Smarticus Tells History

Ever wondered how a simple baked fish recipe can lead us on a journey through ancient Greek mythology? Join us as we blend culinary creativity with historical exploration, starting with a delightful and easy-to-follow Greek-style baked fish recipe from Greek Boston. There's plenty to savor, from our wine pairing tips to a quirky discussion about why some salmon are classified as white fish. P...

What if a queen's ultimate revenge could change the course of a nation's history? Discover the chilling yet riveting story of Queen Olga of Kiev, a formidable ruler whose cunning and ruthless tactics left an indelible mark on medieval Eastern Europe. Start your journey with us as we bring the flavors of history to life, beginning with a mouth-watering discussion about Ukrainian braised p...

What if fashion could lead to the near-extinction of entire bird species? Join us as we explore the dark side of 19th-century feathered fashion and its devastating impact on avian populations. But before diving into this fascinating and somber tale, we share our delightful baking adventure with the classic Southern hummingbird cake. From the rich and tropical ingredients to the unexpected challeng...

Who would've thought that a discussion about Benjamin Franklin's quirky eating habits could lead to an unsettling discovery in his London basement? Join Phoenix and I, Smarticus, as we munch through Franklin's amusing cranberry and apple cravings and ponder over his patriotic poultry proposal. But brace yourselves, for our conversation takes an eerie twist when we recount the hair-r...

Ever wondered about the unsung heroes and quirky tales hidden in the folds of history? Buckle up and join us, Smarticus and Phoenix, as we bring to light the incredible saga of Juliana the Great Dane, a four-legged combatant who sniffed out her spot in World War II history not once, but twice — all with the help of her bladder! This episode isn't just another walk through the history park; it...

Unearth the chilling truths that lurk in the shadows of history as we recount the New England Vampire Panic, where the dread of disease transformed into a fear of the undead. Together with expert folklorists Michael Bell and Paul Barber, we uncover how 18th and 19th-century communities were ensnared in a web of superstition, leading them to disturb the eternal rest of their dearly departed. This i...

Ever wondered about the enchanting ruins that rival the mystique of the great pyramids? Let's unwrap the secrets of Nan Madal together! Join Smartacus and yours truly, Phoenix, as we journey to the heart of Micronesia and endeavor to untangle the perplexing history of the ancient city dubbed the Venice of the Pacific. Not only will this episode tickle your fancy for untold historical tales, b...

Step back in time with us and rediscover the jazz-infused world of the 1920s through the captivating eyes of Betty Boop. Your ears won't believe the fascinating origins of this flapper icon, as we unveil her journey from Max Fleischer's drawing board to the hearts of millions. With the help of our co-host phoenix, we'll spill the secrets behind Betty's creation, inspired by the...

Embark on a voyage through the annals of time with us, Smarticus and Phoenix, where you'll uncover the unexpected connections between an ancient university and an empire lost to history. Prepare to be astonished by the revelation that the hallowed halls of Oxford University date back even before the Aztecs laid their first stone in Tenochtitlan. But it's not all about dusty old facts; we...

Unlock the secrets of a 3,900-year-old Sumerian poem and discover how it's not just a tribute to the goddess Ninkasi, but also a recipe for the beer that coursed through ancient Mesopotamia's veins. With my cohost, Phoenix, we celebrate the professional brewmasters of yore, whose precise record-keeping on clay tablets offers us a glimpse into a society where beer was more than a frothy b...

In this captivating episode, we embark on a thrilling journey through the extraordinary life of Violet Jessup, the indomitable woman who defied the odds and survived not just one, but three maritime disasters, including the infamous sinking of the Titanic. Join us as we uncover the remarkable tale of "Miss Unsinkable," from her challenging early years in Argentina to her daring escapades...

Ever wondered if the tales of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon were steeped in paranoia or if there was a genuine prowler on the loose? Your hosts, Smarticus and Phoenix, promise to guide you through the misty contours of this perplexing story, dissecting each element from mass hysteria to environmental anomalies. But that's not all we have on our plate – we're also tossing into the mix our piz...

Step right up to the grand stage of history where the dead speak and the living listen—in a most literal sense! Join Phoenix and I as we recount the spine-chilling story of Pope Formosus, whose earthly deeds led to an otherworldly trial, long after his last breath. This week's episode is a tapestry of intrigue and gastronomy, where we not only unearth ecclesiastical enigmas but also share the...

Ever wondered what could have led to the disappearance of the Franklin Lost Expedition in 1845? Pull up a chair and join us, your hosts Smarticast and Phoenix, as we unravel this icy mystery and the theories that might answer this question. We delve into an eerie tale that saw Sir John Franklin and his crew vanish without a trace while attempting to discover the Northwest Passage. Lady Jane Frankl...

Have you ever wondered about the truth behind the legendary figure Robin Hood? Well, buckle up because this week on Smarticus Tales History, we're about to give you a first-row seat to the past as we debunk the myths and shed light on the reality behind this famed outlaw. I'm your host, Smarticus, joined by my co-host, Phoenix as we dig into the Robin Hood legend, serving up fascinating...

Imagine stumbling upon a cryptid creature, lurking in the wild woods of Arkansas. Would you be terrified or thrilled? This episode of Smarticus Tells History brings you face to face with the eerie legend of the Fouqe Monster. A creature that has both fascinated and frightened locals for over a century. We dive into the theories and tales surrounding this gorilla-like monster, discussing everything...

Who would've thought a dessert with a name like "spotted dick" and inflatable tanks would have anything in common? Well, we at Smarticus Tells History promise to take you on a wild ride exploring the uncanny connections between these two seemingly unrelated topics. Today, co-host Phoenix and I uncover the intriguing and lesser-known stories behind the inflatable tanks or 'spoof...

Ever imagined what it would be like to explore the hidden chambers of the Great Pyramid of Giza? Join us and our co-host, Phoenix, as we take you through a riveting journey inside this ancient wonder, uncovering the mysteries of a secret room with the help of the Scan Pyramids project. We'll also demystify the legendary saga of Napoleon's expedition into the Pyramid, separating fact from...

Are you ready to embark on a tasty adventure? Phoenix and I kick things off by warming your palate with a hearty chat about Germany's culinary staple - the bratwurst. We navigate the varied terrain of this flavorful sausage, from the diverse ingredients used in different regions to the mouthwatering ways it's served. As we recount our own delicious encounters with bratwurst, we also serv...

How was Stonehenge built? And, what if those iconic Bluestones had healing properties? This episode promises to transport you back in time, shedding light on the enigmatic monument and its myriad of secrets. Alongside our co-host Phoenix, we will guide you through a captivating exploration of Stonehenge's construction, its historical significance, and the intriguing theories around the healin...

Are you ready to uncork a bottle of history lesser known to most? Prepare to be transported back in time as Phoenix and I pull you through the winding corridors of South American civilization, exposing the ancient art of mummification in all its eerie grandeur. Unveiling the mystic practices of the Inca Empire, the Nazca civilization, and the Mochi civilization, we piece together theories of inten...

Welcome back to another episode of Smarticus Tells History! Today's episode takes us to the fascinating and amusing chapter of the Australian Emu Wars. Learn about the unlikely conflict that occurred in the 1930s when emus became a menace to farmers in Western Australia. Links:  Recipe:  https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipes/mums-shepherds-pie-recipe/2v4tnovi Support our show here: https://w...

Welcome to another episode of Smarticus Tells History. Today's story takes us to a small island located between Canada and Denmark called Hans Island. A territorial dispute over this tiny island has been ongoing for roughly 50 years, and even involved a bottle of liquor In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of how Canada and Denmark fight over a small island with a bottle of liquo...

The Jewish Avengers was a group of Holocaust survivors who sought retribution against the Nazis who had committed atrocities against their people. In this episode, we'll explore the history of the Holocaust, the formation of the Jewish Avengers, their actions, and their legacy. Links:  Recipe: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/matzo-ball-soup.html Support our show here: https://www.paypal...

This week we discuss how Elizabeth Bathory was one of the most notorious female serial killers in history. Born into a wealthy and powerful family in Hungary, her obsession with beauty and youth led her down a dark path that eventually led to her becoming known as the Blood Countess. In this episode, we'll explore her life and crimes, and the legacy she left behind. Links: Support our show he...