Straw Hut Media

History. Rated R.

History EN ↓ 133 episodes

Let's be honest. History is full of f*cked up sh*t. But what are we gonna do, pretend like it never happened? Have a drink with your host, actor and writer Will Sterling, and his more qualified former Presidential Speechwriting co-host, Dr. Craig Smith. They unpack the silly, salacious, scandalous, and serious stuff in history. If we don't learn from the past, we're doomed to repeat it. So let's at least try to do it with honesty and, wherever possible, a laugh.

Author

Straw Hut Media

Category

History

Podcast website

www.spreaker.com

Latest episode

Dec 19, 2025

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Episodes

The Suffragists! (Not Suffragettes?) 05.08.2022

Craig takes us on a journey of the important history leading up to and through the passing of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote, and its key figures among the Suffragists along the way. But it wasn't all progressivism and sunshine and rainbows, just because "women" were allowed the right to vote most all women of color were prevented from doing so for another several decades. L...

Catherine the Great 29.07.2022

Cate the Great was great for a lot of reasons. She ruled Russia as its Empress for 34 years and got some shit done. She played the long game to get there, but by the time she ame to power, they were kissing the hem of her robes. Also...kind of a sex positivity icon! Speaking of sex positive icons, our old pal Harry Craddock returns as we talk about the Corpse Reviver #2 as given to us by listener...

The Impeachment of Bill Clinton 22.07.2022

William Jefferson Clinton was the man so many say had charisma and charm, but was also arguably a big f*cking creep who took advantage of several women, most notably the 24 year old White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton was only the second president to be impeached but not removed from office. And he loved cheeseburgers. Hear a VERY brief history of how the "cheeseburger" came to be and how...

The Gipper! Ol' Ronnie Reagan 15.07.2022

Conservatives love him. Liberals love to hate him. In the shocked words of Doc Brown, "Ronald Reagan?? The actor!?" Yes, Ronald Reagan the actor became the President of the United States and simutaneously united and divided its people. Looking back on him now, there's much to be said, both negative and positive about the man. The AIDS crisis, Iran Contra, the war on drugs, hear Will and Craig disc...

Craig Smith, Speechwriter for President Gerald Ford! 08.07.2022

Continuing with Craig's "Forest Gump years," we turn to his time working in the White House as a speechwriter for president Ford. What was the man like, how did he struggle with speeches, and how did Craig land the gig?? Plus, a brief history of his favorite food (Pot Roast) and we get our first NEGATIVE REVIEWWWWWW!Want to cook up a Pot Roast to eat along with us? Try this one from Delishably! Or...

The History of Roe v. Wade 01.07.2022

Considering last week's landmark supreme court decision to do some bullsh*t, we're discussing the history of Roe v. Wade itself, how it came to be, WHY it came to be, and what lead the court to reversing it. (Hint, it has to do with a lot of catholics.) Plus, a very quick history of the word, "cocktail." Read and follow Will's writing journey on Medium by clicking here! (medium.com/@williamjsterli...

The Bible's Big Queer History 24.06.2022

They call it, "The Greatest Story Ever Told." But what if it was, "The Gayest Story Ever Told?" Bet you didn't know the Bible has its very own queer history, did you? We certainly hope we offend a few people, but mostly that we bring new meaning to terms like "beloved" and "exceed." Plus, in lieu of food or drinks, Craig and Will tell their very different but uplifting stories/histories of coming...

Bloody Mary, Queen of England 17.06.2022

Mary I of England certainly had a reputation. So strong of a reputation in fact, she became known as "Bloody Mary." Why'd she get this creepy nickname that inspired a ridiculous children's mirror prank? Spoiler alert, it involves a lot of killing. Plus, Craig sings a wonderful tune for Will and an unprompted duet! Want to drink up the less bloody favorite cocktail of Elizabeth II? Follow the recip...

Watergate! or President Nixon's Vitality Loaf 10.06.2022

We've made it! Arguably the most talked about, drama'ed about, written about, argued about event in American Politics...Watergate! We appreciate your patience in giving so much attention to ol' Dick these past few episodes, so let's learn how the man got taken down. And to celebrate him and his love for the vitality loaf, cook yourself up Pat Nixon's recipe for it! Pat Nixon's Meatloaf2 tablespoon...

Tricky Dick Nixon, Part 2 03.06.2022

Nixon's road to the Presidency, as we've already seen in the 1960 election, was at times rocky but always steady. And we've officially reached Craig's "Forrest Gump days," in which he encouraged Nixon to run for President against Ronald Reagan. Plus, in lieu of a cocktail history...hear the history of the time Craig had martinis with Nixon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Tricky Dick Nixon, Part 1 27.05.2022

Arguably the most talked about and controversial figure in American political history, Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th president of the United States and the only president to resign. But how did he get to become THE Richard Nixon? We're breaking down his road to politics and the presidency and his relationship to...his mother. Also, we're talking about the history of beef stroganoff! Follow Cr...

JFK Gets Assassinated, Lyndon Johnson Saves the Day 20.05.2022

Was JFK really as transformative a President as he gets credit for? He's the reason we started sending troops to Vietnam. And after he was assassinated, his VP and successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, took up the work of much of the important change we credit Kennedy of having done today. Learn more about the man who led the nation after John F. Kennedy. Care to serve up JFK's favorite cocktail while lis...

How JFK Got Elected 13.05.2022

It's Part 1 of our deep dive into the Presidency of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Learn about his horribly racist father Joe and his brother Bobby, the pairing of JFK and Lyndon Johnson, and how Robert Nixon was transformed into a ghoul of sorts in his first televized debate with Kennedy. Hungry for pesto? Cook up Craig's recipe and enjoy a little dinner and a pod tonight! Here are the steps to making...

The History of the 2nd Amendment 06.05.2022

Uh oh. Controversy. Arguably one of the most challenging and debated pieces of American politics is the 2nd Amendment. Hear your uncle Craig breakdown it's pretty simple and straightforward history and explain how we've gotten to our modern interpretation of it today. To read Craig's in depth article "Originalism and the Second Amendment: A Reassessment" click here! It's free to the first 50 peopl...

Percy Bysshe Shelley, Swish Swish Bysshe 29.04.2022

We continue our two parter of the hottest couple to ever grace the romantic movement with Mary's husband, infamous poet and controversial firebrand...Percy Bysshe Shelley. Hear Craig's take on him as he goes in depth on his life and writings, and expands on what a jerk Lord Byron continues to be. This week's recipe:Brew some tea to sip you lil Bysshe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

The Modern Prometheus, A Frankenstein Bonus Episode 25.04.2022

In a special bonus episode, we're flashing back to an episode of Will's old podcast, "The Motivation Report," for an in depth look at the novel, "The Modern Prometheus or Frankenstein." This episode first aired on October 23rd, 2016. If you haven't listened to our episode going in depth on Mary Shelley, do that first as it provides a lot of additional context. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Mary Shelley, Mother of a Monster 22.04.2022

Craig and Will switch seats this episode! Will talks about the author of Frankenstein, arguably literature's most significant romantic, sci-fi, and horror contribution, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Many know her name, few know her husband (yet), and even fewer know just how much her life informed her writing. Learn her tragic and moving life story and how she gave birth to one of literature's most...

Cleopatra...High Above Me, She's So Lovely 15.04.2022

Cleopatra. She's so high-ey-ai-ay! High above us. But also, she had a storied history with Rome and its many rulers and fighters and politicians and boys. But MOST importantly...she loved wine. Even bathed in it to keep her beautiful. That's why this week's cocktail recipe is likely the easiest ever...Cleopatra's Wine Recipe:Step 1: Buy a botle of wine. Step 2: Open that bottle of wine. Step 3: Dr...

Harry Truman and Why We Didn't Need to Nuke Japan 08.04.2022

President Harry Truman was a lot more progressive than most preisdents when it came to equality, and when we needed someone to get us out of the war. Only it involved nuking Japan, which arguably didn't need to happen at all. But equally as important, Craig is cooking up "coq au vin," a French dish with a history he wants to argue about with Will. But you should cook it up and chow down with us. S...

The Presidential Lightning Round: Teddy, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover 01.04.2022

We skipped a bunch of Presidents before we got to FDR so Craig is making up for it with a lightning round, running down US Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover! Want to make a mint julep to toast to Teddy? Here's his controversial recipe:10 to 12 fresh mint leaves "muddled" (until it resembles paste) with a splash o...

When FDR Tried to Kill Craig's Father 25.03.2022

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a transformative President to say the least. He also loved to fool around with the ladies. And...he tried to kill Craig's father?? Transformative may he be, he's also not necessarily the peachy keen man history makesw him out to be. Want to cook up a grilled cheese? It's easy! In a skillet, melt a pad of butter. Place 4 slices of break in the melted butter. Lay your c...

A Tale of Two Williams, McKinley and Jennings Bryan 18.03.2022

William McKinley was our 25th President and the 3rd to be, spoiler alert, assassinated. But it's okay, they brought in Thomas Edison to try to revive him with his magic? And the democrats couldn't get over their hard on for William Jennings Bryan, despite him being a two time loser. Fool them twice, shame on them. Also! The history of the Gin Rickey. Stir one up and sip with us. The Gin Rickey2 oz...

President James Garfield, Not Named After the Cat 11.03.2022

We're tackling a handfull of President's this episode, but mostly James Garfield who was, DUN DUN DUN, assassinated! The road to the secret service was a long one, clearly. Plus, Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield's favorite food, and the below recipe for "Squirrel Soup" if you wanna be real authentic and cook that up with us. (We're using lamb though...)From The Daily Beast:Wash and quarter t...

Daniel Webster, What a Web He Weaves 04.03.2022

Daniel Webster, likely one of the OG good dues in US History. A lawyer, statesman, Congressman, and Secretary of State, he was also a mastory orator and wrote some of this country's finest speeches. He also has a fun cocktail named after him...Daniel Webster's Punch! Mix up yours with the recipe below and cheers to the old Webs. Daniel Webster's Punch INGREDIENTS3 lemons1/2 cup sugar1 bag black te...

US History IS Black History with Mateen Stewart 28.02.2022

Comedian Mateen Stewart joins us to talk about the vital importance of teaching Black history in schools and throughout the world, and not JUST in February. Learn why February became Black history month, the origin of some words you might want to stop using, and the history of his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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