Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes

Rainy Day Rabbit Holes explores unhinged history, wild scandals, and politicians behaving badly - those moments when history went completely off the rails. Funny, curious, and unapologetic, hosts Shea and Jody break down the past like a late-night hang with your besties who just happen to love history. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Proud member of MSW Media Network.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rainydayrabbitholespod/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/   Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/c/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast

  1. The Forgotten Life of Moses Seattle

    4d ago

    The Forgotten Life of Moses Seattle

    A Forgotten Life Hidden in Seattle’s HistorySeattle is full of legends—underground tunnels, ghost stories, cryptids—but this episode explores something far stranger: 👉 a real historical figure whose story was nearly erased Moses Seattle, the grandson of Chief Seattle, lived a life that sits between recorded history, oral tradition, and unsettling mystery. His story raises difficult questions about how—and why—some histories are remembered while others are buried. And the person bringing this forgotten story back into light? ➡️ Historian, filmmaker, and author David Norman Lewis 👉 Explore David’s books here: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/artist/david-norman-lewis?srsltid=AfmBOorWkxSgPcvxOK6hQTgqHTTS5jxpxeIrytgQf3ZCphRm_AgNgxM5 👉 Listen to more episodes: https://rainydayrabbitholes.com Who Was Moses Seattle?FACT: Moses Seattle was the grandson of Chief Seattle and part of a high-status Indigenous family. FACT: He lived a complex life shaped by boarding schools, cultural change, and shifting identity between Indigenous and settler worlds. FACT: He worked odd jobs, played accordion at community dances, and briefly entered the world of traveling entertainment. SPECULATION: Some accounts suggest he may have been involved in labor organizing among hop pickers, though evidence is limited. Culture, Folklore, and IdentityFOLKLORE: His origin story intersects with Indigenous beliefs about spirits, healing practices, and reincarnation. FACT: Oral traditions play a major role in how his story survives—blending lived experience with cultural interpretation. FACT: His life reflects the realities of assimilation, boarding schools, and identity pressures in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A Tragic and Forgotten EndingFACT: Moses Seattle’s death followed a violent incident tied to alcohol, conflict, and systemic conditions of the time. FACT: Accounts describe severe burns and a prolonged survival before his passing. FACT: No clear accountability followed, and responsibility remains unclear in historical records. FACT: His story faded from public memory for decades. Why This Story MattersThis episode isn’t just about one man—it’s about: how history is preserved (or erased)whose voices are recordedand how uncomfortable stories disappearDavid Norman Lewis reconstructs a powerful narrative that forces us to confront the gaps between official history and lived experience. 🎧 Related Episodes (Explore More Indigenous History)If this story resonated with you, continue down the rabbit hole: 👉 Ishi: The Last of His Tribe https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/ishi-the-last-of-his-tribe 👉 How Did the Muckleshoot Rise Again? https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/how-did-the-muckleshoot-rise-again 👉 Seattle’s Odd Couple: Doc Maynard & Chief Sealth https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/seattles-odd-couple-doc-maynard-and-chief-sealth These episodes explore Indigenous history from different angles—personal stories, resilience, and the people who shaped the Pacific Northwest. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 hr
  2. Did the FBI Actually Investigate Bigfoot?

    Jun 26 ·  Bonus

    Did the FBI Actually Investigate Bigfoot?

    🧠 Ever Wondered What Happens When the FBI Investigates Bigfoot?Spoiler alert: it does not end in a dramatic Sasquatch reveal. In this Five Minute Friday episode, we dig into the FBI’s real-life Bigfoot files—yes, those exist—and unpack one of the strangest (and funniest) government investigations you’ve probably never heard of. From mysterious hair samples to very polite scientific disappointment, this is the story of how Bigfoot almost became official… and then immediately didn’t. 🕵️ The FBI vs Bigfoot (A Very Polite Letdown)Back in the 1970s, a cryptozoology group sent the FBI a batch of mysterious hair samples they couldn’t identify. Naturally, they believed this might finally be proof of Sasquatch. And the logic was simple: If we can’t identify it… it must be Bigfoot. The FBI, in a rare moment of curiosity (or maybe boredom), agreed to analyze the samples—despite normally only handling criminal investigations. After careful examination using the technology available at the time, they came back with their official conclusion: It was deer. That’s it. That’s the story. Dreams crushed. Case closed. Hair returned. 🌲 The Atlas That Sparked Sasquatch FeverThis whole situation started when a 1975 government atlas casually included references to Sasquatch sightings in the Pacific Northwest—complete with maps. Yes. A real government document basically said: Here’s the plantsHere’s the animalsAlso… Bigfoot might be out thereThat single detail sparked public curiosity, media attention, and a wave of people demanding answers from the FBI. Because nothing fuels belief faster than: Vague government statements“Unknown” scientific resultsAnd a creature that refuses to be photographed clearly🧬 Facts vs Folklore vs SpeculationFACT: The FBI tested alleged Bigfoot hair and determined it came from deer. FOLKLORE: Sasquatch has been a staple of Pacific Northwest legends for decades, with countless sightings and stories. SPECULATION: Before modern DNA testing, “unknown” samples created space for imagination—and Bigfoot filled that gap perfectly. 🚨 The Part We Tried to Forget (But Won’t Let You)At one point in this episode, we briefly revisit something we wish we could unlearn: Bigfoot erotica. Yes. It exists. No. You should not Google it. If you’re curious (or dangerously brave), we covered it in a past episode that lives safely behind our Patreon paywall—where it can hopefully do less harm. Support the show and unlock that deeply questionable content here: 👉 rainydayrabbitholes.com/support You’ve been warned. 🐾 Final ThoughtThe FBI says Bigfoot isn’t real. But also… They tested the hair. So. Draw your own conclusions. 🔗 Related EpisodesThis episode pairs perfectly with our deeper dive into Sasquatch legends and sightings. If you want more Bigfoot chaos, mythology, and history, check out: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/6-this-is-not-a-bigfoot-podcast-sasquatch-and-ape-canyon Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min
  3. Aliens, UFOs, and Pancakes? True Story

    Jun 17

    Aliens, UFOs, and Pancakes? True Story

    Welcome to the Intergalactic House of Pancakes 👽 Pancakes from a UFO? When you think of UFO encounters, you probably imagine abductions, bright lights, and terrifying alien experiments. But what if one of the strangest alien mysteries ever recorded involved… pancakes? In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, host Shea Drury is joined by Amanda and Trevin from the Live, Laugh, Larceny podcast to explore one of the most bizarre, weird, and outrageous UFO encounters in history. Check out their show here: 👉 https://www.livelaughlarceny.com/ 🛸 The 1961 Wisconsin UFO Encounter Facts In April 1961, Joe Simonton, an ordinary man living in Eagle River, Wisconsin, reported seeing a silver, disc shaped UFO land in his driveway. Inside were three human-like men who communicated using gestures. After requesting water, one of them was seen cooking pancakes on a strange, flameless grill inside the craft. Simonton claimed he received several pancakes before the UFO flew away, leaving no physical evidence behind except the food itself. Adding to the mystery, a second witness nearby reported seeing a disc shaped object in the sky at roughly the same time. 🧪 Government Investigation and Testing Facts This strange UFO encounter was investigated by the United States Air Force under Project Blue Book during the Cold War. The pancakes were tested in a lab and the results were completely ordinary: Wheat and buckwheat ingredients No radiation No unknown materials In other words, the so-called alien pancakes were just pancakes. 🤔 Folklore, Speculation, and Theories This case stands out in UFO lore because of how oddly normal it feels. Folklore: This has become one of the weirdest alien stories because it involves a calm interaction instead of abduction or fear Speculation: Some theories suggest a misunderstanding involving humans, experimental aircraft, or even time travel Skeptical view: No physical evidence of a landing was ever found Believer view: Simonton never changed his story and was considered credible It is a mystery that sits right between the ordinary and the impossible. 🔗 Related Episodes Want to explore more UFOs, aliens, and mysteries? Check out these related episodes: 🌀 Explore early UFO sightings and Men in Black origins in the Pacific Northwest 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/33-summer-of-saucers-ufos-and-the-men-in-black-in-the-pnw 🇯🇵 Dive into historical UFO folklore in Japan’s oldest recorded encounter 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/japans-oldest-ufo-mystery 🛸 One of the most famous alien abduction stories in America 👉 https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/travis-walton-the-most-famous-ufo-abduction-in-america 🐇 Final Thought No abduction. No missing time. No terrifying encounter. Just a quiet morning… and a handful of pancakes from something that should not exist. And somehow, that makes this one of the most bizarre UFO mysteries ever told. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS The Joe Simonton UFO encounter is one of the strangest alien stories involving pancakes instead of abductionA Wisconsin man reported a flying saucer landing in his driveway in 1961The UFO occupants appeared human-like and communicated using gesturesThe visitors requested water and gave pancakes in exchangeThe pancakes were analyzed and found to contain normal Earth ingredientsProject Blue Book investigated the case during the Cold WarA second witness reported seeing a disc-shaped object nearbySimonton maintained his story and was considered credibleThe case blends UFO folklore with unusually mundane detailsThe incident remains unexplained despite scientific testing Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    56 min
  4. The Spaghetti Tree Hoax That Fooled Millions

    Jun 12 ·  Bonus

    The Spaghetti Tree Hoax That Fooled Millions

    What if you turned on a trusted news broadcast… and it told you spaghetti grew on trees? Sounds ridiculous today—but in 1957, millions of people believed it. In this hilarious Five Minute Friday episode, Shea walks Jody through one of the most legendary April Fools’ Day pranks ever aired: the BBC’s infamous “spaghetti tree” hoax. And honestly? It reveals more about human psychology than you might expect. Fact: On April 1, 1957, the BBC aired a segment showing a Swiss family harvesting spaghetti from trees. The report looked completely legitimate: Filmed like a documentaryNarrated by a trusted broadcasterIncluded details about “spaghetti weevils” and cultivationAnd people believed it. Fact: Millions tuned in, and hundreds called the BBC asking how to grow their own spaghetti trees. The BBC’s response? 👉 “Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.” That’s peak British humor. 🤯 Why This Prank Worked (REAL INSIGHT)Fact: In 1950s Britain, spaghetti wasn’t common—many people had only seen canned versions. So when a trusted program presented it as agriculture… it didn’t sound totally impossible. This episode dives into something deeper: Trust in authority figuresPresentation vs. realityHow easily belief can form when something “sounds right”Insight: As Shea points out, belief isn’t always about ignorance—it’s about comfort and trust. 😂 From Hoax to Life Lesson (MODERN CONNECTION)The conversation quickly turns into something relatable (and hilarious): Would you believe this if a trusted voice told you?Could you trick your kids or grandkids the same way?Is this really that different from modern misinformation?Speculation: The hosts jokingly suggest recreating the prank with kids as a fun experiment—planting pasta in soil to see what happens. Folklore-esque takeaway: Not everything on TV—or the internet—is what it seems. 🎧 Why You’ll Love This EpisodeA legendary prank that still holds upClassic dry British humorA playful but thought-provoking look at human beliefLaugh-out-loud tangents (because of course)🔗 Related EpisodesIf you loved this mix of absurd history and humor: “Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poop” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/hold-my-sake-japan-made-alcohol-out-of-moth-poop-5-minute-friday“When Pigs Fly” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-when-pigs-fly“Rectum? Damn Near Evacuated ‘Em” https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/podcast/5-minute-friday-rectum-damn-near-evacuated-emTakeawaysThe 1957 BBC spaghetti tree hoax convinced millions it was real.A trusted news format made an absurd prank believable.Many viewers didn’t question the idea due to limited food familiarity.Hundreds contacted the BBC asking how to grow spaghetti trees.Authority and presentation can override common sense.The prank highlights how easily misinformation spreads.British humor played a major role in the joke’s success.Belief is often rooted in trust, not ignorance.The hoax still serves as a cautionary tale about media literacy.It mirrors modern issues with internet misinformation and trust. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    17 min
  5. Japan's Oldest UFO Mystery

    Jun 3

    Japan's Oldest UFO Mystery

    In 1803, Japanese fishermen spotted something strange bobbing in the Pacific Ocean—a round, sealed vessel unlike any boat they’d ever seen. Inside was a woman with red hair, pale skin, unfamiliar clothing, and a mysterious box she refused to let go. This episode dives into the legend of the Utsuro-bune, often called Japan’s earliest “UFO” story. Recorded decades after the alleged event in Edo‑period collections of strange tales, the story has been cited by everyone from folklorists to modern UFO enthusiasts. But what really happened on that beach in Hitachi Province? Was it an alien encounter? A castaway from a distant land? Or a piece of folklore shaped by fear, curiosity, and isolation during Japan’s sakoku era? Join Shea and Jason as they explore: The original Edo‑period sources that describe the Utsuro-buneWhy the vessel looks suspiciously like a flying saucerHow Japan’s isolation policy shaped stories about outsidersWhy historians and folklorists are deeply skeptical of the alien explanationAnd why sometimes the most human response to the unknown… is paperwork avoidanceHistory is messy, weird, and full of rabbit holes. This one just happens to float. Find sources, images, and more episode notes at 👉 https://rainydayrabbitholes.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min
  6. Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poop 5 Minute Friday

    May 29 ·  Bonus

    Hold My Sake: Japan Made Alcohol Out of Moth Poop 5 Minute Friday

    SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Join us Wednesday, June 3rd at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma (Spanish Ballroom) for a live Rainy Day Rabbit Holes event exploring Tacoma’s own overlooked UFO story—the Maury Island Incident. Weeks before Roswell made headlines in 1947, Tacoma was already grappling with reports of flying saucers, mysterious Men in Black, and a federal investigation that raised more questions than answers. This special History Pub presentation features storytelling from Shea Drury and Jody Shaw, historical context from Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours, and an in-depth look at the case from filmmaker Steve Edmiston, creator of The Maury Island Incident and founder of the Men in Black Birthday Bash. Join us for a meet and greet from 4:30–6pm before doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7. Patreon supporters—or anyone who signs up before the event—can stop by for a free thank-you gift (including some very adorable dog bandanas), and we’ll also have tote bags and t-shirts available. Find the show link at https://rainydayrabbitholes.com, and get your Men in Black Birthday Bash tickets at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com. Now onto the show! Secret Spring & Questionable Choices For more than 2,500 years, sake brewing in Japan has been treated as a near-sacred craft—steeped in patience, restraint, and tradition. And then… moth poop entered the chat. In this Five Minute Friday episode, Shea and Jason tumble headfirst into one of Japan’s most eyebrow‑raising modern sake experiments: a sake brewed using tea made from moth larvae droppings. Yes, actual insect poop. Developed using a tea created from moths that consumed cherry blossom leaves, this sake comes from a craft brewery in Fukushima, Japan, and somehow—against all odds—people say it tastes good. Along the way, the conversation veers into civet coffee, fermented minnows, shrimp digestive tracts, natto trauma, and the philosophical question of how far curiosity should be allowed to roam without adult supervision. Is this innovation? Is it madness? Or is it just Japan doing what Japan does best—calmly perfecting something no one asked for? Japan’s Moth Poop Sake: The Strangest Alcohol Experiment You’ve Never Heard Of A Fukushima brewery in Japan created sake using tea made from moth larvae droppings. Yes, really. Here’s how it happened—and why. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    16 min
  7. Come See Us Live in Tacoma Washington June 3rd!

    May 25

    Come See Us Live in Tacoma Washington June 3rd!

    Join us Wednesday, June 3rd at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma Washington (Spanish Ballroom) for a live Rainy Day Rabbit Holes event exploring Tacoma’s own overlooked UFO story—the Maury Island Incident. Weeks before Roswell made headlines in 1947, Tacoma was already grappling with reports of flying saucers, mysterious Men in Black, and a federal investigation that raised more questions than answers. This special History Pub presentation features storytelling from Shea Drury and Jody Shaw, historical context from Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours, and an in-depth look at the case from filmmaker Steve Edmiston, creator of The Maury Island Incident and founder of the Men in Black Birthday Bash. Join us for a meet and greet from 4:30–6pm before doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7. Patreon supporters—or anyone who signs up before the event—can stop by for a free thank-you gift (including some very adorable dog bandanas), and we’ll also have tote bags and t-shirts available. Find the show link at https://rainydayrabbitholes.com, and get your Men in Black Birthday Bash tickets at https://mibbbfest.squarespace.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2 min
  8. The Deadly Glow: America’s Radium Craze

    May 20

    The Deadly Glow: America’s Radium Craze

    At the dawn of the 20th century, radium was not feared. It was celebrated. Marketed as a miracle of modern science, this newly discovered element promised vitality, beauty, and better health. Companies sold radioactive clocks, cosmetics, medical devices, and even drinking water, all proudly glowing with progress. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea sits down with the creator behind Radiant Radium, a collector and historian who specializes in household and beauty products from the radium craze of the 1910s through the 1930s. Drawing from his extensive personal collection, Radiant Radium walks us through a period when radiation was a selling point and the long term dangers were barely understood. We discuss how these objects escaped the laboratory and ended up in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms across America. From glow in the dark clocks and uranium glass to radium water crocks, radioactive cones, cosmetics, medical quackery, and infamous patent medicines like Radithor, this episode traces the rise and fall of one of the strangest health fads in American history. Along the way, we explore the Radium Girls, the tragic death of Eben Byers, the collapse of public trust in radium, and why belief in the health benefits of radiation still persists today. We also talk about the legality and safety of collecting radioactive antiques, how to identify them, and what to do if you find one in an antique store or a relative’s home. History, curiosity, and caution collide in this deep dive into a time when the future looked bright, and sometimes literally glowed. Find Radiant RadiumTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiantradiumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantradium/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radiant.radiumVisit UsRainy Day Rabbit Holes: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 22m
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Rainy Day Rabbit Holes explores unhinged history, wild scandals, and politicians behaving badly - those moments when history went completely off the rails. Funny, curious, and unapologetic, hosts Shea and Jody break down the past like a late-night hang with your besties who just happen to love history. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Proud member of MSW Media Network.   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rainydayrabbitholespod/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast/   Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/c/RainyDayRabbitHolesPodcast

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