Notorious Narratives

Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893 was meticulously designed to highlight the marvels of the day and most importantly to showcase just how far America had come in the mere 400 years since its inception. But among the beautiful facades of the White City lurked a monster. In this episode, Jen will tell you all about the fair, its planning, construction and of course one of the most notorious serial killer's in American history: H.H. Holmes.

Depression can affect anyone, young, old, rich, poor. But sometimes depression can manifest itself in very intriguing ways. Imagine, one day, you feel that your body is made of glass. No longer skin and bone, but brittle glass that could shatter at the slightest touch. In this episode, Robin teaches us about the most popular madness of the Middle Ages: The Glass Delusion.

During the mid-19th century the call of the west was difficult for many to ignore. This westward drive was full of promises, the the most alluring was that of GOLD. Greed has a way of making people do things they normally would not do. For instance, pick up a stranger who claims to be a wilderness guide, who suspiciously lacks all of the tools of that trade. In this episode, Jen tells you the wild story of the Colorado Gold Rush and it most notorious cannibal killer, Alfred Packer. 

Since the dawn of time man has had a problem, that problem is human stink. From feet to nether-regions people can have a rather unsavory aroma. Perfume, now in every home, was once a luxury item only for the royal or incredibly wealthy. The demand for goods to create these scents forged some of history's most profitable trade routes. In this episode, Robin will tell you some of the weirder ways in which people have combatted their own unsavory aromas throughout history.

In this episode we welcome guest, Greg Jackson, host of History That Doesn't Suck. In this episode, you will learn all about the man, the myth and the legend Benedict Arnold. While his name is a synonym for traitor, do you know why? We will discuss the war hero, wounded veteran, rum runner and how he eventually came to betray what he seemed to hold so dear. So buckle up, tighten your corset as we introduce you to history's most notorious traitor, Benedict Arnold. 

In the mid 19th century there were very few regulations on the preparation of food. This fact is terrifying but probably not surprising. But on one fall day all of that would change and the fallout from this 24 hour period would change the way that food is prepared, drugs are sold and poisons are regulated. In this episode, Jen will tell you a a not so sweet story about candy.

In this week's Notorious Knowledge, Jen tells the story of the deadliest shipwreck of all time, and you have probably never heard of this one. This week's episode centers on the intricate and unique funeral rituals of the Toraja society. In this isolated culture the funeral ritual is the most elaborate and expensive event of one's life. So you might ask what they do with the deceased while they save for the ceremony. Well listen to this week's episode and Robin will tell you all about it. 

"My beautiful Radium", Marie Curie called the element that glowed softly and emitted warmth. During WWI, many young women took jobs in factories. One such job, that was considered quite glamorous was a dial painter. They used radium laced paint to color the numbers and hands of dials for military equipment. In this episode, Jen introduces you to the women who bravely fought for all of us and today, OSHA exists because of their selfless efforts.

In this special episode we turn our eyes to the sky and meet madmen and heroes. Meet Lawnchair Larry a man who despite all common sense decided that he would fulfill his dream of flying. Proof that no man should not be allowed too many weather balloons or Bud Ice. Then Robin will tell us all about the Apollo 11 moon landing as we marvel at how close this mission came to failure (many times). And you know Robin has some fun facts for us. Happy 50th Apollo, despite the conspiracies you are still amazing!

In this week's Notorious Knowledge segment, Jen explains the self-mummification practices of the Sokushinbutsu. Then Robin takes on the task of discussing the Chinese cultural practice of foot binding. It was for fashion, vanity and the illusion of being "high class" that these young girls were tortured.  While this may be shocking to some, ask yourself, are today's beauty standards any different?

What would you do for fame? That answer is probably shocking, but not as shocking as castration, I am sure. Until the late 19th century, boys were being castrated to create a voice that was otherworldly. As women were banned in the theater and the church people went to any lengths to replace them. Those who were successful were revered, pampered and adored. But for those who did not make it, life was not so kind. In this episode, Jen tells you about history's most tragic child stars. 

Around the world fireworks are synonymous with joyful celebration, but those that invented these delightful explosives certainly were not thinking of partying during their creation. Developed in China by alchemists searching for the elixir for eternal life, gunpowder was born. In this episode, Robin will tell us the history of fireworks and how the search for eternal life brought about death. 

For those of you that fear rising waters and tidal waves, this episode is NOT for you. Deep beneath the frigid waters of the North Sea lies an entire lost civilization known as Doggerland. Touted as the real life Atlantis, this is no fantasy land. As waters rose at the end of the Ice Age and major tidal waves crashed across the land it erased the land that once connected Great Britain to Europe. In this episode, Robin and Jen discuss climate change, globalization and dating.

We all know the stories of love at first sight; rarely are they true. But in the case of Peter and Ines they were inexplicably drawn to one another. Peter's father disapprove, and since he was King of Portugal he was creative in his designs to keep them apart. But these lovers were undeterred and nothing could keep them apart, not a king, not a war and certainly not death. In this episode, Jen tells you a true tale of literally, love eternal.

In this episode Robin takes you on an adventure through Egypt's infamous Valley of the Kings. From their pets to their shoes these Pharaohs designed elaborate tombs to house all of the necessities they would need as they became a God in the next life. What would you bring? What could you not live without?