Queen Christina of Sweden (King Christina?) wasn’t your typical monarch—she was crowned as a child king, educated like a prince, and swiftly turned Sweden into Europe’s unexpected cultural powerhouse. Fluent in multiple languages and a patron to thinkers like René Descartes, Christina shook up her court by rejecting marriage, embracing religious tolerance, and openly expressing love for noblewoman Ebba Sparre, scandalizing conservative 17th-century society. But just when everyone thought they'd ...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min
You asked, we answered! In this special Q&A episode, we’re diving into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully random questions submitted by you—our beloved Weirdos. From revealing our favorite historical time periods to sharing some truly spicy hot takes, we’re pulling back the curtain and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the minds behind the mic. But that’s not all—we’re also answering the most unexpected, hilarious, and off-the-wall questions that had us cracking up mid-recording. ...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Before ancient Egypt captivated Hollywood and inspired Art Deco masterpieces, a forgotten boy-king named Tutankhamun lay hidden beneath desert sands for more than three millennia. This week on History For Weirdos, we explore the short but impactful life of King Tut—from ascending the throne at just eight years old to his mysterious and debated death at eighteen. We also dive into the chaotic legacy left by his father’s radical religious experiment, and how this young Pharaoh helped restore Egypt...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 15 min
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...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 11 min
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 m...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min
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 explo...
Apr 14, 2025•2 hr 33 min
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 o...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 31 min
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 runnin...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 148
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
Feb 17, 2025•27 sec
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 McDerm...
Oct 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 147
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...
Oct 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 146
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 ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 145
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 t...
Sep 30, 2024•57 min•Ep. 144
*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...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 143
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 b...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 143
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 a...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 142
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 loo...
Sep 09, 2024•47 min•Ep. 141
*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 tool...
Sep 02, 2024•40 min
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 incr...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 140
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 backl...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 139
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 trium...
Aug 12, 2024•58 min•Ep. 138
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...
Aug 05, 2024•36 min
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...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 137
Get ready, Weirdos, because this week's episode is a royal rumble! We're digging into the dirt (literally) to unearth the strange saga of Richard III, the infamous English king whose reputation has been mangled by Shakespearean drama. But was he really the villain we've been led to believe? And what's the deal with his missing body turning up centuries later under a parking lot?! Join Stephanie as she pieces together the clues, sifts through the historical muck, and separates fact from fiction. ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 136
Ahoy, Weirdos! This week on the History For Weirdos podcast, we're sailing to the shores of Nova Scotia, Canada, where a small, unassuming island has baffled treasure hunters, historians, and conspiracy theorists for centuries. Oak Island, a seemingly idyllic locale, hides a secret known as the "Money Pit," a booby-trapped subterranean labyrinth rumored to contain riches beyond imagination. Andrew investigates the island's bizarre history, starting with the strange discovery by a teenage boy in ...
Jul 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 135
Surprise!!! Listen to the first few minutes of our first special minisode! You can listen (or watch) the rest on our Patreon - Did you know the iconic Olympic torch relay isn't an ancient tradition at all? Join Andrew as he investigates the surprising Nazi origins of this modern spectacle. We'll uncover how the 1936 Berlin Olympics, orchestrated by Hitler's regime, used the torch relay as a powerful propaganda tool. Learn how this seemingly innocent symbol was meticulously crafted to connect the...
Jul 12, 2024•4 min
Was Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov of Russia killed alongside her family in 1918? Or did she somehow escape the Bolshevik firing squad and live on in secret? Join your favorite podcast hosts, Stephanie and Andrew, as they investigate one of history's most enduring mysteries. This week, Stephanie takes the lead as she explores Anastasia's short life, the brutal execution of the Romanov family, and the numerous women who later claimed to be the lost princess. We'll examine the most fam...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 134
Prepare to embark on a historical treasure hunt like no other, Weirdos! This week on History for Weirdos, Andrew explores the captivating mystery surrounding the final resting place of Alexander the Great, the legendary conqueror who shaped the course of Western civilization. We'll trace his meteoric rise to power, from a young prince tutored by Aristotle to a military genius who amassed an empire stretching from Greece to India. But the intrigue doesn't end with his untimely death. Join us as w...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 133
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was its wild and wacky religious tradition! In this episode of History for Weirdos, we're ditching the gladiators and emperors for a deep dive into the enigmatic world of the Vestal Virgins. These weren't your average Roman ladies – they were powerful priestesses who wielded immense influence, guarded sacred flames, and swore a 30-year vow of chastity. But don't let the "virgin" title fool you; their lives were far from chaste and quiet. Join your favorite...
Jun 24, 2024•47 min
In this episode of "History For Weirdos," Andrew and Stephanie take us on a fascinating journey into the depths of Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city in modern-day Turkey. They explore its mysterious origins, its possible purposes as a refuge during times of conflict or as protection from harsh climate conditions, and the various civilizations that inhabited the city over the centuries. From the Phrygians to the Romans & beyond, we delve into the intricate details of daily life in this s...
Jun 17, 2024•32 min
