The History Of

It’s the instrument anyone can play, and just about everyone has. The kazoo may look like a toy, but its buzzing voice has a history that winds from 19th-century parlors to marching bands, jug bands, and even the stage of Carnegie Hall. In this episode of The History Of, we explore where the kazoo came from, why it caught on, and how this simple tube became a surprisingly important part of music history.New Episodes: Mon/Wed/Fri (If people enjoy, and feedback via reviews and ratings is good, will

Part forbidden tome, part literary invention, the Necronomicon has haunted the worlds of horror, conspiracy, and occult lore for nearly a century. Born from the imagination of writer H. P. Lovecraft, this so-called “book of the dead” has taken on a life of its own — inspiring hoaxes, movie props, and genuine occult practices. In this episode of The History Of, we explore the origins of the Necronomicon, how fiction blurred into “fact,” and why people still want to believe in a book that was never

Once the symbol of fraud and false promises, “snake oil” wasn’t always a scam. In fact, it started as a genuine medicinal remedy brought to America by Chinese laborers in the 1800s. So how did a legitimate treatment become shorthand for quackery? In this episode of The History Of, we uncover the real story behind snake oil, from railroad workers and traveling salesmen to patent medicine empires and modern-day miracle cures.New Episodes: Mon/Wed/Fri (If people enjoy, and feedback via reviews and

For over two thousand years, the legend of Atlantis has inspired explorers, scholars, and dreamers. Was it a real city swallowed by the sea, a cautionary tale invented by Plato, or something stranger entirely? In this episode of The History Of, we dive into the myth’s ancient origins, its many reinterpretations through the centuries, and the modern-day quests to find the lost city.New Episodes: Mon/Wed/Fri (If people enjoy, and feedback via reviews and ratings is good, will release daily)The History

From soot-blackened rooftops to the grimy crawlspaces of Victorian flues, chimney sweeps were once an essential, if hazardous, part of city life. In this episode, we explore how a centuries-old profession kept fires burning safely, the surprising origins of the trade, and the dark reality behind its smallest workers. Along the way, we uncover the folklore, superstitions, and cultural quirks that made chimney sweeps both feared and lucky charms in equal measure.New Episodes: Mon/Wed/Fri (If people

From medieval banquets to your kitchen drawer, the humble fork has had a surprisingly scandalous journey. Once dismissed as an unnecessary luxury, even condemned as a tool of vanity — this simple utensil slowly carved its way into dining tables around the world. In this episode of The History Of, we trace the fork’s path from ancient origins to modern mealtime essential, uncovering the odd customs, cultural resistance, and unexpected twists along the way.New Episodes: Mon/Wed/Fri (If people enjoy,