44: Excessive Force pt.2: March to May

A podcast on workers rights and the labor movement! Striking workers and unsafe working conditions, a uniquely American story. This week, Grant explores two historic moments in the labor rights movement. The Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York. We learn more about Albert Parsons and Lucy Parsons, Clara Lemlich, and even get a surprise appearance from gilded age aristocrats. Discover the meaning behind May Day in today’s episode, March to May!   In this powerful episode, Grant and Maia explore the brutal labor struggles of late 19th and early 20th-century America, focusing on the Haymarket Riot of 1886 and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Through the stories of activists like Albert and Lucy Parsons, the hosts reveal the extraordinary courage of immigrant workers fighting against exploitative working conditions, systemic oppression, and corporate greed. The episode reaches its emotional peak with a detailed account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which claimed 146 lives and ultimately sparked significant labor reforms in New York State. By connecting historical struggles to contemporary social justice issues, Grant and Maia offer a compelling narrative about the ongoing fight for workers' rights and the importance of understanding systemic inequalities. Tune in for the roots of May Day, nostalgic tangents about foldable furniture and Jon Stewart, plus a clear message that any “normal” built on abuse deserves rethinking.   Connect with Us Love a good laugh? Stay in the loop with the Well, I Laughed Podcast! Hit up wellilaughed.com for all the fun, throw some love our way on Patreon at https://patreon.com/WellILaughedPodcast, and send us your wildest listener stories at [email protected]—because let’s be real, we know you’ve got some!   Listener stories, topic ideas, or anything else you think belongs on the show—drop it all at wellilaughed.com/contact. We’re all ears—and laughs!   Follow Us On Social Media Instagram: @wellilaughed Tiktok: @wellilaughed Facebook: Well, I Laughed Podcast YouTube: Well, I laughed   00:00:00 Catch-Up 00:29:47 March to May 00:46:10 Albert and Lucy Parsons’ legacy 00:54:20 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire 01:18:00 Systemic greed & déjà‑vu 01:33:30 Modern echoes 01:52:07 Lessons in Historical Empathy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.