PODCAST · comedy
The Alarmist
by The Alarmist
Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch! Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, "It's hilarious, informative and addictive." Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020. Sign up for our Patreon for ad-free listening, post-aftermath interview discussions & final verdict and exclusive bonus episodes Tell us who you think is to blame at <a href="https://www.fac
Episodes
-
REWIND - 1858 BRADFORD SWEETS POISONING: WHO IS TO BLAME?
IS IT POSSIBLE THE FASHION INDUSTRY INFLUENCED THE BRADFORD SWEETS POISONING? On this week's REWIND, the Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is joined by Special Guest Suni Reyes, Fact Checker Chris Smith, and Producer Clayton Early to discuss the 1858 Bradford Sweets Poisoning. Should sugar be…
more -
The Aftermath: Puerto Rico's Taxation without Representation
On this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Samuel Erman about the history of Puerto Rico and its unfortunate taxation and representation status with the United States. A Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School and author of Almost Citizens: Puerto Rico, the U.S....
-
PUERTO RICO'S TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Puerto Rico’s taxation without representation? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into the island of Puerto Rico. Considered unincorporated US territory, the residents have American citizenship and are subject to US law and taxes. But, no right to vote in…
more -
The Aftermath: Angel of Death Murders
On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Beatrice Yorker about the case of Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as The Angel of Death. Professor Yorker shares some fascinating details about crimes of convenience and societal blindness to feminine forms of violence and how this allowed...
-
ANGEL OF DEATH MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Angel of Death Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as the Angel of Death, and his terrifying spree of murders conveniently cloaked beneath the veneer of his medical practice. It’s estimated he killed between...
-
REWIND - The Aftermath: Death of Harry Houdini
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Matthew Solomon about the life, death and enduring legacy of history's most celebrated escape artist, Harry Houdini. Author of Disappearing Tricks: Silent Film, Houdini, and the New Magic of the Twentieth Century, Professor...
-
REWIND - DEATH OF HARRY HOUDINI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Death of Harry Houdini? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back comedian and magician Matt Donnelly (aka The Mind Noodler) to discuss the storied death of arguably the most legendary escape artist of all time, Harry Houdini. They’re joined…
more -
REWIND - The Aftermath: The Dust Bowl
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Gabi Hegerl about her expertise in climate system science and how her research on the record breaking heat waves during the 1930’s in America’s great plains led her to one of their biggest contributing factors, what we now know…
more -
REWIND - The Dust Bowl
Who’s to blame for The Dust Bowl? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes fellow podcaster Mike Rugnetta, host of Never Post, to discuss a major bump in the road during America’s westward expansion. Well, more like a big bowl of dust which swept up the country's notion of…
more -
REWIND - The Aftermath: Orson Welles' War of the Worlds
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca is back in the recording studio with national bestselling author William Hazelgrove discussing Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds broadcast. Williams 2024 book Dead Air: The Night that Orson Welles Terrified America illustrates the level of pandemonium that...
-
REWIND - ORSON WELLES' WAR OF THE WORLDS BROADCAST PANIC: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast Panic? On this week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is celebrating 300 EPISODES with a LIVE taping at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles! Together with special guests Amanda Lund, Jamila Webb and Dusty Warren they find out…
more -
REWIND - The Aftermath: NYC Blackout of 1977
On this week's REWIND Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. James Goodman about the pivotal moment in NYC history before, during and directly after the massive blackout on that hot summer night in 1977. Author of Blackout, Dr. Goodman shares first hand accounts and lends some important historical...
-
REWIND - NYC BLACKOUT OF 1977: WHO IS TO BLAME
Who’s to blame for the NYC Blackout of 1977? On this week's REWIND, This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian Janet Varney, host of The JV Club podcast, to discuss the epic NYC Blackout of 1977. If you’re in the dark about this one, allow us to shine a much needed light on...
-
The Aftermath: Plessy v. Ferguson Case
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the consequential Plessy v. Ferguson case with Professor Kenneth W. Mack. Professor Mack is the co-faculty leader of the Harvard Law School Program on Law and History. He discusses the profound impact of the Plessy decision and how it...
-
PLESSY V. FERGUSON RULING: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Plessy v. Ferguson Ruling? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the devastating decision in the US Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson case which solidified the infamous American era of Jim Crow laws and the doctrine of “Separate but equal.” Was this due...
-
The Aftermath: The Menendez Murders
New Guest Expert! In this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Carlos Cuevas about the Menendez brothers murder trial. Dr. Cuevas is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University and sheds some light on the evolution of shifting societal attitudes toward male…
more -
THE MENENDEZ MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Menendez Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons Erik and Lyle Menendez. A trial that dominated the media and fascinated the public eye in the mid 1990's, questions about the case linger on to...
-
The Aftermath - The Rise and Fall of Crystal Pepsi
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi with Professor Ernest Baskin. Chair of the Food, Pharma and Healthcare Department at Saint Joseph’s University, Ernest shares some fascinating insights about the world of consumer market research,...
-
THE RISE AND FALL OF CRYSTAL PEPSI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) finds out who’s to blame for the 90’s soda flop, Crystal Pepsi. Clear in color and not quite Pepsi in flavor, this short lived fad still lives on in the hearts and minds of a particular...
-
The Aftermath: The Tragic Story of Adèle Hugo
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with journalist and author Leslie Smith about the life of Adèle Hugo. A tragic story that only gets worse once Leslie dives deep into the family dynamic and the impact her father Victor Hugo had on her life. Author of the award-winning...
-
THE TRAGIC STORY OF ADÈLE HUGO: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the tragic story of Adèle Hugo? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) covers the story of Adèle Hugo, a tragic story of unrequited love and mental decline. Daughter of the famous writer Victor Hugo, described as more interested in public affairs than his nearest and...
-
The Aftermath: Great Train Robbery of 1963
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and historian Andrew Cook about the Great Train Robbery of 1963. Having gained exclusive access to thousands of pages of sealed Royal Mail and Metropolitan Police files, Andrew shares some rather surprising new details that…
more -
GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY OF 1963: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Great Train Robbery of 1963? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) tackles the Great Train Robbery of 1963 with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early. Like something straight out of a movie, which it later became (and a miniseries), this dramatic...
-
The Aftermath: 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Erik Gilbert about the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War. Dr. Gilbert specializes in East African history and the Indian Ocean and shares some enlightening details about the formation of Zanzibar, the location of the palace and the...
-
1896 ANGLO-ZANZIBAR WAR: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes friend Josh Corey, host of the podcast From Writer To Fighter, to discuss the incredibly short and incredibly destructive Anglo-Zanzibar War. They’re joined by Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and...
-
The Aftermath: The Death of Socrates
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Nicholas D. Smith about Athens, the Peloponnesian War, Socrates and so much more. Author of many books on ancient Greek philosophy and contemporary epistemology, Professor Smith dives deep into Athenian life and shares some exciting...
-
DEATH OF SOCRATES: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Death of Socrates? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) decides who’s to blame for the death of perhaps the most famous philosopher of all time, Socrates. With Athens in post-war political turmoil and a people with a strong deference to the will of the Gods, is…
more -
The Aftermath: The Hatfield-McCoy Feud
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with professor and historian Bob Hutton about the great Hatfield-McCoy Feud. Specializing in the political and social history of Appalachia, Professor Hutton shares fascinating insight about what he describes as phase 1 and 2 of the epic...
-
THE HATFIELD-MCCOY FEUD: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Hatfield-McCoy Feud? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is taking on the legendary Hatfield-McCoy Feud which spanned generations between two Appalachian families. The stuff of newspaper sensationalism and regional lore, is it possible this all started over a...
-
The Aftermath: The Death of Janis Joplin
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca sits down with music journalist and award-winning author Holly George-Warren to discuss the life and untimely death of Janis Joplin. Author of Janis: Her Life and Music, Holly goes into great detail about her formative years, how the culture was...
-
THE DEATH OF JANIS JOPLIN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the death of Janis Joplin? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the Rock and Roll legend Janis Joplin and her untimely death at the young age of 27. Joining what would later be called the 27 Club. Bullied relentlessly in her youth and then celebrated for…
more -
REWIND - The Aftermath: La Voisin
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca speaks with Professor Lynn Wood Mollenauer about all things La Voisin and the Affair of the Poisons. Specializing in the history of France between the Renaissance and the Revolution, and having coined the phrase “Criminal Magical Underworld” herself,...
-
REWIND - LA VOISIN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the demise of La Voisin? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes a dear friend (and potential real life witch!) Jen Curran to discuss the Affair of the Poisons which ultimately led to the execution of the French “wise woman” La Voisin. Are witches...
-
The Aftermath: The Arrest of Rosa Parks
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Brenna Wynn Greer about the arrest of civil rights leader Rosa Parks and the 381 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama that followed. Dr. Greer dives deep into Rosa Parks involvement in the civil rights movement while also breaking...
-
THE ARREST OF ROSA PARKS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the arrest of Rosa Parks? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the cultural impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was prompted by the arrest of civil rights icon Rosa Parks on December 1st, 1955. What started as a one day protest turned into 381 days…
more -
The Aftermath: Cyrano de Bergerac's Tragic End
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with writer Ishbel Addyman about the legendary Cyrano de Bergerac and the play that continues to carry on his legacy. And much to our delight, it turns out the historical Cyrano de Bergerac is just as lovely and beloved as the fictional...
-
CYRANO DE BERGERAC'S TRAGIC END: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Tragic End of Cyrano de Bergerac? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) explores the themes of love, insecurity and deception which ultimately lead to the tragic demise of the famous fictional character Cyrano de Bergerac. She’s joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith...
-
The Aftermath: Robert Durst Murders
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with investigative journalist and NYTimes best selling author Cathy Scott about the Robert Durst murders and the possible explanations behind his extremely delayed conviction. Her book Murder of a Mafia Daughter: The Life and Tragic Death...
-
ROBERT DURST MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Robert Durst Murders and his delayed Conviction? Happy 2026 Alarmy. We’re back! This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the enigma that is Robert Durst. Obviously we know who’s responsible for his crimes. But, who’s to blame for his extremely delayed...
-
REWIND - THE RADIUM GIRLS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the demise of the Radium Girls? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with author and journalist Jane Borden about the Radium Girls and the untimely death of numerous dial painters of the 1920’s. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and…
more -
REWIND - BALLOONFEST '86: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Balloonfest ‘86? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with fellow podcasters Arielle Nissenblatt and Lauren Passell about the 1986 Balloonfest fail in Cleveland. Hosts of Podcast Therapy and self-avowed members of The Alarmy, Arielle and Lauren are...
-
The Aftermath: Die Hard (1988 film)
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Moyara Ruehsen about the nature of the crimes committed in the 1988 film Die Hard. Beyond that, she discusses the plausibility of the attempted heist and what modern day equivalents are taking place in the world of…
more -
DIE HARD (1988 FILM): WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the criminal mayhem in the 1988 film Die Hard? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is coming to you LIVE from the Elysian Theater in Los Angeles with special guests Mary Grill, Dan Klein and Cass Buggé to discuss the 1988 Christmas classic Die Hard. She’s joined by...
-
The Aftermath: The Black Hole of Calcutta
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor of Sociology at Yale University, Emily Erikson, about The Black Hole of Calcutta and the legacy that emerged in its wake. Emily's work has focused on the emergence of early multi-national firms and the structure of early...
-
THE BLACK HOLE OF CALCUTTA: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for The Black Hole of Calcutta? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta and the controversy that followed. Set in Fort William owned by the British East India Company circa 1756, an atrocity occurred that would go on to shape...
-
The Aftermath: The Nez Percé War of 1877
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Lindsay Stallones Marshall about the Nez Percé Nation and the epic War of 1877 they found themselves wrapped up in. Dr. Marshall is an author and Assistant Professor of History at Illinois State University and details much of the...
-
THE NEZ PERCÉ WAR OF 1877: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Nez Percé War of 1877? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) takes on the Nez Percé War of 1877 and decides once and for all who is to blame. She’s joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. With a combination of broken treaties, settler...
-
The Aftermath: Donald Cline's Secret Children
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Jody Lyneé Madeira about the shocking case against fertility doctor Donald Cline. Her research has been profiled internationally, including the Netflix documentary “Our Father,” and she shares some fascinating (if not…
more -
DONALD CLINE'S SECRET CHILDREN: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Donald Cline’s Secret Children? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) tackles the shocking case of fertility doctor Donald Cline and his decades long practice of deception and fraud with vulnerable and hopeful young parents who came to him for help with artificial...
-
The Aftermath: IT (1990 miniseries)
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. James Francis Jr. about the 1990s miniseries IT and the cultural and psychological impact it had on a generation of viewers. Talk about generational trauma! Dr. Francis is a Professor of English at Texas A&M and helps us dig…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch!
Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, "It's hilarious, informative and addictive."
Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020.
Sign up for our Patreon for ad-free listening, post-aftermath interview discussions & final verdict and exclusive bonus episodes
Tell us who you think is to blame at <a href="https://www.fac
HOSTED BY
The Alarmist
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Alarmist have?
The Alarmist currently has 687 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Alarmist about?
Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame....
How often does The Alarmist release new episodes?
The Alarmist releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 687 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Alarmist?
You can listen to The Alarmist on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Alarmist?
The Alarmist is created and hosted by The Alarmist.
URL copied to clipboard!