Shows
The Reluctant HistorianThe GoodbyeOn this week's final episode, Liz and Dakota reflect on their time on the podcast.Thank you to everyone who has listened over the years, this has been an amazing journey, and we couldn't have done it without you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-06-2144 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Death of Gloria RamirezThis week, Liz and Dakota explore the mysterious story of Gloria Ramirez, and woman who's untimely death caused some major illnesses in the people treating her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-06-0735 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Green Children of Woolpit: The Cult of BeansThis week Liz and Dakota look at some of the theories that have sprung up around the strange tale of the Green Children of Woolpit. Was it trauma? Was it aliens? You decide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-05-1726 minThe Reluctant HistorianCan ChatGPT Write a Funny Podcast?Please note, this episode's sound has been corrupted - it's not your speakers, it's us. This week, Liz and Dakota get META, asking ChatGPT to write a podcast episode. Will it be good? Will it be bad... you decide. And then listen to us decide if ChatGPT should be used to write more episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-05-0342 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe American Plan: Little Dick EnergyThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at a little remembered time from America's past with a war time plan that was targeted at those whom were deemed "reasonably suspicious" of having an STI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-04-1941 minThe Reluctant HistorianEgyptian Gods Part II: They Had One JobThis week, Liz and Dakota take a look at some of the most infamous gods from the Egyptian pantheon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-04-0548 minThe Reluctant HistorianEgyptian Gods Part I: Selling Propane and Propane AccessoriesThis week Liz and Dakota take a condensed look at ancient Egyptian religion, including some of their beliefs and practices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-2239 minThe Reluctant HistorianAliens Part Two: Strange HappeningsThis week, Liz and Dakota look at some of the more famous alien and UFO sightings from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-0830 minThe Reluctant HistorianAliens Part One: UFO SightingsWith all the discussion on the interwebs about possible alien life, Liz and Dakota take this week to talk about the existence of aliens, and some famous UFO sightings that have occurred since WWII. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-02-2245 minThe Reluctant Historian10 Valentine's Day Facts: Let us Help You Manage Your MoneyThis week, Liz and Dakota ease back into the swing of things with a quick factoid episode about Valentine's DayEpisode Noteshttps://www.womansday.com/relationships/a4702/10-fun-valentines-day-facts-103385/https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/a26863/valentines-day-facts/https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/valentines-day-facts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-02-0831 minThe Reluctant HistorianLa Corriveau: It's Not About a Sex DungeonThis week, Liz and Dakota look at an urban legend from Quebec and talk about how the actual history of a murderer quickly became something of a ghost story.Episode Noteshttps://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/la-corriveaus-cage-quebec-canadahttps://www.scaryforkids.com/la-corriveau/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/la-corriveauhttp://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/corriveau_marie_josephte_3E.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Josephte_Corriveauhttps://nuvomagazine.com/culture/la-corriveau-of-quebec-city Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...2023-01-2534 minThe Reluctant HistorianTarrare: 4 Inch Wide Mouth Mason JarWelcome back to season three!This week, Dakota shares the story of a medical history/mystery from the French Revolution, the tale of the man who couldn't stop eating: TarrareEpisode Noteshttps://www.gutenberg.org/files/747/747-h/747-h.htmhttps://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/tarrare/https://www.wiltons.org.uk/news/155https://historianandrew.medium.com/tarrare-the-man-who-couldnt-stop-eating-including-puppies-and-a-maybe-toddler-dde79b8d50b7https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20161014-the-man-who-couldnt-stop-eatinghttps://www.messynessychic.com/2018/07/13/whatever-you-do-dont-tell-the-french-about-tarrare/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarrare...2023-01-1853 minThe Reluctant HistorianYear in Review 2022This week, Liz and Dakota look back at some of their favourite episodes from 2022, recounting memories and zingers, and looking forward to the future.A huge thanks goes out to all of you who have tuned in this year... the podcast wouldn't be the same without you, and we are so incredibly appreciative that you take the time out of your day to listen to us talk history. We look forward to connecting with you all again on January 18, 2023... Happy Holidays from us at The Reluctant Historian Hosted on Acast. See acast...2022-12-2142 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe 13 Yule Lads and Other Scary Christmas StoriesThis week, Liz and Dakota delve into some Icelandic Christmas Folklore, learning about the Christmas Witch, a hungry Christmas Cat, and 13 meddlesome pranksters.Episode Noteshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-thirteen-yule-lads-icelands-own-mischievous-santa-clauses-180948162/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-icelands-christmas-witch-much-cooler-and-scarier-krampus-180967605/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_Christmas_folklorehttps://www.britannica.com/place/Icelandhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/article/568050/gryla-christmas-troll-iceland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-12-1441 minThe Reluctant Historian15 Christmas Facts Featuring Benedict CumbergrinchIn a different kind of trivia episode, Liz and Dakota share 15 random Christmas facts. Ranging from Candy Canes to the racist history of Jingle Bells, this episode takes you on a wild ride.Episode Noteshttps://bestlifeonline.com/christmas-facts/https://www.berries.com/blog/45-fun-christmas-factshttps://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2972/surprising-christmas-facts/https://www.history.com/news/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-jingle-bells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-12-0748 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Mary Celeste: It's Not Unusual to be LovedThis week, Liz and Dakota explore what happened aboard the ghost ship the Mary Celeste and share why the salvaging hearings didn't really go according to plan. Dakota analyzes some of his trauma in the meantime.Episode Noteshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/abandoned-ship-the-mary-celeste-174488104/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celestehttps://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-celestehttps://www.history.com/news/what-happened-to-the-mary-celestehttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Mary-Celestehttps://museumhack.com/mary-celeste/https://www.kingmanyachtcenter.com/an-october-ghost-story-mary-celeste/2022-11-2335 minThe Reluctant HistorianAtlantis: Where Aquaman Takes His Swimming LessonsThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at the history of the lost city of Atlantis, and how this myth has had a huge influence on new age beliefs and the Nazis. Episode Noteshttps://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/where-is-the-lost-city-of-atlantis-and-does-it-even-existhttps://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Earth_from_Space_Strait_of_Gibraltar#:~:text=The%20Strait%20of%20Gibraltar%20connects,and%20Point%20Cires%20(Morocco).https://www.britannica.com/topic/Atlantis-legendary-islandhttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/atlantishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy...2022-11-0935 minThe Reluctant HistorianMerlin: Better Than Car A/CThis week, Liz and Dakota look at the literary history of Merlin, tracing his story from Geoffrey of Monmouth to Thomas Mallory, Dakota and Liz learn a lot about this magic man on the way.Episode Notes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-11-0247 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Origins of Halloween: How to Prevent Fairy KidnappingsThis week, Liz and Dakota look at where Halloween came from, and what's it's original purpose for celebration was. With roots in Celtic traditions, Halloween has changed greatly over the centuries.Episode Noteshttps://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween#:~:text=The%20tradition%20originated%20with%20the,of%20the%20traditions%20of%20Samhainhttps://www.yourirish.com/folklore/irish-pookashttps://specifipedia.com/the-legends-of-samhain-part-one/https://www.history.com/news/halloween-samhain-celts-catholic-churchhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingy_Jack Hosted on Acast. See acast...2022-10-2636 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Kumiho: A Lesson in FistingThis week, Liz and Dakota look at a famous beast from Korean folklore: The Kumiho. Taking a peek at a few different tales, they try to understand where this myth came from, and what it represents.Episode Noteshttps://symbolsage.com/kumiho-korean-nine-tailed-fox/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumihohttps://www.astonishinglegends.com/astonishing-legends/2020/2/24/kumihohttps://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Kumihohttps://thesupernaturalfoxsisters.com/2015/06/03/monster-of-the-week-kumiho/https://pantheon.org/articles/k/kumiho.htmlhttps://folkency.nfm.go.kr/en/main2022-10-1922 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Bell Witch: The Most Gossipy WitchThis week, Liz and Dakota look at a spooky haunting from Tennessee, thought to be the most well documented American haunting, and maybe the inspiration for Poltergeist, Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch, and The Haunting of Hill House? (okay, we can't verify all that, but Koda is sure that it is).Episode Noteshttps://bloody-disgusting.com/podcasts/3713482/bell-witch-true-story-explored-in-bloody-disgustings-podcast-insidious-inspirations/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Witchhttps://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/myth/bellwitch.htmhttp://www.bellwitch.org/story.htmhttps://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/bellwitch1...2022-10-1233 minThe Reluctant HistorianWhy Americans Believe Their Halloween Candy is PoisonedThis week, Liz and Dakota start spooky season by taking a look at the stories of poisoned Halloween candy, and wondering if there is any validity to the belief that there are marauding murderers out there to get your Halloween candy.Episode Noteshttps://www.history.com/news/how-americans-became-convinced-their-halloween-candy-was-poisonedhttps://www.history.com/news/the-haunted-history-of-halloween-candy?li_source=LI&li_medium=m2m-rcw-historyhttps://www.history.com/topics/halloween/trick-or-treatings-tricky-history-videohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Clark_O%27Bryanhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/health/halloween-candy-panic-conversation-wellness/index...2022-10-0533 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Halifax Explosion: Tsunami is Best BoyThis week, Liz gets really passionate about research, looking back the most devastating manmade explosion in the pre-atomic age. Dakota is bored.Episode Noteshttps://downtownhalifax.ca/land-acknowledgementhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax-explosionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosionhttps://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosionhttps://www.britannica.com/event/Halifax-explosionhttps://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-great-halifax-explosion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-09-2137 minThe Reluctant HistorianRandom History Facts that Didn't Fit on an EpisodeThis week, Liz didn't have time to write an episode, so she's reading from lists of weird historical facts while Dakota loses his mind.Episode Noteshttps://bestlifeonline.com/historical-facts/https://parade.com/1099930/marynliles/history-facts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-09-1440 minThe Reluctant HistorianH. H. Holmes: Hotel Motel Holiday CaliforniaThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at America's first recorded serial killer, and talk about whether he truly understood what a hotel was, or if he was just confused by a motel.Episode Noteshttps://www.history.com/news/murder-castle-h-h-holmes-chicagohttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/enduring-mystery-hh-holmes-americas-first-serial-killer-180977646/https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/hh-holmes/https://www.britannica.com/biography/H-H-Holmeshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmeshttps://www.biography.com/crime-figure/hh-holmeshttps://www.history.com/topics/crime/murder-castle2022-08-3139 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Queer Frontier: The Wild West Was Gayer Than You ThinkThis week, Liz and Dakota look at the history of queerness on the wild west's frontier.Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_homosexualityArticle: Paradise of Bachelors: The Social World of Men in Nineteenth-Century America.”https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-dec-15-la-et-out-west15-2009dec15-story.htmlhttps://hornet.com/stories/wild-west-gay-cowboys-history/https://truewestmagazine.com/old-west-homosexuality-homos-on-the-range/http://s3.amazonaws.com/arena-attachments/1581066/f18d255fcacf4c1686f54670bf93473d.pdf?1515546270https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/queer-tales-of-the-old-westhttps://en...2022-08-2430 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Tomato Trial: What a Man Does With His Tomatoes is None of Our BusinessThis week Liz and Dakota get silly looking at the history of the Tomato in Europe and America, and at the story of that time a town put a bushel of tomatoes on trial for being evil.Episode Noteshttps://www.britannica.com/story/is-a-tomato-a-fruit-or-a-vegetablehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesoamericahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pewterhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nightshade-vegetables#what-are-nightshadeshttps://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/americas-alleged-trial-against-tomatoes-not-witches-in-salem/#:~:text=The%20Salem%20Tomato%20Trial%20of%201820&text=Disgusted%20by%20the%20unfounded%20information,with%20a%20basket%20...2022-08-1722 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Cypress Hills MassacreThis week, Liz and Dakota share some little known Saskatchewan history, the story of the Cypress Hills MassacreEpisode Notes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypress_Hills_Massacrehttps://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=1633https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cypress-hills-massacre-featurehttps://teaching.usask.ca/indigenoussk/import/cypress_hills_massacre.phphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypress_Hills_(Canada)https://www.cbc.ca/history/EPCONTENTSE1EP9CH1PA3LE.html#:~:text=On%20March%2020%2C%201869%2C%20the,of%20C...2022-08-1037 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Mellified Man: Brendan Fraser's Honey MummyThis week, Liz and Dakota look at the many different uses for honey - as torture, and as medicine!Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compendium_of_Materia_Medicahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellified_manhttps://allthatsinteresting.com/mellified-manhttps://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-history-moments/lauren-glen?ref=browse_list&l=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-08-0319 minThe Reluctant HistorianSpontaneous Human Combustion: A Case of IncestThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about one of the most infamous cases of spontaneous human combustion: Mary Reeser. Then they get into theories explaining the phenomenon and whether it actually exists.Episode Noteshttps://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2019/10/17/spontaneous-combustion-in-st-petersburg-the-curious-case-of-mary-reeser/https://www.history.com/news/is-spontaneous-human-combustion-realhttps://www.britannica.com/story/is-spontaneous-human-combustion-realhttps://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/shc.htmhttps://www.livescience.com/42080-spontaneous-human-combustion.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-07-2732 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Order of the Pug: Fraternity HijinksThis week, Liz and Dakota look at a secret fraternity from Germany where the believers adhered to the characteristics of a very strange being.Episode Noteshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Freemasonryhttps://www.history.com/news/freemasons-facts-symbols-handshake-meaninghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Pug#:~:text=The%20Order%20of%20the%20Pug,In%20eminenti%20apostolatus%20of%201738.https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/07/31/order-of-the-pug/?chrome=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-07-2018 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Dolphin Experiments: Dolphin FluffingThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at one of the experiments conducted by a member of the secretive Order of the Dolphin, in an attempt to learn about extraterrestrial life.Episode Noteshttps://allthatsinteresting.com/margaret-howe-lovatthttps://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/06/how-a-science-experiment-led-to-sexual-encounters-for-a-woman-and-a-dolphin/372606/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/08/the-dolphin-who-loved-mehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Howe_Lovatthttps://historyofyesterday.com/the-woman-who-fell-in-love-with-nasas-drug-and-sex-addicted-dolphin-b8b3036e3dcehttps://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/06/how-a-science-experiment-led-to-sexual-encounters-for-a-woman-and-a-dolphin/372606/https://astronomy.com/news/2018/10/the-order-of-the-dolphin-setis-secret-origin-story2022-07-1331 minThe Reluctant HistorianPope Gregory and the Cats: A Study in Ass LickingIn this episode, Liz and Dakota get a little silly looking at the papal bull, "Vox in Rama", and how Pope Gregory IX set out to find witches in his midst. Episode Noteshttps://medium.com/illumination-curated/did-pope-gregory-ixs-hatred-of-cats-lead-to-the-black-death-327d163adfb2https://museumhack.com/black-cats-black-death/https://allthatsinteresting.com/pope-massacred-catshttps://historycollection.com/thou-shalt-not-suffer-a-cat-to-live-why-pope-gregory-ixs-vox-in-rama-implicated-cats-in-devil-worship/3/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-07-0633 minThe Reluctant HistorianTsunami Ghosts: If There's Something Strange...This week, Liz and Dakota look at a strange phenomenon that occurred in the months following the biggest earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan in 2011: hundreds upon hundreds of ghost sightings.Episode Noteshttps://www.britannica.com/event/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-of-2011/Aftermath-of-the-disaster https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a34414398/unsolved-mysteries-tsunami-ghosts-real/https://www.npr.org/2017/10/26/559062959/ghosts-of-the-tsunami-examines-the-disaster-that-haunts-japanhttps://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a34398241/japan-tsunami-ghost-sightings-true-story-unsolved-mysteries/https://unsolved.com/gallery/tsunami-spirits/https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/1651534/exorcist-kansho-aizawa-ishinomaki-japan-tsunami-town-ghosts/https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/inside-ghost-school-ishinomaki-74-228518542022-06-2938 minThe Reluctant HistorianProhibition Poisonings: The Curse of the FloppycockThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at the nefarious story of the US government and how they poisoned their citizens during the Prohibition Era.Episode Noteshttps://slate.com/technology/2010/02/the-little-told-story-of-how-the-u-s-government-poisoned-alcohol-during-prohibition.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-06-2227 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Boston Molasses FloodThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about a bizarre, if sticky disaster - The Great Boston Molasses Flood. Looking at some of the problems that surrounded the tank's construction, Liz and Dakota imagine what it would have been like to be in Boston at the time of this disaster.Episode Noteshttps://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-molasses-1328678https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/million-gallons-water-how-much-ithttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Floodhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Great-Molasses-Floodhttps://www.history.com/news/great-molasses-flood-science2022-06-0828 minThe Reluctant HistorianCanada's Jack The Ripper: Dr. Cream PieThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at one of Canada's first serial killers. Also known as the Lambeth Poisoner, Dr. Thomas Neil Cream.Episode Noteshttps://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/05/29/when-canadas-jack-the-ripper-serial-killer-struck-in-ontario.htmlhttps://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/politics-law/the-evil-deeds-of-dr-creamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Neill_Creamhttp://www.deanjobb.com/the-murderous-doctor-creamhttps://archive.macleans.ca/article/1931/9/15/the-crimes-of-dr-creamhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-human-equation/201207/psychological-profile-poisoner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...2022-06-0135 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Unsolved Murder of Agnes Bings: The Gooch Did ItThis week, Liz and Dakota look at an unsolved murder from Canada's history, one that has be likened to the Whitechapel Murders of Jack the Ripper. Episode Noteshttps://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/agnes-bings-1899-murder-victoria-jack-the-ripperhttps://www.timescolonist.com/archive/historical-police-records-give-glimpse-into-victorias-seamier-side-4607816 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-05-2530 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Triangle Factory Fire: A Fire Truck!This week, Liz and Dakota look at one of the most horrific factory catastrophes in America's Industrialized History. Posing the question, what's capitalism got to do with it, Liz and Dakota try to understand how this event came to be.Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_Shirtwaist_Factory_firehttps://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/triangle-shirtwaist-firehttps://www.npr.org/2021/12/14/1064221013/labor-practices-of-a-kentucky-candle-factory-come-under-scrutiny-after-tornado-dhttps://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.6285391/kentucky-worker-who-survived-tornado-says-candle-factory-should-have-been-closed-1.6285393 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...2022-05-1833 minThe Reluctant HistorianFashion Tidbits: The Poors vs The RichThis week, Liz and Dakota take a journey down fashion lane, stopping to look at a few famous fads from the past.Episode Noteshttps://www.thecollector.com/marie-antoinette-controversial-fashion-queen/https://sewguide.com/evolution-of-history-of-fashion/https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion-by-the-decadehttps://www.fashiongonerogue.com/fashion-history-evolution-fashion-designing/https://www.theawl.com/2017/10/the-sexy-gross-story-of-puce/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruff_(clothing)#:~:text=Ruffs%20served%20as%20changeable%20pieces,symbol%20of%20wealth%20and%20status.https://www.businessinsider.com/mad-hatter-hatmakers-mercury-poisoning-alice-wonderland-2017-6#:~:text=The%20expression%20%22mad%20as%20a,them%20to%20behave%20...2022-05-1134 minThe Reluctant HistorianMKULTRA: Operation Wet DreamIn the 1950's, the CIA was deep into using drugs like LSD to see if they could brainwash communist spies. Sound like something out of a badly written spy novel? Unfortunately, it isn't. This week, Liz and Dakota look into the secret history of the American Government's experiments into brainwashing. Episode Noteshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/class-action-lawsuit-families-montreal-brainwashing-mk-ultra-1.6371416https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cardinal-mindszenty-of-hungary-sentenced#:~:text=Cardinal%20J%C3%B3zsef%20Mindszenty%2C%20the%20highest,perversions%E2%80%9D%20and%20%E2%80%9Clynchings.%E2%80%9Dhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation...2022-05-0445 minThe Reluctant HistorianArmin Meiwes and Bernd BrandesTHIS EPISODE IS EXTREMLY GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING. LISTENER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED.In 2001, the German courts were faced with a troubling predicament: how to charge someone with a consensual crime that didn't exist. In today's episode, Liz and Dakota look at the disturbing story of Armin Meiwes and Bernd Brandes. Episode Noteshttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/cannibal-s-victim-was-obsessed-with-sexual-mutilation-73321.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/dec/04/germany.lukeharding#:~:text=The%20girlfriend%2C%20Bettina%20L%2C%20told,desire%20for%20self%2Ddestruction%22.https://murderpedia.org/male.M...2022-04-2736 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Truth About Diets: Cranking it to Chicken ThighsIn a follow up to last week's episode, Liz and Dakota take a look at the research behind why diets don't work.This episode relied heavily on Alexis Conason's book Anti-Diet Revolution. Please take a read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-04-2054 minThe Reluctant HistorianA Brief History of Diets: How to not be Sexually PromiscuousHave you ever tried, unsuccessfully, to lose weight? Well you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, Liz and Dakota look back at some of history’s strangest diets. And learn how long diets have actually been around.Episode Noteshttps://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16351761#:~:text=At%20Cambridge%20University%2C%20his%20horror,pounds%20and%20measured%20himself%20obsessively.https://skyterrawellness.com/history-of-dieting/#:~:text=The%20world's%20first%20liquid%20 diet,all%20he%20 consumed%20was%20alcohol.https://listverse.com/2016/09/22/10-incredibly-gross-stories-about-beloved-saints/https://www.livestrong.com/article/13764583-diet-statistics/2022-04-1347 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Endurance: A Race to Get OffWith this month’s discovery of the long lost ship, Endurance, Liz and Dakota were inspired to look at the amazing journey of Ernest Shackelton and his hardy crew as they braved the ice fields of the Weddell Sea and attempted to cross Antarctica. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endurance_(1912_ship)https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60662541https://www.history.com/news/shackleton-endurance-survivalhttp://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/story-behind-shackleton-endurance-shipwreck/index.htmlhttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/partner-content-the-quest-to-find-the-sunken-ship...2022-03-2340 minThe Reluctant HistorianVladimir Putin: Likes Hand StuffThis week, Liz and Dakota take a brief look at how Russia's Dictator - Vladimir Putin - came to power, and the influence that Russia has had on 21st century politics.Follow us on social media!InstagramTwitterFacebookEpisode Noteshttp://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/politics/difference-between-prime-minister-and-president-in-russia/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-inauguration-president-duties-idUSL0718325420080507https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KGBhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladimir-Putinhttps://en...2022-03-1656 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe October CrisisThis week, inspired by the Truck Occupation of Ottawa, Liz and Dakota take a look at another tumultuous time in Canada: The October Crisis and the invocation of the War Measures Act during the 1970s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_de_lib%C3%A9ration_du_Qu%C3%A9bec#:~:text=The%20Front%20de%20lib%C3%A9ration%20du,group%20by%20the%20Canadian%20governmenthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Stock_Exchange_bombinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda_of_the_deedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Crisis...2022-03-0352 minThe Reluctant HistorianSawney Bean: Cannibalistic ClamsOn this month's Wicked Wednesday, Liz and Dakota share a terrifying tale of robbery, murder, cannibalism, and incest. But it begs the question, did it actually happen? Or was it the product of early 18th and 19th century tabloids? Listen to The Reluctant Historian to find out.Episode Noteshttps://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Sawney-Bean-Scotlands-most-famous-cannibal/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawney_Beanhttps://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/did-the-scottish-mass-murdering-cannibal-sawney-bean-actually-exist/https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Legend-Of-Alexander-Sawney-Bean-And-His-Cannibal-Clanhttp://www.douglashistory.co.uk/history/articles/Sawney_Bean+Black_Agn...2022-02-2332 minThe Reluctant HistorianOlga of Kyiv: Hardcore Bird WatcherThis week, Liz and Dakota take a look back into a story that is part myth, part history, pure carnage - the story of Saint Olga of Kiev. If you’re interested in hearing tales from The Primary Chronicle, or about Kievan Rus’ first female leader, then you’re gonna want to take a listen!Episode Noteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pQv8nUHkUIhttps://www.wbur.org/endlessthread/2019/10/18/olga-of-kievhttps://www.stsvladimirandolgacathedral.ca/princess-olga-of-kievhttps://www.historyanswers.co.uk/medieval-renaissance/olga-of-kiev-one-saint-you-do-not-want-to-mess-with/https://www.britann...2022-02-1640 minThe Reluctant HistorianTyphoid Mary: There's Just Something About MaryOn this week's episode, Liz and Dakota look at the history of the first known case of an asymptomatic carrier. Thinking about societal, health, and ethical questions, they trace Mary's history as a typhoid carrier, and wonder about peach ice cream. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Mallonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoid_feverhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Typhoid-Maryhttps://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-typhoid-maryhttps://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/long-view-tragedy-typhoid-maryhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/03/17/typhoid-mary-st-patricks-day-coronavirus/https://w...2022-02-0940 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Dyatlov Pass Incident: It Was Frost Giants All AlongOn this week’s episode, Liz and Dakota take a trip back to Soviet Russia to try and solve a mystery that has plagued conspiracy theorists for almost 60 years. We can tell you definitively that it was frost giants. Stay tuned to hear about the tragedy of the Dyatlov Pass Incident.Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Mountainshttps://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/17/has-an-old-soviet-mystery-at-last-been-solvedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyatlov_Pass_incidenthttps://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-020-00081-8https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sma...2022-02-0251 minThe Reluctant HistorianVlad the Impaler: You Son of a Devil!This week Liz and Dakota talk about one of history’s most gruesome monarchs: Vlad the Impaler. Also known as the son of the Devil, Vlad is remembered for his terrifying executions, as well as perhaps being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Dragonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_the_Impalerhttps://allthatsinteresting.com/vlad-the-impalerhttps://www.nbcnews.com/sciencemain/vlad-impaler-real-dracula-was-absolutely-vicious-8c11505315https://www.livescience.com/40843-real-dracula-vlad-the-impaler.htmlhttps://www.britannica.com/bi...2022-01-2647 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Sinking of the USS Indianapolis: Titanic II - SharknadoIn this week’s episode, Liz shares a bit of WWII history with Dakota, talking about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis - the ship responsible for carrying part of the bomb that was later dropped on Hiroshima, and the horror following her sinking. Dakota pitches his ideas for more movie spin offs. Episode Noteshttps://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/surviving-sinking-uss-indianapolishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagshiphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Indianapolis_(CA-35)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Naval_Treatyhttps://en...2022-01-1941 minThe Reluctant HistorianTonya Harding: The Whack Heard Round the WorldOn this week's episode, Liz and Dakota look into the life of infamous figure skating champion: Tonya Harding. Choosing to focus on more than just "The Incident", The Reluctant Historian dives into her early childhood, what makes a triple axel such a hard jump, and who really thinks that fourth at the Olympics is a bad finish. New York Times Articlehttps://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/10/movies/tonya-harding-i-tonya-nancy-kerrigan-scandal.htmlEpisode Noteshttps://abcnews.go.com/US/tonya-hardings-mother-steak-knife-incident-happened-denies/story?id=52261073https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To...2022-01-1236 minThe Reluctant HistorianNot Another Teen Clip Show: 2021 in ReviewOn this week's episode, Dakota and Liz look back at The Reluctant Historian's first year in podcasting, with some shout outs, quizzes, and surprise guests. Tune in to the last episode of 2021 to hear your favourite hosts talk about their best times on the show. The Reluctant Historian will be back on January 5, 2022Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-12-1539 minThe Reluctant HistorianMerry Krampus to You: History of KrampusThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about an interesting mythical being from Austria: Krampus. Listen as Liz shares the history of where Krampus came from, some things he’s known for, and how people around the world celebrate him. Dakota tells us Krampus’s origin story.Episode Noteshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Krampushttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/krampus-could-come-you-holiday-season-180957438/https://www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-originhttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/131217-krampus-christmas-santa-devilhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampushttps://www.history.com/news...2021-12-0129 minThe Reluctant HistorianStranded on Isle Royale: The Story of Angelique and Charlie MottThis week Liz and Dakota look at what happened when two individuals were forgotten on an island in the middle of Lake Superior. Left to their own devices for ten months in the dead of winter, would they make it out unharmed? This episode is neat, because we get to hear the story from the survivor’s point of view. Liz shares a newspaper clipping - the only recorded evidence - that shares Angelique’s story in her own words. Episode Noteshttps://www.wikiwand.com/en/Minong_Traditional_Cultural_Propertyhttps...2021-11-2442 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Worst Year to be Alive: Ray Romano's Late Antique Ice AgeThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about the scientifically proven worst year to be alive. Any guesses? Well this episode will tell you the truth! Featuring Ray Romano, they discuss Climate Change, snow in the summer, ice and tree records, and the importance of the sun. Episode Noteshttps://www.sciencealert.com/the-worst-year-to-be-alive-in-human-history-is-probably-not-the-one-you-thinkhttps://www.history.co.uk/articles/what-was-the-worst-year-in-historyhttps://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-worst-year-in-history-is-2020-a-contenderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_of_Justinianhttps://nationalpost.com/news/the-worst-year-to-be-alive-in-human-history-its-not-what-you-thinkhttps://www.science.org/con...2021-11-1035 minThe Reluctant HistorianEmperor Qin Shi Huangdi: Not Shang Shi, Dakota!This week, Liz makes Dakota listen to her talk about China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. Recounting his feats, as well as his tyrannical nature, Liz talks about mercury poisoning, burying people alive, and immortality. Dakota sleeps. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_dynastyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_Shi_Huanghttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/qin-shi-huangdihttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Qin-Shi-Huang2021-11-0333 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Windigo: If You Go Down to the Woods Today...In this week's episode, Liz and Dakota talk about some real spooky stuff: the Windigo. A monster from Algonquian history, the Windigo was too scary for Liz to research on her own. Take a listen to find out what made the cannibalistic monster so terrifying, and decide for yourself if they really exist. Dark Poutine:Swift Runner EpisodeEpisode Noteshttps://www.legendsofamerica.com/mn-wendigo/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendigohttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/windigohttps://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/We...2021-10-2742 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Beast of Gevaudan: Willem Dafoe Strikes AgainThis week for spooky szn, Liz and Dakota look at a number of mysterious best attacks that occurred in the French region of Gevaudan in 1764. With reports of over 100 gruesome maulings and deaths, what happened there, so many years ago, remains a mystery to this day. Episode Noteshttps://www.history.com/news/beast-gevaudan-france-theories#:~:text=Between%201765%20and%201767%2C%20an,and%20captivated%20a%20horrified%20world.&text=Between%201764%20and%201767%20a,to%20La%20B%C3%AAte%20du%20G%C3%A9vaudan.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beast_of_G%C3%A9vaudanhttps://ww...2021-10-2045 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Salem Witch Trials: The OG Witch HuntThis week, Liz and Dakota continue to look at the effects of the witchcraft craze, with the case study of the Salem Witch Trials. Starting with what made Salem ripe for a witch hysteria outbreak to how the trials progressed, Liz shares the story of how fear and wild accusations can tear apart a community. Episode Noteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVd8kuufBhMhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/salem-witch-trialshttps://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/puritanismh...2021-10-1342 minThe Reluctant HistorianA Brief History of Witches: Do You Want to Dance With the Devil?It’s spooky season, witches! This week, Liz and Dakota look at the history of European Witches, starting with where they came from, to why the Church was obsessed with them, to the identification of a witch, to nocturnal emissions. Come with us on a journey to discover what thing wicked this way comes. Episode Noteshttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2022%3A18&version=KJVhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutarchhttps://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/history-witches-facts-burned-hanged/https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-witcheshtt...2021-10-0631 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe History of Residential Schools in CanadaThis week, in honour of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, Liz and Dakota take a look into the history of residential schools. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs support, you can contact The Indian Residential School Survivor Society at 1-800-721-0066. Please donate to this amazing organization hereTo hear Indigenous voices telling their story of survival, check out these amazing podcasts:“Residential Schools Podcast”“Still Here, Still Healing” CBC’s Telling Our Twisted Histories To register wi...2021-09-2934 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Black Death: Big Papa John's Bad Fun TimeThis week, Liz and Dakota tackle the history of the Black Death. Looking first at how it spread across Europe, they examine the disease, cures, and responses to the turmoil that existed in medieval peasants' lives. Dakota also talks about testicles. Episode Noteshttps://www.cdc.gov/plague/maps/index.htmlhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/flagellantshttps://www.history.com/news/quarantine-black-death-medievalhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobson_v._Massachusettshttps://www.history.com/news/bla...2021-09-2239 minThe Reluctant HistorianLiz and Koda Play Trivial PursuitThis week, we find out what happens when Dakota doesn't do his homework. Instead of doing research, Dakota gets Liz to play Trivial Pursuit with him. Does it translate to good content? You tell us. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-09-1527 minThe Reluctant HistorianOperation Mincemeat: Jack Thompson Saves the DayOn this week’s very special episode, Liz tells Dakota a story of World War II trickery and deception. Retelling the Allied invasion of Sardinia, no wait, was it Sicily? We’re not sure, but Liz explains how the British were able to also confuse the Germans into defending a territory that wasn’t really under attack. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mincemeat#German_reaction;_outcomehttps://www.history.com/news/what-was-operation-mincemeathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBaNrTMUQbMhttps://military.wikia.org/wiki/Glyndwr_M...2021-09-0840 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Is Now the End of Times?This week, Liz predicts the end of times, and explains to Dakota what that looks like in terms of the Christian Bible and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as talked about in the Book of Revelation. Listen to them talk about the symbolism, how they’ve been interpreted, and what seals have to do with it all. Episode Notes:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypsehttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/millenarianism#:~:text=In%20Christian%20theology%2C%20millenarianism%20refers,an%20end%20to%20history%20alto...2021-09-0141 minThe Reluctant HistorianLiz Retells the Story of MacbethOn this week's very special episode of The Reluctant Historian, Liz retells the Shakespearean tragedy, Macbeth. If you've ever wondered just what this whole story is all about, in real English and a bunch of swearing, make sure to give this episode a listen. A topical conversation podcast hosted by Eric Paul Erickson. Bringing the discovery of the open road into the discourse of modern conversation. The Open Highway brings conversation back to the world and allows us to learn about interesting topics and people. The show is available on Spotify, I Heart Radio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and...2021-08-251h 10The Reluctant HistorianThe Dancing Plague of 1518: Not Your Average FootlooseThis week, Liz and Dakota look at an interesting epidemic from history, you know, the one where the people of Strasbourg just couldn’t stop dancing? Never heard of it? Well stay tuned to hear all about dancing, curses, possession, and how the only cure for dancing, is, well, more dancing. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitushttps://grimmagazine.com/the-unexplained/2017/dancing-plague-of-1518/https://www.history.com/news/what-was-the-dancing-plague-of-1518https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_plague_of_1518https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20161028-the-town-the-nearly-danced-itself-to-death...2021-08-1827 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe New England Vampire Panic: A Cure for TuberculosisOn this week’s episode, Liz and Dakota take a look back at a unique, and maybe controversial, cure for Tuberculosis. In the course of doing so, they discuss old timey beliefs and superstitions and how to get rid of those pesky vampires.Merch:https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-reluctant-historianEpisode Noteshttps://www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday/history.htmhttps://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2021/07/16/the-curious-case-of-mercy-brown-and-the-new-england-vampire-panic/https://www.history.com/news/the-last-american-vampirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Brown_vampire_incidenthttps://med...2021-08-1130 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Thalidomide BabiesThis week, Liz and Dakota take a look back at one of the worst medical disasters in history, the prescribing of the drug thalidomide to pregnant mothers, and the effects this had on the babies they delivered. Episode Noteshttps://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/medicine/thalidomidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomidehttps://helix.northwestern.edu/article/thalidomide-tragedy-lessons-drug-safety-and-regulationSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-08-0424 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Herstory of DragThis week, after watching copious amounts of RuPaul’s drag race over the summer, Liz and Dakota dive into the history of drag, looking at where it began, how it grew and changed, and what it is today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_queenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Dorsey_Swannhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbkmkmnPlease be sure to check out the articles below to hear this story told from the queer community:https://www.them.us/story/inqueery-dragh...2021-07-2827 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Moon Landing: What They Should Have SaidOn this week's shortie summer, Liz and Dakota go over the timeline of the 1969 moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. They share some fun facts, and Dakota tells us what he thinks the astronauts should have said instead of the now famous line "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind".Also, take a listen to the Dreamscapes Podcast, which is soon to feature Liz as a guest!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-2132 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe California Gold Rush: There's Gold in Them Thar HillsFor this week's shortie summer episode, Liz and Dakota talk about the history of the California Gold Rush, and why they named their segment the golden nugget. Looking back at how people were attracted to California in their search for gold, Liz and Dakota learn about the 49ers, how the land was mined, and why sandwiches were important to the story. Remember, you can share your rating on Instagram by going to @thereluctanthistorianEpisode Noteshttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gold-rusheshttps://www.history.co...2021-07-1423 minThe Reluctant HistorianLand Acknowledgement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of CanadaOn this week’s first shortie summer, Liz and Dakota talk New News: the heat dome across Western Canada. Then, they dive into what is a land acknowledgement, and why they are important, finishing up with a look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, what it is, and why everyone should read it. You can read Indigenous writer, Selena Mill’s article about land acknowledgement here:https://locallove.ca/issues/what-are-land-acknowledgements-and-why-do-they-matter/#.YMosF2hKiUkAnd donate to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society here:https://www.irsss.ca/don...2021-07-0731 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Tunguska Event: Aliens?This week, Liz and Dakota talk about an out of this world event that happened in Siberia in 1908. With numerous theories to describe what happened, Liz and Dakota share their thoughts on what was the most likely caused of this cataclysmic event, and how Aliens may have played a part. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Siberian_taigahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_and_geographic_subdivisions_by_total_area_from_1,000_to_3,000_square_kilometershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_burst...2021-06-3039 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Donner Party - Part II: How to Stay AliveThis week, Liz and Dakota conclude the story of the Donner Party, sharing what happened when the group ended up trapped in the mountains, and the tactics they went to in order to survive. Warning - it's not for the faint hearted.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-2348 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Donner Party - Part I: Don't Trust a ShortcutThis week, Liz and Dakota share the first party of the infamous Donner Party tragedy. Explaining how a few poor decisions led to being trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the two discover how what started out as dreams for a better life resulted in a nightmare situation. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-1637 minThe Reluctant HistorianPokémon Vs. Religion: Pikachu I Choose YouWelcome to a special episode, episode 20 - the one where Dakota takes the driver's seat. In this episode, Dakota will share all about his love for the Japanese Pokémon and how they have been maligned by some religious fanatics. Stay tuned to hear all about Pokémon lore, why Pokémon is actually super important to young children, and how some religious people see Pokémon as a way to summon demons. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-0947 minThe Reluctant HistorianViola Desmond: Black Civil Rights ActivistThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at Nova Scotia's Viola Desmond, and her fight against racial discrimination in the 1940s. Liz shares about Viola's life, business, arrest, and trial. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thehistorian) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-06-0230 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Filipina Guerilla Fighters of World War IIThis week, Liz and Dakota look back at the female guerilla fighters of the Philippines and their efforts to expel the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII. Showing how women's roles are often overlooked in history, Liz and Dakota talk about the resistance movement, looking specifically at school teacher turned guerilla commander, Nieves Fernandez. Episode Notes:https://southseattleemerald.com/2016/03/26/31-days-of-revolutionary-women-27-nieves-fernandez/https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/nieves-fernandez-guerilla-wwii-a00293-20200915-lfrmhttps://www.pacificatrocities.org/female-guerrillas.htmlhttps://www.warhistoryonline.com/guest-bloggers/women-warriors-philippines-wwii.ht...2021-05-2636 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Opium Wars: D.A.R.E Lessons in DisguiseThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about the Opium War between China and Britain during the Age of Imperialism. In this episode, Liz will take you through the history of trade between China and Great Britain, Opium and the effects this drug had on China, and the outcomes of the war. Dakota will learn a new D.A.R.E. lesson as well as a few new words to add to his arsenal. Show Noteshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Opium-Warshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wik...2021-05-1948 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Spanish Inquisition: That Time When We Played on the RackThis week, Liz and Dakota talk about the Spanish Inquisition. This episode discusses the reasons for the Spanish Inquisition, what it hoped to accomplish, and some torture tactics used by inquisitors. Episode Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquisitionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heresy_in_Christianityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Inquisitionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-da-f%C3%A9https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spanish-Inquisitionhttps://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/s...2021-05-1241 minThe Reluctant Historian1925 Nome Serum Run: That Time When Willem Dafoe and His Friend Togo Saved the DayThis week! Liz and Dakota talk about a little known part of history - the 1925 Nome Serum Run: a race to bring much needed medicine to a town in Alaska on the brink of disaster. In a time when dog sledding was king, the town of Nome was on the brink of a diphtheria epidemic. Looking back at this famous relay to save lives, Liz shares how the world was fascinated by the heroic efforts of the dogs and their mushers on the 1600 km journey to bring medicine to Nome. It will make you laugh, it will definitely make you c...2021-05-0551 minThe Reluctant HistorianQAnon: That Time When We Owned QAnonThis week, Dakota and Liz dive into the world of QAnon and the many different beliefs that people who adhere to this conspiracy theory hold. Starting with it's inception, Liz takes us on a journey through the wild world of QAnon, while Dakota shares his disbelief. Listen in to hear all about Pizzagate, Save The Children, Human Trafficking Rings, and how this relates to MMORPGs.... trust us, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Episode Noteshttps://www.insider.com/qanon-history-who-is-q-conspiracy-theory-what-does-believe-2021-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...2021-04-281h 11The Reluctant HistorianLizzie Borden: That Time When She Took an AxeThis week, Liz and Dakota delve into the true crime story of the infamous murderess, Lizzie Borden. Exploring the cultural influences that lead to her acquittal, Liz and Dakota take you on a journey of small town lawyers, Lizzie Borden fan fiction, and Dakota's theory that it was actually ghosts all along.Episode Noteshttp://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/LizzieBorden/news8.htmlhttps://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lizzie-borden-took-an-axe#:~:text=Her%20story%20is%20still%20remembered,until%20her%20death%20in%201927.https://www.biography.com/news/l...2021-04-2158 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Satanic Panic Part II: That Time When We Remembered... MichelleIn this second part of the episodes on the Satanic Panic, Liz and Dakota take a more in-depth look at two of the most important cultural events that helped to spread the fear of secret Satanic cults: the book Michelle Remembers, and the McMartin Pre-school trial. This episode looks at how these two cultural phenomenon occurred, how they grew in their reach, and how they influenced the rise of the Satanic Ritual Abuse trials of the 80s. They also talk a little about QAnon, and how possibly it could be a continuation of this moral panic....2021-04-1449 minThe Reluctant HistorianThe Satanic Panic Part I: That Time When We Played Dungeons and Dragons too HardWelcome back to The Reluctant Historian. Here we are with our first TWO PART episode! In this episode, Liz and Dakota take a look at the cultural and historical movements that helped to drive the strange, and dangerous, 80s phenomenon: The Satanic Ritual Abuse Trials. This episode looks at what was going on in the culture at the time that made people just so darned afraid of stranger danger, Ouija boards, satanic cults, and dungeons and dragons. Dakota also gets to practice being a small town lawyer, and shares his thoughts about Pokémon and the dangers that lurk there...2021-04-0758 minThe Reluctant HistorianNorse Mythology: That Time When We Rode a Goat ChariotWelcome to episode 10! This episode delves into the history of the Vikings, looking particularly at their religion and mythology. Liz and Dakota spend some time discussing who the Vikings were, and what they believed in, focusing on their creation story, the gods Odin, Thor and Loki, and sharing the story of the end of the world known as Ragnarok. If you like God of War, the MCU, or hearing stories from ages past, this is a great episode to take a listen to. Thanks for checking out our podcast, we appreciate each and every one of you! You c...2021-03-2452 min