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 figured her out, Christina shocked the continent once again by abdicating the throne and converting from Lutheranism to Catholicism—a dramatic move that echoed across Europe.

Yet, stepping down didn’t stop Christina from dreaming big. After her reign in Sweden, she ambitiously eyed not one, but two other crowns—Naples and Poland. Her adventurous (and controversial) plots ultimately fizzled, but her determination never did. Queen Christina spent her remaining years in Rome, hosting intellectual salons and accumulating vast collections of art and literature, leaving behind a legacy that defies categorization. Join us this episode as we dive into the remarkable life of Christina: queen, king, rebel, and above all, a true royal Weirdo.

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com⁠⁠

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Sources for this week:

Encyclopedia Britannica – “Christina (queen of Sweden)” britannica.com/biography/Christina-queen-of-Sweden

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) 

Video: History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday - Queen Christina of Sweden

Video: Kristina the Girl King of Sweden: A Historical Profile by Jessica Kellgren-Fozgard

Wikipedia

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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. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or just joined the Weirdo crew, this episode is our way of saying thank you for being part of our strange little corner of the internet. So buckle up for a chaotic ride through time, opinions, and a whole lot of laughter!

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com⁠

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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’s ancient traditions.

But Tut’s story doesn’t end in the ancient past. In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnarvon made a groundbreaking discovery, opening Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb and revealing priceless treasures that astonished the world. Yet, amid the global excitement emerged whispers of a deadly "Pharaoh’s Curse"—mysterious deaths, strange coincidences, and sensational headlines followed. Join us as we separate fact from fiction, examine recent scientific theories, and uncover how this discovery sparked “Tutmania,” transforming archaeology, global tourism, and pop culture forever.

Grab your excavation gear, fellow Weirdos, and step into one of history’s greatest mysteries: the discovery and enduring fascination with Pharaoh Tutankhamun!

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: ⁠⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com⁠

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Sources for this week:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutankhamun

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tutankhamun

https://www.pbs.org/articles/king-tutankhamun-life-death-family

https://www.biography.com/royalty/king-tut

https://www.ees.ac.uk/resource/tutankhamun.html

https://www.history.com/articles/king-tut-death-mystery

https://nypost.com/2024/04/27/lifestyle/king-tuts-mysterious-pharaohs-curse-solved-scientists-claim/

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Howard-Carter-Tutankhamun/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/the-discovery-of-king-tuts-tomb

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/months-past/tutankhamuns-curse

https://books.google.com/books?id=hbQyUOLxa1wC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

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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 societal constraints she shattered just by daring to dream of a world where women could write, investigate, and shake the very foundations of big institutions.

The heart of the story centers on Bly’s ten-day immersion in the asylum, where she endured starvation rations, filthy conditions, and the whims of guardians more interested in profit than people. Armed only with her wits and a small notebook, she chronicled abuses that would later spark one of the first major reforms in America’s mental health system. We break down her tactics for slipping past the front desk, her brush-ups with fellow patients and unhinged staff, and the explosive exposé that thrust her into the national spotlight. It’s a gripping reminder that good reporting can be as dramatic as any stage show.

In our final act we follow Bly’s globe-circling adventure that saw her beat Phileas Fogg’s fictional record and become the first woman to travel around the world alone in 72 days, all while drawing headlines and challenging gender norms. We also explore her later life as a war correspondent covering the Spanish-American War and her surprising pivot into industrial innovation, including a steam boiler patent that saved lives. By the end you’ll see how Nellie Bly’s restless curiosity and unbreakable spirit turned every assignment into an adventure, and why her legacy still inspires journalists and weirdos alike to chase the next big story.

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: ⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com

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Sources for this week:

Kroeger, Brooke. Nellie Bly: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist. Times Books, 1994.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Archives (Nellie Bly educational history and records)

PBS American Experience: Nellie Bly

Library of Congress Digital Collections: Nellie Bly Collection

Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887) by Nellie Bly

Around the World in Seventy-Two Days (1890) by Nellie Bly

The Nellie Bly Collection (compiled editions available via Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive)

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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 manhunts, and the myth-making that would turn Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday into reluctant legends. We’ll explore how a dusty frontier town became the backdrop for a brutal power struggle, and why the real Tombstone story is far stranger (and far sadder) than you were ever taught.

So holster up, Weirdos! This isn’t your sanitized Wild West. This is Tombstone’s Bloody Reckoning.

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: ⁠historyforweirdos.com

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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 explore why Giotto di Bondone isn't just another painter: he's a revolutionary artist whose innovations changed visual storytelling forever. Alongside tales from the set of RoboCop and insights into ancient Rome’s enduring impact on today's world, Weller seamlessly connects the dots between seemingly unrelated topics, revealing a universe where art, history, and science fiction collide. This episode isn't just a conversation, it's a journey through the delightfully strange intersections of human history & creativity.

You can get Dr Peter Weller's book, "Leon Battista Alberti" here!

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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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 of governance, his intelligence was overshadowed by his ruthless cruelty and utter lack of charm.

Potbelly's rule was marred by scandal, betrayal, and a penchant for violence that made him deeply unpopular among his subjects and contemporaries. From poisoning family members to publicly humiliating rivals, his despotic actions plunged Egypt into turmoil, undermining the very kingdom he sought to control. Yet, his keen mind managed to secure his power repeatedly, displaying a twisted genius in statecraft that kept historians both fascinated and repulsed.

Join us as we unpack the enigmatic life of one of ancient Egypt’s most paradoxical rulers. Was Pharaoh Potbelly merely a victim of historical exaggeration, or was he truly as vile and despised as records suggest? Tune in to find out why this despicable pharaoh remains one of history's most intriguingly unpleasant figures

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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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 running the country like their own personal banana republic (pun intended, always). UFCO had been low-balling their land's value for taxes for years, and Arbenz's reforms, while offering compensation, were based on THOSE lowballed tax values. The Company freaked and decided a little "regime change" was in order.

So, how do you convince the most powerful nation on Earth to overthrow a democratically-elected government because your bottom line is threatened? Easy! You scream "COMMUNISM!" at the top of your lungs during the height of the Red Scare. UFCO, with its tentacles wrapped around powerful figures in the U.S. government (some serious "swamp" vibes, even for the '50s), launched a propaganda blitz, painting Árbenz as a Soviet puppet. The CIA, never ones to shy away from a little covert chaos, jumped in, cooked up some "rebel" forces, and poof – democracy extinguished, all to keep those sweet, sweet banana profits flowing. It's a tale of corporate greed, Cold War paranoia, and the sheer, unadulterated weirdness of international politics. We are going to have a good time with this one.

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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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

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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 McDermott. But did this unassuming maid truly play a part in this bloody crime, or was she merely a pawn in a deadly game? Join us as we sift through the conflicting accounts, the whispers of a possible conspiracy, and the psychological labyrinth of a young woman trapped in a web of deceit. Was Grace a cold-blooded killer, a manipulated accomplice, or simply an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?

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This is the last episode we will be airing before our hiatus. Thank you so much for supporting the show, it means the world to us both. We are not sure when we will be back but we need a bit of time to recharge.

Until then, stay weird!

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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