
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Join Holly and Tracy as they bring you the greatest and strangest Stuff You Missed In History Class in this podcast by iHeartRadio.
Latest episodes

Jan 10, 2025 • 27min
Behind the Scenes Minis: Accidental Mary Week
Delve into the complex legacy of Mary Elizabeth Lease as the hosts grapple with her impactful advocacy against her troubling racist views. They explore Mary McLeod Bethune's remarkable journey, her familial struggles, and the harsh realities of her time. The discussion reveals challenges in historical accuracy, particularly regarding enslaved mothers, and critiques the romanticizing of Black narratives. Personal anecdotes blend with insights on the unsung contributions of early educators and a thoughtful reflection on finding balance amidst life's chaos.

Jan 8, 2025 • 37min
Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, activist, and civil servant who dedicated her entire life to the pursuit of racial and gender equality. Her impressive legacy includes schools, legislation, and the formation of the Women's Army Corps. Research: Architect of the Capitol. “Mary McLeod Bethune.” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/mary-mcleod-bethune-statue Bethune, Mary McLeod. “Dr. Bethune's Last Will & Testament.” Bethune-Cookman University. https://www.cookman.edu/history/last-will-testament.html Bethune, Mary McLeod. “Mary McLeod Bethune: Building a Better World: Essays and Selected Documents.” Indiana University Press. 1999. Brewer, William M. “Mary McLeod Bethune.” Negro History Bulletin , November, 1955, Vol. 19, No. 2 (November, 1955), p. 48, 36. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44212916 "Bethune, Mary Mcleod." Encyclopedia of Race and Racism, edited by John Hartwell Moore, vol. 1, Macmillan Reference USA, 2008, pp. 166-167. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX2831200056/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=8b031f93. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024. Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project. “Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955).” https://erpapers.columbian.gwu.edu/mary-mcleod-bethune-1875-1955 Flemming, Shelia Y. and Elaine M. Smith. “Mary McLeod Bethune: Born for Greatness: Introduction to Special Volume.” Phylon (1960-), Vol. 59, No. 2 (WINTER 2022), pp. 21-54. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27180573 Foreman, Adam. “The Extraordinary Life of Mary McLeod Bethune.” The National World War II Museum. July 30, 2020. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/mary-mcleod-bethune Johnson-Miller, Beverly C. "Mary McLeod Bethune: black educational ministry leader of the early 20th century." Christian Education Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, fall 2006, pp. 330+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A154513137/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=175ad2e0. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024. Jones, Martha S. “Mary McLeod Bethune Was at the Vanguard of More Than 50 Years of Black Progress.” Smithsonian. 7/2020. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/mary-mcleod-bethune-vanguard-more-than-50-years-black-progress-180975202/ Long, Kim Cliett. "Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune: a life devoted to service." Forum on Public Policy: A Journal of the Oxford Round Table, fall 2011. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A317588290/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=af61ca7a. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024. "Mary McLeod Bethune." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History, edited by Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk, Gale, 1999. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1667000015/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=96df5412. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024. McCLUSKEY, AUDREY T. "Representing the Race: Mary McLeod Bethune and the Press in the Jim Crow Era." The Western Journal of Black Studies, vol. 23, no. 4, winter 1999, p. 236. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A62354228/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=d189f Michals, Debra. "Mary McLeod Bethune." National Women's History Museum. National Women's History Museum, 2015. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-mcleod-bethune Moorer, Vanessa. “Mary McLeod Bethune.” National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/mary-mcleod-bethune National Parks Service. “Mary McLeod Bethune. Mary McLeod Bethune Council House. https://www.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/mary-mcleod-bethune.htm PBS American Experience. “Eleanor and Mary McLeod Bethune.” https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/eleanor-bethune/ Popp, Veronica. “Black roses: The womanist partnership of Frances Reynolds Keyser and Mary McLeod Bethune.” Journal of Lesbian Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/10894160.2024.2385714 Roosevelt, Eleanor. “My Day: May 20, 1955.” https://www2.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1955&_f=md003174 Smith, Elaine M. “Mary McLeod Bethune Papers: The Bethune-Cookman College Collection, 1922–1955.” Alabama State University. /https://pq-static-content.proquest.com/collateral/media2/documents/1397_MaryMcLBethuneCollege.pdf Smith, Elaine M. “Mary McLeod Bethune: In the Leadership Orbit of Men.” Phylon (1960-), WINTER 2022, Vol. 59, No. 2 (WINTER 2022). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/27180575 Smith, Elaine M. “Mary McLeod Bethune’s ‘Last Will and Testament’: A Legacy for Race Vindication.” The Journal of Negro History, vol. 81, no. 1/4, 1996, pp. 105–22. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2717611. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024. State Library and Archives of Florida. “Mary McLeod Bethune.” Florida Memory. https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/mary-mcleod-bethune/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 6, 2025 • 35min
Mary Elizabeth Lease
Dive into the life of Mary Elizabeth Lease, a fierce advocate for farmers and women's rights during the Gilded Age. Discover her transition from the Republican Party to the Union Labor Party as she fought against political opposition. Her powerful speeches resonated with many while polarizing others. Explore the historical struggles of class legislation and poverty in America, and how Lease's activism reflected broader societal issues. Journey through her political evolution, her impact on suffrage, and the complexities of her legacy.

Jan 4, 2025 • 32min
SYMHC Classics: Griffith Jenkins Griffith
Dive into the tumultuous life of Griffith Jenkins Griffith, a key figure in shaping Los Angeles. Uncover his significant contributions, including the creation of Griffith Park, alongside a dark past marked by domestic abuse and controversial legal battles. Explore his ambitious rise from humble beginnings to wealth, his eccentricities fueled by social aspirations, and the aftermath of his scandalous divorce. Reflect on the conflicting nature of his philanthropic legacy, which includes iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, revealing a complex and layered character.

Jan 3, 2025 • 29min
Behind the Scenes Minis: Stitching Hangovers
Discover the evolution of sewing machines through nostalgic tales and personal projects. Dive into the complexities of hangover research, revealing unexpected challenges. Enjoy humorous anecdotes surrounding cocktail culture and unique hangover remedies. The hosts explore quirky state regulations on shipping alcohol, blending personal stories with intriguing insights. With a lighthearted approach, they emphasize responsible drinking while teasing future discussions.

7 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 43min
A Hodgepodge of Hangover History
Dive into the fascinating history of hangovers, tracing their origins back to humanity's first fermenting adventures. Explore the delightful oddities of ancient and modern hangover cures, from raw cabbage to the notorious Bloody Mary. Discover how hangovers are portrayed in art and literature, featuring insights from figures like Toulouse-Lautrec. Delve into cultural perceptions and the ever-evolving relationship with alcohol, all while enjoying humorous anecdotes and historical context surrounding this universal experience.

Dec 30, 2024 • 36min
Helen A. Blanchard, Sewing Machine Innovator
Discover the remarkable legacy of Helen A. Blanchard, a pioneer in sewing machine innovation. She held 28 patents, including the revolutionary zigzag stitch. The podcast delves into her journey from privilege to overcoming financial turmoil, shaping the garment industry along the way. It also explores her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts, as well as her fight for women’s rights in a changing industrial landscape. Her contributions continue to influence modern sewing practices, making her an unsung hero deserving recognition.

Dec 28, 2024 • 33min
SYMHC Classics: F.W. Murnau
Explore the life of F.W. Murnau, the pioneering filmmaker behind the first vampire film, Nosferatu. Delve into his innovative storytelling and expressionist themes that shaped modern cinema. Discover the mysterious disappearance of his skull and the eerie legends surrounding his death. Hear about the creative conflicts he faced while crafting iconic films like Tabu. Murnau's profound impact on the film industry is revealed through his groundbreaking techniques and the legacy he left behind.

Dec 27, 2024 • 31min
Behind the Scenes Minis: Pumpkin Spice Christmas
Discover the seasonal charm of pumpkin spice and its surprising origins. Uncover the medicinal uses of nutmeg and the unique culinary history that accompanies it. Dive into the spirited debate over real versus artificial Christmas trees, complete with amusing pet tales and family traditions. Explore how holiday decorations reflect personal tastes and cultural backgrounds while embracing the nostalgia of festive flavors. From quirky tree setups to the impact of sustainable choices, this discussion brings warmth and humor to the holiday season.

Dec 25, 2024 • 37min
Christmas Décor
Discover the fascinating origins of Christmas trees and the evolution of decorations through the years. Learn how figures like Martin Luther and Queen Victoria shaped holiday traditions, and how glass ornaments became a beloved staple. Delve into the dangers of early candle-lit trees, including tragic fire incidents. The podcast also highlights the rise of electric lights and their impact on Christmas celebrations. Join in the exploration of how these historical practices fostered joy and community spirit during the holiday season.