Bell's Books and Blog Podcast

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell explores significant events and marvels of human history. She discusses the catastrophic fall of the Hindenburg airship in 1937 and its pivotal impact on aviation history. Bell also sheds light on the construction and ongoing significance of the Panama Canal, highlighting its essential role in global trade and the modern chall...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Author Jane M. Bell explores some incredible stories of historical discoveries found in the unlikeliest of places. Bell discusses the discovery of a $100 million Caravaggio masterpiece found hidden in a French attic, and the mystery surrounding its origin and uncertain future. The episode then takes listeners to Japan, where a thousand-year-old...

In the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast episode, host Jane M. Bell explores intriguing chapters of American history. She gives a vivid account of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the conspiracy that aimed to destabilize the U.S. government. Jane also highlights the story of Elizabeth Van Lew, also known as 'Crazy Bet', a Southern belle who, under the guise of mental instability, operated...

The Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, explores the captivating lives and legends of three significant individuals from the American frontier. The episode dissects the real-life narratives of 'Grizzly Adams,' the pioneer icon whose dark backstory contrasts sharply with his popular folk hero image. It also unfurls the survival tale of trapper John Colter, celebrated for his dari...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Author Jane M. Bell explores the stories behind historical cons and hoaxes, starting with the infamous snake oil scam. Initially a legitimate treatment brought by Chinese immigrants, the term 'snake oil' became synonymous with fraud due to Clark Stanley's deceptive marketing tactics. Bell then shifts focus to Coca-Cola's complex history, from i...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, the audience is taken on a historical journey starting with an alternate version of Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 116' which suggests the work was possibly rewritten for political purposes during the English Civil War, shedding new light on the political climate of 17th-century England and challenging previous beliefs about the...

In this episode of Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell explores fascinating figures from Celtic mythology. She begins with a look at the warrior queen Scáthach, whose fierce strength and martial expertise played a crucial role in the training of legendary Irish warrior Cú Chulainn. Jane then discusses the Morrígan, a formidable triple goddess embodying war, fate, and death, and tells tales...

The Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, takes listeners on an engrossing journey through history, focusing on women warriors from Serbia, Viking lands, and Japan. Bell recounts the remarkable tales of Milunka Savić, a Serbian woman who excelled in battle, even capturing 23 Bulgarian soldiers single-handedly. The podcast then delves into the legends of Viking shieldmaidens and th...

In this episode of Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell takes the listeners on a journey back in time, discussing significant archaeological discoveries that rewrite our understanding of ancient civilizations. She explores the long-lost Mayan palace found in the Yucatán jungle of Mexico and talks about the archaeological evidence that a human settlement existed in British Columbia's Triquet...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell takes listeners on an intriguing journey through the world of hidden treasures. Starting with a 14th-century castle in Poland, the discovery of over 100 silver artifacts possibly hidden from Nazi looters during World War II is explored. Transitioning to modern times, the story of Forrest Fenn's treasure, a chest filled with ri...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell provides listeners with an intriguing exploration into the untold stories of America's early leaders during the commemoration of President's Week. Focusing on legends, forgotten figures, and those who significantly impacted history, Jane starts with a critical look into George Washington's legacy, debunking popular misconceptions a...

In this episode of Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell delves into three captivating historical love stories. She begins with the real-life parallels to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, citing the sociopolitical divisions in 16th-century Verona, and the potential inspirations for Juliet and Romeo. The podcast then explores the tragic romance of Abelard and Heloise, a philosopher and his stu...

In this episode of Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell explores intriguing moments from Super Bowl history, delving into the enduring mysteries and controversies that have shaped these iconic games. She dips into the unexpected victory of the New York Jets over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, raising questions around potential mafia influence and conspiracy theories surrounding the...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog podcast, host Jane M. Bell discusses three of history's most perplexing disappearances. Starting in the early 16th century, she explores the enigma surrounding the vanishing of Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real during his second voyage to Newfoundland, examining theories ranging from shipwreck, indigenous assimilation, secret return to Portugal, to...

In episode three of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell explored peculiar historical tales from U.S. history. She examined the legend of a ghostly figure encountered by Thomas Jefferson in the unfinished Capitol building, the mystery of Ulysses S. Grant's inauguration blackout, and the scandal surrounding a forged invitation during Rutherford B. Hayes's swearing-in ceremony. Each...

In the episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell explores chilling tales from Russian history. The journey begins with the catastrophic retreat of Napoleon's Grande Armée from Moscow in 1812, examining how harsh winter, starvation, potential sabotage, and alleged stolen treasures played into the fall of Napoleon's empire. Then, the focus shifts to the mysterious life and death of...

The latest episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, begins the new year with a fascinating look at three influential inventors: Nikola Tesla, Frederick Jones, and Zhang Heng. Tesla's pioneering work on alternating current electricity is explored in detail, from his tumultuous life to his influential role in the 'War of the Currents.' Frederick Jones, who transformed th...

The podcast explores the concept of time and its profound connections across history. Host Jane M. Bell traveled through time, discussing the Ellis Island immigration story in America where over 12 million hopeful immigrants aspired for new beginnings. Bell also visited ancient Egypt, explaining how their astronomical observations gave rise to the 24-hour day, influencing our understanding of time...

In the episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell explores historical narratives that shaped our world. She begins with the journey of Norse Vikings who established a settlement in North America, named L'Anse aux Meadows, around the year 1021. Shifting to a scientific context, Bell examines the contributions of Marie and Pierre Curie, pioneers in the study of radioactivity, wh...

In this episode of the "Bell's Books and Blog Podcast," host Jane M. Bell guides listeners on a fascinating exploration of the origin and history of some of our beloved holiday traditions. From nutcrackers and advent calendars to mid-night mass, the podcast looks into their rich backgrounds and evolution over centuries. Jane also discusses the cultural and religious significance of these tradition...

In her podcast, Jane M. Bell explores the historical origins of Christmas traditions, spanning from the World War I trenches to Victorian England and ancient Yule festivals. She first recounts the tale of the 1914 Christmas Truce, where soldiers momentarily set aside warfare to celebrate Christmas, symbolizing enduring human connection and shared values among adversity. Bell then takes listeners b...

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell explores the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. She starts with the story of Sarah Josepha Hale who, in addition to authoring 'Mary Had a Little Lamb', led a 17-year-long campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Jane then shifts to the intriguing tale of the "Great Turkey Theft of 1946," where 500 turkeys were st...

In this episode of Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, host Jane M. Bell explores theories of hidden messages within world-renowned masterpieces. She kicks off by discussing Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper', exploring theories of hidden codes, the speculated presence of Mary Magdalene, and a possible secret melody embedded in the art. The journey continues with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, conte...

The latest episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, explored intriguing stories of famous disguises and double lives from history. The episode began with the tale of Marie Antoinette's failed escape attempt during the French revolution, which ultimately led to the demise of the French monarchy. The narrative then turned to the exploits of the legendary Scarlet Pimperne...

The recent episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, focuses on honoring some profound military heroes in observation of Veterans Day. The spotlighted figures include Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon and the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, the prowess of the Native American Code Talkers whose native languages served as unbreakable codes during both...