American Esoterica

Episode 52 - By Design, Part 3: A Century of Congress, Not Progress

In the third of four episodes on our nation's capital, it takes a century for the nation's capital to become...the national toilet. Follow the federal city as it grows and decays simultaneously.

HOT NUGGET OF HISTORY - Pope of the Potomac

If you think Washington, D.C., is a joke, well...it came by it honestly.

Episode 51 - By Design, Part 2: L'Enfant Terrible

In the second of four episodes on our nation's capital, one man's ego gave us a grand plan for our capital city, but it also led to his downfall. Come for the French fuss, stay for George Washington micromanaging real estate negotiations instead of presidenting. 

Episode 49 - April Foolin'

Hey, just because something isn't true doesn't mean we should just ignore its historical importance, right? Also, contains vague discussions of prior episodes and one use of the world's mildest profanity. Your great-grandma has been warned. 

Episode 50 - By Design, Part 1: The Dinner Party

In the first of four episodes on our nation's capital, a struggling new nation pulls itself together over dinner. Literally. Three men enter, two plans leave. Witness the most consequential dinner party in history. 

Episode 48 - Tragedy on Tenth Times Two

What could possibly overshadow a tragic and eerie event that would cost the lives of 22 people in a government office building? 

HOT NUGGET OF HISTORY - Deep Dish Dye Job

In this mini-sode of what were already short episodes, learn the origins of how Chicago learned how to turn brown into green. 

Episode 47 - Hamilton 2: Burr Boogaloo

The duel may have been the end of Alexander Hamilton's story, but it was only the beginning of Aaron Burr's descent into treasonous lunacy and at least a little karma.

Episode 46 - Self, Made

Get ready to build your multimillion-dollar international business empire - here's a dollar and fifteen years. Can't do it? Sarah Breedlove did - this is her story.

Episode 45 - No Small Feat

A fierce love, a bold plan, and a desperate need - but will it be enough for Robert Smalls to rescue his family and escape the Confederacy?