In this episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie take a deep dive into the life of Elizabeth Cochran Seaman, better known by her fearless pen name, Nellie Bly. Born in rural Pennsylvania in 1864, she punched her ticket out of small-town life with nothing but grit, charm, and a typewriter. We trace her journey from broke journalist pounding out articles in Pittsburgh to her bold decision to feign insanity and storm New York City’s notorious Blackwell’s Island asylum. Along the way we uncover the societal constraints she shattered just by daring to dream of a world where women could write, investigate, and shake the very foundations of big institutions. The heart of the story centers on Bly’s ten-day immersion in the asylum, where she endured starvation rations, filthy conditions, and the whims of guardians more interested in profit than people. Armed only with her wits and a small notebook, she chronicled abuses that would later spark one of the first major reforms in America’s mental health system. We break down her tactics for slipping past the front desk, her brush-ups with fellow patients and unhinged staff, and the explosive exposé that thrust her into the national spotlight. It’s a gripping reminder that good reporting can be as dramatic as any stage show. In our final act we follow Bly’s globe-circling adventure that saw her beat Phileas Fogg’s fictional record and become the first woman to travel around the world alone in 72 days, all while drawing headlines and challenging gender norms. We also explore her later life as a war correspondent covering the Spanish-American War and her surprising pivot into industrial innovation, including a steam boiler patent that saved lives. By the end you’ll see how Nellie Bly’s restless curiosity and unbreakable spirit turned every assignment into an adventure, and why her legacy still inspires journalists and weirdos alike to chase the next big story. - Get History For Weirdos merch here! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: ⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com - Sources for this week: Kroeger, Brooke. Nellie Bly: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist. Times Books, 1994. Indiana University of Pennsylvania Archives (Nellie Bly educational history and records) PBS American Experience: Nellie Bly Library of Congress Digital Collections: Nellie Bly Collection Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887) by Nellie Bly Around the World in Seventy-Two Days (1890) by Nellie Bly The Nellie Bly Collection (compiled editions available via Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the heart of Tombstone, Arizona, a gunfight erupted that would echo across history, but the real story of the O.K. Corral is far messier, bloodier, and weirder than the Hollywood versions let on. This week, we dive deep into the tangled web of grudges, rivalries, and outright chaos that led to one of the most infamous shootouts of the American Wild West. But the O.K. Corral wasn’t the end, it was just the beginning. In this episode, we unravel the bloody aftermath: the revenge killings, the manhunts, and the myth-making that would turn Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday into reluctant legends. We’ll explore how a dusty frontier town became the backdrop for a brutal power struggle, and why the real Tombstone story is far stranger (and far sadder) than you were ever taught. So holster up, Weirdos! This isn’t your sanitized Wild West. This is Tombstone’s Bloody Reckoning. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: ⁠historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what RoboCop has in common with Renaissance paintings and ancient Roman orators? In this epic episode of History For Weirdos, your hosts Andrew and Stephanie sit down with the legendary actor, historian, and fellow Weirdo Dr. Peter Weller. From his iconic role as RoboCop to his scholarly passion for Italian Renaissance art, Weller takes listeners on a whirlwind adventure through history, art, and pop culture, proving he’s a true Renaissance man himself. Join us as we explore why Giotto di Bondone isn't just another painter: he's a revolutionary artist whose innovations changed visual storytelling forever. Alongside tales from the set of RoboCop and insights into ancient Rome’s enduring impact on today's world, Weller seamlessly connects the dots between seemingly unrelated topics, revealing a universe where art, history, and science fiction collide. This episode isn't just a conversation, it's a journey through the delightfully strange intersections of human history & creativity. You can get Dr Peter Weller's book, "Leon Battista Alberti" here! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of History For Weirdos, Andrew and Stephanie journey back to ancient Egypt to explore the bizarre yet captivating story of the infamous pharaoh affectionately—or perhaps mockingly—nicknamed "Potbelly." Known formally as Pharaoh Ptolemy VIII Physcon, his moniker literally translates to "fat belly," but his strange nickname pales in comparison to the disturbing reality of his reign. While undeniably intelligent, displaying strategic political savvy and a keen understanding of governance, his intelligence was overshadowed by his ruthless cruelty and utter lack of charm. Potbelly's rule was marred by scandal, betrayal, and a penchant for violence that made him deeply unpopular among his subjects and contemporaries. From poisoning family members to publicly humiliating rivals, his despotic actions plunged Egypt into turmoil, undermining the very kingdom he sought to control. Yet, his keen mind managed to secure his power repeatedly, displaying a twisted genius in statecraft that kept historians both fascinated and repulsed. Join us as we unpack the enigmatic life of one of ancient Egypt’s most paradoxical rulers. Was Pharaoh Potbelly merely a victim of historical exaggeration, or was he truly as vile and despised as records suggest? Tune in to find out why this despicable pharaoh remains one of history's most intriguingly unpleasant figures - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Okay, buckle up, because History For Weirdos is back! Also check out our brand new merch here!! **If you want to skip ahead and get to the story itself, go to the 20:20 mark** This week's History for Weirdos dives into the bananas – literally – story of the 1954 Guatemalan coup. Picture this: Guatemala, 1950s, a newly elected president, Jacobo Árbenz, with a wild idea: giving unused land back to the people. Sounds kinda nice, right? Not to the United Fruit Company, the mega-corp basically running the country like their own personal banana republic (pun intended, always). UFCO had been low-balling their land's value for taxes for years, and Arbenz's reforms, while offering compensation, were based on THOSE lowballed tax values. The Company freaked and decided a little "regime change" was in order. So, how do you convince the most powerful nation on Earth to overthrow a democratically-elected government because your bottom line is threatened? Easy! You scream "COMMUNISM!" at the top of your lungs during the height of the Red Scare. UFCO, with its tentacles wrapped around powerful figures in the U.S. government (some serious "swamp" vibes, even for the '50s), launched a propaganda blitz, painting Árbenz as a Soviet puppet. The CIA, never ones to shy away from a little covert chaos, jumped in, cooked up some "rebel" forces, and poof – democracy extinguished, all to keep those sweet, sweet banana profits flowing. It's a tale of corporate greed, Cold War paranoia, and the sheer, unadulterated weirdness of international politics. We are going to have a good time with this one. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're coming back Weirdos! We'll have brand new episodes starting on March 17th (St Patricks Day)! Our first episodes will take you from Ancient Egypt to the CIA and everything in between. Buckle up because ITS ABOUT TO GET WEIRD. We also have a merch store! Check it out here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/HFWPodcast/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back, Weirdos to another spine-tingling episode of History for Weirdos! This week, we're unraveling the baffling case of Grace Marks, a young Irish-Canadian maid who found herself entangled in a gruesome double homicide that shocked 19th-century Canada. In 1843, Upper Canada was rocked by the brutal murders of Thomas Kinnear, a wealthy farmer, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The prime suspects? None other than the seemingly innocent Grace Marks and her fellow servant, James McDermott. But did this unassuming maid truly play a part in this bloody crime, or was she merely a pawn in a deadly game? Join us as we sift through the conflicting accounts, the whispers of a possible conspiracy, and the psychological labyrinth of a young woman trapped in a web of deceit. Was Grace a cold-blooded killer, a manipulated accomplice, or simply an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time? - This is the last episode we will be airing before our hiatus. Thank you so much for supporting the show, it means the world to us both. We are not sure when we will be back but we need a bit of time to recharge. Until then, stay weird! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's been called "The George Washington of South America," but Simón Bolívar was so much more than that! This week on History For Weirdos, we're diving deep into the life and times of this revolutionary figure who led the fight for independence in several South American countries. From his privileged upbringing to his daring military campaigns, we'll uncover the complexities of Bolívar's character and explore the lasting impact he had on the continent. Get ready for tales of battlefield triumphs, political intrigue, and a relentless pursuit of liberty that shaped the destiny of nations. But that's not all, Weirdos! We'll also delve into some of the lesser-known aspects of Bolívar's life, including his rumored love affairs and the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death. Was he truly a visionary leader or a power-hungry dictator? Join us as we unravel the enigma of Simón Bolívar and uncover the truth behind the legend.  - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Weirdos! Buckle up for a trip back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, but not the way you remember it from your high school history class. This week, we're digging into the life of Dolores Del Rio, a Mexican actress who became a silent film sensation and one of the biggest stars of the 1920s and 30s. Now, you might be scratching your head wondering why you've never heard of this trailblazing Latina, and that's precisely why we're putting her in the HFW spotlight! Dolores's story is a wild ride of glamour, prejudice, and ultimately, triumph. We're talking scandalous love affairs, political intrigue, and a career that spanned continents and decades. Imagine a time when Hollywood was just finding its footing, and a young woman from Durango, Mexico, arrives on the scene, captivating audiences with her beauty and talent. Dolores defied stereotypes, becoming a symbol of elegance and sophistication during a time when Latinx representation was scarce. But her journey was far from easy. Join us as we uncover the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and the lasting impact she had on both Hollywood and Mexican cinema. Get ready to uncover a hidden corner of Hollywood history, as we explore the fascinating and often forgotten life of Dolores Del Rio. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on History For Weirdos, we're diving deep into the shadows of World War I and II with special guest Dr. Helen Fry, a leading expert on espionage and clandestine operations. Dr. Fry unveils the captivating stories of the forgotten heroes who risked everything for their countries, from the daring female spies who infiltrated enemy lines to the ordinary citizens who became resistance fighters. Discover the incredible true tales of these unsung heroes, whose bravery and sacrifice changed the course of history. Join us as we explore the secret world of wartime espionage and resistance, uncovering the remarkable achievements of individuals who operated in the shadows, their contributions often overlooked or intentionally obscured. Dr. Fry sheds light on the crucial roles played by these individuals, from gathering vital intelligence to carrying out daring sabotage missions. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the hidden corners of history, only on History For Weirdos! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*This is the video version of this episode. Available on Spotify only* In this week's special episode of History For Weirdos, we discuss the intersection of LSD, the CIA and the Nazi Party with New York Times bestselling author Norman Ohler. His books, "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" & "Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age" uncover the shocking and pervasive use of drugs throughout Hitler's regime. From methamphetamine-fueled soldiers on the battlefield to the search for a miraculous truth serum, Ohler's meticulously researched book reveals the extent to which narcotics shaped the decisions and actions of Nazi Germany and subsequently the United States. We'll dive into the disturbing details of Hitler's own drug dependency, the mass distribution of performance-enhancing substances to the troops, and the pharmaceutical industry's complicity in fueling this chemical frenzy. Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of the intersection between drugs, power, and war. Ohler's insights will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the darkest chapter in human history. This is one episode you won't want to miss! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's special episode of History For Weirdos, we discuss the intersection of LSD, the CIA and the Nazi Party with New York Times bestselling author Norman Ohler. His books, "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" & "Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age" uncover the shocking and pervasive use of drugs throughout Hitler's regime. From methamphetamine-fueled soldiers on the battlefield to the search for a miraculous truth serum, Ohler's meticulously researched book reveals the extent to which narcotics shaped the decisions and actions of Nazi Germany and subsequently the United States. We'll dive into the disturbing details of Hitler's own drug dependency, the mass distribution of performance-enhancing substances to the troops, and the pharmaceutical industry's complicity in fueling this chemical frenzy. Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of the intersection between drugs, power, and war. Ohler's insights will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the darkest chapter in human history. This is one episode you won't want to miss! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Spanish Inquisition, a phrase that evokes images of torture chambers, religious persecution, and a dark chapter in human history. But what was the Inquisition truly about? Was it a brutal campaign of religious oppression, or a complex historical phenomenon with nuanced motivations? In this episode of History for Weirdos, Andrew looks into the murky depths of the Spanish Inquisition, separating myth from reality, and exploring the motivations behind this infamous institution. Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the intricate tapestry of events that led to the establishment of the Inquisition by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, the methods employed by its inquisitors, and the lasting impact it had on Spain and the world. From the persecution of religious minorities to the suppression of intellectual dissent, we examine the Inquisition's far-reaching influence and the profound consequences it had on countless lives. Prepare to be both fascinated and disturbed as we explore the dark side of human history, and shed light on a period that continues to intrigue and horrify to this day. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of "History For Weirdos", Andrew and Steff interview Jon Collins-Black, the author of "There's Treasure Inside" which gives clues to one of the greatest hidden treasures in American history! Jon personally spent over $2 million of his own money to acquire different treasures, often of a historical nature. Lost Spanish gold, Hellenistic jewelry, an art deco brooch that used to belong to Jackie Kennedy, and even a first edition Charizard Pokémon card can be found in the loot. If you want to hear from the man himself on why (and potentially where) he hid the treasure, you'll want to give this a watch (or listen). You can pre-order his book now at https://treasureinside.com/ - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Originally released on April 19th, 2020* Happy Labor Day Weirdos! Ever heard of a labor strike happening over 3,000 years ago? We bet you haven't! In this episode of History For Weirdos, we're dusting off the ancient papyrus scrolls and taking you back to the reign of Ramses III in 1157 BC. It turns out that even in the grand shadow of the pyramids, workers had their breaking points. Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the tale of disgruntled artisans and laborers who decided to down tools and demand their due. This wasn't just any protest; it's considered the first recorded labor strike in history! Get ready to explore the surprisingly relatable struggles of these ancient Egyptians who were fed up with delayed rations and unfair treatment. We'll delve into the fascinating details of their daring act of defiance and the unexpected consequences that rippled through the kingdom. It's a story that reminds us that the fight for fair working conditions isn't a modern invention; it's as old as civilization itself. So, buckle up for a time-traveling adventure that will leave you marveling at the resilience and resourcefulness of the world's first strikers! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the name "Cleopatra" often conjures images of the famed Egyptian queen (Cleopatra VII), we're venturing even further back in time to uncover the captivating story of Cleopatra Syra, Cleopatra I. First, a princess of the vast Seleucid Empire, her life was a tapestry woven with political intrigue, familial strife, and a relentless pursuit of power once she was married off to the Ptolemies as a political pawn. Often overshadowed by her more renowned namesake, Cleopatra Syra's story is an incredible one: resilience, ambition, and the complexities of ruling in a world dominated by men. Join us on this episode of History for Weirdos as we shed light on this enigmatic figure. We'll explore her pivotal role in the Ptolemaic dynasty, her strategic marriages, and the challenges she faced navigating a court rife with conspiracies and betrayals. From her early years as a pawn in political games to her later reign marked by both triumphs and tragedies, Cleopatra Syra's life offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked corners of Hellenistic Egypt. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com - Sources: https://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Forgotten-Queens-Egypt/dp/1541602927/ref=asc_df_1541602927?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693608195517&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12411698651690026370&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061109&hvtargid=pla-2290758998283&psc=1&mcid=39fb71c1eb903ff6935d68b67023cfed&gad_source=1&dplnkId=a6dec084-1a72-4f6a-9c37-5ef782d11a26&nodl=1 https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-I-Syra https://the-past.com/feature/the-cleopatras-part-1-cleopatra-i-the-syrian/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_I_Syra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for a wild ride back to New Kingdom Ancient Egypt, where we're shining a spotlight on Akhenaten, the pharaoh who turned the religious world upside down. Forget pyramids and mummies - this guy was all about the sun, and he wasn't afraid to shake things up. We'll dive deep into his obsession with the sun god Aten, his audacious attempt to erase the old gods, and the bizarre artistic style that flourished under his rule. But it's not all sunbeams and rainbows. We'll also explore the backlash against his radical reforms, the mystery surrounding his family life, and the desperate attempts to erase his memory from history. Was Akhenaten a visionary ahead of his time, or just a power-hungry heretic? Join us as we uncover the truth behind this enigmatic pharaoh and his sun-drenched legacy. It's a story so weird, it'll make your head spin faster than a scarab beetle on a hot desert day! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of History For Weirdos, Stephanie looks into the extraordinary life of Jim Thorpe, a man whose athletic prowess remains unmatched to this day. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation, excelled in virtually every sport he attempted, from football and baseball to track and field and even ballroom dancing. He won Olympic gold medals, played professional baseball and football, and left an indelible mark on the world of sports. But Thorpe's story is not just one of triumph. It's also a tale of resilience in the face of prejudice and injustice. Join us as we explore Thorpe's remarkable achievements, the challenges he overcame, and the legacy he left behind. Get ready to be inspired by the story of a true sporting legend, a man who defied expectations and proved that greatness knows no bounds. - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com - Sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-thorpe https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jim-Thorpe-American-athlete https://www.profootballhof.com/players/jim-thorpe/ https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=TH016 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mobituaries-the-final-resting-place-of-sports-superstar-jim- thorpe/ https://www.biography.com/athlete/jim-thorpe https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/jim-thorpe-backlash-olympic-medals-debacle- and-demise-carlisle https://www.potawatomiheritage.com/encyclopedia/jim-thorpe/ https://usopm.org/jim-thorpe/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-are-jim-thorpes-olympic-records-still-not- recognized-130986336/ https://www.ripleys.com/stories/jim-thorpe-pennsylvania https://www.pbs.org/native-america/blog/warrior-spirit-jim-thorpes-lasting-impact-on-sports https://www.unc.edu/discover/jim-thorpes-olympic-wins-restored-110-years-later/ https://www.history.com/news/jim-thorpe-sports-native-american-athlete-olympics https://sourcenm.com/2024/05/06/jim-thorpe-honored-by-president-joe-biden/ https://brightpathstrong.org/meet-jim-thorpe-a-real-life-native-american-superhero/ https://oklahomasportshalloffame.org/jim-thorpe-museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empires rise and fall, and yet, some stories get lost in the sands of time. Today on History for Weirdos, we're dusting off the annals of history to bring you the tale of Zenobia, the fierce queen of Palmyra. Not your average monarch, Zenobia defied the mighty Roman Empire, carving out her own kingdom in the heart of the Syrian Desert. This wasn't your run-of-the-mill rebellion, folks. We're talking a full-scale challenge to one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. Zenobia was a queen like no other - a warrior, a scholar, and a leader who dared to dream of a world where Rome didn't rule everything. But what led this remarkable woman to challenge an empire? And how did her story end? Join us as we delve into the life and times of this extraordinary figure, exploring the political intrigue, the daring battles, and the ultimate fate of Zenobia, the rebel queen of Palmyra. *This episode was originally released on June 21, 2022* - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever heard of a labor leader / mobster vanishing into thin air? Buckle up, Weirdos, because this week we're diving deep into the perplexing disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, a man whose life was as captivating as his vanishing act. Andrew takes you on a wild ride through Hoffa's fascinating backstory, his meteoric rise to power as the head of the Teamsters Union, and the accomplishments that made him a legend... or a villain, depending on who you ask. We'll look into the shady dealings, the whispers of mafia connections, and the events that led up to that fateful day on July 30th, 1975 when Hoffa simply vanished from a suburban Detroit restaurant. Was it a mob hit? Did he fake his own death? Or did aliens abduct him for some intergalactic labor negotiations? Okay, maybe not that last one, but we'll explore all the theories, from the plausible to the downright bizarre, as we try to unravel this enduring mystery. So grab your detective hats and join us on this deep dive into one of history's most perplexing unsolved cases. It's a tale of power, corruption, and a disappearance that continues to baffle even the most seasoned investigators. - *We had a technical issue recording this episode so please excuse the audio in this episode. Thanks for your understanding!* - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: historyforweirdos@gmail.com IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: historyforweirdos.com - Sources: Where is Jimmy Hoffa? A Look at Searches in Michigan (Detroit Free Press) Jimmy Hoffa (Wikipedia) Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa (PBS) Jimmy Hoffa (Britannica) A Worker's Hero (Teamster.org) Jimmy Hoffa (Biography.com) Wright, Chris. "The Life & Times of Jimmy Hoffa." Class, Race, and Corporate Power (7:2,2019). Jimmy Hoffa (Detroit Historical Society) Following the Facts to a Possible Hoffa Hit House (Mob Museum) "They Paint Houses": The House Where Jimmy Hoffa Was Killed (Daco Investigations – PI) The Search for Jimmy Hoffa's Body (The Week) "Blood Found at House Not Hoffa's" (The Oakland Press) "Found in Ford's train station: Whiskey, water, but no Hoffa." Automotive News, vol. 94, no. 6919, 2020/02/03/, pp. 36. ProQuest, https://proxy.lib.wayne.edu/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.proxy.lib.wayne.edu/trade-journals/found-fords-train-station-whiskey- water-no-hoffa/docview/2351618755/se-2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices