History Obscura
by Mandy Gardner
What went bump in the night a thousand years ago? Explore all the creepy, lost and just plain weird corners of history with me every week! Support the show and get ad-free content at www.patreon.com/HistoryObscura, or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura
Episodes
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Dr. Ambroise Pare & the Boiling Oil Gunshot Treatment
In 16th-century Italy, the acceptable medical treatment for gunshot wounds and even gunpowder burns was no less than boiling-hot oil. Here's how a clever surgeon stumbled upon the truth: gentler methods could yield far greater results. www.historyobscurapodcast.com
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Rogozov's Self-Appendectomy in Antarctica
In the spring of 1962, a member of the Soviet Antarctic Expedition in Novolazarevskaya Station contracted appendicitis. The problem? He was the team's only doctor and needed to remove the infected organ himself. www.historyobscurapodcast.com
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Blowing Up the Welland Canal for the Irish Free State
In 1900, two sets of explosives were detonated on either side of Lock 24 of the Welland Canal in Thorold, Ontario. One of the conspirators was none other than Irish-American 'Dynamite' Luke Dillon - but Canadian authorities wouldn't know that for two years. www.historyobscurapodcast.com
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New York's First Cat Doctor (A Tribute to Sweetpea Mama Kitty)
In the 1930s, Italian immigrant Louis Camuti opened Manhattan's first cats-only veterinary house-call service. We honour him this week following the unexpected death of our ferocious Mexican tigress, Sweetpea Mama Kitty <3 www.historyobscurapodcast.com Intro music from Fesliyan Studios
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Amelia Earhart's Lost Broadcast
So many theories have been constructed on the final whereabouts of pilot Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan - but research compiled decades after the fact is compelling. Learn about Betty Klenck's notebook! www.historyobscurapodcast.com
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Legends of the Catacombs of Paris
Following a triumphant European tour last summer, I've written down so much lore and history that I want to share with you! Here's a look at the almost unbelievable underground tomb of more than six million Parisians - the Paris Catacombs. Enter if you dare! Find more episodes and transcripts on...
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Teaser - Cinch Academy Plug
Try out a side project of mine, Cinch Academy! We discuss AI, social media, tech trends and more with the team at Cinch Communications every month. If you like it, please follow, subscribe and share! Thanks a lot, friends! Here the Spotify link for the show:...
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A New Year's Story by Lucy Maud Montgomery... and an Important Introduction by Mandy
It's the New Year of 2026! Let us embrace empathy, learning and benevolent mindsets more than ever. It's always up to us to ensure that the light of human understanding and intellectualism does not die out during dark ages. Peace be with us all! Music from Fesliyan Studios and Podcastle. The...
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Merry Christmas & Congratulations on the New Pajamas
It's Christmastime and we're talking Yule Cat! Music from Fesliyan Studios
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The Nazi Hero of USA's Space Program: Wernher von Braun
November 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Nuremberg trials, the international and formal effort to bring the war criminals of the Nazi party to justice following the end of the Second World War. In remembrance, History Obscura presents the story of one of the most eminent…
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Edinburgh's Witch Hunter King & the Nor' Loch
Welcome back to the show! This brand-new episode of History Obscura covers the peak of Scotland's witch hunting era, all thanks to the obsessive King James I & VI and his hit book, Daemonologie. Deep within the fetid waters of the Nor' Loch, successive generations of Scots would eventually find…
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The Transmigration of the Soul
This evening, we take a look at some compelling cases of reincarnation. Music from Fesliyan Studios Please support the show (and sweet Homer's vet bill) at www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura Or, subscribe to the ad-free Patreon feed at www.Patreon.com/historyobscura Thank you!
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Herman Mudgett's Chicago Murder Castle
Perhaps you know him better as H. H. Holmes? Under a variety of names, this slick character swindled dozens of people out of their money, their properties, and even their lives. Music from Fesliyan Studios
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The Sea-Cook: Treasure Island, Chapter VII
Keeping on with the classic Robert Louis Stevenson adventure novel! Music from Fesliyan Studios.
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Mrs. Bartlett's Chloroform
A reading from The New York Times' April 19, 1886 edition. Thanks for listening! Music from Fesliyan Studios.
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PT Barnum: The Great Showman's Favourite Human Exhibits
Phineas Taylor Barnum was a businessman from a tender age, his first venture having been a general store. A move to New York City in his early 20s--and a chance happening upon a highly marketable human being--changed everything for Barnum and the people he would eventually employ. Music from...
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Agatha Christie's Biggest Mystery
Not many people realise that the queen of the mystery novel has her own mystery that not even Arthur Conan Doyle could solve. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura And support our sponsor, Endless Ink Books, by visiting https://www.endlessinkbooks.com/…
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The Atrocity Beneath the Wolf's Lair
Wolfsschanze was the Nazi headquarters in Poland during the Second World War, as well as the residence of Herman Goring. Now, a potentially lost war crime has been unearthed from the renowned historical site. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobsura Thank you!
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-Six (END)
THE END The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this…
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-Five
The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this month. As...
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-Four
The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this month. As...
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-Three
The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this month. As...
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-Two
The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this month. As...
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The Utmost Island: Chapter Twenty-One
The new Christian religion clashes with ancient Norse gods during Leif Ericson's expedition to Vinland. Please enjoy the final chapters of this spellbinding historical fiction novel from Henry Myers while your host and the coven of cats finish up a few podcast-adjacent projects this month. As...
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Treasure Island: Chapter Six
Avast, matey! Here be another chapter o' Treasure Island. Music by Fesliyan Studios
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William Mumler's Spirit Photographs
Real or not, they did the trick for Mary Todd Lincoln! Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura Thank you!
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Henry Wyatt's Hero: Caterer Cat
A special presentation by Minnie Mew. Do as she says and support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura! Music from Fesliyan Studios
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Whatever Became of the Protectorate's Head?
The English Civil War claimed the King, and malaria claimed the Protectorate. But, one of those men got to keep his body. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura Thank you!
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Machines in the Sky? Heavenly Trumpeting Around the World
Have you heard the music...err...noise, in the sky? Perhaps we'll all die. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura
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The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allen Poe
Not many know--in fact, no one really does--how the king of goth literature died that day. Music by Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura
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Old Indian Trails of the Canadian Rockies
This week I delve into the journal of botanist and explorer Mary Shaffer, who took on the hard and unforgiving Canadian Rocky Mountains in the early years of the 20th century. Music from Fesliyan Studios www.patreon.com/historyobscura www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura
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Mutant Human Genes & the Choice Cocktail of the British Raj
Creepy genetic mutations affect our teeth, arteries and the likelihood of survival in the tropics. Do come in and help yourself to a biscuit! Music from Fesliyan Studios Look at show merch designs at these links: Giordano Bruno quotation Tee/Tote/Pillow etc.! Vampire Cat hoodie/tee/tote etc!...
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Treasure Island: Chapter Three
Back to Robert Louis Stevenson's 1873 classic pirate novel, Treasure Island! Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at Patreon for ad-free episodes! Send a lovely tip at BuyMeACoffee! Look at show merch designs at these links: Thinkin' Ain't Easy But It's Necessary Tee/Tote/Mug etc.!…
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Talking to Martians
From early attempts to capture radio signals from Mars to current debate on the 1977 WOW! signal, let's talk radio telescopes! Music from Fesliyan Studios Look at show merch designs at these links: Thinkin' Ain't Easy But It's Necessary Tee/Tote/Mug etc.! Giordano Bruno quotation Tee/Tote/Pillow...
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Hume & the Disease of the Learned
Do you ever feel heavy from the weight of your musings on existence? You aren't alone! Music from Fesliyan Studios. Remember to subscribe through Patreon.com/historyobscura any time for ad-free episodes! You can also donate to the show via BuyMeACoffee.com/historyobscura And by all means, sport...
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Sekhmet, Blood Goddess of Egypt
Very Happy New Year, everyone! Enjoy this ochre-dyed creation story and its literal counterpart, uncovered from the sands of Egypt. I bring you Sekhmet, the Lionness! Music from Fesliyan Studios. Remember to subscribe through Patreon.com/historyobscura any time for ad-free episodes! You can also...
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A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
Please enjoy the entire story of Scrooge and his ghosts! Perhaps best consumed over the coming weeks, A Christmas Carol is 3.5 hours long and does not actually involve Kermit the Frog OR Michael Caine. Please support the show this Christmas by signing up for ad-free episodes...
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Mission to Mars--But Not the Buzz Aldrin Version
Hello! This is your happy host, Mandy Gardner. Unfortunately, a demon has taken up residence in my throat this week, so I have decided to share a few pre-recorded chapters of my science fiction novel, Mission to Mars, with you tonight. As luck would have it, this very book and its predecessor,...
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Bonus Episode: Canadian WWI Soldier Saved by Dead Brother
Does what it says on the tin! A Canadian soldier's paranormal experience during WWI. Music from Fesliyan Studios Subscribe for ad-free episodes at www.Patreon.com/historyObscura or www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura Thank you!
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Minnie Dean: The Baby Farmer of New Zealand
Baby farming wasn't always an evil side hustle--or was it? This is the story of Minnie Dean, neé McCulloch, a Scottish-born settler of southern New Zealand in the 19th century. Music from Fesliyan Studios Please sign up for ad-free episodes or support the show at www.Patreon.com/historyobscura or...
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Treasure Island: Chapter Two
Bonus weekly episode! Chapter Two of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel, Treasure Island.
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Life Magazine’s ”Dawn of Religion”
The antiquated yet fascinating tale of humankind's religious awakening, as told by Life Magazine in 1955! Ah, the obsolete anthropological theory! Golly, the complete omission of all femalekind! That's what we call the history of history, friends. Do enjoy ;) Music from Fesliyan Studios Please...
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Hallowe’en Special Story! The Monkey’s Paw: Parts Two & Three
Very Happy Hallowe'en to all of you special people! Thank you so much for joining me this season and every other season! There was great witchery afoot tonight; don't mind the lykoi's howling and jingling along with the conclusion of this classic spooky tale. It's their Hallowe'en, too ;) Music...
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Halloween Special Story! The Monkey’s Paw: Part One
Not exactly as told by The Simpsons ;) Enjoy the Monkey's Paw short series this Hallowe'en season! Music from Fesliyan Studios Please support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura,where you can sign up for ad-free episodes! You can also become a supporter at…
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Nightmare Before Halloween? It’s the Month of Hungry Ghosts
Halloween & Day of the Dead may epitomise the spooky season in Europe and North America, but Asia has its own terrifying annual festival in which swarms of ravenous spirits with bad karma flood into the land of the living. Music from Fesliyan Studios Please support the show by signing up for...
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Prophecies for the World of 1980!
Hear what American industry experts of 1955 had to say about the world of the future in 1980! Music from Fesliyan Studios Purr by FrankenTito Please support the show at www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura or by signing up for ad-free episodes at www.patreon.com/historyobscura Thanks!
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Treasure Island
Today's reading is from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel, Treasure Island. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the podcast and subscribe to ad-free episodes at www.patreon.com/historyobscura Thanks!
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The Medieval Nun Who Scribbled her Name in the Gospel
Who was "Eadberg", and does she represent a lost class of literate women in medieval England's nunneries? We don't know much yet, but a spark of personality has been discovered in the pages of a 1,200-year-old text! Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show and subscribe to ad-free episodes…
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The Mayan Caste War
The Mayan people did not disappear; in fact, they fought long and hard for their land and culture, which can once more be seen in Mexico's beautiful Quintana Roo and the Yucatan. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura or www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura
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The Sweating Sickness of the English Renaissance
King Henry VII had a lot on his plate after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, but he wasn't expecting a new plague to be one of them. Music from Fesliyan Studios Support the show at www.patreon.com/historyobscura or www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura Thank you!
About this show
What went bump in the night a thousand years ago? Explore all the creepy, lost and just plain weird corners of history with me every week! Support the show and get ad-free content at www.patreon.com/HistoryObscura, or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/historyobscura
Hosted by
Mandy Gardner
Categories