Episodes

  • Roanoke Revisited 2025
    Jul 28 2025

    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 miss it.

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    20 mins
  • Juneteenth: Celebrating Progress, Confronting the Past
    Jun 19 2025

    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 deeper look at its meaning, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover the history you didn’t know, but definitely should.

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    21 mins
  • Marching for Freedom: The Stono Rebellion of 1739
    Jun 9 2025

    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. This is history that hits different.

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    25 mins
  • When Presidents Got Sick—and No One Told You
    May 28 2025

    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 Spanish Flu, and Ronald Reagan’s gunshot injuries.

    We uncover the health secrets they didn’t want you to know...but should.

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    29 mins
  • What If the Constitution Gave Us a King? Exploring the Unitary Executive Theory
    May 11 2025

    "The executive Power shall be vested in a President…” But how much power is too much? In the latest History You Didn’t Know But Should, Ray and Chris take on the Unitary Executive Theory, exploring how this idea has expanded (and challenged) the limits of presidential authority.

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    25 mins
  • The Day the Clowns Cried: The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944
    Apr 30 2025

    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 regulations. Join us as we uncover the stories of heroism and heartbreak from one of America's most devastating fire disasters.

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    26 mins
  • Behind the Birch: The Legacy of the John Birch Society
    Apr 19 2025

    On this episode of History You Didn't Know But Should, we pull back the curtain on the John Birch Society, one of the most controversial and influential movements in American politics. From Cold War paranoia to modern-day conservatism, discover how a once-fringe group helped reshape the Republican Party.

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    25 mins
  • From Sweet Treats to Secret Societies: The Robert Welch Story
    Apr 15 2025

    You’ve heard of Welch’s candy, but did you know its founder helped launch one of the most controversial political movements in American history? In this episode, we trace Robert Welch’s journey from candy magnate to founder of the ultra-conservative John Birch Society.

    It’s a story full of sugar, politics, and Cold War paranoia.

    Listen now on YouTube: @historyyoudidntknowbutshould

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    25 mins