History Defeats Itself

Bullying is a real problem in this country. From middle school lugheads who call fellow classmates childish names and steal their lunch money to former presidents who call fellow politicians childish names and try to steal all the money, bullies are everywhere. On this episode Greg talks about the acts and ramifications of bullies and their victims. It's not a good life for either. There's no bett...

Most people learn a lot in college. Like how we didn't give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor. But aside from learning, college also provides many of our young people with something else: massive student loan debt. On this episode of HDI Kevin guides his cohorts along the perilous road of rising college costs and the debt kids amass trying to get an education. Plus, Greg reveals his thoughts...

We've been to a few bars in our day. And by few I mean thousands and thousands. On this episode John goes into the past and present of bars, taverns, pubs, speakeasies, gin joints, and watering holes. Grab a stool, order a cold one, and try not to make eye contact with the creepy dude in the corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owning a home is something most people strive for. We all deserve the chance to have our own piece of land, have a house we can customize however we want, and to be in crippling debt. This week Greg is the landlord as we discuss home ownership in the U.S. You better have his rent, or you're going to end up doing things you're not proud of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

One of the more divisive topics in the United States, aside from the Taco Bell vs Del Taco debate, is gun control. On one hand you have people who want sensible gun laws and efforts to curb gun violence and mass shootings. And on the other hand you have people who believe any gun laws trample on their Constitutional rights. If you're a fan of HDI, you probably know how the three of us feel about i...

Feeling guilty about not giving enough to charity? Well, join along so John can make you feel worse! On this episode we discuss philanthropy and charity. We discuss the most giving people throughout history, how the system works and doesn't, and what needs to happen to ensure an equitable society. Plus, laugh along as Kevin tells the story of his snowboarding accident and hospital stay. Learn more...

On our first episode back from our short time on the IR Greg leads the charge in an enlightening, if not frustrating look at the English language. Why do we use the same words for different meanings? Why are there silent letters? Why can't John figure out how to use commas? Join along as we break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin's old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all occasionally read our horoscopes and have a good laugh, share with friends, or wonder what the hell it could possibly mean. But some take these things very seriously. On this episode we talk horoscopes and we dabble in astrology. We're pretty sure we're all astrologers now too. It doesn't seem very hard to get that title. Grab a crystal, invite your favorite high society neo-shaman over, an...

As marijuana becomes legal in more states and countries the debate about the legalization of all drugs continues to rage. So John set out to research and discuss one of his favorite things: weed! Join us as we talk about the history of cannabis, how it became illegal, and why Kevin is still hesitant to smoke out of a bong after an incident in high school. Spark up a J, order some Taco Bell, and en...

Everyone wants to live their best life. But in today's tech-filled world of instant gratification and 24 hour accessibility, are we prone to constantly wondering if we could be living a better one? That's what Greg set out to discover. On this episode we're talking about FOMO, or, fear of missing out. Even as I was typing this I got a text message and stopped typing to check it. Was it important?...

There are a growing number of "prophets" appearing in this country who claim to be messengers for God. Sometimes their predictions are right, like when one predicted the Chiefs would win the Super Bowl in 2020. Most times they're wrong, like when they proclaim that Donald Trump will win a second term, or that he's been anointed by God, or that he's not a complete piece of shit. Join along as as we...

Motivated by his desire to learn more about Valentine's Day, John leads the crew in a discussion about holidays from around the world and across history. You'll learn about the origins of holidays like Halloween, strange holiday traditions of yore that even include assault, and why John enjoys camping so much. (It's not just the fresh air he looks forward to.) Join us as we celebrate every holiday...

Hangovers are no fun. Considering the nausea, headache, fatigue, and general malaise they cause you would think we would just abstain from alcohol. But do we? Hell no! We get right back on that horse. On this episode Greg teaches us all about the joy and wonder of hangovers. Grab some Advil, a little hair of the dog, and feel the pain along with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Let's be honest, most people are terrible drivers. Not us though. We're great drivers. Everyone else is the problem. But few things can get people more blind with rage than when someone wrongs them on the road. On this episode Kevin takes the crew for a ride as they discuss road rage. Get those middle fingers ready...because John isn't using his blinker. Instagram:  historydefeatsitself Twitt...

We are so excited to be joining The Sonar Network that Greg and John went and got Covid. But that didn't stop us from recording! Join us as John leads the crew in a discussion about propaganda and how it is used to tell us what to think. Because, let's face it, we humans are easily manipulated. Mask up and enjoy the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all yearn for the day when we can eat at restaurants without wearing Hazmat suits. But until then, come reminisce about it with us. On this episode Greg leads the way in a rousing discussion about dining out, restaurant experiences, and food. Plus John recounts an adorable story about stealing money from shitty teenagers. Pull up a chair and join us. Drinks are on Greg. Learn more about yo...

Is local news dying? The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes. But there is still time to save it. On this episode of HDI Kevin rings in 2021 with a topic that threatens our democracy as we know it. Also John gets pretty drunk. Not intentionally...he's just a lightweight. Happy New Year, Mistorians! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final episode in our series of episodes about things that make us uncomfortable Kevin reveals that he is not the biggest fan of heights. The crew discusses thrill seeking and adrenaline junkies in our most action packed episode yet! We recommend listening to this episode while free climbing or hang gliding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of our series of episodes about things that make us uncomfortable John confirms what everyone already knew: he's afraid of very optimistic people. Join us as we explore the benefits of optimism, the advantages of a pessimistic outlook, and John's feeling that extremely optimistic people are dangerous. Give it a listen. Or don't. What does it matter anyway? Sigh... Learn more about your...

Before Kevin's baby came into the world to dominate his life the crew recorded a quick series of episodes to publish while Kevin is out of commission. The theme: things that make us uncomfortable. On the first of the series Greg leads us in a conversation about enochlophobia. We know what you're thinking...what the hell does that mean? It means he has a fear of crowds. Another thing we know you're...

Donald Trump did his best to destroy and pillage some of the most beautiful places in this country. Hopefully beginning in mid-January we can work to undo...well...pretty much everything he did in the past four years. On this episode John guides us through a discussion about national parks and federal land. We talk about Teddy Roosevelt, the massive efforts over the years to protect federal lands,...

How we view child discipline has certainly changed over generations. There was a time when physical and emotional abuse was the norm. At the time they called it tough love. Now we know it was child abuse and created emotionally crippled, angry humans. On this episode Greg leads the crew in a discussion about child discipline and how we are learning that treating kids like humans and with respect c...

Getting older certainly has its negatives. But it doesn't have to be all bad. Look at Greg...he has a solid zest for life and he's like 100. (As you can see Greg doesn't write these.) On the next episode of HDI it's Kevin's turn to lead the crew and we have lots of fun talking about aging. And we promise to have you home by 7.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of what a relationship is supposed to be is changing. And we couldn't be happier about it because the three of us can finally get that cabin in Vermont we've been talking about for years. On this episode of HDI John leads the crew and we're talking about polyamory. You'll laugh, you're learn a thing or two, and you may even end up going to your significant other with an "idea" about how t...