The Alarmist
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 - 1858 BRADFORD SWEETS POISONING: WHO IS TO BLAME?
IS IT POSSIBLE THE FASHION INDUSTRY INFLUENCED THE BRADFORD SWEETS POISONING?On this week's REWIND, the Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is joined by Special Guest Suni Reyes, Fact Checker Chris Smith, and Producer Clayton Early to discuss the 1858 Bradford Sweets Poisoning. Should sugar be added to the list of Illegal Substances? Join our Patreon!Tell us who you think is to blame at http://th
The Aftermath: Puerto Rico's Taxation without Representation
On this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Samuel Erman about the history of Puerto Rico and its unfortunate taxation and representation status with the United States. A Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School and author of Almost Citizens: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Constitution and Empire, Dr. Erman delivers an expert deep dive into the island's economic and political pas
PUERTO RICO'S TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Puerto Rico’s taxation without representation?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into the island of Puerto Rico. Considered unincorporated US territory, the residents have American citizenship and are subject to US law and taxes. But, no right to vote in the US congress! Why not?! Is this the ripples of British Colonialism at play? Do selfish economic interes
The Aftermath: Angel of Death Murders
On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Beatrice Yorker about the case of Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as The Angel of Death. Professor Yorker shares some fascinating details about crimes of convenience and societal blindness to feminine forms of violence and how this allowed Shipman to get away with his crimes for so long. Curious what feminine forms of violence are? So were w
ANGEL OF DEATH MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Angel of Death Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as the Angel of Death, and his terrifying spree of murders conveniently cloaked beneath the veneer of his medical practice. It’s estimated he killed between 250-450 of his patients. Was he suffering from a God-like complex? Did his famously good bedside m
REWIND - The Aftermath: Death of Harry Houdini
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Matthew Solomon about the life, death and enduring legacy of history's most celebrated escape artist, Harry Houdini. Author of Disappearing Tricks: Silent Film, Houdini, and the New Magic of the Twentieth Century, Professor Solomon conjures the image of Houdini as a living myth of his time. A man defying all odds and doing t
REWIND - DEATH OF HARRY HOUDINI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Death of Harry Houdini?On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back comedian and magician Matt Donnelly (aka The Mind Noodler) to discuss the storied death of arguably the most legendary escape artist of all time, Harry Houdini. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early. How did he die? Could the infamous punch to the gut have something to do with
REWIND - The Aftermath: The Dust Bowl
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Gabi Hegerl about her expertise in climate system science and how her research on the record breaking heat waves during the 1930’s in America’s great plains led her to one of their biggest contributing factors, what we now know as The Dust Bowl. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Producer Cla
REWIND - The Dust Bowl
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
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?
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
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
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
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?
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
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?
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
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?
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
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
THE TRAGIC STORY OF ADÈLE HUGO: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the tragic story of Adèle Hugo?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) covers the story of Adèle Hugo, a tragic story of unrequited love and mental decline. Daughter of the famous writer Victor Hugo, described as more interested in public affairs than his nearest and dearest, did being the child of a star lead to her demise? Was Adèle experiencing an extreme case of Lime
The Aftermath: Great Train Robbery of 1963
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and historian Andrew Cook about the Great Train Robbery of 1963. Having gained exclusive access to thousands of pages of sealed Royal Mail and Metropolitan Police files, Andrew shares some rather surprising new details that have The Alarmist back to the board to reexamine the final verdict. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can he
GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY OF 1963: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Great Train Robbery of 1963?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) tackles the Great Train Robbery of 1963 with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early. Like something straight out of a movie, which it later became (and a miniseries), this dramatic heist resulted in the theft of over 2.6 million pounds in just 15 minutes. All from an overnight mail tra
The Aftermath: 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Erik Gilbert about the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War. Dr. Gilbert specializes in East African history and the Indian Ocean and shares some enlightening details about the formation of Zanzibar, the location of the palace and the technological advancements in British military arms which contributed to an extremely lopsided battle. Afterwa
1896 ANGLO-ZANZIBAR WAR: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes friend Josh Corey, host of the podcast From Writer To Fighter, to discuss the incredibly short and incredibly destructive Anglo-Zanzibar War. They’re joined by Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early. A war that unfolded in as little as 48 minutes, was this the British Empire flexi
The Aftermath: The Death of Socrates
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Nicholas D. Smith about Athens, the Peloponnesian War, Socrates and so much more. Author of many books on ancient Greek philosophy and contemporary epistemology, Professor Smith dives deep into Athenian life and shares some exciting and controversial views about the life and death of Socrates. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revis
DEATH OF SOCRATES: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Death of Socrates?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) decides who’s to blame for the death of perhaps the most famous philosopher of all time, Socrates. With Athens in post-war political turmoil and a people with a strong deference to the will of the Gods, is it any wonder his “Gadfly Style” of questioning authority rubbed some Athenians the wrong way? Did The Or
The Aftermath: The Hatfield-McCoy Feud
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with professor and historian Bob Hutton about the great Hatfield-McCoy Feud. Specializing in the political and social history of Appalachia, Professor Hutton shares fascinating insight about what he describes as phase 1 and 2 of the epic feud and how it expanded beyond these two families. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the boar
THE HATFIELD-MCCOY FEUD: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Hatfield-McCoy Feud?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is taking on the legendary Hatfield-McCoy Feud which spanned generations between two Appalachian families. The stuff of newspaper sensationalism and regional lore, is it possible this all started over a stolen hog? Did the Civil War complicate matters? Or maybe they just needed some more people in this spars
The Aftermath: The Death of Janis Joplin
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca sits down with music journalist and award-winning author Holly George-Warren to discuss the life and untimely death of Janis Joplin. Author of Janis: Her Life and Music, Holly goes into great detail about her formative years, how the culture was influencing Janis and the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male dominated music industry. Afterward
THE DEATH OF JANIS JOPLIN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the death of Janis Joplin?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the Rock and Roll legend Janis Joplin and her untimely death at the young age of 27. Joining what would later be called the 27 Club. Bullied relentlessly in her youth and then celebrated for her raw and wild artistry in young adulthood, Janis rose to fame and died in only 4 short years. Did fame
REWIND - The Aftermath: La Voisin
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca speaks with Professor Lynn Wood Mollenauer about all things La Voisin and the Affair of the Poisons. Specializing in the history of France between the Renaissance and the Revolution, and having coined the phrase “Criminal Magical Underworld” herself, Professor Mollenauer lends fascinating new insight to this dark underworld in 17th century Paris. Afterward,
REWIND - LA VOISIN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the demise of La Voisin? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes a dear friend (and potential real life witch!) Jen Curran to discuss the Affair of the Poisons which ultimately led to the execution of the French “wise woman” La Voisin. Are witches real or were they the product of the religious mystique at the time? Could the Criminal Magic
The Aftermath: The Arrest of Rosa Parks
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Brenna Wynn Greer about the arrest of civil rights leader Rosa Parks and the 381 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama that followed. Dr. Greer dives deep into Rosa Parks involvement in the civil rights movement while also breaking down some of the myths that surrounded the textbook version of her story often taught in schools. After
THE ARREST OF ROSA PARKS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the arrest of Rosa Parks?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the cultural impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was prompted by the arrest of civil rights icon Rosa Parks on December 1st, 1955. What started as a one day protest turned into 381 days of action. Though it was met with extreme violence, the boycott was hugely successful and resulted in a l
The Aftermath: Cyrano de Bergerac's Tragic End
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with writer Ishbel Addyman about the legendary Cyrano de Bergerac and the play that continues to carry on his legacy. And much to our delight, it turns out the historical Cyrano de Bergerac is just as lovely and beloved as the fictional Cyrano. Which Ishbel shares in great detail from her research writing a biography about the man himself.
CYRANO DE BERGERAC'S TRAGIC END: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Tragic End of Cyrano de Bergerac?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) explores the themes of love, insecurity and deception which ultimately lead to the tragic demise of the famous fictional character Cyrano de Bergerac. She’s joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Are Cyrano and Christians lack of self esteem the culprit? Could the idea of
The Aftermath: Robert Durst Murders
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with investigative journalist and NYTimes best selling author Cathy Scott about the Robert Durst murders and the possible explanations behind his extremely delayed conviction. Her book Murder of a Mafia Daughter: The Life and Tragic Death of Susan Berman, is a true-crime book about the 2000 murder of Susan Berman. Afterward, Patreon Subscr
ROBERT DURST MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Robert Durst Murders and his delayed Conviction?Happy 2026 Alarmy. We’re back! This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the enigma that is Robert Durst. Obviously we know who’s responsible for his crimes. But, who’s to blame for his extremely delayed conviction? Could Durst’s nefarious charisma have something to do with it? Are his lawyers and loyalists resp
REWIND - THE RADIUM GIRLS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the demise of the Radium Girls?On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with author and journalist Jane Borden about the Radium Girls and the untimely death of numerous dial painters of the 1920’s. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Is this another classic case of greed, sexism, or good old fashioned Capitalism? Tune
REWIND - BALLOONFEST '86: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Balloonfest ‘86?On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with fellow podcasters Arielle Nissenblatt and Lauren Passell about the 1986 Balloonfest fail in Cleveland. Hosts of Podcast Therapy and self-avowed members of The Alarmy, Arielle and Lauren are the perfect duo to get to the bottom of this spectacular fiasco. They’re joined by Fact Checker Alex Pa
The Aftermath: Die Hard (1988 film)
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Moyara Ruehsen about the nature of the crimes committed in the 1988 film Die Hard. Beyond that, she discusses the plausibility of the attempted heist and what modern day equivalents are taking place in the world of financial crime. Professor Ruehsen is a Certified Specialist in Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime. Afte
DIE HARD (1988 FILM): WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the criminal mayhem in the 1988 film Die Hard?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is coming to you LIVE from the Elysian Theater in Los Angeles with special guests Mary Grill, Dan Klein and Cass Buggé to discuss the 1988 Christmas classic Die Hard. She’s joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Don’t miss this extra special LIVE episode with aud
The Aftermath: The Black Hole of Calcutta
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor of Sociology at Yale University, Emily Erikson, about The Black Hole of Calcutta and the legacy that emerged in its wake. Emily's work has focused on the emergence of early multi-national firms and the structure of early modern global trade and reflects on the events that led to what we now know as British Imperial Rule. Aft
THE BLACK HOLE OF CALCUTTA: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for The Black Hole of Calcutta?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta and the controversy that followed. Set in Fort William owned by the British East India Company circa 1756, an atrocity occurred that would go on to shape history as we know it. Speculations about the event live on, but the fallout is undeniable. Was a lack of
The Aftermath: The Nez Percé War of 1877
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Lindsay Stallones Marshall about the Nez Percé Nation and the epic War of 1877 they found themselves wrapped up in. Dr. Marshall is an author and Assistant Professor of History at Illinois State University and details much of the gross negligence by the US Government and local settlers that led to this horrific war. Afterward, Pat
THE NEZ PERCÉ WAR OF 1877: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Nez Percé War of 1877?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) takes on the Nez Percé War of 1877 and decides once and for all who is to blame. She’s joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. With a combination of broken treaties, settler hostility and general disregard for native inhabitants one thing was clear; the US Government would stop at no
The Aftermath: Donald Cline's Secret Children
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Jody Lyneé Madeira about the shocking case against fertility doctor Donald Cline. Her research has been profiled internationally, including the Netflix documentary “Our Father,” and she shares some fascinating (if not infuriating) details about the lack of regulation for reproductive medicine. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can he
DONALD CLINE'S SECRET CHILDREN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Donald Cline’s Secret Children?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) tackles the shocking case of fertility doctor Donald Cline and his decades long practice of deception and fraud with vulnerable and hopeful young parents who came to him for help with artificial insemination. Is this what happens when the emotional toll of infertility combines with the stigma and sham
The Aftermath: IT (1990 miniseries)
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. James Francis Jr. about the 1990s miniseries IT and the cultural and psychological impact it had on a generation of viewers. Talk about generational trauma! Dr. Francis is a Professor of English at Texas A&M and helps us dig deeper into the loss of childhood playfulness, collective irrational fears and the terror of the uncann
IT (1990 MINISERIES): WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for IT (1990 miniseries)?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) revisits the 1990 miniseries classic IT to decide once and for all who’s to blame for the murderous killing spree of young children in Derry, Maine. Is it supernatural? Is it mythological? Is it pathological? Perhaps a combination of all three! Is this what happens when we forget our history? Join Fact Checker
REWIND - The Aftermath: Lizzie Borden Murders
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca speaks with Cara Robertson about the Lizzie Borden murders. Author of The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara shares plenty of new insights about this infamous moment in Fall River, MA. Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to discuss. One thing remains clear, family and roommate tensions are no laughing matter!Join our Patreon!Tell us who yo
REWIND - LIZZIE BORDEN MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Lizzie Borden Murders?On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) keeps it all in the family with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith to discuss the grizzly Lizzie Borden Murders. Could the Fashion Industry possibly take the fall for this one? Up on the board: Female Oppression, Family Inheritance and Roommate Tension!Join our Patreon!Tell us
The Aftermath - October 2025 Mailbag!
New Mailbag! You read that right. It’s October and we’re way behind on the mail. So, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith), Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early are taking a little Fall break to catch up with the Alarmy and share some recent reviews. We’ve got letters from multiple Emily’s, multiple countries and multiple new listeners! Tune in and hear what’s been on listeners' mind
EVA "EVITA" PERON'S DELAYED BURIAL: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the delayed burial of Eva Peron? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the legacy of Eva Peron, aka Evita, and the controversial circumstances surrounding her burial which wouldn’t take place until well over 20 years after her untimely death. How could the First Lady of Argentina’s remains be unaccounted for for such a long period of time? Was this the
The Aftermath: The Death of Edgar Allan Poe
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and internationally exhibited fine artist Chris Semtner about the mysterious life and death of legendary poet Edgar Allen Poe. Curator of the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond, VA, Chris is full of thoughtful anecdotes about Poe’s life and shares some fascinating new details about Cooping and how Poe might have been mixed up i
THE DEATH OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the death of Edgar Allen Poe?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) tackles the mysterious death of famed author and poet Edgar Allen Poe. Known for his fascination with the macabre and for telling tales of mystery and psychological terror, did Poe manifest a similar mysterious fate for himself? Perhaps he was jumped by a group of ruffians put off by his alcoholic tende
The Aftermath: Monica & Brandy - "The Boy is Mine" Feud
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Amani Roberts about the 30 year long (and going!) feud sparked by the 1998 Billboard Top 100 hit The Boy Is Mine by Brandy & Monica. Amani is a renowned DJ, international keynote speaker and author who shares some poignant details about the genre breaking legacy of the song, the feud and these two incredibly talented fem
BRANDY & MONICA - "THE BOY IS MINE" FEUD: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Brandy & Monica’s "The Boy Is Mine" Feud? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) revisits the epic feud between 90’s female pop icons Brandy and Monica. The Boy Is Mine. Was it real? Was it a publicity stunt? We may never know the entire story. But, we do know the fans loved it. And they still do…to this very day. Hence Brandy & Monica’s 2025 reunion titled
The Aftermath: 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami with Dr. Elizabeth Vanacore. Liz is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Geology, Puerto Rico Seismic Network at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez and is widely considered an expert on tsunami and earthquake research. She shares a healthy dose of data and sound tsunami a
2004 INDIAN OCEAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the massive earthquake that rocked the floor of the Indian Ocean in 2004 and triggered deadly tsunamis which raced across the ocean and wiped out entire villages and took the lives of people living and vacationing hundreds of miles away. Could an official warning system have
The Aftermath: The Dancing Plague of 1518
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks to medical historian John Waller about the Dancing Plague of 1518. Author of A Time to Dance, a Time to Die: The Extraordinary Story of the Dancing Plague of 1518, John shares fascinating new details about the culture, economics and spirituality of the time which really illuminate how truly different the past was from our present day lives
DANCING PLAGUE OF 1518: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Dancing Plague of 1518?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is searching for the cause of the Dancing Plague of 1518 in the city of Strasbourg. What possessed a woman named Frau Troffea to start dancing unstopped for 6 six days straight? And why did hundreds of others join in, some dancing themselves to literal death? Did “laughing veins” have something to do with
The Aftermath: The 1985 Movie, Clue
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with literary scholar Milan Terlunen about the 1985 camp classic CLUE. Milan gets into the history of the plot twist and how difficult they can be to execute in modern day films. He also reflects on the question that in a film like this, born out of the woes of capitalism, do we really need to care whodunit? Afterward, Patreon subscribers
THE 1985 MOVIE CLUE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the murders in the 1985 cinema classic CLUE?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes fellow podcaster Nichole Hill, host of Our Ancestors Were Messy, to discuss the iconic movie based on a boardgame: CLUE. As the dead bodies pile up, and with multiple endings to choose from, who’s really to blame for this mess? Was it Miss Scarlett in the Library with a revolver?
The Aftermath: The Voyage of the Endurance
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the voyage of the Endurance with maritime archeologist Mensun Bound. Having rediscovered the sunken Endurance and sailed the Antarctic himself, Mensun offers incredible insight into the lived experience and state of mind Shackleton must have endured. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Checker Chris Smith and P
THE VOYAGE OF THE ENDURANCE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Voyage of The Endurance?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Sebastian Major, host of the Our Fake History podcast, to discuss the harrowing Antarctic voyage of The Endurance. Miraculously, everyone survived! But, should they have tempted this dangerous journey to begin with? Who was Ernest Shackleton and what drove him to be the first to cross the Antarctic?
The Aftermath: The British Pet Massacre
New Guest Experts! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with the utterly charming couple Clare Campbell and Christy Campbell who co-authored Bonzo's War: Animals Under Fire 1939-45 and Dogs of Courage: When Britain's Pets Went to War 1939-45. Their invaluable insight on the British Pet Massacre will both warm and wrench your heart. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact
THE BRITISH PET MASSACRE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the British Pet Massacre?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Alex Steed, co-host of the You Are Good Podcast, to discuss the tragic yet seemingly avoidable British Pet Massacre. Did PTSD wartime efforts lead to sort of blind patriotism? Did a scarcity mindset overwhelm collective reason and lead to large scale misplaced anxiety? Or perhaps a NARPAC Pamphlet
The Aftermath: The Rise and Fall of the Oneida Community
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Michael Doyle about the rise and fall of the Oneida Community. Author of The Minister’s War: John W. Mears, the Oneida Community and the Crusade for Public Morality, Mike shares some pertinent new information about one of the key figures in the Oneida community's downfall. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can listen to the pos
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ONEIDA COMMUNITY: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Rise & Fall of the Onedia Community?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back writer Jane Borden, author of Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America, to discuss the rise and fall of the Oneida Community. It’s highly likely you’ve eaten a meal with a set of Oneida silverware. But, are you familiar with their cult origins and problematic sex
REWIND - The Aftermath: The Boston Massacre
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Serena Zabin about the series of chaotic events leading up to what is now called The Boston Massacre. Professor Zabin reiterates that the narratives spun on either side after the event may have been worlds apart, but the lives of the colonists and the troops were perhaps more closely intertwined than we thought. Afterwards,
REWIND - THE BOSTON MASSACRE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for The Boston Massacre?On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back actor Bayne Gibby to discuss who’s ultimately to blame for the lives lost in The Boston Massacre. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Ever wonder where the phrase reading someone the “riot act” came from? Remember the importance that wigs once played i
The Aftermath: The 1980 New Mexico Prison Riot
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the 1980 New Mexico Prison Uprising with Dr. Robert Chase of Stony Brook University. Robert is a Professor of History and the author of We Are Not Slaves: State Violence, Coerced Labor, and Prisoners Rights in Postwar America and Caging Borders and Carceral States: Incarcerations, Migration Detention, and Resistance. His insight on the c
THE 1980 NEW MEXICO PRISON RIOTS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the 1980 New Mexico Prison Riot?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Kate Downey, host of the CRAMPED podcast, to discuss the 1980 Prison Riot in New Mexico. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Did a Snitching System, designed for inmates to rat out fellow inmates for contraband, and abused by the guards lead to an even more
The Aftermath: The Case of Maria Barbella
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and documentarian Idanna Pucci about the case against Maria Barbella and the efforts to overturn her death sentence by Electric Chair. Not only has Idanna written extensively about the case, her great-grandmother Cora Slocomb was the woman who led the campaign to overturn Maria’s death sentence! Afterward, Patreon subscribers c
THE CASE OF MARIA BARBELLA: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Case of Maria Barbella?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian Mo Fry Pasic, host of the podcast Worse Than You, to discuss the troubling case of Maria Barbella. She may have escaped the electric chair, but her story electrified the world. Did Maria’s status as a non-english speaking Italian immigrant and her unbiased, all male jury of “peers” creat
The Aftermath: The 1907 Monongah Mining Disaster
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. William Hal Gorby about the 1907 Monongah Mining Disaster in West Virginia. Dr. Goby is a Professor of History at West Virginia University and received an Emmy nomination for his work on the PBS documentary The Mine Wars. His interview gives critical insight into the culture of mining at large and the predatory practices of the Fa
THE 1907 MONONGAH MINING DISASTER: WHO IS TO BLAME
Who’s to blame for the Monongah Mining Disaster?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with comedian Connor Ratliff about the 1907 Monongah Mining Disaster in West Virginia which claimed the lives of over 360 men and left over 1000 children without fathers. A very tragic origin story for what we know now as Father’s Day. Is this yet another story of Profit Over People? Did a patter
The Aftermath: The 1955 Le Mans Motor Race Disaster
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the 1955 Le Mans Motor Race Disaster with journalist and non-fiction author Michael Cannell. Michael shares some incredible stories from his conversations with drivers involved in the race and helps us understand the problematic racing culture that dominated the sport during this time period. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revisit t
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