History Buffoons Podcast

When history remembers Elizabeth Bathory, it recalls a monster - the "Blood Countess" who allegedly murdered 650 young women and bathed in their blood to preserve her youth. But what if the most notorious female serial killer in history was largely a victim of political conspiracy? Our journey into the dark legend of Elizabeth Bathory reveals a tale far more complex than vampire lore sug...

The name Elizabeth Bathory evokes images of horror and blood-soaked legends, but behind the macabre reputation lies a fascinating historical figure shaped by the tumultuous forces of Renaissance Europe. Born in 1560 to a powerful Hungarian noble family, the woman who would become known as the "Blood Countess" navigated a world caught in the violent struggle between the Habsburg Empire an...

The shocking story of how simply washing hands could have saved countless women's lives—and why doctors refused to do it.  Meet Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician working in Vienna in the 1840s who made a disturbing observation: women were dying at alarming rates after childbirth in doctor-run maternity wards, while those assisted by midwives usually survived. The difference? Doctors wer...

When a fashion trend becomes a target for violence, what does that reveal about a society? In wartime Los Angeles 1943, young Mexican-Americans who wore zoot suits—characterized by their distinctive wide-legged, tapered pants and long coats—found themselves hunted through the streets by uniformed servicemen, beaten, stripped naked, and left humiliated while police arrested the victims rather than...

Annie Oakley, the legendary sharpshooter, defied all odds to become one of the most recognized figures in American history. This episode reveals how the young girl from Ohio, burdened by personal tragedy, transformed her life through skill, tenacity, and a refusal to be confined by societal norms. Discover her rise to fame in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where she showcased her extraordinar...

Dive into the whimsical world of the 'Whiskey War,' where Canada and Denmark engaged in an unusual territorial dispute over a tiny patch of rock known as Hans Island. This episode reveals how a small island, approximately 1.3 square kilometers, sparked decades of friendly rivalry characterized by creative flag plantings and playful exchanges of whiskey and schnapps. Discover the lighter...

What happens when a Carbliss tequila cocktail tastes more like cleaning products? Kate has the answer, and it involves a trusty backup plan involving a classic Modelo. Meanwhile, Bradley finds summer in a can with his newfound love for a Sierra Nevada tropical IPA. Our lighthearted beverage banter takes some unexpected turns, touching everything from AI to genetic testing, and even Kate’s personal...

Ever botched a brewery's name right in front of the brewer? We did, and it set the stage for a hilarious and heartwarming adventure at Cool City Brewing Company in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Join us as we meet Ryan, the brewer, and his family, savoring their unexpected Berry Habanero Sour that challenges our palates in the best way possible. And seriously, if you're a pretzel aficionado, wai...

Ever wondered how people managed to wake up on time before the invention of reliable alarm clocks? Join us as we promise a journey through the quirky world of Victorian-era professions, where the "knocker uppers" reigned supreme. These human alarm clocks roamed the streets, tapping on windows with bamboo sticks or knocking on doors to rouse factory workers before dawn. Dive into the humo...

What happens when napping becomes an Olympic sport, and BeatBox beverages take center stage? Tune in to our latest episode where Kate and I explore the art of napping, with a humorous twist that might just inspire you to perfect your snooze. As we sip on the spirited flavors of BeatBox, our candid reactions promise plenty of laughs and maybe even a new favorite drink. Plus, fuzzy memories of our H...

Have you ever embarked on a home improvement project only to find out that painting is not your forte? Well, you're not alone—we're in the same boat! Join us, Kate and Bradley, as we bumble through the joys and pitfalls of painting Kate's closet a bold teal. Though it left us feeling as sluggish as a tortoise on a lazy afternoon, the result was a vibrant splash of color that brighte...

Prepare yourself for one of the most surreal and outrageous moments in church history with our latest episode on the Cadaver Synod. Ever wondered how far someone would go for power? Join Kate and Bradley as we promise to unravel the spectacle where the corpse of Pope Formosus was exhumed and put on trial, showcasing the chaotic and comedic lengths of ecclesiastical politics in 9th and 10th century...

Ever wondered how a simple gummy can spark a conversation about history and labor movements? We kicked off this episode of the History of Buffoons with a lighthearted chat about our latest obsession with Skittles gummies and the chaos of flu season in our homes. Amid tales of feline antics and our favorite brews—Kate's Kona Big Wave and Bradley's Foggy Geezer hazy IPA—we bring humor and...

Picture this: a refreshing gin and tonic in hand, an exclusive new intro and outro song by Cory Akers in your ears, and a captivating story ready to unfold. Welcome to another episode of History Buffoons, where we spice things up with exciting updates and a touch of humor. We share our thoughts on a potential logo makeover that aligns us more closely with our companion podcast, Origin of Weird, an...

What if a plane crash had the power to not only shatter dreams but also serve as the springboard for an awe-inspiring comeback? Strap in as we sip on a tart strawberry rhubarb hard cider from Illinois' own Obscurity Cider, generously shared by our friend Tara, and journey through the extraordinary life of Elizabeth "Betty" Robinson. We kick things off with a playful chat about Kate&...

Imagine unraveling the intricate web of World War II over a casual drink, understanding how a small group used psychological manipulation to control millions. Join us as we explore this chilling history, revealing the dark secrets of the Nazi regime. We even find ourselves captivated by maritime history, discussing shipwrecks and naval battles despite our initial indifference to the ocean. Our cur...

What’s the secret to balancing humor, baseball, and a dash of heroism? Well, it starts with a botched cheeseburger order and our mutual disdain for onions, setting the stage for a delightful conversation over a crisp pseudo sue pale ale. We share our love for a local bar and dive into the fascinating journey of Jim Rice, the legendary baseball star whose story from South Carolina to the Hall of Fa...

What do airport tunnels, alien hideouts, and a gargoyle named Gregoriden have in common? They're all part of the fantastical lore surrounding Denver International Airport. Join us as we kick things off with a hilarious chat about the etiquette (or lack thereof) of burping before soaring into the sky-high statistics and quirky history of this colossal hub. Covering an area larger than Manhatta...

Have you ever found comfort in a familiar brew and the nostalgia it brings? Join us for a cozy evening where Kate and Bradley indulge in our go-to drinks—Modelo for Kate, and a Summer Shandy for Bradley—while reminiscing about the quirky world of high school yearbooks and the elusive perfect senior quote. Our light-hearted chat meanders through laughter, a bit of leg-slapping fun, and the shared j...

Ever wondered how a festival honoring the Roman god Saturn could influence your Christmas celebrations today? Join us, the History Buffoons, as we unravel this and other fascinating tidbits in our festive romp through holiday history. You’ll discover the intriguing evolution of Christmas from public church gatherings to cozy home festivities, all while we sip on some delightful brews and dodge the...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an astronaut and join the ranks of legends like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins? Grab a soda and get comfortable as we share some personal stories, starting with Bradley's dreams of being a musician and Kate's unforgettable, albeit queasy, experience shadowing a biologist. As we reminisce about childhood aspirations, we segu...

Journey with us through the shadowy corridors of history as we unravel the overlooked tale of Rosemary Kennedy, a narrative intertwined with the ingenuity of Operation Mincemeat and the tragic legacy of lobotomies. This episode of "The Origin of Weird" uncovers the complex dynamics within the Kennedy family, where political ambition collided with private struggle. Born amidst the Spanish...

Have you ever found yourself in a professional setting, trying to maintain a semblance of dignity while battling a cold? We sure have! Kick back with us as we share our hilariously awkward attempts at podcasting through stuffy noses and comical pronunciation slip-ups. And don’t worry, our signature beverage segment is back—complete with new beer tastings and the inevitable spills that keep us on o...

Reflecting on poignant personal stories, we find solace and laughter in the memories of my late father. Amidst the grief, Kate and I share a touching scotch toast using one of his cherished bottles, inviting you to join us as we honor his memory. Our heartfelt conversation takes on a lighter note as we share hilarious tales of parenting mishaps, like the infamous "poopy mashed potato diaper&q...

What if the fate of World War II hinged on a single, audacious ruse involving a dead man and a briefcase full of secrets? Dive into the bizarre tale of Operation Mincemeat, where British intelligence turned the body of a Welsh vagrant into Major William Martin, a fictional officer whose fabricated existence was meticulously crafted to deceive the Axis powers. You’ll be transported to the coast of...