Velvalee Dickinson ran a doll shop on Madison Avenue that catered to wealthy collectors. But in one of the strangest espionage cases of World War II, Dickinson's clients had no idea she was using correspondence about doll orders to transmit coded U.S. military intelligence to the Japanese.

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John Quincy Adams finally defeats the Gag rule, but his feud with Andrew Jackson lasts until the bitter end.  And Congressman Abraham Lincoln witnesses from the House floor the dramatic final hours of Adams' life.

Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans. 

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As the end of The Middle Ages nears, peasants revolt after being blamed for the Black Death, and the Catholic Church endures a wave of turmoil. But Chris points out moments of hope as the world opens up for exploration. 

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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The Black Death was a medical catastrophe, with the majority of deaths occurring in children under 16. It took 300 years for the population to recover.  But the plague also impacted social, economic, political, and religious aspects of life. Chris explains how the Black Death struck an already weakened society and the extreme measures some took to try to end it. 

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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John Quincy Adams unleashes on the House floor over two pivotal issues of the 1830s: The annexation of Texas, and prohibiting the discussion of slavery in the U.S. House, known as the Gag rule.

Founding Son is a Curiosity Podcast and is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. 

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Jerusalem is a critical pilgrimage site and scholarly center, especially during the Middle Ages. Chris explains why it’s holy land for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and he chronicles the several crusades during these years.

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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Chris dives into some of the most popular topics from this era, including the rules of engagement for knights, the castle-building economy, chivalry, and the legend of King Arthur.

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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In the 12th century, there was an intellectual revolution that included a pursuit of questions, an evangelical awakening, and the church decrying the dangers of heresy. Chris explains this pivotal time of the Renaissance and what led to the Spanish Inquisition. 

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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Chris gives a status update on France, England, Germany, and Spain during this critical Medieval period. He talks about why the King of France is above the law and how the Magna Carta relates to modern-day due process.

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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Chris explores the period of Gregorian popes, or papal monarchs. This is when several popes took on emperors in the battle to be the ultimate authority in Europe.  

Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World is a co-production of iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans. It is a Curiosity Podcast.

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