History. Rated R.
History Podcasts
Let's be honest. History is full of f*cked up sh*t. But what are we gonna do, pretend like it never happened? Have a drink with your host, actor and writer Will Sterling, and his more qualified former Presidential Speechwriting co-host, Dr. Craig Smith. They unpack the silly, salacious, scandalous, and serious stuff in history. If we don't learn from the past, we're doomed to repeat it. So let's at least try to do it with honesty and, wherever possible, a laugh.
Location:
United States
Description:
Let's be honest. History is full of f*cked up sh*t. But what are we gonna do, pretend like it never happened? Have a drink with your host, actor and writer Will Sterling, and his more qualified former Presidential Speechwriting co-host, Dr. Craig Smith. They unpack the silly, salacious, scandalous, and serious stuff in history. If we don't learn from the past, we're doomed to repeat it. So let's at least try to do it with honesty and, wherever possible, a laugh.
Language:
English
Episodes
Francisco Franco, Dictator of Spain (ft. Evita!!)
1/27/2023
Francisco Franco was the dictator who couldn't be killed! By time at least. Dude ran the country from the 40's to the 70's. During his reign he also managed to keep Spain out of WWII, which we guess is okay. But more importantly, Argentina's superstar and inspiration for the hit musical, Evita makes a STRONG guest appearance. Much more important than shitty dictator Frank.
Duration:00:43:52
Elizabeth Taylor
1/20/2023
One of Hollywood's most famous and important icons (also VIP Gay icon!) Elizabeth Taylor was a woman of many talents and much power in the industry. Known for both her body of work and many, many husbands, let's dive in to the life of a legend. Plus, Craig tells about the time he MET HER!!! And HRR celebrates it's 1 year Anniversary!
Duration:00:57:53
William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies
1/13/2023
The infamous William Randolph Hearst was one of the world's wealthiest and most legendary publishing magnates (and the inspiration for the film Citizen Kane). He also had a longtime mistress in actress and silent film star Marion Davies who arguably was just as important and influential as he was.
Duration:00:46:32
Communism and the Hollywood Blacklist
1/6/2023
The Red Scare had a far reach in the United States, and Mr. Joseph McCarthy had fun dipping his greasy fingers all the way into Hollywood. Hear about some of the infamous "Hollywood Blacklist" writers, who found their careers, politics, and livelihoods threatened by the big bad himself. Also! A fun little story about Judy Holliday, the actress who beat McCarthy at his own game.
Duration:00:46:14
Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare
12/30/2022
Senator Joseph McCarthy is one of history's great legendary villains. Responsible for fueling the Red Scare into a period of persecution of many people, the actual history of how we got to him goes back to World War I. Plus, a reddish fish, learn the history of the Salmon!
Duration:00:41:53
Obscenity for Christmas or: "I'm Sick and Tired of Seeing this Godd*m Sh*t"
12/23/2022
it's the holidays! Happy holidays to all and to all a great episode about how the courts defined obscenity as it came to film and pornography. What better way to celebrate the holidays? Plus, a brief history of satanical practices at christmastime including a long lost tradition...dressing in drag for christmas!
Duration:00:50:44
Films That Challenged the Code
12/16/2022
We're continuing on our journey through a production code challenged Hollywood. A few films along the way changed the way we look at movies (and collected some Oscars too), directly affecting our rating system and, as we will come to see, going all the way up to the Supreme Court. Plus, a brief history of mulled wine!
Duration:00:50:30
The History of the Motion Picture Production Code
12/9/2022
We go back to our favorite place of Hollywood to discuss the always controversial and unbelievably strict and stupid Motion Picture Production Code, often referred to as the "Hays Code." Hear a lot of stupid things they wanted to regulate when it came to the eras of the classics, but also how these restrictions may have forced writers to get better, and more clever, to avoid it.
Duration:00:49:12
The Real Life History of Julius Caesar and Macbeth
12/2/2022
Craig walks us further down our Shakespeare path, discussing the real life histories of two of time's (and ol' Bill's) most iconic figures, Julius Caesar and Macbeth.
Duration:00:41:34
Will's Birthday Gift from Grandma Olga
11/25/2022
It's Will's birthday! Celebrate with us as we listen to an almost 20 year old tape he found of his grandma, Olga Gotto, discussing the history of the 1950's with his sister Lisa for a high school project. We hope you have and have had a happy Thanksgiving. We're thankful to YOU for listening.
Duration:00:36:49
The Kings That Inspired Shakespeare
11/18/2022
We continue our jounrey into the mind of good ol' Bill aka Bill Shakespeare aka Bill Skarsgaard's original form, William Shakespeare. And in this mind we're discussing the real life Kings of history that inspired his many plays aptly titled...those Kings names. Plus, let's unpack that Rancho episode shall we?
Duration:00:53:01
LIVE! At the Rancho Los Cerritos
11/11/2022
History Rated R is coming to you LIVE!...well, pre-recorded technically. But we taped this episode in front of a live studio audience (not really) at the Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA! Craig is a member of the gang there and he's giving us the 411 on the Rancho's history and its impact as an important California Landmark.
Duration:00:39:50
Mahatma Gandhi
11/4/2022
We're putting the R in History Rated R today as we talk about the revolutionary, and in many ways controversial, Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about his life and works from your dear old uncle Craig and then also learn from Will about why Gandhi might have hated Will and Craig. It's all fun and games (and some serious sh*t) here!
Duration:00:46:19
Martin Luther's Halloween Spooktacular!
10/28/2022
It's Halloweeeeeeeen!!!! And we're celebrating by talking about...Martin Luther? That's right, the guy who hammered the "95 Theses" to the door of the Catholic Church was the founding father of Protestantism. And he did it on Halloween night! But it wouldn't be a proper holiday episode without a little history of the day itself, and constant interruptions from Will in an attempt to make Luther's sorty a little more...SPOOOOOOKY!!!
Duration:00:50:22
Maximilien Robespierre, Ooh La La
10/21/2022
We're circling back to the time of Mary Wollstonecraft to talk about one of France's most powerful figures during the revolution, Maximilien Robespierre! From a young age he was on a path to power, going eventually from judge to accused dictator. Plus, the weird history of a random dish from a famous New Orleans restaurant...Steak Robespierre!
Duration:00:38:41
The Plays of William Shakespere
10/14/2022
It's Craig's birthday! So we're celebrating how the man wants, not by talking about the history of Shakespeare's life but of Craig's favorite plays! Listen to some theater nerds talk about their love for ol' Will. The ONLY other Will we'll tolerate. Plus, hear the history of Shakespeare's favorite drink...ale!
Duration:00:41:45
A Brief History of 21st Century Feminism
10/7/2022
On the heels of Wollstonecraft being an OG feminist, Craig brings us into the 21st Century with several notable and notorious women who furthered and advanced the cause and work of feminism. Plus, in a delayed goodbye to Summer, a brief history of the Margarita!
Duration:00:35:27
Mary Wollstonecraft, Feminist Icon
9/30/2022
The rolls are reversed once more as Will regales Craig with the life story of Mary Wollstonecraft, one of feminisms early icons and writers, and the mother of Mary Shelley the author of Frankenstein. Hear the trials and tribulations that led to a life of immense importance in both feminist theory and literature. And are you hungry? Cook up Craig's recipe for Beef Wellington following the below!
This is our usual step by step approach. Make sure you read through and have all the ingredients...
Duration:00:39:51
Edmund Burke and James Fox
9/23/2022
In honor of the Queen, we continue our celebration of British people! Historic British people! Two more iconic and important parliamentary speakers, Edmund Burke became the mentor to James Fox...only to have Fox betray him. Learn how Burke was an early champion of the colonies and was critical of the King for mistreating them. And hear his hurtful final words for his pupil Fox.
Duration:00:47:38
A Brief History of the Monarchy
9/16/2022
God save the queen! Craig gives us a hot quick deep dive (mmm) into the history of the Monarchy and God damn are there a lot of Edwards. And Georges. 3 Charles'. 2 Elizabeths. We're running the gamut here. Plus, learn about a cocktail neither Craig NOR Will would want to drink...the Monarch Martini.
Duration:00:46:36