Well, I Laughed

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were married lovers, rivals, and life long friends. In a life filled with pain, Frida Kahlo created art and beauty. Find out more about the artwork of Frida Kahlo, Casa Azul, and the work of the beloved Mexican artist. If you've ever wondered "who is Frida Kahlo" you're in luck!  Audience Survey: https://forms.gle/FDEcdHLyrmNxZTd37   00:00:00 Catch-Up 00:16:00 Letters 00:29:31 Enemies & Lovers 00:39:39 The Trolley Accident 00:54:55 The First Marriage 01:10:37 Artistic Career 01:26:20 Weinstein Accusation 1:40:34 Artwork & Final Thoughts

The story of "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" is a beautiful, complicated tale about love and regret and friendship... but if you've only ever seen the musical there is much you don't know! This week, Maia explains what "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire is about. We explore how dark does the original Wicked get. And why the art is so heartbreaking and important on its own. This week, we dig into the life and times of the "Wicked" Witch of the West!  Audience Survey: https://forms.gle/kQN4jdgHnrm1XkCBA 00:00:00-Catch-up 00:10:48-Story begins  00:23:40-Gregory Maguire background 00:52:02-Wizard of Oz Lore 01:05:39-Wicked Lore 01:25:42-Overview of Wicked the novel begins 01:41:05-Wicked: Gilikin 02:07:29-Wicked: City of Emeralds 02:14:05-Wicked: In the Vinkus 02:34:00-Wicked: The Murder and its Afterlife 03:07:15-Back to Gregory 03:11:55-Linking it all together  

Discover a women ahead of her time and instrumental to the women's rights movement. Discover who is Matilda Gage? From radical parents to radical children, Matilda dreamed of a better future. A future she did not live to see, but whose influence has been seen by millions this year. Learn more about the women who battled "Wicked" misogyny and how this impacted her son, L. Frank Baum and his later works in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Story begins 00:14:28

Stories from the people who listen to "Well, I Laughed"! Grant's coach friend Bri writes in with a story about sibling love and rivalry. Katie uncovers fiction and fact from her family's stories. Lucas learns that few good deeds ever go unpunished. And Mala wins the lottery by making a friend on the internet who is actually who she says she is. All that and more, this week on Well, I Laughed! 

Was Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown based on a real person? This week, Maia talks to us about the original Lady Whistledown, Mrs. Crackenthorpe, and whether her true identity is Thomas Baker, or, more likely, Delarivier Manley. Join us as we dive into the gossip pages that were all the rage during this period of whispers and intrigue. Women get published, reputations get ruined, and we attempt to separate fact from fiction. Oh, and do you want to meet the real Lady Cowper? This week, on Well, I Laughed! 

This week, Grant asks a big question, "what is a chaos bisexual?". In our quest for an answer we meet Julie "Maupin" d'Aubigny, also known by her stage name "La Maupin." A sword fighting opera singer who is a lover of all. But did she really commit arson in the name of love? We try to find the truth in the drama. Rumor has it, she was the first chaos bisexual. 

Listeners share their stories with the Well, I Laughed podcast! Emily manages to escape a truly awful man with more than one side to him. Sam's brother tests the spirit of Christmas and his sister's loyalty. Hannah witnesses a porta potty horror story with her very own eyes. Angela reshapes Eastern Europe's view of Americans. And one final listener talks about being the victim of robbery from an unexpected criminal. All that, this week on Well, I Laughed!

Grant talks love and relationships to ring in the New Year! Grant introduces Maia to Dr. Ruth, the infamous sex therapist with a back story as famous and unpredictable as her advice. How does a Holocaust survivor become America's most famous sex therapist? "Who was Dr. Ruth"? and why do we love her so much! This week, on Well, I Laughed! 

It is time for some Christmas traditions around the world! Maia explores some crucial questions like "where did Santa come from?" and "who was St. Nicholas?". Along the way we learn about ancient drama and modern traditions in this very special Christmas podcast episode! We cover everything from the origins of a mid winter celebrations (Sleipnir the horse has how many legs?), to how Christianity affected various Christmas Cryptids as we know them now (Ugly and Beautiful Perchtas?), to traditions around the world (Iceland? How are you handling the Yule Cat and the 13 trolls?), and more! Happy Holidays, from Well, I Laughed! 

A listener episode! This week Holly writes in about surviving a friendship with a con woman. Chris witnesses his dad getting a taste of his own medicine. Noelle survives heartbreak and car accidents in one fateful afternoon. And a listener tells us about the sketchy relatives they're surprisingly (and unfortunately) related to. All that and more, this week on Well, I Laughed! 

A podcast episode on the Thai Cave Rescue! Many of us might remember the news coverage, few have heard the full story. This week Maia pulls together the events and decisions that led to a rescue that is too almost impossible to believe. A story that is at times moving as it is improbable. Bonus podcast content on the Seattle Underground. Maia covers it all! Buried Below part 2, out now!

"Where is the secret government underground cheese cave?" The question is simple enough, the answer has more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese. A podcast episode on cheese! The history of American cheese, why it is called "government cheese". why American cheese looks and taste the way that it does, and what is underground Springfield, Missouri? A journey back in time and down below this week!

**Spoiler Alert** This week's episode is about people and their eccentricities. It is about nepotism and vengeance and fame. It is about how truly dramatic theater people can be. This week, a podcast about John Wilkes Booth. Who was the man who killed Lincoln? Why did Booth kill Lincoln? Who was John Wilkes Booth's family? This week we look at Booth and Lincoln's final act! 

There are some who elevate their craft. Musicians, cooks, artists. In the world of modern beef battles one man regins supreme. Why does 50 Cent hate P Diddy so much? Who knew about P Diddy's dark secrets and private life? This week, Maia gives us an entire podcast on P Diddy and 50 Cent. We might not be "Hot 97", but we're looking for answers.

Is QAnon a cult or a conspiracy theory? How did so many people get sucked into it? Why don't they leave? How does an online belief system become so prevalent so quickly? In the second part of this two-parter, Maia goes down the rabbit hole to investigate the origin of these beliefs, who Q could be, the effect of social media algorithms, and why it is still a danger in 2024. This week, on Well, I Laughed, we look through the lenses of family members of QAnon victims, ex-QAnon members, current QAnon members, experts in high-control groups, and more!

Who joins a cult? Why do people in cults stay? How can people in cults get out? This week, in the first of a two-part episode, Maia dives deep into the world of cults and conspiracy theories. From those centered around political utopias (like Dr. Janja Lalich, a victim of the Democratic Workers Party) to religious salvation (like those involved in the Word of Faith Fellowship run by Jane Whaley), Maia covers the stories of people who found themselves living in a cult, and how they found their way out. This episode serves as an introduction and amuse bouche for next week's episode - QAnon on Well, I Laughed.

A DB Cooper podcast as Grant takes on a true crime story! How does the only successful plane hijacker manage to slip away in the middle of the night with the law following right behind him? Where did he go? And where is the money. This week, on Well, I Laughed we cover the case of the unsolvable sky pirate!

The listener episode! This week Gina talks gin, Alexis gets conned into housing a door-to-door ... vacuum salesman, Mary survives dating an Australian (kind of), and Dawn is shocked to be asked! Two anonymous listeners write in with their own stories. The first plays a game on their ex and the second breaks the heart of a hook up. All this and more, this week on Well, I Laughed!

An episode unlike any we've done before! Grant dives into the legacy of the "NSA leaker" Reality Winner. Her story, like that of so many we have covered on our show, is far more complicated and nuanced than meets the eye. In her journey we ask ourselves tough questions about patriotism and service to your country. Find out what makes this women, and this episode, so truly special. Winners and Losers, out now!

Who was the man that tried to sell the Eiffel Tower? This week, Maia takes us on a podcast journey to the Titanic (well, ships like the Titanic) and a man who knew how to sell. No need to own anything with Victor Lustig around! Fake money machines, card games, property auction, or bribery. Victor Lustig was a man would always managed to hit his mark and slip the cops, until he couldn't. This week, on Well, I Laughed!

A special guest! Jacob, friend of the pod, join us with a special story. "Why did it rain blobs in Oakville?" That is a very good question. One we will attempt to answer, or at least speculate on. Either way we can promise you were are having a good time and, well, we laughed. Enjoy!

"What happened at the Dyatlov Pass?" Is one of the 20th centuries greatest historical mysteries. How could so many experienced, healthy, and prepared young people have passed away like they did? And perhaps even more pressing, what happened to their bodies? In this week's episode, Maia leads Grant throughout some of the theories of the Dyatlov Pass Incident. From the events leading up to the final night, to the fall out. Together, we explore this Soviet secret.  Our longest episode yet and we ... won't be doing this again. Musubi's story at the beginning: Petition: https://www.change.org/p/investigate-the-cdphe?recruiter=310728329&recruited_by_id=ceaba660-0af1-11e5-af42-55ddecb14655&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink GoFundMe: https://givebutter.com/justiceformusubi  

Want to know more about "badass women of history"? Before there was Joan of Arc, there was a Jeanne. Multiple Jeannes. Maybe actually too many Jeannes. Enter Jeanne de Clisson. A women who lived multiple lives, had multiple husbands, and one singular mission: the destruction of French King Phillip VI. Get on board with this killer queen of history (literally). The history mystery? Why do we not know more about Jeanne de Clisson.

We hear from four listeners in this week's listener episode! Hazel shares the story of a local man pushed too far. CJ talks about finding queer love in the South. Casey survives being the lover scorned herself. And Katie relives some classroom trauma from the best/work classroom we've ever heard of. Finally, Maia shares a Reddit AITA story to top off a hilarious episode from the Well, I Laughed listeners.

Who killed Walter Wanderwell? Grant introduces us to a cast of characters with way too many names. From the irreverent Nell Miller to the eccentric Walter Wanderwell to the odd Harriet White Fisher. The real scene stealer, in more ways than one, is Aloha Wanderwell. A women as unique to her time as her name. Travel the world. Love too much. Take pictures along the way, and get to know more about Aloha Wanderwell.

History podcast episode surprise from Maia! Learn more about the Kievan Rus, Vikings in the black sea, and a legendary Queen who murdered... for love. A women who might have inspired some of our favorite female villains today. Who was Queen Olga? How do you throw men into a hole? Are bathhouses flammable? And what can the Christian faith forgive, when you're helping drive up membership? A history comedy podcast episode, just for you!

This week's listener episode features six stories and a whole lot of gossip from Grant and Maia. Stacy shares some all too relatable dating experiences. Mimi has a flashback to the infamous Lee episode in "Falsely Imprisoned". Jessica avoids the world's worst first name. Gina talks about horsing around. And two teachers share tales from the classroom, one from Kayla the other anonymous (and for good reason). That and more, this week, from Well, I Laughed podcast!

What did Michael Barisone do? And how guilty is he? Maia introduces to famous horse trainer and Olympian Michael Barisone along with a cast of other characters, including Lauren Kanarek. A wild tale of competition, dramatic social media posts, and a crime that leaves us certain: this ranch ain't big enough for the both of us!

Who was the Irish Hamilton? Richard Martin was a man of passion. He was just as likely to shoot you in a duel as he was to defend an innocent animal. Sometimes, he'd do both. Find out why was Richard Martin called "Humanity Dick", who founded the ASPCA, and how someone gets the nickname "Hair-Trigger Dick." A funny history podcast episode!

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share their connections with this week's theme "Down to Business". Polly detials an uncomfortably close connection with a man known as Dr. Death. Ashley emailed in about the dangers of donating blood in a story so funny, we almost passed out. Nicole writes in with a friend or foe, deal or no deal story about a high school romance gone wrong. And Warren shares about being the intimidating guy in the parking lot, completely accidentally. All that and more, this week, from Well, I Laughed podcast!

Grant takes the opportunity to share some "weird stories from Australia." He introduces us to an underground, underwater cave system in the middle of a cow field known as "The Shaft" in Australia. Next, he covers the disappearance of Harold Holt. The Australian Prime Minister who was abducted by aliens, eaten by a shark, or something way more normal and boring. Finally, we learn about what happens when you try to take on mother nature. Specifically, when you launch "The Great Emu War". This week's episode has a little fun down under!

Was Mulan real? Did Mulan exist? And, if so, how accurate is the movie Mulan? This week we get down to business to uncover the history behind our favorite female warrior. We meet other important women from East Asian history. Tamoe Gozen, a Japanese Samurai from the 12th century, whose bravery and romances were featured in Heike monogatari (The Tale of Heike), and Murasaki Shikibu, the author of what's thought of as the world's oldest novel, Genji monogatari (The Tale of Gengi). And, of course, we sing a couple of lines from that killer movie soundtrack (singing podcast?). Women in history had something worth fighting for!

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share their connections with this week's theme "Friend or Foe". Including an enemies to lovers story, high school relationships, and the discovery (and peaceful laying to rest) of a spirit who found the friend they needed. And of course, Grant and Maia take this opportunity to catch up on Grant's recent vacation and our plans for the next month. This week, from the Well, I Laughed podcast!

What happened to Laci Peterson? Maia walks us through the mysterious circumstances and tragic death of Laci Peterson. We meet her husband Scott Peterson, learn his alibi, and end up with some serious open questions. What was the killer's motive? How does the media's portrayal of a case affect its outcome? How does Amber Frey make or break this case? A true crime episode, and a potentially unsolved case!

What is eco-terrorism and... is it all bad? In the 1990s the US government found out what happened when you anger young environmentalist and the power of positive reinforcement for things like sabotage. Grant covers who was the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the degree to which their crimes deserved the label "terrorist". Saviors of the planet, terrorist, or both? This week's episode of Well, I Laughed!

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share some of of their wildest stories. A question about mountains, mole hills, and what is really important. The the story of the slowest and funniest attempted police invasion we've ever heard, and more. Some hilarious and heartwarming stories, enjoy!

Criminal justice, true crime, and the bonds of family all clash in today's podcast episode! It starts with a story we've heard before. An innocent man is convicted of a crime he did not commit. Facing life in prison few believe in his innocence or his chances to overturn his conviction. Fortunately, for his sister, this is a hill she is willing to die on. Learn who is Kenny Waters, who is Betty Anne Waters, and the power of a sibling with a little bit of fight. There is something in the Waters!

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! And a story as odd as any we've told. A potentially unsolved mystery. A podcast episode about a spooky (and at times hilarious) cryptid that takes us from the streets of London, to the Isle of Man, to the space between walls. You will not believe what the creature ends up being, or what is ends up saying. That is, if you believe the story at all. Depends on the hill you're willing to die on. Gef the Talking Mongoose AKA Jack the Talking Weasel AKA The Dalby Spook!

Three true crime episodes in a set, well that's a first. The set, a Swedish Bank. The Players, Jan-Erik Olofsson, Sven, Sven, Maybe another Sven?, Kristen Enmark, Brigitta Lundblad, Elisabeth Oldgren, and Clark Olsson. Key events, The streets of Stockholm are swarmed as everyone wants to get in on the most exciting robbery of the summer. Bullets are fired, loves are forged, and Kaj Hansson makes a surprise call in NOT about the bees.

A true crime podcast, part 2! What role did Myles Connor play in the Gardner Museum art heist? How did the mafia and organized crime steal so much artwork, and then how did they make it disappear? We meet more suspects in the Gardner Museum heist. Search for missing Rembrandt paintings. Hear the perspective of Boston Herald journalist Tom Mashberg. We chase leads and go down rabbit holes and yet are still left wondering - how to hide a painting.

A true crime podcast episode! Grant takes us to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, and the night of the Gardner Museum Art Heist. The largest art heist in the world. We meet Myles Connor, Boston's top art thief. We examine if Richard Abath is guilty of the crime, and the role he might have played. We learn a little about Isabella Stuart Gardner, the eccentric women who built the museum. All to get to the bottom of “the largest art heist in history.” Part 1!

A listener episode! Listeners of Well, I Laughed share some of of their wildest prophetic dreams. A priest predicting a house fire. A journal entry that turns out to be all too true. Even college athletes getting you fired. Some hilarious and heartwarming stories, a podcast episode about listening to your dreams, at least sometimes!

Who was Victor Hugo, and why was he so cool? In this podcast episode about Les Misérables and it's creator, Grant shares the fun loving life of the great French writer, Victor Hugo. Part history podcast, part lifestyle guide, Hugo helped define and describe the era he lived through. We learn about the writing of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and the writers commitment to the less fortunate, both in fiction and reality. Party tricks, politics, and publishing defined the life of a man who dreamed a dream of time to come!

A true crime podcast episode on the Red Barn Murder in Polstead in 1827. Maia introduces us to a surprising number of Anne's as she explains who was Maria Martin. How tragic and unnecessary her death was, and the man behind the crime, murderer William Corder. Grant and Maia cover the difficult choices women were left with in the 1800s, why a bad man got away with so much, and finally the trial and execution of William Corder. Join us as Maia explains a Little Red Lie.

It is our first listener episode! Listeners from the Well, I Laughed universe share stories about surviving family curses, gay haircuts, a terrible first date story, and the unsettling "St. Mikulas" tradition in Prague! An episode of shocking, surprising, and funny episodes all about being Out and About.

Drag is art, drag is exciting, drag is… old? This week, Maia explores the history of drag. From drag in Ancient Greece and Rome and male only casts, to more contemporary artist like the work of Julian Eltinge. Maia shares the life of William Dorsey Swann, who was America's first drag queen, or at least one of them. Taking us to the Drag Balls of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance and the extravagant homes of DC that first held drag gatherings. Swann's life proves that drag has history in America. Take a swan dive in the life of “William Dorsey Swann”!

Where did the phrase “coming out of the closet” come from? Is history gay? And if it is, why is gay history a secret? This week's podcast episode looks at famous gay people in history. Including gay Kings of England and America's first gay president, at least potentially. Grant and Maia also take on the controversy of learning gay history. Explore the perks of being a spinster. Before ending with a tour of modern gay history in the United States. They say he was never married, a confirmed bachelor, and famous for his dinner parties. A queer history, now out!

Stories from the Reddit AITA page. The challenge of being a new mom with a clueless new father. A family that respects their daughters wishes. A family prank that went too far. And disappointing husbands that could do more to support their spouse. A series of funny Reddit stories about people who might have taken it a little too far. Excessive force AITA!

A podcast on workers rights and the labor movement! Striking workers and unsafe working conditions, a uniquely American story. This week, Grant explores two historic moments in the labor rights movement. The Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York. We learn more about Albert Parsons and Lucy Parsons, Clara Lemlich, and even get a surprise appearance from gilded age aristocrats. Discover the meaning behind May Day in today's episode, March to May!

Today's podcast episode is about a famous school rivalry. The rivalry between Denver University and the Colorado School of Mines. Maia covers some pranks that go too far. Pranks with explosives, hostages, and lots of ways to go wrong, at least a little. It is about more than a game of football, or a big white M on the side of the mountain. An episode on school pride and smart people doing dumb things. CU vs CSU. Auburn vs Georgia Tech. Harvard vs Yale. John Evans vs History. Who's side are you on?