PODCAST · history
Who Started the Fire?
by Mark and Jen Martin
Have you ever wondered what all the random, disjointed lyrics in Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire' meant? We did too! Join us each week as we look at the song line by line to discover all of the interesting historical and pop culture events the singer wanted to immortalize. Maybe we'll even find an answer to who started the fire along the way. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mark1217/support
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Ep. 22 Starkweather Homicide, Children of Thalidomide
Two teens shock the US with a multi state crime spree, and a pharmaceutical company's "wonder drug" hits the market, only to ruin thousands of lives. Come along with us to two of the darker parts of 1958. (We may sound a little off in this one, Jen was recovering from a cold) *Content warning: this episode discuses violence, abuse, and unethical medical practices* Sources: detroitnews.com history.com “Last Podcast on the Left - Charles Starkweather Part 1” “Last Podcast on the Left - Charles Starkeather Part 2” wowt.com (Omaha news channel) nbcnews.com plainshumanities.unl.edu murderpedia.org wyohistory.org “Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine - Thalidomide” thalidomidetrust.org grunenthal.com “Stuff You Missed in History Class - A Brief History of Thalidomide Part 1” “Stuff You Missed in History Class - A Brief History of Thalidomide Part 2”
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Ep. 21 Lebanon, Charles de Gaulle, California baseball
The year is 1958, and there's a lot going on! This episode we'll look at a potential global crisis, a prominent historical figure, and, most shocking of all, Jen actually talks about baseball! Sources: britannica.com history.com Mlb.com
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Ep. 20 Sputnik, Chou En-Lai, “Bridge on the Kwai”
This week we will cover some important topics from 1957. We discuss a Russian Rocket, a Chinese Premier, and one of the most well received war movies of it's time! Come and learn much about these topics... that is until our dog Bailey has some thoughts of his own! 🙄 Sources: britannica.com imdb.com oscars.org bbc.com history.nasa.gov engineering.purdue.edu nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov astronomy.com pbs.org history.state.gov bbc.com nasa.gov
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Ep. 15 Davy Crockett, Peter Pan, Elvis Presley, Disneyland
This episode we take a look at four very recognizable figures that all have important ties to 1955. We'll explore the pop culture, and real history of a prominent figure from American folk lore, a brief overview of a much loved character, the surprising origins and sparkling friendship of the King of Rock n Roll, and finally the rocky beginnings of the "Happiest Place on Earth"! Want to watch the NBC broadcast we discussed in the show? You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VusJd4x3tl8 If you'd like to drop us a line, send an email to [email protected], or leave a comment on our socials @whostartedthefirepod on Instagram and Facebook! Sources: imdb.com mtishows.com biography.com musicals101.com Latimes.com history.com adayinlatours.com memphistravel.com entertainment.howstuffworks.com graceland.com britannica.com history.howstuffworks.com time.com Palmspringslife.com
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EP. 19 Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Kerouac
We're back (again)! In this episode we talk about nine brave students, one expensive rookie card, the complicated lives of two Russian men, and four friends who had a lasting impact on American culture. Come along as we talk about 1957ish, the good, the bad, and the perplexing. history.com britannica.com nobelprize.org sparknotes.com seattletimes.com sites.bu.edu biography.com goodreads.com penguinrandomhouse.com beatdom.com washingtonpost.com uscourts.gov baseballhall.org blackpast.org learningforjustice.org mlb.com sportscardsrock.com
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EP. 18 Chorus Break Bonus #2
We made it to the second chorus break!! Join us as we look back at some memorable topics from the last several episodes and discuss the highs, the lows, and all the (sometimes spooky) in betweens! We'll also take a look at a man made fire that was so devastating, it actually changed the way forest services workers handled large blazes. As a special Halloween trick/treat, we'll even reveal Mark's terrible joke that got cut from the previous episode. Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to [email protected], find us on Facebook and Instagram at @whostartedthefirepod, or write us a review wherever you listen! Sources: cdnc.ucr.edu wildfirelessons.net news.google.com csusb.edu coloradofirecamp.com sandiegouniontribune.com nfsl.contentdm.oclc.org voicesofsandiego.org
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Ep. 17 Princess Grace, Peyton Place, Trouble in the Suez
In this episode we talk about a real life fairytale, a sensational debut novel that outraged the nation, and the complex history of one of the world's most important shipping routes. Want to reach out to us? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @whostartedthefirepod, or send an email to [email protected]! Sources: “Peyton Place” by Grace Metalious encyclopedia.com unhmagazine.unh.edu pgrusa.org people.com hellomonaco.com britannica.com beyondgracekelly.com history.com cde.state.co.us
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Ep. 16 Bardot, Budapest, Alabama, Khrushchev
We're back from our unintentional hiatus! In this episode we look at some decidedly somber topics that have far reaching effects. We'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of one of the world's most recognizable faces, the speech that changed the (Communist) world, the shocking response to student protests, and the real story behind the myth of a tired woman who altered the course of history. *Disclaimer: this episode was recorded before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II Want to reach out to us? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @whostartedthefirepod or drop a line to [email protected]. Sources: imdb.com history.com nbcnews.com vanityfair.com francetoday.com britannica.com fondationbrigittebardot.fr digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org history.com isaacnewtonacademy.org dailyhistory.org soviethistory.msu.edu billofrightsinstitute.org womenshistory.org kinginstitute.stanford.edu aljazeera.com
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Ep. 14 Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn’s got a winning team
From lost daughters to eerie warnings, join us for some surprising history and dad jokes on this week's episode as we look at 1955. Sources: history.com jamesdean.com imdb.com brittanica.com legacy.com chicagotribune.com legacy.com baseballhall.org Lamag.com
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Ep. 13 Dien Bien Phu falls, Rock Around the Clock
Only two topics this week?! Don't worry, we take this rare opportunity to dive a little deeper than normal into the end of French Indochina, and the beginnings of rock 'n roll, or should we say novelty foxtrot? Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to [email protected] or you can find us on Instagram and Facebook @whostartedthefirepod! Sources: history.com britannica.com songfacts.com npr.com billhaley.com
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EP. 12 Roy Cohn, Juan Peron, Toscanini, Dacron
This week was worth the wait as we dive into a key player from multiple past episodes, the husband of a beloved Argentinian singer, a true maestro, and the miracle fabric that changed the world (for better or worse?). Join us as we look at 1954 and some of its highs and lows! Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to [email protected]! Or you can find us on Instagram and Facebook to see photos and updates! Sources: nytimes.com playbill.com britannica.com encyclopedia.com un.org reference.com whomhome.com greenmatters.com Smithsonianmag.com so-sew-easy.com back2stonewall.com history.com nglcc.org
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EP. 11 Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc
Fabulously wealthy families, trailblazing hall of famers, and 1/3 of the world's population...this episode really covers a little bit of everything this week! Join us as we take a look at the highlights of 1953(ish). Want to reach out? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @whostartedthefirepod, or send us an email at [email protected]! Sources: rockefeller.edu rockefellerfoundation.org baseballhall.org Encyclopedia.com
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EP. 10 Joseph Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser, and Prokofiev
Join us for a slightly more serious episode as we discuss the lasting legacy left by Russia's infamous ruler, his short lived replacement, a beloved leader who dreamed of uniting his neighbors, and the composer of that childhood classic Peter and the Wolf! Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: history.com pbs.org history.howstuffworks.com britanica.com presidency.eg news.bbc.co.uk Sfcv.org Stuff You Missed In History Class “Holodomor” cmuse.org rferl.org
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EP. 9 Chorus Break Bonus #1
This week's episode is a little different. Instead of looking at one line of the song, we'll take a few minutes to revisit some highlights and favorite moments from the last 8 episodes, and you'll get to know a little more about us. We also are going to be looking at a historical fire that occurred alongside some of the events we've previously discussed. Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: wltribune.com historicacanada.ca ui.adsabs.harvard.edu edmontonjournal.com winnipegfreepress.com
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EP. 8 Marciano, Liberace, Santayana, Goodbye
Join us as we talk about the king of knockouts, a dazzling showman (literally), a frustrating philosopher, and dig into the origins of an everyday phrase. Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]!Sources: history.com biography.com dictionary.com etymonline.com Latimes.com rockymarchiano.net grunge.com
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Ep. 7 Eisenhower, Vaccine, England’s got a new queen
Presidential theme songs, polio, and pearl earrings, this episode has it all! Join us as we look at some of the highlights for 1952. Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: royal.uk history.com westminster-abbey.org eisenhowerlibrary.gov britannica.com history.com pbs.com polioeradication.org cdc.gov Npr.org
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EP. 6 Brando, The King and I, and The Catcher in the Rye
This week we look at the career of an actor who caused an Oscar scandal, a classic that started out slow, and an influential piece of literature that has shaped pop culture in some unexpected ways. We're joined by three very special guests, Kristopher, Lena, and Baby Fox Arnold. Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: history.com playbill.com bbc.com encyclopedia.com goodreads.com britannica.com Forbes.com
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EP. 5 Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom
SPECIAL EARLY RELEASE EPISODE! What does a pair of Soviet spies, a crater in the Pacific ocean, a pink Cadillac, and a small village have in common? We talk about them all in episode 5! Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: history.com brittanica.com latimes.com pbs.org atomicheritage.org encyclopedia.com unc.mil biography.com espn.com Blackhistory.net
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EP. 4 North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe
In this episode we will look at the turbulent beginnings of the Korean War, a household name, and uncover a surprising gem. With special guest Sara Powell. Want to drop us a line? Email us at [email protected]! Sources: britannica.com history.com history.state.gov pbs.com Ohiohistorycentral.org
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EP. 3 Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, Television
This week we look at two famous (or infamous?) politicians, a car that was ahead of its time, and the origins of a household staple. What to reach out to us? Drop a line to [email protected]! Sources: britannica.com history.com millercenter.org encylopedia.com itstillruns.com Motorcities.org
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EP. 2 South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio
In our second episode, we look at three topics from 1949. We will talk about a groundbreaking musical, an influential radio personality, and a very famous baseball star! Want to reach out to us? Drop us a line at [email protected]! Sources: history.com pbs.org songfacts.org people.howstuffworks.com rodgersandhammerstein.com vanityfair.com conservancy.umn.edu washingtontimes.com baseballhall.org "Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution" - Todd S Purdum imdb.com britannica.com sabr.org biography.com encyclopedia.org
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EP. 1 Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray
Welcome to the show! In our first episode, we look at four events from 1948-1949 that kicked off an iconic 1980s song. We'll talk not only about the specific event that earned a mention in the lyrics, but also a quick history of the topic as a whole. Want to reach out to us? Drop us a line at [email protected]! Sources: history.com isr.umich.edu constitioncenter.org dorisday.com imdb.com dorisdaymagic.com history.state.gov britannica.com oregonencyclopedia.com nytimes.com
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Have you ever wondered what all the random, disjointed lyrics in Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire' meant? We did too! Join us each week as we look at the song line by line to discover all of the interesting historical and pop culture events the singer wanted to immortalize. Maybe we'll even find an answer to who started the fire along the way. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mark1217/support
HOSTED BY
Mark and Jen Martin
CATEGORIES
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