History. Rated R.
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.
Episodes
April 26, 2024 • 41 mins
They're back and better than ever, this time with some hot gos and controversty. Brigham Young was one scintilating guy...who liked his ladies...and his money. Read (hear) all about it!
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April 12, 2024 • 50 mins
You may know them from their hit Broadway Musical...or as a major world religions...it's the Mormons! That's right, Craig dives into the history of the Church of Jesus Christ...of Latter Day Saints.
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March 29, 2024 • 53 mins
One of the great American songwriters and contributors to, "The Great American Songbook," Cole Porter was an incredibly prolific composer and musician. Hear about his ups and downs and crazy f*cking parties in France and his RENT PRICES?? Plus, he was gay! Here at HRR, we're all about some rainbow history.
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March 15, 2024 • 49 mins
Let's do the time warp again! It's everyone's favorite cult hit, The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Hear about its production and importance as a piece of queer and LGBTQIA+ progressive media. It's been in release for 48 years! That's a big deal!
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March 1, 2024 • 64 mins
Will and Craig spend a special episode chatting about their recently released novels, Will's "Fame by Misadventure" and Craig's "Professor Gregg." Hear the inspiration behind the stories, the work involved, and the desire to be on the banned book list!
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February 16, 2024 • 60 mins
Two of the three classical music B's (Brahms being the third), today we deep dive Bach and Beethoven, of which Craig DEFINITELY has a favorite. Hear which one he spends a lot more time on!
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February 2, 2024 • 45 mins
Rebel Without a Cause is arguably one of the most famous gay films of the 1950's. But did people really know what they were seeing? Both its male stars, James Dean and Sal Mineo, were bisexual. And their chemistry on screen is unmistakeable.
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January 26, 2024 • 60 mins
We made it to the big centennial! Look at us go. Whether you've been here since the beginning or are only just joining us, thank you for listening and supporting. We love you. Oh yeah, we also finish the Hapsburgs today.
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January 19, 2024 • 55 mins
Unlike this episode's title, the Habsburgs didn't need whales to help them get home. Although that would make for intersting history.
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Go to usejoymode.com and use code Rated R for 20% off plus free shipping!
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January 12, 2024 • 51 mins
The title says it all. We continue with History's longest running power hungry and militaristic family!
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Go to usejoymode.com and use code Rated R for 20% off plus free shipping!
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January 5, 2024 • 48 mins
It's long overdue...today Will takes the reins the talk about icon and monumentally important Hollywood history gay, Rock Hudson. Was he in the closet? Kind of but also not really. However, his diagnosis and later revelation that he had AIDS forever changed not just Hollywood but the world. Plus, the making of the iconic film "Giant!"
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December 29, 2023 • 52 mins
Freeze! Pop quiz, Habsburg. They're back and better than ever.
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December 22, 2023 • 54 mins
When you're a fan of HRR, and make a request, Craig goes all out. Walk down the long and involved path of the Habsburgs with us on our first installment. And while you're at it, have yourself a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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December 8, 2023 • 51 mins
Student of Plato yes. Founder of modern rhetoric, double yes. Aristotle was not only a great thinker but a great orator and developed some insightful and comprehensive guidelines that are still in place today.
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December 1, 2023 • 40 mins
We alreay have a fantastic episode on the woman herself, but let's now go on a journey to explore her bisexuality. That's right, not only was she a pioneering actress but she had, what she referred to as, her "sewing circle." Plus, learn the importance of her breakout role in The Blue Angel.
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November 24, 2023 • 51 mins
By listener request, this episode focuses on Greece and the very long Peloponnesian War that lasted 30 years. You know the story of the 300 Spartans, but that's only a small piece of the puzzle.
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November 17, 2023 • 58 mins
Professor Craig brings you the history of...or tales of...Greek Mythology as we build up to our history on the Peloponessian War. You know the stories, but you've never heard uncle Craig tell em!
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November 10, 2023 • 48 mins
Have you ever heard the term, "existential threat?" Do you ACTUALLY know what that means? Probably not. Will doesn't. Then again, he doesn't know anything. From people like Kierkegaard to Sartre to Heidegger, let's take an existential journey into one of the most challenging forms of philosphy.
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October 27, 2023 • 51 mins
We're kicking off our Queer Cinema History Movie Club in spooky style (and apparently reovlving around the only thing Will knows how to talk about) with Bride of Frankenstein! Hear about it's gay director, James Whale, the film's production, and how it contiues to be one of cinema's most important queer films.
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October 20, 2023 • 53 mins
No, it's not "Mar-Len-uh" it's "Mar-Lean!" Now you know. An iconic film star, very controversial for the time, and a devout combatant of the Nazis, Marlene Dietrich is more than just a movie star...she was an early queer icon! Also, today is Craig's birthday! Celebratre with us in style as he turns 79 years young.
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