Carter's Condensed History the Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Fight Club, A Bathtub & The Spaghetti Farmers of Switzerland Apr 01, 2023

Show notes

First, Marissa unravels a tale of William Howard Taft! From a secret society Fight Club at Yale, to the myth of being stuck in a bathtub, his legend looms larger than life and ends with some surprising twists. Then, Carter reports on the BBC hoax that bamboozled a nation! The Spaghetti Farmers of Switzerland harvest noodles right from the trees in a farm-to-table process that starts out as a joke and ends up teaching Brits a valuable lesson: you can’t believe everything you hear!

Sunday Scaries: Hotel Haunts at The Menger and The Crescent Mar 26, 2023

Show notes

This week, check into a haunted hotel for Spring Break! First, Carter remembers the Alamo and pays a visit to San Antonio’s Menger Hotel. A successful brewery leads to a booming hotel business, and entertains a host of notables who never check out. Bump into Teddy Roosevelt in the bar, a mysterious maid in the hall, or a former guest in your bedroom! Then, Marissa introduces us to Norman G. Baker, a radio host who dabbles in medicine. His questionable treatments lead to suffering, death, and a charming neo-gothic resort hotel. Guests take in the mountaintop views while a charlatan fills them full of watermelon seeds and carbolic acid.

Worst Day at Work: Kissed to Death and Flour Explosion Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

This week, it’s all about workplace tragedies! First, birthday boy George Spencer Millet gets kissed to death by his coworkers. A freak accident at the offices of the Metropolitan Insurance Company leads to a murder investigation. Then, Carter takes us to Minneapolis for an explosive night shift at the Washburn A Flour Mill when the largest mill in America found out the hard way just how flammable flour can be.

St. Patrick: Pride, Prejudice, Pirates, and a Parade! Mar 12, 2023

Show notes

First, Carter gives us the evolution of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the United States. From small beginnings in colonial Florida to redcoats in New England wearing green. The town of Troy, NY erupts in a deadly night of violence as prejudice meets Irish pride. Then, Brooklynites have no patience for an interrupted parade. Next, Marissa introduces us to the man, the myth, the legend: St. Patrick! Abducted by Irish pirates, the mysteriously wealthy son of a deacon has some divine visions and endures a pretty miserable mission to convert Ireland as his new recruits end up in chains.

Murdered Millionaires: Stanford White and Martha Moxley Mar 05, 2023

Show notes

Inspired by the Murdaugh murder trial, this week unravels some high-profile homicides of the past! First, Marissa talks us through “The Crime of the Century,” as Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Thaw, and Stanford White find themselves in a murderous ménage à trois on top of Madison Square Garden. Then, Carter takes us to a gated community in Connecticut for the “Mischief Night” murder of Martha Moxley. The Kennedys and their cousins find themselves playing a gory game of golf.

Liar Liar Chaps on Fire! The Original Ponzi Scheme and Calamity Jane Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Spring-boarding off the colorful tall tales of George Santos, this week’s episode takes a look at some historical liars! First, Carter sells us the schemes of Charles Ponzi, a swindler so successful that he became the namesake of a scam. Then, Marissa introduces us to Calamity Jane, and the facts and fictions of her life in the Wild West!

Sunday Scaries! Friday the 13th and The Pig Woman Murders Jan 15, 2023

Show notes

Don’t walk under a ladder or venture out into the cornfield at night, it’s Friday the 13th! First, Marissa walks us through the superstitions and supposed origins of the unluckiest day. Strong female leaders make an unholy alliance with the Devil and start handing out curses! Then, Carter introduces us to an unlucky pair of lovers found murdered in New Jersey, in a scandal that rocked one church congregation and captivated the nation. “The Pig Woman” testifies from a courtroom hospital bed in a tabloid tale that’s almost too good to be true!

Murderous Marguerite & Dirty Diary Duchess Jan 07, 2023

Show notes

This week, it’s all about very British scandals! Before Harry and Meghan caused a royal rumpus, “The Firm,” was putting out fires across Europe. Two trials become a who’s who of naughty nobles in these scandalous tales of the upper crust. First, Marissa introduces us to a murderous courtesan named Marguerite Alibert—with ties to King Edward—who took inspiration from an operetta and became a Merry Widow. Then, Carter opens up the explicit diary of Margaret Campbell, the Duchess of Argyll, whose private polaroids became front page news in a classic tale of spousal revenge.

New Year’s Eve Countdown! Dec 30, 2022

Show notes

This week, it’s a smorgasbord of 10 New Year’s Eve fun facts, events, and inventions. Put on your red underwear and grab your traveler’s checks as Carter and Marissa take a tour of some of the famous (and infamous) landmarks of the holiday. The New Year’s Baby makes an appearance alongside Richard Nixon! The ancient Babylonians set some resolutions fit to print in The Times of London! Let a tall, dark, and handsome man cross your threshold at midnight and pass some legislation that goes into effect because it’s a whole new year!

Christmas Eve Disasters: van Gogh’s Ear and the White House Fire of 1929! Dec 18, 2022

Show notes

Christmas Eve came early for the devotees. First off, it’s a hard candy Christmas for Vincent van Gogh. Marissa walks us through the Christmas Eve where his ear became the most disturbing Secret Santa gift ever. Then, Carter takes us to an unforgettable Christmas Eve party at the White House. It’s 1929, the stock market has just crashed, and now the West Wing is on fire. Join the Hoovers for an epic party where everyone gets lit.