In this episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold History, we uncover the harrowing story of the Radium Girls—young women who unknowingly poisoned themselves while painting luminous watch dials in the early 20th century. As their health deteriorated, they fought a groundbreaking legal battle that changed workplace safety forever. Their struggle against corporate negligence led to landmark labor protections that still impact workers today. Join me as we explore their tragic yet powerful legacy, the science behind radium’s deadly effects, and the parallels to other workplace disasters throughout history.

In this episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold Histories, we step into the dangerous world of Renaissance Florence, where power, art, and betrayal collided. The Medici family ruled the city with influence and wealth, but their enemies—especially the Pazzi family—plotted to bring them down. Enter the Pazzi Conspiracy: a daring assassination attempt that unfolded in the heart of Florence’s most sacred space, the Duomo. With political rivalries, papal involvement, and a brutal aftermath, this story has all the makings of a Renaissance thriller. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind one of history’s most infamous power struggles!

In this episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold Histories, we delve into the fascinating story of the Honshu and Hokkaido wolves, once revered and later hunted to extinction in Japan. Explore the complex relationship between humans and these apex predators, shaped by folklore, agriculture, and modernisation. Discover how their loss echoes in Japan's cultural and ecological landscapes today, raising profound questions about conservation and coexistence.

Join me for a deep dive into the history of political parties in the United States. In this episode, we trace the journey from the founders' initial distrust of factions to the rise of the two-party system that defines American politics today. Explore the ideological clashes between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, the transformative ‘Era of Good Feelings,’ and the emergence of Andrew Jackson’s Democratic Party. Discover how political rivalry, regional divides, and the push for popular engagement shaped a system that continues to impact the nation’s democracy. Tune in for an engaging look at the roots of America’s political landscape!

In this episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold Histories, we delve into the chilling tale of Mercy Brown, America’s first "vampire." Set in 1892 in rural Rhode Island, this story follows the Brown family, plagued by a mysterious illness that drove their community to desperate and superstitious measures. When Mercy’s brother Edwin falls ill, locals believe the source of his affliction is a vampire within his own family. Join us as we explore the haunting exhumation ritual, the intersection of folklore and religion, and how Mercy’s tragic story left a lasting mark on America’s history of the supernatural.

In this episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold Histories, join me as I wrap up our discussion of the Weimar Republic. Diving into the vibrant, complex world of Weimar Culture, exploring the intellectual, artistic, and social movements that shaped 1920s Germany. From the rise of modernist art and cinema to the progressive strides in women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues, I uncover how this cultural renaissance thrived amidst political chaos before being abruptly halted by the Nazi regime. Tune in to discover the lasting impact of Weimar's short-lived but influential era, with book recommendations and more.

In this inaugural episode of The Forgotten Files: Untold Histories, join me as I unpack the turbulent history of the Weimar Republic. From the chaotic aftermath of World War I, through political revolutions, economic disasters, and cultural revolutions, I will explore the pivotal events that shaped Germany’s short-lived democratic experiment. Why did the Weimar Republic fail, and how did it pave the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler? Tune in for a deep dive into the political intrigue, myths, and cultural brilliance of this often-overlooked period in history.