Best David Bienenstock Podcasts (2024)

1
An Outlaw Weed Smuggler Started The World's Most Prestigious Pot Contest 1:03:00

2d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Tim Blake has proliferated the cannabis plant since the early 1970s. About twenty years ago, he left the outlaw life behind to put himself on the frontlines of the fight for legalization. Along the way, he founded the Emerald Cup, the world’s most prestigious cannabis competition. This August the Emerald Cup will celebrate its 20th anniversary with…

1
(Remastered) Powerful Priestesses of Rome, the Vestal Virgins 46:49

4d ago46:49

46:49

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was its wild and wacky religious tradition! In this episode of History for Weirdos, we're ditching the gladiators and emperors for a deep dive into the enigmatic world of the Vestal Virgins. These weren't your average Roman ladies – they were powerful priestesses who wielded immense influence, guarded sacred …

1
(Remastered) The Mysterious Underground City of Derinkuyu 32:27

11d ago32:27

32:27

In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew and Stephanie take us on a fascinating journey into the depths of Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city in modern-day Turkey. They explore its mysterious origins, its possible purposes as a refuge during times of conflict or as protection from harsh climate conditions, and the various civilizations …

1
A 1972 Study Had 20 Young Women Smoke Weed for 98 Days In Total Isolation 1:01:25

15d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

This story is pretty wild, extremely weedy, and most people have never heard of it before—including our guest, the esteemed weed journalist Mary Jane Gibson. So we're not about to give away any spoilers in the show notes. Just light one, get lit, and listen up! PATREON Please support Great Moments in Weed HIstory on Patreon. Supporters get exclusiv…

1
(Remastered) The Witches Who Tried to Stop Hitler 35:55

18d ago35:55

35:55

On this spellbinding episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie explores a fascinating and often overlooked corner of World War II history: the role of English witchcraft in the fight against Nazi Germany. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Gerald Gardner and the New Forest Coven, a group of witches who gathered in a moonlit forest to …

1
(Remastered) The Legendary Lawrence of Arabia 53:58

26d ago53:58

53:58

Join your favorite Weirdo historians, Stephanie and Andrew, as we explore the enigmatic life of T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. This British archaeologist, military strategist, and writer became a legendary figure during World War I, leading Arab forces in a daring revolt against the Ottoman Empire. But beneath the romanticized i…

1
Dennis Peron Put the Grass in Grassroots 1:01:42

1M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

After discovering the healing power of weed while serving in Vietnam, Dennis Peron smuggled two pounds of high-grade herb home. From there he became a charismatic and defiant leader of San Francisco's medical weed and gay rights movements. A fiery street-fighting optimist, he suffered multiple stints in prison—and even took a bullet in a police rai…

1
Episode 132: Historical Mass Hysteria 44:37

1M ago44:37

44:37

Welcome back, Weirdos! In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the bizarre world of mass hysteria, where groups of people experience seemingly contagious symptoms with no clear medical explanation. Get ready for some truly strange stories that will leave you scratching your head and wondering, "What the hell was happening?!" First, we'll rew…

1
Hip-Hop Lit The Fuse of Weed Freedom w/ Fab 5 Freddy 1:10:26

1M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

From starring in the first-ever movie about hip-hop and graffiti, to hosting Yo! MTV Raps, Fab 5 Freddy has been a weed aficionado at the forefront of underground culture for more than four decades. He's also the filmmaker behind the groundbreaking Netflix documentary "Grass is Greener," and the founder of the cause-based B. Noble cannabis brand. T…

1
Episode 131: Marcus Agrippa - The Roman Empire's MVP 1:02:06

2M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Augustus Caesar may be the name etched in history books as Rome's first emperor, but behind every great leader is an even greater right-hand man. This week, we delve into the life of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the unsung hero who helped build and maintain the vast Roman Empire. Agrippa, a brilliant military strategist and gifted engineer, was instru…

1
Episode 130: The Mysterious Mary Celeste 44:33

2M ago44:33

44:33

Welcome to another episode of "History For Weirdos" where Stephanie plunges into one of the sea’s most haunting mysteries—the enigmatic tale of the Mary Celeste. Found adrift in the Atlantic on December 4, 1872, this ghost ship was discovered in a perfectly seaworthy condition, yet eerily devoid of all crew. With the ship’s cargo intact and the cre…

1
Where Do Weed Strains Come From? 56:38

2M ago56:38

56:38

Breeder Steve started growing weed in Canada in the 1980s, and went on to create some of the most popular strains of the last thirty years. So he's the perfect person to explain the process of crossing two different types of cannabis to produce a distinct hybrid. Much of Steve's work took place in the outlaw era of Canadian cannabis, as part of a t…

1
Episode 129: Cannabis History with David Bienenstock 1:11:52

2M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In this special episode of History For Weirdos, we have a very special guest for April 20th (4/20), a cannabis / marijuana journalist and historian who has covered everything about the plant for almost twenty years! David Bienenstock is the author of "How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High" (Penguin / Random House), and creat…

1
Dropping Acid on Bicycle Day (4/20 Special Episode w/ Shane Mauss) 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

On April 19, 1943 Swiss chemist Dr. Albert Hoffman took the world's first LSD trip, which included a rather harrowing bicycle ride home from his lab that day. For the next sixty years, Hoffman would be fascinated by his famous "problem child," a powerful molecule that changed the course of history. Comedian Shane Mauss ("A Better Trip") tells us th…

1
Episode 128: The Roswell Incident 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

In this spine-tingling episode of History For Weirdos, we’re diving deep into the dusty files of the Roswell incident, the UFO phenomenon that sparked an avalanche of conspiracy theories and stoked the fires of extraterrestrial enthusiasts for decades. Join Andrew as he peels back the layers of mystery surrounding the strange events of July 1947. F…

1
Episode 127: America's Most Haunted Sanitorium - Waverly Hills 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

We're kicking off Paranormal April with an episode dedicated to one of the most haunted buildings in North America: The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Nestled atop a secluded hill in Kentucky, this monumental structure once served as a beacon of hope for tuberculosis patients during the early 20th century. Through a blend of historical insights and capt…

1
Carl Sagan and His Best Bud Get Blazed and Save the Universe 1:08:27

3M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

As we gaze upon the Cosmos, let's remember Carl Sagan, the famed astronomer who attributed his most powerful epiphanies to the creative influence of cannabis. And his best bud Dr. Lester Grinspoon, who set out to make the definitive scientific case against weed and ended up becoming one of the plant's greatest champions. Their friendship truly chan…

1
Episode 126: The Woman Who Would Be King - Pharaoh Hatshepsut 1:14:13

3M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew takes you on a journey back to ancient Egypt, to uncover the story of one of history's most intriguing figures: Hatshepsut, the woman who dared to become pharaoh. In a society dominated by men, her ascent to the throne was nothing short of revolutionary. Through a blend of storytelling and historical…

1
This Total Solar Eclipse Is Gonna Be Trippy AF 52:02

3M ago52:02

52:02

What's the most psychedelic experience you can have on Earth without ingesting so much as a microdose? A solar eclipse, no question—but you've got to be in the path of totality. Our guest on this episode, astronomer Nour Skaf, from the Black Rock Observatory, explains what exactly happens during an eclipse, and why it's such a profoundly trippy phe…

1
Episode 125: Joan of Arc, Teen General and Saint 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

In this electrifying episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie embarks on a journey back to the tumultuous times of the Hundred Years' War to unravel the enigmatic tale of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. Known for her pivotal role in lifting the siege of Orléans and leading the French to several crucial victories, Joan's story is one that blends …

1
Episode 124: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Disaster of 1911 47:48

4M ago47:48

47:48

In this riveting episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew plunges into the heart of one of the most catastrophic industrial disasters in American history—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. As flames engulfed a New York City garment factory, 146 lives were tragically cut short, most of them young immigrant women. This episode doesn't just…

1
The Epic Tail of Ganjasaurus Rex (featuring Jon Gabrus) 1:09:05

4M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

From the depths of the ocean, a mythical weed-loving monster arises to wreak havoc on the authorities who attempt to eradicate her favorite plant. Would you believe this no-budget 1980s monster movie is based on a true story? With special guest Jon Gabrus, we explore how a locally-produced film called Ganjasaurus Rex actually tells the history of o…

1
Episode 123: Florence Nightingale - The Lady with the Lamp 58:26

4M ago58:26

58:26

Florence Nightingale was a nurse, social reformer, and statistician who revolutionized healthcare in the 19th century. Born into a privileged British family, Nightingale defied societal expectations to pursue nursing education in Germany and France. Her pivotal moment came during the Crimean War when she transformed military hospitals through impro…

1
Episode 122: The One-Eyed Queen vs The Roman Empire 48:22

4M ago48:22

48:22

In this riveting episode of "History For Weirdos," we strap on our sandals and march back in time to the sun-baked lands of ancient Kush, where the indomitable Queen (Kandake) Amanirenas dared to stare down the eagle banners of Rome. With her one good eye, she saw through the imperial ambitions of Augustus and led her people in a bold campaign that…

1
I Answered Reddit's Weed Questions 56:04

4M ago56:04

56:04

The internet has burning questions about getting lit. So GMIWH took a week off from getting high on history to jump into the r/trees subreddit and drop some knowledge on those seeking advice. As you might imagine, the questions range from the serious, to the silly, to the strange. Think of this one as "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Weed …

1
Episode 121: Balto the Hero & Rin Tin Tin the Film Star 1:08:14

4M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

**Our Patreon is now live🎉 Click here to sign up! The first 25 Super and Ultimate Weirdos get a free gift so make sure you do it ASAP** - In this special two-part episode of "History For Weirdos," join your favorite armchair historians, Stephanie and Andrew, as we mush into the heart of the frozen Alaskan wilderness to uncover the tale of Balto, th…

1
Episode 120: The Real Queen of Sheba 40:35

5M ago40:35

40:35

Welcome back to another week of "History For Weirdos"! In today's episode, Stephanie takes us on a fascinating journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Queen of Sheba. A figure shrouded in legend and lore, the Queen of Sheba has intrigued historians, theologians, and adventurers alike for centuries. But who was she really? Was she a wealthy…

1
Meet Magu—China's Ancient Hemp Goddess 57:23

5M ago57:23

57:23

Let's head back to 2700 BC to meet an ancient Chinese hemp goddess who lived on a mountaintop full of cannabis plants where she brewed the elixir of life. And doesn’t that sound nice? Our guides for this trip are Christina Wong and Wendy Zeng, two chefs, culinary cannabis creators, and the co-hosts of Mogu Magu, a culture, food, and cannabis collec…

1
Episode 119: Abraham Galloway - Spy, Orator, Freedom Fighter 1:03:40

5M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," we dive into the shadowy world of espionage during the American Civil War to spotlight a figure whose audacity and heroism remain largely unsung: Abraham Galloway. Born into bondage but never shackled by it, Galloway's daring escape from slavery was just the prelude to a life of defiance, espionage…

1
Episode 118: The Brutality of the Papin Sisters 1:06:36

5M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," we delve into the chilling and enigmatic case of the Papin sisters, a story that rocked France in 1933 and continues to haunt the annals of criminal history. Christine and Léa Papin, seemingly docile maids, committed a crime so brutal that it left an entire nation questioning the depths of human ps…

1
The Outlaw Weed Mayor of Lake Tahoe 59:22

5M ago59:22

59:22

Cody Bass is a second generation outlaw who fought the law and lost, but never lost faith in cannabis. Today he’s a successful weed business owner, and the mayor of Lake Tahoe, California—the very jurisdiction where the authorities once literally tried to run him out of town. EPISODE ARCHIVE Visit our podcast feed for 100+ episodes of Great Moments…

1
Episode 117: The Assassination of William McKinley 1:17:50

5M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

In this gripping episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew plunges into the murky waters surrounding the assassination of President William McKinley, a pivotal yet often overshadowed moment in American history. As the turn of the century painted a vibrant backdrop of innovation and change, one gunshot at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 not only …

1
Episode 116: The Shark Arm Murders 33:51

6M ago33:51

33:51

In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", Stephanie dives deep into the murky waters of one of Australia's most jaw-dropping mysteries - the Shark Arm Murders of 1935. Picture this: a peaceful day at Coogee Aquarium Baths, suddenly shattered by the sight of a captive shark vomiting up a human arm! But this was no ordinary case of foul play; …

1
Meet Mila—Amsterdam's Hashish Queen 51:34

6M ago51:34

51:34

Mila Jansen first scored hash down on the docks in 1964, smuggled into Amsterdam by sailors from exotic ports of call. She soon after opened an early forerunner of that city’s legendary cannabis coffeeshops, before spending many years living in India, Afghanistan, and other traditional hashish producing regions. And then, upon returning home, she a…

1
Episode 115: Locusta of Gaul - Ancient Roman Serial Killer? 54:38

6M ago54:38

54:38

In this chilling episode of "History for Weirdos," Andrew delves into the shadowy world of Ancient Rome to uncover the story of Locusta of Gaul, history's deadliest poisoner. Once a trusted assassin for emperor Nero, Locusta's mastery of lethal concoctions claimed the lives of the elite, leaving a trail of intrigue and death that shook the Roman Em…

1
Episode 114: Queen Victoria's Killer Wet Nurse 46:44

6M ago46:44

46:44

In this week's episode of "History For Weirdos", we delve into the harrowing story of Mary Ann Brough, the former wet nurse to Queen Victoria's children, whose life spiraled into tragedy. Serving in the esteemed royal household, Mary Ann's external world was a facade hiding her inner turmoil. In 1854, this turmoil erupted in a horrific event: the m…

1
BAKE TO THE FUTURE: The Year in Weed + 2024 Predictions 55:01

6M ago55:01

55:01

We turned a crystal ball into a bong. Then we invited Leafly Senior Editor David Downs to smoke the strain of the year out of it and make predications for the future of cannabis. After reviewing the highs (and lows) of a tumultuous year, we see a bright, green future for the plant, the culture, and the industry in 2024 (and beyond). So please get l…

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