Haunting Historia

October, Winterfylleth, Ottobre, Samhain. Whatever you call the tenth month of the year, it certainly has many traditions associated with it. In the United States, many of these customs came to us from other countries and cultures. Come have a listen, as I explore the origins of just a few and shed a little light on the dark. Twitter - https://twitter.com/HHistoriaPod Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45673388&fan_landing=true  

Kate Warne might not be a name that you're familiar with, but without her, this country would look very different. Certainly, there might not even be a "United" States at all. Join me as I explore how one woman revolutionized an entire industry, proved the many merits of her gender, and saved a President from dying before he could ever set foot in the White House. Twitter - https://twitter.com/HHistoriaPod Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45673388&fan_landing=true  

Rats with Wings. Flying Disease Carriers. These are just two of the unjust names given to Pigeons today. But for centuries, Pigeons were humanity's constant companions and messengers. Today I set the record straight, providing some of the history of these magnificent birds. Maybe next time you see a pigeon, you'll have just a bit more sympathy for it. Links: Twitter - https://twitter.com/HHistoriaPod Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45673388&fan_landing=true

#Neuschwanstein Castle is quite possibly the most fairy tale castle in existence. It was the inspiration for Cinderella's Castle in Disneyland. But the man who commissioned it was called the #Mad King. Was he?

For thousands of years, the Aztecs and other cultures of South America used #Cochineal to color all manner of things a brilliant, perfect red. From clothing to feathers to even their teeth. The Spanish discovered their secret, opening the world to a dye that would change the economy of Europe.

She's been called several names and been the inspiration for even more. Her name was Khutulun, and she lived her life on her own terms. Not bad for a woman from the late 13th Century living in the Mongol Empire. Men challenged her for the right to marry her, but none succeeded. Find out just how she managed to avoid betrothal for much of her life on this, the first episode of Season 2!

They called him Black Bart. He was one of the most prolific outlaws in the days of the Wild West. And the most polite. His calling card was that of a series of poems he left behind. Thanks to the numerous other stories that come out of the Old West, it's likely you've never heard his name. But his story is the kind that inspires songs. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45673388

Buildings are more than just places to live or work or congregate. They are physical manifestations of humanity's creativity, ingenuity, and determination to leave something permanent. Each and every place where humans have built things has a story to be told. In this episode, I explore some of the interesting places where the buildings have a secret or two to share.

When the Lord of the Flies released, it made the world believe that children, if left to their own devices, would descend into chaos. But long before that widespread novel, William George knew better when he created the first of several Junior Republics. Just how much control did these children have? Come find out!

Ferdinand Waldo Demara is a name you might not recognize. But it's not because he didn't make a mark on this world. He was a truly accomplished fraudster who went by several other names during his notorious career. His varied positions caused him to be dubbed, The Great Imposter.

Miss Manhattan, The Exhibition Girl, American Venus. Whatever you call her, Audrey Munson was America's first Supermodel. She posed for numerous statues throughout New York City and San Francisco. But what happened to the woman behind the marble? 

Today's release date, September 25th, is a very important day. It is the anniversary of the end of a bloody but highly influential era, 300 years long. Modern pop culture tends to look at those 300 years and see only the pillaging and marauding that took place. That is thanks largely in part to the people who wrote down the stories. But there was more to the Vikings than simply being great conquerors.

Triskaidekaphobia. Paraskevidekatriaphobia. The Fear of 13, or Friday the 13th, has many names. The fear itself stems from not just one, but many different places. And historians still wonder about precise details. On this the Lucky Thirteenth Episode, hear some of the more prevailing theories and stories of why 13 is more unlucky than my black cat.

He was a hero of the Civil War. He freed himself and his family and several other slaves throughout the conflict. Then, he convinced the government that black men should be able to enlist. His story of a Hail Mary run through Confederate waters is one that left the South asking themselves how he pulled it off. Listen to the incredible tale of Robert Smalls and his equally incredible influence on 1800's America.

For thousands of years, a small percentage of the population was discriminated against. Not because of any physical difference. This had nothing to do with race, gender, or sexuality. People hid or converted their difference so that they would not be seen as perverse or devilish. To be among this percentage meant that you could be accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. Because for thousands of years, being Left meant that you simply were not Right.

Ever since a particular series of movies, the legends of Pirates saw a dramatic rise in popularity. But most focus on the Brigands of the West Indies, where those films take place. Here is the story of a pirate from across the world; One who would shock the world by their sheer power and their gender. It just goes to show, a woman doesn't have to be scorned to unleash fury as Hell has never seen.

Witches and witchcraft have faded into obscurity through pop culture and inaccurate histories. They have been portrayed in history to the public at large as devil-worshipping conjurers who use magic to lead others astray. Today, I interview a real Pagan Witch who breaks down the misconceptions. Amanda Howerton is a practicing healer and medicine woman. Listen to our conversation as she presents modern witchcraft, without the wands.

In the early 19th Century, a curious series of events occurred, culminating in the death of a family's Patriarch. The culprit was never caught. Because how do you capture and convict a malicious, ghostly entity of murder? The tale of these strange incidents is still told today, and the cave on the family's property has more sightings of ghostly activity than many other places. Even Andrew Jackson is said to have seen it. So, come with me, as we answer the question: Who was the Bell Witch?

I made a mistake. I admit it. This week, not only would I like to make amends for the mistake made in a previous episode, but the stories told in this episode will highlight blunders, mishaps, and goofs that either directly or indirectly led to the world in which we live. Plus a bonus mistake that didn't really affect those past the incident involved but which makes for a very entertaining tale.

Since the dawn of time, humans have felt a connection to animals of all kinds. Wolves, cats, eagles, and dolphins to name but a few. For some, the Bear was and remains a source of strength and power. Bears have always been a part of our cultural structures, whether religious or simply as a plentiful resource. So it's no wonder the stories of famous real-world bears are almost too plentiful to include all of them in one episode. But I did my best to compile the most entertaining.

Pax Romana is known as one of the most peaceful periods in all of history. But even peaceful times can be fraught with death and deceit. However, violent death was considered to be uncivilized in high society. So what's a rich noble person to do when they want to ascend the social ladder? Enter the First Lady of Death...

His name is Unsinkable Sam. He was purrhaps the most courageous cat in recorded history. A German naval man brought Sam on board during World War II, and he went on to make history. This episode explores Sam's incredible journey, chronocling his many attempts at seafaring.

The world is full of stories. Even the local theater down the street has its share of wonder and mystery. In this episode, show host Aidan Mayne sits down with the Technical Director of Springfield, Missouri's Landers Theater, Chuck Rogers, to talk about all the strange stories that surround the 110-year-old building. Because the fascinating can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Every year, billions of people celebrate their birthdays with a party, friends, and a cake with candles. Have you ever wondered why? The traditions of today can be traced back thousands of years to the cultures of old. As far back as the Ancient Egyptians, the peoples of the world have been celebrating birthdays. Their beliefs and practices have filtered down through the ages to combine into what we see today.

Between 1836 and 1840, Portugal was in the grips of terror. An unknown killer haunted the streets of Lisbon. When the killer was finally brought to justice, the people of Lisbon did something unconventional. Today, the results of this fascinating story are on display at the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Medicine. Music notes: Long Note Four by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

A small teaser for the new history podcast from Aidan Mayne.