History For Weirdos

Latest Episodes:

Episode 145: The Fantastic Life of Dolores Del Rio Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

Hey Weirdos! Buckle up for a trip back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, but not the way you remember it from your high school history class. This week, we're digging into the life of Dolores Del Rio, a Mexican actress who became a silent film sensation and one of the biggest stars of the 1920s and 30s. Now, you might be scratching your head wondering why you've never heard of this trailblazing Latina, and that's precisely why we're putting her in the HFW spotlight! Dolores's story is a wild ride of glamour, prejudice, and ultimately, triumph. We're talking scandalous love affairs, political intrigue, and a career that spanned continents and decades.

Imagine a time when Hollywood was just finding its footing, and a young woman from Durango, Mexico, arrives on the scene, captivating audiences with her beauty and talent. Dolores defied stereotypes, becoming a symbol of elegance and sophistication during a time when Latinx representation was scarce. But her journey was far from easy. Join us as we uncover the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and the lasting impact she had on both Hollywood and Mexican cinema. Get ready to uncover a hidden corner of Hollywood history, as we explore the fascinating and often forgotten life of Dolores Del Rio.

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Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

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Episode 144: Interview with Dr Helen Fry - Spies in the World Wars Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

This week on History For Weirdos, we're diving deep into the shadows of World War I and II with special guest Dr. Helen Fry, a leading expert on espionage and clandestine operations. Dr. Fry unveils the captivating stories of the forgotten heroes who risked everything for their countries, from the daring female spies who infiltrated enemy lines to the ordinary citizens who became resistance fighters. Discover the incredible true tales of these unsung heroes, whose bravery and sacrifice changed the course of history.

Join us as we explore the secret world of wartime espionage and resistance, uncovering the remarkable achievements of individuals who operated in the shadows, their contributions often overlooked or intentionally obscured. Dr. Fry sheds light on the crucial roles played by these individuals, from gathering vital intelligence to carrying out daring sabotage missions. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the hidden corners of history, only on History For Weirdos!

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Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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[Video] Episode 143: Interview with Norman Ohler - LSD, Nazis and the CIA Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

*This is the video version of this episode. Available on Spotify only*

In this week's special episode of History For Weirdos, we discuss the intersection of LSD, the CIA and the Nazi Party with New York Times bestselling author Norman Ohler. His books, "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" & "Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age" uncover the shocking and pervasive use of drugs throughout Hitler's regime.

From methamphetamine-fueled soldiers on the battlefield to the search for a miraculous truth serum, Ohler's meticulously researched book reveals the extent to which narcotics shaped the decisions and actions of Nazi Germany and subsequently the United States. We'll dive into the disturbing details of Hitler's own drug dependency, the mass distribution of performance-enhancing substances to the troops, and the pharmaceutical industry's complicity in fueling this chemical frenzy.

Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of the intersection between drugs, power, and war. Ohler's insights will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the darkest chapter in human history. This is one episode you won't want to miss!

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Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

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Episode 143: Interview with Norman Ohler - LSD, Nazis and the CIA Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 142: The Spanish Inquisition Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

The Spanish Inquisition, a phrase that evokes images of torture chambers, religious persecution, and a dark chapter in human history. But what was the Inquisition truly about? Was it a brutal campaign of religious oppression, or a complex historical phenomenon with nuanced motivations? In this episode of History for Weirdos, Andrew looks into the murky depths of the Spanish Inquisition, separating myth from reality, and exploring the motivations behind this infamous institution.

Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the intricate tapestry of events that led to the establishment of the Inquisition by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, the methods employed by its inquisitors, and the lasting impact it had on Spain and the world. From the persecution of religious minorities to the suppression of intellectual dissent, we examine the Inquisition's far-reaching influence and the profound consequences it had on countless lives. Prepare to be both fascinated and disturbed as we explore the dark side of human history, and shed light on a period that continues to intrigue and horrify to this day.

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Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 141: There's Treasure Inside! Interview with Jon Collins-Black Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode of "History For Weirdos", Andrew and Steff interview Jon Collins-Black, the author of "There's Treasure Inside" which gives clues to one of the greatest hidden treasures in American history! Jon personally spent over $2 million of his own money to acquire different treasures, often of a historical nature. Lost Spanish gold, Hellenistic jewelry, an art deco brooch that used to belong to Jackie Kennedy, and even a first edition Charizard Pokémon card can be found in the loot.

If you want to hear from the man himself on why (and potentially where) he hid the treasure, you'll want to give this a watch (or listen). You can pre-order his book now at https://treasureinside.com/

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Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

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(Remastered) Strike It Down! Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

*Originally released on April 19th, 2020*

Happy Labor Day Weirdos!

Ever heard of a labor strike happening over 3,000 years ago? We bet you haven't! In this episode of History For Weirdos, we're dusting off the ancient papyrus scrolls and taking you back to the reign of Ramses III in 1157 BC. It turns out that even in the grand shadow of the pyramids, workers had their breaking points. Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the tale of disgruntled artisans and laborers who decided to down tools and demand their due. This wasn't just any protest; it's considered the first recorded labor strike in history!

Get ready to explore the surprisingly relatable struggles of these ancient Egyptians who were fed up with delayed rations and unfair treatment. We'll delve into the fascinating details of their daring act of defiance and the unexpected consequences that rippled through the kingdom. It's a story that reminds us that the fight for fair working conditions isn't a modern invention; it's as old as civilization itself. So, buckle up for a time-traveling adventure that will leave you marveling at the resilience and resourcefulness of the world's first strikers!

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 140: The First Cleopatra - Cleopatra Syra Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

While the name "Cleopatra" often conjures images of the famed Egyptian queen (Cleopatra VII), we're venturing even further back in time to uncover the captivating story of Cleopatra Syra, Cleopatra I. First, a princess of the vast Seleucid Empire, her life was a tapestry woven with political intrigue, familial strife, and a relentless pursuit of power once she was married off to the Ptolemies as a political pawn. Often overshadowed by her more renowned namesake, Cleopatra Syra's story is an incredible one: resilience, ambition, and the complexities of ruling in a world dominated by men.

Join us on this episode of History for Weirdos as we shed light on this enigmatic figure. We'll explore her pivotal role in the Ptolemaic dynasty, her strategic marriages, and the challenges she faced navigating a court rife with conspiracies and betrayals. From her early years as a pawn in political games to her later reign marked by both triumphs and tragedies, Cleopatra Syra's life offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked corners of Hellenistic Egypt.

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

Sources:

https://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Forgotten-Queens-Egypt/dp/1541602927/ref=asc_df_1541602927?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693608195517&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12411698651690026370&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061109&hvtargid=pla-2290758998283&psc=1&mcid=39fb71c1eb903ff6935d68b67023cfed&gad_source=1&dplnkId=a6dec084-1a72-4f6a-9c37-5ef782d11a26&nodl=1

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-I-Syra

https://the-past.com/feature/the-cleopatras-part-1-cleopatra-i-the-syrian/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_I_Syra

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Episode 139: The Heretic Pharoah - Akhenaten Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

Get ready for a wild ride back to New Kingdom Ancient Egypt, where we're shining a spotlight on Akhenaten, the pharaoh who turned the religious world upside down. Forget pyramids and mummies - this guy was all about the sun, and he wasn't afraid to shake things up. We'll dive deep into his obsession with the sun god Aten, his audacious attempt to erase the old gods, and the bizarre artistic style that flourished under his rule.

But it's not all sunbeams and rainbows. We'll also explore the backlash against his radical reforms, the mystery surrounding his family life, and the desperate attempts to erase his memory from history. Was Akhenaten a visionary ahead of his time, or just a power-hungry heretic? Join us as we uncover the truth behind this enigmatic pharaoh and his sun-drenched legacy. It's a story so weird, it'll make your head spin faster than a scarab beetle on a hot desert day!

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 138: Jim Thorpe - the Greatest Athlete of All Time? Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie looks into the extraordinary life of Jim Thorpe, a man whose athletic prowess remains unmatched to this day. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation, excelled in virtually every sport he attempted, from football and baseball to track and field and even ballroom dancing. He won Olympic gold medals, played professional baseball and football, and left an indelible mark on the world of sports.

But Thorpe's story is not just one of triumph. It's also a tale of resilience in the face of prejudice and injustice. Join us as we explore Thorpe's remarkable achievements, the challenges he overcame, and the legacy he left behind. Get ready to be inspired by the story of a true sporting legend, a man who defied expectations and proved that greatness knows no bounds.

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-thorpe

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jim-Thorpe-American-athlete

https://www.profootballhof.com/players/jim-thorpe/

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=TH016

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobituaries-the-final-resting-place-of-sports-superstar-jim-