July 2017 – Page 2 – Bryn Hafren History Blog

30 Jul 201730 Jul 2017

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived... Jane Seymour is often held up as the anti-Anne Boleyn, the queen she replaced. However, was she really all that different? Listen here to find…

Ridiculous History

Did Richard Nixon Unwittingly Smuggle Drugs for Louis Armstrong? 24 Apr 2018

It's become one of the strangest anecdotes in modern American history -- numerous sources will swear to you that, in a last-minute panic before reaching customs, legendary musician Louis Armstrong had Richard Nixon's unwitting assistance smuggling a hefty amount of marijuana through US customs. It's bizarre (and pretty hilarious) if true... bu […]

3 Times Society Refused to Accept New Books on Science 19 Apr 2018

Progress versus preservation: It's one of the eternal dilemmas found throughout every instance of human civilization. Should we embrace disruptive thoughts and science that challenges our beliefs, or should we cling to the comfort of the status quo? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the tragic and inspiring stories of books that were banned not for racy […]

That Time We Erased a (HUGE) Waterfall 17 Apr 2018

It's often been said that "the art of losing isn't hard to master", and humanity overall seems to have a knack for losing everything from car keys to entire civilizations. Join Ben and Noel as they travel (vicariously) to South America and delve into the story of two nations who, eventually, lost an entire waterfall.

The Poetic Justice of Death by Molten Gold 12 Apr 2018

It's a grisly death familiar to many fans of fiction and fantasy -- a hapless, greedy villain meets their end by having molten metal, often lead or gold, poured upon them or down their throats. But was this morbid means of execution ever used in real life? Join Ben and Noel as they dive into the deadly science of real-life murder by molten gold.

Japan, Baseball and the Curse of the Colonel 10 Apr 2018

First things first: You may think Kentucky Fried Chicken is popular in the States, but we've got nothing on Japan. Join the guys as they delve into a story involving baseball, fried chicken, superstition, curses and drunken revelry in today's episode on the Hanshin Tigers and the infamous Curse of the Colonel.

That Time the US Built a Flying Aircraft Carrier 5 Apr 2018

Nowadays airships are seen as historical relics or novelties meant to fly overhead during sports games. However, not so long ago, the US military thought airships might be the future of warfare. Today the guys delve into the strange history of the USS Akron, an airship designed not just to carry human beings -- but to carry planes as well. Learn more about t […]

Yes, Those Are Corpses in the Diorama 3 Apr 2018

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the most storied institutions of its kind in the United States, and it's chockful of priceless objects from across the span of history and the globe. However, investigators only recently discovered a grisly secret hidden within one of the dioramas. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the macabre secret of t […]

Weird People Who Built Weird Things 29 Mar 2018

Simeon Ellerton spent years building a house out of stones he found and carried home, one by one. Rejected by his one true love, Edward Leeskalnin spent decades erecting a bizarre monument for her, built of giant coral stones in Florida. But what exactly motivated these guys? How did they stick with their strange obsessions, and what mysteries surround them […]

What was the West Point Eggnog Riot? 27 Mar 2018

Today the United States Military Academy at West Point is known as one the country's top-notch training institutions, but back in 1826 it was home to a night of pure egg-nog-fueled pandemonium. Join Ben and Noel as they retrace the drunken, crazed steps of cooped-up cadets who decided to fight the power one Christmas.

Lyndon Johnson Chatted on the Phone More than a Teenager 22 Mar 2018

The 36th President of the United States is often recalled as a complex, flawed individual responsible for profoundly important legislation. However, he was also a notorious telephone fanatic, installing loads of phones in both the White House and his Texas ranch. Here's the kicker: He recorded almost everything.

My Fake History Podcast

Episode #64- What Should We Believe About Cleopatra? (Part III) 18 Apr 2018

An essential part of Cleopatra's legend is her relationship with the Roman Marc Antony. Everything from their first meeting, to their decadent courtship, to their inevitable suicides has become the stuff of legend. Despite being remembered as two of history's greatest lovers, the pair has also had to deal with some of the worst historical slander. […]

Episode #63- What Should We Believe About Cleopatra? (Part II) 4 Apr 2018

Ancient authors would have us believe that the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, used an intoxicating blend of sexuality and extravagant living to manipulate powerful men. In fact some have gone so far as to lay every bad decision made by her lovers at her feet. Julius Caesar was obviously taken by the Queen, but was he really "bewitched" and "manipu […]

Episode #62- What Should We Believe About Cleopatra? (Part I) 20 Mar 2018

There are few ancient women as well-known as the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. However, most of what we know about her comes from sources that were edited and censored by her enemies. She has been portrayed as a manipulative seductress whose influence destroyed her powerful lovers, but is that actually accurate? Tune in and find out how Hollywood flops, cadaver […]

Episode #61- What's the Problem with Socrates? 7 Mar 2018

Socrates has been celebrated as the "father of western philosophy". This is particularly remarkable when you consider the fact that we know almost nothing about him for sure. What we consider "Socratic Philosophy" is what has been reported to us by his students. Should we trust what they are telling us about him? Tune in and find out how […]

Episode #60- How Do You Explain the First Crusade? (Part III) 21 Feb 2018

In the summer of 1096 the "People's Crusade" led by Peter the Hermit was on the cusp of flaming out spectacularly. Luckily for the Europeans this group of zealous peasants were not the only crusaders on route to the holy land. Once the nobility of Western Europe arrived on the scene the crusade was able to begin in earnest. The arrival of the […]

Episode #59 - How Do You Explain the First Crusade? (Part II) 7 Feb 2018

Peter the Hermit was one of the most important people of the medieval era. He was instrumental in rousing the peasants of Europe and convincing them to march east on crusade. However, for someone so significant we can say almost nothing about him for sure. His life is basically one big legend. In our quest to explain the First Crusade we first need to try an […]

Episode #58 - How Do You Explain the First Crusade? (Part I) 23 Jan 2018

There are few medieval events that are still as politically loaded as the Crusades. Even though the First Crusade was launched well over 900 years ago people are still debating it's merits. The debate becomes even more complicated when you consider all of the mythology, falsehoods, and popular misconceptions that surround this event. How should we make […]

Announcement: Upcoming shows! 14 Jan 2018

You can expect the next episode of Our Fake History on Tuesday, Jan. 23. In the meantime tune-in and get the inside scoop on what our next series will be about!

Episode #57- Was There a Real Prester John? 3 Jan 2018

In the 10th century a letter started circulating that had been allegedly written to the Byzantine Emperor by a mysterious eastern King. The King identified himself as Prester John and claimed that he was marching to relieve the crusaders in the holy land. He also claimed that his kingdom was filled with wonders including a fountain of youth, eagles that deli […]

Episode #56- Who Was Japan's Greatest Swordsman? (Part II) 21 Dec 2017

In classic samurai films the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi was always presented as rough but honourable. The real Musashi may have been considerably more complicated. If we look closely at some of the samurai's most famous duels, we may find reason to question Musashi's reputation as the ultimate "lone wolf". Tune in and find out how pot-lid […]

Stuff You Missed In History Class Podcast

Wendell Scott: Black NASCAR Driver in the Jim Crow Era, Pt. 1 23 Apr 2018

Wendell Scott was a black driver from the early days of NASCAR. After driving a taxi, working as a mechanic, and hauling moonshine, he started racing in the Dixie Circuit and other non-NASCAR races in Virginia.

SYMHC Classics: The Trial of Leo Frank 21 Apr 2018

The First Celebrity Chef: Marie-Antoine Carême 18 Apr 2018

Today, there is an entire industry around celebrity chefs. But the first celebrity chef in the western world's history was born in late 18th-century France.

The Ancient City of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis 16 Apr 2018

The city of Ephesus fell under many different rulers throughout its history, as wars and shifting politics changed Asia Minor. For centuries, it endured, became a successful trade port, and was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

SYMHC Classics: Here, Kitty Kitty, the Domestication of the Cat 14 Apr 2018

Today, we're going back to an episode about kitties in history! The human culture shift to an agricultural lifestyle started the domestication of animals. Cats naturally moved in to help with rodents.

Elbridge Gerry’s Monstrous Salamander 11 Apr 2018

Elbridge Gerry signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Gerrymandering is the drawing of political districts to give a particular party or group an advantage or disadvantage, and it's named after him.

The Life and Magic of Henry 'Box' Brown 9 Apr 2018

Brown was born into slavery and escaped in an astonishing way. His story of gaining his freedom was so sensational that he basically spent the rest of his life making a living talking about it in one form or another.

SYMHC Classics: Nellie Bly & Stunt Journalism 7 Apr 2018

Today we're revisiting an episode from Sarah and Katie. Born in 1864, Nellie Bly wasn't your average journalist. She feigned insanity to gain entry into a mental institution. Join Sarah and Katie as they take a closer look at the life of Nellie Bly, America's original stunt journalist.

Cajamarca and the End of the Inka Empire 5 Apr 2018

The Battle of Cajamarca, also known as the Massacre of Cajamarca, ultimately led to the end of the Inka Empire. But it might have gone much differently had the Inka not just been through a massive epidemic and a civil war.

The East India Company's Theft of China’s Tea Secrets 2 Apr 2018

Great Britain's relationship with tea is part of its cultural identity. But before the mid-1800s, China was the only source of tea, which was a problem in the eyes of the East India Company.

Month: July 2017

Podcast: Jane Seymour, Part One

Podcast: Anne Boleyn, Part Four

Podcast: Anne Boleyn, Part Three

Podcast: Anne Boleyn, Part Two

Podcast: Anne Boleyn, Part One

Podcast: Catherine of Aragon, Part Four

Podcast: Catherine of Aragon, Part Three

Podcast: Catherine of Aragon, Part Two

Podcast: Catherine of Aragon, Part One

The Monkey Trial