It's a History Podcast

Hello! Welcome to the 50th Episode of Its A History Podcast! In this episode Martyn Whittock goes into the "Deep Story" surrounding the modern day confilct between Russia and Ukraine. Martyn Links the current conflict to viking age evidence of settlments in the Rus area. We also discuss how impactful the eventual shift to Eastern Orthodox Christianity was to the region. If you are interested in re...

Hello! In this Episode of It's a History Podcast, I cover Anna Murphy and her husband Charles Wolseley. Anna had come from a family that was a part of the New Money Scene after making their fortune as the only hardware store in San Fransisco at the start of the Gold Rush. Charles came from a family that was strapped for cash, having came into his title as a child. These two may have started their...

Hello! In this Episode of It's a History Podcast I take a look at one of the lesser known ladies from the Gilded Age. Marietta Stevens was a woman who started her adult life as a chamber maid in a hotel, who went on to marry the hotel owner and climb her way up the social ladder through some not so typical means. Marietta made a name for herself.  Sources for today's episode include the husband hu...

Hello! In today's episode we coninue to look at what the typical heiress might expect while living in Gilded Age. We take a look at the Social Season in London, a breif look at what London would be like for those not in the inner circle, and what the American Dollar Princesses could expect when they moved across the pond with their English Husbands. Sources for today's episode include the husband...

Hello! Welcome to another episode of Its a History Podcast. In todays episode we kick off the patent pending "Guilded Age Summer". Todays episode lays some ground work for what society was like for those in the upper crest of society. The ladies we will talk about in the future would have grown up in this climate and it most definetly shaped how they grew up and lived their lives.   Sources of tod...

Hello! In this very special episode of Its a History Podcast, I had the oppurtunity to speak with Corinna Barrett Lain about her most recent book "Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection".  We discuss the secrecy surrounding Lethal Injection and the morality of having Agents of the State perform this act.  Some of the material discussed in this episode will be sensitive...

Hello! In todays episode I dive into all things Easter egg. Over the course of todays episode we will discover why eggs are associated with Easter, why we dye them, and just how the Easter Bunny came to be. We also take a look at the Faberge Eggs and the Mall Bunny. Sources for todays episode include:   Multiple articles from TIme magazine including:  Whats the Origin of the Easter Bunny by Alexan...

Hello! In this Episode of It's a History Podcast, I take a look at the History of Audiobooks. We start all the way back in the 1930's and work our way up to the current state of audiobooks.  Mentioned in this episode are two fellow podcasts hosted by some wonderful Librarians. Make sure to Listen to @drinksinthelibrary and @vulgarhistory. Sources for Todays Episode Include: An article from PBS tit...

Hello! In This weeks episode, though short, we look at why Frederick Douglas's image is used to represent both Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner. Due to an error on my part, I was made aware of this issue and started to look into why. This episode highlights the "Reclaiming Black Faces" Project which is linked below. If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast epis...

Hello! In this episode of It's a History podcast, We dives into the fascinating history of the sewing machine. Join me as we look at the history of sewing machines from hand-sewing with bone needles to the complex inventions of the 19th century that paved the way for modern sewing machines. Learn about key figures like Barthelemy Timmonnier, Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, Isaac Singer, and Allen Wilson...

Hello! In this week's episode of It's a History Podcast, join me as we delve into the fascinating history of the Happy Birthday song. In this epsiode we discover the origins of the melody in a song called 'Good Morning to All,' composed by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill. We then learn about the transformation of this simple tune into the globally recognized birthday anthem, 'Happy Birthday to You....

Hello! Welcome to another episode of It's a History podcast! In this episode, we dive into the dark history of arsenic green during the Victorian Age, also known as Paris Green, and how it led to the creation of poisonous books. Starting with the origins and popularity of this bright green color, we explore its widespread use in clothing, wallpaper, and book covers, despite its well-known lethal e...

Hello! In this week's episode we conclude the riveting story of Denmark Vesey, a free black man who planned one of the largest slave rebellions in United States history. We delve deep into Vesey's meticulous planning, the eventual collapse of the rebellion, and the severe repercussions for those involved. We explore the societal context, the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, and the shocking r...

Hello! In this episode of It's a History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Denmark Vesey's life, focusing on his experiences post-freedom. We look into Vesey's attempts to free his wife and start a business in Charleston, South Carolina, revealing the societal challenges and racial hierarchies he faced. We will also discover how Vesey's relationship with religion fueled his thoughts on rebel...

Hello! In this episode I delve into the life of Denmark Vesey, an enslaved man who planned one of the largest slave rebellions in the United States. We'll explore Vesey's early life, his experiences in the harsh conditions of St. Thomas and St. Domingue, and the impact of the North Atlantic slave trade. Learn how these experiences and the age of revolution, including the Haitian Revolution, influe...

In this episode of It's a History Podcast, I delve into the intricate history of romance novels. We explore the controversies surrounding the genre, from accusations of being 'wrong or dirty' to criticisms of anti-feminism. We first covers the origins of the romance genre. Then we discusses how romance novels have primarily been written by women, about women, and for women, and touch on their over...

Hello! On this episode of It's a History podcast I explore the fascinating early history of football leading up to the very first Super Bowl. I look at how the game evolved from a blend of soccer and rugby into a cultural phenomenon, and we learn about key figures like Jim Thorpe and the formation of the APFA. We will look into the creation of the NFL, the impact of televised games, and the fierce...

Hello! In this epsiode of It's a History Podcast, I sit down with author AJ Schenkman to discuss his latest children's book, 'Franklin's Trees.' This episode delves into FDR's lifelong love for trees, his experiences with polio, and how these influences shaped one of America's most significant presidents. We also explore the creative process behind writing a children's book and the unique stories...

Hello! In this episode of It's History Podcast I dive into an insightful conversation with author Martyn Whittock about his latest book 'American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America'. We discuss Viking exploration, their impact on America, the evidence supporting their presence, and their portrayal in pop culture. Martyn also shares his expertise as a historian...

Hello! In this episode of It's a History Podcast, I delve into the third and final part of Mary Shelley's life. Todays episode will explore the trials and tribulations she faced from tragic losses and betrayals to the literary accomplishments that marked the rest of her life. I also cover the challenges that Mary encountered, including her strained relationships (I am looking at you Jane!), the de...

Hello! Welcome back to another episode of It's a History Podcast. In this episode, we continue delving into the life of Mary Shelley. Picking up from last week's episode, we explore Mary's fateful journey to Geneva with Percy, Claire, and Lord Byron, leading to the birth of her masterpiece, Frankenstein. This episode covers significant events including Mary's complicated relationship with her fami...

*Discussion of Suicide Attempts in the Episode* Hello! And Welcome to the Mary Shelley Extravaganza! Join me as we kick off a three-part series diving deep into the life and legacy of Mary Shelley. Best known for her novel 'Frankenstein,' Mary Shelley led a fascinating life filled with remarkable experiences and notable influences. In this episode, we'll explore her childhood, upbringing, and the...

Hello! In todays episode I take a look at the Mall Santa. Where did he come from? Why do we take pictures with him?  Santa is a part of childhood, and having the chance to see him and tell him what you want for christmas is such a fun memory that a lot of have! In todays epsiode you will hear a first had account of someone who was one of teh first to experience a Pre-mall Santa. Sources for today...

Hello! In todays episode we look at the history of the Rockefeller Christmas tree! We take a look at the very first tree, various trees throughout the years (including which one was the biggest), and how the current trees are picked. We also venture into what happens to the trees after their time at the center is done.  Sources for todays episode include: The Habitat for Humanity Website, reckefel...

Hello! In this episode of It's a History Podcast, we delve into the story behind the creation of the iconic Ferris wheel. Learn how the Ferris wheel gained fame following its debut at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, the challenges faced by its creator George Washington Gale Ferris, and the engineering marvels involved in its construction. Despite hurdles like strong winds and questionable stability...