Historical Blindness

Backward notions of our place in the universe, illusory signs of extraterrestrial life, phantom planets--In this episode, I survey the development of our understanding of the solar system and beyond, learning how erroneous ideas, even those that were popular for a long time, are eventually overturned, revealed to be false by the light of science.  Pick up my principal source for this episode, Disp...

In this episode, I explore the long history of vaccine criticism and anti-vaccination rhetoric in order to dispel myths and misconceptions about this historic medical breakthrough and to encourage vaccination against Covid-19.  Find out where you can get vaccinated if you are a U.S. resident.  Check out my novel, Manuscript Found!  If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with t...

Hi Patrons! Ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility, I want to talk about trans persons in history, and how academia handles trans history, with a special focus on the incredible story of Chevalier d'Eon, a story of mystery and intrigue with enough twists that it would make for a compelling film.  Pledge support at www.patreon.com/historicalblindness. Check out my novel, Manuscript Fo...

Following up my series on the Lost Tribes of Israel, we look at the rich American tradition of archaeological frauds claimed as evidence of Pre-Columbian Trans-Oceanic Contact, the "Mound Builder Myth," and Mormon beliefs about American prehistory. Pledge support on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/historicalblindness  Check out my novel, Manuscript Found!   If you are thinking of starting a pod...

In part 2 of my series on the legend of the Lost Tribes, we see how this historical myth has evolved in different eras as the basis for numerous insidious theories of racial origin. Here again are many of the hallmarks of subjects I cover on the podcast: bad etymology, pseudo-archaeological hoaxes, outrageous interpretations of scriptures, and people holding up false history as justification for h...

The first part of a 2-part series on the Lost Tribes of Israel. This topic contains a lot of the hallmarks of this podcast's most interesting subjects: myth, legend, apocryphal scripture, texts of uncertain authorship, literary hoaxes, anti-Semitic conspiracy theory, faulty scholarship, and dubious religious beliefs.  If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you...

A look at Presbyter Johannes, or Prester John, a legendary Christian king of a faraway land filled with wonders. Who authored the hoax that propagated his legend, and how valid are the various theories of his historical identity?  If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, visit The Podcast Professor at www.profpodcast.com or email profpodcasting...

I'm running late on the next full-length episode, so here's a patron exclusive I did in January last year when I was running behind for other reasons. After talking about what's going on with me know (and what was going on with me back then), enjoy an episode about the mysteries surrounding Cleopatra and her son, which ties in a bit with the cold open on the last episode, about the destruction of...

In this volume of my Encyclopedia Grimoria, I continue to seek the origin of magic in history, having followed the trail in my previous exploration from ancient Persia to ancient Egypt, where I now find the enigmatic figure of Hermes Trismegistus and his Emerald Tablet.  If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, contact the Podcast Professor at...

In the third annual holiday special, I look at the legendarium of the Three Wise Men and the Star of Bethlehem. Were they and their visit to the Christ Child real? If a myth, what was the reason for the inclusion of the brief passage in Matthew that originated their legend?  If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, contact me the Podcast Profes...

This episode is simultaneously political and holiday-themed. With the Presidential power of pardoning under scrutiny, I look at the history of its use and misuse as I speculate about how our current lame duck may abuse it and consider whether it should be reformed.  Donate at paypal.me/NathanLeviLloyd or support the show by signing up for a 2-week trial of The Great Courses Plus or a 30-day trial...

I've got a little holiday treat for you this Thanksgiving! Listen to this Blind Spot minisode that I released last year to patrons on Patreon all about the myths and misconceptions surrounding the history of Thanksgiving. Then go lecture your families about it (perhaps on a video chat this year)! Meanwhile, I'll be giving thanks for all my listeners! Pledge support for the show on patreon.com/hist...

Hi patrons! This episode is yet another political topic. With the topic of Supreme Court expansion in the public discourse after the controversial confirmations of justices nominated by Donald Trump, I look at the history and structure of the Supreme Court, the changing size of its bench, and the historical basis of arguments for judicial reform. Pledge at Patreon before Dec. 1st to be entered to...

In this post-election episode, written a week before the American presidential election, I look to contested elections in American history for some insight into what is happening today, with especial focus on the outmoded institution of the Electoral College of the United States and the elections of 1824 and 1876.  Pledge on Patreon at patreon.com/historicalblindness to get ad-free and exclusive e...

In part two of my series on the early modern witch craze and the myths, misconceptions, and theories about witches spread by academics, I am again joined by Sarah Handley-Cousins of Dig: A History Podcast to discuss the founding of Wicca, the emergence of the midwife-witch myth, and folk healers as targets of witchcraft accusations.  If you're an American, PLEASE VOTE! Support the podcast by signi...

In the first of a two part series, I'm joined by Sarah Handley-Cousins of Dig: A History Podcast to talk about the early modern witch craze and the historical myths and misconceptions surrounding it.  If you're an American, PLEASE VOTE!  Support the podcast by signing up for a free 30-day trial of Audible at audibletrial.com/historicalblindness  Some music on this episode is copyright Alex Kish. C...

In the extra-long conclusion of my series on Illuminati conspiracy theories, I talk about how conspiracy theories about the Illuminati played a large role in the presidential election of 1800 as well as how they have remained ubiquitous in American political discourse since then.  Visit https://howto.vote/ to find information on registering to vote and voting this year. Please don't wait.  Get a 3...

In this patron exclusive minisode released in April of 2019, I delved into the mystery of a day with no light, when darkness fell over New England and many feared that God's judgment was at hand. But was the Dark Day really a mysterious phenomenon as it is unceasingly portrayed? I'm releasing this patron exclusive on the free, ad-supported feed now because its topic has been on my mind for the las...

A contemplation of the modern conservative conspiracy theory of a "deep state" leads me back to the dawn of modern conspiracy theory, the Enlightenment, when the ultimate conservative conspiracy theory was born as an explanation of the French Revolution: the Illuminati!  Get a 30-day free trial of Audible with a free audiobook AND support this show by visiting http://www.audibletrial.com/historica...

In the aftermath of an explosion that killed a king and upset the foundations of power in Scotland, various suspects in the murder vie for control of the country. What evidence exists to prove who was behind the regicide, and can it be trusted?  This episode is sponsored by Sudio. While as patrons you won't hear their ad, you can still support the show by making a purchase of one of their fine aud...

In 1567, the King of Scotland is murdered, and even today, mystery surrounds the crime. In part one, we look at the life and reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, from birth to her consort's demise to learn what led up to the murder and better understand the questions that remain.  This episode is sponsored by Sudio. While as patrons you won't hear their ad, you can still support the show by making a pur...

In the conclusion to this series about an age of miracles in the midst of the Enlightenment, we look at the strange development of convulsionism among the adherents of François de Pâris. Along the way, we see the emergence of egalitarianism and democratic ideals in pre-Revolutionary France as well as signs of disorder between the powers of the throne, the Church, and the sovereign court.  Much of...

In the center of the High Enlightenment, as Western culture moved toward rational worldview, a series of miracles deepens a religious schism and contributes to a lack of faith in the royal government, laying the groundwork for a future revolution. But what really happened at the tomb of François de Pâris in the cemetery of Saint-Médard? Part one of two. Featuring a promo for Pontifacts, the podcas...

In this new episode, I play the devil's advocate and investigate the supposed miracles of an Italian monk said to have the superhuman ability of unencumbered flight! Was he the returned messiah, a servant of the devil, or a charlatan? Or did he just have a superpower? To provide material support to the Black Lives Matter movement, visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019. To su...

As we see anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and hate speech surge during the coronavirus pandemic, a historical pattern can be discerned, a tradition of fear and resentment that is well illustrated in the medieval legend of the Wandering Jew. Join me as I explore this Christian legend, connecting it every step of the way with the long history of using Jews as scapegoats for calamities of all kinds....