In the early 20th century, the word "vampire" was used to mean something quite different: a female sexual predator. And no one struck more fear into the hearts of men than cinema's first sex symbol, silent film actress Theda Bara. Happy Halloween.

Featuring piano music by Kevin MacLeod, used by Creative Commons License Attribution 3.0.

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The Vamp: Theda Bara, Cinema’s First Sex Symbol – Halloween Special – Women’s History, American History

We explore ideas and practices once believed to be true but no longer. Each dead idea is explored in all its glorious eccentricity.

For example, discover miasma, the theory that plague comes from stinky air; or the medical diagnosis of hysteria, which holds that women's wombs wander around their bodies causing trouble.

Join us on a fun romp through the history of ideas that didn’t quite stand the test of time.

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The Sacred Band of Thebes, comprised entirely of gay male lovers, was Ancient Greece’s original response to the gays in the military question. What was that like? How did it function? And what was its lasting legacy? That’s what we’re going to find out today, just in time for Pride Month. Here to help us do it is classicist James Romm, author of The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers Fighting to Save Greek Freedom.

By the way, the New Yorker article referenced in the episode is "Ancient Greece's Army of Lovers" by Daniel Mendelsohn.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/btnewberg and get a hand-drawn portrait. Research, writing, editing, and production by B. T. Newberg. Music and Logo Design by Rachel Westhoff. Additional credits, references, and more at www.deadideas.net.

The All-Gay Army: Ancient Greece’s Sacred Band of Thebes: An Interview with James Romm

My city is on fire today. This is day four of the riots in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. And everyone around me is saying, “I’m angry too, but why destroy your own community? It doesn’t make sense.”

But is there another way to look at it? In this episode, I share first-hand reports of the riots as well as experiences of income disparity in local schools. By looking behind the violence to the roots of disadvantage, can we turn confusion into empathy?

Report From Minneapolis: Making Sense of the Riots Over George Floyd’s Death

This episode goes out to all of you at home out there during this pandemic, but we want to dedicate it especially to listener Owyn in Toronto, Canada. He’s faced a string of tough challenges recently, and now there’s the covid challenge on top of it all, but on the bright side, Owyn: it’s your 19th birthday today! Happy Covid 19th, Owyn!

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Music by Rachel Westhoff. Pics, references and more at http://www.deadideas.net.

Covid Cabana: Top 5 Ways to Have Fun Despite the Coronavirus

Did you know America spawned its very own homegrown fascist movement in the 1930s? Yup. The Silver Legion's William Dudley Pelley was the original Man in the High Castle. Or... at least he dreamed himself to be.

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Music by Rachel Westhoff. Maps, pics, references and more at www.deadideas.net.

Fascism II: The Silver Legion: A Real American Fascist Movement – American History

TRIGGER WARNING: Politics. Today we explore what characterized early 20th-century fascism, and then ask whether it's fair to call Trump fascist.

Be sure to support the show at www.patreon.com/deadideaspod to get your portrait drawn!

Music by Rachel Westhoff. Maps, pics, references and more at www.deadideas.net.

The Vamp: Theda Bara, Cinema’s First Sex Symbol – Halloween Special – Women’s History, American History

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