The History Guy

On today’s episode, the history guy talks about some of the foundations of our modern life: How an Italian-American man’s vision fundamentally changed the way banks and loans work, and that ever-present blessing and curse of the wallet: the credit card. "Echoes of History: Ragnarök" is a historical podcast inspired by the video game "Assassin’s Creed Valhalla : Dawn of Ragnarök." It’s the second s...

On today’s episode, the history guy talks about two ancient societies: the still mysterious Itza Maya, who built Chichen Itza, and the story of the forgotten trading Empire of Axum, located in modern day Eritrea and Ethiopia. "Echoes of History: Ragnarök" is a historical podcast inspired by the video game "Assassin’s Creed Valhalla : Dawn of Ragnarök." It’s the second season of Ubisoft’s popular p...

On today’s episode the History guy takes a drive through some automotive history from the 1970s. First, he’ll tell the story of the Dale, the first “space age car” with a laundry list of amazing features that turned out too good to be true. Then he’ll talk about the Chevy Vega, launched in 1971 to rave reviews that rather suddenly went sour."Echoes of History: Ragnarök" is a historical podcast ins...

On today’s episode, the history guy talks about the United States Coast Guard, and two of their contributions to combat in the World Wars. First, the history guy tells the story of the USCGC Tampa, which served in WWI and became the largest naval combat casualty loss of the war. Then the history guy talks about the USCGC Icarus, which faced a larger and better armed german u-boat in torpedo alley...

Today, the history guy talks about two things that millions of people around the world deal with every single day: the lines on the road, and tires. Both have interesting histories that might surprise you. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 3,000 documentary movies, series, and...

On today’s episode, The History Guy talks about two impressive Kates of the 19th century. First is Kate Warne, who became America’s first female detective when she was hired by Alan Pinkerton in 1856 - and she may have saved Abraham Lincoln’s life. Then the history Guy talks about one of the women behind one of the most famous gunslingers of the west: “Big Nose” Kate, common-law wife of Doc Hollid...

On today’s episode, the history guy tells several stories about aerial hijinks - First the story of Korean air veteran Tommy FitzPatrick, whose good spirits and impeccable skill made him a legend in his own time. Then the history guy will talk about Howard “Buddy” Foote, who decided to steal an $18 million dollar plane, just for a chance to realize his dream. Finally, the history guy will tell the...

On today’s episode, we chat about two heroes of the American civil war who fought against frightful odds to secure better lives for themselves and their people. First is the incredible story of Robert Smalls, who at 22 years old decided on an audacious plan to escape slavery and escape to the Union. Then The History Guy will talk about Abraham Galloway, who escaped slavery only to return to the so...

On today’s episode the history guy talks about two events in the history of the Mob - the Schofield Flower Shop Murder of Arch Killer Dean O’Bannion, and the ballistics expert Calvin Goddard, who did forensic work on the scene of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The servic...

On today’s episode the history guy talks about two strange cases of 19th century true crime: the time an American court case included the testimony of a ghost, and the terrible tale of the fairy trial of Bridget Cleary. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 3,000 documentary movies...

On today’s episode, the history guy talks about a pair of Weird Wars: The time that Mao’s China went to war against Sparrows, and a war between Mexico and France that began over Pastries. It is history that deserves to be remembered. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 3,000 docu...

Merry Christmas! On today’s episode we’re talking about a couple of forgotten pieces of Christmas history: the tale of how nutcrackers became symbols of the season, and the winding road that led American homes to be full of Christmas trees. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 3,0...

On today's episode the History Guy discusses the history of several naturally occurring resources: the mineral asbestos, with its reputation as a hazardous material, and Helium, one of the universe’s most abundant elements. Both have surprising and interesting histories. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries available anywhere...

In today’s episode, The History Guy talks about two historic fruits: the banana and the orange. Both have interesting and long histories connected with humankind. We have a special guest, as well, in The History Guy’s mom and my grandmother, who joins us to chat about fruit and history. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of historical documentaries av...

On today’s episodes we are talking about two stories of US navy destroyers. The first story is about the USS Fanning, which took part in the sinking of the first german submarine sunk by American ships during WWI. Then the history guy skips ahead a few decade to the USS Roper, which in April of 1942 engaged a submarine off the coast of Virginia - the sinking of U-85 would be the first german subma...

On today’s episode the history guy talks about two stories of history lost. First, the saga of the 1890 census, a marvel of advanced data collecting at the time that was lost almost completely in a series of events decades later. Then the history guy will talk about the fire at the National Personnel Records Center, which destroyed millions of military records. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming s...

On today’s episode, we talk about the children of two of Russia’s most notorious leaders. First is the story of Tsarevich Dmitry, youngest son of Ivan the Terrible. Killed in his youth, years later men would appear claiming to be that Dmitry, and pressing their rights to the Russian throne. Then the history guy will talk about the daughter of the most infamous Russian leader: Josef Stalin, and her...

On today’s episode, The History Guy is going to talk about several instances of Weird Weather. First, he’ll talk about the 1974 tornado super-outbreak. Then he’ll tell the story of record breaking weather in 1943 South Dakota. Finally, he’ll talk about the “Great White Hurricane” that hit New York City in 1888. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of hi...

On today’s episode we are talking about the War before the War, or the period of WWII when war had often not officially commenced but was arguably already underway. First The History Guy will talk about the Undeclared War, and incidents between the US and Germany before Pearl Harbor. Then he will talk about the occupation of Iceland - an officially neutral country that the United Kingdom occupied...

On today’s episode we are talking about two nuclear accidents. First we talk about Operation Chrome Dome and the time that the United States accidentally dropped nuclear bombs on Spain in the Palomares incident. Next the History Guy will tell the story of when a fallen wrench threatened to set off a nuke in Arkansas. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection...

On today’s episode The History Guy talks about two stories of the oft-forgotten Gilded Age. First is the story of how Grover Cleveland snuck aboard a yacht and had a secret surgery to remove a large tumor from his mouth, and kept it a secret for years after his presidency. Then The History Guy will talk about the “Harrison Horror” - a macabre tale of how medical schools stole bodies from cemeterie...

Stories of Pilotless aircraft! First, The History Guy talks about three planes that managed to land themselves after their pilots were forced to bail out, before talking about the mystery of the L-8 Blimp. Finally, THG talks about Taffy Holden - a ground crewman who had never flown a jet airplane until the one he was working on accidentally took off. Also - this is the first episode we were able t...

Two stories about Civil War Medals of Honor. First, The History Guy tells the story of Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to have been awarded a Medal of Honor, for her selfless acts bringing medical care to Union soldiers and american civilians during the civil war. Then THG tells the story of Thomas Ward Custer, younger brother to George Custer, who earned two medals of honor in the space of on...

On today’s episode the History Guy is going to talk about beef. First he will tell the interesting and surprisingly complex story about how cows, beef, and the cattle industry have intertwined with american history, and left a deep impression on American culture. After that you’ll hear about the only cut of meat to be knighted: Sir loin of beef. MagellanTV - a brand-new streaming service that feat...

On today’s episode we have two stories about rare animals and how their stories tie into human history. First is the story of Pere David’s Deer, an odd looking deer native to China that nearly went extinct more than once that is flourishing today thanks to an English Duke. Then we have the story of Sir Harry Johnston and the twentieth century discovery of the animal that bears his name: Okapi John...