In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray explore the remarkable life of Harriet Jacobs. Born into slavery in Edenton, North Carolina, Jacobs endured unimaginable hardship yet refused to surrender her spirit. Her story highlights the struggles enslaved people faced and the many ways they resisted bondage, holding onto hope and determination in the face of oppression.

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into one of the most colorful and modern-feeling elections in American history, the 1840 contest between President Martin Van Buren and the log cabin war hero William Henry Harrison. We unpack the over-the-top campaign strategies, the use of catchy slogans and mass political marketing, and why this election set the stage for future presidential image making. What made “Old Kinderhook” struggle while “Tippecanoe” triumphed? You’ll learn the backstory behind the hard cider barrels, parades, and the birth of political spectacle.

The Lost Colony has never been more intriguing. In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into the enduring mystery of Roanoke: what really happened to the settlers, why the story still captivates us, and what recent archaeological findings could finally give weight to one of the most debated theories. This isn't just a history lesson, it's a detective story centuries in the making. Don't miss it.

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray dive into the story behind Juneteenth, what it really commemorates, how it became a national holiday, and why it matters. From its origins in Galveston, Texas to its broader significance in the long struggle for civil rights, this conversation reminds us that progress is worth celebrating, even when the road is long.

Whether you're new to Juneteenth or want a deeper look at its meaning, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover the history you didn’t know, but definitely should.

What do drums, freedom, and rebellion have in common? In this powerful episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray uncover the gripping story of the Stono Rebellion—, n explosive 1739 uprising where enslaved Africans marched for liberty and left a legacy that still echoes today.

🎧 Hit play, learn something that you may have forgotten from history class, and if it sparks your curiosity, like, share, and pass it on. This is history that hits different.

In this episode of History You Didn’t Know But Should, Chris and Ray explore a lesser-known pattern in presidential history, covering up serious health issues at the highest levels of power. In light of former President Joe Biden’s advanced prostate cancer diagnosis, we revisit the hidden illnesses of past presidents: Chester Arthur’s kidney disease, FDR’s paralysis, JFK’s secret health cocktail, Woodrow Wilson’s battle with the Spanish Flu, and Ronald Reagan’s gunshot injuries.

We uncover the health secrets they didn’t want you to know...but should.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President…” But how much power is too much? In the latest History You Didn’t Know But Should, Ray and Chris take on the Unitary Executive Theory, exploring how this idea has expanded (and challenged) the limits of presidential authority.

In this episode, we delve into the events of July 6, 1944, when a Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in Hartford, Connecticut, turned tragic. A fire, ignited during the show, rapidly consumed the paraffin-and-gasoline-treated canvas tent, leading to the deaths of at least 167 people and injuring over 700 others. We explore the causes of the fire, the ensuing panic, and the lasting impact on circus safety regulations. Join us as we uncover the stories of heroism and heartbreak from one of America's most devastating fire disasters.