High Tales of History
Two sisters get stoned and take turns surprising each other with obscure, bizarre, and fascinating stories from history's vault. They cover weird and wonderful events from around the world and across time periods, focusing on tales you won't find in typical history books. Expect a casual, humorous tone and a mix of the strange, the unexpected, and the delightfully odd.
Episodes
122. The Munchies That Made Us, Part One
It's the season finale! Your favorite Midwestern history sisters get baked and tuck into the deliciously weird history of the foods that shaped human civilization. From the birth of bread in the Fertile Crescent to the global spread of rice. From the mythology and tooth-breaking beginnings of corn to the weird history of their personal favorite--potatoes--this episode serves up the surprising
121. The 1916 Jersey Shark Attacks
What if the original Jaws story was real? In 1916, shark attacks along the New Jersey coast turned a summer beach season into a nationwide panic.In our penultimate episode for the season, Laurel and KT *dive* (ha!) into the terrifying true story of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks — a twelve day reign of terror that shocked the public, inspired Jaws, and forever changed the way people think abo
120. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident
It's 1937 in China. Japan has invaded China some years prior and the Chinese people are under a ruthless Japaneses occupation. This story is about when people get fed the fuck up and rise against their oppressors.While most historians agree that WWII started with the invasion of Poland, some historians will say this is an even earlier catalyst for the war--and it all took place at the Lugou Br
119. How Sherlock Holmes Conquered the World
Come, dear Listener! The game is afoot!The sisters are relocating the Smoke Circle to the cozy sitting room of 221B Baker Street! In this episode, Laurel takes you through the history of Sherlock Holmes' from literary creation to global phenomenon, exploring the life of Sherlock's creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the birth of his great detective Sherlock Holmes, and his influence on modern
118. This Ain't Camelot: The Dark History of Merlin
Think Merlin was a happy, magical wizard? Think again.Join us in the Smoke Circle as KT takes us through the dark history of Merlin's origins and his evolution through time. From demon spawn to bard, from "madman" to the wise sage of Camelot, Merlin has a fascinating history. Join us as we contrast the myth with historical realities, and examine how folklore reflects cultural and his
117. History Cold Case: Who Killed Giovanni Borgia?
One night in June 1497, Giovanni Borgia--the second and most favorite son of Pope Alexander VI--was in the company of his valet and possibly a masked man. Both the valet and Giovanni were soon found dead with no leads in solving the case. Who might have murdered Giovanni Borgia and what was the motive?Turns out, a handful of people would want him dead and for a variety of reasons. The Borgias are
116. Invisible Monsters: The Past, Politics, and Patriarchy of Predator
There's something in the trees and it ain't no man...It's Kt, actually. She's bringing a change up for episode 116 with the history and social commentary around the 1987 classic, Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers and the massive Kevin Peter Hall as the titular Predator.Together, Kt takes us through the jungles of toxic masculinity tropes, patriarchy and 80s po
115. Pirates! Anne Bonny and Mary Read
Climb aboard the SS Smoke Circle as we head out to the High Seas to learn about the lives of a couple of pirate baddies--Anne Bonny and Mary Read, a couple of the most famous pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. We love seeing women in male dominated fields.During this episode we cover the lives of these two pirates as well as the democratic nature of pirate ships, and why pirates have capture
114. The 1969 Santa Monica Oil Spill and the First Earth Day
It's KT's first episode of the new season and she's kicking it off with the history of Earth Day, which came out of the aftermath of the devastating Santa Monica oil spill in 1969. A blowout on Platform A offshore oil well resulted in the cracking of the ocean floor in five places and three million gallons of crude oil erupting into the ocean.Public outrage led to the start of Earth Da
113. The Burke and Wills Expedition
Welcome back! It's season 7, episode 113 and to kick things off, we are taking an expedition from south to north across the vast (and HOT!) interior of Australia for the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition. Grab your horses and camels, your oak table and chairs, 50 gallons of rum (for the camels of course!) and don't forget your Chinese gong.~~~~~*The Socials and Patreon!Patreon--
112. How Language Made Us Human: The History of Language
Put on your science pants Smoke Circle! KT is bringing us across the season six finish line with the brief history of language--from the first sounds of hominids to the formations of grammar to how culture shapes language around the world and how it is ever-evolving and changing year by year.We love a topic in which science and history shake hands and take us all on a hazy trip leaving us going &q
111. How to Start a War with Michael Trapani
It's our penultimate episode of season 6 and we've got an amazing guest to share it with! Author, podcaster and all around kick ass dude, Michael Trapani, joins the Smoke Circle to talk about his gripping book "How to Start a War: The Rise of Extremism, the Fall of Democracy and the Lead Up to World War II" Like many major world events, World War II has many smaller events that lead to the flash b
The History of Dragons Around the World
It's episode 110 and KT is bringing her deep love of dragons to the Smoke Circle! While you might think dragons are more likely to be found in fantasy novels and mythology books than in the pages of history, KT explores the cultural significance of dragons across various civilizations, touching on creation myths and the role of dragons in both chaos and order. We'll be talking about the ri
109. The Code Talkers
They were told not to speak their language. Those respective languages helped win wars and save countless lives. In episode 109, Laurel takes the Smoke Circle through the incredible story of the Indigenous code talkers of World War I and II--the Navajo, Comanche, and other Native American men whose voices became unbreakable codes in the Pacific and European fronts. Their history is a story of cour
Yuck: The Weird and Wondrous History of the Iconic Joshua Tree
Welcome to a bonus episode in which Kt and Laurel have award winning author, screenwriter and essayist, Barret Baumgart, in the Smoke Circle. Together we discuss his newest book Yuck: The Birth and Death of the Weird and Wondrous Joshua Tree, Yucca Brevifolia. You might not believe it, but the Joshua Tree has a strange little part to play when recounting the history of the American West and Westwa
108. The Battle of Stamford Bridge: The End of The Viking Age
Welcome to episode 108 in which Kt takes us way back to the year 1066 and completes her own Viking Age saga that she has been unraveling over the course of the show. In this episode, Kt delves into the stories of legendary figures like King of Norway Harold Hardrada and the last Anglo-Saxon King, Harold Godwinson; the cultural significance of berserkers; and the end of Viking Age and the start of
107. Red Tails Rising: The Tuskegee Airmen Story
Welcome to 107! In this episode, we take flight into the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first Black military aviators. We will explore the challenges these brave individuals faced, both in combat and at home, and highlight their significant contributions to World War II and beyond. Our discussion also touches on broader themes of racial equality and the ongoing fight for
106. History's Luckiest Cat: Unsinkable Sam's WWII Adventures
Welcome Smoke Circle! Kt's back and she's bringing us a whimsical journey into history with the tale of Unsinkable Sam, the legendary feline who survived three shipwrecks during World War II. Discover how this black and white cat became a symbol of hope and resilience for sailors amidst the chaos of war. We'll also explore the fascinating role of cats in naval history, providing compan
105. Unveiling the Red Scare: McCarthyism and Its Echoes
Laurel is back for episode three of season six! Join Kt and Laurel as they jump into the tumultuous era of McCarthyism, exploring the rise and fall of Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and the widespread fear of communism in America. Grab some snacks, libation of choice and join your favorite stoner history sisters in the Smoke Circle as we discover the impact of the Red Scare on American society,
104. Marilyn Monroe
It's time for Kt to take the wheel and talk about one of her lifelong favorite actors and pop culture icons--Norma Jeane Baker, better known to the world as Marilyn Monroe!While frequently thought of as a bombshell and sex symbol, Marilyn was more than that--she was a cultural icon, a savvy self-creator, and a woman navigating fame in a world that frequently wanted to define her. In this episo
103. Erased History: What the Government Doesn't Want You to Know
Welcome to season six! We're a bit late on kicking it all off so thank you for your patience!In season six, we decided to change up our format and each of us will take an episode, instead of doing two stories per episode. We are also stretching our total number of episodes per season to 10 instead of 8 (5 episodes per sister.) Laurel is starting things off for the season. She's fired up an
102. The Pig, The Pope, and The Tortoise: A History of Absurdity with Derek from History's Greatest Idiots
Welcome to the finale of season five! In episode 102, we invite a long time friend of the Smoke Circle--Derek from History's Greatest Idiots! History is full of idiotic moments, ranging from little whoopsies to full blown, planet-altering fuck-ups. In today's episode, we talk an escaped Galapagos Tortoise, a dead pope put on trial and a pig who started a war. YUP.~~~~~~~*Check Out What Our
101. Top 5 Oui-diculous Moments in French History and the Hunchback of Notre Dame
Welcome back! We saved you your favorite spot in the Smoke Circle! Spark up and get curious as the sisters are back together for another themed episode. Kt requested French history for this episode and we have a lot of stories for you! First up, Laurel has a top 5 list of "Most Oui-diculous (get it?!) Moments in French History. Ranging from history's shortest monarchy to hallucinogenic br
100. Historians Watch Braveheart!
It's time to celebrate episode 100! To do so, we are tackling one of Hollywood's most famous (maybe infamous?) historical blockbusters--Braveheart. The film turns 30 this month (May 2025) and the sisters spark up and sit down in the Smoke Circle with Dr. Darren R. Reid, associate professor of history at Coventry University. Dr. Reid is himself Scottish so the subject matter is near and dear to his
99. Raiders of Ancient Egypt: The Rosetta Stone and Discovery of King Tut's Tomb
Welcome to episode 99 of High Tales of History! (Can you believe that we are at 99?!) For this history sesh, we travel back into the sands of time with two stories on raiders of Ancient Egypt. First up, Kt covers Napoleon's invasion of Egypt and the subsequent finding and deciphering of the Rosetta Stone.Next, Laurel covers the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, Egypt's forgotte
98. The Queen's Seer: A History of Divination, from the Elizabethan Period and Beyond, with Psychic Medium, Saundra (pt. 2)
Welcome to episode 98 and part two of The History of Divination! After leaving the Ancient Romans in part one, we fast forward to the Tudors and the Elizabethan Era. We'll meet Dr. John Dee, who was Queen Elizabeth I's trusted seer and learn about the attitudes around magic and divination before Elizabeth's successor begins his witch hunts. We'll also uncover the secrets of the tarot, and step int
97. Divining the Future in Ancient Civilizations with Psychic Medium Saundra (Pt. 1)
Welcome to episode 97 (season 5, episode 3) of High Tales of History! We knew you'd be here because we saw it happen in our scrying mirror. We have our friend Saundra in the Smoke Circle with us for a two part episode on divination through history. Saundra is a psychic medium and intuitive tarot card reader and we have a blast all hanging out and taking a long trip back to the many divination prac
96. I Love When Women...
In episode 96, the sisters jump into some women's history beginning with the amazing and long history of Black midwifery in America. In early America, enslaved Black midwives (as well as Indigenous women) were responsible for birthing nearly all children in the United States. Today, Black midwives only make up between 5 to 9% of the profession while Black women are three to four times likely to di
95. The History of American Protest Music
Welcome to the season five opener! It's episode 95 (we will be reaching 100 during this season!) and we have invited our musician bestie, Matty Baker, on to chat about the very long and very deep history of American protest music!From Yankee Doodle to Kendrick Lamar; from the Revolutionary War through the Black Freedom Struggle, Vietnam and queer identity, bounce through American history and the f
Harriet Tubman: Half Baked Mini-Episode
**The following episode is a bonus "pre-season five" Half Baked mini-episode released for all. The rest of our Half Baked episodes are a part of our Patreon Best Buds Club. Come join Laurel in the Smoke Circle in her old man sweater and get a taste of the Half Baked as we talk the badass that is Harriet Tubman.How much do you know about Harriet Tubman? In this half baked mini episode, La
Wicked: The Fascinating and Unexpected History of the Wizard and Witches of Oz
Welcome to episode 94, our season 4 finale! In it, we take a trip down the yellow brick road and meet the man behind the curtain--L. Frank Baum and talk about the creation of his immortal book, The Wizard of Oz. Over the years since the release of the book, many parables and metaphors have been applied to the story as well as inspirations for its characters. Together the sisters spark up, and dive
The Great Feather Heist | Frederick Douglass: The Icon Behind Black History Month
Hi there! We saved you a spot in the smoke circle! Puff, puff, pass y'all! Otherwise, KT has some "Cab Sav" for you if you're interested.
This week's episode covers a wide span of history starting with Laurel's story of more recent times about the Feather Heist of a scientifically and historically priceless collection of rare birds from the British Natural History Museum. It is WILD so buckle in
Yi Sun-sin, Korea's Greatest Admiral | The Theft of the Mona Lisa
It's episode 93 and it is time for some HIGH seas and some HIGH-sts (heists, we might have been trying a bit too hard there with the word play)
First up, Kt takes us to Korea during Japan's invasions of the nation, commonly known as the Imjin War in Korea's Joseon Period (1392 to 1910). There we meet Korea's great admiral, Yi Sun-sin, who won several key battles against the odds, helping to turn t
Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes | The Naked Ride of Lady Godiva
It's episode 92 and we're talking about t*ts and shipwrecks! First up, we dive into North America's Great Lakes and learn about the first known shipwreck in 1679--Le Griffon--and bookend it with the last major shipwreck, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. We also talk about the Great Storm of 1913 and the weather systems that can make the Great Lakes so dangerous! After the break, we saddle up our horses,
The Dyatlov Pass Incident | A History of Witches
Welcome to the Halloween Episode! In episode 91, we first take a dive into one of history's greatest adventure mysteries--The Dyatlov Pass Incident which has been unsolved for over 65 years! In the middle of winter in 1959, 9 experienced hikers disappeared in the Ural Mountains and died under mysterious circumstances. Theories range from avalanche to yeti attack to murder by the KGB. In 2019, Russ
The Werewolf Trials of Europe | The Affair of the Poisons
Well howdy and welcome to episode 90 of High Tales of History! For the month of October we are taking a trip into spooky and horrible histories and in episode 90, we are taking a trip to Europe to hear all about their werewolf trials which came out of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries' anxieties about religious and political clashes as well as a gross attempt to find a scapegoat for these changes
The Controversial Discovery of Insulin | Audrey Hepburn: Freedom Fighter
Welcome to Season 4, Episode 2 (ep.89)In this episode, Kt hits us with some important medical history--the discovery, I mean, CO-discovery of insulin--and the hot drama that *CO* discovery created! After the break, Laurel brings the story of young Audrey Hepburn and her teens years as a helper in the Dutch Resistance in her heavily Nazi-occupied town.*~*~*~*~*Mentioned in the Episode:Togo and the
The Sword in the Bosnian Stone | The Mysterious Death of Rudolf Diesel
Welcome to season four! To kick it off, we go to the not so distant past to a remarkable archeological find in Bosnia in 2019--a (probably) 14th century sword in the stone!
From there, we travel back further into history to meet the inventor of the one of the most disruptive pieces of technology in at the turn of the 20th century--the diesel engine, created by Rudolf Diesel. While crossing the E
The 1908 Great Car Race | George Remus, The King of the Bootleggers
It’s episode 87, our last one for season 3!To end it on a bang, we are doing some adventure and true crime history! We are joined by Laurel’s husband, Kristian, back from Season One Episode 4 to hear about another wild race from history—the 1908 Great Car Race in which six cars went on a race from New York to Paris.
We follow it up with George Remus, known as King of the Bootleggers as well as qui
Sayyida al-Hurra: The Mediterranean Pirate Queen
Welcome to episode 86! We are celebrating our three year anniversary of the show with a topic that kicked it all off for us: a kickass female pirate.
In this episode we meet al-Sayyida al-Hurra, a queen of her city-state of Tétouan in present-day Morocco. Due to a lack of formal navy against the might of the Portuguese and Spanish fleets, she created one out of privateers and pirates. Her ragtag
History of Voguing and Drag Balls | Ancient Practices of Summer Solstice
It's episode 85! We are rounding out our celebration of Pride month by going back to the 19th century, four years after the end of the American Civil War, to attend the earliest drag balls in Harlem, New York.
Over time, these balls turned into the house ballroom culture and the dance competitions that birthed voguing. After the break, KT takes us through time and around the world to look at
History's Famous Horses | Non-Binary Minister, The Public Universal Friend
It's episode 84 and we have history! And horses! And non-binary 18th century preachers! We. Have. Everything.
Kt, our resident Horse Girl and Horsetorian, takes us on a tour through history to meet some of its most famous equine figures--from Alexander the Great's Bucephalus to Roy Rogers' Trigger.
Next, Laurel travels through history to Revolutionary War era America to meet a non-binary preacher,
J.R.R. Tolkien | The Quest to Create the World's Greatest Library
In episode 83, KT wraps up her two part series on fantasy authors and friends with J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series. (In our previous episode, she covered C.S. Lewis) From his service in World War One to his time teaching at Oxford and Cambridge to his amazing world building of Middle Earth, KT takes us through the life of J.R.R. Tolkien--there and back again.
The London Gin Craze | C.S. Lewis
Welcome into the wardrobe for episode 82! At the back you'll find the Smoke Circle where we have snacks, history and...gin. Laurel first takes you to 18th century London when the greater access to spirits made gin a hot commodity and everyone a hot mess...or worse.
After the break, KT shares the life and creative mind of Clive Staples Lewis, better known as C.S. Lewis. Lewis authored over 30
The Titanic's Discovery During a Secret Cold War Mission | The History of Heavy Metal Music
Welcome to episode 81! In this episode, Laurel covers the story of the RMS Titanic's sinking and how it remained undiscovered on the ocean floor for the next 73 years until a top secret Cold War mission led to its (almost accidental) discovery in 1985. After we get back on dry land, KT brings us a long awaited topic near and dear to her heart: metal music. From its early foundations and icons
Tetris's Cold War Origins | Nintendo vs. Sega Console War | Ancient Civilizations and Solar Eclipses
Welcome to season three! We are thrilled to be back with you and thrilled to be back with one of our favorite guests, Dr. Darren R. Reid, history professor at Coventry University in Coventry, England. We previously had Dr. Reid on in episodes 52 and 53 (linked below if you want to hear!) to talk to us about Indigenous representation in popular movies and they quickly became listener favorites.
Th
The True History of Lemuria, a Fake Place with Justin McHenry | Australia's Emu War
It's our season 2 finale so hop in your wicker basket and get ready for some wild intergalactic travel we have guest Justin McHenry in the Smoke Circle to talk about a fake place that has some very real history--Lemuria!
Justin has written the book "Lemuria: A True Story of a Fake Place" which takes the reader from its real origins in 19th century science all the way through its ado
Josephine Baker | The War on Disco and Chicago's Disco Demolition Night
Welcome to season 2, episode 7! We're celebrating Black history in the Smoke Circle! First up, Laurel takes us back to roaring 20s Paris to meet Josephine Baker, the Jazz Age star, who was not only a singing and dancing star in the early 20th century, but also was a spy for the French Resistance during WWII and spent her later years as an activist for the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Nex
History's Great Love Stories | William the Conqueror
We're celebrating all different kinds of love in the Smoke Circle for Valentine's Day! First up, Laurel travels through time recounting iconic stories of love and friendship suggested by listeners--from John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Next, Kt travels through the life and family tree of Norman king William I--also known as William the Conqueror.
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The History of American Comics with Kevin Garcia, Part Two
Welcome to part two of the history of American comics with comic book historian and writer, Kevin Garcia. Kevin joins the Smoke Circle to discuss American comic's great (roughly) 150 year history and how intertwined they are with the history of America itself.
Through comic books, readers can see reflections of American policies, commonly held beliefs, attitudes about America's place in t
The History of American Comics with Kevin Garcia, Part One
Welcome to a great two part series with comic book historian and writer, Kevin Garcia. Kevin joins the Smoke Circle to discuss American comic's great (roughly) 150 year history and how intertwined they are with the history of America itself.
Through comic books, readers can see reflections of American policies, commonly held beliefs, attitudes about America's place in the world and how Am
The Lives of Viking Age Women | The 20th Century's Most Popular Toys and their Interesting History
Welcome to season 2, episode 3 and the last episode of 2023!
To finish it out, Kt takes us through the lives of Viking Age women and what their days might have been like. She also connects this history and time period to the song "Savage Daughter" by Karen Kahan/Wyndreth Berginsdottir, which has been popular on social media platforms.
After that, Laurel takes the Smoke Circle on a long w
Ben Franklin's Craven Street Corpses | The Lost State of Franklin | The Boston Tea Party with Bryan Austin of Let's Be Frank
Welcome to episode two of season two!
In this episode we get to realize our dream of being Bill and Ted: plucking a historical figure out of time and sitting down with them to talk history and hear one of their most juicy (and most excellent!) stories!
We are joined in the Smoke Circle by Bryan Austin, first person historical interpreter of Benjamin Franklin as well as other historical people in
The History of Cheese | Christina of Sweden
We are back with episode one of season two! We're excited to be back in the Smoke Circle with you! Kt hits it hard right off the bat with the history of one of her most favorite things in the world--CHEESE. After that, Laurel takes us to Sweden to meet King Christina of Sweden!
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Mentioned In the Stories:
Pictures of Christina of Sweden
Images for Vasa Warship
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The Socials!
Instagra
The Tunguska Event; Weird and Spooky Castles of England
Let's get spooky! In our final episode of a very long season one, we cover a long-running mystery called the Tunguska Event. Over 100 years ago, the Earth experienced the largest impact of a cosmic body in modern human history...but no impact was found...
Next, Kt takes us on a field trip through England to visit castles with eerie history--complete with ghost sightings, hell hounds and lined
The History of Sex, Part Two (with guest Kelly Ramsey)
**Content Warning: Hightailing Through History is for mature audiences and this particular episode includes content that is...a little more mature and "dirty" than our usual "mature content." Viewer and listener discretion is advised**
Welcome to the conclusion of our history of sex series! For part two, Laurel snags her best friend, Kelly, to join the Smoke Circle. If you can&
The History of Sex, Part One
Welcome to Episode 69!
In this two part series, we are diving into the deep topic of sex and its history! In part one, we take it from 385 million years ago up through the Middle Ages discussing the attitudes and practices around sex found in different cultures and eras. In addition, our community on social media voted for further getting into bed with other sexual topics like aphrodisiacs, sexua
A Wisecrack from the Kaiser; The History of the Jester
Welcome to Episode 68! We are joined by returning guest Aaron Odom, host of Euripides Eumenides: a Theater History Pod! We have such a great time in the Smoke Circle together (as we always do!) talking about the tangled web of royal family members during the course of WWI--and tangled it is! Next, the sisters tag team a brief history of the jester around the world. From Native American tribes to i
Zenobia, the Queen Who Defied the Roman Empire; The History of Spider-Man
Welcome to episode 67! We cover the ancient and the recent in this one! First up, Laurel takes the Smoke Circle back to the Roman Empire's Crisis of the Third Century. Rome was a revolving door of emperors and constant uprisings and civil wars. During this period of time, one regent queen rose up and broke away from Rome, creating her own empire in a meteoric rise...
Next, Kt tells the story o
The Eagle and Jaguar Warriors of the Mexica; Syndrome K: The Deadly Disease That Saved Lives
Welcome to episode 66 and boy howdy do we have some interesting history for you! Kt kicks things off with a trip to Mesoamerica to learn about the elite eagle and jaguar warriors of the Mexica (also known as the Aztecs). Armed with fierce weaponry, like the Macuahuitl--a club studded with razor sharp obsidian stone--the warriors were rewarded not on how many enemy kills they could tally...but how
The Dahomey Women Warriors; Mysterious Underground Cities
Welcome to episode 65! During our time in the Smoke Circle today we'll be visiting West Africa to learn more about the Agojie who were the all women army of the Kingdom of Dahomey. This fierce group of fighters were featured in the film The Woman King. T'Challa's royal guard in Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, were also loosely based on these women. After that, we tour other places in t
The Dark History of Nursery Rhymes; The NASA Moon Rock Heist
Welcome to episode 64, our first ever video episode! Kt kicks things off with investigating the dark and often gruesome history behind children's nursery rhymes. Next, Laurel goes through the wild inside job of the NASA moon rock heist in 2002.
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Mentioned in the Stories:
Episode 2: The Great Feather Heist
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The Socials!
Instagram - @HightailingHistory
TikTok- @Hightaili
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Godmother of Rock n' Roll; The History of the Caribbean and Its Peoples
Welcome to episode 63! In this episode Laurel dives into the life of American musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe, often called the Godmother of Rock n' Roll. She was a direct musical inspiration for many iconic male performers of 1950s rock. Names like Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis all were in awe of Rosetta's powerhouse voice and talent on her Gibson SG guitar. She perfo
Lozen, Osh-Tisch and We'wha: Indigenous Two Spirit Icons; The Mysterious Sword of Goujian
Hey cool kids. Welcome to Episode 62. It this episode, the sisters take a moment to explore what it means to be Midwestern Americans: why do we love ranch dressing so much? Why does it take so long to say good bye and the use of the exclamation "ope!" Kt shocks us all by initiating the bottle, leaf, grinder battle for the first time in our 62 episodes, which was absolutely unprecedented
Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants Gang; Duke Kahanamoku, the Man Who Brought Surfing to the World
Did you know that London had an all-women gang for at least 80 years through the 19th and 20th centuries (perhaps even for 175 years!) Neither did we! Their story seems to be a footnote in history but these gals were fierce and one of London's most feared gangs. Laurel introduces us to the gang, their potentially long history as well as their glamorous queens who led the group with military pr
The Bone Wars; The History of Wayfinding
Welcome to episode 60! Get ready for some adventurous history. Laurel kicks things off with one of history's biggest, ugliest scientific feuds. At the center of it are two paleontologists--Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles (O.C.) Marsh. Once friends turned bitter rivals, their race to be at the forefront of their field led to decades of mud-slinging and personal and professional ruin but
The Pony Express; The Mysterious World of Glitter and its History
In Episode 59, Kt takes the reins and recounts the history of the Pony Express, which bridged the gap in mail and communication delivery while the railroad and telegraph were making their way to the American west coast. Through rain, shine, snow and hostilities, the young men of the Pony Express got the job done! Next, Laurel tells of the fun--but oddly mysterious--history and production of glitte
History of Cannabis, Jazz and the War on Drugs with Half Baked History
Join sisters Laurel and Kt with fellow history and cannabis enthusiasts, Nick and Kelsey from Half Baked History! Together for a special 4/20 celebration, they discuss cannabis’s long-term relationship with human beings stretching back 12,000 years! From its early cultivation and use to its spread around the world as medicine (and a good time); from its rise in the jazz scene through its prohibiti
The Night Witches; Rani Lakshmi Bai, Queen of Jhansi
Welcome to Episode 57, in which KT and Laurel finish Women's History Month STRONG with two stories about amazing warrior women! First up, KT takes us to the Soviet Union during World War II and introduces us to Colonel Marina Raskova and the 588th Night Bomber Regiment also known as the Night Witches. Next, Laurel takes us back to British India during the mid-1800s to meet Lakshmi Bai, the Ran
The Hoover Dam; Dr. Jane Goodall
How do you feel about dams? What about chimpanzees? Is concrete your thing? How about scientific women? Well, for episode 56, we have all those things. First, KT recounts the construction of the Hoover Dam, which celebrated an 88th anniversary on March 1, 2023. The dam, which is the largest in the United States, contains enough concrete to build a road from San
Bessie Coleman; The Green Book
Welcome in to episode 55! The sisters continue their journey through Black history with the stories of Bessie Coleman, the first Black *and* Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license. She dazzled her audiences with her shows doing tail spins, loop de loops, wing walking and sky diving! Next, KT covers the creation of The Negro Motorist Green Book, More commonly called The Green Book, an
"Stagecoach Mary" Fields; Yasuke, the African Samurai
Welcome to episode 54! We have two stories celebrating Black history for the month of February! First off, we have the rough and gruff, gun-toting, cigar smoking, take no shit Mary Fields, often known to history as "Stagecoach Mary!" She was the United States' first Black woman (and 2nd woman) to run a star route for the postal system. A star route mail carrier used a stage
Indigenous Representation in Popular Movies with Dr. Darren R. Reid, Part Two
Welcome to Episode 53! This is part two of our two part conversation with Dr. Darren R. Reid, Course Director of History at Coventry University in England. Professor Reid gave us an assignment we were only too happy to do: watch a handful of popular movies that showed Indigenous representation and chat with him about it.
In part two, we talk about The Lost City of Z, Avatar, Dances With Wolves a
Indigenous Representation in Popular Movies with Dr. Darren R. Reid, Part One
Welcome to 2023 and Episode 52! We have a two part treat for your ears and brains! We had a most excellent time sitting in the smoke circle with Dr. Darren Reid, Course Director of History at Coventry University in England. Professor Reid gave us an assignment we were only too happy to do: watch a handful of popular movies that showed Indigenous representation and chat with him about it.
In par
The Origins of Yuletide and Christmas; The 1914 WWI Christmas Truce
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! It’s our final episode of 2022 and we have a holiday themed show for you—perfect for listening while wrapping last minute gifts! In episode 51, KT starts with origins of Yuletide and Christmas as well as some random Christmas trivia thrown in there! Next, Laurel talks about the 1914 Christmas Truce during World War I
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Mentioned in the Stories:
First hand acco
Mysteries of the Hope Diamond with Arjun Hundal of Deep Into History; Galvarino, the Mapuche Warrior
We are at episode 50! To celebrate, we have fellow history podcaster Arjun Hundal of Deep Into History joining the smoke circle for some "episode 50 worthy" stories
In this episode, Laurel goes through a centuries-long weaving thread of The Blue diamond, later confirmed to be the Hope Diamond. We get revolution, mystery, intrigue, a jewel heist and...a curse?
Next, KT takes us to South America
Crazy Horse, Oglala Lakota warrior; the 1969 Native Occupation of Alcatraz Island
Welcome to episode 49! To round out Native American Heritage Month, we have two more stories on Indigenous history! KT kicks things off with a historical figure that tied into episode 48–Crazy Horse, the Oglala Sioux warrior and leader. Did you know he was born with beautiful curls?! Next up, Laurel fast forwards to 1969 and the 19 month Native occupation of Alcatraz Island as a watershed moment f
How Indigenous Women Inspired the Women’s Rights Movement; Sitting Bull, Lakota Sioux Warrior and Chief
Welcome to episode 48! November is Native American Heritage Month and we wanted to highlight some Indigenous stories! First, Laurel starts with the story of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and how their society inspired suffragists in Women’s Rights Movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries! Next, KT takes us through the life of Lakota Sioux warrior and chief, Sitting Bull.
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Niccolò Paganini, The Devil's Violinist; The Shipwreck of the Whydah Gally; Jersey Devil and the Pine Barrens
Happy Halloween! We couldn’t let our favorite month go by without some friends and we invited Brendan Dowd from History Nerds United to hang out! Our stories include musicians who are rumored to have made a deal with the devil; witches, pirates and spooky shipwrecks; and a bizarre cryptid who hangs out in some equally bizarre woods!
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Mentioned in the Story:
Devil's Trill Sonata
Caprice No
St. Olga of Kyiv, the Saint You Don't Want to Mess With
A saint for a Halloween episode?! I know it might seem backwards, but, let me tell you: this is NOT a saint you want to mess with. Her story is violent with scenes that would be appropriate for a horror movie. St. Olga is the patron saint for the city of Kyiv but I personally like to think of her as the patron saint of "f*ck around and find out." In our tale...people do and
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