Historical Blindness

By Nathaniel Lloyd

What's Historical Blindness about?

Historical Blindness is a podcast about history’s myths, mysteries, and misconceptions. By examining cases of outrageous hoaxes, pernicious conspiracy theory, mass delusion, baffling mysteries and unreliable historiography, host Nathaniel Lloyd searches for insights into modern religious belief and political culture.

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Historical Blindness episodes:

04.09.2024
The Oak Island Scheme - Part Two: The Cursed Treasure Fraud feat. Dr. Sean Munger
In the extra-long conclusion to my series on the Oak Island "mystery," I look at claims about artifacts that have been found on the island, outlandish theories about the nature of its "treasure," and the true origin of the legend...
03.26.2024
The Oak Island Scheme - Part One: The Legend of the Money Pit feat. Dr. Sean Munger
In the first part of a new series, I drill down into the legendary Money Pit on Oak Island, examining the evidence (or lack thereof) for claims about its history, what has been found there, and its supposed booby traps....
03.12.2024
Before Columbus - Part Two: False Claims
In the conclusion of my series on Pre-Columbian Transoceanic Contact Theories, I look at numerous false claims that inhabitants of the British Isles made the first journeys to the Americas, taking us from myths about King Arthur to myths about...
02.27.2024
Before Columbus - Part One: First Contact
In the first of a 2-part series, I look at other claims of Pre-Columbian Trans-Oceanic Contact that precede the Norse claim as potentially the first culture to make transoceanic contact with the indigenous peoples of the Americas, examining diffusionist claims...
02.22.2024
Introducing: Even the Royals
Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules –...
02.13.2024
West of Vinland: The Controversy of the Kensington Runestone
In this episode I finally take on the topic of Pre-Columbian Norse contact with North America and the controversial runestone discovered in Minnesota in 1898 that is touted as evidence that Scandinavians reached much further inland than we otherwise have...
02.06.2024
The Lost Colony - Part Two: The Dare Stones (UPDATED and REMASTERED VERSION of episode 2)
In this rerelease, as with the first, I have completely rewritten and rerecorded the second episode in an effort to demonstrate the eventual quality of the podcast to new listeners who choose to start at the beginning. There is a...
01.30.2024
The Legend of the Bermuda Triangle - Part Two: Dead Reckoning
In the conclusion to my season premiere, I investigate the genuinely puzzling disappearance of Flight 19, 5 bombers on a training run in 1945 whose vanishing, along with the rescue plane sent to find them, led to the creation of...
01.23.2024
The Lost Colony - Part One: The Secret Token (UPDATED VERSION of episode 1)
In this rerelease, I have completely rewritten and rerecorded the first episode in an effort to demonstrate the eventual quality of the podcast to new listeners who choose to start at the beginning. I will be replacing the old episode...
01.16.2024
The Legend of the Bermuda Triangle - Part One: A Watery Grave
In the season premiere--part one of a two-part series--I look at how one genuine mysterious disappearance caused fabulists to search for other disappearances in the past and invent a grand mysterious paranormal phenomenon that doesn't really exist. This is the...
12.25.2023
The Historical Jesus and the Myths of Christ Mythicism (Another Historically Blind Xmas Special!)
In this year's annual Xmas special, I put the Christ back into Christmas by refuting the fringe skeptical view that no such person as Jesus Christ ever existed. This topic forced us to examine what historical sources we can trust,...
12.12.2023
Special Presentation: The Constant's "The War on Christmas"
In a special presentation, enjoy this Christmas episode from The Constant, a great podcast that examines history's blunders and misapprehensions, which I believe all Historical Blindness listeners will greatly enjoy! Last December, host Mark Chrisler took on Fox News' claims...
11.28.2023
The Mushroom Kingdom: The Entheogen Theory of Religion
In this last full episode of the year before my holiday special, I tackle an alternative view of religion and history with some academic chops that also indulges in a great deal of conspiracy theory: the idea that all religion...
11.23.2023
Patreon Release: PlyMYTH Rock
Hi listeners! As a Thanksgiving treat, I'm releasing a patron exclusive minisode relevant to the holiday that I released two years ago on Patreon. Sign up to support the podcast on Patreon and you can get minisodes like this between...
11.14.2023
Technological Angels: The Religious Dimension of UFO Belief
In this coda to my recent series, a capstone to my coverage of this topic generally and a transition to upcoming comics, I look at the syncretism of religious beliefs and UFO mythology, examining man's tendency toward religious experience as...
10.31.2023
UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part Three - Bob Lazar
In the feature-length conclusion to my series on UFO whistleblowers of the past, I look at the discredited Bob Lazar and his long debunked claims, and I show how the same people who promoted his hoax are literally behind David...
10.17.2023
UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part Two - Bill Cooper
In the EXTRA-long second part of my series looking at the lack of credibility of previous UFO "whistleblowers" in order to evaluate the reliability of recent claims made before Congress, I look at Bill Cooper, who went from UFO hoaxer...
10.03.2023
UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part One - Donald Keyhoe and John Lear
We haven't had a congressional hearing on UFOs since 1966. Recently, a whistleblower named David Grusch testified before Congress about a government cover-up of the spacecraft and alien bodies they've retrieved. But people have come forward claiming such things before....
09.19.2023
Raging Against the Machine: Thoughts on Technofear and Luddism
In a somewhat unorthodox episode, I share some meandering thoughts on modern technology and concerns about its potential harms, looking at some historical examples that may offer insights into the technological misgivings of today. Direct all advertising inquiries to [email protected]. Visit www.airwavemedia.com...
09.05.2023
The Hunt for Lost Nazi Gold Trains
In the final installment of my series exploring the legends behind Indiana Jones films, I look at both the reality and the myth of Nazi gold trains, specifically looking at the tragedy behind the Hungarian gold train and the urban...
08.22.2023
The Piltdown Fraud: Fundamentalists' Favorite Fake Fossil
In this standalone episode, I tell the story of the most successful and famous hoax to ever disgrace the field of paleontology, a fraud widely used by Creationists to discredit evolutionary science, but not before providing a robust defense of...
08.08.2023
The Forging of the Crystal Skulls
In this new standalone installment of my now long-running series on the lore explored in Indiana Jones films, I look at the fabled crystal skull forgeries, claimed to be Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican artifacts as well as relics of Atlantis endowed with...
07.25.2023
The Source of the Fountain of Youth Myth
In another episode on myths that drove European conquistadors, I trace the Eurasian legend of the Fountain of Youth to the New World and find that it afterward became a historical myth, erroneously claimed to have been an indigenous American...
07.11.2023
The Search for Cities of Gold
In this standalone episode, I once again explore a topic central to an Indiana Jones film! In this one, I look at how the rumors of hidden cities of gold animated conquistadors in the 16th century, how such rumors started,...
06.27.2023
The Thrust of the Holy Lance of Longinus
In this episode, after my dive into Grail lore, I explore the rabbit hole that is the Holy Lance of Longinus, another supposed crucifixion relic whose legend takes the researcher on a strange odyssey through disputed scriptures, apocryphal narratives, myths...
06.13.2023
The Quest for the Truth of the Holy Grail
In this new episode, once again exploring the legends and myths present in the Indiana Jones films, I look at the legend of the Holy Grail, exploring apocryphal accounts of the crucifixion, medieval Arthurian romances, and the eventual conspiracy beliefs...
05.30.2023
The Hidden Ones: Sect of Assassins
In this standalone episode, I discuss the black legend of the Order of Assassins, a medieval sect of Islam known for their reliance on infiltration and murder who were misrepresented by other Muslims, misunderstood by Crusaders, and mythologized by Europeans,...
05.16.2023
The Myth of the Thuggee Cult
In the next leg of my journey through the lore and history behind the Indiana Jones films, I explore the historical reality of Thuggee strangler bandits in 19th-century India and refute the myth that they were a blood cult devoted...
05.02.2023
The Key to the Secrets of King Solomon (an Encyclopedia Grimoria Volume)
In another volume of my Encyclopedia Grimoria, my occasional episodes on the history and mythology of magic, I look at the development of traditions that the biblical King Solomon was actually a flying-carpet-riding, magic-ring-wielding wizard and alchemist who bound demons...
04.18.2023
The Whereabouts of the Lost Ark of the Covenant
This episode is the first in a series of standalone episodes exploring the macguffins and historical mysteries of the Indiana Jones films. I'll be doing several of these, not in a row, leading up to the release of the final...
04.04.2023
Infektion: Operation DENVER and the Engineering of AIDS Conspiracy Legends (featuring Dr. Douglas Selvage)
In this special episode, I talk with expert Dr. Douglas Selvage about the KGB disinformation campaign to convince the world that the U.S. government engineered HIV as a bioweapon and what it can show us about the Covid lab leak...
03.21.2023
Breaking News: The Hitler Diaries Fiasco
This is the story of the most egregious newspaper hoax of modern times: the Hitler Diaries. How did this crude forgery fool experts like the historian Hugh Trevor-Roper? And how did it influence Rupert Murdoch in his development as a...
03.07.2023
The Specter of Hitler's Survival
This full-length, standalone episode explores and explodes the myths and conspiracy claims about Hitler escaping Berlin at the end of WWII. Shockingly, it seems the History Channel misled us on this one! Please help the show by completing this short questionnaire:...
02.21.2023
The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping - Part Two: Cemetery John
In the conclusion of my series on the Lindbergh Kidnapping Case, I look at the capture and prosecution of Richard Hauptmann and the evidence against him, and I address numerous conspiracy claims. Please help the show by completing this short questionnaire:...
02.07.2023
The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping - Part One: The Eaglet
In part one of this 2-part series, I dig into the Crime of the Century, the Lindbergh Kidnapping Case, including Lindbergh's background, the crime itself, negotiations with the kidnapper, and one of the greatest manhunts in American history. Find a transcript...
01.24.2023
The Business Plot - Part Two: The Bankers Gold Group
In the conclusion to my series on the Wall Street Putsch, I give further historical context to the January 6th Insurrection by discussing the Fascist propaganda of the '20s and '30s that helped drive a plot to stage a Fascist...
01.10.2023
The Business Plot - Part One: The Bonus Army
In this two-part series, just days after the anniversary of January 6th, I tell the story of another plot by the wealthy and powerful to supplant a rightfully elected president during a time of economic emergency, the details of which...
12.20.2022
A Very Historically Blind Xmas: The Iconic Christ
In this annual holiday special, I look at the original Protestant "War on Christmas," with its emphasis on iconoclasm, and use that to springboard into a discussion of Christmas iconography and images of Jesus Christ generally, asking, "What did Christ...
12.06.2022
"The Mystery of D.B. Cooper" by History Daily (Special Presentation)
On November 24, 1971, an unidentified man hijacks a Boeing 727 and extorts $200,000 of ransom money before parachuting to an uncertain fate over Washington State. Listen to this enduring American mystery as told by award-winning podcaster Lindsey Graham on...
11.22.2022
Lilith, the Phantom Maiden
In this new Apocryphal Catechism episode, the 2022 season finale, I explore the evolution of the figure of Lilith, from Mesopotamian demon, to the first woman created by God, and back to a succubus mother of demons. It's a tale...
11.08.2022
Omens, Charms, and Rituals: A History of Superstition
If you've ever wondered about common beliefs about what's good or bad luck and what might be a portent of doom, then this episode is for you. In it, I look at the murky origins of superstitions and the folklore...
10.25.2022
The Revenants: Part Two - VAMPIRES in Fantasy
In the conclusion of my Halloween series on the folklore of vampires, I explore the origin and evolution of the legend from folklore to fiction and on to modern myth, looking at the changing appearance of the vampire, conceptions of...
10.18.2022
"The Blood Gospel" by The Conspirators Podcast (Special Presentation)
The second part of my series has been delayed a week. In the meanwhile, please enjoy this episode of The Conspirators podcast that serves as a perfect bridge between parts one and two of my series on vampires. Throughout history, many...
10.04.2022
The Revenants: Part One - VAMPIRES in Reality
As we move into October, let us look at the legend and folklore behind the most horrifying creature ever imagined by mankind: the vampire! This is the start of a two part series for the Halloween season. Squeamish listeners beware! Pledge...
09.20.2022
The Enigmatic Kingfish. Huey Long
I continue my meditation on demagoguery in this new episode, looking at a controversial Depression-era politician variously called a reformer or a demagogue, a hero or a despot. What should we make of Huey Long today? Pledge support on Patreon to...
09.06.2022
The Perils of American Democracy
With noted historians advising the U.S. President that American democracy may currently be in jeopardy, I look at other times in history when democracy was at risk, and I look closely at Donald Trump's role in the perils we currently...
08.23.2022
Stranger Things Have Happened - Part Three: The Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project
In the conclusion of this series examining the historical and pseudohistorical basis of the Netflix program Stranger Things, I explore urban legends about two supposed secret experimental programs, The Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project, one as background for the...
08.09.2022
Stranger Things Have Happened - Part Two: Psychic Spies
In the second part of this series examining the historical and pseudohistorical basis of the Netflix program Stranger Things, I look at U.S. government sponsored psychic experimentation programs focused on exploring ESP and psychokinesis as tools of spycraft. Pledge support on...
07.26.2022
Stranger Things Have Happened - Part One: MK-Ultra and CIA Mind Control
In this series, I explore the historical and pseudohistorical basis of the Netflix program, Stranger Things. In Part One, I look at U.S. intelligence's human experimentation programs focused on developing mind control techniques. Pledge support on Patreon to get an ad-free...
07.12.2022
Gun Violence in America: A Cultural History
In this episode, I look at the history of gun culture in America, gun ownership as a social identity, and the long history of gun control legislation passed in response to outrageous acts of gun violence. Pledge support on Patreon to...

What's Historical Blindness about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Historical Blindness episodes:

The Oak Island Scheme - Part Two: The Cursed Treasure Fraud feat. Dr. Sean Munger

The Oak Island Scheme - Part One: The Legend of the Money Pit feat. Dr. Sean Munger

Before Columbus - Part Two: False Claims

Before Columbus - Part One: First Contact

Introducing: Even the Royals

West of Vinland: The Controversy of the Kensington Runestone

The Lost Colony - Part Two: The Dare Stones (UPDATED and REMASTERED VERSION of episode 2)

The Legend of the Bermuda Triangle - Part Two: Dead Reckoning

The Lost Colony - Part One: The Secret Token (UPDATED VERSION of episode 1)

The Legend of the Bermuda Triangle - Part One: A Watery Grave

The Historical Jesus and the Myths of Christ Mythicism (Another Historically Blind Xmas Special!)

Special Presentation: The Constant's "The War on Christmas"

The Mushroom Kingdom: The Entheogen Theory of Religion

Patreon Release: PlyMYTH Rock

Technological Angels: The Religious Dimension of UFO Belief

UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part Three - Bob Lazar

UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part Two - Bill Cooper

UFO Whistleblowers: An American Tradition, Part One - Donald Keyhoe and John Lear

Raging Against the Machine: Thoughts on Technofear and Luddism

The Hunt for Lost Nazi Gold Trains

The Piltdown Fraud: Fundamentalists' Favorite Fake Fossil

The Forging of the Crystal Skulls

The Source of the Fountain of Youth Myth

The Search for Cities of Gold

The Thrust of the Holy Lance of Longinus

The Quest for the Truth of the Holy Grail

The Hidden Ones: Sect of Assassins

The Myth of the Thuggee Cult

The Key to the Secrets of King Solomon (an Encyclopedia Grimoria Volume)

The Whereabouts of the Lost Ark of the Covenant

Infektion: Operation DENVER and the Engineering of AIDS Conspiracy Legends (featuring Dr. Douglas Selvage)

Breaking News: The Hitler Diaries Fiasco

The Specter of Hitler's Survival

The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping - Part Two: Cemetery John

The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping - Part One: The Eaglet

The Business Plot - Part Two: The Bankers Gold Group

The Business Plot - Part One: The Bonus Army

A Very Historically Blind Xmas: The Iconic Christ

"The Mystery of D.B. Cooper" by History Daily (Special Presentation)

Lilith, the Phantom Maiden

Omens, Charms, and Rituals: A History of Superstition

The Revenants: Part Two - VAMPIRES in Fantasy

"The Blood Gospel" by The Conspirators Podcast (Special Presentation)

The Revenants: Part One - VAMPIRES in Reality

The Enigmatic Kingfish. Huey Long

The Perils of American Democracy

Stranger Things Have Happened - Part Three: The Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project

Stranger Things Have Happened - Part Two: Psychic Spies

Stranger Things Have Happened - Part One: MK-Ultra and CIA Mind Control

Gun Violence in America: A Cultural History