History's Greatest Screwups

Follow History's Greatest Screwups
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A podcast with stories about poor decisions, unfortunate mistakes, and bad luck in history. Each pod will feature a historical story and a themed beverage with plenty of room for laughs, commiseration, and tales of comeuppance. Be good people and make good choices so you don't end up on this pod!

HGSPod


    • Jun 10, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 11 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from History's Greatest Screwups with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from History's Greatest Screwups

    10. The Mile-High Olympics That Never Were

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 54:12


    Join guest B.Erin Cole for a rousing discussion about the failed Denver Olympics bid! Come for the sports, stay for the infrastructure and ballot initiatives history!

    9. Airdropped Snacks or Has Parachute But Can't Get Down Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 38:26


    In the second half of a series, Anna Kramer concludes the story of how George Hopkins got down from the top of Devils Tower or Bear Lodge in 1941. Airdropped snacks, the Goodyear blimp, and midnight drives are just some of the shenanigans that abound in this episode!

    snacks goodyear get down parachutes devils tower george hopkins
    8. Has Parachute but Can't Get Down: Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 21:54


    What do airdropped axels, $50 bets, and tangled ropes have in common? In the first of a two-part series, Anna Kramer tells us the story of George Hopkins, who managed to get himself stuck on top of Devils Tower in 1941. What goes up does not always come back down.

    get down parachutes devils tower george hopkins
    7. Border Boo-boos

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 38:58


    What do pigs, wooden stakes, and lost border surveyors have in common? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sheila McManus about how screwups shaped the creation of the US-Canadian border. Join us for settler screw-ups, including almost starting a war over a pig!

    6.Catching the Camel Craze pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 20:52


    In the second of another two-part series, Amanda Martin-Hardin concludes the story of the failed U.S. Camel Corps and the ultimate fate of the camels. Ghost camels, zoos, and headless riders! For every play/download in the next 72 hours, a dollar will be donated to GWC Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/solidarity-with-columbia-academic-student-workers

    5.Catching the Camel Craze pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 21:08


    In the first of another two-part series, Amanda Martin-Hardin recounts the complex story of the failed US Camel Corps. Camel facts, Jefferson Davis, and a mule lobby! For every play/download in the next 72 hours, a dollar will be donated to GWC Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/solidarity-with-columbia-academic-student-workers

    4. Friends don't let friends invade Russia (or be Nazis) - pt 2.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 42:21


    In the second part on how history demonstrates why it's a bad idea to invade Russia, guest Kathryn Randall tells us how the Nazis bit off more than they bargained for when they invaded Russia. Nazis, frozen tanks, and a catatonic Stalin! CW: genocide, racism, and rape.

    3: Friends don't let friends invade Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 22:50


    In the first episode of a two-part series, we are joined by Kathryn Randall from CU-Boulder to discuss Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812. Spoiler alert: make sure you bring a coat if you choose to invade Russia!

    2.At least they brought a sweater?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 49:35


    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Alex Langer to discuss James Brudenell's, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, epic mishaps during his time as a retreating figure in 19th-century British history. It's not Bridgerton but hey, muttonchops, duels, and mayhem abound!

    1: A Taxman Gets Lost in Yellowstone

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 91:04


    In 1870, a tax man named Truman Everts spent 37 days lost in the area that would eventually become Yellowstone National Park. He did survive, but only just. This episode, with guest Dr. Megan Kate-Nelson, traces how Everts came to be in such a prickly situation and how his story illustrates how Americans sought to re-create themselves following the Civil War.

    Trailer - episodes coming soon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 1:01


    Introducing History's Greatest Screwups! A podcast about poor decisions, unfortunate mistakes, and bad luck in history. Follow on twitter or connect with us at historysgreatestscrewups.com!

    Claim History's Greatest Screwups

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel