Stuff You Missed in History Class

Holly shares intriguing tales from Henri Charpentier's life, shedding light on the sweet origins of pralines. Tracy dives into the Domesday Book and reflects on whimsical stories of time travel. Together, they discuss the quirks of food debates, like what really makes a sandwich. The duo also humorously navigates the complexities of bureaucracy, revealing how communication mishaps can hinder our culinary experiences. Their entertaining anecdotes highlight the quirky relationship between food culture and governance.

Discover the fascinating history behind the Domesday Book, a pivotal 11th-century record commissioned by William the Conqueror. This groundbreaking data-gathering project reveals intricate details of land ownership and resources in medieval England. Learn about the rise of Norman governance, the significance of the Battle of Hastings, and the meticulous methods used to compile this monumental survey. Delve into its lasting legacy on English administration and modern efforts to decode its mysteries.

Dive into the rich history behind iconic snacks and sweets, as fascinating tales unfold. Discover the buttery origins of Crepe Suzette linked to Henri Charpentier, and the royal acclaim it garnered. Unravel myths about John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, and his culinary legacy. Learn how pralines evolved from elite delicacies to popular treats, and explore the cultural significance of snacks named after prominent figures. These stories celebrate the delicious connections between food and identity.

Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, shares her groundbreaking journey in the 18th century. She discusses her role in scientific exploration while breaking gender norms. Jeanne cleverly disguised herself as a man to join a male-dominated expedition, facing societal challenges at sea. The podcast highlights her struggles with identity, relationships among the crew, and her significant contributions to botany. Baret’s inspiring story reshapes our understanding of women's history and explores themes of resilience and adventure.

Harriet Strong, an influential figure in agriculture, navigated a life filled with complexities and controversies. The conversation dives into her contributions and the societal issues surrounding women's health at the time. The hosts reflect on the emotional ties to the Olympic Games, emphasizing personal stories that resonate with audiences, as well as the challenges faced by athletes. They also discuss how the Olympics transformed cities like Atlanta and the larger implications of sports on society and culture.

Dive into the world of defunct Olympic sports with tales of tug of war controversies, unique obstacle course swimming events, and the oddity of live pigeon shooting. Learn about the selection process for Olympic sports and the intriguing history of sports like painting and town planning in the games.

Discover the life of Harriet Williams Russell Strong, an inventor and water conservation advocate. From her struggles with adversity to pioneering water management patents, Strong's entrepreneurial journey and advocacy for women are highlighted. Learn about her innovative flood management methods and her legacy in advocating for women's agency and water management solutions.

Delve into the chaotic and unusual 1900 Paris Olympics with events like firefighting and hot air ballooning. Learn about the disorganization, overshadowing by a local exposition, and the makeshift conditions for athletes. Explore dramatic stories like Marathon Course controversies and standout athlete performances, all amidst a vision of promoting peace through sports.

Holly and Tracy discuss the challenge of understanding concepts in fields outside their own. They also talk about memories from their previous separate trips to Iceland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about the catastrophic Laki Fissure Eruption in Iceland in 1783, its global impact on climate, devastation on society, and link to Nile famine. Explore the mysterious haze that covered Europe, impacting weather patterns and inspiring literary works like Frankenstein and Dracula.