Our Curious Past

I made a Ouija board in woodwork at school. Some of my friends said I was messing with evil but my teacher didn’t seem that bothered. Who had the right approach? Join me as I explore the life story of the ‘talking board’, which was wildly popular in the early 1900s, until something happened that would tarnish it’s reputation for good.

This is the Curious History of the Ouija Board.

Note: This episode has three bonus sections at the end..

Firstly, I’ve included an extra section on Ouija Board rivals.

Secondly, I noticed some strange laughter in the background of my microphone track during the main episode - a sound that I didn’t notice at the time. I’ve included it so you can listen. What do you think?

Finally, I needed some music that sounded like the Tubular Bells theme from The Exorcist movie. Since I don’t own the copyright for that, I grabbed my guitar and keyboard and came up with an improvised piece which evokes that film’s music. I’ve included it in this episode as a final bonus.

Do find me on social media, and share your thoughts on the episode and Ouija boards in general. Find my links here: https://www.peterlaws.co.uk/linktree

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Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

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Our Curious Past

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Albert Einstein was one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. This Nobel Prize winning scientist famously developed the ground-breaking theory of relativity, and helped reshape our understanding of modern physics.

He was such an advanced thinker that the world was in awe of his mind. Tonight, we will learn that this obsession would not stop with his death…far from it. Because for one doctor, it would become the obsession that would define, and then ruin, his life.

I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we hear the extraordinary story…Dr Thomas Harvey…The Man Who Stole Albert Einstein’s Brain.

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Our Curious Past

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One of the most controversial topics in our culture today…is gender identity. In that debate people often say that ‘gender confusion’ is a modern phenomena, and that up until recently, it’s always been very clear a person can only ever be male or female

There are, however, intriguing examples from history of people whose gender has caused confusion to others, and even lead to a court case. We see this in the fascinating and sad account we will look at tonight.

I’m Peter Laws, and tonight on Our Curious Past, we explore the remarkable life story of ‘Thomas(in) Hall – An Intersex Person in 17th Century Virginia’.

Help support our show through Patreon:

Peter Laws | creating podcasts, immersive audio, video and more! | Patreon

Episode Sponsor:

“Go to Hellofresh.com/curious16 and use code curious16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!”

Sources:

https://uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com/blog/2023/04/17/thomas-in-hall-subverting-the-gender-binary-in-colonial-virginia/

https://wams.nyhistory.org/early-encounters/english-colonies/thomas-ine-hall/

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/magazine/features/rights-of-intersex-children/

https://isna.org/faq/hermaphrodite/

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[Part 2] This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows. 

It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event. 

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

Part 1:

Crimes from the East 

Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 

A Nefarious Nightmare 

Crimelines 

Part 2:

The Trail Went Cold 

Already Gone 

Twisted and Uncorked 

Mystery Inc 

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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This Mother’s Day, join Shane Waters on a chilling adventure featuring 14 podcasters as they share sinister stories of motherhood. Mother’s Day is typically a time to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers, but today we’ll be exploring the twisted tales that lurk behind the shadows. 

It’s an extra special, two parts, more than two-hour, Mother’s Day event. 

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

Part 1:

Crimes from the East 

Cults, Crimes, Cabernet 

A Nefarious Nightmare 

Crimelines 

Part 2:

The Trail Went Cold 

Already Gone 

Twisted and Uncorked 

Mystery Inc 

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: Deceptions & Resurrections, Bloody Valentine, and A Nightmare before Halloween . Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When it comes to the monster movies of classic Hollywood, we might picture Frankenstein's creature, The Wolfman or Dracula…but alongside them we often see another monster that had a huge impact on the pop culture of that era: The Creature from the Black Lagoon, with a stunning design by Universal Studios make-up artist Bud Westmore…but as the decades rolled by, a scandalous ommission became evident. That Westmore did not design this creature, but a woman did…and she led a remarkable life of talent, tragedy and stolen opportunities because of her gender.

Tonight on Our Curious Past we give credit where credit is due, to the hugely talented, but largely unknown Lady from The Black Lagoon: Milicent Patrick. This episode also explores the sexist working systems of the Walt Disney Studio in it’s early years.

Sources: This episode is based on various articles but mainly on the book ‘The Lady from the Black Lagoon’ by Mallory O’Meara.

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Visit us online.

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This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other. 

It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event. 

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Easter, join Shane Waters on a whimsical adventure featuring 13 podcasters as they share true stories of con artists and fake deaths. Delve into the magical world of the Enchanted Easterlands, where you’ll encounter peculiar characters and captivating true crime tales. Discover the history and origins of Easter, and experience a journey like no other. 

It’s an extra special, two part, more than two-hour, Easter event. 

Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance:

Part 1:

Part 2:

If you enjoyed this holiday collaboration special, check out the other collaboration specials: My Bloody Valentine and A Nightmare before Halloween. Stay tuned for upcoming holiday collaborations for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Until our next adventure, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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A Parisian widower is lured to an apartment, with the promise of sex with Gabrielle Bompah. Hers is the last face he will see…but was she responsible for the killing, or did hypnotism drive her to it. Set against a growing debate in French psychiatry at the time, this is a murder case that would change the law of France…

I’m Peter Laws, and today on Our Curious Past we explore Muder in Paris…by Hypnotism? The Strange Case of Alexandre Toussain Goufee.

Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws

Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE

Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com

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Sources:

‘Improper Suggestion' (Article) by Paul Chambers in Fortean Times Magazine: Issue 232, Feb, 2008

‘The Gouffe Murder’ (Article), The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 7th Feb, 1891.

https://the-line-up.com/gouffe-case-1889

https://victorianparis.wordpress.com/tag/the-gouffe-case/

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It’s New Years Eve, 1970, and in a lavish apartment block in New York City radio presenter 'Long' John Nebel gets married to the highly successful fashion model and entrepreneur, Candy Jones. Yet, during the reception Candy starts acting strangely, changing her posture and speaking in a lower voice.

When it keeps happening, Nebel tries to hypnotise her…and his horrified at what he learns.

Was his new wife Candy Jones, really a victim of a covert CIA mind control program?

Discover the fascinating and mysterious life story of Candy Jones, today on Our Curious Past.

Help support our show through Patreon: patreon.com/peterlaws

Find us on all podcasting platforms: https://link.chtbl.com/HHE

Visit us online at: http://www.itsourcuriouspast.com

Episode Sponsor:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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