What The History?!

Episode 30: The History of Alcatraz

It's our 30th episode, nerds!

In this special deep dive, join Casie and Sarah as they go behind bars and explore the history of the most infamous prison in America- Alcatraz! Don't let the length of this episode scare you (it's not a prison sentence after all). There's plenty of historical, dark, and eerie goodies to fill your ear holes and make you add The Rock to your bucket list. 

First, Casie gets us through the early founding and history of the island and tracks its development from a military outpost, to military prison, to federal prison. Learn about The Hole, The Pelicans, and The Children That Lived On Alcatraz?? Then Sarah takes us through the incredible Native American Occupation of the island before helping us break down an escape conspiracy theory and some spooky ghost stories!

Listen in and feel free to count how many times your favorite nerds say the words "Azkaban" and "manifest destiny." You don't want to miss this deep dive- Episode 30: The History of Alcatraz!

Episode 29: Olympe de Gouges

It's time for another Badass Babe of history and this time, heads will ROLL.

Like, literally.

In Episode 29, your favorite nerds take a look at Olympe de Gouges, a French revolutionary who many consider to be one of the first notable European feminists. Together, Casie and Sarah uncover her brilliant and enlightening life as a woman of letters, from playwriting to political activism. Casie takes us through her childhood and marriage, all the way into her complicated and terrorizing execution at the hands of the Reign of Terror. Sarah, avoiding as many French words as possible, brings us to an in-depth understanding of some of de Gouges' most famous works, especially The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen.

You'll lose your head if you miss Episode 29: Olympe de Gouges!

Episode 28: The White Rose

It's time to fight some Nazis, nerds!

This week, Sarah and Casie investigate the history of The White Rose, an anti-Nazi resistance movement established by German students in 1943. Listen in as Sarah tells us the tale of Sophie and Hans Scholl who, along with their friends and fellow students, embark on a daring mission to open the eyes and minds of those enthralled in the gruesome clutches of Nazi Germany. But because we can't always have happy endings in history class, Casie then goes through the exhaustive and brutal trials and executions of the members of The White Rose.

While this episode may not have as much... fun, you'll no doubt be left with hope and maaaaaybe even some inspiration to kick ass and stand up for what you believe. (Oh, and you'll get to hear Casie's exquisitely awful German pronunciation!)

Listen now to Episode 28: The White Rose, wherever you get your podcasts- and don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and SHARE with a friend!

Episode 27: The History of the Pledge of Allegiance

“We pledge allegiance, to the nerds, for whom which this podcast was made…”

This week, your favorite nerdy girls are going through the bizarre and weirdly extensive history of The Pledge of Allegiance. First, Sarah takes us through the origination of those famous words, before going through some equally odd traditions. Then, Casie goes through the most problematic two word phrase imaginable, as well as other criticisms and controversies. From awkward salutes to Christian socialism (?) The History of the Pledge of Allegiance has it all- we swear by it!

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 

Episode 26: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh

Happy Women’s History Month, nerds!

This week, Casie and Sarah discuss the badass babe Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a brilliant and unstoppable force of the UK Women’s Suffrage Movement. Listen in as Casie spins you a tale of a charmed and unique upbringing (did somebody say peacocks?!) before Sarah dives in to the intricacies of the VOTES FOR WOMEN movement in early 1900s England. From Mary Poppins to Genovia, this episode is royally epic and you’re bound to learn something new!

Episode 25: The Radium Girls

It's dark history time, nerds! Though we hope this episode will be as illuminating as possible. 

This week, Casie and Sarah tackle the horrifying and heartbreaking tales of The Radium Girls. Hired by The United States Radium Corporation in the 1920s, these young women were working a dream job- until they weren't. Listen in as Casie tells the tragic and gruesome experiences of the victims of the capitalistic, grossly abusive watch makers before Sarah takes the brush and paints the heroic and badass lawsuits that followed.

From researching historical clocks to somehow discussing the Wizard of Oz, this dark history episode of The Radium Girls is one you won't want to miss.

LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

Episode 24: Southernization- Interview with Amy Manlapas

It's time for a super special, extra geeky, crazy informative episode, nerds!

This week, Sarah and Casie are joined by the hilariously brilliant Amy Manlapas in their first ever interview. This week, Amy schools the nerds on the topic of Southernization by Lynda Shaffer. Join them as they explore the reality of the technological, historical, and economic progressions from the global South to the capitalist "achievements" of the West. From the ancient cotton industry to golden Rhinos to bashing biographers, this episode will have you laughing and learning from an incredible substitute teacher!

Love what you hear? Want to learn more? Check out the links below.

Twitter- @amymanlapas

Southernization by Lynda Shaffer

 

Episode 23: The History of the Girl Scouts

Grab your Thin Mints and a glass of milk nerds, it's time to talk about everyone's favorite little lady cookie-selling CEOs!

Join Casie and Sarah as they take it back to the turn of the century with the establishment of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Listen as Sarah tells the badass and mildly tragic tale of the GS Founder, Juliette Gordon Lowe and her life's mission to empower young women of all ages. Then tune in with Casie as she goes through the progression of the organization and it's many traditions (and maaaaaaaybe take a little trip down memory lane!)

From cookie conspiracies and merit badges to "spiritual" oaths and WWII "fun" facts, Episode 23: The History of Girl Scouts has something to offer everyone!

Episode 22: Ching Shih, Pirate Queen

It’s time for another edition of Badass Historical Babes- High Seas edition!

Join Sarah and Casie as they set sail on an epic overview of one of the most killer pirate queens to roam China’s seas. From the humble beginnings on a brothel ship to battling the Chinese naval fleet, Ching Shih was notorious for her intense code of laws and her ability to command hundreds of men and women. In this episode, your favorite nerds discuss everything from marrying your adopted son to scurvy prevention (which is easier then they make it out to be...)

Listen in to these nerds make waves in Episode 22: Ching Shih, Pirate Queen!

Episode 21: The Burning of Washington (1814 Edition)

It's Season 2 Nerds! Seems like quite a bit has happened since we last spoke- and what better way to kick it off than by taking a look at the first time Washington D.C. was attacked.

This week, Sarah and Casie discuss the Burning of Washington during The War of 1812. First, listen in as Casie goes over the primary causes of the very specifically named war, before Sarah goes through the timeline of the British invasion. Learn how unprepared the newly established capital was, how vengeful the incoming British were, and how hard it is for Casie to say a certain someone's name- this week in Episode 21: The Burning of Washington (1814 Edition)!