Professor Buzzkill History Podcast

Professor Buzzkill is an exciting blog & podcast that explores history myths in an illuminating, entertaining, and humorous way.

Bonus! Original 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Drama 10/27/2022

Bonus! Original 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Drama Buzzkillers have asked us to play the original 1938 radio drama, War of the Worlds, that allegedly caused such a panic. Here it is, in all its historic glory, with a short introduction from Professor Buzzkill. Don't panic! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/20982947

War of the Worlds Radio "Panic" 10/25/2022

War of the Worlds Radio "Panic" Halloween 1938. A radio play based on H.G. Wells' novel, The War of the Worlds, supposedly panicked America. The Martians were invading! People went hysterical and ran for their lives! Or did they? Listen to Professors Jefferson Pooley and Michael Socolow explain what really happened. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/20982818

Mother's Day 05/06/2022

Mother's Day Major social and political forces led to the establishment of Mother's Day as a major and official holiday. This episode explains those forces, and also tells us who founded Mother's Day. Was it Julia Ward Howe with her famous "Appeal to Womanhood" Peace Proclamation in 1870? Or did Anna Marie Jarvis start it, honoring her own mother in 1908? And what does war and campaigns for international disarmament have to do with the history of Mother's Day? /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22970951

Kathleen Stone: Female Ambition from Suffrage to Mad Men 05/05/2022

Kathleen Stone: Female Ambition from Suffrage to Mad Men In “They Called Us Girls: Stories of Female Ambition from Suffrage to Mad Men,” Kathleen Stone meets seven of these unconventional women. In insightful, personalized portraits that span a half-century, Kathleen weaves stories of female ambition, uncovering the families, teachers, mentors, and historical events that led to unexpected paths. What inspired these women, and what can they teach women and girls today? Episode 450! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22981520

The Hindenburg Disaster News Report 05/02/2022

The Hindenburg Disaster News Report The 1937 Hindenburg disaster was one of the most dramatic in the 20th century. But what if the dramatic report we're used to hearing was partly the result of a mechanical error in the recording equipment? What if the emotion that comes through in the "oh the humanity" quote was inadvertently enhanced through this error? Would the disaster "sound" different to us if we heard the genuine report? Listen to this Monday Myth for Extra Credit! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22970786

Thomas Edison Myths 04/25/2022

Thomas Edison Myths Thomas Edison invented almost nothing he’s given credit for -- at least not by himself. But he was undoubtedly one of the most important people of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Good old Professor Buzzkill turns on the light and puts the buzz back into hero worship. Grab your phonograph and listen to this Monday Myth for Extra Credit. Episode 449. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22893290

Lee Didn’t Offer His Sword to Grant - Monday Extra Credit Myth! 04/18/2022

Lee Didn’t Offer His Sword to Grant - Monday Extra Credit Myth! Here's your short Monday Extra Credit Myth for the week! It’s a great “Gone with the Wind” romantic-type story. The defeated, but honorable, General Robert E. Lee offered his sword to the victor, U.S. Grant, during the Confederacy’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. Grant, just as honorably, refused to take it. But did it happen? Find out! Episode 448. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22820291

“People Sleep Peacefully in Their Beds at Night Only Because Rough Men Stand Ready to Do Violence on Their Behalf” George Orwell Quote or No Quote? 04/11/2022

“People Sleep Peacefully in Their Beds at Night Only Because Rough Men Stand Ready to Do Violence on Their Behalf” George Orwell Quote or No Quote? This quote has been attributed to Rudyard Kipling, George Orwell, John Le Carré, Winston Churchill, and many others. We determine the origin. But how the quote became accepted wisdom is also important historically and culturally. Listen as the Professor waxes about its significance! And remember to stay vigilant! Episode 447 /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22746782

Ben Franklin "We Must All Hang Together or All Hang Separately" Quote or No Quote? 04/04/2022

Ben Franklin "We Must All Hang Together or All Hang Separately" Quote or No Quote? "We must all hang together, or we will all hang separately" is a famous quote. But did it originate with Ben Franklin, one of the founders of the United States? And does the Franklin attribution tell us something about history and popular memory? The Professor explains! Episode 446. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22668371

Ty Cobb: Baseball's Bad Boy? Monday Extra Credit Myth! 03/28/2022

Ty Cobb: Baseball's Bad Boy? Monday Extra Credit Myth! Just in time for baseball season! Was Ty Cobb, the Georgia Peach, rotten to the core? He is often referred to as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. But was his professional greatness mirrored by personal reprehensibility? Play ball, Buzzkillers, and don’t forget to sharpen your spikes! Episode 445 /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22587641

The Scopes "Monkey Trial": Myth and History 03/21/2022

The Scopes "Monkey Trial": Myth and History The Professor uncovers the many myths and misunderstandings of the history of the famous 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial," which pitted science against fundamentalist Christianity. The trial was about much more than that, and, at the same time, about much less (including cheap promotion and commercialism). Listen and become enlightened! Episode 444. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22519382

Irish Symbols and Hidden Hibernians 03/16/2022

Irish Symbols and Hidden Hibernians Ever wonder how the shamrock, the Celtic Cross, and the Claddagh Ring became symbols of Irish culture? And which Irish people deserve more historical attention and shouldn't remain "Hidden Hibernians"? Professor Edward O'Donnell explains all in this St. Patrick's Day episode! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/18216773

Irish Things that are Actually British 03/15/2022

Irish Things that are Actually British The Professor seems to want to make enemies in this episode. He shows that many things central to Irish culture and identity are actually British in origin -- St. Patrick, “the craic,” and “Danny Boy” come under his withering analytical gaze. But he may surprise you with the ultimate conclusions he reaches. Maybe he’s not that much of a buzzkill after all. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/18216731

Irish Slaves Myth 03/14/2022

Irish Slaves Myth The Irish slaves myth claims that Irish people were enslaved by the British and sent to the Americas (especially the Caribbean) to work on plantations. The history of Irish slaves has been buried by our politically-correct world, so the myth goes, and has been replaced by an over-emphasis on the enslavement of Africans in the New World. But is there any truth to it, Buzzkillers? Listen and learn. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/18216689

Bonne Maman Jam and the Holocaust 03/10/2022

Bonne Maman Jam and the Holocaust The story that the family who owns the Bonne Maman jam company sheltered Jews during the Holocaust has become an internet sensation. Is it true? We examine it in great detail. More importantly, we talk about questions of inherited virtue, inherited sin, and the desperate need for more historical research at all levels! Lots of shouts outs to important and worthy people too! Episode 443 /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22393739

Who Said "Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History"? 03/07/2022

Who Said "Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History"? Lots of people are credited with coining the great phrase, “well-behaved women rarely make history.” These include Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Steinem, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anne Boleyn, and many more. Given time, any powerful woman with self-respect, backbone and verve will get credit for this phrase and sentiment. Listen and learn who said it first. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22363160

George Washington Not First President Myth 02/21/2022

George Washington Not First President Myth A Presidents' Day Special Monday Myth to start the week! The story that John Hanson, not George Washington, was the real first president of the United States, has been squirreling around the internet for years. Should we think about changing the currency? Should we re-write our kids’ school books? Before you go overboard, Buzzkillers, listen to this Episode 442! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22198193

Major Samuel Tucker - Man Crush Monday! 02/13/2022

Major Samuel Tucker - Man Crush Monday! General Ty Seidule tells us about Major Samuel Tucker, civil rights champion and American hero. Listen to his amazing story and why we should look around us to find the history of the heroes in our own communities. Episode 441. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22117559

The Pizza Effect on National Pizza Day! 02/10/2022

The Pizza Effect on National Pizza Day! Feb 9th is National Pizza Day in the USA! This is a good time to learn about the "pizza effect." It helps explain why assumptions about the history and development of certain cultural practices and traditions help build hardy historical myths. Learn about the "pizza renaissance" in Italy, the "Hindu renaissance across India, the "Cornish pasty renaissance" in south-west England, and the "Clancy Brothers" or "traditional music renaissance" in Ireland! Listen while enjoying your favorite pizza pie! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/18216581

Hitler, Jesse Owens, FDR, and the 1936 Olympics 02/07/2022

Hitler, Jesse Owens, FDR, and the 1936 Olympics Hitler storming out of the stadium after Jesse Owens won the 100-meter dash in the 1936 Berlin Olympics is one of the most enduring images we have of the tumultuous history of Nazi Germany. Hitler famously “snubbed” Jesse Owens and all African-American athletes because of his ideas of Aryan racial superiority. But did it actually happen? And did it happen the way we usually think? Find out, Buzzkillers! /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22042229

Hitler, Jesse Owens, FDR, and the 1936 Olympics 02/07/2022

Before #MeToo: The History of the 9to5 Job Survival Hotline 02/03/2022

Before #MeToo: The History of the 9to5 Job Survival Hotline Dr. Emily Twarog enlightens us about the "9to5 Job Survival Hotline," an early effort to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. We bust the myth that women were passive in their reactions to workplace abuse, and show how sophisticated organizations, like 9to5, had a huge impact on American culture. Episode 440. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/22012841

Red Cloud - Man Crush Monday! 01/31/2022

Red Cloud - Man Crush Monday! Heather Cox Richardson tells us about Red Cloud, a Native American leader who deserves more fame and glory. Dr. Richardson gives us a sophisticated understanding of why Red Cloud was important and what he means for American history as a whole! Episode 439. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21945881

How the South Won the Civil War 01/27/2022

How the South Won the Civil War Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains the historical issues that have underpinned oligarchy, democracy, and the continuing fight for the soul of America. She traces the story of the American paradox – the competing claims of equality and subordination woven into the nation's fabric and identity. One of our very best shows, and essential listening for every engaged citizen! Episode 438. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21915629

Family Names Changed at Ellis Island? 01/24/2022

Family Names Changed at Ellis Island? Did your great granny tell you that your family name was Americanized at Ellis Island? Well, either she was mainlining the after-dinner sherry, or she had bought into an old historical myth. Join Professor Buzzkill as he walks Vito Corleone and other immigrants through the halls of the Ellis Island processing center and find out whether their ethnicity gets mangled! Episode 437. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21870035

Nixon's 1960 Southern Strategy 01/20/2022

Nixon's 1960 Southern Strategy Historian Timothy Galsworthy explains the details and complications of the famous Republican "Southern Strategy" in the election of 1960. He tells us how this strategy was developed much earlier than most people realize, and how Nixon had to use a tense balancing act to woo southern voters who traditionally hated the Republican party. Episode 436. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21832691

Winston Churchill, Alexander Fleming, and Penicillin 01/17/2022

Winston Churchill, Alexander Fleming, and Penicillin One of the absolute best stories flying around the web is the one where a young Scottish farmer boy saved a young English aristocrat from drowning. The aristocrat's grateful father paid for the farmer boy's education. That young farmer boy grew up to become a doctor and to discover penicillin. In later life, he received an emergency call to save a prominent politician's life. The farmer boy's name was Alexander Fleming. The life he saved twice? That of Winston Churchill. But listen to the real story! Episode 435. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21794456

The Fashionable Politics of American Feminism 01/13/2022

The Fashionable Politics of American Feminism Dr. Einav Rabinovitch-Fox tells us how the rise of mass media culture made fashion a vehicle for women to assert claims over their bodies, femininity, and social roles. As women employed new clothing styles, they expanded feminist activism beyond formal organizations and movements and reclaimed fashion as a realm of pleasure, power, and feminist consciousness. Episode 434. /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21767561

The Fashionable Politics of American Feminism 01/13/2022

Mussolini Didn't Make the Trains Run on Time 01/10/2022

Mussolini Didn't Make the Trains Run on Time "At least Mussolini made the trains run on time" is one of history's biggest myths. More importantly, it has been used as a lazy rationalization for electing zealots to high office because they can "get things done." We bust this Mussolini train story in today's Monday Myths to Start the Week. And please remember not to listen to the other "big lies" out there! Episode 433 /episode/index/show/professorbuzzkill/id/21722141

Professor Buzzkill History Podcast

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