The Alarmist - podcast cover

The Alarmist

The Alarmistwww.instagram.com

Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch!

Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, "It's hilarious, informative and addictive."

Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020.


Sign up for our Patreon for ad-free listening, post-aftermath interview discussions & final verdict and exclusive bonus episodes

Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com

Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast

Follow us on Twitter @alarmistThe

Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast


Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

The Aftermath: The Beheading of St. Valentine

New Aftermath! This week, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Lisa Bitel to help shed some light on the Beheading of St. Valentine. Dr. Bitel is a Professor of Religion and History at USC and has focused her studies on the social, cultural and religious history of medieval Europe. After, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to discuss. Let’s just say, you might have some new Valentine's Day traditions after this one!  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blam...

Feb 10, 202235 min

THE BEHEADING OF ST. VALENTINE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to Blame for the Beheading of St. Valentine? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes friend and writer Alexandra Franklin to discuss the beheading of St. Valentine and how it has become the “hot and sexy” holiday we know today. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Why were Roman soldiers banned from getting married? Was Christianity that much of a threat to justify beheading? Confused? Don’t lose your head. The Alarmist explains it all.&nb...

Feb 08, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 133

The Aftermath: Chuck the Groundhog's Death

New Aftermath! This week, Rebecca speaks with Professor Emeritus of Biology at Penn State, Dr. Stam M. Zervanos. Author of over 30 research publications, Dr. Zervanos is currently working on the adaptation and evolution of hibernation in woodchucks. Will new information about the origins of Groundhog Day and their hibernation patterns change the verdict? Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to discuss. We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at h...

Feb 03, 202236 min

THE DEATH OF "CHUCK" THE GROUNDHOG: WHO IS TO BLAME?

This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes The Alarmist's very own Associate Producer, Researcher and Show Coordinator, Alex Paul, to discuss the untimely death of “Chuck” the Groundhog. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. It’s a family affair!  Do humans really need to be holding wild animals? And why were they referring to the groundhog Charlotte as “Chuck?” Up on the board: Humans Getting Handsie, Media Fanfare & The Gloves. We have me...

Feb 01, 202253 minSeason 1Ep. 132

The Aftermath: Mailbag!

New Mailbag Episode! The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is rounding out her Birthday Month(!) with an all new mailbag. Alarmy members old and new write in with enlightening commentary and exciting new episode suggestions. Sounds like The Alarmist will be covering some terrifying international tragedies in the near future. Listen, write in, review, enjoy and stay vigilant Alarmy! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thea...

Jan 27, 202224 min

THE DEATH OF OWEN HART - WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who is to blame for the death of Owen Hart? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back friend of the show Rebekka Johnson to discuss the tragic death of wrestler Owen Hart. A cast member of the popular Netflix series GLOW, Rebekka shares some fascinating details about the culture of the wrestling world and the stunts involved. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. When it comes to safety, must the show really go on? We have merch! Join our Disc...

Jan 25, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 131

The Aftermath: Fyre Festival

New Aftermath! Rebecca welcomes guest expert Gabrielle Bluestone to discuss the notorious Fyre Festival. Gabrielle is an Emmy-nominated producer of the Netflix documentary “Fyre” and author of "Hype: How Scammers, Grifters, and Con Artists Are Taking Over the Internet—and Why We're Following." Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to discuss all the hype. Will the verdict hold up for this one?! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at...

Jan 20, 202239 min

THE FYRE FESTIVAL FIASCO: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Fyre Festival fiasco?  This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with old school bestie Marta Kuersten Wolaver about the notorious Fyre Festival disaster. A Development Manager for the Economic Security Project, Marta has plenty of bones to pick with the people behind this nightmare. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Will The Alarmist Jail be making room for a bunch of influencers?! Or is this a Capitalism classic? We ...

Jan 18, 202259 minSeason 1Ep. 130

The Aftermath: Tangiwai Train Disaster

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with guest expert Janine Krippner about the Tangiwai Train Disaster. A Physical Volcanologist from New Zealand, Janine hosts the podcast Popular Volcanics and worked as a Contract Scientist for the Smithsonian Institutions Volcanologist Program. Needless to say, she has a wealth of knowledge to share about Volcanoes. Not to mention the newest natural phenomenon that’s soared straight to the top of The Alarmists list of major anxieties: Lahars! Producer Cl...

Jan 13, 202236 min

THE TANGIWAI TRAIN DISASTER: WHO IS TO BLAME?

This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back old friend and Down Under “specialist” Billy Scafuri to talk about the Tangiwai Train Disaster. Are rivers simply nature’s gutters? And does being a second class passenger equal a higher mortality rate?  They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith to discuss. Up on the board: Lahar, Lack of Risk Assessment, Lost Love We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmist...

Jan 11, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 129

The Aftermath: Mailbag!

All New 2022 Mailbag! Fresh off the holiday season, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith), Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith usher in 2022 with an all new Mailbag. Voicemails, emails, Alarmy reviews: it’s a mailbag extravaganza! Find out who’s on a fitness journey in the new year and who is recovering from Covid (ack!). Look out 2022, The Alarmist is back!  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at theala...

Jan 06, 202240 min

TYPHOID MARY: WHO IS TO BLAME?

This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with writer Mackenzie Fegan about the unfortunate events surrounding Typhoid Mary. As Senior Editor at Bon Appetit, Mackenzie is well versed in foodborne illness and proper sanitation practices. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Was Mary the ultimate villain the press portrayed her to be or was she really the ultimate victim? On the board: Branding, Treatment Tunnel Vision, Peaches and Ice Cream.  We...

Jan 04, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 128

The Aftermath: Home Alone Re-Release!

A very special holiday re-release!  This week, we’re taking a little break and revisiting one of our favorite holiday themed episodes, Home Alone. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and join us. Before hitting play, Rebecca stops by with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith for a little season’s greetings. Wishing everyone in The Alarmy a very safe and happy holiday! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmi...

Dec 30, 202159 min

MARIAH CAREY'S 2016 NYE PERFORMANCE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for Mariah Carey’s 2016 NYE Performance? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) talks with Chelsea Phillips Reid about Mariah Carey’s disastrous 2016 New Years Eve performance. A seasoned performer herself, Chelsea has some unique insider information to contribute. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. Was this a Diva moment or an elaborate plot to sabotage Mariah by Dick Clark Productions? Find out!  We have merch! Join our Discord! ...

Dec 28, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 127

The Aftermath: The Chaotic Birth of Baby Jesus

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Emeritus Harold W. Attridge of the Yale Divinity School. A leading scholar of Jewish and Greek Literature related to the New Testament and Early Christianity, Harold lends new insight to the human condition of the time. After, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to discuss whether or not the original verdict holds up! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com ...

Dec 23, 202139 min

THE CHAOTIC BIRTH OF BABY JESUS: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the chaotic birth of Baby Jesus? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back good friend, new mom, and OG Alarmist Producer Amanda Lund to discuss the birth of Baby Jesus. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. Was it time for Bethlehems Innkeepers to add more rooms to the Inn or was God just trying to keep Baby Jesus humble? Up on the board: Roman Census, Lack of a birth plan, Mans need for a compelling God narrative. We have ...

Dec 21, 202155 minSeason 1Ep. 126

The Aftermath: Mailbag!

New Mailbag Episode! This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith), Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith are back in the mailroom catching up on some new Alarmy messages and episode ideas. Chris’s lack of holiday cheer is considered and a lively debate on just how many years it would take to reach 1 million episodes ensues. The Alarmists are going to be busy! Can you guess how long? Find out on this week’s Mailbag! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to bla...

Dec 16, 202132 min

THE ANDES FLIGHT DISASTER: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who is the blame for the Andes Flight Disaster? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with colleague and fellow comedian Oscar Lemus about the inspiration for the movie Alive; the Andes Flight Disaster. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. Could flying a plane nicknamed the “Lead Sled” have something to do with it?! Or could poor pilot training be to blame?  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://theala...

Dec 14, 202158 minSeason 1Ep. 125

The Aftermath: Mary Ann Cotton

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca welcomes back guest expert and big time poison fan, Deborah Blum. After suggesting the subject on her first guest appearance, Deborah returns to talk about her favorite female poisoner, Mary Ann Cotton. Her passionate discussion around Arsenic begs the question: Do you have a favorite poison? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to discuss.    We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://theal...

Dec 09, 202144 min

THE MARY ANN COTTON MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Mary Ann Cotton Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with actor Aubrey Dollar about the Mary Ann Cotton poisonings. Will Mary take the fall for this one or was there something greater at play? Also, is special guest Aubrey destined to portray Mary Ann Cotton in a future film project? Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith join in the conversation. Up on the board: Accidental Poisoning, The Life Insurance Industry, Mental Health Issue...

Dec 07, 202153 minSeason 1Ep. 124

The Aftermath: The Radium Girls

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the Radium Girls legacy with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Radium Girls , Kate Moore. Kate further highlights the many atrocities of this tragedy while also sharing some of the inspiring good that has come from this episode in history. After, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to reflect. What do The Radium Girls have to do with Mars? Tune in and find out! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you...

Dec 02, 202144 min

THE RADIUM GIRLS: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the demise of the Radium Girls? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with author and journalist Jane Borden about the Radium Girls and the untimely death of numerous dial painters of the 1920’s. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Is this another classic case of greed, sexism, or good old fashioned Capitalism? Tune in to see who or what ends up in the Alarmist Jail! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is t...

Nov 30, 202158 minSeason 1Ep. 123

The Aftermath: Mailbag!

NEW Mailbag Episode! This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith), Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith catch up on some listener emails in a good old fashioned holiday mailbag. We get an update from the Alarmist Jail facility and some wonderful new episode suggestions from the Alarmy. Afterwards, Rebecca, Clayton and Chris take some time to share what they’re thankful for. HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALARMY!   We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame...

Nov 25, 202127 min

THE ERFURT LATRINE DISASTER: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who is to blame for the Erfurt Latrine Disaster? This Week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with comedian Jackie Kashian about the horrors of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. Could these Noblemen have survived if they had spent more time feuding over better toilets instead of land? One thing’s certain, the Medieval Times stink!   We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://th...

Nov 23, 202142 minSeason 1Ep. 122

The Aftermath: Carrie and Big's Wedding Fiasco!

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Elise Castle and Mike Jensen about the botched Carrie and Big wedding. Elise and Mike co-host a Sex and the City podcast called “We Couldn’t Help But Wonder” and have plenty to say about this epic wedding fail. Afterward, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to reflect on their own inner Carrie Bradshaw. Tune in to see if the verdict holds up! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarm...

Nov 18, 202138 minSeason 1Ep. 121

CARRIE & BIG'S WEDDING FAIL: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for Carrie and Big’s wedding fail? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) chats with comedian John Milhiser about who’s to blame for Carrie and Big’s failed wedding attempt. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. And as they talked, they wondered: In a city nicknamed The Big Apple, could Big himself be to blame? Or did they both bear some responsibility? Does wedding planning bring out the worst in us? We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell ...

Nov 16, 202159 minSeason 1Ep. 121

The Aftermath: The JFK Assassination

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with veteran Washington journalist Jefferson Morley about the assassination of JFK. As editor of the JFK Facts website, Jefferson has a wealth of knowledge about this mysterious historical tragedy. Will we ever truly know what happened without the release of these secret JFK assassination records? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join in to discuss. We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmist...

Nov 11, 202142 min

THE ASSASSINATION OF JFK: WHO IS TO BLAME?!

Who’s to blame for the assassination of JFK? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with longtime friend Seth Kanor about the infamous JFK assassination. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join in the conversation. Could continued bad weather have possibly saved his life? Or was Lee Harvery Oswald part of a darker plot? Up on the board: The CIA, The Mafia and The Kennedy Family Curse. We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://th...

Nov 09, 202156 minSeason 1Ep. 120

The Aftermath: Queen Elizabeth vs. Mary, Queen of Scots

On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Susan Doran, author and British historian who recently edited the catalog of a major exhibition at the British Library called Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens. With rich new insights from Susan, there’s much to reconsider when Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by. Tune in for an Alarmist Aftermath first! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com ...

Nov 04, 202140 min

QUEEN ELIZABETH I vs. MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Feud between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) chats with guest Kate Duffy about the infamous royal feud between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith. Could this be Mean Girls the Monarchy Edition or did poor communication have something to do with it? Up on the board: Religion, The Patriarchy and Pressure to Marry! We have merch! Join our ...

Nov 02, 202159 minSeason 1Ep. 119
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast