show episodes
 
Truth can be stranger then fiction, tune in to hear all the weirdly wonderful and sometimes not so wonderful history that has shaped the world into what it is today. From the most wild to the most mundane we find the strange in history you may never have heard about. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehistorypod@gmail.com
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show series
 
Sagittarius has a bit of an identity crisis. It’s easy to see – just not as what it’s supposed to be. In mythology, Sagittarius was known as the archer. But that title doesn’t tell the whole story. He was actually a centaur – a creature with the head and torso of a man, but the body and legs of a horse. He was holding a bow, however – aimed at the …
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The fat gibbous Moon creeps up on the planet Saturn tonight. Saturn is to the lower left of the Moon as they climb into good view, before midnight, and looks like a bright star. If you remove its beautiful rings, Saturn itself looks a bit bland – like a slightly flattened beachball colored in bands of yellow, tan, and white. The bands are formed by…
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[Launch Control: 25 seconds…] When space shuttle Columbia headed for orbit 25 years ago tomorrow, it made history. It was the first mission commanded by a woman – Air Force pilot Eileen Collins. And it was carrying the heaviest payload ever lofted by a shuttle: Chandra X-Ray Observatory – the largest X-ray telescope ever flown. [Launch Control: 5, …
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Pluto is at its best now. It’s lining up opposite the Sun. It rises around sunset and is in the sky all night. It’s brightest for the year as well. Don’t bother looking for it, though, unless you have a good-sized telescope. Clyde Tombaugh was using a good-sized telescope when he discovered Pluto, in 1930. He’d been searching for a possible planet …
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Black holes are everywhere. There could be a hundred million black holes that are the remnants of dead stars in the Milky Way Galaxy alone. But because they’re completely dark, they’re hard to find. That applies even to the biggest member of the class yet discovered. It’s 33 times the mass of the Sun – more than half again the mass of the galaxy’s …
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The human eye is tuned to a narrow band of wavelengths: visible light. But the electromagnetic spectrum extends far beyond our ability to see – from radio waves to gamma rays. Each slice of the spectrum tells us different things about the universe. Consider X-rays. We’re most familiar with them in medical settings. But many astronomical objects pro…
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If you ever visit the planet Mercury, take along your old eclipse glasses. They’re not for looking at the Sun – you might need something even darker for that. Instead, you might want them just to see your way across the planet itself. Mercury is so close to the Sun that sunlight is more than 10 times more intense than on Earth. Mercury is the close…
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You don’t have to be an astronaut to see the far side of the Moon – at least some of it. A little bit of that hemisphere wobbles into view every month – an effect known as “libration.” So we can actually see 59 percent of the lunar surface. The Moon is “locked” in such a way that the same hemisphere always faces Earth. That means we see the same fe…
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The stars that represent the head of the scorpion are impressive families within an even more impressive clan. Each of them looks like a bright point of light. But each one consists of two or more stars, all of which are much bigger, heavier, and brighter than the Sun. The stars align near the Moon this evening. From the top, the stars are known as…
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Scorpius is immersed in the Milky Way – the hazy band of light that outlines the disk of the Milky Way Galaxy. Because of that, the constellation is home to a dense variety of star clusters. Some of them are young, so they hold some especially bright stars. Two examples are Messier 6 and 7. M7 is the brighter of the two. Under dark skies, it’s fair…
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Get ready to laugh your pants off in this hilarious episode of the Strange History Podcast! We dive into some seriously funny bathroom-related news stories that will leave you in stitches. From toilet brush protests to hidden notes and unexpected encounters with reptiles, these bathroom tales will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Don't …
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In this podcast episode of the Strange History Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales, discussing various mythical creatures and characters, such as Greta the Strong, a legendary outlaw and warrior, and Deacon John, a figure known for his pact with the devil and practice of black magic. We also explores t…
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In this podcast episode, we're gonna dive into the history and importance of the Book of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture. We'll talk about why it was created, what it looked like, and how it helped guide people through the afterlife. We'll even check out some cool examples, like the Pyramid Text and the Papyrus of Ani, to get a better understa…
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In this episode of "Strange History," we delve into the timeless epic of Gilgamesh, but with a twist – we're exploring the ancient hero as the ultimate bad boy of Mesopotamia. Join us as we uncover the daring exploits, wild adventures, and rebellious spirit of Gilgamesh, the legendary figure who refuses to play by the rules. Discover how this fearl…
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Join us on a captivating expedition back in time as we delve into the enigmatic realm of the Sumerians, a civilization that laid the foundation for human progress. In this episode, we unlock the mysteries of their advanced culture, ingenious inventions, and the birth of writing itself. From the epic tales of Gilgamesh to their intricate city-states…
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Join us as we dive deep into the iconic world of 'The Simpsons,' exploring its strangest secrets, uncanny predictions, and enduring cultural impact. Each episode, we uncover hidden gems, dissect classic moments, and decode the show's genius. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious, our podcast is your ticket to the wacky, satirical, and ever-…
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Discover the fascinating life and groundbreaking inventions of Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor known for bringing light to the world with the incandescent bulb, revolutionizing music with the phonograph, and shaping the entertainment industry through early motion pictures. Join us as we explore the genius and innovation behind 'The Wizard of M…
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In this episode, we take a step back in time to unearth the intriguing history of the Yerkes Observatory Ghost. Join us as we journey through the annals of this iconic astronomical institution, tracing the origins of the ghostly legend that has haunted its halls for generations. We'll explore the tales, anecdotes, and mysteries that have shrouded Y…
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Delve into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories with our podcast episode on the McDonald's Illuminati conspiracy. Join us as we explore the wild claims and speculative stories that suggest a hidden connection between the fast-food giant and the secretive Illuminati society. From hidden symbols in logos to celebrity endorsements, we'll separa…
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Join us in this episode of 'Unraveling Mysteries' as we delve into the enigmatic world of the Phantom Time Hypothesis. Discover the claims and controversy surrounding this obscure government conspiracy theory that suggests a significant portion of history might have been fabricated. Explore the motivations behind this theory, the evidence both for …
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In this captivating episode, we delve into the heartwarming and astonishing story of Wojtek, the soldier bear who defied convention and forged an unbreakable bond with a unit of Polish soldiers during World War II. From his humble beginnings as a playful cub in Iran to his heroic role in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Wojtek's journey embodies the re…
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Fairy Folklore, where we explore the Seelie and Unseelie Court - two mystical realms of fae creatures. The Seelie Court, benevolent and beautiful, grants blessings and brings luck. But don't be fooled, they have their own sense of justice. On the darker side lies the Unseelie Court, unpredictable and mischievous, enjoying toying with mortals. Join …
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Step back in time to the intriguing era of 19th-century America and meet Madame Restell, the enigmatic woman known as the "Arsenic Empress." Join us as we delve into the captivating life and shadowy dealings of this historical figure who captivated society with her controversial practices. Uncover the mysteries behind the use of arsenic, one of the…
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Join us for an inspiring episode as we uncover the remarkable tale of 'Judy: The War Dog.' During World War II, a loyal stray dog named Judy formed an unbreakable bond with a stranded RAF pilot, becoming a symbol of hope and courage amidst the chaos of war. Discover how this incredible canine companion's bravery earned her the prestigious Dickin Me…
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Step into the fascinating world of Australian folklore and join us on an enthralling journey to explore the legend of the Yowie, a mysterious and elusive creature said to roam the vast, untamed wilderness of the Land Down Under. In this captivating podcast, we delve deep into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal mythology, colonial history, and modern-d…
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Journey back to Victorian London and witness one of history's most bizarre events - "The Great Stink." In 1858, the River Thames transformed into a noxious cesspool, engulfing the city in an unbearable odor. Follow our host as we uncover the chaos, heroic engineering, and surprising social implications of this environmental crisis. Subscribe now fo…
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In this podcast of Strange History, we take listeners on a journey through the thrilling and lawless era of the Australian bushrangers. We discuss the origins of bushranging, which began with escaped convicts in the early years of European settlements. The discovery of gold in the mid-19th century led to a wave of bushranging activity, with outlaws…
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Welcome to the Strange History Podcast, where we take you on a whimsical journey through time! In this enchanting episode, we'll be exploring the captivating world of Irish travelers, also known as Pavees or Mincéirs. Picture this: a land filled with magic, mystery, and a nomadic lifestyle that dances with the wind. Irish travelers have a rich hist…
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Delving into the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales. We discuss various mythical creatures and characters, such as Greta the Strong, a legendary outlaw and warrior, and Deacon John, a figure known for his pact with the devil and practice of black magic. We also explore the story of a fisherman who takes a selkie, a creature tha…
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Are you ready to dive into the mysterious world of Appalachian folklore? Join us on the Strange History Podcast as we explore the legends and creatures that have captivated generations. Appalachian folklore is a treasure trove of supernatural creatures like witches, ghosts, goblins, and fairies. These mythical beings are said to inhabit the forests…
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Learn about the oldest known artifacts that provide evidence of human activity, including stone tools, cave paintings, Venus figurines, Stonehenge, and wooden spears. We provide information about the Oldowan tools, Lomek stone tools, Schoeningen spears, and the controversial London hammer. We also discuss the significance of these artifacts in unde…
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the ancient Mesopotamian creation epic known as the Enuma Elish, which dates back to the second millennium BCE. The epic centers around Marduk, the chief god of Babylon, and his battle against the primordial goddess Tiamat. We provide historical context for the epic, discussing its discovery and significance i…
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The podcast episode explores the history of oracles and divination in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. We discuss the various forms of divination practiced in these societies, including dream interpretation, observation of natural phenomena, and the use of idols. We also highlight the significance of oracles, such…
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In this podcast episode, we explore various historical objects and concepts related to science, space, and geology, including the Rosetta Stone, the Philosopher's Stone, and the Blarney Stone. We provide information and anecdotes about each of these objects, discussing their origins, significance, and cultural associations. We also share strange ne…
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In this episode of the Strange History Podcast, we discuss some of the oddest books in history. We cover six books, including the Codex Gigas, the Voynich Manuscript, and the Book of Shadows. The Codex Gigas is known as the Devil's Bible and is famous for its size and intricate illustrations. The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious manuscript that h…
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In this episode of "Strange History" podcast, we discuss five strange medical techniques from history. These techniques include the tobacco smoke enema, cutting teeth, using urine as a tooth whitener, trepanning, and the use of heroin in cough medicine. We explain the origins and uses of each technique, highlighting their barbaric and often dangero…
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In this podcast episode, "Strange History" talks about the CIA's secret experiment with psychic spies that were part of a program called called Stargate. The program was established in 1978 to investigate if psychic abilities could be used for military and domestic intelligence applications. We go over the various classified missions and experiment…
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The life and prophecies of Mother Shipton, a famous English prophet from the 14th century. She was known for her predictions about modern technology, transportation, historical events, and even the end of the world. One of her most famous prophecies is about a comet or asteroid hitting the Earth, causing massive disasters and wars. Despite the disa…
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In this episode of the Strange History Podcast, we explore the history of poor houses, which were tax-supported residential institutions for people who could not support themselves. They discuss the different ways poor relief was provided before the establishment of poor houses, the evolution of poor houses into nursing homes, and provide examples …
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The Strange History Podcast explores the history of prostitution across different cultures and time periods. The episode covers the earliest accounts of prostitution in Sumeria, the legal rights of prostitutes in Babylon, and the prevalence of prostitution in ancient Israel, Greece, Rome, India, China, and Japan. We also share facts about prominent…
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The birth of law enforcement in the United States is due to the work of one man who ran a detective agency that was bigger then the United States Army, The Pinkterton Detective Agency. Listen to learn how they foiled assassination attempts but were thwarted by Jessie James. They hired women and minorities in a time that it was not the social norm a…
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When goats got high on caffeine the start of a cultural movement began and spread across the world and throughout history. Coffee has been the catalyst for many revolutions, has suffered religious persecution, and kick started the creation of the New York Stock Exchange. Listen in as we discuss how this dark brew has shaped our history. If you have…
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It was a time when LDS caused a sunburn in a very unlikely place and granola kept people from starving to death. Listen in as we discuss how the most iconic music festival, Woodstock, caused a sleepy farm town in up state New York to be the 3rd largest city in New York for a few short days. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehis…
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Learn more about Zheng Yi Sao: the most successful pirate of all time. Hear about the achievements of this female pirate, from working on a floating brothel to becoming the head of a massive pirate confederation, which plundered the South China Sea in the early 19th century. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehistorypod@gmail.co…
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When Napolean Bonapart put his people to task they changed the way we store food today. The modern can opener replaced a hammer and chisel after people used the strangest things to open cans for 60 years, tune in to hear the history of the metal can and its sidekick that was late to the party, the opener. If you have an idea for a story please emai…
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