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!

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🇯🇵 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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of historical poison! 🧪💀 

This week, we’re joined by the fabulous Sinead Hanna, 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 Hanna 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!

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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!

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🎙 A Little History of Psychology with Dr. Nikki Hayes

Ready to dive into the fascinating world of psychology? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Nikki Hayes, a rockstar in the field of psychology and the author of the brilliant book A Little History of Psychology. She's written 25+ books, and she's here to share her knowledge with us on the wild, weird, and wonderful journey of psychology through the ages.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why psychology didn’t start with Freud (sorry, Sigmund).
• The crazy story of Phineas Gage—a guy who survived a rod going through his brain and lived to tell the tale.
• How ancient Greek ideas still mislead us today (spoiler: you have more than 5 senses).
• The secret power of Japanese psychology and what Western psych got wrong about "achievement."
• Women in psychology: the unsung heroines behind groundbreaking experiments.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Psychology is a team sport—no single “founding father” here! Freud, William James, Wilhelm Wundt, and others all played their part.
• Phineas Gage taught us that personality and brain function are deeply linked, despite all the myths about his post-accident life.
• Global psychology is the future: From Japan to Africa, diverse perspectives are shaking up Western-centric ideas.

📚 About Dr. Nikki Hayes:

• Dr. Hayes is not just an author; she’s a truth-teller. Her work highlights forgotten pioneers and busts myths about psychology’s history. And she doesn’t shy away from tough topics like colonialism, sexism, and ethics (we see you, shady CIA experiments!).

✨ Fun Facts:

• Did you know Japanese industry is a powerhouse of psychological principles? Mind-blowing, right?

🎧 Why Listen?

• If you love history and psychology—and want to impress your friends with cool facts about why you have 40+ senses—this episode is for you. Plus, Dr. Hayes' playful anecdotes will leave you pondering the quirks of the human mind.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Get your hands on A Little History of Psychology
• Follow Dr. Nikki Hayes

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Welcome, history besties and chaos goblins, to a special archived episode of For the Love of History—and trust me, this one is iconic. 🐊 We're diving into the wild world of ancient Egyptian mythology and uncovering the bizarre, beefy, and downright sweaty cult of Sobek, the alligator god. Yes, you read that right—SWEATY alligator god. Prepare to meet the god of crocodiles, sweat, and... baby-gravy (if you know, you know).

In this episode, we explore Sobek’s mysterious origins, his role as Egypt’s "Lord of Love Juice," and how he became the ultimate fertility and protection deity. From his sweat allegedly creating the Nile River to his hybridized love child with Horus, Sobek’s mythology is packed with unexpected twists, bodily fluids 😳, and a whole lot of crocodile chaos. 🐊💦

You’ll also hear about Sobek's rise to power during the 12th Dynasty, his reign as a croc-loving deity, and how his popularity surged even further during the Ptolemaic period—making him the god of choice for farmers, pharaohs, and anyone trying to avoid getting eaten by a crocodile.

But the real question is: What exactly did Sobek’s sweat have to do with the Nile? Or better yet, how did he manage to make all those croc babies? Tune in for a mix of quirky fun, deep dives, and a little bit of weird history (because, obviously, it wouldn’t be For the Love of History without it).

Episode Highlights:

• Sobek’s unexpected connection to Egypt's agricultural prosperity 🌾
• The wild myth of Sobek and the Fish of Chaos 🐟
• Why Egyptians worshipped deadly animals like crocodiles, hippos, and snakes 🐍
• The iconic Sobek-Horus hybrid and why pharaohs loved it 👑
• A seriously weird content warning: get your headphones ready for the love juice talk 🏋️‍♂️💦

Want more fun tidbits and obscure ancient history facts? Don’t forget to check out our Patreon for exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes chaos.

Listen now to uncover the wildest history you didn’t know you needed!

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Join TK on another enlightening adventure through the big book of history in this episode! We welcome two esteemed guests from the Museum of Us: Kara Vetter, Senior Director of Cultural Resources, and Micah Parzen, CEO. Together, they delve into the significant transformation of the museum's identity from the Museum of Man to the Museum of Us—a change driven by a commitment to inclusivity, anti-racism, and community engagement.

Discover the journey behind redefining a museum to reflect the diverse narratives of humanity, the challenges faced during the transition, and the strong community involvement that shaped the new mission. TC and the guests tackle the complexities of museum practices, discuss the importance of storytelling in preserving history, and share innovative approaches in presenting exhibits that address contemporary social issues.

From noteworthy projects to collaborative efforts with local communities, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the evolving role of museums in fostering dialogue on diversity and inclusion. Whether you’re a history buff, a museum enthusiast, or simply curious about how institutions can become more representative, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Tune in now and share in the vision of a museum that truly believes in the power of "us"!

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In our season finale, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the one and only Lilith—the O.G. femme fatale, and the ultimate “villain era” icon! From ancient Sumerian demon to Adam’s feisty first wife, Lilith’s been raising eyebrows (and blood pressures) for centuries. Think you know her? Think again! Lilith’s story is more twisty than a soap opera plot, packed with scandals, fanfiction rewrites, and more rebrands than T-Swift.

We’re spilling the tea on her journey from baby-snatching baddie to empowered icon, unraveling the lore that made her a pop culture staple (hello, Supernatural fans!). Whether she’s inspiring feminist movements or shaking up neo-pagan circles, Lilith has shown us that sometimes, the best way to make history is to refuse to play nice. So buckle up and embrace the rebel energy of Lilith—the gal who put the “myth” in mythology. It’s time to get fierce, folks!

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