We're transported back to 14th century Africa to take a closer look at the Mali Empire and the emperor who was so rich he accidentally created a ten-year-long gold recession: Mansa Musa. Learn about his famous pilgrimage to Mecca [and the Five Pillars of Islam], the learning center at Timbuktu, and how the Mali Empire became so darn great. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Going for the Gold!"

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Griot B & Schoolyard Rap, "Mansa Musa," 2018; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

We're joined this week by very special guest Father Brad Doyle of The Quizzical Papist podcast, who regales us with the highlights of his favorite city: New Orleans. Julia and Lauren attempt to keep the swears at a minimum while learning about the geography, history, music, food, culture, and quirks of the Crescent City. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Papal Potables"!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Johnny Horton, "Battle of New Orleans," 1959; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Be sure to check out The Quizzical Papist on iTunes/Apple Podcasts here!

Try not to touch, breathe in, or otherwise consume this episode--we're warning you! This week, Lauren covers some deadly poisons and toxins, and generally loses it about radiation sickness. Later, soothe the burn with a quiz on cure-alls!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Alice Cooper, "Poison," 1989; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Quick-- how many face cards in a standard deck of playing cards have only one eye showing? If the answer didn't come to you immediately, you're not alone. This week's episode is all about playing card trivia: how cards are made, frequent questions, incredible factoids, and the rules to a card game that has mystified Julia for years. Later, enjoy a quiz called "House of Cards!"

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Motörhead, "Ace of Spades, 1980; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

This week, we learn all about one of the celebrated heroes of the Polish Army during WWII [who just so happened to be a nearly 500-lb bear...]. Lauren tells us the fascinating story of one of history's greatest mascots, and later gives us a quiz about the wonderful weirdness of MLB mascots!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Igor Stravinsky, "Peasant With Bear," from Petrushka, 2008; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Welcome back to geography class! Today, we're covering everyone's favorite coastline formations: CAPES. [Where are they? What are they known for? And which ones are truly GREAT?] Later, enjoy a quiz called “If You Like Piña Coladas and Getting Caught in the Rain”!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Rupert Holmes, "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)," 1979; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Finally! Today, by popular demand, we tackle the Grandfather of Masculine Literature: Ernest Hemingway! Learn all about Papa's accident-prone, globe-trotting life, and get a rundown of his famous novels. Later, bulk up your knowledge on Oscar Wilde with a quiz entitled "The Importance of Being Ernest!"

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Jimmy Buffet, Live at Wrigley Field, "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere," 2006; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Think back to when you were 17-- would you have been able to join a government-sanctioned journey to explore a couple thousand miles of wilderness? [No?] That's exactly what Shoshone woman Sacagawea did in 1805 when she provided assistance to the Corps of Discovery. Refresh your recollection of the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the legacy of one of the most well-known and respected Native American women in American history. Later, enjoy a quiz called “Shoulda Made a Left at Albuquerque”!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Tommy Emmanuel, "Lewis & Clark," 2006; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Our lives today are pretty surreal, folks, so what better time than now to educate you all in a little art history, hmmm? Today, we get into the true weirdness [and the rise and fall] of the Dada and Surrealism movements. Later, take a quiz on Dadas and Papas!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) Daniel Varsano, Erik Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1," orig. 1888, rec. 1979; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]

Wow--you've won second prize in a beauty contest! Collect $10! [ <-- If this triggers memories of five-hour-long Monopoly games resulting in a flipped table, scattered pieces, and tears--well, you're not alone.] We cover the history of the famous board game Monopoly, game-play basics, and the actual rules of the game [which have you in and out in under an hour, Julia swears]. Later, enjoy a quiz called "Advance to Go, Collect $200"!

.

.

.

[Music: 1) YouTube user GBelair, "Monopoly (NES) Music - Title Theme," 2009; 2) Frau Holle, “Ascending Souls,” 2017. Courtesy of Frau Holle, CC BY-NC 3.0 license.]