What The History?!

IT'S TIME TO GET OUT AND VOTE, NERDS!!!

Have you ever wondered what the Electoral College is? Who it is? Why it is?Well good news- your favorite history nerds have done the hardest part for you- and just in time for the 2020 Election!

Listen in as Sarah and Casie take a dip in the deeply complex (but also pretty fascinating) pool of the American election system. Learn the basics from Sarah as she explains the overall functioning and organization of the Electoral College. Then, let Casie tell you about the founding and reasoning behind this establishment of American politics. And maybe, just maybe, there might be other alternatives? And if so- what would those look like?

You'll laugh. You'll probably cry. (Because let's be real, American politics is kinda like that right about now.) But most importantly, you'll be more prepared to exercise the right to VOTE.

VOTE. VOTE. VOTE.

Did we say vote?

On this week’s episode of What the History?! Sarah and Casie are overflowing with a LAVA for the knowledge of what happened in the once long lost city of Pompeii.

Sarah takes us on a journey back to 79AD and describes the chaos and destruction caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, as well as some of the only first hand accounts of the horrific day. Listen in as Casie describes the gruesome demise of thousands, uncovers the rediscovery of the mysterious Pompeii, and delves into the intriguing world of… ancient prostitution?

It may not be a recipe for basil hummus, but you’re sure to learn a thing or two (and even laugh along the way!) 

In this deep dive special episode, your favorite feminist nerds talk about the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Known for her small stature (and mighty collar of dissent) RBG gained notoriety in the final years of her life. But just what made her so popular?

Listen in as Casie and Sarah go through the 87 years of Ginsburg's life, from her childhood in New York, to her education at Harvard and Cornell, to her time as a Justice on the Supreme Court. Learn how she worked tirelessly to advocate for gender equality in the 1960s to her numerous decisions on the highest court in the United States. Your nerds delve into the great, and not so great, of this powerhouse woman, in honor of her life and the many contributions she worked towards in her extensive career.

This week, Sarah and Casie open up Pandora's mailbox and sort through the hundreds of years of history of the United States Postal Service.

Listen in as Casie goes through the extensive list of changes and challenges the postal service has adapted through, while Sarah explains exactly what the hell has been happening in its most recent history. (You know, like, June 2020.) From the Pony Express, to mailing children, to the rain, sleet, and snow, tune in and discover the significance and importance of this crucial American institution. 

In this "Badass Babes" episode, Casie and Sarah talk about the brilliant, dedicated, and, well, badass scientist Marie Curie.

Hear how she made strides for women (and science) everywhere in her discovery of two new elements at the turn of the 20th century. Learn about the years she spent overcoming the setbacks of doubt and the multitude of unequal opportunities she endured. And, most importantly, listen to 2 sociology and history nerds attempt to talk about physics and chemistry.

You could say they're a bit out of their ELEMENT...

Grab a sandwich, press play, and listen in as your favorite nerds discuss the spark that ignited the flames of the deadliest conflict the world had ever seen... at that point at least.

In Episode 7, Sarah takes the wheel (hah!) as she leads us through the fateful day in June that started out as fairly insignificant for a happily married couple but would end in their violent deaths. Learn about the two very different lives of two very different men, one an heir to a throne, the other a young and desperate rebel. Hear how they meet in a single moment, one that would alter the course of human history.

Meanwhile, Casie answers the question of whether or not there was a conspiracy, who exactly was to blame, why did these deaths even cause a world war, and most importantly... what's with the sandwich???

Listen in to this CATegorically PAWsome episode where Sarah and Casie discuss all things cats! Learn all about how these furry little monsters (read: angels) have been a part of human society through the ages. From being revered by Ancient Egyptians to being bred for Cat Fancy, these tiny felines  have always known EXACTLY whose in charge.

Get ready for some laughs, cat puns, and feel good fuzzy tales... see what we did there?! 

On today's minisode, join Casie as she delves further into the impact and legacy Ida B. Wells had on the women's suffrage movement. What better way to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment than by learning about one of the powerful, inspirational women that made it possible.

NOTE: We recommend checking out episode 5 before listening to this one to get a better overall sense of just how badass Ida B. Wells was!

In this heavy hitter episode, Sarah and Casie discuss the life and legacy of Ida B. Wells, an African American teacher, journalist, and civil rights activist. This badass powerhouse not only pioneered investigative journalism, but was also an active member in fighting and advocating for women's suffrage. Listen as your favorite nerds discuss her childhood, defining moments, and incredible contributions to American history.

Please note: This episode contains content that may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

In this EXPLOSIVE new episode, Casie and Sarah discuss the tragic disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In April 1986, a series of unfortunate events (hah!) unfurled, causing horrific deaths to dozens of people, as well as prolonged radiation exposure to nearby areas of Ukraine. Listen in as your favorite nerds talk about what went wrong and who was to blame. Perhaps it was the United States? Or maybe... humanoid bats???