Dark History

New Years. Honestly, not my favorite of the holidays. It’s cold. Sequin Dresses are super uncomfortable. Everyone’s Drunk. And a midnight kiss is overrated. So I wanted to prove that New Year's sucks because it has a dark and dirty past. And I was right. But once I read the story, I wasn’t very happy to be right. Because let me tell you, this one is messed up. In today’s story, we get into the very dark story of Heartbreak/Hiring Day.

Have you ever been made to seem like the bad guy? Have you ever had everyone turn against you when you were just trying to do something good? Well, what about, have you ever had people hate you so much for trying to do the right thing that they blow up your office and you have to flee your home? No? Well, all of this and more happened to one Ida B. Wells. In today’s episode, we go over the life and legacy of Ida B. Wells and how she changed history in so many ways.

What do you think of when you think of “Luxury Fashion”? Glitz, glamor, status?…Nazis, perhaps?? Plot twist I know. In today’s episode, we talk about a few luxury fashion brands that have some pretty shady histories of racism, sexual assault, secret love children, and Nazis. It’ll really make you think before you buy or not. Either way, I fully support horizontal collaborations.

It’s Award Show Season Babbbyyy. The Glitz! The Glamour! The Scandal?!?! Oh yes, Award Shows are full of scandals, corruption, and buying awards. In today’s episode, we go to the very beginning of Awards Shows and how from the get-go they were shady, shady events. And even if you think you know all about the dark side of awards, you’ve got no idea.

I feel like every day there is some new group of people going on strike. And I'm always like Hell Yeah! Stick it to the man. But then I started doing some research on why there are so many strikes and started reading up on minimum wage and immediately was like bring me my sign, burn it all down. Because believe me, this shit is unbelievable. In today’s episode we get into the history of minimum wage and talk about how from the very start, it’s been about so much more than money.

Look torture is awful, but if there is one age that really turned torture into an artform, it was Medieval Times. No, not the super cool restaurant, we’re talking about the time in history where torture popped AWF. In today’s episode we take a little peak into the golden age of torture and go into the creativity and atrocious ways the medieval people used torture for entertainment.

PORN. Bom Chicka Wah Wah. We all know what it is, don’t lie Barbara, we know you know. And that’s because porn has been around for a long time. There really isn’t one phase of history where you can’t find some kind of porn. I mean even cavemen had porn. In today’s episode we go into the history of porn and specifically America’s turbulent history with it. MMmhmmm. Don’t watch this one with grandma, okay? You’ve been warned.

I feel like there is a new trend every two days. And I do not know how to keep up. And by the time I figure it out, I’m already like four trends behind. But I just don’t know how people are buying these trends so quickly. How are people staying on top of all these new clothes we need every week? And turns out the answer is a little thing known as “fast fashion”. In today’s episode we get into fast fashion. It’s been around for longer than you think and its impact and damage is even more than you think. Sorry babe, but you’re gonna take a real hard look at your closet after this one.

Would you believe me if I told you that one grumpy radio DJ from Chicago changed the face of the music industry as we know it? And that he did this with exploding records and frisbees of death? Well, let me explain…because that is all true. In today’s episode, we talk about Disco Demolition Night. And how it altered the path of not only Disco Music but all pop music as we know it today.

Okay, so we can’t talk about SATs and college admission without mentioning Aunt Becky. That scandal kind of blew the whole thing open. But Aunt Becky wasn’t the first person ever to use money to help her kid get into college. Far from it. And there is one element of college admissions where there is a lot of money floating around, too much money. I mean we’re talking billion-dollar industry money…the SATs. In today’s episode, we look into the history of the SATs, how it started, why we have it, why there’s so much money in it, and try to figure out who the f is even on The College Board. Who is it???

How old do you think plastic surgery is? I thought it started like 50/60 years ago. But then someone told me it started because of soldiers injured in WWI, GASP. But then someone else said that forms of plastic surgery had been around since before Jesus. I. Was. Shooketh. I needed to know more. So I started digging, and oooo baby. In today’s episode, we get into the history of Plastic Surgery. How it started, why it started, and when it started. And what does a dog with fake boobs have to do with it??

Princesses. They’re gorgeous, they’re happy, they’re all sparkles and rainbows and everything good. But what if I told you the stories behind some of our favorite princesses are dark? Like DARK dark. In today’s episode, we look at some of our favorite fairy tales and their origin story. And to no ones surprise… Disney didn’t exactly get it right.

We’ve talked about William Hearst on here before. He is one of the OG Nepo Babies. On top of being born into wealth, he pretty much ran the newspaper industry so he was rolling in it. And one of the big things he spent his cashola on was his house, nay his CASTLE. Oh yeah. In today’s episode, we are talking about Hearst Castle. No surprise here, but the story behind a castle in California is juicy and I have been dying to share this one with you all. Get ready to hear all about this nepo baby’s pimped-out crib.

Would you like to make an easy $10 Million? Well get in close, let me in on a secret. You just have to solve the biggest art theft in history. For real. There’s a page on the FBI website and everything. Who wants to help me and split the money? In today’s episode we talk all about Art Heists throughout history. Yes we talk about this unsolved Boston heist, but also about the most successful art theft and the dude who just up and walked out of the Louver with the Mona Lisa. Yes just walked out with it.

Remember that movie, The Purge? The one where for one day only you could commit whatever crime you wanted. Yeah, back when it came out in 2013, everyone was losing their minds. They were so worried that people would just randomly start murdering each other. Well, what if I told you there was already a real-life Purge that had happened in America over a hundred years ago? Well, Buckle Up Baby. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the Red Summer of 1919. A time in history when riots broke out in 26 different cities across the country and the cops were just letting people murder.

Welcome to Dark History, the show where we talk about that hot history goss. And today we’re talking about a new kind of gossip: the kind that could both save and ruin lives, should you blow the whistle. That’s right, today’s episode is on whistleblowers—people that saw something and said something, despite the risk to themselves. Because those in power don’t like it when you pull down their ivory tower. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.

When you think of the zoo, what comes to mind? Saying hi to cute animals? That’s what I thought too, until I started digging and learned that zoos are way darker than I thought. And when I say darker, I mean human zoos with REAL people and a black market animal trade. Let me know what you guys think about this one and if you want a human zoo episode.

Today we are diving in to a topic personal to me - my mom was a 911 dispatcher when I was growing up. And this experience always made me wonder… what happened before 911 existed? I did some digging, and it turns it involves the Titanic sinking, a woman named Kitty in Queens, and the modern-day Karen.

We all know of Hitler, and you might know of Joseph Stalin… but did you know that Stalin was DEADLIER than Hitler? Me neither. Anyways, Stalin is a real rags-to-dictator type of guy. So much so that this story needs two episodes to do it justice, so stay tuned for part two.

Welcome to part two of our deep dive into the life of one of the most influential and destructive dictators of all time, Joseph Stalin. Stalin was responsible for the deaths of MILLIONS, and that’s just the beginning. Today, we’ll be covering his rise to power, reign of terror, and the devastating impact he had on the people of Russia. If you liked part one, it’s going to be an even wilder ride.

Did you know that grills, yes, for your teeth, have been around for thousands of years? Or that most fillings have mercury in them, even now? It turns out that the history of oral hygiene is full of crazy stories. Get ready for a mythical tooth worm, dental priests, and the mad hatter syndrome. This episode will have you racing to brush your teeth.

Throw everything you know about wine out the window right now. In this episode, we’re talking about wine orgies, forced grape stomping, and hoarding wine just like we hoarded toilet paper during the start of the pandemic. Not to mention a whole host of wine secrets… enough to shock even the biggest wine lover into thinking twice before pouring the next glass!

Today we’re talking about a place that NYC has tried to erase from its maps: Hart Island. Since the day it was discovered, it has been used as a prison, a war training camp, and even an insane asylum. Today, millions of dead bodies are kept on the island- right next to New Yorkers who don’t even know it exists. So sit back, relax, and find out what other secrets this place is hiding.

Today we’re diving into a topic that has always been controversial: tattoos. Did you know that in Japan, tattoos could change your whole life- or even mark you with a death sentence? From ancient magic to modern-day men parading the streets in nothing but tighty whities, this episode is full of spicy stories that’ll keep you on pins and needles (pun intended).

Today we’re discussing the world’s first ever billionaire- John D. Rockefeller. This guy was money obsessed, and I mean OBSESSED. We’re talking manifestation, threatening people, destroying families, and just generally doing whatever it took. John’s life was quite a unique one, and this episode left me wondering: was he smart, or was he just a sleaze bag? Either way, he changed the world forever.

If you watch my videos, you probably know that I LOVE makeup. I buy it, I wear it, I bathe in it, I AM IT. So of course it got me thinking… So I did some digging, and I was surprised to discover that makeup has a dark past, and could even get you killed. Today we’re discussing magic, ritual and everything else that has to do with the dark history of makeup!

Welcome to the most highly-anticipated event of the year: The Joanie Awards! Dark History's second season has taken us on an exhilarating journey through spine-chilling tales and mind-boggling discoveries. Today, we celebrate the outstanding stories that unfolded in Season 2, honoring the heroes, villains, and douchebags who have shaped history's shadowy tapestry.

We’re kicking off season 3 with all of the juicy secrets of the daddies of America… aka the Founding Fathers. Turns out these guys were more than just a group of white men in funny wigs. I’m talking dog obsessions, pretending to hate slavery, pasta makers, and more. Get ready to learn a LOT more than you expected to know about our Founding Fathers.

This all began because someone stole my pizza from the work fridge- you guys know the feeling, and I just wanted to make that ILLEGAL! So I did a little digging on how laws are actually made, and it turns out there’s some dirty, dirty goss on the branches of government. We’re talking elite dating apps, arguing with your cranky uncle at Thanksgiving, and 13,000 lb doors, so stay tuned for this one.

In today’s episode, exposing the secrets behind the food we all buy at the grocery store. I’m talking about a company called Monsanto- and if you don’t know them, you should- because they changed the whole course of food history. There’s a lot to cover here, including blood-spitting fish, the deaths of thousands in Alabama, and Vietnam war weapons.

The only thing juicier than a rotisserie chicken is the secrets it’s hiding: from hormone-stuffed drumsticks to some unexpected protein in your nuggets (ew, bugs!), we're uncovering the less-than-appetizing truths the chicken industry's been hiding. Brace yourselves, as today's episode is bound to ruffle more than just a few feathers!

Today I’m talking about fast food. I don't know about you, but fast food is my comfort food! But how did our favorite little treat come to be? It all started with a magical vending machine, and fast food is now as addictive as literal drugs. Stay curious my friends & see you next week!

We all know about Woodstock, right? Peace and love, 60s hippie vibes. But did you know that Woodstock has an evil cousin? Today I’m talking about the Altamont Speedway Festival. And this isn’t your average bad festival- this was a day of bad drug trips, violent beatings, and MURDER!

So, literally a hundred years ago, America got a huge facelift. I’m talking about new water systems, roads, the whole fabric of the country basically. And, SHOCKER, it has not been updated since!!! That’s a long time without a little revamping, and today, I’m shedding some light on the nasty consequences of all that neglect.

It’s FALL, baby, and pumpkin spice season is upon us. What better time to do a dark dive into the dirty secrets of Starbucks? From killing thousands of orangutans to racial discrimination, their history is anything but sweet. It’s honestly surprising that they’re still around with all of these scandals. Stay tuned for more Dark History next week!

Today we’re talking about the Chicano Movement. Before this movement, just saying the word “boycott” could get you SIX MONTHS in prison. And many Americans weren’t even allowed to take a break, drink water, or even use the bathroom. So yeah, this movement was pretty necessary. And it lead to one of the greatest fights for civil rights in US history.

It’s October, which means, it’s the start of spooky season. With Halloween coming up, my mouth is watering just thinking about all of the candy I’m going to eat. But I always hear about how bad sugar is, so I wanted to find out why? Is sugar really as addictive as cocaine? Where does it come from? Are there hidden costs? And of course, the answers are darker than I could have ever imagined.

Today, we're talking about conspiracy theories, and not the kind your annoying uncle brings up on Thanksgiving, but the spooky fun ones. From popular Mexican folktale of la llorona, to the government telling us aliens are real, to sleep demons, this is a spooky one.

This guy was one of my favorite cartoon characters ever, but it turns out he’s actually based on a super creepy villain. Today we’re talking about Rasputin, the man who was possibly responsible for the fall of the Russian monarchy. He was rumored to be able to speak with animals, have magical healing powers, and even… be immortal?

I’ve been wanting to do an episode on this topic for a while and October is the perfect time, because we’re talking about monsters! Where did monsters even come from? Why do the same weird creatures come up again in different societies all across the world, all throughout time?! Stay tuned for creepy tales filled with werewolves, vampires, and zombies.

Today I’m talking all about conjugal visits, which is basically when prisoners are allowed some private time with a visitor. This topic is already pretty spicy, but finding out the history had me SHOOKETH. From hanky panky bribes to a fear of homosexuality, this is a wild one.

Today I’m sharing stories of some of the greatest soldiers of all time- and they’re animals. From the 1000-pound brown bear who destroyed Nazis to a little terrier who could hear missiles from miles away, honestly these animals are amazing.

Remember Augustus Gloop, the kid from Willy Wonka who drowned in chocolate? It turns out that happens in real life, too. Yep, candy has been responsible for MANY deaths. Think poisoned candy, a flood of burning molasses, and a chocolate Easter bunny explosion. Turns out candy has a not-so-sweet side, too.

Did you know that the largest Powerball jackpot ever won was a mind-blowing 2.04 billion dollars? That's the equivalent of an average American working for 30,000 years. Sounds good, but there's a dark side dating back to the Old Testament. From funding America's birth to winners finding a tragic fate, get ready to explore the shadowy past of the lottery.

Today's story is one that's so juicy it feels like a movie plot. I'm talking about fan favorite Josephine Baker. What if I told you that your favorite celebrity was not just an international superstar but also a secret agent who single-handedly saved thousands of lives?

Today, we have part 2 of our Josephine Baker story, and we’re learning how this badass performer-turned-Parisian icon became a lowkey secret agent leading up to WW2. She really did it ALL… We’re talking singing, flying airplanes, working against Hitler, and fighting for racial justice in the USA. You see why I had to make this a two parter!? Josephine used her fame to help others. SO LET’S ALL BE LIKE JOSEPHINE, OKAY?! Be a spy. F*** around. Figure it out.

Today, we’ve got a special Dark History gift guide inspired by some of our favorite stories from this season. But while you’re stuffing your stockings, keep in mind that none of these goodies come guilt free! That’s why we’re unpacking the ugly plot behind each of these potential presents.