Not So Familiar History

Remember when American Idol was such a big deal? We don't either! Come listen to our episode on Eurovision Song Contest--a show that not only showcases talented artists from all over the world, but also serves as a geopolitical and diplomatic event. Learn about the song contest that blows our paltry contests out of the water and makes our hosts wish we were in Europe.

In this episode, we dive into the good, the complicated and controversial, and the bad surrounding cults. From classical Roman religious cults to the contentious Gulen and Falun Gong movements to the infamous Jonestown, join us as we politely ask to indoctrinate you.

Fairytales are things of wonder and oral tradition, passed on through the ages in a variety of cultural contexts. Join us as we delve into one of our favorites, Cinderella, through Vietnamese, Germanic, and French traditions, as well as the popular Disney spin-offs we know and love today.

Sexualized period dramas have been in vogue for a while now, but there's nothing quite like Bridgerton, Netflix's new soapy Regency-era drama. After recently binging all of the show, Helen and David decided to take a deep dive into some famed literature and paintings to see how, through beloved adaptations and evolutions, sexualization in art has transformed to meet its cultural surroundings.

Influenced by the prevalence of recent K-Dramas and "fake news", Helen and David take a look at the historians of Joseon Korea. These historians compiled the events of every single day in the kingdom and, most amazingly, were allowed to write the unvarnished truth. Today, their records stand as a model and a contrast to biases in what we archive, what we are told, and what we are taught. Take a deep dive with us!

In this episode, join us as we travel through the different iterations of Hell. From cultural, to literary, to religious interpretations, can we come to a consensus? And is that consensus that the devil is pretty attractive? Listen to find out!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and happy holidays regardless of your affiliation! Today, on Christmas itself, we are delving into some quirky holiday traditions and stories. Move over Santa, because we're bringing in the witches and the whippers to ring in the holiday this year.

In a year where we lost some feminist greats and a lot of progress seemingly hangs in the balance, we look at two giants in the feminist canon who, quite literally, changed everything. From Sappho to Woolf, this is a tale of two ladies from the world of literature who made waves and revolutionized movements.

2020 is just the worst, but what if it isn't THE worst? Join us as we look at the harrowing events of 1883, a year full of pandemics, wars, colonization, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis...because, after all, misery loves company. 

TikTok is synonymous with trends nowadays, and one of the biggest things we've seen on TikTok is the concept of 'cores'. In this episode, we take a look at cottage-core, in its modern sense, and in its royal roots at Versailles. And yes, we believe Marie Antoinette would be both Instagram and TikTok famous if she was alive today.