Stay ConnectedIn each episode of History Fix, I discuss lesser known stories from history that you won’t be able to stop thinking about. Need your history fix? You’ve come to the right place.
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I recently stumbled across a photograph of Confederate president Jefferson Davis with his family. He is sitting on the porch of his Mississippi home bouncing his granddaughter on his knee while a Black woman stands behind him in a servants uniform. I was somewhat shocked to learn that this photo was taken in 1885... 20 years after the Civil War. Davis had been the president of the Confederacy. He had waged war on the United States, a war that cost the lives of 700,000 Americans. He had committed the highest form of treason. And yet, here he was, relaxing on his porch as if nothing had changed. Join me this week to uncover what happened. Why weren't Confederate leaders punished for their crimes? What repercussions has that had? What precedent did it set? And how it's all affecting us now much more than you probably realize!
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This week, as promised, I welcomed special guest Lori Davis, host of Her Half of History podcast. Join Lori and me as we chat about the unknown history of laundry. Find out just what has made laundry a complete nightmare throughout pretty much all of history and why few people today are even aware of this millennia old struggle.
For more, check out the Her Half of History podcast episode about laundry, "Wash on Monday" and connect with Lori on Instagram @herhalfofhistory
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Ranavalona I, Queen of Madagascar has a bad reputation, to say the least. Few biographical sources exist about her but they all make their opinions well known in the titles alone: "Ranavalona I: Reign of Terror,” “Female Caligula: Ranavalona the Mad Queen of Madagascar,” “The Terror of Queen Ranavalona I in Madagascar.” But, I see reason to question this reputation. Was Ranavalona really a bloodthirsty tyrant or was she simply a powerful woman determined to put a stop to European imperialism at a time when history was recorded almost exclusively by European imperialists. You be the judge!
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Join me as I explore the Nazca lines of Peru, one of the most enduring historical mysteries. We'll talk about the Nazca people including all of the juicy details... like pooping in people's mouths? Yeah. We'll also explore some of the prevailing theories as to why the Nazca put so much effort into etching these gigantic lines, shapes, and pictures into the desert floor, everything from solar calendars to ancient aliens.
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PLEASE SHARE! This is the tell all story of how fluoroquinolone antibiotics led to disabling and potentially permanent side effects for my previously healthy 32 year old husband. Since taking Cipro in March of 2021, Joey has suffered from non-stop chronic pain, weakness, and joint and muscle injuries that do not heal. This particular class of antibiotics is dangerously overprescribed despite coming with an FDA black box warning that they should only be used as a last resort. Doctors do not take it seriously, but you should! This information might literally save your life.
If you listened to this week's episode on the history of antibiotics, than you've already heard this! I wanted to put this information in a shorter, more digestible chunk that's easy to share.
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This week, I'll delve into the surprising history of antibiotics. You'll learn how penicillin was discovered by accident and how its development was helped along by a moldy cantaloupe from a Peoria, Illinois farmers market. I'll also uncover how it went on to act as a secret weapon, helping the allied forces to victory during World War II. Plus I'm going to get real personal to share the tell all story of why my husband is physically disabled and suffering from chronic pain at the age of 35 from taking a particular type of antibiotic. This is not easy to share, but I need to warn you. It may very well save your life.
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This week I tell the stories of 9 feral children found surviving alone in the wilderness. Some even appear to have been cared for by wild animals - wolves, bears, dogs, and monkeys. Most walked on all fours, ate raw meat, and could only communicate in grunts, growls, and "wild cries." Some would never gain the ability to speak, burying their backstories in mystery to this day. Feral children have always fascinated us. Legends and myths are full of them - Romulus and Remus, Valentine and Orson, Amphion and Zethos, Moses, Oedipus, Mowgli. In examining these stories, an overarching theme emerges, one that forces us to re-examine what it means to be "civilized."
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Mental health has been one of the greatest mysteries throughout human history. An illness with an invisible cause, no surgery will fix it, no tonic, no bandage. Is it supernatural? Evil spirits? Demonic possession? Our lack of understanding about the human mind and stigmatization of mental health issues has led to untold horrors throughout time. And while, yes, we’ve come a long way, is it possible the journey has only just begun? Let’s fix that. Join me this week to uncover how mental health has been viewed and treated throughout history.
Taboo with Mimi episode about Cannibalism (with video!)
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Uncover the history of Hawaii from its earliest habitation to its illegal overthrow by the US government in 1893. Join me as I discover exactly how the United States sank its claws into this island paradise, erased its native culture, and violently forced its queen to relinquish her throne without the approval of the US government. By the end, I think I'll have you convinced that Hawaii is not technically part of the United States, nor has it ever been. Don't believe me? Press play!
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Join me as I uncover the unknown history of bread and how it has shaped our entire world. From its earliest existence 14,400 years ago, bread has played a major role in the formation of human civilizations. This week, we'll follow the path of bread from ancient Egypt, to ancient Rome, to medieval Europe, revolutionary France, and early America to discover how this universal food staple has become a symbol of success, accomplishment, and self-worth, making and breaking empires throughout history.
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