Stuff You Missed in History Class

Explore the intriguing life of Jón Arason, the last Catholic bishop of Iceland, and his fierce resistance during the nation’s religious transformation. Delve into the tensions between Catholicism and Lutheranism, marked by intriguing rivalries and cultural shifts. Discover the darker facets of his story, including his grisly execution, and ponder the impact of his legacy on Iceland’s identity. The narrative also touches on Iceland’s early Christian struggles and the political backdrop of this tumultuous era, topped with tales from historical true crime.

Explore the fascinating life of Christine de Pizan, a pioneering figure in women's literature and feminism from the late Middle Ages. Discover her influential works, like 'The Book of the City of Ladies,' which challenged social norms and advocated for women's rights. Delve into her critiques of misogynistic literature and her strong stance on education and empowerment for women. Learn about her role as an official biographer of King Charles V and her reflections on Joan of Arc, all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical landscape.

Listen in as Holly and Tracy explore the artistic complexities of Tamara de Lempicka's life, from her claims of being a pioneer for women in art to her tumultuous relationships. They also unravel the intriguing story of Isaac Pitman, touching on his innovative phonetic writing system and challenges in personal life after loss. The discussion blends themes of resilience, societal influence, and the historical nuances of crime, all while celebrating the power of written communication in a modern context.

Discover the fascinating world of shorthand as pioneered by Isaac Pitman in the 19th century. Delve into how his system found a unique place in Bram Stoker's 'Dracula.' Explore Pitman's life, his shift towards Swedenborgian beliefs, and the resilience that led to his educational innovations. Learn about his phonetic rewriting revolution and the clever marketing strategies that propelled his shorthand into the spotlight. Uncover the lasting legacy of his work and its continued significance in today's communication landscape.

Discover the captivating life of Tamara de Lempicka, a pioneering Art Deco artist known for her bold style and vibrant personality. Explore her tumultuous early years, marked by loss and revolution, which shaped her artistic journey. Delve into her glamorous rise in the 1920s and the influence of her complex relationships on her work. The podcast also highlights her resilience amid personal struggles and the impact of societal changes, culminating in her legacy as a symbol of modern femininity.

Discover the intriguing life of Peter Roget, a doctor and scientist with a passion for classification. His journey spans dramatic personal losses and professional triumphs, including his innovative contributions to physiology and optics. Explore Roget's emotional struggles, especially after his wife's death, and his rise from grief to mentorship. Learn how he created the first thesaurus, reshaping language forever, while navigating controversies and redefining boundaries in science. His story is one of resilience, intellect, and lasting influence.

Tracy expresses her frustrations with media coverage of a significant archaeological find. She shares her process for selecting delightful topics for Unearthed! Meanwhile, Holly recounts a personal story connected to discoveries. The conversation shifts to witty challenges in crafting engaging headlines while exploring the cultural significance of Petra and its Indiana Jones connections. They also dive into nostalgic anecdotes, reflecting on life's unpredictability and the emotional weight of personal projects as they look ahead to the new year.

In this engaging discussion, listeners discover a Picasso painting found by a junk dealer, potentially worth millions. They dive into the thrilling tale of a shipwreck's mystery unraveled after 129 years. The podcast also explores the cultural significance of snails and seeds, highlighting Indigenous practices. Culinary history shines light on ancient food production, including intriguing beverage recipes. Listeners are treated to forgotten literary gems alongside riveting true crime stories, blending curiosity with historical insights.

Delve into captivating discoveries of 2024, including the exhilarating unearthing of shipwrecks and possibly original Picassos. A long-lost shipwreck mystery gets solved just minutes into a search! Plus, history intertwines with modern technology as ruby slippers shatter auction records. The mysteries of Pompeii and the significance of Stonehenge reveal ancient connections that shaped communities. Uncovering artistic treasures, listeners are drawn into the intriguing world of lost art and heritage restoration—where every artifact tells a unique story.

Explore the dynamic and tumultuous reign of Byzantine Empresses Zoë and Theodora in 11th-century Constantinople. Their shared leadership was marked by political intrigue, personal scandals, and betrayals. Unravel the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated society. Discover the historical significance of their rule and the cultural ramifications following Theodora's death. Juxtaposed with the rise of prominent figures and the mysteries of historical accounts, their stories reveal a captivating tapestry of power and legacy.