky's ballet amidst creative struggles. Learn about its mixed reception at the 1892 premiere and the rise of the Nutcracker Suite. From Balanchine's American revival to diverse modern adaptations, the cultural impact of this holiday tradition and controversies surrounding it are also highlighted.

The podcast dives into the fascinating life of Charles Sumner, exploring his significant activism and the neglect he's faced in historical scholarship. Tracy and Holly analyze the cultural aftermath of Sumner's caning, drawing modern parallels to political violence. They also discuss Sumner's personal life and moral complexities. The conversation shifts to Cassius Coolidge, revealing his quirky popularity in 1890s New York and the cultural significance of his iconic dog paintings. The hosts share heartwarming stories about pets and the importance of supporting animal shelters.

Dive into the quirky world of Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, the genius behind the iconic Dogs Playing Poker series. Discover his diverse career path from banking to sign painting, and his inventive spirit that led to a patent for carnival cutouts. Explore the fascinating background of early dog poker paintings and the popular calendar that made them famous. Learn about Coolidge's personal struggles, the enduring appeal of his kitsch art, and how his playful humor continues to resonate with audiences today.

The podcast dives into the shocking caning of Charles Sumner by Preston Brooks in the Senate, highlighting the brutal attack's symbolic ties to plantation violence. It discusses public reactions, revealing Northern outrage against Southern praise for Brooks. Sumner's lengthy recovery is noted, along with his return to Congress and his powerful anti-slavery speeches. The conversation shifts to his advocacy for civil rights during the Civil War and his involvement in the Reconstruction era, including critical amendments and significant legislation.

Explore the fascinating life of the Public Universal Friend, a genderless spirit who took over the body of Jemima Wilkinson. Discover her unique preaching style that blended Quaker and New Light beliefs, and the controversy surrounding her movement. Learn about her loyal followers, legal battles, and the challenges faced by her community in New York. Delve into the claims of illness that led to the Friend's emergence and the legacy that continued long after her death in 1819.