History For Weirdos

Latest Episodes:

Episode 94: Ancient Athens' Haunted House Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

Ghost stories have been around for quite some time. They are ancient, literally.

This week, Andrew tackles the first known "spooky" ghost story in recorded history, dating back to the first century Roman Empire. The earliest story comes from a well known Roman author and historian, Pliny the Younger. A haunted house in ancient Athens, a stoic philosopher and a conspiracy...what more could you ask for?!

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Episode 93: The Mystery of Dyatlov Pass Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

Buckle up Weirdos, this one is about as strange as it gets. An expedition through the Ural Mountains in the Soviet Union during the night / early morning of February 1st & 2nd, 1959 goes horribly wrong. All nine explorers perished in the brutally harsh Soviet winter. The tragedy at Dyatlov Pass, as the incident would come to be known as, would immediately fascinate and horrify all who have studied the event.

But how they died is what mystifies us to this day. What caused them to roam around sub-freezing temperature with hardly any clothes on? Why did some of them have burns or, even stranger, radiation poisoning? Was the cause of their death an avalanche (the official explanation) or something more sinister?

Listen now to hear the full story!

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Episode 92: Julie d'Aubigny, Master Fencer &...Opera Singer? Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Stephanie embarks on a thrilling journey to explore the extraordinary life of Julie d'Aubigny, aka La Maupin, an unapologetic badass of 17th-century France. Known for her skills as an opera singer, her vivacious lifestyle, and her remarkable prowess in dueling, d'Aubigny was a woman far ahead of her time.

From her rebellious upbringing as a fencing master's daughter to her audacious exploits in the French aristocracy, we trace her path, examining the audacious tales of her duels, daring escapes, and dramatic love affairs. Delving into the societal norms she defied and the cultural context that both stifled and propelled her, we paint a vivid portrait of a woman who lived by her own rules in an era of strict conventions.

Join us as we unpack the riveting, raucous, and downright rebellious story of this legendary woman. Expect sword fights, love triangles, and a defiance of expectations that is sure to inspire awe and admiration in every Weirdo out there!

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Episode 91: Sappho of Lesbos Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

Get ready for an epic journey back in time in this tantalizing episode of "History for Weirdos"! Join one of your favorite weird history aficionados, Andrew, as he unravels the enigmatic life and enduring legacy of Ancient Greece's legendary poet, Sappho.

Often referred to as the "Tenth Muse," Sappho was a lyrical genius whose poetic compositions, brimming with vivid expressions of love and longing, have enchanted audiences for millennia. Yet her life, shrouded in mystery and peppered with paradoxes, remains as elusive as her hauntingly beautiful poetry.

Andrew invites you on an exhilarating journey, navigating the complex social tapestry of Ancient Greece, to trace the origins of this extraordinary poetess. Be prepared to traverse through the cobbled lanes of Lesbos, Sappho's homeland, as Andrew paints a vivid picture of the place that greatly influenced her work.

In classic HFW style, Andrew delves deep into the controversies and conjectures surrounding Sappho's personal life. Get ready for a deep dive into the tantalizing fragments of her poetry that remain and the various interpretations they have sparked throughout the ages.

This episode is teeming with dramatic re-tellings, scholarly debates, and the wild conjectures that continue to shroud Sappho's life and work today. You won't want to miss Andrew's captivating exploration of this enigmatic figure.

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Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

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Episode 90: The Greek Myth Special Double-Header May 29, 2023

Show notes

Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey back to Ancient Greece on this special double-header episode of "History For Weirdos". This time around, we’re diving deep into two enthralling and, at times, outright bizarre Greek myths: The captivating adventures of Theseus and the heartfelt, peculiar story of Baucis and Philemon.

In the first half of the episode, we'll journey alongside Theseus, the legendary king of Athens, known for his heroics and bold ventures. Join us as we recount his daring challenges, from his fateful encounter with the monstrous Minotaur in the winding labyrinth of Crete to the intricate tasks he overcame in his quest to reclaim his father's throne. Packed with gripping tales of courage, wit, and maybe just a hint of hubris, Theseus's story is one you won't want to miss.

But the tales of Ancient Greece aren't all about sword fights and monstrous beasts. Prepare to switch gears in the second half as we explore the poignant tale of Baucis and Philemon, a humble elderly couple who unknowingly entertained gods at their modest abode. Their story is a rich tapestry of humanity's kindness, divine intervention, and the eerie beauty of eternal love. Can hospitality and simple acts of kindness lead to divine gifts or even... immortality? You decide.

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Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

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Episode 89: Starvation Heights May 22, 2023

Show notes

This week, we embark on a chilling journey into the dark history of "Starvation Heights", a notorious sanatorium in Olalla, Washington. Join us as Steff unravels the story of Linda Burfield Hazzard, the fasting specialist / serial murderer who did it all in the name of "healing."

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

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 88: Man Proposes, God Disposes May 15, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, Andrew will be connecting a legendary ancient Athenian playwright to a doomed 19th century sea voyage searching for the fabled northwest passage… to a haunted painting. This is an absolutely wild tale of how some words can last throughout the ages.

Check out the history podcast rankings: https://riverside.fm/blog/best-history-podcasts

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating, reviewing, subscribing and sharing it today.

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

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 87: The Tunguska Explosion - History's Greatest Cosmic Mystery May 08, 2023

Show notes

In this electrifying episode of "History for Weirdos," join Stephanie as she delves into the mysterious Tunguska event, a monumental explosion that rocked the remote Siberian wilderness back in 1908. With a force greater than 1,000 atomic bombs, this extraordinary occurrence remains one of history's most intriguing enigmas.

Stephanie takes you on a fascinating journey, revisiting the events surrounding that fateful day and exploring the various hypotheses that have emerged over the years. From a meteoroid impact to an extraterrestrial encounter, she dives deep into the possible explanations and their implications.

Get ready to be captivated by her detailed account of eyewitness testimonies, scientific expeditions, and the wild conspiracy theories that still surround the Tunguska event today. This episode is packed with excitement, intrigue, and plenty of weird historical facts that will have you questioning the very nature of our universe.

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

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 86: Wojtek the Bear & "Unsinkable" Sam May 01, 2023

Show notes

Join us on this episode of "History For Weirdos" as we dive into the extraordinary lives of two unlikely World War II heroes: Wojtek the Bear and "Unsinkable" Sam the cat. Discover how Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear, became a beloved member of the Polish army, carrying ammunition and boosting morale during WWII. Then, learn about "Unsinkable" Sam, a tenacious feline who survived three shipwrecks in World War II and became a symbol of resilience. Get ready for a wild ride through history, filled with fascinating tales that prove truth can be stranger than fiction!

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

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Episode 85: Tarrare, the Hungriest Man in History Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

In this fascinating episode of "History For Weirdos", we dive into the bizarre life of Tarrare, an 18th-century French showman known for his insatiable appetite and peculiar eating habits. From eating live animals to performing on stage, this story is not for the faint of heart. Get ready to learn about one of history's strangest figures as we try to understand what drove Tarrare's incredible hunger and how it affected his life.

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating, reviewing, subscribing and sharing it today.

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

Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com

IG: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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