Historable

This week we cover our first topic for Black History Month. Robert Smalls was an enslaved man working in Charleston Harbor when the American Civil War broke out. On one fateful night he gathered his family, friends and his wits when he attempted and succeeded at stealing a Confederate supply ship which he then sailed north to safety. Robert then returned to the area, but this time fighting for the...

Welcome to episode 30! This week, Deanna talks all about the history of Irish Magdalene Laundries. While these institutions existed all around the globe, the Irish laundries are the most notorious. Tune in to find out how these homes went from a place for women to shelter while learning a skill to something comparable to a prison.

Over one million people showed up in Tiananmen Square Beijing in the Spring of 1989 to support pro-democratic reform to the communist regime. And over the next 48 hours, thousands of Chinese citizens would lose their lives for speaking out. We start off with how the protestors came to be there and the events that would follow and ending up to one of the most iconic photos of the 20th century. 

Today, on Martin Luther King Day, we talk all about his life, activism and legacy. How he believed and succeeded in making real change by way of peaceful protest and demonstration. Today we remember him and celebrate his birthday as one of the most iconic and important people of America's young history. 

Mary Mallon, an Irish-born cook living in New York City, is said to have been responsible for spreading Typhoid fever to over 50 people causing 3 deaths. All without being sick herself. Was she the victim or the aggressor or both? All we have to say is wash your hands and stay away from the peach ice cream.

This week we bring it back to Chicago in 1871 to tell the story of how one cow unintentionally destroyed a large portion of the city. Sadly a perfect storm of events lead to what was one of the most devastating tales in Chicago’s history. Thankfully our beloved hometown rose from the ashes (literally) and we are here to tell you all about it. Was Mrs. O’Leary’s cow Daisy really at fault? You be th...

In August 1971, a group of researchers at Stanford University wanted to study the effects of roles and the development of norms within a simulated prison environment. From revolts, breakdowns to some seriously disturbing guard behavior - the team got way more than they bargained for during this experiment. This week hear the story of the Stanford Prison Experiment and all that transpired in a shoc...

Cleopatra lived a whirlwind of a life. Through marriages, to children, to sibling rivalries she triumphed through it all - until she lost the love of her life. Check out this week as we talk about her life, and some of the things she most known for. 

Join us this week as we talk about National Stuffing Day. Sorry, Thanksgiving Day*** Are you a Turkey Trot family or a football all day family - or both? We take you through everything from the first American Thanksgiving to some common traditions celebrated on the day. And this year, this Historable Family is thankful to all of you Besties.

Marie Antionette was thrust into the public spotlight and became the Queen of France at 19 years old. She was known for her fashion sense, extravagant taste, party girl ways and a scandal involving a girls best friend - diamonds. Learn about her life, reputation and how she became a target for public ridicule during a time of financial strain in the country. 

We wanted to drop in your feeds today, Veterans Day, to give you the history behind the day and to say thank you to all those who have served. 

Happy 21st Episode Birthday Historable Podcast! This week, in honor of our 21st episode we decided to change it up with random history facts. Who knows - maybe one day some of these will help you at Trivia Night. From medicinal ketchup to fox tossing to death by molasses - you don't want to miss this weeks episode. 

Every year people across the UK come together with bonfires and fireworks to celebrate the failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords in 1605. This week Michelle tells us the story of the unsuccessful murderous plan known as the Gunpowder Plot and how a somewhat vague note saved the day. Learn about the story of "John Johnson", his crew and why we must always "Remember, remember t...

Ever wonder why you carve pumpkins, bob for apples and go asking strangers for candy every year for Halloween? We got the deets this week. We talk about all things Halloween by going over its origins in the festival of Samhain, a really cheeky drunk guy,  how traditions have modernized over the years and how this holiday has slowly stolen our hearts and...souls muahahaha. 

One day a group of tweens began accusing their neighbors of being witches and thus the Salem Witch Trials were born. Fueled by distrust, paranoia and some downright ridiculous witch tests - over 200 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Learn about how mass hysteria took over the Puritan town of Salem Village and how many innocent people had to pay the price along the...

Mary Tudor was the daughter of Henry VIII and the first female monarch of England. After going through tons of hoops to rightfully take back her throne, her five year reign was spent trying to restore the Catholic faith in her country. Infamous for burning hundreds of Protestants at the stake, she earned herself the nickname "Bloody Mary". Your favorite brunch cocktail will never taste t...

This week, Deanna takes the mic and tells the story of the infamous Blood Countess - Elizabeth Bathory. An unbelievable tale of violence, torture and bloodlust set in 16th century Hungary - hear the story of her crazy life, torture squad and eventual lonely death. Listen for yourself and determine if this high power Countess was truly a serial killer or a victim of other political factors at play....

Using his "Join or Die" method of conquering land, Genghis Khan rose up from being a child cast away of his tribe to establishing one of the largest land empires in history. His no nonsense approach cemented his legacy in history books as one of the most famous conquerors that have ever existed. This week, we learn about his rise to power, how he built his army and how he impacted millio...

We couldn't resist sharing this Patreon episode with everyone! So come listen to the tale of Poland's biggest, surliest and cutest soldier during WW2.

Onward ho! Do you think you have what it takes to travel 2,000 miles, braving the elements, wildlife and disease all for the sake of starting a new life? This week we talk about some of the hardships pioneers faced on their way to the Oregon Trail. 

Today's episode talks about a major event that happened in Deanna and Michelle's city of Chicago. The Haymarket Affair shows just how much history repeats itself in that there will always be rights that need to be stood up for. 

This week we talk about a whole lot of firsts while the world first began exploring space. Known as the Space Race, we talk about the US and USSR perseverance in getting to the moon and beyond. #PIAPO

This week we hear Michelle struggle to pronounce names again as she tell us the story of a widow fueled by sorrow and hatred. Taking our first dip in to the WWII era, we discuss how this bad B gave up everything in the name of love, and rode straight to the front lines with the passion of revenge. 

Buckle in, because this one was way more than Michelle had bargained for before diving in to research. Known as the "Forgotten War", we talk about the pivotal moments, battles and a last second decision that kept an American treasured art piece out of harms way. So tune and learn why you should be thankful for modern forms of instant communications.

The man. The myth. The pigeon loving legend. Join us this week as we talk all about one of the worlds greatest inventors of all time, Nikola Tesla. He was essential to the world of electrical engineering and even got in to a pissing match with Thomas Edison. You won't want to miss this inspiring yet tragic tale.