An alternate history podcast
The wonderfully hilarious Matt Cobos is our guest as we delve into the story of the Stroganov family! Zach says things only 90s kids will understand, Matt goes through his Russian stereotype checklist, and Brian reveals his celebrity obsession.
Now you can support the show over on Patreon!
The multi-talented Geoff Tice joins us as we dive into the deep end of Russian history with Ivan the Terrible! Zach does solid historical detective work, Geoff gets us excited for Russia’s national pastime, and Brian visits some multiverse Russias.
We’re thrilled to be joined once again by Janae Burris and Christie Buchele for another special episode! Janae and Christie are here to talk about Ida B. Wells and the White Rose, and we still try to deal with the election of President Putin’s puffier cousin. In this episode, Zach calls Gollum on his horseshit, Janae practices her new closer, Christie asserts her place on the list of very important people, and Brian abandons all hope of segues. As serious as this episode gets, one of the best tangents ever in the show happens in this episode, so check it out!
Two of the most brilliant comics in Denver, Christie Buchele and Janae Burris join us for what was supposed to be a totally normal episode. Instead, we have an emotional, free flowing, occasionally hilarious conversation about the impact of the 2016 election. Minimal editing has been done on the audio, Zach and I (Brian) share a mic, and it was one of the most cathartic experiences I've had. Christie and Janae stick around to record a more traditional episode, out in two weeks. But if you need some release, or to feel connected to someone, this episode is for you.
It’s the climax of our Halloween spooktacular! We’re joined by the wonderful Caitie Hannan as we discuss Elizabeth Bathory and rack up a huge body count! Zach gets into some Middle Ages diagnostic tools, Caitie gives us one of our craziest histories yet, and Brian teases the best-worst medieval band name.
HELL-o, boils and ghouls! It's the second episode of our Halloween Spooktacular, featuring the hilarious Corey Rhoads helping us dissect the Axeman of New Orleans! In this episode, Zach buries a pun so deep, we almost forget about it, Corey plays Doctor Frankenstein, and Brian somehow manages to not make a "Gorey Rhoads" pun while writing these show notes!
Greetings boils and ghouls! To help us kick off our Halloween Spooktacular, we've resurrected our very first guest, the scarily hilarious Kira MagCalen to help us discuss the Dyatlov Pass Incident! In this episode, Zach invites us all to please to study with him in Ural Mountains, Kira makes us take the red pill, and Brian's accents spiral out of control.
The delightful scamp Jacob Rupp is our guest as we discuss the unassailable Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawai'i! Jacob pulls out his twitter and you won't believe what happens next, Zach breaks out his emergency stash of hot takes, and Brian gives us the secrets to terrifying banana bread.
As we talk about before on the show, we draw a lot of our guests and our energy from Denver comedy. The community recently lost one of our most beloved members, Jordan Wieleba. As promised in the intro, here are the links to make donations on her behalf, or on behalf of anyone you know and love in the LGBTQ community. Thanks from Zach and Brian.
National Jewish Health Center's Fund to Cure Asthma
One Colorado
Trans-Youth Education & Support of Colorado
Also, download her album here.
The fabulous Byron Graham makes his return to the show as we discuss Red Cloud of the Ogallala! Zach issues the least surprising American History spoilers, Byron demands more wackiness, and Brian describes the challenges of getting needed resources on the prairie.
The delightful Jeremy Pysher is here to help us bayonet our coverage of the American Revolution by discussing the Battle of Yorktown (1781)! In this episode, Zach waxes nostalgic about ol' fashioned podcastin', Jeremy defies our efforts to derail him, and Brian faints at the thought of blood.
*Apologies for some audio irregularities in the first 8 minutes.
We have a special double-length episode for you, the only way to discuss Alexander Hamilton! Our guest is The wonderful Chicago actress Shannon Campe! In this episode, Zach violates many of Shannon’s rules, Shannon sets the high bar for true stories, and Brian writes a love poem to ham.
Steve Vanderploeg makes a hilarious return to the show as we discuss John Laurens! In this episode, Zach touts the romantic advantage of robots, Steve comes up with a judging system that is more arbitrary than guessing, and Brian shows off his southern accent.
It's a very special episode as we celebrate our one-year anniversary by welcoming our old friend and former co-host of our old podcast and stand-up show Pat Medaugh to discuss the Culper Ring! Brian and Jen Kolic have also prepared a trivia game where we talk about the most notable revisionist historians-conspiracy theorists! Meanwhile, Zach is writing a D&D themed erotic novel, Pat makes rank in the Navy, and Brian gets giggly.
Thanks for all your support, and here's to growing the show in the next year!
Our guest is the fantastic Ben Bryant as we discuss America's favorite fighting Frenchman, Lafayette! Zach is working on his gritty Ferris Bueller reboot, Ben invents several new kinds of debauchery, and Brian comes up with the saddest Sadie Hawkins day possible.
The delightful (x2) Zac Maas stops by this episode as we revisit Valley Forge! Zach falls for a baron, Zac issues a vaguely threatening party invite, and Brian tries to put his thumb on the scales.
**Apologies for the poor audio quality on Brian in this one. Still getting used to recording in the new space.**
The hilarious Zach Welch is our guest as we discuss traitorous cur Benedict Arnold! Zach expresses his fear of the coming pun storm, Zach Welch gives his entry for "World's Greatest Traitor," and Brian knows far too many egg-related terms.
We're joined by Timmi Lasley, who is just the best! We talk about George Washington, father of our country who was also totally sterile! Zach brings some D&D to the Revolution, Timmi highlights Washington's generosity, and Brian plans for a phallic drought.
(On account of my moving, this episode features minimal editing!)
The brilliant Nate Balding joins us this episode as we discuss Thomas "The Worst" Jefferson! Zach gives Twilight Zone decorating tips, Nate attacks the party system, and Brian has fun with Joe Biden.
The wonderful Mara Wiles joins us as we talk about the Apollo Creed of the American Revolution, King George III! Zach rewrites the game on puns, Mara waxes romantic about KGIII, and Brian tells us of the odors of the 18th century (it's mostly poop)!
The beloved Adrian Mesa joins us as we kick off the American Revolution with our stories about Benjamin Franklin! Zach has trouble with accents, Adrian shows his silky vocal range, and Brian is misdiagnosed with gout.
*I was sick while recording this episode, I'm sorry for the extra-nasal voice and occasional coughing. -Brian*