For the Love of History - world history, women’s history, weird history

I can't thank this community enough, thank you for giving me a voice, thank you for helping me give a voice to the voiceless of the past, and thank you for joining me for the last 5 years as I talk about the weirdest shit in history! I love you always and don't forget to drink your water 💙💛 TK 🍩 💙💛 Links & Housekeeping 🎤 Love for the Love of History? Rate, review, and share this episode! 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🛑 Step away from the keyboard, put down your lukewarm coffee, and get ready for a journey through the most stomach-churning, backbreaking, and downright horrifying jobs in history! This week, we’re diving into the roles that made people question their life choices—often while covered in filth, plague, or both. What’s Inside This Episode? 💩 Tosher – Because someone had to shovel Victorian human waste (spoiler: it was as bad as it sounds) 🔥 Sin Eater – the poor unfortunate souls that ate bread and took one for the team (self-inflicted eternal damnation) 🪱 Leech Catchers – keeping up with leech demand was a full-time job 🤿 Can Oppeners – it is not at ALL what you think it is, think boom boom balloons underwater 🤮 And so much more Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever thought your job was bad, this episode will make you grateful for ergonomic chairs and lunch breaks. We’re talking about professions that were dangerous, disgusting, and (somehow) still essential to society. History has never smelled worse—and we’re here to tell you all about it! What It Was Like to Be a Body Collector During the Black Plague Resurrectionists: The Body Snatchers that Built Modern Medicine The Worst Jobs In History with Tony Robinson S02E01 Urban Links & Housekeeping 🎤 Love history with a side of absurdity? Rate, review, and share this episode! 🤩App Info🤩 📚 Resources 📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for some hidden history, dear one!! Did you know one of Japan’s most famous artists had a secret weapon? And no, it wasn’t just his paintbrush! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating, overlooked story of Katsushika Oi, the daughter (and possible secret collaborator) of the legendary Hokusai! Oi wasn’t just any artist—she was a bold, brilliant painter who worked in the shadow of her famous father. Her work, including the stunning 'Night Scene in the Yoshiwara,' showcased her mastery of light and color. But was she merely an assistant, or did she play a far bigger role in Hokusai’s masterpieces? Join us as we dive into her life, her art, and the reasons history nearly erased her. Spoiler: This is hidden women’s history at its finest! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎨 Who was Katsushika Oi, and why was she so important?👻 The inspiration behind The Ghost Brush and Oi’s mysterious legacy 🖌️ Why her work was overshadowed—and how modern scholars are changing that 📜 The hidden women’s history behind Japan’s Edo-era art scene, including other overlooked female artists of the period Love untold stories of incredible women? Support the podcast and unlock exclusive content—like behind-the-scenes insights, bonus episodes, and more—by joining us on Patreon! Want to experience history with me in real life? Join the History BFF Trip this August and explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara while we celebrate history, culture, and maybe even some birthday karaoke chaos. Spots are filling up—grab yours before they’re gone! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 Until next time, drink your water (yes, now), and remember: the gods may be immortal, but so is defiance. 🎙️✨ NHK Show https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/3018009/ 🤩App Info🤩 📚 Resources 📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Keywords: Hidden women’s history, Katsushika Oi, Hokusai’s daughter, The Ghost Brush, Edo period art, Japanese women artists, forgotten female artists, history podcast, art history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hold onto your corsets and brace yourself for some historical spice, because today we’re talking about Victorian nipple rings. Yes, you read that right. The prim and proper era of high collars, afternoon tea, and… pierced nipples? Turns out, the Victorians (and their French counterparts in the Belle Époque) were way freakier than we give them credit for. What’s Inside This Episode? 💎 The origins of nipple piercings—from medieval queens to Victorian aristocrats 💎 Why high society women (and men!) loved to bedazzle their naughty bits 💎 The wildest myths and medical fears surrounding nipple piercings (spoiler: cancer, madness, and loose morals) 💎 The connection between hygiene, wealth, and who could afford a fancy nipple ring 💎 The scandalous underground world of Victorian body modification (yes, it was a thing!) Why You’ll Love It: If you love history with a side of sass and scandal, this episode is a must-listen. We’re busting myths, spilling tea, and giving a whole new meaning to putting a ring on it—Victorian style. Plus, you’ll never look at Julius Caesar or Parisian aristocrats the same way again. Links & Housekeeping 🎤 Want more historical chaos? Follow For the Love of History on Instagram! @fortheloveof_historypodcast 💬 Love this episode? Leave a rating & review—it makes my day (and keeps the history algorithm gods happy)! 📱 Join the Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, history polls, and Japan adventures! Next time, we’re diving into the world of Victorian tattoos—because body mods weren’t just for sailors. Until then, keep your jewelry where you like it, embrace the weird, and stay curious! Want to experience history with me in real life? Join the History BFF Trip this August and explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara while we celebrate history, culture, and maybe even some birthday karaoke chaos. Spots are filling up—grab yours before they’re gone! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 🤩App Info🤩 📚 Resources 📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Further Reading Encyclopedia of Body Adornment English Mechanic and World of Science Victorian Nipple Rings Nipple Rings for Aristocrats – The Wild Victorian Fashion Trend Nipple rings and genital piercings were once a symbol of the Victorian upper class Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your smelling salts, delicious doughnuts, because we’re diving into the scandalous, bizarre, and often horrifying world of 18th-century reproductive health! This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Mina Moriarty—historian, writer, and content creator extraordinaire—to talk about contraception and menstruation in the 1700s. Spoiler alert: it involves lemon rinds, animal intestines, and a whole lot of societal shame. What’s Inside This Episode? 🩸 The shocking (and slightly terrifying) ways people managed their periods in the 18th century 🩸 DIY contraceptives—sponges, vinegar, and, uh, the pull-out method 🩸 Why 18th-century condoms came with ribbons (adorable but deeply impractical) 🩸 The wild myths people believed about menstruation (Pliny the Elder, we’re looking at you) 🩸 How cunning women and herbal remedies gave women some control over their bodies Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever wondered how historical women handled their reproductive health without access to modern medicine—or just want to hear about some truly unhinged ancient medical practices—this episode is for you! It’s fun, it’s fascinating, and it’ll make you extra grateful for your modern menstrual products. Links & Housekeeping 🎤 Follow Mina Moriarty on Instagram @HistoryHo101 for more historical chaos 📚 You can snag your copy of Mina's book Who the Hell is Olympe de Gouges here! 📱 Want to support For the Love of History? Rate, review, and share this episode with your fellow history buffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to experience history with me in real life? Join the History BFF Trip this August and explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara while we celebrate history, culture, and maybe even some birthday karaoke chaos. Spots are filling up—grab yours before they’re gone! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 Until next time, drink your water (yes, now), and remember: the gods may be immortal, but so is defiance. 🎙️✨ 🤩App Info🤩 📚 Resources 📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world told them to sit down, they danced. When their voices were silenced, they sang. When religion and government tried to erase them, they thrived in the shadows. Welcome to the story of mudang (무당), the women who shaped and preserved Korean shamanism (or Musok 무속) against all odds. This episode dives into their centuries-long defiance and the magic, rebellion, and resilience that kept their traditions alive. ✨ How Korean shamanism became a lifeline for women cast out by Confucian society 🔥 The intense, years-long process of becoming a mudang—spoiler: you don’t choose the spirits, the spirits choose you 💃 The theatrical rituals where women channeled gods, ancestors, and spirits through dance and song 🔮 How shamanism was an underground act of resistance, giving women power in a world that denied them autonomy 🎭 The women of Jeju Island who used humor to make the gods laugh—and force them to bring blessings Despite centuries of persecution, Korean folk religion is still alive. Today, mudang practice in secret and in broad daylight, performing rituals for everyone from K-pop idols to business moguls. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s this: when women are pushed to the margins, they don’t disappear—they fight, they adapt, and they rise. Want to experience history with me in real life? Join the History BFF Trip this August and explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara while we celebrate history, culture, and maybe even some birthday karaoke chaos. Spots are filling up—grab yours before they’re gone! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 Until next time, drink your water (yes, now), and remember: the gods may be immortal, but so is defiance. 🎙️✨ 🤩App Info🤩 📚 Resources 📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up, history besties—this episode is not safe for work (unless you’ve got headphones and a rebellious streak). We’re diving deep into the history of sex with none other than Esmé Louise James, the brilliant mind behind Kinky History! In this delightfully scandalous conversation, we uncover: 🔥 How Esmé went from studying religious history to becoming a sex historian 🔥 The wild story of how the history of the dildo launched her career 🔥 The medieval obsession with…well, rimming and witchcraft (yep, you read that right) 🔥 How history’s censorship laws gave birth to tentacle hentai 🔥 The long-standing and surprisingly biological reasons behind the world's foot fetish But beyond the laughs, this episode is also about representation in history. Esmé’s book isn’t just a collection of spicy facts—it’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like their identity wasn’t reflected in the history books. Because let’s be real: there is nothing new under the sun. Want to keep the kinky history party going? Support Esmé by grabbing a copy of Kinky History in print, digital, or audiobook (trust us, you’ll want to hear her narrate that passage). And while you’re at it, subscribe to For the Love of History for more weird, wonderful, and eyebrow-raising stories from the past. Now go forth, spread the historical filth, and stay curious! 🎙️🔥 Where to Find Esmé Website: www.esmeljames.com Instagram: @emse.louise TikTok: dr.esme.louise Podcast 🍆SexTistics 2🍆 TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Valentine’s Day, history besties! Whether you’re blissfully in love, dodging dating apps like a pro, or just here for the weird history (respect ✊), this episode is for you. We’re diving deep into history’s strangest, grossest, and most WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT aphrodisiacs and ancient booty calls. Spoiler: some people really went to extreme lengths to set the mood. 💘 What’s on the Love Potion Menu? 🪲 Spanish Fly: The original "love potion" (also, uh, poison). 📞 YOU UP?: The 5 am booty call of Heian Japan 💍 What Came Before Dating: a brief history of what came before tinder 🐦 Bird Spit Soup: Because nothing says romance like eating a swiftlet’s spit. 🔥 The Worst One Yet: I won’t spoil it, but trust me—your flabbers will be GASTED. 💋 Why Listen? If you’ve ever side-eyed modern dating, this episode will make you grateful that the worst we have to deal with is ghosting and bad pickup lines. At least no one's force-feeding you... well, you’ll see. 🎧 Tune in now for a wild ride through history’s freakiest aphrodisiacs and courting practices! And if you love the show, spread the love by supporting the show on Patreon—where history is always juicy, weird, and never boring. 👉 Listen now and cringe with me! TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Keywords: Weirdest aphrodisiacs in history Unusual historical aphrodisiacs Bizarre love potions through time Strange aphrodisiacs used in history Historical aphrodisiacs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to For the Love of History! In this episode, we dive into a lesser-known yet fascinating tale of maritime history with author and archaeologist Andrew Celyn. His latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White, uncovers the harrowing journey of a free Black teenager who was abducted and forced aboard the infamous Confederate raider, the CSS Alabama. We discuss how David Henry White’s story defies Confederate propaganda and serves as a powerful counterpoint to the glorification of the Lost Cause. Andrew shares his journey from archaeology to Civil War history, his research challenges, and the surprising cultural connections between Cape Town and the Confederacy. From forensics to historical analysis, this episode is packed with revelations about one of history’s unsung heroes. Episode Highlights: Andrew Celyn’s surprising start as an archaeologist and how it led him to uncover the story of David Henry White. The role of the CSS Alabama during the Civil War and its unexpected stop in Cape Town. How White’s life reveals the lies behind Confederate narratives. The challenges of reconstructing White’s story through sparse historical records. Discussion on Civil War naval stories, the Lost Cause myth, and Confederate propaganda. The importance of including marginalized voices in historical narratives. Call to Action: Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that challenges traditional Civil War narratives and brings a hidden story to light. Subscribe to For the Love of History wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help us continue uncovering fascinating historical tales. Share this episode with your friends who love learning about untold stories from history! Guest Information: Find out more about Andrew Celyn and his book Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White by visiting kidnaped.com. Additional Notes: Check the show notes for a link to Andrew’s website and updates on upcoming book signings and events. Stay tuned for more captivating episodes on history that you didn’t know you needed to hear. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and come back next time for more historical deep dives. TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Keywords David Henry White biography CSS Alabama history Civil War naval stories Teenage sailor Civil War Author interview Andrew Celyn Life aboard the CSS Alabama Confederate propaganda Maritime abductions in the Civil War Historical biographies Civil War Lost Cause revisionism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back, my delicious doughnut! 🍩 This week, we’re peeling back the velvet curtain on one of London's most scandalous and fabulous crime syndicates: the Forty Elephants, an all-women gang who ruled the shoplifting scene from the Victorian era well into the Roaring Twenties. Think Oceans Eleven, but make it corsets, diamonds, and bloomers with pockets big enough to hide a whole department store. What You’ll Learn in This Glamorous Heist of an Episode: 💎 How these women outsmarted Victorian shopkeepers with handmade “grafter bloomers” (yes, pockets galore!) 💎 The rise of Alice Diamond, the fierce queenpin rocking diamond-knuckled rings 💎 The jaw-dropping heists that left London buzzing (hello, mink coats worth thousands!) 💎 Why luxury goods weren’t just about vanity but a defiant statement of independence Why You’ll Love It: It's history with sass, scandal, and some seriously clever ladies who knew how to game the system. If you've ever wondered whether you'd survive as a Victorian-era crime boss, this episode will have you dreaming up your own heist team. 🎧 Ready to dive in? Hit play now, and if you loved this peek into women's badass history, don’t forget to support us on Patreon. Your support keeps the history (and the fun) coming! TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back, dear one! This week, we’re scrubbing in and diving scalpels-first into the history of surgery. From ancient skull drilling to the OG rhinoplasty (nose job, anyone?), this episode explores the bizarre, bloody, and brilliant evolution of ancient surgical techniques. Spoiler: it’s not all medieval barber surgeons and questionable hygiene. What you’ll learn in this episode: 📚How Neolithic humans invented brain surgery (and somehow survived!). 📚Why ancient Egyptian surgeons were ahead of their time (magic spells optional). 📚The shocking origin story of India’s first nose job—a bloody masterpiece. 📚How one Roman hotshot (we’re looking at you, Galen) stalled surgical progress for 1,000 years. 📚Quirky, gross, and oh-so-fascinating, this episode unpacks the twists and turns of medieval medicine and beyond. Whether you’re a history buff or just morbidly curious, you won’t want to miss this. 🎧 Hit play now, and don’t forget to leave a review! What did you think of this episode? Your feedback keeps us slicing into history’s quirkiest corners. ⭐⭐Calm History ⭐⭐ Try the new podcast, Calm History: www.calmhistory.com TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! What’s the Tea with the Community Census? Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right? 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome, history besties and ink enthusiasts! This week on For the Love of History, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of tattoo anthropology with none other than Lars Krutak, author of Tattoo Traditions of Asia. Lars shares jaw-dropping stories from his 25+ years of fieldwork, uncovering the hidden meanings behind indigenous tattoo traditions across Asia and beyond. Ever wondered why a hornbill or centipede might make it onto someone’s skin? Or how tattoos protected warriors in battle (think magical meteorites and spiritual rituals)? Get ready for a wild ride through culture, identity, and artistry! ⭐️⭐️Calm History!⭐️⭐️ Try the new podcast, Calm History:https://www.calmhistory.com/ In this episode, you’ll learn: How Lars stumbled into tattoo anthropology (hint: Fairbanks, Alaska, and minus 55°F temperatures play a role). The intricate and spiritual meanings behind traditional tattoos in Borneo, Nagaland, and more. The mind-blowing connection between tattoos and cosmic meteorites. Why traditional tattooing is making a comeback—and how artists are keeping it relevant today. Lars’s research isn’t just academic; it’s an adventure story featuring remote villages, motorcycles, and cultural revivals. Whether you’re a tattoo lover, a history buff, or someone who just loves a good Indiana Jones-esque tale, this episode is for you! Where to find Lars Website Vanishing Tattoo Documentary Instagram Tattoo Traditions of Asia (get your copy here) 🎧 Hit play now, and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of world history, women’s history, and all the quirky, unexpected topics in between! TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! What’s the Tea with the Community Census? Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right? 🤩App Info🤩 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that Socrates—yes, that Socrates—had a teacher who was a woman? And not just any woman, but Aspasia of Miletus, the queen of ancient philosophy, rhetoric, and savage comebacks. In this episode, we’re diving deep into her life, her legacy, and the absolutely wild smear campaigns she endured (spoiler: haters gonna hate since 450 BCE). Get ready to learn how Aspasia schooled some of the smartest guys in Athens, ran academic salons that gave women a voice, and may have even written some of Pericles’ greatest speeches. Buckle up, because we're about to hop in our time machine for a spicy mix of history, scandal, and feminist truth bombs. What’s Inside This Episode? How a girl from Miletus ended up teaching Socrates (mind-blown emoji). The drama-filled romance with Pericles (a.k.a. Perry the Platypus). Her legendary intellect, her haters (looking at you, Aristophanes), and her ultimate disappearance from history. The ridiculous sexism that still erases Aspasia from textbooks today. TrovaTrip Alert! Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it! What’s the Tea with the Community Census? Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right? Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you’re into Greek history, badass women, or just want an excuse to feel smarter than everyone at your next trivia night, this one’s for you. It’s part historical deep dive, part roast session, and 100% a love letter to one of the most overlooked women in history. Final Thoughts: The haters may have tried to erase Aspasia, but not on my watch. Let’s reclaim her legacy and give this queen the credit she deserves. Tune in, sip some wine (or tea), and enjoy the sassiest history lesson of the season! 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🇯🇵 JAPAN TRIP🇯🇵 💛💙Community Census💙💛 Welcome back, dear one! Season 10 kicks off with a bang as we hop into our time machine and zoom back to the Minoan civilization—the OG seafaring fashionistas of Crete. Were they ruled by thick (with two C’s) nature mommies? Or was it all just ancient patriarchy with a side of fabulous frescoes? Let’s find out! What’s in Store: 🛕 A deep dive into Minoan palaces (hello, indoor plumbing and menstrual pits—yes, you read that right). 🎨 Frescoes, frescoes, and more frescoes! Boobies out, bulls flipping, and goddesses reigning supreme. 🧵 The juicy debate: Matriarchy, egalitarianism, or just plain misunderstood? 😏 Why this history matters and what it says about us today (spoiler: thicc nature mommies might just save the world). Special Announcements: ✨ Japan trip alert! Join me and fellow history nerds this August for an unforgettable adventure to Japan. Buddha statues, tea ceremonies, and maybe even the Blood Temple? Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! Final Thoughts: History isn’t static; it’s a conversation. And this season, we’re channeling all the thick, curvy, snake-goddess energy to dig into overlooked stories and rewrite the narrative. Tune in, sip the Kool-Aid, and let’s get to it! 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for a creepy, cozy Christmas! In this episode of For the Love of History, we delve into the chilling legend of Krampus, the infamous counterpart to Saint Nicholas. This horned, mythical creature has haunted Alpine folklore for centuries, delivering punishment to those who land on the naughty list. Discover the fascinating origins of Krampus, from his roots in Norse mythology to his connections with the goddess Perchta in Alpine pagan traditions. We’ll explore: How Krampus evolved from a pagan protector to a feared symbol under Christianity. The wild tradition of Krampusnacht and the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run). How Krampus nearly disappeared under fascist rule and made a roaring comeback in the 20th century. Heartwarming modern efforts to integrate Krampus traditions with new communities. This episode also touches on the broader themes of winter folklore and how societies have used mythical figures like Krampus to reflect their fears, values, and celebrations. What You’ll Learn: The historical and cultural significance of Krampus in Alpine regions. Surprising connections between winter folklore and societal shifts. How Krampus has been reimagined in contemporary media and traditions. Keywords: Krampus folklore, Alpine traditions, Christmas mythology, Krampusnacht, Saint Nicholas legends, pagan winter traditions, history of Krampus, creepy Christmas tales, Perchta mythology, winter solstice folklore. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this eerie holiday tale, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your history-loving friends! Let us know your favorite winter folklore character, and join us next week for the kickoff of Season 10. Until then, stay curious and cozy! 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered about the wild, weird, and occasionally disgusting history of colors, you’re in for a treat. In this week’s episode of For the Love of History, we’re joined once again by fan-favorite and resident archaeologist Hannah—a walking encyclopedia of ancient technologies. Together, we dive into the fascinating history of pigments and explore how colors shaped human history, art, and even survival. From poisonous paints to snail-squeezed purples, this episode is packed with quirky facts, unexpected science, and plenty of laughs. You’ll never look at a paint swatch the same way again! What’s in This Episode? 🖌️ The Science of Color Hannah starts with the basics—what is pigment, and how do we even see color? You’ll learn about the visible light spectrum, why magenta technically doesn’t exist, and how your brain tricks you into seeing colors that aren’t there (yes, it’s a thing). 🍊 Orange the Fruit vs. Orange the Color Did you know the fruit came before the color? English didn’t even have a word for “orange” until the 1500s. Before that, they called it “yellow-red.” That’s right—orange is late to the color party. 👑 Marie Antoinette’s Flea-Colored Dress Ever heard of the color puce? It literally translates to “flea” in French. Find out how Marie Antoinette turned this questionable shade into a trend after a snarky comment from King Louis XVI. 💀 Deadly and Bizarre Pigments Lead White: A popular pigment that required… poop and vinegar. And yes, people put it on their faces (looking at you, Queen Elizabeth I). Orpiment: A golden yellow paint that gave King Tut’s tomb its glow—and was full of arsenic. Cochineal Red: Did you know your favorite red dye is made by crushing thousands of bugs? (Sorry, vegans.) 🧪 Egyptian Blue: The World’s First Synthetic Color 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians created a vibrant blue pigment that still shines today. Hannah explains how this “sexy standout” color was made and why it fluoresces under infrared light—making it useful for modern forensics. 🐌 Snails, Purple, and Roman Fashion Tyrian Purple—the OG royal color—was made by crushing predatory sea snails. It took thousands of snails to dye a single robe, making it worth more than its weight in gold. But here’s the kicker: Emperors reserved the right to wear it, and wearing the wrong shade could literally get you killed. 👀 Colors and Language Does language shape how we see color? Russian speakers distinguish light and dark blue as separate colors, while Japanese calls green traffic lights “blue.” Hannah also explains why Homer described the sea as “wine-dark” and what that tells us about how ancient Greeks understood color. Why You Need to Listen This episode is a perfect mix of science, history, and the downright bizarre. You’ll learn how ancient humans used pigments to create cave art, how the Egyptians crafted synthetic blues, and how people risked death (or poisoning) in the name of fashion. Plus, Hannah’s storytelling and banter with TK keep things light, entertaining, and endlessly fascinating. About Our Guest: Hannah Hannah is a seasoned archaeologist finishing her PhD at Simon Fraser University. She’s passionate about ancient technologies, pigments, and the weird ways humans left their mark on history. You can find her experimenting with art, illustrations, and crafts when she's not geeking out about color. Ready to Dive Into the World of Color? 🎧 Listen to the full episode now and explore the wild history behind the pigments that shaped our world. From ancient caves to Egyptian tombs, you’ll walk away with quirky facts and a new appreciation for the colors around you. 💬 What’s your favorite weird color fact? Drop TK a comment or leave a review! ______________________________________ 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Grab your hot beverage ☕️ and cozy up, because this week on For the Love of History, we're diving into the magical world of winter witches. Across the globe, from the snowy mountains of Japan to the frosty forests of Germany, winter has long been intertwined with folklore, magic, and powerful women. Join me as I uncover captivating tales of winter witches, their cultural significance, and how they’ve inspired both awe and fear throughout history. Discover fascinating legends such as: Frau Holle, the snow-bringing goddess from German folklore who rewards the kind and punishes the selfish. Oshiro Baba, Japan's benevolent winter witch who roams the mountains offering life-saving sake to travelers. Gunnhild, the Viking witch queen whose story blurs the line between history and myth. We’ll also explore the chilling connection between harsh winters and historical witch hunts, uncovering how crop failures and cold weather fueled fear and accusations. Whether you're a history buff, a folklore enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good winter tale, this episode is your perfect holiday escape into the mystical and magical. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How folklore connects witches to winter across different cultures. The role of women and power in shaping myths and societal fears. Surprising historical links between economic hardship, weather changes, and witch trials. Keywords: Winter folklore, witchcraft history, seasonal myths, Frau Holle, Oshiro Baba, Gunnhild, historical witch trials, solstice traditions, global legends of witches, magical winter tales. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us uncover more fascinating stories from the past. And remember, stay cozy, stay curious, and do something today that brings you joy. Happy holidays! 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of historical poison! 🧪💀 This week, we’re joined by the fabulous Sinead Hannah, co-host of The Poisoner’s Cabinet. Together, we unravel the legendary tale of Aqua Tofana, the deadly (yet oddly empowering?) poison of 17th-century Italy. What’s Inside This Episode? 📚Aqua Tofana 101: The mythical poison that could kill with precision—days, weeks, or even years later! 📚Julia Tofana’s Poison Ring: How women in abusive marriages found an unconventional “out” with a little help from their makeup kit. 📚The Recipe for Death: Arsenic, belladonna, and even lead—why were they hiding poisons in beauty products? 📚Poison in Plain Sight: How Julia disguised her concoctions as cosmetics, and the clever referral system behind the poison ring. 📚History’s Double Standards: Were women like Julia Tofana vilified for surviving in a society that gave them no choices? Why Listen? If you love your history served with a side of dark humor and surprising feminist twists, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll never look at makeup—or a bowl of soup—the same way again. About Our Guest Sinead Hannah is one-half of The Poisoner’s Cabinet, a historical true crime podcast that pairs insane stories with expertly crafted cocktails. Subscribe to their podcast for more bizarre, macabre tales from history (and killer cocktail recipes, too). Website https://www.thepoisonerscabinet.com/ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poisoners-cabinet/id1499953128 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1GnWWXfbamXf6XQ7DZmm4m 🎧 After the episode, head over to The Poisoner’s Cabinet and give them a listen—you won’t regret it! ________________________________________________________ 🤩App Info🤩 https://donorbox.org/for-the-love-of-history-app ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon https://www.patreon.com/fortheloveofhistorypodcast?fan_landing=true&view_as=public Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveof_historypodcast/?hl=en Website https://www.fortheloveofhistorypod.com/about TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@4theloveofhistory Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6SjwlXC5e8uvPxXE8siyEZ?si=1f813135bad1471c Merch Store https://www.bonfire.com/store/for-the-love-of-history/ Book Club fable.co/club/for-the-love-of-history-with-tehya-nakamura-188993928438?club_type=free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gobble gobble, dear one! 🦃 In this special archived episode, we’re taking a delicious stroll down memory lane to revisit the iconic Turkey God episode—the one that started it all! Almost five years ago, on April Fool’s Day (just in case I needed an out), I nervously hit publish on this masterpiece. Fast-forward to now, and here we are a thriving podcast community built on weird history, women’s history, and world history! I need a new word to express my thanks for your support over the years because thank you just doesn't cut it!!! What’s Inside This Episode? Wild Turkeys & Divine Messages: How these feathery mailmen acted as spiritual messengers for the ancient Mayans. The Colorful Connection: Why their blue-green feathers and maize-yellow heads were a big deal in 300 BCE. Sacrificial Snacks: How turkey blood kept Mayan gods happy and their crops flourishing. The Night Turkey (Chalchiuhtotolin)—God of Chaos and Kindness: This moody celestial turkey could either bless you with fortune or ruin your life. (A literal 50/50 shot!) From God to Grocery Store: The fascinating fall of the turkey, thanks to colonization. Why Listen? If you love history with a side of snark and unexpected facts, this episode is your jam. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for a turkey sandwich break! Plus, you’ll never look at a turkey dinner the same way again. Listener Love Needed! 💌 What was your first episode of For the Love of History? Let us know by leaving a review! Share this blast-from-the-past episode with your history BFF or that friend who just has to know about turkey gods. 🎧 Hit play now and gobble up some history! ______________________________________ 🤩App Info🤩 📚Resources can be found here!📚 ______________________________________ Want more For the Love of History? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Spotify Merch Store Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices