Adversity is something that many of us face throughout our lives. Studying for a difficult test, preparing for a business presentation, operating on a patient, and overcoming personal challenges; we can all attest to facing ample levels of adversity. Many of us though, will never face the same levels of diversity that Helen Keller faced, and overcame, throughout her life.

Helen Keller is well-known as a figure of female empowerment, strength, and inspiration. She was an American author, political activist, and lecturer who became famous for overcoming the dual disabilities of deafness and blindness. As a young child, Helen Keller was extremely frustrated and isolated, yet through her hard work, and with the help of those around her, she overcame her disabilities, impacting the world in ways no one thought was possible.

Join Cam and Jen in episode 30 of History Out of the Box as they discuss the challenges, the accomplishments, and the controversies of Helen Keller's extraordinary life.

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

You've probably seen commercials. Margot Robbie decked out in pink. Ryan Gosling smiling in the summer sun. The much anticipated Barbie movie is coming to theaters soon! Jen, one of History Out of the Box's hosts, grew up playing with Barbie dolls, and they had quite an impact on her life, as well as countless others lives. Many people across the world are familiar with Barbie dolls, but are we familiar with the woman behind the dolls - the original Barbie?

Ruth Handler was a trailblazer in the toy industry, and her most famous creation, the Barbie doll, revolutionized the way girls played with dolls. Her life was about more than just dolls though. Ruth was a clever businesswoman, an advocate for women's rights, and a survivor who overcame challenges and obstacles to achieve her dreams. From her early days as a Jewish immigrant in America, to her rise as the founder of the world-renowned toy company, Mattel, Ruth Handler was an incredible and influential woman.

Join us in episode 29 of History Out of the Box, as we discuss the fascinating life and story, of the woman behind the iconic Barbie Doll, and the cultural phenomenon that followed!

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

Known as the "Queen of the Air", Amelia Earhart was a trailblazing aviator, author, and women's rights activist who shattered gender stereotypes and made history with her daring feats of aviation. Her life was full of excitement and adventure, and she set numerous aviation records, making history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite her incredible achievements, Amelia's disappearance in 1937, while attempting to fly around the world has remained a mystery for decades, and has only added to her legend.

In episode 28 of History Out of the Box, we discuss Amelia's life, her achievements, and the various theories surrounding her fate, from plane malfunctions to abduction by the Japanese government. Amelia's subsequent disappearance is known by many around the globe, but how many of us really know the person who was the famous aviator?

Join us on this journey as we uncover the truth about one of the greatest aviation pioneers of all time.

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

Mansa Musa was a famous ruler of the Mali Empire, and supposedly one of the wealthiest rulers of all time. He was one of Africa's wealthiest, most powerful, and most influential individuals during the medieval period. As described in an Atlas from 1375, "This king is the richest and noblest of all these lands due to the abundance of gold that is extracted from his lands." Sure, Mansa Musa was another wealthy noble who existed within the annals of history, but who was he really?

Born in 1280 CE (AD), Musa - which is the Arabic form of what you may traditionally know as "Moses" - was believed to be a part of the Keita dynasty, which had ruled the Mali Empire for several generations. According to legend, the founder of the Keita dynasty was a prince named Sundiata Keita, who overthrew the ruling king of the Sosso Empire and established the Mali Empire in the 13th century. Musa was said to be a descendant of Sundiata Keita and his son, Uli I. Musa was likely educated in the Islamic faith and culture, as Islam had spread west to Africa by the time of his birth. Despite the lack of details concerning his childhood, Musa's later accomplishments suggest that he likely received a good education and was trained to be a strong and capable leader. In 1312, Musa inherited the throne from his predecessor, becoming the Mansa (or King, Tsar, Sultan) of the Mali Empire.

In episode 27 of History Out of the Box, Cam, and Jen discuss the fascinating rise to power and immense wealth that many individuals in history claim Mansa Musa possessed. Mansa Musa was a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the history of West Africa, and his wealth had no comparison with some claiming he was richer than any king at the time. We truly enjoyed learning about him, and we think you will as well!

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

Kamehameha the first was a Hawaiian monarch who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is best known for unifying the Hawaiian Islands and establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii, which lasted from 1795 until his death in 1819. Hawaiian seers had prophesized that "a great light in the sky with feathers like a bird would prepare Hawaii for a great chief", and in 1758, with the passing of Halley's comet, that prophecy might have come true.

Some accounts say that "The Very Lonely One" (the translation of Kamehameha) was born in 1758, on the Big Island of Hawaii, in Kohala, Hawaii - likely in the month of November. His birth name was Pai'ea (meaning hard-shelled crab). According to some historians, the date range of his birth is likely somewhere between 1748 and 1761, and a published account of Kamehameha's life in 1867, supposedly puts his birth year in 1736 - we don't know for sure though.

According to Hawaiian tradition, Kamehameha was born with a prophecy that he would become a great warrior and conqueror. Due to the strange incidents surrounding his birth, Kamehameha was hidden away from the public eye by his family as a young child in order to protect him from anyone who feared a loss of power due to prophecy. Over time, he grew into an educated, fearless, strong, and imposing warrior, even turning over the famous "Naha Stone", which is a 5,000+ pound volcanic rock believed to hold mana (spiritual power) located in Hilo, Hawaii. 

Join Jen and Cam in episode 26 of History Out of The Box as we discuss the fascinating life, rise to power, and impact of King Kamehameha I; The Unifier of the Hawaiian Islands. It's a fascinating episode and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

Japan was an exciting place to be in the 1500s. During the 1550s - 60s, the Sengoku daimyo, or "feudal lords" of the time had survived the conflicts and wars of the last century and began to move into an even fiercer time of conflict. Japan was divided, and many suffered from this division. It's speculated that around this time, Yasuke was born. His exact birthplace is unknown, with many scholars believing he could've been born in the Kingdom of Kongo, a pre-colonial kingdom located in West Africa, in the modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo. Others speculate that he may have been born in Mozambique, Nigeria, or even Ethiopia. 

The details of how and why Yasuke ended up in Japan are a bit unclear. Some believe he may have been taken there as a free man who became a servant on a mission to spread Christianity. Others believe that he left Africa as a mercenary. He also may have been brought to Japan as a slave - though, it doesn't seem as though it could have been the same situation as the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Americas. Yasuke could've been taken captive in battle or sold into slavery by a third party. Overall, slavery bringing Yasuke to Japan seems unlikely.

 Author Thomas Lockley, who co-authored a book about Yasuke claims he eventually met an Italian Jesuit missionary by the name of Alessandro Valignano. This chance meeting led to Yasuke traveling with Alessandro to India, and later to Japan in 1579, working as a quasi-bodyguard - the promissory "muscle." According to Lockley, this explanation makes the most sense. Eventually, this time with Alessandro in Japan made Yasuke the first known black man to set foot in the country, and his experience there led him into service as a Samurai for Oda Nobunaga, a daimyo of the Owari Province, who became Japan's first feudal unifier. 

Join Jen and Cam in episode 25 as they discuss the mysterious life of Yasuke, Japan's first African Samurai. Despite the lack of extensive details of his life, Yasuke lived an incredible one and played a poignant role in Japanese history. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed learning about Yasuke! 

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

We're here today to discuss a true visionary. Jack Parsons pushed the bounds of science, technology, and society. His life was filled with adventure, discovery, and occult activity. Jack was an otherworldly Thelemic magician, he was a revolutionary rocket scientist and referred to by some as the "Strange Angel." 

John (Jack) Parsons - born with the name Marvel Whiteside Parsons - came into the world on October 2nd, 1914, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Marvel H. Parsons, worked as a machinist in a local factory, and his mother, Ruth Virginia Whiteside, was a devout Christian Scientist. In 1915, shortly after Jack's birth, Marvel and Ruth's marriage fell apart. Ruth filed for divorce after she discovered her husband in bed with another woman. From that point forward, Jack's communication with his father was cut off, his father started another family, and Ruth's parents moved her and little Jack into a beautiful home in Pasadena, California located on "Millionaire's Mile" - a.k.a Orange Grove Blvd. Jack's early life was lavish, filled with domestic servants, and doting upon by his mother and grandparents. 

Jack grew up with a thirst for knowledge, spending most of his time reading, and being notably fascinated with Arthurian legend and science fiction magazines. This made him notably unpopular, and he performed poorly in junior high school - with some speculating that he suffered from dyslexia. His interest in rocket science began when he became close friends with Edward Foreman as a teenager. This led to plenty of experiments making rocket fuels and immense interest in the work of Robert Goddard. At this time, Jack's interest in the occult also began, with him invoking the Devil into his bedroom one night as a teenager. One thing led to another, and Jack Parsons grew into one of the most impactful rocket scientists of our time. Unfortunately, due to his activity with the occult, this led to many undesirable circumstances, that we'll discuss in this episode! 

In episode 24 of History Out of the Box, we discuss the mysterious life of Jack Parsons. A highly influential, intelligent, and impactful individual who also maintained an incredibly taboo lifestyle. We really enjoyed discovering the life of Jack Parsons and we hope you do as well!

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door..." - Edgar Allan Poe - The Raven

One of America's most renowned authors and poets, an intelligent literary critic, and a master of the macabre, mystery, and supernatural, Edgar Allan Poe lived a life almost as dreary as his most famous writings. Born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston Massachusetts, Edgar was the second born of three children to Elizabeth "Eliza" Arnold Poe and David Poe Jr. He had an older brother named William and a younger sister named Rosalie. 

In 1810, when Edgar was merely two years old, his mother passed away from Tuberculosis, resulting in his father abandoning the family shortly after that. The Allan family took in Edgar and his siblings, merchants named John and Frances, who lived in Richmond, Virginia, and who gave Edgar his middle name. Edgar was never formally adopted by the Allan family, but he was raised as one of their own. 

He was sent to some of the best boarding schools while he was very young, and excelled academically from a young age, especially with his writing. Unfortunately, death and abandonment leave quite a heavy mark on those who experience it, no matter who is there to catch you when you fall. Tragedy followed Poe wherever he went and his life was anything but charming.

In episode 23 of History Out of the Box, Jen and Cam discuss the life, legacy, and tragedy of one of America's most famous literary geniuses, Edgar Allan Poe. His life was dreary, difficult, and quite reminiscent of many of his poems. If you're a fan of modern macabre, horror, or poetry, you have Edgar Allan Poe to thank. He was quite the tortured soul. 

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

"Lay me out, dressed in white, with a golden crown on my head. Inscribe my Christian name, Sophie." - Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was born Sophie Friederike Auguste con Anhalf-Zerbst-Dornbrug in 1729, in what is known today as modern-day Germany - then known as Stettin, Prussia. She was the daughter of a minor German prince Christian August von Anhalt-Zerbst and her mother was related to the Duke of Holstein. Despite her privileged upbringing, Catherine experienced a strict and sheltered environment as a child. This did not stop her desire to make a name for herself; she spent much of her youth studying art, literature, and politics, and she even enjoyed sword training referring to herself as a "tomboy."

In 1744, at the age of 15, she was married off to Grand Duke Peter with the intent that their marriage would strengthen the bonds between Prussia and Russia while weakening the influence of Austria. Unfortunately, their marriage was not happy, with many describing Peter as "neurotic, nearly alcoholic, rebellious, and perhaps impotent." Peter became increasingly unpopular, eventually leading to Catherine initiating a Coup d'etat against him, resulting in Peter III's death. 

In episode 22 of History Out of The Box, Cam and Jen discuss the life, rise to power, and death of Catherine the Great - Empress of Russia. Her 34-year reign led to a myriad of modernizations and westernizations in Russia, and she is remembered as one of Russia's most effective and influential rulers still to this day. During her reign, she expanded the country west and south by more than 200,000 square miles, she recognized 29 provinces, invested in many projects, and even founded the Russian town of Odessa on her dime. Despite her good deeds, her private life was rife with controversy, and by many accounts, she was considered egotistical and domineering. One thing is for sure; she had an incredible impact on Russia! 

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.

Disclaimer: This episode is NOT about the conspiracy aspects surrounding JFK's tragic assassination.

"Never let your fears hold you back from pursuing your hopes." - John F. Kennedy

JFK is remembered as one of the most impactful, unifying, and universally beloved American politicians of all time. Despite his service as the 35th President being tragically cut short, he made strides politically that few politicians in his wake have even come close to. He wasn't perfect. He wasn't always right. He will never be forgotten. Most know of his tragic, and questionable assassination, but what do we know of him as a person?

On May 29th, 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the second born into a wealthy Kennedy family that would eventually boast 9 children (four boys and five girls). His father, Joseph P. Kennedy, was a multimillionaire banker, bootlegger, shipbuilder, motion picture maker, and stock market winner, later becoming the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission and ambassador for the United States to the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, his mother, Rose Kennedy, was the daughter of John F. Fitzgerald, a previous mayor of Boston, Massachusetts. Little "Jack" as his family and friends referred to him, was seemingly destined to live in the lap of luxury; no one expected how his life would turn out though. 

Tune in to episode 21 of History Out of the Box as Jen and Cam discuss the incredible, albeit incredibly tragic life of the 35th President of The United States of America: John F. Kennedy. John led a life of prestige, fame, fortune, and historical impact, which ultimately led up to his untimely demise. We think he led a fascinating life, and that you'll enjoy the intricacies of his life that are often covered by the drama surrounding his death. Thank you for tuning in and we hope you enjoy the episode! 

History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.