When I was researching Helena Blavatsky I was often amazed at how someone so weird, with such an outrageous life story, could inspire so much dull writing. That was until I discovered Gary Lachman's 2012 biography Madame Blavatsky: The Mother of Modern Spirituality. Gary graciously agreed to join me on the podcast to discuss Blavatsky, the challenges that co ... Show More
Dec 30
Bonus Episode - Grisly Trophies, Evil Cowboys, and Questionable Mascots
In this Bonus Episode Sebastian takes questions about the recent series on Buffalo Bill and the Wild West Show. He unpacks Bill's influence on the cowboy hero archetype, dives into the contentious history of scalping, and learns some fun facts about Bill's legacy in Belgium. Tune ... Show More
39m 34s
Aug 2023
Folk Heroes: Catherine Monvoisin
Catherine Monvoisin (1640-1680) was a French fortune teller, midwife, and professional poisoner who found herself at the center of a witch hunt when her attempt to poison King Louis XIV went awry. This month, we're talking about Folk Heroes. People whose lives and stories took on ... Show More
4m 4s
Oct 2022
Season 06 Episode 24: This Woman's Work
<p>When asked once what inspired her novel, The Woman in Black, Susan Hill replied that her chief ingredient was atmosphere, which I think sums it up perfectly.</p> <p>Some have suggested she might also have found inspiration from a little-known haunting, said to have taken place ... Show More
35m 52s
Apr 2023
Mischief Makers: Hedda Hopper
Hedda Hopper (1885-1966) aired out Hollywood’s dirty laundry in her column – and gained a loyal following in the process. This month, we’re talking about Mischief Makers: oddballs, chameleons, and nonconformists. Queens of quick wit. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometim ... Show More
6m 5s
Nov 2021
The Tomb of Tutankhamun with Dr. Bob Brier
Recorded 2022. Tutankhamun, Mummies, and Murder, oh my! I sat down with Dr. Bob Brier to discuss the Tomb of Tutankhamun, and the legacy of this important discovery. We also chatted about Dr. Brier's work in Egyptology, including his experiment in mummifying a human for scientifi ... Show More
54m 11s
Apr 2023
Mischief Makers: Cécile Fatiman
Cécile Fatiman (1771-1883) facilitated a special ceremony that ignited the Haitian Revolution. This month, we’re talking about Mischief Makers: oddballs, chameleons, and nonconformists. Queens of quick wit. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we ... Show More
4m 43s
Jul 2023
Adventurers: Toto Koopman
Toto Koopman (1908-1991) graced the cover of Vogue, spied for the Allied Forces in World World II, and narrowly escaped death in a concentration camp. This month, we’re talking about adventurers – women who refused to be confined. They pushed the boundaries of where a woman could ... Show More
8m 5s
Apr 2023
Mischief Makers: Hwang Jini
Hwang Jini (c. 1700 - c. 1750) wrote poetry that made her famous among her contemporaries– and resonated for centuries afterwards. This month, we’re talking about Mischief Makers: oddballs, chameleons, and nonconformists. Queens of quick wit. History classes can get a bad rap, an ... Show More
5m 59s