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Who Started the Fire?
Mark and Jen Martin
22 episodes
2 days ago
Have you ever wondered what all the random, disjointed lyrics in Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire' meant? We did too! Join us each week as we look at the song line by line to discover all of the interesting historical and pop culture events the singer wanted to immortalize. Maybe we'll even find an answer to who started the fire along the way.
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History
RSS
All content for Who Started the Fire? is the property of Mark and Jen Martin and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Have you ever wondered what all the random, disjointed lyrics in Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire' meant? We did too! Join us each week as we look at the song line by line to discover all of the interesting historical and pop culture events the singer wanted to immortalize. Maybe we'll even find an answer to who started the fire along the way.
Show more...
History
Episodes (20/22)
Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 22 Starkweather Homicide, Children of Thalidomide

Two teens shock the US with a multi state crime spree, and a pharmaceutical company's "wonder drug" hits the market, only to ruin thousands of lives.

Come along with us to two of the darker parts of 1958.

(We may sound a little off in this one, Jen was recovering from a cold)

*Content warning: this episode discuses violence, abuse, and unethical medical practices*


Sources:

detroitnews.com

history.com

“Last Podcast on the Left - Charles Starkweather Part 1”

“Last Podcast on the Left - Charles Starkeather Part 2”

wowt.com (Omaha news channel)

nbcnews.com

plainshumanities.unl.edu

murderpedia.org

wyohistory.org

“Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine - Thalidomide”

thalidomidetrust.org

grunenthal.com

“Stuff You Missed in History Class - A Brief History of Thalidomide Part 1”

“Stuff You Missed in History Class - A Brief History of Thalidomide Part 2”

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9 months ago
1 hour 27 minutes 32 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 21 Lebanon, Charles de Gaulle, California baseball

The year is 1958, and there's a lot going on! This episode we'll look at a potential global crisis, a prominent historical figure, and, most shocking of all, Jen actually talks about baseball!

Sources:

britannica.com

history.com

Mlb.com


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2 years ago
1 hour 7 minutes 14 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 20 Sputnik, Chou En-Lai, “Bridge on the Kwai”

This week we will cover some important topics from 1957. We discuss a Russian Rocket, a Chinese Premier, and one of the most well received war movies of it's time! Come and learn much about these topics... that is until our dog Bailey has some thoughts of his own! 🙄

Sources:

britannica.com

imdb.com

oscars.org

bbc.com

history.nasa.gov

engineering.purdue.edu

nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov

astronomy.com

pbs.org

history.state.gov

bbc.com

nasa.gov


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2 years ago
59 minutes 55 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 15 Davy Crockett, Peter Pan, Elvis Presley, Disneyland

This episode we take a look at four very recognizable figures that all have important ties to 1955. We'll explore the pop culture, and real history of a prominent figure from American folk lore, a brief overview of a much loved character, the surprising origins and sparkling friendship of the King of Rock n Roll, and finally the rocky beginnings of the "Happiest Place on Earth"!


Want to watch the NBC broadcast we discussed in the show? You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VusJd4x3tl8


If you'd like to drop us a line, send an email to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com, or leave a comment on our socials @whostartedthefirepod on Instagram and Facebook!


Sources:

imdb.com

mtishows.com

biography.com

musicals101.com

Latimes.com

history.com

adayinlatours.com

memphistravel.com

entertainment.howstuffworks.com

graceland.com

britannica.com

history.howstuffworks.com

time.com

Palmspringslife.com

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2 years ago
1 hour 15 minutes 35 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 19 Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Kerouac

We're back (again)! In this episode we talk about nine brave students, one expensive rookie card, the complicated lives of two Russian men, and four friends who had a lasting impact on American culture. Come along as we talk about 1957ish, the good, the bad, and the perplexing.

history.com

britannica.com

nobelprize.org

sparknotes.com

seattletimes.com

sites.bu.edu

biography.com

goodreads.com

penguinrandomhouse.com

beatdom.com

washingtonpost.com

uscourts.gov

baseballhall.org

blackpast.org

learningforjustice.org

mlb.com

sportscardsrock.com


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2 years ago
1 hour 10 minutes 8 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 18 Chorus Break Bonus #2

We made it to the second chorus break!!

Join us as we look back at some memorable topics from the last several episodes and discuss the highs, the lows, and all the (sometimes spooky) in betweens!  We'll also take a look at a man made fire that was so devastating, it actually changed the way forest services workers handled large blazes.  As a special Halloween trick/treat, we'll even reveal Mark's terrible joke that got cut from the previous episode.

Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com, find us on Facebook and Instagram at @whostartedthefirepod, or write us a review wherever you listen!

Sources:

cdnc.ucr.edu

wildfirelessons.net

news.google.com

csusb.edu

coloradofirecamp.com

sandiegouniontribune.com

nfsl.contentdm.oclc.org

voicesofsandiego.org

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3 years ago
53 minutes 53 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 17 Princess Grace, Peyton Place, Trouble in the Suez

In this episode we talk about a real life fairytale, a sensational debut novel that outraged the nation, and the complex history of one of the world's most important shipping routes.  

Want to reach out to us? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @whostartedthefirepod, or send an email to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

“Peyton Place” by Grace Metalious

encyclopedia.com

unhmagazine.unh.edu

pgrusa.org

people.com

hellomonaco.com

britannica.com

beyondgracekelly.com

history.com

cde.state.co.us

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3 years ago
1 hour 10 minutes 10 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 16 Bardot, Budapest, Alabama, Khrushchev

We're back from our unintentional hiatus!

In this episode we look at some decidedly somber topics that have far reaching effects.  We'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of one of the world's most recognizable faces, the speech that changed the (Communist) world, the shocking response to student protests, and the real story behind the myth of a tired woman who altered the course of history.

*Disclaimer: this episode was recorded before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Want to reach out to us? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @whostartedthefirepod or drop a line to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com.

Sources:

imdb.com

history.com

nbcnews.com

vanityfair.com

francetoday.com

britannica.com

fondationbrigittebardot.fr

digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org

history.com

isaacnewtonacademy.org

dailyhistory.org

soviethistory.msu.edu

billofrightsinstitute.org

womenshistory.org

kinginstitute.stanford.edu

aljazeera.com

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3 years ago
1 hour 15 minutes 44 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 14 Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn’s got a winning team
From lost daughters to eerie warnings, join us for some surprising history and dad jokes on this week's episode as we look at 1955.   Sources: history.com jamesdean.com imdb.com brittanica.com legacy.com chicagotribune.com legacy.com baseballhall.org Lamag.com
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3 years ago
1 hour 8 minutes 44 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 13 Dien Bien Phu falls, Rock Around the Clock
Only two topics this week?! Don't worry, we take this rare opportunity to dive a little deeper than normal into the end of French Indochina, and the beginnings of rock 'n roll, or should we say novelty foxtrot? Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com or you can find us on Instagram and Facebook @whostartedthefirepod! Sources: history.com britannica.com songfacts.com npr.com billhaley.com
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3 years ago
53 minutes 9 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 12 Roy Cohn, Juan Peron, Toscanini, Dacron

This week was worth the wait as we dive into a key player from multiple past episodes, the husband of a beloved Argentinian singer, a true maestro, and the miracle fabric that changed the world (for better or worse?).  Join us as we look at 1954 and some of its highs and lows!  Want to reach out to us? Drop a line to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!  Or you can find us on Instagram and Facebook to see photos and updates!


Sources:

nytimes.com

playbill.com

britannica.com

encyclopedia.com

un.org

reference.com

whomhome.com

greenmatters.com

Smithsonianmag.com

so-sew-easy.com

back2stonewall.com

history.com

nglcc.org

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3 years ago
59 minutes 48 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 11 Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc

Fabulously wealthy families, trailblazing hall of famers, and 1/3 of the world's population...this episode really covers a little bit of everything this week! Join us as we take a look at the highlights of 1953(ish).

Want to reach out? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @whostartedthefirepod, or send us an email at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

rockefeller.edu

rockefellerfoundation.org

baseballhall.org

Encyclopedia.com

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3 years ago
48 minutes 39 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 10 Joseph Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser, and Prokofiev

Join us for a slightly more serious episode as we discuss the lasting legacy left by Russia's infamous ruler, his short lived replacement, a beloved leader who dreamed of uniting his neighbors, and the composer of that childhood classic Peter and the Wolf!

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

history.com

pbs.org

history.howstuffworks.com

britanica.com

presidency.eg

news.bbc.co.uk

Sfcv.org

Stuff You Missed In History Class “Holodomor”

cmuse.org

rferl.org

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3 years ago
1 hour 7 minutes 11 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 9 Chorus Break Bonus #1

This week's episode is a little different.  Instead of looking at one line of the song, we'll take a few minutes to revisit some highlights and favorite moments from the last 8 episodes, and you'll get to know a little more about us.  We also are going to be looking at a historical fire that occurred alongside some of the events we've previously discussed.

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

wltribune.com

historicacanada.ca

ui.adsabs.harvard.edu

edmontonjournal.com

winnipegfreepress.com

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3 years ago
32 minutes 17 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 8 Marciano, Liberace, Santayana, Goodbye

Join us as we talk about the king of knockouts, a dazzling showman (literally), a frustrating philosopher, and dig into the origins of an everyday phrase.

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!Sources:

history.com

biography.com

dictionary.com

etymonline.com

Latimes.com

rockymarchiano.net

grunge.com

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3 years ago
1 hour 3 minutes 51 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Ep. 7 Eisenhower, Vaccine, England’s got a new queen

Presidential theme songs, polio, and pearl earrings, this episode has it all! Join us as we look at some of the highlights for 1952.

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

royal.uk

history.com

westminster-abbey.org

eisenhowerlibrary.gov

britannica.com

history.com

pbs.com

polioeradication.org

cdc.gov

Npr.org


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3 years ago
59 minutes 50 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 6 Brando, The King and I, and The Catcher in the Rye

This week we look at the career of an actor who caused an Oscar scandal, a classic that started out slow, and an influential piece of literature that has shaped pop culture in some unexpected ways.  We're joined by three very special guests, Kristopher, Lena, and Baby Fox Arnold.

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

history.com

playbill.com

bbc.com

encyclopedia.com

goodreads.com

britannica.com

Forbes.com

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3 years ago
49 minutes 21 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 5 Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom

SPECIAL EARLY RELEASE EPISODE! What does a pair of Soviet spies, a crater in the Pacific ocean, a pink Cadillac, and a small village have in common? We talk about them all in episode 5! 

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources: history.com brittanica.com latimes.com pbs.org atomicheritage.org encyclopedia.com unc.mil biography.com espn.com Blackhistory.net

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3 years ago
1 hour 8 minutes 21 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 4 North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

In this episode we will look at the turbulent beginnings of the Korean War, a household name, and uncover a surprising gem.  With special guest Sara Powell.

Want to drop us a line? Email us at whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com!

Sources:

britannica.com

history.com

history.state.gov

pbs.com

Ohiohistorycentral.org

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3 years ago
1 hour 7 minutes 43 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
EP. 3 Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, Television
This week we look at two famous (or infamous?) politicians, a car that was ahead of its time, and the origins of a household staple. What to reach out to us? Drop a line to whostartedthefirepod@gmail.com! Sources: britannica.com history.com millercenter.org encylopedia.com itstillruns.com Motorcities.org
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3 years ago
1 hour 7 minutes 32 seconds

Who Started the Fire?
Have you ever wondered what all the random, disjointed lyrics in Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire' meant? We did too! Join us each week as we look at the song line by line to discover all of the interesting historical and pop culture events the singer wanted to immortalize. Maybe we'll even find an answer to who started the fire along the way.