How Did We Not Know That

We miss you guys and hope to resume again soon.

In 1998, a sex scandal was uncovered in extreme detail in one of the most unlikely places: the US Congress. The lives of several women were completely ruined, especially that of White House intern Monica Lewinsky. In this episode, Nat covers the impeachment trial of former US President Bill Clinton.

Abortion laws have been all over the news these past few months, so what better way to start the new year than to explain the history of the landmark supreme court case, Roe V Wade. In this episode, Jac breaks down abortion laws in the United States before, during, and after the supreme court ruling and finally ends with current news surrounding women's rights and abortion.

Check out our two-part episodes on the history of forced sterilization in the United States below:

Greek myths are so detailed that sometimes they seem real! In a light-hearted episode, Nat and Jac discuss two famous Greek Myths and what they symbolize in the real world.

You've all seen the image of Che Guevara plastered on posters, T-shirts and bumper stickers, but do you really know the history behind this iconic image? In this episode, Nat covers the controversial and secretive life of Che Guevara and how he become an inspiration for a whole generation of young revolutionaries.

An evil sorcerer, undercover spy, and the secret lover of the Empress. A man of great mystery and intrigue, the infamous Rasputin has been called all these names and more. But do we really know the full story? In this episode, Nat uncovers the unbelievable life of Grigory Rasputin and the last Russian emperor.

Originally Posted Oct 21, 2020

Did you know Singapore used to be part of Malaysia? With its ideal location, bustling economy, and cultural melting pot you'd think any country would snatch at the opportunity to merge with Singapore, but this wasn't the case. In This episode, Jac explains how Malaysia was formed and why Singapore was not a part of it.

In this episode of "What's Going On?" with Nat, we talk about the recent developments following the U.S.'s withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. 

In this special collaboration with the Scrolls & Leaves podcast, Jac and Nat discuss the not so distant history of Canadian residential schools for Indigenous children. You've probably hear a lot about these "schools" in the news recently, but do you really understand the severity of the impact they had on these children and their communities? Listen to this deep-dive, and then be sure to listen to the Scrolls & Leaves podcast cover the history of residential schools in the US!

Thank you again to the Scrolls & Leaves podcast for this collaboration! You can listen to their episode on residential schools in the US here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-episode-the-shameful-legacy-of/id1524135867?i=1000531728373

And check out their website here:

https://scrollsandleaves.com/

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics are in its final stretch this week, but did you notice anything different this year? There were no fans! Price of delaying the Olympics a year + no ticket sale revenue to cover the costs = one hefty bill for Japan! In this Econ With Jac minisode, we talk about the economic impact of the Tokyo Olympics on Japan. 

From the absolute monarchies in medieval times to the soft, elderly Queen Elizabeth II today, have you ever wondered how the British Monarchs got to this point? In this episode, Jac and Nat discuss the various events that led to the English royals' loss of power as well as the fall of several other European monarchies.

The relationship between Iran and the US has always been a rough one, and in today's episode we're going to highlight one of the major events that has shaped this relationship. The Iran Hostage Crisis defined the future of US-Iran relations, changed the course of the Carter Administration's success, and devastated the lives of several American diplomats. In this episode, Nat and Jac learn about the Iran Hostage Crisis and reflect on the risks associated with public service and diplomacy.

Efforts to stamp out the drug trade in Latin America have been met with horrific violence and retaliation. As countries struggle to combat drug trafficking, the severity of conflict continues to grow more widespread. So, how did we get here? In this episode, Jac explains the history of the drug trade, what has been done to combat it, and where we are now.

If you or someone you know are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, there are resources to help: 

In this episode, we are joined by a very special guest, Becky from the Halfie Project! Becky shares with us the history of K-Pop and how influential events and domestic politics have shaped the Korean music scene throughout the years.

Thanks again to Becky for this amazing episode! 

Please check out the Halfie Project podcast and YouTube channel hosted by Becky and Cedric: 

In this episode of the miniseries "What's Going On?", Nat breaks down the violent conflict developing in Ethiopia between rebels in the region of Tigray and the federal government.

Study abroad is expensive, but luckily there are scholarships available to help! In this guest episode, we talk about the founding of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship as well as application tips and deadlines. Special thanks to our guest for this week, Sarah, the host of 'A Gilman Podcast'!  

Check out A. Gilman Podcast here! 🎙 

The days of everyone else getting rich off of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Doge without you are OVER! In this Econ With Jac Episode, Jac explains what cryptocurrencies are, why people like them, and most importantly how to invest!

Referral Links For Some Perks: 

Fritz Haber is arguably one of the most influential people in the world, and yet most listeners probably haven't heard his story before. He's the reason most of us exist today, and yet he's also responsible for thousands of lives. In this episode, Nat dives into the complicated and tragic life of Fritz Haber and asks the question: how much virtue is necessary to outweigh the sins in a person's life?

Paul Barach's article for Medium.com: https://medium.com/the-mission/the-tragedy-of-fritz-haber-the-monster-who-fed-the-world-ec19a9834f74

In the first episode of Nat's new current events miniseries "What's Going On?", we dive into the province of West Papua and its pursuit towards independence from Indonesia. 

!!!TRIGGER WARNING: This Episode Contains Discussion on Sexual Assault, Listener Discretion is Advised 

Did you know Korea was officially annexed by Japan for over 30 years? In this episode, Jac covers one of the most brutal chapters of colonial rule in the world and uncovers the dark events of the Japanese occupation of Korea. 

Asian Boss Interviews with Kim Bok Dong and Estelita Dy:

In this Econ With Jac minisode, Jac covers the history and clear definition of the three most popular economic and political theories: Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism.

Most Americans will be shocked to learn that once upon a time on the opposite of the world, the US held a colonial territory in the Philippines. Even for a podcast that's dedicated to asking the question "How did we not know that?", this one's a real head-scratcher. Why was US involvement in the Philippines so quickly forgotten, and how can those of us in the present bring more awareness to the atrocities that were committed in the past? In this episode, Nat covers the Philippine-American War and America's nearly 50-year-long presence on the archipelago.

In the year 1898, the once-mighty Spanish empire crumbled within a matter of months. Who was there to pick up the pieces? None other than the young but ambitious nation of the United States of America. In the Season 3 opener, Nat presents the highly-anticipated episode on the Spanish-American War. Listen to how the former British colony acquired a few territories for itself and became a major player on the international stage.

Thank you to all of our listeners for supporting us all the way to our third season! 

What does independence mean to you? In our season 2 finale episode, Jac covers the underdogs of the French Indochina War and their fight for freedom. Special thank you to our History Heroes (Patrons) for choosing this week's topic! Also a big thank you to all of our listeners for your support, we hope you enjoyed season 2 and we can't wait to see you for season 3!

What even is Economics? This Econ With Jac Episode does one thing only, and it's to break down what Economics is, in very simple terms. After noticing we started on some complex economic theories, Jac felt it would be a good idea to get us all on the same page again. 

Zanzibar's long history of racial and socioeconomic tensions has forced us to confront some difficult questions. What happens when the fight against injustice turns into ethnic cleansing? In this episode, Nat covers Zanzibar's 1964 Revolution and the existing political issues that haunt the group of semi-autonomous islands to this day. 

In the second part of the miniseries on theories of international relations, Nat discusses the theory of liberalism. 

Teamwork makes the dream work, but what happens when your mates turn against you? In this episode, Jac covers the incredible story of the Balkan Wars; where the Balkan League, a quadruple alliance, helped free territory from under Ottoman Rule and set the stage for World War 1.

Chile was a strong constitutional government with a long history of democracy until September 11, 1973, when it all came crashing down. Augusto Pinochet Ugarte ruled Chile with an iron fist for 17 years and was the mastermind of thousands of tortures, disappearances, and murders. In this episode, Nat breaks down the timeline of Pinochet's regime and asks the essential question: how fast can a democracy fall? 

Everybody has an opinion! In another episode of the Econ With Jac series, Jac covers Monetarist Economics: a direct criticism of Keynesian Economics.

Despite what your teachers may have taught you about the war in the holy lands, the present-day Israeli-Palestinian conflict started in the early 20th century and involves a lot more than just land. In this episode, Jac does her best to break down the early beginnings of one of the most severe ongoing conflicts today. 

If you're interested in foreign policy or international studies, you should be familiar with different theories of international relations. Realism is one of the dominant theories in international relations and is still at the forefront of foreign policy. In this minisode, Nat gives a brief description of realism and where we can see it in the world today.

CIA arms deals, gang violence turned into warfare, and reggae music: what happens when the fight between socialism and capitalism becomes deadly? In this episode, Nat talks about how the extreme political division in Jamaica in the 1970s led to the assassination attempt of beloved musician Bob Marley.

Most people have heard of Adam Smith and Karl Marx, but what about John Maynard Keynes? Join Jac as she sheds some light on the younger, lesser-known but fairly popular economic school of thought known as Keynesian Economics.

Muslims. Hindus. Christians. Sikhs.

Long ago, the four religions lived together in harmony (for the most part). Then, everything changed when the British attacked (drew a line)...

In this episode, Jac takes us through one of the largest tragedies of the 20th century, the Partition of India.

Today, Finland is at the forefront of international peacekeeping efforts, but some may be surprised to learn about its violent history in the 20th century. Finland suffered through many wars and has had some of the highest rates of wartime casualties in history. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Finns were incredibly resourceful and clever in their fight to protect their independence. In Part 1 of the Russo-Finnish War, Nat discusses Finland’s Winter War and their battle against the Soviet Union. 

How far would you go to make money? What if it led to the entire downfall of a nation and the suffering of millions? In this episode, Jac takes us through the history of the Opium Wars and how it changed the entire course of history for both China and European Imperialists.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon did the unthinkable: he became the first US president to visit communist China. Ping pong tournaments, free pandas, and photo-ops with Chairman Mao; what exactly happened in Beijing? In this episode, Nat discusses the importance of President Nixon’s first visit to the People’s Republic of China, and how it changed the course of US-China relations forever. 

Did you know women served in WW2? In this bonus episode, Jac takes us through the history of the Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment from the Soviet Union. Special shoutout to our friends over at 'Woman of HERstory: A Podcast', for selecting our topic this week!

If you've heard the hit song "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina", you've definitely heard the name Evita. Eva Perón is considered to be one of the most powerful women of the past century. As the wife of the president of Argentina, Eva (affectionately known as Evita), was an incredibly influential figure in the history of Argentina. She paved the way in terms of labor and women's rights in the 21st century. In this episode, listen to Nat give an overview of the inspirational life and legacy of Evita, and how she changed Argentina forever.  

The issue on every American's mind for the past century: What is wrong with our healthcare system? Why do we spend the most on healthcare, yet fail to deliver basic coverage to every American? The United States Healthcare system is perhaps as complex as the billing codes that insurance companies use to charge us (sometimes) into bankruptcy. Gone are the days, when Americans will stand by as confused, victims of the system! In this special 3 part episode, our guest Esteban, will be breaking down the 4 different models of healthcare around the world and explaining how the U.S. compares.

In part three, Esteban will be breaking down our final model the 'Out-Of-Pocket Model' used rural regions of Africa, India, China and South America. Finally, we will discuss the model that makes up the American Health Care system and what needs to happen in order to fix it.

The issue on every American's mind for the past century: What is wrong with our healthcare system? Why do we spend the most on healthcare, yet fail to deliver basic coverage to every American? The United States Healthcare system is perhaps as complex as the billing codes that insurance companies use to charge us (sometimes) into bankruptcy. Gone are the days, when Americans will stand by as confused, victims of the system! In this special 3 part episode, our guest Esteban, will be breaking down the 4 different models of healthcare around the world and explaining how the U.S. compares.

In part one, Esteban will be breaking down 'The Beveridge Model' of healthcare that is used in  countries such as Great Britain, Spain, and New Zealand.

South Africa, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, has an ugly past marked by one of the severest examples of racial segregation in history.  In this episode Jac explains the system known as Apartheid and its lasting effects on the country today.

The Middle East is an incredibly diverse and complex region, but it’s oftentimes disregarded by Western media as too confusing or too complicated to be “solved”. In order to gain a better understanding of today’s world, Nat covers the Arab Spring, an unprecedented series of pro-democracy uprisings that swept across North Africa and the Middle East in the spring of 2011.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Ireland: the home of gorgeous coastal mountains and grassy plains. Yet, despite the beauty and charm, the island of Ireland has a long history of conflict. So much so, that the island is split into two *not physically of course*. 

Ever wonder if anyone still dog sleds? They do, and they have a race for it too. 

Most Americans are familiar with the assassinations of JFK and Lincoln, but what about James Garfield? Despite the fact that he was considered to be one of the most promising presidents of his time, his life and unfortunate death is mostly forgotten today. In the Season 1 finale, Nat covers the assassination of President James Garfield and the man who was insane enough to carry out the deed.

In the 4th and final part of the miniseries on permanently inhabited US territories, Nat covers the history of American Samoa and how fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) has been preserved throughout centuries.

In a time where billionaires roamed the earth, it seemed as if everything in the United States was gold. Spoiler Alert: It wasn't. If your last name isn't Rockefeller, Carnegie, or Vanderbilt, there's a good chance your ancestors were dirt poor and pawns in the grips of capitalism and corruption. In this Episode, Jac takes you through the history of the Gilded Age, striping off the thin gold on top and exposing the rusted, abused tin underneath. 

In Part 3 of the miniseries on permanently-inhabited US territories, Nat covers the unique history of the US Virgin Islands and how a $554 million purchase changed the map of the US permanently.

We've got a HUGE election coming up in 2020 during a PANDEMIC! In this special episode, our good friend David teaches us everything we need to know about preparing to vote this year and the history and ongoing issue of voter suppression in the USA!  

VOTING LINKS BELOW! LET'S GO!  

PSA GENERAL ELECTION IS NOVEMBER 3rd 2020!!!  

What do I need to do today?

What's the most insidious way to stop the continuation of the human race? Forced sterilization would be our guess. It may seem like a thing of the past but you'll be terrified to know that practices of force sterilization and the eugenics movement lasted well into the 70's for the United States. In our FIRST guest episode EVER, our friend Indeep takes us on a journey through the history of forced sterilization, who it targeted, the resistance, and how long it lasted.

This episode is part 1 in a 2 part series.

In Part 2 of the miniseries on permanently inhabited US territories, Nat covers the complex history of the foreign occupation of the Northern Mariana Islands and the resulting political struggles that continue to exist to this day. 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Regarded as one of the most influential ideologies in US foreign policy, the Monroe Doctrine established the foundation for America’s role in the Western Hemisphere and as a major actor on the international stage. In this episode, Nat dissects the impact of the Monroe Doctrine and its complex legacy in Latin America.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Jac gives a brief history on one of the greatest infantry units in American War History that you've never heard of, the Harlem Hellfighters.

This episode is part 2 in a 2 part series on the Harlem Renaissance. After gaining an understanding of what the narrative was like before the Harlem Renaissance, Jac dives into the background of great artists from this time. We celebrate the remarkable achievements in art and activism, and explore a variety of themes present in this era.

This episode is part 1 in a 2 part series on the Harlem Renaissance. In order to respect the emergence of new black artists who redefined what it meant to be black in America, we need to examine what the narrative was of African Americans before the Harlem Renaissance. In this episode Jac talks about the heavy propaganda that was used to create false narratives of African Americans and how that lead to the rise of white supremacy groups and bias in American society.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

In Part 1 of the new miniseries on permanently inhabited US territories, Nat gives a brief history of Guam and how the Chamorros became American citizens. 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Wiretaps, undercover surveillance, and Soviet spies: this is what the US looked like in the 1950’s. In this episode, Nat goes over the Red Scare and McCarthyism, and the widespread fear of communism that shook the country.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Internet Trolls and insults galore here's an episode on the 90's flame wars. 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

With the rise of the internet companies in the mid 90's everyone was eager jump on the bandwagon of investments in the hopes of gaining riches. Hear Jac explain the dot com bubble, who lost it all, and who got rich after the pop! 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

America has a long and expansive history of war, but none is as often forgotten or is as pointless as the War of 1812. In celebration of Canada Day, Nat talks about America’s first declared war that involved the kidnapping of American sailors, the capture of our nation’s capital by Canadian and British forces and the destruction of the White House. 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

To celebrate the end of Pride Month, in this minisode Nat covers the extraordinary life of Roberta Cowell, a British race car driver and WWII fighter pilot who was also the first known person in Britain to undergo sex reassignment surgery.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

In a time where it was illegal to be who you were and love who you wanted to love, abuse and discrimination to the LGBTQ+ community was constant. What did discrimination look like? How did a routine police raid escalate, and what did people do when they finally had enough? In celebration of the 50th pride anniversary, Jac explains what the Stonewall riots were and how they lead to a liberation of gay rights in the United States. 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

A quick lesson on LGBTQIAP+ terms and symbols in the Queer community in honor of pride month🏳️‍🌈🎉 

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

On June 19th, 1865, Texas became the last state in the country to emancipate its slaves, nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Why did it take so long for Texas to abolish slavery, and how come we let them get away with it? On its 155th anniversary, Nat explains the history behind the holiday of Juneteenth and the emancipation of slaves in America.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

The Native American civil rights movement is considered to be one of the most radical social movements of the era, but it is largely overlooked in the context of our country’s history and often forgotten by most Americans. In this episode, Nat gives a brief overview of Native American social activism during the 1960s & 70s, focusing on the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

The race is off against the Soviet Union and the United States! In a time of rising tensions, science and technology paved our way into space. But WHO actually won the space race and what were we racing for? In honor of the recent SpaceX in partnership with NASA launch, Jac brings us on a journey through the first era of space exploration, the Space Race!

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Could you imagine going to jail for loving someone whose skin color didn't match yours? It wasn't too long ago that this was the case. In this episode, Jac takes you through the history of how interracial marriage rights came to be in the United States of America, and shares the story of the couple that helped make it happen.

Help us improve the quality of our podcast by contributing to our Patreon:

Murder, drugs, and soup kitchens? In this episode, Jac takes you through the history of the Mafia and explains the business tactics that brought them riches. 

Before President James K. Polk, America looked a lot smaller than it does today. In this episode, Nat gives an overview of the Mexican-American War and how it changed the landscape of our country forever.

Nat covers the assassination of President William McKinley.