Well, I Laughed

93: Two Best Friends pt.3: Enemies & Lovers Feb 19, 2025

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were married lovers, rivals, and life long friends. In a life filled with pain, Frida Kahlo created art and beauty. Find out more about the artwork of Frida Kahlo, Casa Azul, and the work of the beloved Mexican artist. If you've ever wondered "who is Frida Kahlo" you're in luck!

Audience Survey: https://forms.gle/FDEcdHLyrmNxZTd37

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:16:00 Letters

00:29:31 Enemies & Lovers

00:39:39 The Trolley Accident

00:54:55 The First Marriage

01:10:37 Artistic Career

01:26:20 Weinstein Accusation

1:40:34 Artwork & Final Thoughts

92: Two Best Friends pt.2: THAT Girl Feb 12, 2025

The story of "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" is a beautiful, complicated tale about love and regret and friendship... but if you've only ever seen the musical there is much you don't know! This week, Maia explains what "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire is about. We explore how dark does the original Wicked get. And why the art is so heartbreaking and important on its own. This week, we dig into the life and times of the "Wicked" Witch of the West!

Audience Survey: https://forms.gle/kQN4jdgHnrm1XkCBA

00:00:00 Catch-up

00:9:09 THAT Girl

00:22:40 GM background

00:51:03 Wizard of Oz Lore

01:04:40 Wicked Lore

01:24:43 Overview begins

01:40:06 Wicked: Gilikin

02:07:29 Wicked: CoE

02:13:06 Wicked: ItV

02:33:00 Wicked: TMA

03:06:16 Back to Gregory

03:10:54 Linking it all together

91: Two Best Friends pt.1: Out of the Blue Feb 05, 2025

Discover a women ahead of her time and instrumental to the women's rights movement. Discover who is Matilda Gage? From radical parents to radical children, Matilda dreamed of a better future. A future she did not live to see, but whose influence has been seen by millions this year. Learn more about the women who battled "Wicked" misogyny and how this impacted her son, L. Frank Baum and his later works in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

00:00:00 Catch-up

00:14:28 Matilda Electa Joslyn Gage

00:54:47 Matilda's Legacy

00:59:13 L. Frank Baum

01:26:50 Writing the Book

01:37:45 The Allegory

01:53:54 The Truth

02:10:10 Continuing the Story

90: Rumor Has It pt.3: Listener Episode Jan 29, 2025

Stories from the people who listen to "Well, I Laughed"! Grant's coach friend Bri writes in with a story about sibling love and rivalry. Katie uncovers fiction and fact from her family's stories. Lucas learns that few good deeds ever go unpunished. And Mala wins the lottery by making a friend on the internet who is actually who she says she is. All that and more, this week on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:32:13 Stories starts

89: Rumor Has It pt.2: Dearest Reader Jan 22, 2025

Was Bridgerton's Lady Whisledown based on a real person? This week, Maia talks to us about the original Lady Whistledown, Mrs. Crackenthorpe, and whether her true identity is Thomas Baker, or, more likely, Delarivier Manley. Join us as we dive into the gossip pages that were all the rage during this period of whispers and intrigue. Women get published, reputations get ruined, and we attempt to seperate fact from fiction. Oh, and do you want to meet the real Lady Cowper? This week, on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:00 Dearest Reader

88: Rumor Has It pt.1: Duel Interests Jan 15, 2025

This week, Grant asks a big question, "what is a chaos bisexual?". In our quest for an answer we meet Julie "Maupin" d'Aubigny, also known by her stage name "La Maupin." A sword fighting opera singer who is a lover of all. But did she really commit arson in the name of love? We try to find the truth in the drama. Rumor has it, she was the first chaos bisexual.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:33:40 Duel Interests

87: Naughty or Nice pt.3: Listener Episode Jan 08, 2025

Listeners share their stories with the Well, I Laughed podcast! Emily manages to escape a truly awful man with more than one side to him. Sam’s brother tests the spirit of Christmas and his sister’s loyalty. Hannah witnesses a porta potty horror story with her very own eyes. Angela reshapes Eastern Europe’s view of Americans. And one final listener talks about being the victim of robbery from an unexpected criminal. All that, this week on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:26 Stories starts

86: Naughty or Nice pt.2: The Dr. Is In Jan 01, 2025

Grant talks love and relationships to ring in the New Year! Grant introduces Maia to Dr. Ruth, the infamous sex therapist with a back story as famous and unpredictable as her advice. How does a Holocaust survivor become America's most famous sex therapist? "Who was Dr. Ruth"? and why do we love her so much! This week, on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:31:01 The Dr. Is In

85: Naughty or Nice pt.1: Under Wraps Dec 25, 2024

It is time for some Christmas traditions around the world! Maia explores some crucial questions like "where did Santa come from?" and "who was St. Nicholas?". Along the way we learn about ancient drama and modern traditions in this very special Christmas podcast episode! We cover everything from the origins of a mid winter celebrations (Sleipnir the horse has how many legs?), to how Christianity affected various Christmas Cryptids as we know them now (Ugly and Beautiful Perchtas?), to traditions around the world (Iceland? How are you handling the Yule Cat and the 13 trolls?), and more! Happy Holidays, from Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:21 Under Wraps

84: Buried Below pt.3: Listener Episode Dec 18, 2024

A listener episode! This week Holly writes in about surviving a friendship with a con woman. Chris witnesses his dad getting a taste of his own medicine. Noelle survives heartbreak and car accidents in one fateful afternoon. And a listener tells us about the sketchy relatives they’re surprisingly (and unfortunately) related to. All that and more, this week on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:30:16 Stories starts

83: Buried Below pt.2: Lost Boys Dec 11, 2024

A podcast episode on the Thai Cave Rescue! Many of us might remember the news coverage, few have heard the full story. This week Maia pulls together the events and decisions that led to a rescue that is too almost impossible to believe. A story that is at times moving as it is improbable. Bonus podcast content on the Seattle Underground. Maia covers it all! Buried Below part 2, out now!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:17 Lost Boys

82: Buried Below pt.1: The Big Cheese Dec 04, 2024

"Where is the secret government underground cheese cave?" The question is simple enough, the answer has more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese. A podcast episode on cheese! The history of American cheese, why it is called "government cheese". why American cheese looks and taste the way that it does, and what is underground Springfield, Missouri? A journey back in time and down below this week!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:21:40 The Big Cheese

81: Vigilante Vengeance pt.3: Listener Episode Nov 27, 2024

A listener episode! This week on Well, I Laughed we hear from someone who has first hand experience with the Word of Faith cult. AJ writes in with a story about accidentally ruining an adult friendship. One listener explores a home purchase that comes with more than they bargained for. And Jaymes dishes about life inside QAnon adjacent workplaces. All that and more this week!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:31:32 Stories starts

80: Vigilante Vengeance pt.2: Final Act Nov 20, 2024

**Spoiler Alert** This week's episode is about people and their eccentricities. It is about nepotism and vengeance and fame. It is about how truly dramatic theater people can be. This week, a podcast about John Wilkes Booth. Who was the man who killed Lincoln? Why did Booth kill Lincoln? Who was John Wilkes Booth’s family? This week we look at Booth and Lincoln’s final act!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:59 Final Act

79: Vigilante Vengeance pt.1: Rapped Up Nov 13, 2024

There are some who elevate their craft. Musicians, cooks, artists. In the world of modern beef battles one man reigns supreme. Why does 50 Cent hate P Diddy so much? Who knew about P Diddy's dark secrets and private life? This week, Maia gives us an entire podcast on P Diddy and 50 Cent. We might not be "Hot 97", but we're looking for answers.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:22 Rapped Up

78: Dark Secrets pt.3: Trust Me Nov 04, 2024

Is QAnon a cult or a conspiracy theory? How did so many people get sucked into it? Why don't they leave? How does an online belief system become so prevalent so quickly? In the second part of this two-parter, Maia goes down the rabbit hole to investigate the origin of these beliefs, who Q could be, the effect of social media algorithms, and why it is still a danger in 2024. This week, on Well, I Laughed, we look through the lenses of family members of QAnon victims, ex-QAnon members, current QAnon members, experts in high-control groups, and more!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:27:57 Trust Me

77: Dark Secrets pt.2: Believe Us Oct 30, 2024

Who joins a cult? Why do people in cults stay? How can people in cults get out? This week, in the first of a two-part episode, Maia dives deep into the world of cults and conspiracy theories. From those centered around political utopias (like Dr. Janja Lalich, a victim of the Democratic Workers Party) to religious salvation (like those involved in the Word of Faith Fellowship run by Jane Whaley), Maia covers the stories of people who found themselves living in a cult, and how they found their way out. This episode serves as an introduction and amuse bouche for next week's episode - QAnon on Well, I Laughed.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:18:01 Believe Us

76: Dark Secrets pt.1: Sky Pirate Oct 23, 2024

A DB Cooper podcast as Grant takes on a true crime story! How does the only successful plane hijacker manage to slip away in the middle of the night with the law following right behind him? Where did he go? And where is the money. This week, on Well, I Laughed we cover the case of the unsolvable sky pirate!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:10 Sky Pirate

75: Con Me Once pt.3: Listener Episode Oct 16, 2024

The listener episode! This week Gina talks gin, Alexis gets conned into housing a door-to-door ... vacuum salesman, Mary survives dating an Australian (kind of), and Dawn is shocked to be asked! Two anonymous listeners write in with their own stories. The first plays a game on their ex and the second breaks the heart of a hook up. All this and more, this week on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:32:38 Stories start

74: Con Me Once pt.2: Winners and Losers Oct 09, 2024

An episode unlike any we've done before! Grant dives into the legacy of the "NSA leaker" Reality Winner. Her story, like that of so many we have covered on our show, is far more complicated and nuanced than meets the eye. In her journey we ask ourselves tough questions about patriotism and service to your country. Find out what makes this women, and this episode, so truly special. Winners and Losers, out now!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:46 Winners and Losers

73: Con Me Once pt.1: Fool Me Twice Oct 02, 2024

Who was the man that tried to sell the Eiffel Tower? This week, Maia takes us on a podcast journey to the Titanic (well, ships like the Titanic) and a man who knew how to sell. No need to own anything with Victor Lustig around! Fake money machines, card games, property auction, or bribery. Victor Lustig was a man would always managed to hit his mark and slip the cops, until he couldn't. This week, on Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:40:24 Fool Me Twice

72: History's Mysteries pt.3: Outside Oakville Sep 25, 2024

A special guest! Jacob, friend of the pod, join us with a special story. "Why did it rain blobs in Oakville?" That is a very good question. One we will attempt to answer, or at least speculate on. Either way we can promise you were are having a good time and, well, we laughed. Enjoy!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:35:16 Outside Oakville

P.S. Maia had too much Elk Creek Water and mixed up Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic - Prokaryotes are the ones without mitochondria.

71: History's Mysteries pt.2: A Soviet Secret Sep 18, 2024

"What happened at the Dyatlov Pass?" Is one of the 20th centuries greatest historical mysteries. How could so many experienced, healthy, and prepared young people have passed away like they did? And perhaps even more pressing, what happened to their bodies? In this week's episode, Maia leads Grant throughout some of the theories of the Dyatlov Pass Incident. From the events leading up to the final night, to the fall out. Together, we explore this Soviet secret.

Our longest episode yet and we ... won't be doing this again.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:16 Soviet Secret

Musubi's story at the beginning:

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/investigate-the-cdphe?recruiter=310728329&recruited_by_id=ceaba660-0af1-11e5-af42-55ddecb14655&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink

GoFundMe: https://givebutter.com/justiceformusubi

70: History's Mysteries pt.1: Mom Jeannes Sep 11, 2024

Want to know more about "badass women of history"? Before there was Joan of Arc, there was a Jeanne. Multiple Jeannes. Maybe actually too many Jeannes. Enter Jeanne de Clisson AKA "The Lioness of Brittany". A women who lived multiple lives, had multiple husbands, and one singular mission: the destruction of French King Phillip VI. Get on board with this killer queen of history (literally). The history mystery? Why do we not know more about Jeanne de Clisson.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:33:17 Mom Jeannes

69: A Lover Scorned pt.3: Listener Episode Sep 04, 2024

We hear from four listeners in this week’s listener episode! Hazel shares the story of a local man pushed too far. CJ talks about finding queer love in the South. Casey survives being the lover scorned herself. And Katie relives some classroom trauma from the best/work classroom we’ve ever heard of. Finally, Maia shares a Reddit AITA story to top off a hilarious episode from the Well, I Laughed listeners.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:16:34 Stories start

68: A Lover Scorned pt.2: Wanderlust Aug 28, 2024

Who killed Walter Wanderwell? Grant introduces us to a cast of characters with way too many names. From the irreverent Nell Miller to the eccentric Walter Wanderwell to the odd Harriet White Fisher. The real scene stealer, in more ways than one, is Aloha Wanderwell. A women as unique to her time as her name. Travel the world. Love too much. Take pictures along the way, and get to know more about Aloha Wanderwell.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:20 Wanderlust

67: A Lover Scorned pt.1: Heads Will Roll Aug 21, 2024

History podcast episode surprise from Maia! Learn more about the Kievan Rus, Vikings in the black sea, and a legendary Queen who murdered... for love. A women who might have inspired some of our favorite female villains today. Who was Queen Olga? How do you throw men into a hole? Are bathhouses flammable? And what can the Christian faith forgive, when you're helping drive up membership? A history comedy podcast episode, just for you!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:21:55 Heads Will Roll

66: Horsing Around pt.3: Listener Episode Aug 14, 2024

This week's listener episode features six stories and a whole lot of gossip from Grant and Maia. Stacy shares some all too relatable dating experiences. Mimi has a flashback to the infamous Lee episode in "Falsely Imprisoned". Jessica avoids the world’s worst first name. Gina talks about horsing around. And two teachers share tales from the classroom, one from Kayla the other anonymous (and for good reason). That and more, this week, from Well, I Laughed podcast!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:37:57 Stories start

65: Horsing Around pt.2: Ranch Ain't Big Enough Aug 07, 2024

What did Michael Barisone do? And how guilty is he? Maia introduces to famous horse trainer and Olympian Michael Barisone along with a cast of other characters, including Lauren Kanarek. A wild tale of competition, dramatic social media posts, and a crime that leaves us certain: this ranch ain't big enough for the both of us!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:08 Ranch Ain't Big Enough

64: Horsing Around pt.1: D*ck of All Trades Jul 31, 2024

Who was the Irish Hamilton? Richard Martin was a man of passion. He was just as likely to shoot you in a duel as he was to defend an innocent animal. Sometimes, he'd do both. Find out why was Richard Martin called "Humanity Dick", who founded the ASPCA, and how someone gets the nickname "Hair-Trigger Dick." A funny history podcast episode!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:25 D*ck of All Trades

63: Down to Business pt.3: Listener Episode Jul 24, 2024

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share their connections with this week's theme "Down to Business". Polly details an uncomfortably close connection with a man known as Dr. Death. Ashley emailed in about the dangers of donating blood in a story so funny, we almost passed out. Nicole writes in with a friend or foe, deal or no deal story about a high school romance gone wrong. And Warren shares about being the intimidating guy in the parking lot, completely accidentally. All that and more, this week, from Well, I Laughed podcast!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:32:49 Stories start

62: Down to Business pt.2: Down Under Jul 17, 2024

Grant takes the opportunity to share some "weird stories from Australia." He introduces us to an underground, underwater cave system in the middle of a cow field known as "The Shaft" in Australia. Next, he covers the disappearance of Harold Holt. The Australian Prime Minister who was abducted by aliens, eaten by a shark, or something way more normal and boring. Finally, we learn about what happens when you try to take on mother nature. Specifically, when you launch "The Great Emu War". This week's episode has a little fun down under!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:52 Down Under

61: Down to Business pt.1: Worth Fighting For Jul 10, 2024

Was Mulan real? Did Mulan exist? And, if so, how accurate is the movie Mulan? This week we get down to business to uncover the history behind our favorite female warrior. We meet other important women from East Asian history. Tamoe Gozen, a Japanese Samurai from the 12th century, whose bravery and romances were featured in Heike monogatari (The Tale of Heike), and Murasaki Shikibu, the author of what's thought of as the world's oldest novel, Genji monogatari (The Tale of Gengi). And, of course, we sing a couple of lines from that killer movie soundtrack (singing podcast?). Women in history had something worth fighting for!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:08 Worth Fighting For

60: Friend or Foe pt.3: Listener Episode Jul 03, 2024

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share their connections with this week's theme "Friend or Foe". Including an enemies to lovers story, high school relationships, and the discovery (and peaceful laying to rest) of a spirit who found the friend they needed. And of course, Grant and Maia take this opportunity to catch up on Grant's recent vacation and our plans for the next month. This week, from the Well, I Laughed podcast!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:56 Stories start

59: Friend or Foe pt.2: Open Waters Open Questions Jun 26, 2024

What happened to Laci Peterson? Maia walks us through the mysterious circumstances and tragic death of Laci Peterson. We meet her husband Scott Peterson, learn his alibi, and end up with some serious open questions. What was the killer's motive? How does the media's portrayal of a case affect its outcome? How does Amber Frey make or break this case? A true crime episode, and a potentially unsolved case!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:14:24 Open Waters Open Questions

58: Friend or Foe pt.1: Tree Hugger Jun 19, 2024

What is eco-terrorism and... is it all bad? In the 1990s the US government found out what happened when you anger young environmentalist and the power of positive reinforcement for things like sabotage. Grant covers who was the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the degree to which their crimes deserved the label "terrorist". Saviors of the planet, terrorist, or both? This week's episode of Well, I Laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:35:51 Tree Hugger

57: The Hills We Die On pt.3: Listener Episode Jun 12, 2024

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share some of of their wildest stories. A question about mountains, mole hills, and what is really important. The the story of the slowest and funniest attempted police invasion we've ever heard, and more. Some hilarious and heartwarming stories, enjoy!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:25 Stories starts

56: The Hills We Die On pt.2: Something in the Waters Jun 05, 2024

Criminal justice, true crime, and the bonds of family all clash in today's podcast episode! It starts with a story we've heard before. An innocent man is convicted of a crime he did not commit. Facing life in prison few believe in his innocence or his chances to overturn his conviction. Fortunately, for his sister, this is a hill she is willing to die on. Learn who is Kenny Waters, who is Betty Anne Waters, and the power of a sibling with a little bit of fight. There is something in the Waters!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:39 Something in the Waters

55: The Hills We Die On pt.1: Friends in Weird Places May 29, 2024

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! And a story as odd as any we've told. A potentially unsolved mystery. A podcast episode about a spooky (and at times hilarious) cryptid that takes us from the streets of London, to the Isle of Man, to the space between walls. You will not believe what the creature ends up being, or what is ends up saying. That is, if you believe the story at all. Depends on the hill you're willing to die on. Gef the Talking Mongoose AKA Jack the Talking Weasel AKA The Dalby Spook!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:21:25 Friends in Weird Places

54: In the Bag pt.3: Send Less Help May 22, 2024

Three true crime episodes in a set, well that's a first. The set, a Swedish Bank. The Players, Jan-Erik Olofsson, Sven, Sven, Maybe another Sven?, Kristen Enmark, Brigitta Lundblad, Elisabeth Oldgren, and Clark Olsson. Key events, The streets of Stockholm are swarmed as everyone wants to get in on the most exciting robbery of the summer. Bullets are fired, loves are forged, and Kaj Hansson makes a surprise call in NOT about the bees.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:30:55 Send Less Help

53: In the Bag pt.2: How to Hide a Painting May 15, 2024

A true crime podcast, part 2! What role did Myles Connor play in the Gardner Museum art heist? How did the mafia and organized crime steal so much artwork, and then how did they make it disappear? We meet more suspects in the Gardner Museum heist. Search for missing Rembrandt paintings. Hear the perspective of Boston Herald journalist Tom Mashberg. We chase leads and go down rabbit holes and yet are still left wondering - how to hide a painting.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:18:45 How to Hide a Painting

52: In the Bag pt.1: Night at the Museum May 08, 2024

A true crime podcast episode! Grant takes us to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, and the night of the Gardner Museum Art Heist. The largest art heist in the world. We meet Myles Connor, Boston’s top art thief. We examine if Richard Abath is guilty of the crime, and the role he might have played. We learn a little about Isabella Stuart Gardner, the eccentric women who built the museum. All to get to the bottom of “the largest art heist in history.” Part 1!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:28 Night at the Museum

51: Prophetic Dreams pt.3: Listener Episode May 01, 2024

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share some of of their wildest prophetic dreams. A priest predicting a house fire. A journal entry that turns out to be all too true. Even college athletes getting you fired. Some hilarious and heartwarming stories, a podcast episode about listening to your dreams, at least sometimes!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:32:44 Stories start

50: Prophetic Dreams pt.2: Misérables Apr 24, 2024

Who was Victor Hugo, and why was he so cool? In this podcast episode about Les Misérables and it's creator, Grant shares the fun loving life of the great French writer, Victor Hugo. Part history podcast, part lifestyle guide, Hugo helped define and describe the era he lived through. We learn about the writing of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and the writers commitment to the less fortunate, both in fiction and reality. Party tricks, politics, and publishing defined the life of a man who dreamed a dream of time to come!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:18:45 Misérables

49: Prophetic Dreams pt.1: Little Red Lie Apr 17, 2024

A true crime podcast episode on the Red Barn Murder in Polstead in 1827. Maia introduces us to a surprising number of Anne's as she explains who was Maria Martin. How tragic and unnecessary her death was, and the man behind the crime, murderer William Corder. Grant and Maia cover the difficult choices women were left with in the 1800s, why a bad man got away with so much, and finally the trial and execution of William Corder. Join us as Maia explains a Little Red Lie.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:18:58 Little Red Lie

48: Out & About pt.3: Listener Episode Apr 10, 2024

It is our first listener episode! Listeners from the Well, I Laughed universe share stories about surviving family curses, gay haircuts, a terrible first date story, and the unsettling "St. Mikulas" tradition in Prague! An episode of shocking, surprising, and funny episodes all about being Out and About.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:30:00 Stories start

47: Out & About pt.2: Swann Dive Apr 03, 2024

Drag is art, drag is exciting, drag is… old? This week, Maia explores the history of drag. From drag in Ancient Greece and Rome and male only casts, to more contemporary artist like the work of Julian Eltinge. Maia shares the life of William Dorsey Swann, who was America’s first drag queen, or at least one of them. Taking us to the Drag Balls of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance and the extravagant homes of DC that first held drag gatherings. Swann’s life proves that drag has history in America. Take a swan dive in the life of “William Dorsey Swann”!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:22:21 Swann Dive

46: Out & About pt.1: Never Married Mar 27, 2024

Where did the phrase “coming out of the closet” come from? Is history gay? And if it is, why is gay history a secret? This week’s podcast episode looks at famous gay people in history. Including gay Kings of England and America’s first gay president, at least potentially. Grant and Maia also take on the controversy of learning gay history. Explore the perks of being a spinster. Before ending with a tour of modern gay history in the United States. They say he was never married, a confirmed bachelor, and famous for his dinner parties. A queer history, now out!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:35:40 Never Married

45: Excessive Force pt.3: AITA Mar 20, 2024

Stories from the Reddit AITA page. The challenge of being a new mom with a clueless new father. A family that respects their daughters wishes. A family prank that went too far. And disappointing husbands that could do more to support their spouse. A series of funny Reddit stories about people who might have taken it a little too far. Excessive force AITA!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:21:14 Stories start

44: Excessive Force pt.2: March to May Mar 13, 2024

A podcast on workers rights and the labor movement! Striking workers and unsafe working conditions, a uniquely American story. This week, Grant explores two historic moments in the labor rights movement. The Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York. We learn more about Albert Parsons and Lucy Parsons, Clara Lemlich, and even get a surprise appearance from gilded age aristocrats. Discover the meaning behind May Day in today’s episode, March to May!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:47 March to May

43: Excessive Force pt.1: Blast Off Mar 06, 2024

Today’s podcast episode is about a famous school rivalry. The rivalry between Denver University and the Colorado School of Mines. Maia covers some pranks that go too far. Pranks with explosives, hostages, and lots of ways to go wrong, at least a little. It is about more than a game of football, or a big white M on the side of the mountain. An episode on school pride and smart people doing dumb things. CU vs CSU. Auburn vs Georgia Tech. Harvard vs Yale. John Evans vs History. Who's side are you on?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:54 Blast Off

42: Plenty of Fish pt.3: AITA Feb 28, 2024

Stories from the Reddit AITA page. For Valentine's day we cover terrible dates. Being too honest with your friend about their dating expectations. Reacting to sudden hostility while grabbing drinks. And telling your friend they’re wrong, even when pressured not to. Four Reddit stories about dating, and terrible dating experiences.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:06 Stories start

41: Plenty of Fish pt.2: Alone in a Crowded Room Feb 21, 2024

Do aliens exist? Or are we alone in the universe? In this week’s podcast episode we explore Fermi's Paradox. Maia covers topics like the “great filter theory”, the day a UFO sighting stopped a football game with Ardico Magnini, the “coso artifact”, and the US Congressional Hearing on UFO sightings and the testimony of Retired Maj. David Grusch. An episode that addresses the question, if there are supposed to be plenty fish in our galaxy… where are they?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:27 Alone in a Crowded Room

40: Plenty of Fish pt.1: Devil in the Details Feb 14, 2024

Grant tells Maia about the rarest fish in the world, found in the strangest of places. An episode about the Devil’s Hole Pupfish and Devils Hole, located in Death Valley National Park. We learn more about Ash Meadow, the legal rights of a tiny fish, and the many strange occurrences that have been documented at Devil’s Hole. A podcast episode that will leave you enchanted with the oddity of fish in the desert.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:03 Maia Freaking Out

39: Law and Disorder pt.3: AITA Feb 07, 2024

Stories from the Reddit AITA page. Maia covers the story of a roommate who is a bit too casual with the cops. Later, a mother-in-law's famous Mac and Cheese that goes too far. Or maybe it was the daughter-in-law who could have handled things better. Two AITA stories about family drama and the cops, what else is new?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:22:35 Stories starts

38: Law and Disorder pt.2: A Beautiful Country Jan 31, 2024

In today's podcast episode, Grant covers some Civil War history. Specifically, the life and legend of John Brown. Abolitionist, hero, domestic terrorist? Depends on who you ask. Also covered is the conflict known as “Bleeding Kansas”, the raid on Harpers Ferry, and the work of important abolitionists like Fredrick Douglass and Gerrit Smith.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:02 A Beautiful Country

37: Law and Disorder pt.1: Good Cop, Bad Cop Jan 24, 2024

A podcast episode about the Pinkertons and the internet group Anonymous. Grant and Maia play a game of "good cop, bad cop" as we dive into the history of both groups. We travel to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and the death of a famous revenge porn website. Part history podcast, part storytelling experience. Join us as we discuss Jesse James and his gang and the vile Hunter Moore!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:14:36 Good Cop, Bad Cop

36: Welcome to New York pt.3: Here and There Jan 17, 2024

Pigeons in New York City? Groundbreaking. Today we discuss the animals that make New York City their home. Are birds real? Why did we use to love pigeons? Also talked about is Ethan Couch and his infamous case of "affluenza". And an AITA story from Reddit that asks "should I run away from everything and move to NYC? Our answers probably won't shock you. Well, we laughed!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:23:56 Here and There

35: Welcome to New York pt.2: Victory Tour Jan 10, 2024

Maia unveils a spy ring that was operating in the US! We laugh and gasp at the true story of Anna Chapman. A Russian spy who was either very good at her job, or was terrible at it. America loves a messy celerity story, so Welcome to New York! Part two, Victory Tour.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:12 Victory Tour

34: Welcome to New York pt.1: The Elephant in the Room Jan 03, 2024

Grant takes us back to the Gilded Age with the origin story of the word "JUMBO". A tale at times hilarious and heartbreaking. Our story starts in East Africa and winds its way through Europe before arriving in New York. Buckle up for this story, it can feel like a real circus.

In this episode Grant and Maia cover Jumbo the Elephant, possibly one of the inspirations for the movie "Dumbo" (or maybe Dumbo's father?). Listen in to hear about this iconic circus elephant and his relationship to travel and P.T. Barnum.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:34 The Elephant in the Room

33: Hometown Hijinx pt.3: A Very Merry WIL Holiday Dec 27, 2023

LIVE from our friend's living room. It is the Well, I Laughed Christmas episode! Recorded in the most festive room either of us have ever seen. We discuss the holidays, vasectomies, and eventually share a couple AITA stories from Reddit. Grant and Maia unpack all the weird and hilarious holiday traditions and stories from each other.

A special thank you to Kelsi and Edgar for being such wonderful friends and hosts.

32: Hometown Hijinx pt.2: Lincoln It Together Dec 20, 2023

Grant... also transports us back to the Gilded Age in a completely unplanned turn of events. When is a murder just a murder, and when is it a stand in for larger social concers? Like racism. Or misogyny. Grant relives a story he was first taught in college, a story he then very promptly forgot. Hometown Hijinx part two brings us to Lincoln, Nebraska to figure out who is Linc-ed together!

The murder of John Sheedy. We discuss the involvement of Molly Sheedy and William "Monday" McFarland and more!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:40 Lincoln It Together

31: Hometown Hijinx pt.1: Unsinkable Dec 13, 2023

Maia transports us back to the Gilded Age and tells the story of means girls and high society. Who was who in early Denver society? What made them so interesting? And who ends up getting played by Kathy Bates? That, and so much more, covered in Hometown Hijinxs (Maia's version).

Grant and Maia discuss The Unsinkable Margaret (Molly) Brown as well as other characters like Louise Sneed Hill, JJ Brown, the RMS Titanic and more!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:25:20 Unsinkable

30: Lost and Found pt.3: Bail Out Dec 06, 2023

Patty Hearst, Part 2. After witnessing the death of your friends, what do you do next? And where do you go? How does tragedy and trauma shape and reshape Patty Hearst's life. And what does innocence, guilt, and justice look like when the crazy ride finally comes to an end?

This episode covers everything after the house fire which tragically kills many of the members of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) through present day. We discuss the intricacies of the numerous trials of Patricia Hearst, Bill Harris, and Emily Harris and then see where everyone ends up in the years following.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:54 Bail Out

29: Lost and Found pt.2: Money and a Gun Nov 29, 2023

Forget what you think you know about Patty Hearst. This week Maia launches us into Part 1 of the Patty Hearst story. From the headline grabbing antics to the violence the SLA (Symbionese Liberation Army) was willing to (and did) commit. We meet a host of characters who are complex and controversial as we begin to dig into what happens when a young person has Money and a Gun.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:23:19 Money and a Gun

28: Lost and Found pt.1: Out on a Limb Nov 22, 2023

This week Grant takes Maia on a wild ride that starts in the south and will wind its way to Germany and daytime television show before anything can be settled. If you have ever lost something and wondered where you must have left it, this story is just for you!

John Wood, Shannon Whisnant, Finders Keepers documentary, amputated leg

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:42 Out on a Limb

27: Influential Secrets pt.3: AITA Nov 15, 2023

The best place to tell your secrets - the internet! This week Grant and Maia share stories from Reddit's AITA featuring secret hoarding, infidelity, and the ability to ruin a family.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:23 Stories start

26: Influential Secrets pt.2: Shaken, not Stirred Nov 08, 2023

There is more than one way to win the war. This week Grant dishes to Maia the many fun and scandalous ways the British government tried to convince America to support them during WW2. In the process, they helped elevate some of the 20th century's most prodigious writers. Grab a cocktail, we have some wining and dining to get to.

William Stephenson, Ian Fleming, Roald Dahl

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:30:32 Shaken, not Stirred

25: Influential Secrets pt.1: A Whisper in the Woods Nov 01, 2023

This week Maia entertains and terrifies with a story of a secret group, with too much power, money, and free time. A not-so-secret society. A party, and the worst people you know were invited. What is happening in the woods north of San Francisco? Listen to hear more about a whisper in the woods.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:29 A Whisper in the Woods

24: Ghosted pt.3: The Live Show Oct 25, 2023

LIVE from Denver!! Join us for a night with some of our favorite people! A series of stories around the theme "Ghosted", told by the friends we can't stop talking about. Some of the stories are all too relatable, and plenty are just plain wild. You will be hearing from some familiar names such as: Lydia, Haiden, Casey, Tyler (yes... THE Tyler), Lee (yes... again), Abby, Danny, Lottie, Jess, and Ashley.

After hearing from the peanut gallery, Maia and Grant talk about the Ghost Armies of WWII and the truth of the Winchester Mystery House.

Filmed and recorded in our friend's backyard.

23: Ghosted pt.2: Ahoy! Oct 18, 2023

Be gay, do crime, become a pirate, see the world! In this episode Maia transports Grant to the Caribbean to learn about the original way to ghost from your own life - by becoming a pirate. Learn about the history of Blackbeard, Anne "Andy" Bonny, and so many more in this weeks swashbuckling episode.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:30 Ahoy!

22: Ghosted pt.1: Finding Agatha Christie Oct 11, 2023

Grant delights Maia with the story of a mystery write who for a brief period of time, became a mystery herself. We've all been ghosted by someone before, but have you ever been ghosted by yourself? Dive into the disappearance and re-emergence of famous writer, Agatha Christie.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:34:36 Finding Agatha Christie

21: Smoke and Mirrors? pt.3: AITA Oct 04, 2023

How do we end a series about misdirection? With some fun stories from Reddit! In today's stories we wonder, if Houdini could unmask illusionist why can't a 12 year old boy? And what do you really owe your partner's parents when you travel together? Enjoy a couple of laughs with us as we wrap up... smoke and mirrors?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:29:57 Stories start

20: Smoke and Mirrors? pt.2: Pieced Together Sep 27, 2023

Grant enthralls Maia with a story many of us think we already know. That of Mary Shelley and her masterpiece, the novel "Frankenstein". But much is misunderstood about the book, and the fascinating, traumatized, visionary young women who first gave birth to the creature. Buckle up for an episode of surprise cameo experiences as we piece together the true legacy of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:26:50 Pieced Together

The artist Maia mentioned at 1:04 is Tara Donovan. She was specifically referencing Fieldwork which was at the Denver MCA from Sep 2018-Jan 2019

"Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) by Félix González-Torres

19: Smoke and Mirrors? pt.1: Now You See Me Sep 20, 2023

Maia enchants Grant with a story full of surprises. Forget what you think you know about the famous Harry Houdini. More than one person's reputation gets called into question in this episode. Sound the spiritual trumpets (you'll get the reference soon enough), because this episode is here to delight. Find out the details of Houdini's oftentimes fraught relationship with one Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:31:43 Now You See Me

18: A Silly Lil’ Treat pt.3: AITA Sep 13, 2023

Halloween is quickly approaching, and we're here to talk about it. On this week's episode, Grant and Maia share AITA stories from Reddit and ask the bigger questions like who do we have to share our snacks with? What is the real meaning behind a holiday where you give candy away to children? And who isn't enjoying a little shredded cheese from the fridge?

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:28:27 Stories starts

17: A Silly Lil’ Treat pt.2: BEARly Different Sep 06, 2023

Maia surprises Grant with something no one could see coming, a pet story that actually moves his cold heart. As with all of our stories, this pet is a little different than what you might be imagining. Man's best friend gets an upgrade... and goes to war? A story about the power of a silly lil treat and some human affection for Wojtek the Syrian Brown Bear in WWII.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:20:04 BEARly Different

16: A Silly Lil’ Treat pt.1: The Graham Cracker Aug 30, 2023

Grant shares with Maia the complicated history of Sylvester Graham, inventor of the Graham cracker and so much more. Sexual suppression, mob justice, and food fads are on the menu in this surprising story about an innocent cracker.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:49 Lusting after Graham Crackers

15: The Happiest Place on Earth pt.3: AITA Aug 23, 2023

Maia and Grant share Reddit AITA posts about The Happiest Place on Earth. Evil stepmothers, eccentric home décor, and traumatizing experiences at Disneyland. You know, happy things.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:19:23 Stories start

14: The Happiest Place on Earth pt.2: The Pink Palace Aug 16, 2023

Grant tells Maia his nomination for the happiest place on earth. A confusing wonderland that has to be seen, and experienced, to believe. Life imitates art in this episode with some local flavor. Bring your appetite and dive in to Colorado's famous Pink Palace, Casa Bonita, featured frequently in the famous adult cartoon, South Park.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:09:41 Fighting off a Gorilla

13: The Happiest Place on Earth pt.1: The Finnish Line Aug 09, 2023

Maia tells Grant about the mysteries that do (or don't) exist in the magical land of Scandinavia. Your new favorite conspiracy theory, or your next vacation destination. It depends on who you ask. Thank you to our listener, Paula from Finland, who submitted the topic idea, the Finland Conspiracy originating from Reddit.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:24:48 The Finnish Line

12: Falsely Imprisoned pt.3: (un)HINGE(d) Experiences Aug 02, 2023

Our first guest on the podcast! Maia invites her friend Lee on to discuss the summer he accidentally imprisoned himself on Hawaii. Grant and Maia bravely ask the question, who is really the victim in Lee's story? One of our most joyous episodes yet!

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:07:46 Making Legos

11: Falsely Imprisoned pt.2: Gossip Gossip Gossip Jul 26, 2023

Maia leads Grant through a series of surprising, undercover police missions and legal challenges all to answer the question... how legal is gossip in the courtroom? Along the way we uncover the context around Miranda rights and what a Perkins Operation is.

Miranda v Arizona, Illinois v Perkins

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:15:54 Gossip Gossip Gossip

10: Falsely Imprisoned pt.1: Free Britney Jul 19, 2023

Grant takes Maia on a trip down memory lane… to 2007! Together we revel in our love of Britney Spears and our shock at the way her conservatorship abused her. Along the way we reflect on how Britney was treated during a difficult period in her life, and the ways we hope that would be different today.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:13:32 Free Britney

9: The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences pt.3: AITA Jul 12, 2023

Grant and Maia share Reddit AITA posts relating to the theme of The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences. Parents spying on children and a civics lesson that becomes all too real.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:31:28 Stories start

8: The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences pt.2: The Invention of the Pill Jul 05, 2023

Grant tells Maia the strange and surprising history behind one of the most common forms of birth control today, “The Pill.” Join us as we explore why a pill for women specifically was advocated for when it was first developed and uncover the dangerous and traumatic actions of Margaret Sanger, one of the loudest advocates for the development of the pill.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:04:22 The Invention of the Pill

7: The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences pt.1: The Unabomber Jun 28, 2023

Maia tells Grant the story of the Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) through the lens of the authorities trying to solve the case. We're not condoning the Unabomber ... but ... he maybe had some okay ideas in his manifesto (which by the way starts with "The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences").

Since we recorded this episode, the Unabomber died in a federal prison medical center in Butner, N.C. at the age of 81.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:02:58 Political Violence

6: Surviving the Wilderness pt. 3: AITA Jun 21, 2023

Grant and Maia tell read each other Reddit AITA posts relating to the theme of Surviving the Wilderness. Training neighbor's dogs without their knowledge, wimpy hikers asking to be carried, and unexperienced backpackers with a false sense of confidence.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:04:02 Stories start

5: Surviving the Wilderness pt. 2: Feral People, Hermits, and Un-contacted Peoples Jun 14, 2023

Maia tells Grant the rumors of feral people living in America's National Parks. We deep dive into the truth/lies of this rumor and other people who have and do survive in the wild such as the hermits, and un-contacted indigenous peoples in the Americas. Specifically, the North Pond Hermit of Maine, the un-contacted Ayoreo groups in South America, and Ishi, the last known un-contacted indigenous person in the US.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:03:42 Story starts

4: Surviving the Wilderness pt. 1: Cocaine Bear Jun 07, 2023

Grant tells Maia the long awaited truth of Cocaine Bear - before Elizabeth Banks decided to tell the world her twist on it.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:04:25 Cocaine Bear

3: Illegal Drinking pt. 3: AITA May 31, 2023

Maia and Grant read reddit AITA stories related to the theme of Illegal drinking (well, Maia tells some, Grant seeks validation on his own AITA story from the day)

This episodes makes some references to episode 4 which was recorded prior to this but will be released next week

2: Illegal Drinking pt. 2: The Stonewall Inn and Riots May 31, 2023

Grant tells Maia the history of the Stonewall Inn and how it transformed and kickstarted the gay rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:02:23 Stonewall Inn

1: Illegal Drinking pt. 1: Michael Malloy May 31, 2023

Maia tells Grant the story of Michael Malloy AKA Iron Mike AKA The Rasputin of the Bronx. Life insurance fraud gone wrong in Prohibition Era New York - and a story of what could have been a life long friend.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:07:27 Iron Mike

Well, I Laughed - What is it about? May 30, 2023

Are you wondering what this podcast is about? I mean, Grant and Maia are too but allow them to try to explain.

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