The Secret Life of the Ornamental Garden Hermit

Amelia Earhart: Jill of all Trades

What do the following jobs have in common: gravel truck driver, garbage can photographer, fashion designer, and airline VP? If you guessed that these were all jobs held by renowned aviatrix Amelia Earhart, you'd be correct. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected roles that shaped the woman who would defy the sky—and redefine what it meant to be a woman in the 20th century. Associated content: Amelia (2009) The Fun of It by Amelia Earhart 20 Hours 40 Minutes by Amelia Earhart Other: Shanti family funds [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-rest-of-the-shanti-family-evacuate-gaza?attribution_id=undefined&utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=website_widget] Appalachian hurricane resources [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uMN-ERc4fzGC_IoAdbbMCbVw6xl04-CsXdJeEybcUCA/edit]

The Secret Life of the Ornamental Garden Hermit

Step into the weird world of ornamental garden hermits—mysterious figures once hired to add an air of intrigue to 18th-century estates. Let’s chat about the not-so-whimsical history of these live-in curiosities and their surprising role in garden design. Find your voting site here [https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/]! Further reading:  “Ornamental Hermits Were 18th-Century England’s Must-Have Garden Accessory” - Smithsonian Magazine [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ornamental-hermits-were-18th-century-englands-must-have-garden-accessory-180982469/] “Before the Garden Gnome, the Ornamental Hermit: A Real Person Paid to Dress like a Druid” - Atlas Obscura [https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-history-of-hermits-in-gardens] Other: Appalachian Hurricane resources [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uMN-ERc4fzGC_IoAdbbMCbVw6xl04-CsXdJeEybcUCA/edit] Shanti family funds [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-rest-of-the-shanti-family-evacuate-gaza?attribution_id=undefined&utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=website_widget%E2%81%A0]

The Great Emu War (The Weirdest War in History)

In 1932, the Australian government waged war on emus, and (spoiler alert!) they lost. Today's episode is certainly a weird and wild journey, so join us as we break down one of the greatest military failures in history. Email us your ghost stories! weirdactuallypod@gmail.com Appalachian Hurricane Helene resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uMN-ERc4fzGC_IoAdbbMCbVw6xl04-CsXdJeEybcUCA/edit?usp=sharing Shanti family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-rest-of-the-shanti-family-evacuate-gaza?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer Emu War footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1wA0PKeJqc

Did DuPont Poison the Entire World?

Note: we apparently had a couple minor audio issues somewhere between editing and uploading. They shouldn’t affect the overall quality of the episode, but if something sounds slightly off at any point, that’s why! In this explosive episode, we pull back the curtain on DuPont, revealing the untold stories behind one of America's most influential chemical giants. Known for its groundbreaking innovations like Teflon and Kevlar, DuPont's legacy is not without its shadows. This expose digs into the darker corners of the company’s history, uncovering a pattern of environmental mishaps, corporate malfeasance, and legal battles that have remained largely under the radar. Recommendations: Book: Exposure by Rob Bilott Movie: Dark Waters Movie: The Devil You Know Song: DuPont by Jesse Welles Email us at weirdactuallypod@gmail.com if you have any questions or topics you want us to cover! Please spare a moment of your time to read about the Shanti family and consider donating to their fundraiser if you are able. Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/6c74d531

Titanic Truths: Debunking Myths + Q&A

Dive deep into the world of Titanic conspiracy theories and unravel the truth behind the myths. We explore popular viral conspiracy theories, spill the tea, and compare Titanic (1997) with the real deal. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and shed light on the real story of the Titanic. Email us at weirdactuallypod@gmail.com if you have any questions or topics you want us to cover! Please spare a moment of your time to read about the Shanti family and consider donating to their fundraiser if you are able. Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/6c74d531