Home Podcasts The Alarmist
The Alarmist

The Alarmist

The Alarmist 672 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

The Alarmist is a comedy podcast hosted by writer/comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith. Each episode examines a historical disaster or tragedy, from the Plague to the sinking of the Titanic to the break-up of the Beatles, with a special guest to determine who is to blame. The show aims to provide a humorous and informative take on history's greatest mishaps, offering a remedy to everyday anxiety. It has been recognized by Thrillist and Marie Claire as one of the best new podcasts.

Episodes

REWIND - The Dust Bowl
REWIND - The Dust Bowl Aug 18, 2026 1:02:51 Who’s to blame for The Dust Bowl?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes fellow podcaster Mike Rugnetta, host of Never Post, to discuss a major bump in the road during America’s westward expansion. Well, more like a big bowl of dust which swept up the country's notion of manifest destiny. Was this wheat bubble also part of our destiny or was it created by poor planning and farming
REWIND - The Aftermath: Orson Welles' War of the Worlds
REWIND - The Aftermath: Orson Welles' War of the Worlds Aug 11, 2026 40:43 On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca is back in the recording studio with national bestselling author William Hazelgrove discussing Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds broadcast. Williams 2024 book Dead Air: The Night that Orson Welles Terrified America  illustrates the level of pandemonium that ensued and he shares a few more interesting tidbits that really alter our understanding
REWIND - ORSON WELLES' WAR OF THE WORLDS BROADCAST PANIC: WHO IS TO BLAME?
REWIND - ORSON WELLES' WAR OF THE WORLDS BROADCAST PANIC: WHO IS TO BLAME? Aug 4, 2026 59:08 Who’s to blame for the Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast Panic?On this week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is celebrating 300 EPISODES with a LIVE taping at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles! Together with special guests Amanda Lund, Jamila Webb and Dusty Warren they find out who’s to blame for the Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast of the War of the Worlds and the pandemonium whic
REWIND - The Aftermath: NYC Blackout of 1977
REWIND - The Aftermath: NYC Blackout of 1977 Jul 28, 2026 35:14 On this week's REWIND Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. James Goodman about the pivotal moment in NYC history before, during and directly after the massive blackout on that hot summer night in 1977. Author of Blackout, Dr. Goodman shares first hand accounts and lends some important historical context that helps clarify the various reactions to this unique New York event. Afterward, Patreon s
REWIND - NYC BLACKOUT OF 1977: WHO IS TO BLAME
REWIND - NYC BLACKOUT OF 1977: WHO IS TO BLAME Jul 21, 2026 1:02:50 Who’s to blame for the NYC Blackout of 1977?On this week's REWIND, This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian Janet Varney, host of The JV Club podcast, to discuss the epic NYC Blackout of 1977. If you’re in the dark about this one, allow us to shine a much needed light on all the events that occurred during this prolonged power outage. Did a freak lightning strike put a str
The Aftermath: Plessy v. Ferguson Case
The Aftermath: Plessy v. Ferguson Case Jul 14, 2026 30:11 New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the consequential Plessy v. Ferguson case with Professor Kenneth W. Mack. Professor Mack is the co-faculty leader of the Harvard Law School Program on Law and History. He discusses the profound impact of the Plessy decision and how it shaped our psychological and legal landscape for decades to come. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hea
PLESSY V. FERGUSON RULING: WHO IS TO BLAME?
PLESSY V. FERGUSON RULING: WHO IS TO BLAME? Jul 7, 2026 52:30 Who’s to blame for the Plessy v. Ferguson Ruling?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the devastating decision in the US Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson case which solidified the infamous American era of Jim Crow laws and the doctrine of “Separate but equal.” Was this due to the failure of Reconstruction? Did the political climate of the late 19th century have too much sway
The Aftermath: The Menendez Murders
The Aftermath: The Menendez Murders Jun 30, 2026 33:50 New Guest Expert! In this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Carlos Cuevas about the Menendez brothers murder trial. Dr. Cuevas is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University and sheds some light on the evolution of shifting societal attitudes toward male sexual assault and trauma. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Check Faryn Einho
THE MENENDEZ MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
THE MENENDEZ MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME? Jun 23, 2026 1:02:27 Who’s to blame for the Menendez Murders?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons Erik and Lyle Menendez. A trial that dominated the media and fascinated the public eye in the mid 1990's, questions about the case linger on to this day. Were the Menendez brothers calculated killers after their inheritance as the prosecution allege
The Aftermath - The Rise and Fall of Crystal Pepsi
The Aftermath - The Rise and Fall of Crystal Pepsi Jun 16, 2026 24:41 New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi with Professor Ernest Baskin. Chair of the Food, Pharma and Healthcare Department at Saint Joseph’s University, Ernest shares some fascinating insights about the world of consumer market research, advertising and distribution tactics. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can join the post-interview discussion
THE RISE AND FALL OF CRYSTAL PEPSI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
THE RISE AND FALL OF CRYSTAL PEPSI: WHO IS TO BLAME? Jun 9, 2026 1:00:18 Who’s to blame for the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) finds out who’s to blame for the 90’s soda flop, Crystal Pepsi. Clear in color and not quite Pepsi in flavor, this short lived fad still lives on in the hearts and minds of a particular generation. Billed as a lighter tasting healthy-ish version of regular Pepsi-cola, were the Executives at Pepsi-
The Aftermath: The Tragic Story of Adèle Hugo
The Aftermath: The Tragic Story of Adèle Hugo Jun 2, 2026 29:19 New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with journalist and author Leslie Smith about the life of Adèle Hugo. A tragic story that only gets worse once Leslie dives deep into the family dynamic and the impact her father Victor Hugo had on her life. Author of the award-winning historical biography Adèle Hugo: La Miserable, Leslie has plenty to add to this heartbreaking story. Afte

Recommended