Stuff You Missed in History Class

Dive into the remarkable life of Mary Golda Ross, the first Indigenous woman engineer in the U.S. Discover her roots in Cherokee heritage and her pioneering contributions to aerospace during WWII. Learn about her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field and her influence on future generations through advocacy in STEM. Uncover her classified work on rockets and missiles and her lasting legacy, including her efforts to support Indigenous youth and her iconic presence at cultural events.

Explore the life of Alexandre Dumas, the prolific author behind classics like "The Three Musketeers". Discover his childhood shaped by poverty after his father's death and how a budding love for reading led him to Paris. Hear about his rise in the literary world through serialized novels and his political activism during the July Revolution. Despite achieving wealth and fame, Dumas faced financial troubles and public mockery, while leaving behind a legacy of timeless stories and themes that resonate today.

Explore the complexities of the French Revolution, focusing on the Great Fear and how misinformation spread panic similar to today's social media. Discover the intriguing life of Clarence Birdseye, from his Arctic adventures to revolutionizing frozen food. Delve into his unique personality, innovative techniques, and the influence of his work on food safety regulations. The discussion also touches on historical attitudes toward food production and diet choices, linking past practices with contemporary issues.

Explore the life of Clarence Birdseye, the visionary who transformed frozen food from a low-quality option to a household staple. Discover how his experiences in extreme climates led to the invention of the flash-freezing process. Learn about his early ventures, including collecting ticks and breeding foxes, as well as his struggle for funding and eventual partnerships with major investors. The podcast highlights Birdseye's innovations that shaped the frozen food industry and his legacy that continues to impact modern dining.

The Great Fear of 1789 unleashed panic across rural France, ignited by conspiracy theories and economic distress. Hosts explore the dire conditions of peasant life and how poor harvests worsened the crisis. They delve into the spread of rumors, from illiterate villagers to armed uprisings, fueled by news of aristocratic conspiracies. The chaotic response culminated in violence against the nobility, revealing the decentralized nature of the uprising. Insights into how misinformation spread like an epidemic draw parallels to modern times, showcasing historic cycles of panic and reaction.

Explore the thrilling life of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, the first Black general in the French army. Discover his remarkable rise through military ranks, despite racial barriers, and his impact on the Army of the West. Hear about his clashes with Napoleon and the societal challenges he faced in revolutionary France. Delve into his dramatic personal life, including imprisonment and family struggles, before uncovering how his legacy inspired literary masterpieces like The Count of Monte Cristo.

Uncover the eerie tales surrounding the Villa de Vecchi, where local legends transform into ghost stories over time. Discover the strange juxtaposition of emotional nostalgia tied to abandoned places. The hosts delve into the complexities of legal standards in the UK and US, particularly regarding unreasonable beliefs and their racially charged implications. A discussion of mass hysteria leads to insights on accountability surrounding community violence. Wrap up with a nonviolent Halloween wish and reflections on celebrating safely!

In late 1803, ghost sightings in Hammersmith spiraled into panic, leading to an infamous murder case. Armed citizens patrolled the streets, fueled by fear of a phantom figure. The tragic night culminated in the shooting of Thomas Millwood by Francis Smith, who mistook him for the ghost. Court proceedings revealed conflicting testimonies and legal challenges surrounding mistaken identity. Ultimately, the case not only shaped public perception of ghosts but also had significant repercussions on British law and sparked ongoing ghost stories that continue to haunt the local pub.

Explore the haunting allure of an abandoned mansion in northern Italy, once home to a prominent figure. Discover the eclectic designs of its architect and the contrasting legends surrounding its dark past, including notorious murder tales. Unravel the mystery of Aleister Crowley's connections to the site and hear chilling local ghost stories, such as a mysterious piano and eerie screams. Meanwhile, the villa's turbulent history intertwines with Fascist intrigue, linking to another infamous villa on Rhodes.

Dive into the life of Aleister Crowley, a provocative figure in the occult world. Discover his rebellious upbringing and mystical experiences that shaped his path. Unravel his rapid rise within the Golden Dawn and the ensuing drama that led to his expulsion. Explore his controversial practices, including sex magic and spy claims during WWI. Crowley's legacy extends to modern Satanism and counterculture, revealing his complex influence on spirituality, sexuality, and popular culture.