Haunting Historia

#Neuschwanstein Castle is quite possibly the most fairy tale castle in existence. It was the inspiration for Cinderella's Castle in Disneyland. But the man who commissioned it was called the #Mad King. Was he?

For thousands of years, the Aztecs and other cultures of South America used #Cochineal to color all manner of things a brilliant, perfect red. From clothing to feathers to even their teeth. The Spanish discovered their secret, opening the world to a dye that would change the economy of Europe.

She's been called several names and been the inspiration for even more. Her name was Khutulun, and she lived her life on her own terms. Not bad for a woman from the late 13th Century living in the Mongol Empire. Men challenged her for the right to marry her, but none succeeded. Find out just how she managed to avoid betrothal for much of her life on this, the first episode of Season 2!

They called him Black Bart. He was one of the most prolific outlaws in the days of the Wild West. And the most polite. His calling card was that of a series of poems he left behind. Thanks to the numerous other stories that come out of the Old West, it's likely you've never heard his name. But his story is the kind that inspires songs.

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Buildings are more than just places to live or work or congregate. They are physical manifestations of humanity's creativity, ingenuity, and determination to leave something permanent. Each and every place where humans have built things has a story to be told. In this episode, I explore some of the interesting places where the buildings have a secret or two to share.

When the Lord of the Flies released, it made the world believe that children, if left to their own devices, would descend into chaos. But long before that widespread novel, William George knew better when he created the first of several Junior Republics. Just how much control did these children have? Come find out!

Ferdinand Waldo Demara is a name you might not recognize. But it's not because he didn't make a mark on this world. He was a truly accomplished fraudster who went by several other names during his notorious career. His varied positions caused him to be dubbed, The Great Imposter.

Miss Manhattan, The Exhibition Girl, American Venus. Whatever you call her, Audrey Munson was America's first Supermodel. She posed for numerous statues throughout New York City and San Francisco. But what happened to the woman behind the marble? 

Today's release date, September 25th, is a very important day. It is the anniversary of the end of a bloody but highly influential era, 300 years long. Modern pop culture tends to look at those 300 years and see only the pillaging and marauding that took place. That is thanks largely in part to the people who wrote down the stories. But there was more to the Vikings than simply being great conquerors.

Triskaidekaphobia. Paraskevidekatriaphobia. The Fear of 13, or Friday the 13th, has many names. The fear itself stems from not just one, but many different places. And historians still wonder about precise details. On this the Lucky Thirteenth Episode, hear some of the more prevailing theories and stories of why 13 is more unlucky than my black cat.

He was a hero of the Civil War. He freed himself and his family and several other slaves throughout the conflict. Then, he convinced the government that black men should be able to enlist. His story of a Hail Mary run through Confederate waters is one that left the South asking themselves how he pulled it off. Listen to the incredible tale of Robert Smalls and his equally incredible influence on 1800's America.

Ever since a particular series of movies, the legends of Pirates saw a dramatic rise in popularity. But most focus on the Brigands of the West Indies, where those films take place. Here is the story of a pirate from across the world; One who would shock the world by their sheer power and their gender. It just goes to show, a woman doesn't have to be scorned to unleash fury as Hell has never seen.

I made a mistake. I admit it. This week, not only would I like to make amends for the mistake made in a previous episode, but the stories told in this episode will highlight blunders, mishaps, and goofs that either directly or indirectly led to the world in which we live. Plus a bonus mistake that didn't really affect those past the incident involved but which makes for a very entertaining tale.