Shows
Historical BlindnessThe Abode of the Lost Tribes of Israel, Part One: ConquestThe first part of a 2-part series on the Lost Tribes of Israel. This topic contains a lot of the hallmarks of this podcast's most interesting subjects: myth, legend, apocryphal scripture, texts of uncertain authorship, literary hoaxes, anti-Semitic conspiracy theory, faulty scholarship, and dubious religious beliefs. If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, visit The Podcast Professor at www.profpodcast.com or email profpodcasting@gmail.com to learn about our audio editing and consultation services.Further support the show by giving a one-time gift a...
2021-02-0936 min
Historical BlindnessThe Epistle of Prester JohnA look at Presbyter Johannes, or Prester John, a legendary Christian king of a faraway land filled with wonders. Who authored the hoax that propagated his legend, and how valid are the various theories of his historical identity? If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, visit The Podcast Professor at www.profpodcast.com or email profpodcasting@gmail.com to learn about our audio editing and consultation services. Further support the show by giving a one-time gift at paypal.me/NathanLeviLloyd or finding me on Venm...
2021-01-2644 min
Historical BlindnessPatron Minisode Release: Little Caesar LostI'm running late on the next full-length episode, so here's a patron exclusive I did in January last year when I was running behind for other reasons. After talking about what's going on with me know (and what was going on with me back then), enjoy an episode about the mysteries surrounding Cleopatra and her son, which ties in a bit with the cold open on the last episode, about the destruction of the library at Alexandria. (Disclaimer: I am aware that I get it a bit wrong in this minisode when assigning responsibility for the fire...
2021-01-1914 min
Historical BlindnessHermes Trismegistus, Father of AlchemyIn this volume of my Encyclopedia Grimoria, I continue to seek the origin of magic in history, having followed the trail in my previous exploration from ancient Persia to ancient Egypt, where I now find the enigmatic figure of Hermes Trismegistus and his Emerald Tablet. If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, contact the Podcast Professor at profpodcasting@gmail.com to talk about our audio editing and consultation services. Further support the show by giving a one-time gift at paypal.me/NathanLeviLloyd or by sig...
2021-01-0544 min
Historical BlindnessA Very Historically Blind Christmas III: The Epiphany of the MagiIn the third annual holiday special, I look at the legendarium of the Three Wise Men and the Star of Bethlehem. Were they and their visit to the Christ Child real? If a myth, what was the reason for the inclusion of the brief passage in Matthew that originated their legend? If you are thinking of starting a podcast or want some help with the podcast you already make, contact me the Podcast Professor at profpodcasting@gmail.com to talk about our audio editing and consultation services. Further support the show by giving a one-time gi...
2020-12-2239 min
Historical BlindnessThe Eleventh Hour: Presidential Pardon PowerThis episode is simultaneously political and holiday-themed. With the Presidential power of pardoning under scrutiny, I look at the history of its use and misuse as I speculate about how our current lame duck may abuse it and consider whether it should be reformed. Donate at paypal.me/NathanLeviLloyd or support the show by signing up for a 2-week trial of The Great Courses Plus or a 30-day trial of Audible. Background music, including "Remedy for Melancholy," "Run," "Plague," "November," "Laburnum," "Modum," and "July" are by Kai Engel, licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0). A...
2020-12-0842 min
Historical BlindnessPatron Exclusive Release: The Thanksgiving MythosI've got a little holiday treat for you this Thanksgiving! Listen to this Blind Spot minisode that I released last year to patrons on Patreon all about the myths and misconceptions surrounding the history of Thanksgiving. Then go lecture your families about it (perhaps on a video chat this year)! Meanwhile, I'll be giving thanks for all my listeners!Pledge support for the show on patreon.com/historicalblindness. Shop at Sudio.com from the 23rd-30th of November for 25% off earbuds, headphones, and speakers, and use the promo code "historical" for an additional 10% off!
2020-11-2614 min
Historical BlindnessCircuit Riders, Midnight Appointments, and Packed BenchesHi patrons! This episode is yet another political topic. With the topic of Supreme Court expansion in the public discourse after the controversial confirmations of justices nominated by Donald Trump, I look at the history and structure of the Supreme Court, the changing size of its bench, and the historical basis of arguments for judicial reform.Pledge at Patreon before Dec. 1st to be entered to win a pair of Sudio earbuds, and shop at Sudio.com from the 23rd-30th of November for 25% off earbuds, headphones, and speakers, PLUS an additional 10% off when you use the...
2020-11-2453 min
Historical BlindnessThe Smoke-Filled Room: Contested Elections in AmericaIn this post-election episode, written a week before the American presidential election, I look to contested elections in American history for some insight into what is happening today, with especial focus on the outmoded institution of the Electoral College of the United States and the elections of 1824 and 1876. Pledge on Patreon at patreon.com/historicalblindness to get ad-free and exclusive episodes. All active patrons will be entered to win a new pair of earbuds from Sudio on December 1st! Shop Sudio.com between November 23rd and 30th to receive 35% off your purchase AND and extra 10% off with t...
2020-11-1048 min
Historical BlindnessA Rediscovery of Witches, Part Two: The Moon Goddess and the Cunning FolkIn part two of my series on the early modern witch craze and the myths, misconceptions, and theories about witches spread by academics, I am again joined by Sarah Handley-Cousins of Dig: A History Podcast to discuss the founding of Wicca, the emergence of the midwife-witch myth, and folk healers as targets of witchcraft accusations. If you're an American, PLEASE VOTE!Support the podcast by signing up for a free 30-day trial of Audible at audibletrial.com/historicalblindnessSome music on this episode is copyright Alex Kish. Contact Alex to g...
2020-10-2750 min
Historical BlindnessA Rediscovery of Witches, Part One: The Hammer and the Horned GodIn the first of a two part series, I'm joined by Sarah Handley-Cousins of Dig: A History Podcast to talk about the early modern witch craze and the historical myths and misconceptions surrounding it. If you're an American, PLEASE VOTE! Support the podcast by signing up for a free 30-day trial of Audible at audibletrial.com/historicalblindness Some music on this episode is copyright Alex Kish. Contact Alex to get compositions for your own projects. Additional music, including "Oneiri," "Remedy for Melancholy," "September," "Seeker," and "daedalus" are by Kai Engel, licensed under an Int...
2020-10-1348 min
Historical BlindnessThe Illuminati Illuminated, Part Two: The Order in AmericaIn the extra-long conclusion of my series on Illuminati conspiracy theories, I talk about how conspiracy theories about the Illuminati played a large role in the presidential election of 1800 as well as how they have remained ubiquitous in American political discourse since then. Visit https://howto.vote/ to find information on registering to vote and voting this year. Please don't wait. Get a 30-day free trial of Audible with a free audiobook AND support this show by visiting http://www.audibletrial.com/historicalblindness Some background music on the episode is copyright Alex Kish. Con...
2020-09-2955 min
Historical BlindnessA Dark Day IndeedIn this patron exclusive minisode released in April of 2019, I delved into the mystery of a day with no light, when darkness fell over New England and many feared that God's judgment was at hand. But was the Dark Day really a mysterious phenomenon as it is unceasingly portrayed? I'm releasing this patron exclusive on the free, ad-supported feed now because its topic has been on my mind for the last couple months, during the devastating wildfires that have been ravaging the West Coast of America where I live.If you are able, please c...
2020-09-2212 min
Historical BlindnessThe Illuminati Illuminated, Part One: The Order's OriginsA contemplation of the modern conservative conspiracy theory of a "deep state" leads me back to the dawn of modern conspiracy theory, the Enlightenment, when the ultimate conservative conspiracy theory was born as an explanation of the French Revolution: the Illuminati! Get a 30-day free trial of Audible with a free audiobook AND support this show by visiting http://www.audibletrial.com/historicalblindnessSome background music on the episode is copyright Alex Kish. Contact Alex at AlexKishMusic.com to license music for your own project. Other background tracks, including "Wake Up," "Remedy for Melancholy," "Delirium," "La...
2020-09-1540 min
Historical BlindnessThe Murder of Lord Darnley, Part Two: The Casket LettersIn the aftermath of an explosion that killed a king and upset the foundations of power in Scotland, various suspects in the murder vie for control of the country. What evidence exists to prove who was behind the regicide, and can it be trusted? This episode is sponsored by Sudio. While as patrons you won't hear their ad, you can still support the show by making a purchase of one of their fine audio devices at Sudio.com and entering the promo code "rockingprek" at check out for 15% off. Some background music on the episode is c...
2020-09-0141 min
Historical BlindnessThe Murder of Lord Darnley, Part One: The Vipers' NestIn 1567, the King of Scotland is murdered, and even today, mystery surrounds the crime. In part one, we look at the life and reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, from birth to her consort's demise to learn what led up to the murder and better understand the questions that remain. This episode is sponsored by Sudio. While as patrons you won't hear their ad, you can still support the show by making a purchase of one of their fine audio devices at https://www.sudio.com/us/ and entering the promo code "rockingprek" at check out for 15% off...
2020-08-1846 min
Historical BlindnessThe Jansenist Miracles of Enlightenment France, Part Two: The ConvulsionnairesIn the conclusion to this series about an age of miracles in the midst of the Enlightenment, we look at the strange development of convulsionism among the adherents of François de Pâris. Along the way, we see the emergence of egalitarianism and democratic ideals in pre-Revolutionary France as well as signs of disorder between the powers of the throne, the Church, and the sovereign court. Much of the music on this episode is copyright Alex Kish. Contact Alex at https://www.alexkishmusic.com/ to license his music. Other songs, including the tracks "daedalus," "Evermore," "Mare," and...
2020-07-2837 min
Historical BlindnessThe Jansenist Miracles of Enlightenment France, Part One: The ThaumaturgesIn the center of the High Enlightenment, as Western culture moved toward rational worldview, a series of miracles deepens a religious schism and contributes to a lack of faith in the royal government, laying the groundwork for a future revolution. But what really happened at the tomb of François de Pâris in the cemetery of Saint-Médard? Part one of two. Featuring a promo for Pontifacts, the podcast that ranks all the popes, from Peter to Francis!Background tracks "July," "Brand New World," "Scenery," "Interception," "Meekness," "periculum," "modum," and "Delirium" by Kai Engel, licensed under a Cr...
2020-07-1435 min
Historical BlindnessJubal Early's Lost Cause (rerelease) #BlackLivesMatterWith Black Lives Matter protesters focusing on toppling Confederate monuments, and talking heads on the right calling efforts to legislate the removal of these monuments to slavery an attempt to "destroy history," and Trump making executive orders to protect them, this episode from 2017 is especially relevant again. Thanks Diane for suggesting I rerelease it! To learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement, visit https://blacklivesmatter.com/.To provide material support to the Black Lives Matter movement, visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019.To support the Black Lives Matter movement’s f...
2020-06-3024 min
Historical BlindnessThe Killing of Dr. King (supercut rerelease) #BlackLivesMatterAs a show of support for Black Lives Matter protesters, I'm releasing this more than three hour, ad-free supercut of my series on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including some exclusive content that non-patrons haven’t yet heard. It is my intention with this re-release to honor the perennial struggle for African American civil rights and especially the spirit of non-violent protest as embodied by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, whose banner I believe BLM is carries today.To learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement, visit https://blacklivesmatter.com/.To pr...
2020-06-223h 10
Historical BlindnessThe Feat of the Flying Friar: St. Joseph of CupertinoIn this new episode, I play the devil's advocate and investigate the supposed miracles of an Italian monk said to have the superhuman ability of unencumbered flight! Was he the returned messiah, a servant of the devil, or a charlatan? Or did he just have a superpower?To provide material support to the Black Lives Matter movement, visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019.To support the Black Lives Matter movement’s fight against racism and police misconduct in other ways, visit https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/.Background tracks "Something (Bonus Track)," "Smo...
2020-06-0939 min
Historical BlindnessIn the Footsteps of the Wandering Jew: Anti-Semitic Canards in the Coronavirus EraAs we see anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and hate speech surge during the coronavirus pandemic, a historical pattern can be discerned, a tradition of fear and resentment that is well illustrated in the medieval legend of the Wandering Jew. Join me as I explore this Christian legend, connecting it every step of the way with the long history of using Jews as scapegoats for calamities of all kinds. Background tracks "Wake Up," "Imminence," "Smoldering," "Homeroad," "Delirium," "daedalus," "July," and "Behind Your Window," by Kai Engel, licensed under a Creative Commons International Attribution License. Learn mor...
2020-05-2643 min
Historical BlindnessCocoliztli: The Mystery PestilenceIn this episode, I address some false historical claims about pandemics and focus in on a devastating and mysterious plague in 16th century Mexico in an effort to find some historical perspective on our current global health crisis. WARNING: many may find the content of this episode disturbing, especially during the current public health emergency. Background tracks "Seeker," "Comatose," "Daylight (PON II)," "daedalus," and "daemones" by Kai Engel, licensed under an International Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-05-1237 min
Historical BlindnessDrake's Plate, a Brazen PlotIn this episode, I tell the story of a legendary artifact and the drama surrounding its purported discovery in the 1930s. This is a sequel of sorts to the last episode because the revived Clampers play a central role in this story. Featuring a promo for The History of Malls."Scenery," "Global Warming," "Meekness," "Anxiety," and "daedalus" by Kai Engel are licensed under an International Attribution Licence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-04-1428 min
Historical BlindnessThe Unbelievable History of the Ancient and Honorable E Clampus VitusIn this episode, I look at the long and storied history of a California Gold Rush era secret society with roots all the way back to the beginning of time! It's a scarcely credible tale that includes a sex slave mutiny, lusty monks massacred by well-endowed Native Americans, and the Chinese discovery of California! It's so crazy, it's hard to believe!Background tracks "Headway," "Meekness," "Salue," "Brand New World," "Scenery," and "Delirium by Kai Engel, licensed under and International Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-03-3130 min
Historical BlindnessGnostic GenesisIn this episode, the first in likely numerous eventual episodes on apocryphal texts and doctrines, I look at Gnosticism, a school of thought within early Christianity that inverted Judeo-Christian norms with its creation mythology.Background tracks "Sentinel," "Seeker," "July," "Passages," "Global Warming," "Plague," "Comatose," and "Periculum" by Kai Engel, licensed under a Creative Commons International Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-03-1734 min
Historical BlindnessZoroaster, the First MagusIn this episode, I embark on a journey into the arcane and esoteric, investigating the history of magic as an ongoing series to which I plan to frequently return. In the first volume of my Encylopedia Grimoria, I start at the end, with an entry for Z, to understand the beginning. I look at the figure of Zoroaster, or Zarathustra, as the supposed originator of all things magical. Background music tracks entitled "daemones," "Mare," "Evermore," "Cobweb Morning," "daedalus," "periculum," "Brooks," "Interception," and "modum" by Kai Engel are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. L...
2020-03-0336 min
Historical BlindnessThe End of Edward II, Part Two: The Hermit KingIn the conclusion of the season premiere, we find that all is not what it seemed with the death of King Edward II. Indeed, there is ample evidence that Edward II did not die in Berkeley Castle at all, but escaped to live out the remainder of his life as a hermit. So what is to be believed about Edward II's end? Background music tracks entitled "daedalus," "Meekness," and "Nothing (Bonus Track)" by Kai Engel are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-02-1844 min
Historical BlindnessThe End of Edward II, Part One: The Iron ViragoIn the premiere full-length episode of the 2020 season, I dig into the historical mystery of Edward II's demise, examining the context of his reign and the circumstances of his death, asking who was responsible and whether the grisly details of his murder were accurate or mere legend."daedalus" and "Nothing (Bonus Track)" by Kai Engel are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-02-0440 min
Historical BlindnessA Very Historically Blind Christmas II: Father ChristmasThis year, I look at various personifications of the Christmas holiday, from the mock kings of antiquity to the very complicated evolution of the holiday's modern poster boy, Santa Claus. It's a story of ancient gods and goddesses, mischievous elves, and a legendary saint, and how they all got mixed up and baked into one colorful holiday treat! Much of the Christmas music on this episode, including the tracks “Wish Background,” “Deck the Halls A,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” and “O Holy Night,” by Kevin MacLeod and available at incompetech.com. Rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful” by J...
2019-12-1637 min
Historical BlindnessPATREON MINISODE: Alfred Russel Wallace; Man of Science, Man of PseudoscienceThis is a re-release of a patron exclusive mini-episode that I produced as a companion to my episode on Holocaust denial earlier this year. If you want access to an ad-free feed and extra content like this, visit Patreon.com/HistoricalBlindness and pledge at whatever tier you can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-11-2616 min
Historical BlindnessShadow of the Werewolf, Part Two: The Salve and the SabbatIn the conclusion of my Halloween series on werewolves and the 2019 pre-hiatus finale, I go further into the lore, considering the connection between werewolfery and insanity and the influence of Early Modern witch hunts on the conception of the werewolf. Be sure to visit the website at historicalblindness.com for images and links. Hope this one makes you howl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-10-2946 min
Historical BlindnessShadow of the Werewolf, Part One: Killer on the RoadIn the first part of my especially spooky Halloween series, I begin a hunt for the true nature of the werewolf, looking at its roots in antiquity and mythology and the evolution of the notion through folklore and etymology. In this first installment, I explore werewolf claims in relation to real wolf attacks, trace the idea of their vulnerability to silver, and suggest that the werewolf may have first been a metaphor for savagery and cannibalism later applied to murderers who acted more as animals than men and were punished as such. Happy October! Look for part two before...
2019-10-1538 min
Historical BlindnessThe Chronological Revision Chronicles, Part Three: The Hardouin Conspiracy and the Newton PiracyIn the final installment of this in-depth series, I move away from modern Russian revisionists to look at some classical revisionists who were otherwise highly respected as scholars but whose revised timelines and claims of vast conspiracy reflect poorly on their legacies. This episode leads me more into the science denial of revisionists, the mythological and religious basis of much chronology, and the historical blindness at the heart of our understanding of ancient history. Visit the blog at historicalblindness.com for images, citations, and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
2019-10-0143 min
Historical BlindnessThe Chronological Revision Chronicles, Part Two: The Velikovsky CatastropheIn Part Two of my chronicles, I discuss another Russian theorist who in the '50s and '60s challenged not only historical chronology but establishment astronomy and physics as well with his claims of ancient interplanetary collision. Be sure to visit the blog at historicalblindness.com for images, academic citations, and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-09-1750 min
Historical BlindnessThe Chronological Revision Chronicles, Part One: The Fomenko TimelineA look at conspiracism and "alternate history" as a genre in Russian scholarship, and the theories of one Russian mathematician who would rewrite all of history using science. Be sure to visit the website at HistoricalBlindness.com for a full transcript, images, citations, and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-09-0341 min
Historical BlindnessThe Wrong Side of History: Holocaust Denial and Its FallaciesAs a coda to my series on Nazis and the occult, I felt compelled to address the modern myth that the Holocaust didn't happen or was exaggerated. In this episode, I examine Holocaust deniers and their fallacious arguments. Visit the blog at HistoricalBlindness.com for images, citations, and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-08-1332 min
Historical BlindnessNazi Occultism, Part Three: The Hunt for a Hyperborean HeritageIn the final installment of my series on Nazi Occultism, I finally get to the weird Nazi obsessions with lost civilizations and mythical artifacts. Like a true-life Indiana Jones villain, Himmler dedicated his pseudo-archaeological expeditions to proving misguided theories of anthropogenesis and cosmogenesis and to finding artifacts that may never have existed. Some legends, it seems, are true.Be sure to visit HistoricalBlindness.com for the full text of the episode along with images and citations and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-07-3038 min
Historical BlindnessNazi Occultism, Part Two: The Death's Head CultIn Part Two of my series, I question how involved in the occult Adolph Hitler was and look to the SS and Heinrich Himmler as the neo-pagan and mystical influence at the heart of Nazism. Be sure to visit historicalblindness.com and find the blog post for this episode to view images, follow links to further reading, and review my citations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-07-1641 min
Historical BlindnessNazi Occultism, Part One: The Myth of the AryansHere is the episode whose release I delayed by a week. In it, I explore the dark roots of Nazism, from a neo-paganism preoccupied with the Nordic Pantheon, to a folksy back-to-the-land movement that evolved into a nationalist sentiment, to an ideology of racial supremacy all tied up with contemporary myths and pseudoscience. This will be the first in a series. As always, visit the blog at HistoricalBlindness.com to access the episode transcript, associated images, links to further reading, and citations for books and academic sources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
2019-07-0234 min
Historical BlindnessThe Monster of Loch Ness: Delusion or Denizen of the Deep?Continuing from my series on the Great Sea Serpent, I examine another supposed aquatic monster, for a study of whether dinosaurs survived in the deep waters of the earth wouldn't be complete without an examination of the Loch Ness Monster legend. This one started out as a Blind Spot coda to the Leviathan series, but Nessie demanded her (his?) own full-length episode. Instead, as a coda to the last several episodes and a transition to the next topic, keep an eye out for an upcoming Blindside exclusive. As always, visit historicalblindness.com after Tuesday for the full transcript with...
2019-06-1134 min
Historical BlindnessLeviathan, the Great Sea Serpent, Part 2: Into the Chaos WatersHere's part two of my series on sea serpents! In this episode, much like the mythological motif of a god wrestling against a serpent that represents chaos at the dawn of creation, we see science struggling against the notion of sea serpents in the 19th century, which would throw their scientific worldview into chaos. Be sure to visit the website at historicalblindness.com to view images and find links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-05-2837 min
Historical BlindnessLeviathan, the Great Sea Serpent, Part One: Here Be DragonsWithout further delay, please enjoy this first installment in a series on the myths and mysterious sightings of sea serpents. In the last episode we discussed the extinction of the the dinosaur, but did all of them die off? Could there be some surviving dinosaurian species that has was the basis of our foundational sea monster and dragon myths, creatures that have been encountered by sailors throughout history? Be sure to visit the website at historicalblindness.com to view images and find links to further reading as well as a list of scholarly sources. Learn m...
2019-05-1438 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Great Dying and the Chicxulub CraterIn this episode, I examine another massive extraterrestrial impact, this one prehistoric and blamed for ending most life on earth. But what really caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? Do we know, or is it a blind spot in prehistory? Be sure to visit the website at historicalblindness.com to view the blog post with images and further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-04-2325 min
Historical BlindnessTerror over Tunguska: The Siberian Blast of 1908In this episode, I look at the Tunguska Event. This is a cosmic horror story about an explosion of mysterious origins in a remote wilderness. I tell the tale of the blast, its aftermath, its investigation over several decades, and the mystery that continues to surround it. Visit the blog at historicalblindness.com for images, links to further reading and citations for academic sources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-04-0934 min
Historical BlindnessAmazing Races (Switcheroo)This is not a new episode of Historical Blindness, but it's not a "gotcha" April Fools prank either. In the spirit of the Great Comic Strip Switcheroo of 1997, I and a few other like-minded podcasters are hosting classic episodes on each other's feeds in order to introduce our listeners to some of the great shows out there. So enjoy an episode from the Your Brain on Facts podcast, whose host, Moxie LaBouche, you may recognize from her guest appearance on my Christopher Columbus episode.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-04-0132 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: A Tale of Two BabylonsAs a companion piece to my episode on the Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk, I look at another influential but dubious anti-Catholic book. In The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop crafts a far reaching conspiracy theory founded on a questionable understanding of history to claim that Roman Catholicism has a secret pagan core. But pseudohistory, while academic sounding enough to convince many, is just fiction in fancy clothes. Be sure to visit the blog at historicalblindness.com to view images associated with the topic and find links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
2019-03-2626 min
Historical BlindnessMaria Monk and Her Awful DisclosuresIn this episode, as a response to the growing nativism in our our own time, I look at early 19th century anti-Catholic narratives, specifically escaped nun stories and convent exposes, and hoaxes that in some cases led to riots. Check out the blog at historicalblindness.com for images to go with this story, as well as a list of citations and some links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-03-1238 min
Historical BlindnessBlindside: Murder in the Red BarnI'm re-releasing my first Patreon bonus episode here for all my listeners to check out. Each month, I release a Blindside episode that serves as a companion piece for or a continuation of a recent episode. This first Blindside goes into the Red Barn Murder, which I had occasion to briefly mention in my episode on Spring-Heeled Jack back in October. Consider pledging as little as a dollar a month to my Patreon campaign at www.patreon.com/historicalblindness to get ad-free episodes, teasers, and all Blindside bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
2019-03-0510 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Jowers AffairAs a coda to my series on the Killing of Dr. King, I look at some events that transpired in far more recent history than I customarily examine. In the 1990s, James Earl Ray's final attorney, one Dr. Pepper, managed to make a media circus of the case with the revelation of a dubious confession by someone other than Ray. Be sure to visit the blog at historicalblindness.com for images and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-02-2630 min
Historical BlindnessThe Killing of Dr. King, Part Three: Ray's ReasonsIn the third part of this series on the King assassination, I look at James Earl Ray's views on race and indications that he not only was planning King's assassination for some time, but also that he may have had accomplices. Introduction provided by Sebastian Major, host of Our Fake History. Be sure to check out his show if you aren't already listening! And visit the website at historicalblindness.com after Tuesday February 12 to check out the blog post with images and links to further reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
2019-02-121h 01
Historical BlindnessThe Killing of Dr. King, Part Two: The Legend of RaoulContinuing my series on the MLK assassination, I examine Dr. King's relationships with people in power who some say might have arranged for his death, and I evaluate his convicted assassin's claims that he was a patsy set up by a mystery figure named Raoul. Be sure to visit the blog at historicalblindness.com to view images and find links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-01-2952 min
Historical BlindnessThe Killing of Dr. King, Part One: A Dream DefiedIn this premiere installment of a series on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I honor Dr. King ahead of the MLK holiday by telling the story of his life and work beginning my examination of the circumstances surrounding his much-debated death. Some soundbites on this episode are from the fantastic documentary King in the Wilderness. Be sure to visit the blog at historicalblindness.com for links to further reading and videos of MLK's moving speeches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-01-1550 min
Historical BlindnessA Very Historically Blind ChristmasHappy Holidays! As promised, my Christmas Special is here, in which I examine the origin of Christmas traditions with special guest Brian Earl of the Christmas Past podcast. Check out his show and his website at ChristmasPast.media. All Christmas music on this episode is from composer Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com, licensed under Creative Commons. Attributions below: "Wish Background" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Oh Holy Night" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By...
2018-12-1834 min
Historical BlindnessA Conversation with Mike DashAs promised, here's more bonus content while on my hiatus. This is my first interview on the show. Mike Dash is a great historian who does fascinating work that I have drawn from in a few episodes. You can find work on Smithsonian.com and at his own blog, as well as in his numerous books. I hope you enjoy Mike's interview as much as I enjoyed speaking with him! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-12-0459 min
Historical BlindnessIn Defense of the Dubious (live Sound Edu talk @ Harvard 11/3)Conspiracy theories, hoaxes, pseudohistory, claims of the supernatural: some teachers and historians understandably recoil from bringing up these ideas. Like journalists, they can be loath to amplify nonsense for fear of normalizing it or seeming like crackpots themselves. But these are often the stories and ideas that spark interest in students and readers, and they prove especially useful in demonstrating the importance of critical thinking. This is the live talk at Harvard that almost didn't happen due to my hospitalization! I made some edits to spare you my coughs and sniffles. Hope you find it interesting! Keep an...
2018-11-2039 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Tracking the Devil in DevonIn this companion piece to my episode on the devilish Spring-Heeled Jack, I follow the trail of the Great Devon Mystery, looking to uncover the truth behind the so-called Devil's Hoofmarks. In February of 1855, mysterious tracks appeared overnight all across the county of Devon in England. In this final Halloween episode and the last episode before the show's hiatus, I consider what might have left its mark in the snow that night. Find the blog post for this episode at historicalblindness.com to see imagery and follow links to further reading. Learn more about your a...
2018-10-3027 min
Historical BlindnessThe Diabolical Features of Spring-Heeled JackFor the first of our two Halloween episodes, I am joined by Diane Student of History Goes Bump in my investigation into the original Victorian bogeyman, the Leaping Terror of London: Spring-Heeled Jack! Find the blog post at historicalblindness.com for images and links to further reading, such as my main source, Mike Dash's wonderful research on the topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-10-1636 min
Historical BlindnessThe Myth and Mystery of Christopher ColumbusI explore the ambiguities and misrepresentations in the legend that has evolved around the so-called Great Discoverer. Joining me is Moxie LaBouche of the podcast Your Brain on Facts. Visit the blog at historicalblindness.com to read the blog post with images and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-10-0245 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Charles Dellschau and His Extraordinary Sonora Aero ClubAs a companion piece to the last episode on the Phantom Airships of 1896-7, I take a look at the work of an outsider artist that some say proves the existence of a secret society of airship builders at work in California in the 1850s. Visit the blog post at historicalblindness.com to find links to sources and further reading as well as examples of Dellschau's beautiful artwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-09-1824 min
Historical BlindnessThe Phantom Airships of 1890s AmericaI return to our survey of historical UFO sightings to examine the flap of airship sightings in 1896-7. Were there powered, steerable aircraft flying all over the country years before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk, or was it a mass hysteria or a hoax? Featuring Deana Marie of Twisted Philly and Marie Mayhew of Whatever Remains. Visit the website at historicalblindness.com to read the blog post, check out images from contemporary newspapers, and find links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-09-0447 min
Historical BlindnessThe Memorable Arrest of Martin GuerreIn this episode, to cite precedent for my pet theory on the Campden Wonder case of the previous episode, I tell the tale of the most famous case of imposture in history. Enjoy this true crime tale from Reformation-era France, and visit the blog post at www.historicalblindness.com for images and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-08-2138 min
Historical BlindnessThe Campden Wonder; or, The Supposed Murder of William HarrisonIn this episode, we tell an astounding story of true crime from the Restoration period of English history. This tale has it all: a missing person, a dubious confession of murder, accusations of witchcraft, a public execution, and a twist involving highwaymen, slavers, and Turkish pirates! Check out the blog post at historicalblindness.com for images and links to further reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-08-0739 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Little Dauphin LostAs a companion piece to the Bastard Princes in the Bloody Tower, I look at the mystery surrounding the fate of Louis XVII: did he die in prison or escape and later assert his birthright? Visit the blog at historicalblindness.com to read a crafted version of this episode's script, complete with images and links to further reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-07-2424 min
Historical BlindnessThe Bastard Princes in the Bloody Tower; Part Two, The Skeletons Under the StairsIn this conclusion of our look at the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, we consider the possibility that the princes may have survived and made attempts to reclaim their birthright. And looking at evidence that they were indeed murdered, or at least that they died, we look at other possibilities for who was responsible. Visit the website at historicalblindness.com to read the blog post, view images and follow links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-07-1039 min
Historical BlindnessThe Bastard Princes in the Bloody Tower; Part One: Pretenders to the ThroneThis is part one of a 2-part series looking into the famous historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower. In this first installment, we give context by exploring the War of the Roses that led up to this particular family squabble, and we consider whether history has been fair to Richard III. Visit the blog at historicalblindness.com to read the script, view accompanying imagery, and find links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-06-2641 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Babes in the Wailing WoodThis investigation into a nursery rhyme and whether it was inspired by a true crime or a folk legend was prompted by a digression in the last episode on the Green Children of Woolpit, and it turned out to be something of a rabbit hole on its own merit. Visit the blog post at historicalblindness.com to view imagery and click through to source reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-06-1224 min
Historical BlindnessThe Lost Youth of St. Martin's Land, or Woolpit's Green ChildrenIn this episode, we study a ubiquitous folk tradition, the Green Children of Woolpit, First we consider its origins and its transmission through the ages, evaluating the qualities that seem to identify it as little more than a fairy tale. Then we examine the possibility that it may have been based on some true event. Check out the blog post at the website, historicalblindness.com, for accompanying imagery and links to further reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-05-2942 min
Historical BlindnessThe Beloved Disciple and the Authorship of JohnA brief look at a New Testament mystery, this one is not only a companion piece to the last episode on the Man in the Iron Mask, being that it's also about a historically unidentified person, but also serves as a clarification to a statement I made a few times in my series on the Priory of Sion and the mysteries of Rennes-Le-Chateau. Visit the website at historicalblindness.com to read the blog post, view associated imagery, and link to further reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-05-1525 min
Historical BlindnessEustache Dauger, the Secret Prisoner in the Velveteen MaskI lead an investigation into the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, tracing the lore as it evolved and looking into all the usual suspects. Visit the Historical Blindness blog for imagery and links to sources as well as recommended reading on the Books page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-05-0137 min
Historical BlindnessThe Secret of Rennes-le-Château and Abbé Saunière’s RichesContinuing my investigation of the mystery profiled in the last episode, I take a closer look at the riddle of Abbé Saunière’s wealth and the legends of treasure at Rennes-le-Château. I explore the supposedly unusual decor of the church, the plausibility of a Templar connection as well as other possible origins for a treasure, and the first rumors of treasure that started the legends. Check out the blog post at HistoricalBlindness.com for full show notes complete with imagery and links to further reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
2018-04-1722 min
Historical BlindnessThe Priory of Sion and the Quest for the Holy Grail, or Lincoln's Links and Plantard's PlansA look at a historical mystery that spiderwebs into hoax and pseudo-history, involving hidden treasure, ancient codes, secret societies, and a cover-up to obscure the true Easter story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-04-0339 min
Historical BlindnessThe Marian Apparition of Guadalupe and Her Fantastical PortraitIn this episode, we study of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the legend of the Marian apparition behind it. As with our study of the Turin Shroud, we look closely at the miraculous claims about this item. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-03-2030 min
Historical BlindnessThe Turin Shroud: Divine Likeness or Bogus Relic?In this episode, we take a look at the most studied artifact in history: the cloth said to be the burial shroud of Christ, which bears a mysterious image believed by many to be his wounded body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-03-0634 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Great Los Angeles Air Raid and the Secret Memos of Majestic 12An examination of the so-called Battle of Los Angeles, when during WWII LA believed it was under attack. Also, a brief discussion of the conspiracy theory that would paint the incident as an alien encounter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-02-2019 min
Historical BlindnessA Brief History of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (with Zeng This, Not Alone, and Our Strange Skies)In this overview of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, we take a look at difficult to explain sightings in the sky from Ancient Egypt through to the age of ballooning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-02-0649 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Three Men Gone from Eilean Mor, the Missing Keepers of the Flannan Isles LightAn examination of the Great Lighthouse Mystery, in which three lighthouse keepers mysteriously vanished from a barren island far off the coast of Scotland in December of 1900. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-01-2324 min
Historical BlindnessThe Carroll A. Deering, Ghost Ship of Cape HatterasIn this episode, I share a twisty tale of a ghost ship featuring mutineers and pirates in the modern era. This episode's topic was chosen in response to a patron poll that expressed interest in another episode about a mysterious disappearance, like my episodes on the Lost Colony and the Dare Stones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-01-0931 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Terrible within the Small; or, The Fabrication of the Learned Elders of Zion and the Forgery of Their ProtocolsIn this companion piece to my last episode on the blood libel, I expose the 19th and 20th centuries' conspiracy theories attributing plots of global domination to the Jews. The focus of the episode is on the forged document known as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which has fueled anti-Semitic conspiracy theory ever since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-12-2623 min
Historical BlindnessBloody Libel; or the Slaughter and Sacralization of Young William of NorwichIn this exploration of one of the darkest and most destructive myths in history, I examine the blood libel, the accusation that Jews of the Middle Ages and beyond ritually murdered Christian children, a lie that I trade back to its roots in medieval England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-12-1239 min
Historical BlindnessThe Specter of Devil Worship, Part TwoIn part two of a Halloween special, Mike Brown and I continue to scrutinize claims of devil worship throughout history. Go back and listen to part one, if you haven't already. Listener beware: this subject matter involves alleged violent crimes against children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-10-3136 min
Historical BlindnessThe Specter of Devil Worship, Part OneThis special two-part crossover Halloween edition explores the Satanic Panic and accusations of devil worship throughout history. Special thanks goes out to our guest co-host, Mike Brown of Pleasing Terrors. Check out his show if you don't already listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-10-2428 min
Historical BlindnessJubal Early's Lost CauseAs a bit of a warning for any Southern patrons, I tackle some major myths in Southern and Civil War history in this episode, and there is the possibility it may offend those who embrace those myths. Please listen with an open mind and check out the sources I mention (plus, when the episode is released on the website on Tuesday, you'll find the books linked in the reading list and as always you'll find links to sources in the text of the blog post). In no way am I attempting to denigrate an entire region or culture, nor...
2017-10-1029 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Loss of Theodosia Burr AlstonIn this companion piece to Episode 11, I detail the later misfortunes of Aaron Burr and explore the further mystery of his daughter's disappearance at sea and the many versions of the ensuing legend surrounding her fate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-09-2617 min
Historical BlindnessThe Trial of Levi Weeks for the Murder of Elma SandsThis episode provides an account of America's first "Trial of the Century," a murder mystery involving both Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton that, as our first documented court case, has become the first entry in the modern True Crime genre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-09-1238 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Swift's Lost Silver Mine and Dorr's River of GoldAs a companion piece to our story on Mulhatton, we take a look at some other fabulous caves full of hidden treasure that may have been total fabrications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-08-2919 min
Historical BlindnessJoseph Mulhatton: The Liar Laureate of the WorldIn this episode, we take a look at the fake news of the late 19th century, focusing on the life and work of one of the greatest hoaxers who ever lived. After a brief overview of "fake news" today, we look back at the distinguished history of 19th century newspaper hoaxes before following the hoaxing career of Joseph Mulhatton, the Modern Munchausen and Monarch of Mendacity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-08-1537 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Tutelary SpiritsAfter digging deeply into the folklore of the White Lady of the Berlin Schloss, harbinger of Hohenzollern doom, this companion piece explores other legends of guardian spirits and ominous entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-08-0118 min
Historical BlindnessThe White Ladies of German LoreIn a departure from our usual fare, we explore the legends of the German White Lady, harbinger of Hohenzollern doom, and its many variations, spiderwebbing throughout German history and mythology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-07-1833 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Lady of the HaystackIn the capstone to our series on mysterious foundlings, we examine the story of Louisa, a vagabond woman who lived among haystacks in England, and the outrageous claim that connected her with an aristocratic forger on the Continent who may or may not have been the natural-born daughter of a Holy Roman Emperor Francis I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-07-0324 min
Historical BlindnessKaspar Hauser, Part Two: PrincelingIn Part Two of our exploration of the mysterious foundling of Bavaria, Kaspar Hauser, we examine the suspicious attacks on his person as well as the outrageous theories regarding his royal patronage, and we try to discern the truth of the matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-06-2045 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: Princess Caraboo of JavasuAs an interlude to our 2-part exploration of Kaspar Hauser, Wild Boy and Foundling of Bavaria, we look at a story that bears some striking similarities. Eleven years before Hauser appeared in Nuremberg, a beautiful woman appeared in England, speaking an unrecognizable tongue, and she became both a beloved sensation and a scoundrel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-06-0523 min
Historical BlindnessKaspar Hauser, Part One: FoundlingIn 1828, a strange teenager walked awkwardly into Nuremberg claiming to have been held captive his entire life. Was he an abused child, a wild boy, an impostor... or perhaps someone of noble birth hidden away from the world? In Part One, Foundling, we explore the popular narratives of wild foundlings and look at Kaspar's introduction into society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-05-2334 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Oberfohren Memorandum and the Ernst ConfessionIn this Blind Spot, we look at some further theories put forth supposedly proving that the Nazis burned the Reichstag themselves and then undertook to cover up their crime with murder, and we examine the documents that serve as the supposed evidence of these crimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-05-0917 min
Historical BlindnessFirebrand in the Reichstag!On February 27, 1933, the Reichstag, a grand building that housed the German legislature in Berlin, was set afire. One man was caught in the act, but had he set the blaze alone? Was he a patsy? Was the fire a Communist act of terror or a "false flag" operation designed to further the Nazi agenda? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-04-2542 min
Historical BlindnessBlind Spot: The Codex of RohoncAside from the Voynich Manuscript, there is perhaps no other unreadable book that has fueled more speculation than the Rohonc Codex. In this Blind Spot, the first of a series of interstitial mini-episodes, we look at its known history, attempts at deciphering it, and theories regarding its authenticity or fraudulence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-04-1212 min
Historical BlindnessThe Found Manuscript of Wilfrid VoynichThe Voynich Manuscript has fueled debate and speculation for decades. Is it written in code or in some unrecognizable language? Do its illustrations depict otherworldly flora? Is it a book of magic? Who wrote the book and why? Join us as we delve into all these questions and answer none of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-03-2331 min
Historical BlindnessThe Dancing PlagueThere was dancing in the streets, but this was a danse macabre, compelling people to dance until they died. Was it demonic possession or divine punishment? Was it a physical ailment or a mental illness? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2017-02-2435 min
Historical BlindnessThe Lost Colony - Part Two: The Dare StonesIn this rerelease, as with the first, I have completely rewritten and rerecorded the second episode in an effort to demonstrate the eventual quality of the podcast to new listeners who choose to start at the beginning. There is a lot of new material, so I'm also releasing it as a bonus episode. In the new version, I have restructured my exploration of the Dare Stones hoax and included more recent research.Direct all advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Visit www.airwavemedia.com to find other high-quality podcasts!Find a transcript of this episode w...
2017-01-231h 12
Historical BlindnessThe Lost Colony - Part One: The Secret TokenIn 2024, I completely rewrote and rerecorded this first episode from 2016 in an effort to demonstrate the eventual quality of the podcast to new listeners who choose to start here at the beginning. The new version better reflects the audio and content quality of later episodes, and in it, I dive far deeper into the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke than I previously did. Direct all advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Visit www.airwavemedia.com to find other high-quality podcasts!Find a transcript of this episode with source citations and related imagery at ww...
2016-12-2352 min