Notorious Narratives

"My beautiful Radium", Marie Curie called the element that glowed softly and emitted warmth. During WWI, many young women took jobs in factories. One such job, that was considered quite glamorous was a dial painter. They used radium laced paint to color the numbers and hands of dials for military equipment. In this episode, Jen introduces you to the women who bravely fought for all of us and today, OSHA exists because of their selfless efforts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode we turn our eyes to the sky and meet madmen and heroes. Meet Lawnchair Larry a man who despite all common sense decided that he would fulfill his dream of flying. Proof that no man should not be allowed too many weather balloons or Bud Ice. Then Robin will tell us all about the Apollo 11 moon landing as we marvel at how close this mission came to failure (many times). And you know Robin has some fun facts for us. Happy 50th Apollo, despite the conspiracies you are still amazing!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Notorious Knowledge segment, Jen explains the self-mummification practices of the Sokushinbutsu. Then Robin takes on the task of discussing the Chinese cultural practice of foot binding. It was for fashion, vanity and the illusion of being "high class" that these young girls were tortured.  While this may be shocking to some, ask yourself, are today's beauty standards any different?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do for fame? That answer is probably shocking, but not as shocking as castration, I am sure. Until the late 19th century, boys were being castrated to create a voice that was otherworldly. As women were banned in the theater and the church people went to any lengths to replace them. Those who were successful were revered, pampered and adored. But for those who did not make it, life was not so kind. In this episode, Jen tells you about history's most tragic child stars. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Around the world fireworks are synonymous with joyful celebration, but those that invented these delightful explosives certainly were not thinking of partying during their creation. Developed in China by alchemists searching for the elixir for eternal life, gunpowder was born. In this episode, Robin will tell us the history of fireworks and how the search for eternal life brought about death. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For those of you that fear rising waters and tidal waves, this episode is NOT for you. Deep beneath the frigid waters of the North Sea lies an entire lost civilization known as Doggerland. Touted as the real life Atlantis, this is no fantasy land. As waters rose at the end of the Ice Age and major tidal waves crashed across the land it erased the land that once connected Great Britain to Europe. In this episode, Robin and Jen discuss climate change, globalization and dating.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know the stories of love at first sight; rarely are they true. But in the case of Peter and Ines they were inexplicably drawn to one another. Peter's father disapprove, and since he was King of Portugal he was creative in his designs to keep them apart. But these lovers were undeterred and nothing could keep them apart, not a king, not a war and certainly not death. In this episode, Jen tells you a true tale of literally, love eternal.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Robin takes you on an adventure through Egypt's infamous Valley of the Kings. From their pets to their shoes these Pharaohs designed elaborate tombs to house all of the necessities they would need as they became a God in the next life. What would you bring? What could you not live without?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have all played with a Ouija board, but few of us truly think we are contacting the dead. But in mid 19th century two young girls, The Fox Sisters, were doing just that. These two women would inspire the birth of Spiritualism in the United States that would incite a national frenzy. But fame came at a price, as it always does. In this episode, Jen will tell their tale of fame, seances, alcoholism and shame. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when tens of thousands of children decide to take on a Holy Crusade? Nothing good. In this episode, Jen regales you with the legend of the Children's Crusade or well...crusades. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices