Episodes
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Selects: The Manhattan Grid
The Manhattan grid was primarily established by the 1811 Commissioners Plan, heavily influenced by earlier surveys and maps, especially those by Theodore Gurk.
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Who was Robert Maxwell?
Robert Maxwell was a highly complex figure involved in politics, business, and alleged espionage, whose life was marked by remarkable achievements and significant misconduct.
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Short Stuff: Nero and His Fiddle
Historical myths, like Nero fiddling while Rome burned, often stem from propaganda, misinterpretation, or cultural storytelling, not factual accuracy.
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Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde were notorious outlaws whose criminal activities, including small-scale bank robberies and police killings, made them legendary figures during the Great Depression.
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Selects: Iran-Contra Affair: Shady in the 80s, Part 2
The Reagan administration engaged in secretly selling arms to Iran in an effort to secure the release of hostages and fund contra rebels in Nicaragua, despite congressional bans.
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Selects: Iran-Contra Affair: Shady in the 80s, Part 1
The Iran-Contra Affair was a deeply covert and illegal operation involving arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and propaganda to support anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua.
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Reggae: Kingston’s Gift to the World
Reggae originated in Kingston, Jamaica, evolving from earlier music styles like mento, ska, and rocksteady, heavily influenced by African, European, and American R&B traditions.
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Short Stuff: Phone Books
Phone books were once the primary tool for locating individuals and local businesses before the rise of the internet.
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Beans and Rice Feeds the World
Beans and rice are among the oldest and most versatile food staples in the world, present in countless cultures across the globe.
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Selects: How Peanut Butter Works
Peanut butter is an all-American condiment with a complex history involving global cultivation, cultural significance, and technological innovations.
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How Russia Shapes What the World Thinks
Russian disinformation campaigns are extensive, sophisticated, and ongoing, aiming to sow chaos and influence political outcomes globally.
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Short Stuff: Shark Arm Murders
The Shark Arm Murders is a bizarre and unresolved Australian true crime case involving murder, blackmail, and gangland violence in the 1930s.
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The Beloved Judy Blume
Judy Blume's honesty and bravery in writing about adolescence helped redefine young adult literature, making her a pioneer.
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Selects: Plant Migration
Plants are capable of migrating over long distances and changing their ranges in response to climate change, but the rate of current climate shifts may be faster than many species can naturally adapt.
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What's the deal with Swiss neutrality?
Switzerland’s neutrality dates back to medieval times and has been meticulously maintained for over seven centuries.
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Short Stuff: Sardines!
Sardines offer impressive health benefits, including high levels of calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and low mercury content, making them a nutritious choice.
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The Tobacco Master Settlement: That Time We Got Em
The tobacco industry used deceptive tactics like creating doubt about scientific evidence, marketing to youth, and lobbying to delay regulations.
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Selects: The Soul Train Episode
Soul Train was revolutionary for its portrayal of Black culture, providing a positive and authentic platform that challenged stereotypes.
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White Boy Rick
Rick Wersh Jr., aka 'White Boy Rick,' was deeply involved in Detroit's crack epidemic as a teenage FBI informant, living a fast life with substantial money and status.
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Short Stuff: The Voice of God
Don LaFontaine was a legendary voice-over artist whose deep voice and catchphrases like 'in a world...' revolutionized movie trailers.
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