History You Didn't Know But Should

In this episode of History You Didn't Know But Should, Chris and Ray talk about why history isn’t just about memorizing dates and names. It’s about perspective. Too often, we focus on the same stories and the same people. But when we broaden our view, looking at events and individuals from fresh angles, we begin to see connections, consequences, and hidden details that change everything. Whether it’s rethinking a well-known fig...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into one of the most colorful and modern-feeling elections in American history, the 1840 contest between President Martin Van Buren and the log cabin war hero William Henry Harrison. We unpack the over-the-top campaign strategies, the use of catchy slogans and mass political marketing, and why this election set the stage for future presidential image making. ...

The Lost Colony has never been more intriguing. In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into the enduring mystery of Roanoke: what really happened to the settlers, why the story still captivates us, and what recent archaeological findings could finally give weight to one of the most debated theories. This isn't just a history lesson, it's a detective story centuries in the making. Don't...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into the story behind Juneteenth, what it really commemorates, how it became a national holiday, and why it matters. From its origins in Galveston, Texas to its broader significance in the long struggle for civil rights, this conversation reminds us that progress is worth celebrating, even when the road is long.

Whether you're new to Juneteenth or want a d...

What do drums, freedom, and rebellion have in common? In this powerful episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray uncover the gripping story of the Stono Rebellion—, n explosive 1739 uprising where enslaved Africans marched for liberty and left a legacy that still echoes today.

🎧 Hit play, learn something that you may have forgotten from history class, and if it sparks your curiosity, like, share, and pass it on. ...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray explore a lesser-known pattern in presidential history, covering up serious health issues at the highest levels of power. In light of former President Joe Biden’s advanced prostate cancer diagnosis, we revisit the hidden illnesses of past presidents: Chester Arthur’s kidney disease, FDR’s paralysis, JFK’s secret health cocktail, Woodrow Wilson’s battle with the Sp...

In this episode, we delve into the events of July 6, 1944, when a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in Hartford, Connecticut, turned tragic. A fire, ignited during the show, rapidly consumed the paraffin-and-gasoline-treated canvas tent, leading to the deaths of at least 167 people and injuring over 700 others. We explore the causes of the fire, the ensuing panic, and the lasting impact on circus safety r...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, we tee off with the fascinating story of Putt Putt Golf — a game with surprisingly deep roots in Fayetteville, North Carolina! We dive into the origins of the Putt Putt organization, how it differs from mini golf, and the quirky charm that made it a nationwide sensation. Along the way, we share personal memories, surprising facts, and one thing Ray never knew about the game unt...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, we dive into the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930—one of the most infamous trade policies in American history. Designed to protect U.S. industries, this tariff instead worsened the Great Depression and fueled global economic tensions. We break down how it happened, why it mattered, and what lessons it offers for trade policy today. How do tariffs impact economies, and are there echo...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, we trace the remarkable journey of Booker T. Washington—from his enslaved childhood to becoming one of the most influential Black leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We discuss his rise through education, the founding of Tuskegee Institute, and his philosophy of self-help, vocational training, and racial uplift. But Washington’s approach wasn’t without controvers...

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, we explore the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey, the controversial yet visionary leader of the early 20th-century Black nationalist and Pan-African movements. From his founding of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) to his ambitious Back-to-Africa movement, Garvey’s ideas shaped discussions on race, self-reliance, and Black empowerment. Join us as we break down G...

In this episode of History You Didn't Know But Should, we take a dive into the Essex Junto, a radical wing of the Federalist Party that pushed for secession during the War of 1812. We explore the rise and fall of the Federalists, their opposition to Jeffersonian democracy, and how their resistance to war ultimately led to their political demise. What lessons can we learn from their story today? Tune in for a fascinating discuss...

In this episode of History You Didn't Know But Should, we dive into the history of the First 100 Days—a concept that has shaped modern presidencies. Originating with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s rapid legislative push in 1933, the first 100 days have become a benchmark for presidential effectiveness. We explore its impact on leadership, policy, and public expectations, questioning whether it’s a fair measure of success. How did this...