The Remedial Scholar

The historical trajectory of Mormonism, particularly following the life and death of its founder, Joseph Smith, unveils a narrative rife with conflict and tragedy. Central to this discussion is the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a calamitous event that epitomizes the violent fallout stemming from the tensions between Latter-Day Saints and various external populations. As we traverse through the 19th century, we will elucidate the myria...

The history of the indigenous peoples of Florida is a profound narrative of resilience and resistance, marked by the tumultuous encounters with European colonizers. This episode elucidates the initial contact between indigenous tribes and European explorers, detailing how the arrival of these outsiders catalyzed a series of violent conflicts, notably the Creek Wars and the subsequent Seminole Wars. The Seminole tribe, emerging as a...

From mammoths roaming the Earth while the pyramids were rising, to Charles Darwin publishing On the Origin of Species just as John Brown’s raid ignited tension before the Civil War, history abounds with moments we never realized were happening at the same time. In this episode, we shine a light on these remarkable intersections—showing how major innovations, cultural milestones, and even catastrophes can line up in ways that reveal...

Pirate radio stations emerged in the 1960s as a rebellious response to strict broadcasting regulations in the UK, offering a vibrant alternative to the conservative programming of the BBC. These offshore stations, like Radio Caroline, not only provided a platform for popular music but also became symbols of youth culture and defiance against authority. As they gained popularity, they reshaped the music landscape, allowing bands suc...

The mysterious events surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident have captivated audiences for decades, as nine experienced hikers faced an unexplained and tragic fate in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1959. As they embarked on their journey to prove their strength against the harsh Russian winter, their expedition took a dark turn when they failed to return by the expected date. Search parties discovered their tent abandoned and parti...

History is a tapestry woven from choices, accidents, and pivotal moments that could have drastically altered its course. This episode delves into some of the most consequential "what if" scenarios in history, exploring near misses that could have reshaped our world in unimaginable ways. From the Mongol invasion of Europe to the devastating impact of the Black Plague, and finally to the brink of nuclear war during the Cold War, we e...

As we wrap up a remarkable year, this special episode of the Remedial Scholar takes a nostalgic look back at the highlights from 2024, presented in a fun yearbook style. Levi shares memorable quotes, superlatives, and the journey that unfolded through various engaging topics, from the Gunpowder Plot to the Harlem Hell Fighters. Listeners will get a glimpse of the show's evolution, including personal reflections on challenges faced ...

The holiday of Christmas, often criticized for its commercialization, has a rich and complex history that dates back centuries. This episode delves into the origins of Christmas traditions, tracing how they have evolved and adapted over time, often blending with pagan customs. It also addresses the misconception that Christmas was simply stolen from other cultural celebrations, emphasizing that the date of December 25th was establi...

The 1605 Gunpowder Plot, a failed attempt to assassinate King James I and blow up the House of Lords, serves as a crucial intersection of history, religion, and politics, illustrating the intense conflict between Catholics and Protestants during the Protestant Reformation. This episode looks deep into the origins of the plot, exploring how the shifting tides of religious authority and persecution shaped the motivations of the consp...

In this episode, we take a journey back to the early 20th century, to the coalfields of West Virginia, where a different kind of war was fought—one that has largely been forgotten by history. The Coal Wars were not just a series of labor strikes but a full-scale conflict between coal miners and the powerful companies that controlled their lives.

We'll explore the brutal conditions that led to these uprisings, the pivotal moments lik...

The ancient Maya have been considered a lost civilization for many years, but what really happened to them? On this episode of The Remedial Scholar, we look into the origins of this enigmatic culture from how the indigenous people even arrived in the Americas to begin with all the way to the contact with the Spanish. Discover the hidden history of the Maya, their impressive vastness of ruins that decorate the forests of the Yucatan...

Today we look into the fascinating history behind Mother's and Father's Day, exploring their origins and the unique ways cultures around the world celebrate these special days. We begin with the inspiring stories of Ann Jarvis and William Smart, whose lives and legacies inspired the creation of these beloved holidays in America. Discover how Anna Jarvis, motivated by her mother's humanitarian work, campaigned tirelessly to establis...

In this episode, we look into ancient examples of white-collar crimes. In this episode, we explore the cunning schemes of ancient times, from Ea-Nasir's subpar copper dealings in Mesopotamia to the bribing of the Oracle at Delphi, the bottomry fraud of Greek merchant Hegestratos, and Crassus' extortionate fire brigades in Rome. We also uncover medieval sheep fraud, the corrupt practices of Pope Alexander VI, and fast forward to mor...

Step into the mythical shoes of Alexander the Great, where ambition meets destiny. This episode takes you on a vivid journey through the dramatic rise of one of history's most formidable leaders. Discover the political cunning and bold tactics that allowed a young king from Macedonia to transform into a ruler of a vast empire. We delve into Alexander's encounters with exotic lands and powerful leaders, his complex personality, and ...

In this episode, we travel into the Challenger disaster, a massive moment in NASA's history and the Space Shuttle program. We'll explore NASA's ambitious journey from its inception, through the triumphs of space exploration, to the tragic loss of the Challenger and its crew in 1986. We discuss the aftermath and the profound impact on space policy, safety protocols, and the global perception of space travel. Join us for a reflective...

In this episode, we journey through art history to the emergence of Abstract Expressionism, spotlighting Barnett Newman's revolutionary approach. Newman's work redefined art, inviting deep emotional and perceptual experiences through his iconic zips. However, the shadow of art vandalism looms large, with Newman's "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III" becoming a notable victim in 1986. This incident opens a discussion on the co...

This week we take a chronological journey through the legacy of men of color in the U.S. military, culminating in the heroic saga of the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. Beginning with the Revolutionary War and moving through significant periods such as the Civil War and the era of the Buffalo Soldiers, we set the stage for a deep dive into the formation, battles, and enduring legacy of the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as ...

This week we embark on a journey through time to uncover the stories of once-dominant companies whose names were synonymous with innovation, success, and American industry. We delve into the histories of Kodak, Radio Shack, Pontiac, PanAm, and SoBe - each a titan in its domain, now a shadow of its former self or vanished altogether.

Discover how Kodak, the pioneer of photography, missed the digital revolution; Radio Shack's fall fro...

Get ready to dive into the clandestine world of maple syrup as we peel back the layers of the sweet industry to expose the syrup syndicates that have operated in the shadows. In this episode, we embark on a journey through time, uncovering the hidden alliances, fierce rivalries, and intriguing stories that have shaped the maple syrup landscape. Join us as we explore how tapping into maple trees evolved from a humble practice to a s...