HISTORY This Week

Keisha Blain, a professor of Africana Studies and History, dives into the pivotal roles of Mary McLeod Bethune and Marguerite Cartwright in early United Nations history. They discuss Bethune's unique position as the only Black woman in the U.S. delegation and her efforts to confront colonialism within the UN Charter. Blain highlights how both women connected U.S. civil rights to global struggles, reframing our understanding of human rights and activism beyond national borders.

October, 1955. In living rooms across Denmark, children tear open the box of a brand-new toy: the LEGO System in Play. Inside are plastic bricks, a printed playmat of roads, little houses and trees — everything in perfect scale. As they build, something new is taking shape.  It looks simple, but it’s a radical idea — every piece connects, no matter when or where it’s made. It’s more than a toy — it’s a system. That quiet innovation will turn a small family workshop into one of the most successful companies in the world. How did a small-town Danish carpenter launch a plastic toy empire? And how did LEGO re-envision what a toy can be? Special thanks to Kristian Reimer Hauge, corporate historian at the LEGO Idea House; Daniel Konstanski, historian for Blocks Magazine and author of The Secret Life of LEGO® Bricks: The Story of a Design Icon; and Chris Byrne, researcher, historian, and “The Toy Guy.” We also want to thank Dana Goldsmith, Andreas Friis, and Roberta Cardazzo. Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

William deJong-Lambert, a historian of science and author, delves into the troubling tale of Trofim Lysenko, who convinced Stalin that ideology trumped genetics. Discover how Lysenko's rise to power led to the purging of dissenting scientists like Nikolai Vavilov. The discussion explores Lysenko's bizarre agricultural theories, his manipulation of politics and media, and the dire consequences for Soviet science. Ultimately, deJong-Lambert highlights the political interference that caused a significant setback in genetic research during a crucial era.

October 4, 1915. President Woodrow Wilson designates Dinosaur National Monument as a national historic site. That’s a big deal, right? There must’ve been a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, maybe even a parade. But no. In 1915, nobody really cares about dinosaurs. But that is all about to change. And when it does, it is largely because of two paleontologists. Two guys who started off as best friends … until their growing obsession with unearthing and cataloging dinosaur bones would turn them into rivals. Then enemies. How did the competition between a pair of paleontologists lead to unprecedented dinosaur discoveries? And how did their rivalry unhinge them both?  Special thanks to guest Dr. Hans Sues, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. ** This episode originally aired October 3, 2022. Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Parish, a media curator and co-host of Retronauts, dives into Nintendo's ingenious strategy that revived the U.S. video game market after the 1983 crash. He discusses how Nintendo cleverly disguised its NES as an entertainment system, using R.O.B. to appeal to parents. The conversation highlights the creation of iconic games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers, exploring their massive impact on gaming culture. Parish also details Nintendo's tactics to gain retailer support, ultimately making gaming a household staple once more.

In this informative discussion, Edward O'Keefe, head of the Theodore Roosevelt Library Foundation and author, delves into the dynamic relationship between Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. They explore how Edith reshaped the role of First Lady, institutionalizing her office and transforming White House social dynamics. The conversation also highlights her significant yet often overlooked contributions during tumultuous times, including her handling of personal loss and her complex legacy that she sought to obscure. A fascinating look at a powerful partnership!

Dive into the lives of women often dismissed as 'crazy.' The hosts explore the societal labels that have shaped their stories, from Lindsay Lohan to Judy Garland. With humor and heart, they challenge the stigma surrounding these powerful figures. Each episode is a rich tapestry of history and personal narratives, shedding light on what it truly means to be labeled 'mad' or 'bad.' Tune in for a thought-provoking and entertaining look at forgotten voices in women's history.

In this intriguing discussion, Cliff Stoll, an astronomer and author of The Cuckoo's Egg, recounts his unexpected journey tracking a KGB hacker in 1986. A tiny accounting error unveils a major cybersecurity breach into U.S. military systems. Stoll shares the challenges of monitoring the rogue hacker known as Sventech, revealing how this case marked a pivotal moment in cybersecurity. The conversation highlights the link between early internet vulnerabilities and espionage, showcasing a thrilling intersection of astronomy and security.

Lynne Hartnett, a Professor of History at Villanova University and author of Understanding Russia: A Cultural History, dives deep into the radical reign of Tsar Peter the Great. Discover how his infamous beard-shaving incident symbolized a shift towards modernization and geopolitical power for Russia. The podcast explores Peter's tumultuous journey, the clash between tradition and progress, and the foundations of Russia's leadership style that echo through its history. Hartnett provides a captivating look at how one man's vision transformed an isolated nation into a global player.

Ted Genoways, author of "Tequila Wars," delves into the tumultuous history of José Cuervo, the tequila magnate who battled family rivalry and political turmoil to build his empire. The conversation explores how Cuervo navigated the chaos of the Mexican Revolution and the impact it had on the tequila industry. Genoways also illuminates strategic partnerships formed amidst challenges and the resilience required for Cuervo to succeed during Prohibition, revealing the lasting legacy of this iconic spirit and its creator.