All Episodes - History Lessons for Misanthropes
Welcome to History Lessons for Misanthropes, with Dr. Mildred Strange and her buddy Lou. We talk about uncomfortable, weird, and tragic history, dispelling myths and unpacking truths.
View Podcast Details99 Episodes
97 - Hedy Lamarr
In this episode we discuss the 1940s Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr. Born in Austria, she got her start in Germany cinema before fleeing ro the US during the war to escape her marriage. As well as an extensive filmography, Hedy was an inventor who designed military grade weapons solutions.
96 - Mary Anne Shadd
In this episode we discuss the life of Mary Ann Shadd, a teacher, activist, and journalist in the mid-1800s. She was a freeborn black woman who was exposed to the abolitionist movement from a young age, which inspired her to spend her life fighting for the rights of black people in Canada and the United States. While one would think the abolitionist community would welcome any support, Mary Ann's tenacity and drive rubbed many abolitionst leaders the wrong way. She was a woman who never let the circumstance of race or gender stop her from establishing schools, a newspaper, and touring lecture circuits to earn support for the movement. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
95 - Joseph Pujol (le Petomane)
The last episode of 2022! In this bawdy and often silly episode, we discuss the life of 19th century entertainer, Joseph Pujol, better known as le Petomane. Joseph's skill was that he had a masterful contron of his GI system, and could pass gas in myriad and entertaining ways. We're ending the year with an absurd and happy story. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
94 - Maila Nurmi aka: Vampira
In this episode, we look at the life and troubled career of Maila Nurmi, who created the Vampira character in 1954. Before creating her iconic glamour ghoul, Maila had a hard time breaking into show business both in Hollywood and Broadway. She struggled with a strict upbringing while not fitting into the expected life for young women. We discuss the relationships she had with elite members of Hollywood, and the later exploitation by the system she so desperatly wanted approval from. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
93 - Possession in New France
In this episode we discuss a possession in New France, when a young women named Barbe Hallay was tormented by demons. This is a story of colonization in the 17th century, a land that is trying to keep it's colonial population Catholic in the face of hardships, and a nun who desperately wants sainthood. Was Barbe really possessed? Was it her way of maintining bodily autonomy in a way that was fixable by the church? Are any of these questions actually answered? You'll have to listen to find out! Check out "The Possession of Barbe Hally" by Mairi Cowan. Music by Valhall.
92 - Kenneth Anger Part two
This is the second part of the story of Kenneth Anger. The episode begins after Kenneth parts ways with Bobby Beausoleil, and decided to leave San Francisco. His time in England was spent wooing rock stars and socialites, and establishing himself as a man of mystery, magick, and LSD. All the while he was making films and chasing the fame he refused to bend for. We also think this is the first episode we've done about someone still living- if we're wrong let us know! music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
91 - Kenneth Anger Part one
In this first part of a 2-part series, we discuss the early life of Kenneth Anger. Born in Santa Monica, California in 1927, Kenneth was a queer film-maker who idolized Aleister Crowley. He was at the cutting edge of counter-culture, capturing the zeitgeist of gay culture, occulture, and hippie culture. He made films that would inspire film makers from Stan Brakhage to John Waters, establishing his place as the king of mid-20th-century underground film.
90 - Fritz Haber
In this episode, Lou discusses the life, achievements (both good and bad) of German chemist Fritz Haber. Fritz Haber is a Nobel Laureate who devised a method to extract nitrogen from the air into a form that would be used in farming, feeding billions of people. However, his contributions to science also included warfare that would brand him as the inventor of chemical warfare, and by many of his time as a war criminal. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
89 - Affair of the Poisons
In this episode we discuss the Affair of the Poisons, a brief period in late 17th century Paris where some of the top courtiers got a little bit murder-y. It's a fascinating look at how laws are different for the wealthy and beautiful, and how lower class men and women are prosecuted differently. The story is filled with jealousy, sacrilige, murder, and a plot against King Louis XIV. Episode suggested by Nicole at Madame Pheonix music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
88 - Magnus Hirschfeld
This episode begins with sharing news about the end of a long fought border dispute between Canada and Denmark, known as the Whiskey War. The main subject of the episode is the work of Magnus Hirschfeld, the German doctor who established the first institue of sexual science in Berlin in 1918. The foundation of his medical practice was fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, fighting against the laws and morals of the period. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
87 - Austin Osman Spare
In this episode we discuss the life of a reclusive artist and occultist, Austin Osman Spare. In his youth he was branded as a wunderkind, and had great expectations for a wildly successfuly career. Despite his natural talents, he resisted success and fame, and preferred to exist in his own world. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
Scheduling Update
We're just letting you know that we'll be moving to a once-a-month format for a while. We overestiamted our personal bandwith. Thanks for understanding!
86 - Evelyn Nesbit
In this episode we discuss the early life of Evelyn Nesbit, who, at the turn of the 20th century became the first "it" girl, a celebrity famous solely for modeling. This fame won her the affections of many wealthy men, two of whom would become embroiled in a feud over her, ending in "the crime of the century" music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
85 - Edgar Allan Poe (part 2)
Episode 2 of our two part series about Edgar Allan Poe! In the final years of the author's life he becomes embroiled in scandals, and futher proves himself the king of self-sabatoge, before mysteriously dying. We review some of the hyptheses regarding his death, some fanciful, some very plausible, making this episode part of the history mystery club music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
84 - Edgar Allan Poe (part 1)
In our triumphant return after a brief hiatus, we begin with a story from Lou's Dino Hour, before launching into the early life of Edgar Allan Poe, a life that was beset with tragedy, depression, and self-sabotage. Despite Mildred's life-long love of the works of Poe, she concedes that he might not have been the best guy around. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
83 -The Death of Captain James Cook
This will be our last episode until April so we decided to do a topic that keeps coming up in conversation. James Cook is famous for mapping a large portion of the South Pacific and for being the first European to visit New Zealand and Australia. But as we know, working on the side of colonialism never leads anywhere good, which resulted in his death. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
82 - Hilma af Klint
In this episode, we discuss the life of the Swedish artist and mystic, Hilma af Klint. She has been a relatively unknown artist for the past century despite experimenting with abstraction several years before Kandinsky. Her work was completed with the help of spirits who she communicated with, and despite a great interest in esoteric beliefs in the early 20th century, her use of unconventional inspiration, combined with being a woman made her unsuccessful in her own time. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
81 - Guestisode: Dr. Sarah Bendall
In this bonus episode, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Bendall, author of "Shaping Femininity: Foundation Garments, the Body, and Women in Early Modern England". She graciously joined us from Australia to discuss her research, some highlights of her book, and the many interesting things about early modern underwear. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
80 - Nostradamus
In this episode we discuss the career of possibly the most famous astrologist in all of history, Michel de Nostradame, aka Nostradamus. Join us as we discover how his Jewish family converted to Christianity in the 15th century, his attempt at becoming a self-education physician, his rise to fame among the numerous astrologers in France, and finally how he became the go-to prognosticator of all of history's greatest disasters. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Visit us at historyformisanthropes.com
79 - Tom of Finland
In this episode we discuss the life, art, and cultural impact of Tom of Finland. Born Touko Laaksonen in a small Finnish town outside of Turku, Tom saw success and global fame as the creator of homoerotic art, that was inspired by 20th century masculine archetypes, such as soldiers, farmers, and the iconic leatherman. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
78 - Jack Parsons, part 2
Rockets are fun - Lou. This is part 2 of the Jack Parsons story. We begin with his early years as a disciple of Aleister Crowley, and his continued success in the development of rockets. Until heartache compelled him to try to invoke Babalon (We know it's not spelled right- take it up with Crowley), and he got lost in magick and obsession, while being run afoul of the greatest conman of the 20th century. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
77 - Jack Parsons, part I
This episode is part 1 of a two part series about scientist and occultist, Jack Parsons. This episode focuses on his early life, and how his love of science fiction books fed into his love of rockets, eventually becoming his career. Albeit a career that was always short on funding because it was still considered science fiction. The episode ends with his introduction to the world of the occult. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
76 - The Astor Place Riot
In this episode, we begin with a news story about archaeologists finding evidence of clothing from 120,000 years ago. We then get into the episode topic, wherein two actors, American Edwin Forrest and British William Macready, engaged in an absurd competition for stage supremacy. They each catered to a different class of audience, who supported their player in the arena of public opinion, finally culminating in a deadly riot in New York. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
75 - The Indian Mutiny of 1857
In this episode we start with a news story that re-writes the history of pre-historic Asia. Getting into the episode topic, Mildred tells Lou about the Indian Rebellion of 1857, or the First Indian War of Independence. Basically a large portion of India did not want Britain to run their country. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Check out our website for more info, and for merch for where the proceeds go to a charitable cause. https://www.historyformisanthropes.com/
74 - Bonus Quizisode
Move over Jeopardy, there's a new quiz in town! It's a Lou Quiz episode! We've got a couple news stories before diving into Lou's big fun trivia game of questions and answers. Mildred does better this time than the New Years edition, but share in her shame as she misses some obvious answers! music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
73 - Edmonia Lewis
In this episode, we discuss the life of Mary Edmonia Lewis aka "Wildfire". She was a 19th century American sculptor who faced challenged in a field dominated by white men, while herself being of African American and Indigenous heritage. Though her client base was in America, she lived most of her life in Europe, to escape the systemic barriers in the States. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
72 - Theda Bara
In this episode, Mildred talks about the life of the silent film star, Theda Bara. She is often hailed as Hollywood's first Vamp, and was only in films for 5 years before burning out of the industry. In an unusual twist for us, this episode has very little sadness, but we wanted to discuss her, as she is a goth icon, and often played roles of strong women who are in control of their own agency. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
71 - Mata Hari
In this episode we discuss the life of Mata Hari, a popular dancer in Europe in the first decade of the twentieth century. We tell the story of how a woman from the Netherlands pretended to be a dance from Java to gain popularity in the arts community, and how her string of international romances led her to be recruited as a spy in the First World War, ultimately leading to her demise. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
70 - The Cottingley Fairies
In this episode, Mildred tells Lou about two girls in Cottingley, England, who staged some photographs with paper fairies. After the photos got in the hands of the Theosophical Society, the girls accidentally became embroiled in a 60-year-long hoax that had some very famous people declaring the photos were proof that fairies were real. If you want to donate to survivors of Canada's residential schools, please visit https://www.irsss.ca/ music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
69 - Andean Man & The Astronaut, with Dr. Jordan Bimm
In this bonus episode, Mildred and Lou are joined by Dr. Jordan Bimm, a space historian whose research focuses the human and biological aspects of space exploration. We discuss Jordan's recent publication about the Nazi scientist who used the bodies of indigenous people in Peru to further the space program of the United States. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
68 - Louis Riel
We start this episode with a difficult discussion about Canadian Residential schools in light of the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former residential school site in Kamloops, BC. The episode topic is Louis Riel, the Metis leader of the Red River Rebellion and the North West Rebellion, wherein non-settler populations of Western Canada fight against the Canadian government in an attempt to retain their lands and basic human rights. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
67 - John Dee Pt.2
In this episode we discuss the discovery of a ancient ruins in Saudi Arabia that pre-dates the Pyramids or Stonehenge before continuing the story of John Dee. In this episode we focus on the latter part of his life which was less successful than his early years. We finish off by discussing Dee's influence on the occult through the centuries. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
66 - John Dee Pt. 1
In this episode we discuss the discovery of a kitten-sized dinosaur before delving into the life of John Dee. The 17th century scholar and occultist, whose contributions to the world aren't simply based in the occult, arguably changed the world through horoscopes and divination. Also at least three monarchs die in this episode, so that's not too bad. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
65 - The Dark Side of Coco Chanel
In this episode we discuss the iconic 20th century couturier, credited with creating fashions for the modern woman, elegant and simple. But this isn't about her rise to the top of her field, despite life circumstances. This is about her role as a German agent in World War II. She may have been an innovated designer, but she was also a pretty big garbage human. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
64 - Claude Cahun
In this episode we explore the life of avant garde artist and writer Claude Cahun (nee Lucie Schwob). As a part of the Paris art scene in the 1920s, she used art to question established gender roles, while hanging out with the likes of Dali, Miro, Lacan, and other big names of the Paris intelligentsia. Until 1940, when she and her partner were living on Jersey, and led a two-woman resistance against the Nazi occupation. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
63 - Stanislov Petrov featuring We Have a Technical
In this episode, our guests Alex and Bruce from the podcast We Have A Technical tell us about Stanislov Petrov, a member of the Soviet Air Defense Forces who single handedly saved the world in 1983. Check out the website i die:you die and the podcase We Have a Technical at www.idieyoudie.com music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
62 - The Ideal Maternity Home
Mildred tells us about the Ideal Maternity Home in Chester, Nova Scotia. Opened in 1928 with the best intentions of serving unwed mothers through the "shame" of pregnancy without official records that could disgrace their families, the home quickly devolved into a black market baby farm, with little care for the women who sought their help. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
61 - Sara Baartman (aka Saartjie Baartman)
In this episode, Mildred talks about the life of Sara (Saartjie) Baartman, a South African Khoikhoi woman who was brought to Europe in the 18th century to be displayed to the public in the 18th century for study. visit our instagram @historyformisanthropes if you have questions, comments, please email us at historylessonsformisanthropes@gmail.com music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
60 - Mary Anning
Lou tells Mildred all about Mary Anning, a poor British woman in the early 19th century who was a paleontologist; A woman who struggled to get credit for her finds. Despite the hard life she lived, she set the foundation for paleontology as it is today. To donate to the Mary Anning Rocks foundation, please visit www.maryanningrocks.co.uk music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
59 - Pamela Colman Smith
In this episode we tell the story of Pamela Colman Smith, the illustrator of the Rider-Waite (Smith) tarot deck in 1909. She was a bohemian illustrator and author in New York and London, as well as a member of the Golden Dawn. Through naming the tarot deck after the publisher and author of the instructions, Pamela was effectively removed from occult history. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
58 - The Knights Templar (Pt. 2 of 2)
This is part 2 of the The Knights Templar Saga. In this episode we discuss the fall of the order in 1314. Were they really heretics, or was this a planned sabotage. Most importantly, we discuss some modern Knights Templar, and the Grail Quest. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
57 - The Knights Templar (pt. 1 of 2)
In part one of a two-part series, Mildred introduces the Knights Templar. Best known as the mysterious groups of knights which were established during the Crusades, they have been linked to the quest for the Holy Grail, and keepers esoteric secrets. In this episode we discuss their not at all mysterious origins, and their rise to power. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
56 - Bonus Episode: Lou's Big Fun History Trivia Game of Questions and Answers
It's December! Too many Tuesdays, so Lou will take the reigns on this episode. Lou challenges Mildred's brain-meats with a history based trivia game. Mildred also thinks it's New Years eve, and that's just the beginning of how wrong she is in this episode. Some of the questions are taken directly from the topics we've covered and others are just general Q&A. Happy Festivus and Merry Chrimbus music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
55 - The Halifax Explosion
In this episode we share the story of the explosion that devastated Halifax in 1917. A munitions ship headed to Europe during World War One exploded in Halifax harbour. We examine the unfortunate turn of events leading up to the disaster, and the relief efforts after. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
54 - Ada Lovelace
This episode begins with Mildred telling Lou about some drama surrounding a recent statue commemorating feminist pioneer Mary Wollstonecraft. We continue the theme of important women thinkers with the story of Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron, who contributed to the field of computer science 100 years before Alan Turing got to computers. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
53 - Louis Le Prince
In this episode Mildred shares a history of the early days of moving pictures, and the race among inventors to be the first to discover a way of photographing and projecting. Among the inventors was Louis le Prince, who is arguably the first person to invent and patent a moving picture camera and projector. But his films would never have a public screening, because in 1890 he mysteriously disappeared. What happened to le Prince? Was it industrial sabotage, or an unrelated, random crime? music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
52 - London After Midnight (with Dan)
In this episode, we're joined by Dan, a film scholar and horror movie buff. We discuss the 1927 silent film London After Midnight, the first Hollywood vampire film. Shrouded in mystery, this movie was lost in a warehouse explosion, and was responsible for a murder. Is it cursed? Visit Dan's Youtube page at youtube.com/pathleft music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
51 - Chernobyl (part 2 of 2)
In this episode, Lou continues the story of the disaster at Chernobyl. Covering the trial, how the disaster affected the Soviet union and the literal fallout of the explosion. music by vlhll vlhll.bandcamp.com
50 - Chernobyl (part 1 of 2)
In this episode, Dr. Mildred takes a break and let's Lou talk about a grim, bleak subject matter: Chernobyl. It's the worst nuclear disaster mankind has ever faced. Since this subject matter is very dense, it had to be split up into two episodes (even then it's not doing it justice). music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
49 - The Glenn Miller Disappearance
In this short bonus episode, we discuss yet another history mystery: the disappearance of Glenn Miller. Glenn Miller was one of the most famous celebrities of the 1940s, known for such hit as Moonlight Serenade, Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, and Little Brown Jug. But in 1944, he disappeared on his way to preform for US troops in Paris. What happened to him? Was it simply a case of pilot error or was there something greater? We don't have answers, but it's a good story. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
48 - Joseph Merrick (aka The Elephant Man)
In this episode we examine the life of Joseph Merrick, who had a mysterious illness that caused skin and bone growths on his face and body. These growths led him to a life as a stage attraction known as the Elephant man. We discuss the difficult life Joseph led, and his kind and gentle spirit which made people see past his appearance. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
47 - New York Stock Exchange Crash
We break format a bit in this episode as Mildred pays tribute to her late grandmother, who was born in 1916, with a discussion of what happened in the world when her grandmother was born. The last third of the episode is a brief history of the Wall Street stock market crash of 1929. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
46 - The Disappearance of Ambrose Small
It's another Canadian history mystery! In this episode we discuss the disappearance of Ambrose Small, a theatre magnate in Toronto, who, in 1919, deposited a million dollar cheque, and was never seen again. What happened to Ambrose Small? Did he run away and start a new life, leaving his new fortune untouched? Or did he piss off the wrong person who felt like they deserved a cut? music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
45 - The Marquis de Sade
in this episode Mildred begrudgingly tells the story of the Marquis de Sade, author of subversive 18th century erotica. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
44 - Richard Pierpoint
In this episode we discuss the life of Richard Pierpoint, or at least the parts of it that are known. He was born in West Africa and trafficked into slavery in America in the late 18th century. He eventually gained his freedom, and moved to Canada as a Loyalist. As a black man he was mistreated by the British government in Canada, but he persevered and fought for his rights and the compensation he was owed as a soldier. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
43 - Mary MacLane
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange tells Lou The Story of Mary MacLane, a woman who published her first book in 1901 at age 19. What made her stand out from other writers of the time is that she lived a life in opposition to what was expected of girls in 1901. From declaring her devotion to the devil, shunning Christianity, publicly flouting her bisexuality, and being the first woman to write, star in, and narrate a motion picture. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
42 - Bonusode: Kazimir Malevich with Dr. Irina
In this episode Mildred and Lou host guest scholar Irina to discuss her doctoral research on early 20th century Russian artist Kazimir Malevich. His work was influenced by esoteric concepts including various forms of mysticism, and theoretical mathematical concepts like the 4th dimension and imaginary numbers. Roles are reversed as Lou discusses science and Mildred references cartoons. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
41 - Geoffrey Monmouth and the History of the Kings of Britain
In this episode, we take a look at Geoffrey of Monmouth and his 12th century book "The History of the Kings of Britain". This is the book that contains the most famous source for the legend of King Arthur, though it is largely accepted that the legend is fictitious. Why did Geoffrey write this book, at this specific time, and how did it become so widely known. Few books from this time period have endured quite like this one. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
40 - Chevalier d'Eon
In this episode Mildred tries to untangle the confusing tale of the Chevalier/Chevaliere d'Eon, an 18th century french spy and diplomat who presented masculine for the first 49 years of life, and female for the last 33. Speculation from scholars of their change in gender range from a hoax, to punishment by the king, to being a gender theorist ahead of their time. We also forget to introduce ourselves and the show- so if this is your first time, welcome to History Lessons for Misanthropes, we're Dr. Mildred Strange and Lou. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
39 - Saladin
In this episode, Dr. Strange discusses the life of Saladin (aka Salah ad-Din), the Sunni Muslim leader who fought against King Richard I (Lionheart) during the third Crusade in the 12th Century C.E. News Story: A water-powered flour mill is running again due to COVID-19 music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
38 - The Fox Sisters
In this episode we discuss the Fox sisters, Maggie and Kate, as well as their big sister Leah, who in 1848 accidentally launched a movement that's still active today. Did the girls actually make contact with a spirit on that night in 1848 or was it a joke that went too far? How did being thrust into the limelight affect the lives of the young women. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
37 - The Public Universal Friend
In this episode, Mildred tells Lou about a Revolutionary War Era, gender non-conforming, apocalyptic prophet. Jemima Wilkinson became the Public Universal Friend in 1776, and began their career as a prophet, preaching the end of the world, while encouraging followers to eschew traditional gender roles. Were they truly a prophet sent from God, or were they a fraudster cult leader, exploiting fears of Americans during a war. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
36 - The Black Death
In this episode, we discuss the Black Death (aka the Black Plague), that... uh... plagued Europe in the 14th Century. What was this illness? How did it spread so far? What were the social outcomes of wide-spread death? Take your mind off one pandemic while we discuss another! music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
35 - Bonusode - Lou's Corset Corner
Lou asks Mildred about Corsets. It's a bonusode! music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
34 - The Barton Murder of 1905
In this episode Dr. Mildred Strange regales Lou with a 115 year old cold case out of Hamilton, Ontario. A verified history mystery, the story unfolded in newspapers in the weeks after the body of a young woman was found. False identification, wild goose chases, tantalizing clues, yet no suspects. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
33 - A brief history of birth control
WARNING: This episode is a bit much for squeamish people!!! In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange talks about the history of birth control, from the ways ancient cultures prevented babies, up to the 20th century. A news story about updates of the Franklin Expedition. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
32 - Mary Ellen Pleasant
Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the life of Mary Ellen Pleasant. A black woman who rose to financial dominance in 19th century America in the face of sexism and racism. Lou talks about how he saw this on Drunk History music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
31 - Marie Laveau
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange tells Lou about the famous Voodoo queen, Marie Laveau. What is myth, what is reality? Did she control the rich and powerful of New Orleans through fear and magic? Was she an ageless priestess who ruled for generations? Mildred also goes on a rant about the music of Dax Riggs. Check him out. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
30 - Lady Pirates (part two)
In this episode, Mildred continues on our journey of women pirates, taking us to the golden age of pirates, and to China. Lou laughs at a suggestive name.
29 - Lady Pirates (part one)
In this episode, we discuss pirates throughout history who were women. Since there are a lot of them, we split the subject into two episodes. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
28 - Bonus Mini Drunkisode - The Gregorian Calendar
Mildred and Lou had two bottles of wine and quickly discuss the Gregorian Calendar to sign off 2019.
27 - The Princes in the Tower
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses a 500 year old cold case. How did Richard III inherit the throne, and who had to die for this to happen. More importantly, where are the bodies? music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
26 - Roy Chapman Andrews
Mildred Strange discusses the life and times of Roy Chapman Andrews, one of the early 20th century scholars who may have been inspiration for Indiana Jones. And indifferent museum director, Andrews sought adventure around the world.
25 - Oak Island
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange tells us about Oak Island. Why is this Island plagued with tales of treasure? Can the legends be true? This and all of other of life's answers in this episode! To donate to Lou's Movember and see his glorious dirt-stache, please visit: https://mobro.co/13586213?mc=1 (Don't be a dink, donate) music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
24 - The Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women
The Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women was Canada's first prison for women. Dr. Mildred Strange discusses how a well-meaning house of reform ended up being corrupted by greed and cruelty. To donate to Lou's Movember challenge, please visit mobro.co/13586213 Intro & Outro music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com Aurora Borealis by Bachelor of Hearts soundcloud.com/bachelor-of-hearts/aurora-borealis
23 - Bonus Episode: Necrophilia
In this boozy bonus episode, our guest Katie tells us all about the history of Necrophilia. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
22 - Spring Heeled Jack
In this episode, we discuss the legend of Spring-Heeled Jack. A man, demon or bear who terrorized Victorian England. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
21 - Alan Turing
In this episode, we discuss the life of Alan Turing; code breaker and father of the computer. Without his work, the outcome of WW2 would have been very different, and his country castrated him chemically for being gay. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
20 - Helena Blavatsky
In this episode, Dr. Strange discusses the life of Helena Blavatsky; an occultist who influenced historical figures of her time. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
19 - Diamonds
Dr. Strange discusses the history of diamonds & why they've become the symbol of love that they are today. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
18 - The Cathars
In this episode, we discuss the peaceful yet heretical sect of Christianity from the 11th to 13th Century known as the Cathars. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
17 - The Trung Sisters
In this episode, Mildred discusses the Trung Sisters. Two women in Vietnam who lead a rebellion against invading Chinese in the 1st Century. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
16 - AMA / Listener Questions
In this episode, Mildred and Lou answer listener questions (AMA style). music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
15 - Gilles de Rais
In this French history episode (part two), Dr. Mildred Strange discusses Gilles de Rais and how his greed led to crimes of killing hundreds of children for Satan. Email us for our AMA episode at historyformisanthropes@gmail.com deadline is July 26th 2019 music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
14 - Joan of Arc
In this French history episode (part one), Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the trial of Joan of Arc and how she was persecuted more for wearing men's clothing. Email us for our AMA episode at historyformisanthropes@gmail.com deadline is July 26th 2019 music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
13 - Cope & Marsh (The Bone Wars)
It's a Lou-pisode. Lou tells Mildred about the Bone Wars; where two rich white men fought childishly over the discovery of dinosaur bones in North America in the late 1800s. Their discoveries may have been important, but the means and the attitude was that of petulant school boys. Ultimately setting a tone to not take paleontologists seriously in the scientific community. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
12 - Fashion Victims
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange quizzes Lou about how fashion has killed in the past. Based on Dr. Alison Matthews-David' book "Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress, Past and Present", Mildred tells tales of poisonous dresses, killer hats, radioactive beauty, and more. For more information check our "Fashion Victims" https://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Victims-Dangers-Dress-Present-ebook/dp/B0147QO882 music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
11 - Operation SOAP
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the 1981 bath house raids in Toronto on February 5th 1981. We discuss how the raid was poorly conducted by the police, caused unnecessary property damage, used fear tactics and was founded in institutionalized discrimination against the gay community. This event resulted in the arrest of over 300 men and sparked protests which eventually evolved into Toronto's Pride week. For more information, articles and interviews about Operation Soap, please visit arquives.ca. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
10 - Not Jack The Ripper
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the five Canonical victims of Jack the Ripper. Who they were, what kind of lives they lead and the type of hardships they faced. For more information on these victims, please read "The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper" by Hallie Rubenhold. from Penguin Books https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1112645/the-five/9780857524485.html music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
09- The Voynich Manuscript
The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious document written in an unknown language. Where did it come from? Who wrote it? What is it? None of these questions are answered in this episode, but it's fun to speculate.
08 -The Witchfinder General
Witch hunts results in the deaths of thousands of people across Europe in the early modern period. But one man in England took it upon himself to become the Witchfinder General. In this episode we tell the story of how Matthew Hopkins whipped up a fear of witches in East Anglia, resulting in the death of hundreds of people. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
07 - Burke & Hare
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange tells us about William Burke & William Hare, two Scottish men who would profit from murdering their tenants. How did they do it? Did they get caught? *Please excuse Mildred getting used to new microphones* music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
06 - Reefer Madness
In light of the legalization of recreational marijuana in some of the States and in Canada, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses why, and how it was made illegal in the first place. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
05 - The Great Binge
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the Great Binge; a period of time when the drugs that are illegal today (cocaine, opium, heroine) were not only legal, but everyday products for men, women and children to use. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
04 - Alexander Augusta
In this episode, we discuss the story of Alexander Augusta. A free-born African-American who just wanted to be a doctor in Antebellum America. He and his wife, Mary, moved to Canada to try to escape the racist attitudes south of the border, to varying degrees of success. He returned to American to lend his medical skills to the Civil War. We discuss the hurdles he faced in life and his career. music by V►LH►LL vlhll.bandcamp.com
03 - A Parkdale Mystery: Clara Ford
In this episode, we discuss the murder of Frank Westwood in his Toronto home in 1894. The accused party was a biracial woman, Clara Ford, who was known to dress as a man. What followed was a media circus that is largely forgotten to time. music by V▲lh▲l vlhll.bandcamp.com
02 - The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
In this episode, Dr. Mildred Strange discusses the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. A disaster that took place in New York City in 1911, that could have been prevented were it not for the avarice-induced practices of the factory owners. Are these practices still used today? Language and content may not be safe for work or those with delicate constitutions. Special thank you to V>lh>ll for the use of the theme song. vlhll.bandcamp.com
01 - Elizabeth Bathory
In the first full episode, Dr. Mildred Strange and her buddy Lou aim big and tell the tale of the notorious historic serial killer, Elizabeth Bathory. The legends tell of a woman so afraid of aging that she bathed in the blood of virgins in a vain attempt at maintaining her youth. Are these legends, or historical fact? Tune in to find out. Language and content may not be safe for work or those with delicate constitutions. Special thank you to V>lh>ll for the use of the theme song vlhll.bandcamp.com
Introduction
In this mini-episode you'll meet Dr. Mildred Strange and her buddy Lou as they discuss the structure of the show and what you can expect in the coming episodes. Stick around until the end to hear the funniest joke that's ever been told. Special thank you to V>lh>ll for the use of the theme song https://vlhll.bandcamp.com/