Theda Bara was the most famous movie star you’ve probably never heard of. One of the first movie stars, America’s first goth, and Hollywood’s first sex symbol, Theda Bara was the epitome of Madame Mystery. Though most of her films have been lost to time, Theda is one of the pioneers of early Hollywood. More Halloween Episodes: https://www.immortalp…

In a first for Storical Podcast, here is a live episode! I recently gave a lecture sharing some of the most interesting stories in perfume history. Listen to hear about perfume and poison such as Acqua Tofana, Chanel versus Schiaparelli, perfumes recovered from the Titanic, the perfume Andy Warhol was buried with, and the perfume Jude Law used to g…

We all know about Eastern European vampires but did you know that right here in America we had our own vampire panic? Yup. It turns out New England was kind of a scary place the first 200 years of colonial and then American rule. Listen to today’s episode to learn about the New England Vampire Panic and Mercy Brown, the teenaged purported vampire. …

Gilded Age New York was all about flaunting your money. And no one did it better than the first families of excess, the Astors and the Vanderbilts. Part two is all about multi-hyphenate Alva Vanderbilt. Social climber, society leader, architect, suffragette. We will also take a look at her daughter Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough. Tune …

Gilded Age New York was all about flaunting your money. And no one did it better than the first families of excess, the Astors and the Vanderbilts. Part one of a multi part series, today we’re looking at the life of Caroline Astor, the “Mystic Rose” and arbiter of taste in New York Society. You’ll want to listen to the episode to get primed on the …

This is the Storical Halloween Special. The veil is thin and the dead walk among us. Before you indulge in some tricks or treats, enjoy this episode and decide whether Lizzie Borden really took an ax to give her mother 40 whacks. Links to all sources referenced and full transcript are below! PODCASTS Hysterical History - Lizzie Borden Series - http…

Storical is back with an all new episode about the messy life of Mary Queen of Scots. There is murder, treason, Medicis, and Tudors… you won’t want to miss it! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Stitcher so you never miss an episode with all of my sporadic absences. Fiction Mary Queen of Scots and the Isles by Margaret Ge…

Storical is back for an all new season starting with a special episode for Black History Month. This week, we’re talking about Edmonia Lewis, the first American artist of color to achieve international fame. Listen to the episode to learn about this titan of the art world who was almost lost to history, and about the century-long mystery of the dis…

The festivities that grew into modern day Christmas have spanned millennia. But most of the traditions we recognize today began under the reign of Queen Victoria. Take a listen for the history of Christmas cards, kissing balls, Christmas trees, and presents. Check out the links below for some creepy Victorian cards. Happy holidays! See you in 2021!…

Pssst…it turns out Christmas is a super pagan holiday. On today’s episode we’re doing a brief overview of the origins of Christmas and how Charles Dickens brought the holiday back after Oliver Cromwell had Christmas canceled. For all those who think there’s a war on Christmas…just be glad Oliver Cromwell’s not still around. Happy Solstice, Happy Ha…

It’s Native American Heritage Day! For today’s episode, I’ll be shining a light on an important Native woman in Nevada history: Sarah Winnemucca. She was the first Native woman to write an autobiography and traveled around the US on a lecture tour educating and protesting the plight of her people. Take a listen and get inspired, then research the t…

Edgar Allan Poe had a mind for the macabre. But as it turns out, some of his most famous works were based on true tales of horror. Listen to the episode for the origin stories of 5 of Poe’s spookiest works. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Audible, or Stitcher. Follow on Insta…

Edgar Allan Poe died in 1849, but there are still places standing that housed the author. This week, we’re traveling from Richmond to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston for a look at some of the most interesting places to visit on your very own Poe Pilgrimage. Sites Mentioned Richmond The Poe Museum - https://www.poemuseum.org/ The Raven…

Edgar Allan Poe died as he lived…mysteriously. It’s been more than 200 years and we still don’t know what killed Poe but there are theories. Today, we’re taking a look at the leading theories as to what killed the macabre author as well as the mysterious story of the Poe Toaster. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Goo…

Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece, The Raven, was inspired not by any ordinary raven, not by a harbinger of doom, it was a talking pet raven named Grip owned by none other than Charles Dickens. Tune in for the story of Grip…then go visit the real Grip who is still on display at the Free Library of Philadelphia! https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/…

October is spOoOoky month and OF COURSE Edgar Allan Poe died in October. This month on Storical, tune in every week for a new episode on the life and writings of Poe. Today, we’re going over his full life story. Check back for episodes on Grip the raven, the mysterious death of Poe, and some of the inspirations for his tales of terror. Nonfiction E…

Marie Laveau was THE Voodoo Queen in a city overrun with purported doctors and queens. Today we’re separating fact from fiction about both Marie and voodoo. Was she a witch or a saint? When you actually get into the nitty gritty of her life and dig deeper than the many exaggerated stories about both the woman and voodoo itself, what you find is act…

When Percy Bysshe Shelley was cremated, Lord Byron and the others present noticed something odd… his heart wouldn’t burn. This week, we’re diving into the strange story of Mary Shelley and the calcified heart of her husband. Storical will be a little less frequent for the next few months as I’m undergoing some health treatments. Subscribe in whatev…

Artemisia Gentileschi was a Baroque painter whose story has long been dominated by that of her father…and her rapist. But Artemisia lived a long, full, and successful life. She was the only woman who followed in the tradition of Carvaggio and was the court painter for the Medicis. Listen for her fascinating story of survival and transcendence. Stor…

This week, we’re revisiting the colorful, iconic, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her life was marked by pain and suffering of both the body and the heart. Listen to learn about the life and loves of Frida. Storical will be a little less frequent for the next few months as I’m undergoing some health treatments. Subscribe in whatever app you use to get …

Nannerl Mozart was Mozart’s older sister and a child prodigy herself. Today we’re taking a look at the life of the pushed aside sister. Storical will be a little less frequent for the next few months as I’m undergoing some health treatments. Subscribe in whatever app you use to get all the latest episodes or follow @StoricalPodcast on Instagram. Jo…

The movie Amadeus solidified the belief that not only was Mozart murdered, but he was murdered at Salieri’s hand. That didn’t actually happen and the real story is a lot more complicated. Listen to the episode to learn more about Mozart’s “rival,” Antonio Salieri. Storical will be a little less frequent for the next few months as I’m undergoing som…

Replay episode! Get ready for some drama filled history as we welcome our first gentleman subject to Storical, King Henry VIII. Love him or loathe him his story is epic. And, spoiler alert! We’ll be doing a whole episode on Anne Boleyn, his most intriguing wife, next month. Links to all recommendations below. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen…

Bishops from the Catholic church were in charge of Joan of Arc’s trial and ended up condemning her to die. So if it was the church that burned her, why the change of heart and change of status to a saint? Today we’re looking at what happened during the 500 years after her death that led to her becoming the patron saint of France. New episodes on Mo…

We all know that Joan of Arc believed she heard the voices of saints sent by God on her mission to save France. But who were these saints and what were there stories? Today, we’re taking a look at the origin stories of St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine and where they fit in to the politics of the time. New episodes on Mondays. You can li…

Charles VI believed he was made entirely of glass and that any small movement would cause him to shatter. Listen in for an exploration of the glass delusion (afflicted lots of nobles!) and how this French king’s fear that his body was glass set Joan of Arc’s mission in motion. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Google…

Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France, and unlike many of the saints…she actually existed! Listen to the episode to learn how an illiterate peasant girl was able to drive out the English and put the French back on the path to reclaim their country during the Hundred Years War. Did she really speak to angels? Was she a bloodthirsty soldier? We k…

With the rapid spread of COVID-19, people across the globe are feeling anxious and uncertain. It’s important to remember that we’ve been here before. Many times. With less technology and less knowledge about health, medicine, and germs. So, before you rush out and buy more toilet paper, take a look at five of the worst pestilences in human history …

This week marks both the birthday and death day of one of (the?) greatest writer of all time, William Shakespeare! For the Storical Shakespeare Special, we’re doing a primer on his life with some interesting, little known facts about the Bard. All the world’s a stage and he was merely a player…but a player who left a lasting impact on Western cultu…

After you visited the museum, if you were brave enough and could afford the extra six pence admission, Madame Tussaud would allow you entry to her infamous Chamber of Horrors. An early version of The Chamber was created in the late 1700s and was the most popular exhibit until its demise in 2016. Today we’re looking at the gory appeal of Madame Tuss…

You’ve seen the creepy wax figures of celebrities, but did you know that Madame Tussaud was an actual person who hung out with Marie Antoinette? Today we’re looking at the artist who survived The Terror to rule an entertainment empire that is still going strong 200 years later. New episodes every Monday. You can listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Goo…

Final episode in our series for Irish History Month is a rebroadcast of last year’s episode on Charlotte Brontë! (Her grandparents were Irish, it counts.) Charlotte wasn’t just some spinster writer. Her life was full of adventure and tragedy. Listen to learn more about the creator of Jane Eyre! New episodes every Monday. You can listen on Apple Pod…

Dr. James Miranda Barry was a Victorian doctor with a big secret: he was born Margaret Anne Bulkley. We’re rounding out Irish History Month with the highly accomplished doctor (wish we had him now for the pandemic!) with a fluid gender. Tune in for more on his life and the scandal that ensued upon his death. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen …

Whether someone is a freedom fighter or a terrorist depends on whose side you’re on. Such is the case with Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary who paved the way for Irish independence. Tune in to learn more about the enigmatic “Big Fellow” who brought an empire to it’s knees before his assassination at age 31. Use code POD321 for 20% off your …

It’s International Women’s Day! What better way to celebrate than diving into the life of Margaret Sanger - the reproductive rights advocate who founded Planned Parenthood. Margaret was integral in making birth control available to all women. She also had some dark beliefs. Tune in to learn how this Irish-American woman changed history. Further Rea…

Calling all dandies! We’re kicking off Irish Heritage Month with a look at witty Irish playwright, Oscar Wilde. Listen in for a detailed look at his work…and his downfall. Plus, there are TWO references to Dracula and friend of Storical, raging spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle makes an appearance. Further Reading Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Im…

The more Josephine Baker’s star rose, the more exotic her pets became. This week we’re taking a look at Josephine’s menagerie of wild animals including Albert, the perfumed pig, and Chiquita, the diamond collared cheetah. Further Reading Photo of Chiquita and more backstory - http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/j/josephine-baker/ Storical Footnot…

Josephine Baker is looked to as a historical example of a strong, successful, queer performer. Today, we’re looking at her relationships with women. From Colette to Frida Kahlo, Josephine had relationships with some of the most prominent artists of the day. Further Reading Josephine Baker’s Hungry Heart - https://glreview.org/article/article-959/ T…

Just in time for the 92nd Academy Awards, here is a look at unlikely best friends Josephine Baker and Grace Kelly! The two women met when Grace Kelly stood up for Josephine who was being denied service at a New York club. They would remain friends for the rest of Josephine’s life, after which she would be buried in Monaco, near her friend. New epis…

You know about the banana skirt, but Josephine Baker contained multitudes. In celebration of Black History Month, we’re taking a look at the life and loves of Josephine Baker. She went from living in a cardboard box on the streets of St. Louis to commanding the stage in Paris before spying for the French Resistance in World War II and integrating n…

When you’re a person in power, a lot of people want you dead. Would-be assassins tried eight times to kill Queen Victoria, but luck was on her side. Far creepier were her obsessive stalkers. Today we’re looking at the men who tried to kill the Queen and the strange case of the Boy Jones who broke into the palace repeatedly…and stole her underwear. …

Queen Victoria had 9 kids and 42 grandchildren! It was hoped that by marrying off her descendants to the different houses of Europe that there would be a lasting peace….that’s not quite what happened. Tune in for a look at Victoria’s children and the role her two most famous grandchildren played in World War I. Further reading: Who Were Queen Victo…

Queen Victoria had a lonely childhood thanks to the oppressive Kensington System her mother and Sir John Conroy set up to keep her dependent. All that changed when a cute little Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Dash came into her life. On this week’s episode, find out what happened to Victoria’s beloved dog, Dash. Further reading: https://royalc…

Queen Victoria was the sovereign of the UK at the height of British Empire, and until her great-great granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II overtook her in 2015, was the longest reigning monarch. She ruled over 400 million people! But her road to the throne was an unlikely one marked by a horrible childhood and controlling men. Listen in to learn the tr…

Pssst…it turns out Christmas is a super pagan holiday. On today’s episode we’re doing a brief overview of the origins of Christmas and how Charles Dickens brought the holiday back after Oliver Cromwell had Christmas canceled. For all those who think there’s a war on Christmas…just be glad Oliver Cromwell’s not still around. Happy Solstice, Happy Ha…

Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece, The Raven, was inspired not by any ordinary raven, not by a harbinger of doom, it was a talking pet raven named Grip owned by none other than Charles Dickens. Tune in for the story of Grip…then go visit the real Grip who is still on display at the Free Library of Philadelphia! https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/…

It’s the holiday season which means that the roughly 9 billion adaptations of A Christmas Carol are on television playing in a continuous loop. But who was the man behind the season’s greatest ghost story? Charles Dickens is considered the greatest English writer, behind Shakespeare, to have ever lived. Tune in to learn about his time in the workho…

In 1901, two British academics had a strange experience at Versailles. Listen in to learn about the Moberly-Jourdain incident, a tale of time travel and Marie Antoinette’s ghost. New episodes on Mondays. You can listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Stitcher. Follow on Instagram or Facebook @storicalpodcast…

Marie Antoinette’s fashion is iconic to this day. But how did she go from frumpy Austrian Archduchess to the reigning Queen of Couture? Three people were behind Marie Antoinette’s fashion transformation. Meet Rose Bertin, Léonard Autié, and Jean-Louis Fargeon. Rose was the Minister of Fashion, Léonard the hairdresser, and Jean-Louis the perfumer an…

Marie Antoinette was accused of having affairs with numerous men and women. But there was only one who held her heart. There’s no denying her fondness for Axel von Fersen, but were the two actually lovers? Tune in to learn more about Marie Antoinette’s sultry Swedish sidepiece and his tragic end. Kirsten Dunst & Jamie Dornan in Marie Antoinette - h…