Dirt Nap City

This week we dive into the chaotic and captivating life of Grigori Rasputin with "Holy Moly, That's Rasputin!", an episode that tackles the Mad Monk with more irreverence than a drunken peasant at a royal banquet. Join your hosts, Alex and Kelly, as they stumble through the truly unbelievable tale of this Siberian mystic.

We discuss Rasputin's alleged healing powers (spoiler alert: leeches were probably involved)...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the bizarre and often bewildering world of hotel wake-up calls. Prepare for tales of missed alarms, phantom rings, and the sheer existential dread of a disembodied voice shattering your precious vacation slumber.

We'll also explore the psychology behind the wake-up call. Why do we trust a stranger to rouse us from our deep sleep? What's the appropriate level of politeness when an...

This week, we delve into the extraordinary lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright, two unassuming bicycle mechanics who dared to dream of conquering the skies. Join us as we trace their remarkable journey from their Dayton, Ohio workshop to the windswept dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and uncover the relentless dedication and innovative spirit that propelled them into the history books.

This episode isn't just a retelling of ...

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one man's vision took to the skies, forever changing the landscape of aviation. This is the story of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a German nobleman and inventor who defied gravity with his revolutionary rigid airships.

From his early fascination with flight to the tragic Hindenburg disaster, we explore the life and legacy of Count Zeppelin, the man who dared to dream of "ships of...

Henry Ford revolutionized the American landscape. His assembly line transformed manufacturing, bringing the automobile within reach of the common person and reshaping the very fabric of modern life. We explore the genius behind Ford's unprecedented success, examining his innovative business practices, his commitment to efficiency, and his undeniable impact on the 20th century.

However, Ford's legacy is deeply tarnished by ...

In this Dirt Nap City Dead End, Kelly and Alex delve into the fascinating history of the sundial, an ancient and ingenious technology that once served as humanity's primary timekeeping device. We explore the ingenious principles behind how sundials work, from the basic gnomon casting a shadow to the intricate designs of elaborate astronomical clocks.

But why don't we rely on sundials today? In this episode, we'll exam...

This week's episode of Dirt Nap City delves into the captivating and controversial life of Mata Hari, the exotic dancer and alleged spy whose name remains synonymous with intrigue and betrayal. Far from a simple tale of wartime espionage, Mata Hari's story is a complex tapestry woven with ambition, desperation, and the shifting sands of public perception. We peel back the layers of myth surrounding this enigmatic figure t...

This Dirt Nap City Dead End takes a nostalgic dive into the revolutionary world of the iPod. We'll journey back to a time before smartphones, when Apple's iconic music player changed the way we listened to music forever.

We'll explore the iPod's humble beginnings, from its initial clunky design to the sleek and minimalist aesthetic that defined later models. We'll discuss the groundbreaking innovations that ...

It is said that Vidal Sassoon changed the world with a pair of scissors. After a rough childhood, Vidal Sassoon went on to become one of the biggest influences on style and fashion that the world has ever seen. He pioneered new hair cutting techniques and styles that had never been imagined before. 

Vidal Sassoon's most famous commercial said "If you don't look good, we don't look good." In this episode, Ale...

If you hate Valentines day as much as us, you will definitely want to check out this episode. Forget sweet nothings! 
In this episode, we uncover the surprising history of 'Vinegar Valentines,' the satirical and often scathing cards that were a popular counterpoint to romantic expressions of affection in the 19th century. We'll delve into the social and cultural context that gave rise to these acerbic messages, a...

Prepare to feel the wind in your hair and the ground miles below as we delve into the extraordinary story of the Flying Wallendas – a family synonymous with high-wire artistry. For generations, the Wallendas have pushed the boundaries of human courage and skill, captivating audiences worldwide with their death-defying feats.
If you wonder about life (and death) on the high wire, you'll love this episode about the family th...

Do you remember when you could scratch a picture in a book and smell the picture that you were scratching? Strawberries? Yum! Mint? Fresh! Dog Poop? Yuck!
In this episode of Dirt Nap City, we'll explore the fascinating history of products designed to stimulate our sense of smell, from the quirky to the cutting-edge.

First, we'll delve into the world of scratch-and-sniff stickers and books. These innovative products, po...

Buckle up, folks, for a wild ride through the life and times of America's most boisterous president, Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt! Forget the stuffy history books – we're diving headfirst into the life of this larger-than-life character, complete with charging rhinos, political brawls, and enough stories to make your head spin.

We'll explore Teddy's audacious adventures: from his days as a sickly kid to h...

Join us on a captivating journey through the life and works of Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated and influential novelists in English literature.

Dirt Nap City delves deep into the Victorian era, exploring the social and political climate that shaped Dickens's unique perspective. We'll examine his extraordinary life, from his impoverished childhood to his rise as a literary giant. We'll discuss his groundbre...

This episode of Dirt Nap City takes a nostalgic look back at the golden age of drive-in movies. We'll explore the history of drive-in theaters, from their humble beginnings in the 1930s to their peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. We'll talk about the unique experience of watching a movie under the stars, the excitement of arriving early to claim a good spot, and the communal atmosphere that made drive-ins so special....

Beyond the gangster stereotype, Al Capone was a complex figure who wielded immense power during the Prohibition era. This episode delves into the real man behind the myth, exploring his rise to power, his criminal empire, and his eventual downfall.

We'll uncover the truth about his infamous nickname, "Scarface," and the events that led to his disfigurement. We'll discuss his involvement in bootlegging, prostituti...

The episode delves into the tumultuous period of Prohibition in the United States, which spanned from 1920 to 1933. The Prohibition Era, a period of immense social and cultural upheaval, was marked by the nationwide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Alex and Kelly explore the factors that led to the passage of the 18th Amendment, which enshrined Prohibition in the Constitution. The temperance mo...

Dick Clark is often called "America's Oldest Teenager". 
He was an iconic figure of American television, who was more than just a handsome face. He was the architect of countless hit shows that shaped popular culture for decades. Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of this broadcasting legend.

We'll explore Clark's early career, from his humble beginnings in radio to his rise as a television pio...

If you remember a time before downloadable or streaming music, you might remember the (seemingly) amazing offer that Columbia House offered - 12 CDs, Records, Cassettes, 8-Tracks, etc for one penny (later 1 dollar). This was an early subscription model of business that raked in the big bucks for CBS records and was successful for many years. But how was it for the consumer? What was the "catch" to the end user? 
In th...