Stuff You Missed in History Class

A lively tour of the IUD’s tangled past, from ancient pessaries and failed myths to early 20th-century infection fears. They trace design experiments, copper and hormonal breakthroughs, and the dramatic Dalkon Shield disaster. The story also covers global adoption, coercive policies, and modern debates about pain, guidance, and medical bias.

A lively look at the fight that led to Alaska’s 1945 anti-discrimination law. The story follows legal and social barriers faced by Alaska Natives, grassroots organizing through Native brotherhoods and sisterhoods, and a pivotal public speech that swayed lawmakers. The episode traces lifelong activism, later recognition, and how a local campaign reshaped civil rights in Alaska.

A pioneering 19th century woman fights for a place in dentistry after being barred from medical school. She endures apprenticeship rejections, opens a wartime practice, and earns a dental degree. The story follows her professional innovations, marriage and joint practice, civic involvement, and the legacy of being the first woman granted a dental diploma.

They dig into Elizabeth Bisland’s complicated reputation and why names shape historical storytelling. Travel tales contrast modern carry-on habits with grueling 19th-century journeys. Discussion moves to period luggage, packing hacks, and lost-bag mishaps. A literary detour explores Flaubert’s disdain for clichés, Madame Bovary’s influence, and why people borrow 1920s style for parties.

A dive into Gustave Flaubert’s life, his obsessive revisions, and the real‑world inspirations behind Madame Bovary. The scandal of its serialization and the sensational morality trial take center stage. The legal arguments, courtroom theatrics, and the book’s sudden bestseller status are explored. Flaubert’s later caution in subject choice and his troubled final projects are also covered.

A look at Elizabeth Bisland’s unexpected 1889 world trip and how it was framed as a contest with Nellie Bly. Her Louisiana childhood and family ties to a plantation are explored. The story touches on her literary career, ties to Lafcadio Hearn, and the practical travel advice she wrote for women. It also notes later controversies and her late-life philanthropy.

A portrait of Marie Laurencin’s life and art, from her Paris childhood to salon life and friendships with Picasso and Apollinaire. They trace her shift from Cubist beginnings to a softer pastel style, plus theater and design work. The story follows wartime controversy, exile, restricted archives, and a curious museum history in Japan.

Discussion of removed and restored historical signage, and the messy practical challenges of repairing panels. Debate over motivations for censorship and how politicization shapes public history. Stories of community efforts to document and save park signs. Exploration of French theater censorship where audiences filled in missing lines as protest. Anecdotes about Teofil Steinlein and a surprising lithograph find.

A lively look at Théophile Steinlen’s life beyond his iconic poster. The episode traces his move to Montmartre, ties to anarchist and socialist circles, and work in cabaret publications. It highlights his obsession with cat imagery, political posters for workers and public health, prison collaborations, wartime pacifist art, and efforts to unionize artists.

A deep dive into the President’s House in Philadelphia and the contested displays about slavery there. Stories about the nine people George Washington brought to the house, especially Hercules Posey, his role as chief cook, and his eventual escape. Examination of legal workarounds to Pennsylvania’s abolition law and the long fight over how this site interprets freedom and memory.