Professor Buzzkill History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Piece of Sh*t Saturday: Salmon P. Chase Jul 16, 2022

Show notes

Professor Heather Cox Richardson gives us the low-down on one of history's pieces of sh*t, Salmon P. Chase (the man on the $10,000 bill). Hear about his machinations during the Lincoln administration, his colossal ego, and how he helped saddle the United States with President Andrew Johnson. Ugh! Episode 463.

Clare Boothe Luce: American Renaissance Woman, Part 2 Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Your favorite Buzzkill history professor, Dr. Philip Nash, gives us a fascinating glimpse into the life of Claire Boothe Luce, an American Renaissance woman if ever there was one. In part two of this two-parter, we discuss her career as a diplomat, and her fascinating personal life. Listen and learn! Episode 462.

Venus De Milo Myths! Jul 11, 2022

Show notes

The Venus de Milo is considered one of the most beautiful representations of a woman in ancient Greek sculpture. But she is probably more famous for her missing arms. Were they really broken off in a fight over her by zealous archaeologists? And what would she look like if her arms weren’t missing? Find out! Episode 461.

Clare Boothe Luce: American Renaissance Woman, Part 1 Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

Your favorite Buzzkill history professor, Dr. Philip Nash, gives us a fascinating glimpse into the life of Claire Boothe Luce, an American Renaissance woman if ever there was one. In part one of this two-parter, we discuss her early life and career as a journalist and writer, and her fascinating personal life. Listen and learn! Episode 460.

The Many Myths About the Declaration of Independence: 4th of July Special Encore! Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

Every July, American Buzzkillers get inundated with chain emails, Facebook posts, and Tweets that spread more myths about the Declaration of Independence. No matter how many times they’ve been disproved, they seem to crop up every year. John Hancock signed his name so large that “King George can read it without his spectacles.” And “The Price They Paid” -- the undying email myth about what happened to the signers of the Declaration. We explain these, and a lot more!

The NRA: the Unauthorized History Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

The history of the American National Rifle Association is completely different from what most American think it is. Award-winning journalist, Frank Smyth, gives us the full history of the NRA, and how it changed so dramatically in 1977. Further, he shows how the post-1977 NRA has re-written its history, and given it a new origin story – as the original champion of the strict interpretation of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. This new NRA has helped create the maniacal gun culture in the United States. Episode 459

Why is it called "The Liberty Bell"? Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

Was "Ring Around the Rosie" about the Bubonic Plague? Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

“Ring Around the Rosie” has been a popular nursery rhyme for a very long time. Many of us learned it when we were children. But we often hear people claim that the rhyme is traceable to the time of the Black Plague, and that each line is a morbid reminder of the horrors of Bubonic disease. But was it? Episode 457

Juneteenth and the “End of Slavery in the US”: What’s in a Date? Jun 17, 2022

Show notes

"Juneteenth" (June 19th) is now widely regarded as marking the end of slavery in the United States. Professor Buzzkill examines the many dates related to the abolition of human enslavement in the US. And he pleads for more holidays observing this moral advance! Listen and learn. Episode 456.

Winston Churchill "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" Quote or No Quote? Encore! Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

After his first speech as prime minister, Winston Churchill's "blood, toil, tears, and sweat," got shortened and re-arranged. As "blood, sweat, and tears," it's become one of the most quoted Churchill-isms. But like so many of these "quotes," the idea of "blood, sweat, and tears," has been around for centuries, and used by many writers and military leaders. Listen as we explain it all on Quote or No Quote!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Professor Buzzkill History Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected