The Remedial Scholar: History Revisited

Step into the mythical shoes of Alexander the Great, where ambition meets destiny. This episode takes you on a vivid journey through the dramatic rise of one of history's most formidable leaders. Discover the political cunning and bold tactics that allowed a young king from Macedonia to transform into a ruler of a vast empire. We delve into Alexander's encounters with exotic lands and powerful lea...

In this episode, we travel into the Challenger disaster, a massive moment in NASA's history and the Space Shuttle program. We'll explore NASA's ambitious journey from its inception, through the triumphs of space exploration, to the tragic loss of the Challenger and its crew in 1986. We discuss the aftermath and the profound impact on space policy, safety protocols, and the global perception of spa...

In this episode, we journey through art history to the emergence of Abstract Expressionism, spotlighting Barnett Newman's revolutionary approach. Newman's work redefined art, inviting deep emotional and perceptual experiences through his iconic zips. However, the shadow of art vandalism looms large, with Newman's "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III" becoming a notable victim in 1986. This in...

This week we take a chronological journey through the legacy of men of color in the U.S. military, culminating in the heroic saga of the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. Beginning with the Revolutionary War and moving through significant periods such as the Civil War and the era of the Buffalo Soldiers, we set the stage for a deep dive into the formation, battles, and enduring legacy of the...

This week we embark on a journey through time to uncover the stories of once-dominant companies whose names were synonymous with innovation, success, and American industry. We delve into the histories of Kodak, Radio Shack, Pontiac, PanAm, and SoBe - each a titan in its domain, now a shadow of its former self or vanished altogether. Discover how Kodak, the pioneer of photography, missed the digita...

Get ready to dive into the clandestine world of maple syrup as we peel back the layers of the sweet industry to expose the syrup syndicates that have operated in the shadows. In this episode, we embark on a journey through time, uncovering the hidden alliances, fierce rivalries, and intriguing stories that have shaped the maple syrup landscape. Join us as we explore how tapping into maple trees ev...

In this compelling episode, we delve into the profound impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments in history that shaped the movement, from King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. We reflect on the challenges faced, victories achieved, and the ongoing struggle for equality. This episode serves as a trib...

This week on The Remedial Scholar, we unearth the hilariously bizarre tale of the Emu War in this episode. Join us as we explore Australia's unconventional battle between farmers armed with machine guns and a feathery invasion. From agricultural struggles to unexpected twists, this historical skirmish will leave you both amused and intrigued. Tune in for a wild ride through the feathers, firearms,...

This week we cover the history of the places in which Levi has called home. Digging up the historical background of each state and the cities he has lived, painting a wide panoramic view of the places which he has called home. This is the New Years episode, and we were inspire to craft this episode to give listeners a chance to get to know the host of the show while also giving them a little more...

In this episode of The Remedial Scholar, we dive deep into the fascinating concept of the Spartan mirage. Join us as we unravel the layers of myth and reality surrounding ancient Sparta, exploring how popular perceptions may not always align with historical truths. From the legendary prowess of Spartan warriors to the discipline of their society, we'll dissect the myths that have shaped our unders...

Join in as we explore historical military mishaps in battles like Changping, Cannae, Trasimene, Yarmouk, Agincourt, and Little Bighorn. From ancient China to the American frontier, we dissect the strategic missteps, tactical errors, and unforeseen twists that have left their mark on the course of human conflict. Tune in on your preferred platform to uncover the lessons in leadership and strategy h...

In this captivating episode, we peel back the layers of extravagance surrounding Marie Antoinette to reveal the woman behind the crown. I will take you on a journey beyond the gilded halls of Versailles, exploring the complexities and nuances of the infamous Queen's life. Delve into the relationships that shaped her world, beyond the grandeur of courtly affairs, and discover the human side of a qu...

Embark on a maritime odyssey as we delve into the riveting tale of Ferdinand Magellan, a name synonymous with exploration and the quest for uncharted territories. In this episode of The Remedial Scholar, we navigate through the highs and lows of Magellan's historic expedition, from the strategic departure in Spain to the tumultuous encounters with storms, mutinies, and uncharted waters. Join us in...

In this episode of Remedial Scholar, we delve into the powerful narratives of the Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—where the fervor for freedom resonated through the art of song. Embark on a captivating journey with Levi as we traverse the melodic landscapes of history to unravel the extraordinary phenomenon known as the Singing Revolutions. The complex geopolitical relationships betwe...

This week on The Remedial Scholar we are discussing the chaotic history of Japanese immigration to the U.S. while also discussing the lead up to World War II and the impact of race relations on the fallout of Pearl Harbor. The intricate and expansive history of both countries is discussed in detail after their meeting in 1853 and how the relationship started fruitful but soured quickly. Join Levi...

History wouldn’t be itself if there were no questions to ask, if every find was conclusive and gave the researchers every answer they needed. There are questions constantly derived from everyday life, now expand that across centuries and take away pieces of them here and there and you have yourself a hotbed for some really great mysteries. This week we are discussing some of the most famous but al...

A small rural community rocked by a gruesome murder of a family with many secrets of its own. The Gruber family worked the Hinterkaifeck for three decades before someone snuffed out their lives in 1922. After over a century, the killer is no closer to being found and the mystery remains. Join us on the journey back to that fateful day in post WW1 Germany and the context around it. Who could have d...

In this episode of The Remedial Scholar, we embark on an enlightening exploration of the incredible life and achievements of Helen Keller. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of a woman who not only overcame the profound challenges of being both deaf and blind but emerged as a symbol of perseverance and intellectual prowess. This episode takes you through the educational odyssey of a s...

Join us as we traverse the treacherous trails of the mid-19th century, exploring the ambitious journey that led a group of pioneers into the unforgiving wilderness in search of a better life. Little did they know, the challenges that awaited them would test the limits of human endurance and reshape their destinies forever. From the promises of Manifest Destiny to the harsh realities of the Sierra...

This week on The Remedial Scholar we are discussing the chaotic and tumultuous trials of Salem Village in 1692. Join us as we uncover the contextual basis for what occurred in the early colonial settlement of Massachusetts as neighbor accused neighbor and children broke into fits at the sight of the so-called witches. We explore the religious fervor, social dynamics, and economic factors that set...

Join us on this riveting journey through the corridors of power, the battlefields of conquest, and the poignant moments that defined an era as we look at one of histories most divisive generals. This week we look at Napoleon Bonaparte and go through his life to better understand a man so mired by myth and propaganda alike. We look at all aspects of the larger-than-life man, and his accomplishments...

This week we journey back in time to explore the extraordinary life of Joan of Arc, the legendary heroine of the Hundred Years' War. Join us as we unravel the enigmatic story of a young peasant girl who heard divine voices, defied societal norms, and led armies to victory in a time when women's roles were strictly defined. Discover the remarkable journey of Joan as she receives her divine calling,...

Join us on a captivating journey through the annals of deception as we dive deep into some of the world's most infamous hoaxes. In this episode of The Remedial Scholar, we unravel the intricate threads of some of the fascinating and enigmatic tales of trickery that have baffled, intrigued, and mystified generations. Prepare to be amazed, bewildered, and enlightened as we peel back the layers of th...

In this episode, we delve into a harrowing chapter of World War II history that remains largely untold. Join us as we uncover the disturbing events of "Ugly Carnivals" during this tumultuous period, where women found themselves at the mercy of angry mobs. These 'horizontal collaborators' were often wrongly accused and subjected to public humiliation, these women endured the unthinkable. Explore th...

Humans have long been trying to rationalize their place in the world by studying the effects of the world on them and the animals around them. The long list of experiments done in search of the functionality of the body as well as advances in science are riddled with stories of archaic concepts. Join Levi as he goes through some of the more insane experiments done to both the humans and animals al...