Stuff You Missed in History Class

Behind the Scenes Minis: Piece of Work Jun 12, 2026 1069 Holly and Tracy talk about how frequently the U.S. Post Office has stopped criminals, and about E. Virgil Neal using his intellect for shady business dealings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E. Virgil Neal: Hypnotist, Fraudster, Tycoon, Part 2 Jun 10, 2026 2482 In the early 20th century, Neal's company Force of Life was investigated for fraud. But somehow, Neal managed to get through the scandal and went on to found a cosmetics company that became very successful.  Research: “Can’t Find E. Virgil Neal.” New York Times. January 15, 1906. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/01/15/100496816.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip

E. Virgil Neal: Hypnotist, Fraudster, Tycoon - Part 1 Jun 8, 2026 2128 E. Virgil Neal’s career started out with writing successful textbooks, but then took a turn into being a stage hypnotist and then a series of dicey mail-order businesses. Research: “Can’t Find E. Virgil Neal.” New York Times. January 15, 1906. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/01/15/100496816.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Claimed to Raise the Dead.

SYMHC Classics: Mancini Sisters Jun 6, 2026 2542 This 2022 episode covers Hortense and Marie Mancini, who tried to make a place for themselves in 17th-century Europe, defying all kinds of conventions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: The Apostrophe and the Rich Guy Jun 5, 2026 1672 Tracy talks about a book that she didn't use for research on Viola Roseboro'. Holly talks about how wealth inequality has shaped science history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Boyle Jun 3, 2026 2657 Boyle is frequently described at the first modern chemist, but his work encompassed much more than that. Among other things, he was a founding member of the Royal Society. Research: Boyle, Robert. “An account of Philaretus during his Minority.” Accessed online: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/E650001-100.html Boyle, Robert. “New experiments physico-mechanicall.” Oxford. 1660

The Literary Life of Viola Roseboro' Jun 1, 2026 2161 Viola Roseboro’ isn’t well-known today, but she played a big behind-the-scenes role in the careers of a lot of American writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shaping what’s thought of as the American literary canon.  Research: “4 New Features.” Washington D.C. Evening Star. 4/29/2013. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1913-04-29/ed-1/?sp=10&am

SYMHC Classics: Vanport Flood May 30, 2026 1619 This 2016 episode covers the May 30, 1948 flood that destroyed Vanport, Oregon. What really makes the story more than a historical footnote is how it ties into the racial makeup of both Portland and Oregon at the time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Disease Pact May 29, 2026 1328 Tracy talks about a strange statement in a paper she read while working on the Carlos J. Finlay episode. Holly shares her amusement at the pact Hartlib and his friends made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samuel Hartlib and the Hartlib Circle May 27, 2026 2285 Samuel Hartlib doesn’t exactly spring to mind when thinking about influential figures of the 17th century. But he served as a sort of conduit for information and connections among them as he sought to promote his ideas regarding theology and education. Research: Britannica Editors. "Samuel Hartlib". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Mar. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Hartl

Carlos Juan Finlay and Yellow Fever May 25, 2026 2501 Carlos Juan Finlay was a Cuban doctor who did a lot of work to understand the spread of Yellow Fever. But Walter Reed got most of the credit. Research: American Experience. “Carlos Finlay (1833-1915).” From The Great Fever. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/fever-carlos-finlay/ Berenbrok, Dorothy E., "Latin Heritage Month. Carlos Juan Finlay: Outrageous, Courag

SYMHC Classics: Deborah Sampson May 23, 2026 2253 This 2022 episode covers Deborah Sampson, who could count William Bradford and Myles Standish in her family tree. That tree didn’t include Robert Shurtliff; that was the alias Deborah used to enlist in the Continental Army.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Art and Theme Parks May 22, 2026 1286 Holly shares a quote from Daniela Lippi about the importance of ongoing learning in the restoration profession. There is then discussion of the nerve-racking construction of Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview: Leslie Iwerks May 20, 2026 2398 Disneyland's opening seemed like an impossibility throughout the construction process. Holly interviews filmmaker Leslie Iwerks about her new film "Disneyland Handcrafted," which shares the journey from an empty dirt lot to the theme park we know today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uffizi: A Painting, A Bombing, A Restoration May 18, 2026 2257 In 1993, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy was damaged by a car bomb. But this story starts in the 16th century with painter Bartolomeo Manfredi, and reaches all the way to the 2000s with an extraordinary restoration project. Research: “600 fragments and one photograph. The restoration of Bartolomeo Manfredi’s “Card Players.” Scala Archives. May 23, 2023. https://scala

SYMHC Classics: Regulator War May 16, 2026 2240 This 2019 episode covers the Regulator War, aka the War of the Regulation, aka the Regulator Movement. It was a North Carolina event which arose in response to unfair taxes, poor representation and corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Bad Laws, Bad Cats May 15, 2026 1413 Tracy shares why Bhagat Singh Thind rocketed to the top of her topics list. Holly shares a story of bad cat behavior.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrington Event May 13, 2026 2611 The Carrington Event was a massive geomagnetic storm that happened in 1859. It led to expanded understanding of solar phenomena. Research: “Great Aurora of 1859. Art. XLII – The Great Auroral Exhibition of August 28th to September 4th, 1859.” American Journal of Science. Ser. 2. Vol. 28. July-November 1859. Cardenas, Freddy Moreno et al. “The Grand Aurorae Borealis Seen in

United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind May 11, 2026 2790 United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind was a 1923 case that hinged on what it meant to be white. Research: “Ozawa v. United States, 260 U.S. 178 (1922).” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/260/178/ “United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind, 261 U.S. 204 (1923).” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/261/204/ de la Garza, Amanda. “Doctorji: The Life. Teachings,

SYMHC Classics: Insular Cases May 9, 2026 2595 This 2023 episode covers the Insular Cases, which are SCOTUS cases regarding rights of people in U.S. territories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Friends and Bubble Guns May 8, 2026 1365 Holly talks about how small the circle of London intellectuals was in John Graunt's time. Then there is discussion of disco balls in bathrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern Inventions That Are Actually Old May 6, 2026 2339 There are so many things in our modern world that we presume are fairly recent inventions. But the three things we’re going to talk about in this instance are quite old, but they have close associations with the recent past. Research: Abbott, David, PhD., ed. “The Biographical Book of Scientists: Engineers and Inventors.” Peter Bedrick Books. New York. 1985. “Bad Breath.&r

John Graunt May 4, 2026 2200 John Graunt was a shopkeeper in 17th-century London who followed his own curiosity to a rather grand result. His work gave rise to the fields of demography and epidemiology. Research: Berke, Olaf, et al. “Celebration day: 400th birthday of John Graunt, citizen scientist of London.” Environmental Health Review. 63(3): 67-69. 2020. https://doi.org/10.5864/d2020-018 B

SYMHC Classics: Red Summer 1919 May 2, 2026 1973 This 2019 episode marked 100 years since a wave of racist violence in the U.S. that became known as Red Summer. In many ways, Red Summer was a response to (but NOT caused by) two earlier events: the Great Migration and the return of black soldiers who had fought in World War I.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Greetings and Context May 1, 2026 1554 Holly and Tracy commiserate about sending greeting cards. Tracy talks about how she shifted away from an episode exclusively about Frances Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Memphis Massacre Apr 29, 2026 2449 The Memphis Massacre was a truly horrific wave of destruction and violence, including sexual violence, against the Black community of Memphis just a year after the end of the U.S. Civil War. Research: “Memphis Daily Appeal Interviews Frances Thompson (1876),” SHEC: Resources for Teachers, accessed April 9, 2026, https://shec.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/3717. “The Outrage Mill.&rdqu

Greeting Cards Apr 27, 2026 2141 Humans have been exchanging tokens of friendship since before recorded history. From calling cards to Valentines to Christmas cards, the modern greeting card industry evolved. Research: “America’s First Christmas Card.” Albany Institute of History and Art. https://www.albanyinstitute.org/online-exhibition/50-objects/section/america-s-first-christmas-card Britannica Editors. "sca

SYMHC Classics: The Color Blue Apr 25, 2026 2409 This 2019 episode covers the color blue, the most popular color in many parts of the world. But many ancient languages didn’t have a word for blue, and some languages still don’t.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Dicey Sources Apr 24, 2026 1386 Tracy shares struggles that she encountered pulling together this edition of Unearthed. She and Holly have a tangential discussion about AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unearthed! In Spring 2026, Part 2 Apr 22, 2026 2328 Part one of this quarter's edition of Unearthed! includes animals, artwork, edibles and potables, shipwrecks, potpourri. Research: Abdallah, Hannah. “Analysis of charred food in pot reveals that prehistoric Europeans had surprisingly complex cuisines.” EurekAlert. 3/4/2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1117763 Almeroth-Williams, Thomas. “British redcoat’s lost

Unearthed! In Spring 2026, Part 1 Apr 20, 2026 2594 Part one of this quarter's edition of Unearthed! features updates, medical things, books and letters, oldest known things, and smells. Research: Abdallah, Hannah. “Analysis of charred food in pot reveals that prehistoric Europeans had surprisingly complex cuisines.” EurekAlert. 3/4/2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1117763 Almeroth-Williams, Thomas. “British redcoat

SYMHC Classics: Gustave Courbet Apr 18, 2026 2452 This 2022 episode covers how Courbet was iconic even in his own lifetime. He flew in the face of artistic convention, ushered in a new movement of Realism in France, and became embroiled in the country’s political turmoil.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Oh, Kropotkin! Apr 17, 2026 1049 Tracy shares her intentions to cover Peter Kropotkin years ago, and also unpacks some of the positive and negative aspects of his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Kropotkin's Mutual Aid, Part 2 Apr 15, 2026 2998 After returning to Russia, Kropotkin was captured and imprisoned. But his life took many turns from there, and in 1902 he published his book book “Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution.” Research: "Peter Alekseevich Kropotkin." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, Gale, 1998. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1631003701/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-G

Peter Kropotkin's Mutual Aid, Part 1 Apr 13, 2026 2703 Peter Kropotkin was incredibly influential in the development of anarchism in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Part one of this subject focuses on the formative moments in his early life that contributed to his becoming an anarchist communist. Research: "Peter Alekseevich Kropotkin." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, Gale, 1998. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc

SYMHC Classics: Haymarket Riot Apr 11, 2026 2260 This 2021 episode examines the Haymarket Riot, one of the many interconnected events and people and movements that are all integral to defining the basic idea of what a full-time job is in the U.S. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Serving Lip and Ethics Apr 10, 2026 1579 Holly talks about Gladys Bentley's gender presentation, and the trouble with Maceo Sheffield. She and Tracy also discuss James Braid's ethics in both medicine and hypnotism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Braid, Surgeon and Father of Hypnotism Apr 8, 2026 2616 Braid is known for his work in hypnotism. But he was also a surgeon with a reputation for pioneering new treatments before he became fascinated with the scientific underpinnings of mesmerism. Research: Braid, James, and Arthur Edward Waite, ed. “Braid on hypnotism. Neurypnology; or, The rationale of nervous sleep considered in relation to animal magnetism or mesmerism and illustrated by num

Gladys Bentley Apr 6, 2026 2410 Gladys Bentley was a part of the Harlem Renaissance as a performer – she played piano and sang in ways that drew huge crowds starting in the 1920s, and she was completely out as a lesbian. But her story takes some surprising turns. Research: Adkins, Judith. “These People Are Frightened to Death.” Prologue Magazine. National Archives. Summer 2016. Vol. 48, No. 2. https://www.arch

SYMHC Classics: Moms Mabley Apr 4, 2026 1990 This 2022 episode covers Moms Mabley, whose career lasted more than six decades. She was hugely influential, and inspired so many comedians and other performers who came after her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Self-talk Hoax Apr 3, 2026 1197 Holly and Tracy discuss the idea of autosuggestion and positive self-talk. Tracy shares her thoughts on writings about the Pompey stone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pompey Stone Hoax Apr 1, 2026 2126 The Pompey Stone was discovered in the early 1820s, and was believed to be hundreds of years old. It turned out to be a hoax, but a fairly benign one. Research: Barber, John Warner and Henry Howe. “Historical collections of the state of New York : containing a general collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c. relating to its history and

Émile Coué and Autosuggestion Mar 30, 2026 2392 Émile Coué genuinely seems to have wanted to help people by teaching them how to plant helpful directives in their subconscious minds. Whether he was effective is something that's still debated.  Research: Baldwin, J. Mark, et al. “A Disclaimer.” Science, vol. 12, no. 309, 1900, pp. 850–850. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1629542 Baudouin, Charle

SYMHC Classics: Louis Daguerre Mar 28, 2026 2074 This 2021 episode covers Louis Daguerre, who comes up almost any time we mention photography. Well before he figured out how to capture images through a camera obscura, he was an artist and innovator in entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Atlanta and Textiles Mar 27, 2026 2015 Holly talks about the frustration of not finding any solid evidence of where Richard Peters stood on the issue of slavery. Tracy wonders what Elizabeth Fulhame's relationship with her husband was like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Fulhame’s Colorful Chemistry Mar 25, 2026 2179 Elizabeth Fulhame’s biography is largely a mystery, but in 1794 she wrote a book on chemistry that was way ahead of its time. Research: Steinmark, Ida Emilie. “Elizabeth Fulhame: The Scientist the World Forgot.” Royal Society of Chemistry. 10/10/2017. https://edu.rsc.org/opinion/elizabeth-fulhame-the-scientist-the-world-forgot/3008111.article Shah, Irfan. “Rivers of Silver

Richard Peters and Early Atlanta History Mar 23, 2026 2288 Peters is responsible for many of the institutions that make up the identity of the city of Atlanta. And as a man from Pennsylvania, he had unique position regarding the U.S. Civil War.  Research: “Atlanta’s Suburb.” The Atlanta Journal. April 1, 1884. https://www.newspapers.com/image/968900463/?match=1&terms=Richard%20Peters Black, Nellie Peters. “Richard Peters,

SYMHC Classics: Nelson Pill Hearings Mar 21, 2026 2306 This 2021 episode shares how in the U.S., the idea that people should know about the risks involved with the drugs that they are taking is tied directly to the complicated and often troubling history of oral contraceptives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Alaska and Contraceptives Mar 20, 2026 1697 Tracy talks about a "Molly of Denali" episode that references Elizabeth Peratrovich. She then shares her own experience with IUD insertion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IUD: A History Mar 18, 2026 2682 IUDs are under the umbrella of long-acting, reversible contraceptives, and they’re the oldest one of these in use today.  Research: Baldauf, P et al. “A Report on the Hysteroscopic Removal of a Gräfenberg Ring After Almost Fifty Years in Utero.” Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde vol. 74,11 (2014): 1023-1025. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1383130. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/artic

Elizabeth Peratrovich Mar 16, 2026 2622 Elizabeth Peratrovich is most well-known for her work to pass Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. But her story also has more to it than that act. Research: Anchorage Museum. “Elizabeth Peratrovich.” https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/exhibits/extra-tough-women-of-the-north/women-of-the-north-profiles/elizabeth-peratrovich-major-force-behind-alaskas-anti-discrimination-bill/

SYMHC Classics: Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor Mar 14, 2026 1798 This 2022 episode covers Lucy Hobbs, later Lucy Hobbs Taylor, who pursued a career in dentistry before that was recognized as an acceptable vocation for a woman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Carry-on Bags Mar 13, 2026 1718 Tracy talks about the mixed bag nature of Elizabeth Bisland, and the hosts talk about their own travel experiences. Holly shares the less-than-noble character trait that she shares with Flaubert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gustave Flaubert and the ‘Madame Bovary’ Trial Mar 11, 2026 2716 When Madame Bovary was written in the 1850s, it fell under the accusing eye of the French government for its perceived immorality. Flaubert recognized that the trial would only stoke interest, and that it would set the tone for his career. Research: Barzun, Jacques. “Gustave Flaubert.” Encylopedia Brittanica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gustave-Flaubert Blakemore, Erin. &ldqu

Elizabeth Bisland, Beyond the Trip Around the World Mar 9, 2026 2574 Journalist and writer Elizabeth Bisland was sent on a trip around the world in 1889, in a sort of race against Nellie Bly. But that was not something she wanted to be known for. Research: Bisland, Elisabeth. “At the Sign of the Hobby Horse.” Houghton, Mifflin and Co. Riverside Press. 1910. https://archive.org/details/atsignofhobbyhor0000eliz/page/n12/mode/1up Bisland, Elizabeth, 1861-

SYMHC Classics: Marie Laurencin Mar 7, 2026 1966 This 2019 episode explores the difficult-to-study work of Laurencin. In addition to her work not quite falling in line with the artists who were her contemporaries, her personal papers are difficult to access, are censored, and have strict limitations put on their use. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Censorship Cats Mar 6, 2026 1619 Tracy talks about how the show's recording schedule meant that this week's Monday episode got revised repeatedly to reflect current events. Holly talks about the way theater performances during portions of heavy censorship in France incorporated audience participation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Théophile Steinlen Beyond 'Le Chat Noir' Mar 4, 2026 2307 “Le Chat Noir” is one of the most famous pieces of late 19th century European art, but the artist behind it was also very active in France's anarchist and socialist political groups of the time. Research: Asimakis, Magdalyn. “War, Socialism, and Cats: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen's Political Artistic Practice.” The Met. Nov. 2, 2017. https://www.metmuseum.org/perspe

Hercules Posey & the President’s House Mar 2, 2026 2715 The President's House was the first home of the U.S. president in the temporary capital of Phildelphia. While George Washington lived there, he had nine enslaved people that we know of., including the cook, Hercules.  Research: “George Washington to Tobias Lear, 12 April 1791,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-08-02-0062 .

SYMHC Classics: Pueblo Revolt Feb 28, 2026 1462 This 2014 episode covers the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, in which Native Americans rose up against Spanish colonists and missionaries at the turn of the 17th century.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Coffee, 'Pirats' and Sea Robbers Feb 27, 2026 1837 Holly and Tracy talk about their coffee preferences. Then Tracy traces the path that led her from a listener mail to the topic of Fort Mose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Francisco Menéndez & Fort Mose Feb 25, 2026 2278 Fort Mose was the first officially sanctioned settlement for free Black people in what’s now the United States. It was established as a place where people who escaped enslavement in the U.S. could live in the Spanish territory of Florida. Research: Blumetti, Jordan. “The First Floridians.” The Bitter Southerner. https://bittersoutherner.com/the-first-floridians-fort-mose-st-augu

Melitta Bentz and the Coffee Filter Feb 23, 2026 2363 Melitta Bentz invented the coffee filter in 1908 and changed coffee culture forever. Through the decades and after reckoning with its relationship with the Third Reich, the company she founded in her Dresden apartment endures today. Research: “The Weimar Republic 1918-1929 - EdexcelChanges in society, 1924–29.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z9y64j6/revision/8#:~:text=Hou

SYMHC Classics: COINTELPRO 2 Feb 21, 2026 2489 Part two of this 2020 episode looks at some of the specifics of the COINTELPROs that targeted black liberation organizations and the New Left, as well as how these programs were finally exposed to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Whoopsy Whimsy Feb 20, 2026 1481 Holly shares a story of accidentally taking ephedrine. Tracy shares her delight at a pronunciation of the word catastrophe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 Feb 18, 2026 2342 On November 1, 1755, a massive earthquake took place on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Lisbon, Portugal. The destruction in Portugal led to one of the first coordinated government responses to a natural disaster. Research: Algarve History Association. “The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake and the Algarve.” https://www.algarvehistoryassociation.com/en/portuguese-history/algarve-his

Benzedrine, Pervitin, and WWII Feb 16, 2026 2382 The use of stimulants during WWII is no secret, but in the last decade, there has been a lot of discussion and analysis of it. Just how significant was drug use in Nazi Germany, and how did the Allies compare? Research: Ackermann, Paul. “Les soldats nazis dopés à la méthamphétamine pour rester concentrés.” HuffPost France. June 4, 2013. https://www.h

SYMHC Classics: COINTELPRO 1 Feb 14, 2026 2352 Part 1 of this 2020 two-parter covers background on the FBI and on the origins of its counterintelligence programs, as well as one specific operation, called COINTELPRO-White Hate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: It's Not Unprecedented Feb 13, 2026 1007 Tracy shares her desire to see the rest of the letter that was quoted in this week's episodes on Anthony Burns. Talk also turns to the fact that many of the things that are surprising people today are, in fact, precedented.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rendition of Anthony Burns, Part 2 Feb 11, 2026 2613 Our second episode on the life of Anthony Burns begins with his detention in Boston, which outraged Massachusetts abolitionists. Even after Burns was returned to Virginia to be enslaved once again, his supporters in Boston continued to work for his freedom. Research: Buehrens, John A. “Spiritual friendship and social justice.” UU World. Fall 2019. https://www.uuworld.org/articles/spir

The Rendition of Anthony Burns, Part 1 Feb 9, 2026 2081 The story of Anthony Burns is one that resonates in our current times. Part one covers his early enslaved life, his escape from enslavement, and his arrest under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Research: Buehrens, John A. “Spiritual friendship and social justice.” UU World. Fall 2019. https://www.uuworld.org/articles/spiritual-friendship Sutton, Robert K. “’We waked up sta

SYMHC Classics: Samuel Pepys Feb 7, 2026 1990 This 2019 episode takes a closer look the famous diary of Samuel Pepys, and also at who Pepys was beyond his famous chronicle of life in 17th-century London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Pollution Olympics Feb 6, 2026 1465 Tracy talks about her selection of "Fumifugium" as a show topic. Holly shares a mischievous story about Helen Preece.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notable Early Women Olympians Feb 4, 2026 2411 Despite Pierre de Coubertin's vision of the Olympics being for male athletes only, women did participate in the games starting in 1900. But the road to equal participation was long and filled with disappointments. Research: Barker, Philip. “Women’s Sporting Pioneer Milliat Remembered At Paris 2024.” International Society of Olympic Historians. https://isoh.org/womens-sporting-pi

John Evelyn's 'Fumifugium' Feb 2, 2026 2375 "Fumifugium" was a treatise on air pollution written in 1661. In addition to warning about the dangers of coal smoke, John Evelyn wrote this work to improve the reputation of King Charles II. Research: Chambers, Douglas D. C. "Evelyn, John (1620–1706), diarist and writer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. January 03, 2008. Oxford University Press. Date of access 13 Jan. 2026, https:

SYMHC Classics: Hennig Brand Jan 30, 2026 1773 This 2019 episode shares how Hennig Brand discovered phosphorous by boiling pee. But he was really thought the secret to the philosopher’s stone might be found in urine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Odd Baby Train Jan 30, 2026 1713 Tracy talks about amusing old illustrations of babies in utero. Holly shares anecdotes about George Stephenson's life that rarely make it into discussions of his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Stephenson, Father of Railways Jan 28, 2026 2649 George Stephenson started life in extremely humble circumstances, but his ingenuity and pursuit of education led him to an impressive legacy. He invented a miner’s lamp, but is most well known for his work on locomotives and railways. Research: “George Stephenson (1781-1848).” https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/stephenson_george.shtml#:~:text=In%201814%2C%20Stephenso

Rickets Jan 26, 2026 2423 Nutritional rickets is caused by a vitamin D deficiency, and people figured out two ways to treat it before we even knew what vitamin D was. Research: “Oldest UK case of rickets in Neolithic Tiree skeleton.” 9/10/2015. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-34208976 Carpenter, Kenneth J. “Harriette Chick and the Problem of Rickets.” The Journal of Nutrition, Vol

SYMHC Classics: Three Legendary Pranks Jan 24, 2026 2021 This 2021 episode covers three prank stories, including a joke that became a living legend, a large-scale prank that created havoc, and a televised hoax that reminds us all of the importance of critical thinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

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