The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong

Dive into the tumultuous history of love and marriage, starting with Edward Gibbon Wakefield's scandalous 1826 kidnapping-elopement. Discover how clandestine weddings thrived in England due to corrupt clergy and legal loopholes. Explore the medieval debates shaping marriage definitions and the impact of the Hardwick Act, which sought to regulate this chaotic domain. Uncover gripping kidnapping cases that shocked society and set the stage for legal reforms. It's a captivating look at how control over marriage has evolved through history!

Dive into the fascinating misadventures of Wallace Tillinghast, a steamfitting vice president torn between social expectations and dreams of flight. Discover the tragic story of the Wingfoot Express airship fire, where personal and historical narratives collide. Experience the chilling mystery of a winter night in 1909, as residents are entranced by a mysterious airship in the sky. Lastly, unravel humanity's long-standing obsession with flight, from ancient legends to eerie sightings that blur the line between reality and the supernatural.

Francine Jackson, the lead astronomer at Brown University's Ladd Observatory and a local history enthusiast, dives into the 1853 Valley Falls train collision. She discusses its historical significance, exposing how it stood out among rail disasters and its eerie photographic legacy. The conversation reveals the chaotic timekeeping before standardization and how railroads fueled the urgent need for synchronized clocks. Francine shares gripping details about the crash, the subsequent safety reforms, and the evolution of time as we know it, while reflecting on its lasting impact.

Dive into a wild ride through timekeeping as we explore Jamie Kennedy's quirky journey in Hollywood. Discover the chaos of his live New Year's special and the backlash from his prank show. Uncover the evolution of calendars, from Rome's early ten-month system to Julius Caesar's Julian reform. Learn how the Gregorian calendar emerged, and why it resonates globally. Plus, catch a glimpse of the fascinating yet failed attempts at decimal time during the French Revolution. It's a fascinating mix of history, humor, and the quirks of time!

Delve into the wild chaos of the Eggnog Riot at West Point, where cadets subverted Christmas drinking bans, leading to boozy mayhem and a court-martial aftermath. Explore how a miscommunication escalated into a near-outdoor battle. Transition to the poignant legacy of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast, with the crew reading Genesis from lunar orbit amidst the turbulence of 1968. Discover the emotional impact of the Earthrise photo and its place in the cultural consciousness, wrapping up with heartwarming holiday reflections.

Is this thing on?I had a nice, fluffy, inconsequential story to tell you this week. Instead, here's this.Check out: indeed.com/theconstant now to start hiringGo to US.Amazfit.com/TheConstant and enter promo code "constant" for 15% off your Amazfit smart watch.Visit our Patreon here. You too can get ad-free, early episodes, starting now!​​BUY OUR MERCH, YOU FILTHY ANIMALS!The Constant is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.​​​​Interested in advertising on The Constant? Email sales@advertisecast.com to get on board! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into Poland's tumultuous history, exploring progressive ideals like the Liberum Veto and the disastrous partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Discover the secretive Flying University, where education flourished amid oppression, thanks to founders like Jan Władysław Dawid and Jadwiga Szałajewska. Hear about Janusz Korczak's innovative orphanage, emphasizing children's rights, and his heartbreaking choices during the Holocaust. Ultimately, understand how these resilient educational efforts shaped Polish identity and culture.

Dive into the tumultuous 1876 presidential election, often deemed the worst in American history. Explore the scandals of Dan Sickles and his infamous murder trial. Discover the challenges of Reconstruction and the fallout of Sherman's land promises. Witness the chaotic vote count marred by intimidation and corruption, leading to the controversial Electoral Commission. Unravel the Compromise of 1877 that ended Reconstruction, paving the way for Jim Crow laws and racial violence. A captivating reflection on political choices and their lasting impact.

A ghost story, a murder mystery, a romance, a tragedy, a farce and a con job, all rolled into one. What could make for a better Halloween?Visit our Patreon here. You too can get ad-free, early episodes, starting now!​​BUY OUR MERCH, YOU FILTHY ANIMALS!The Constant is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.​​​​Interested in advertising on The Constant? Email sales@advertisecast.com to get on board! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The great thing about a ghost ship is that you can blame the ocean for your pants being wet.Visit our Patreon here. You too can get ad-free, early episodes, starting now!​​BUY OUR MERCH, YOU FILTHY ANIMALS!The Constant is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.​​​​Interested in advertising on The Constant? Email sales@advertisecast.com to get on board! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices