Stupiracy | Stupid History + Conspiracy

Hubbard Radio

In a world where conspiracy and history meets stupidity, 'Stupiracy' takes you on a wild ride through the most bizarre tales ever told. Join hosts Scott Rizzuto and Tim McKernan for another 12 episode season of absurd, unbelievable, and downright hilarious stories you never learned in history class. This is the Stupiracy Podcast. New episodes every Thursday. Presented by CARSTAR – your auto body repair experts – locally owned with a nationwide guarantee.

  1. Was Helen Keller A Fraud? The History Conspiracy That The Internet Won't Let Go Away

    4D AGO

    Was Helen Keller A Fraud? The History Conspiracy That The Internet Won't Let Go Away

    Helen Keller wrote 14 books, met 12 presidents, helped found the ACLU, got surveilled by the FBI, and somehow, according to TikTok commenters with anime avatars, she was also lying about all of it. Cool. Sure. Totally reasonable. In this episode of Stupiracy - presented by CARSTAR - Scott Rizzuto and Tim McKernan ask the question that feels illegal to even say out loud: Was Helen Keller a fraud? Not because we believe it — but because the internet absolutely does and is very confident about it. Confident in the way only someone who learned history exclusively through obscure web forums and short-form video can be. Rizzuto and McKernan break down where this modern conspiracy theory came from, why it keeps popping up in weird history threads and Reddit comments, and how a woman who became the most famous deafblind person in history somehow turned into a punchline meme about airplanes and handwriting. Because yes, apparently the fact that Helen Keller “flew a plane” in 1946 is now considered iron-clad proof that the entire 20th century was lying to us. So we rewind. Back to Alabama. Back to the mysterious childhood illness. Back to the Miracle Worker water pump moment that everyone remembers but no one actually understands. Then we keep going — past the inspirational poster version of Helen Keller and straight into the stuff you definitely didn’t learn in school. The socialism. The labor activism. The IWW membership. The FBI file. The part where she was a full-on political menace while also being treated like a porcelain doll by history textbooks. From there, we put on the tinfoil hats and examine the “evidence.” The books were too well written. The handwriting was too neat. The airplane thing. Oh god, the airplane thing. We explain how Helen Keller actually wrote, how assistive technology worked in the early 1900s, why Anne Sullivan wasn’t some shadowy puppet master running a long con, and how a 20-minute supervised flight turned into the dumbest gotcha in conspiracy history. Along the way, we talk ableism, internet brain rot, and why people seem deeply uncomfortable accepting that disabled people can be brilliant without it being a trick. This is weird history, stupid history, and a perfect example of history you didn’t learn in school, mostly because your teacher didn’t have time to say, “By the way, someday people on the internet will accuse this woman of being fake.” So no, Helen Keller was not a fraud. But the conspiracy claiming she was? Absolute hall-of-fame Stupiracy - Presented by CARSTAR – your auto body repair experts – locally owned with a nationwide guarantee. Now do the obvious thing. Subscribe to the show. Leave a review. Tell the algorithm you enjoyed listening to two grown adults defend Helen Keller against TikTok detectives. If you don’t, that’s fine, but just know Helen Keller would have hated you, and frankly, we’ll assume you’re part of the conspiracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 min
  2. Tulip Mania

    09/09/2024

    Tulip Mania

    In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim delve into the historical financial bubble known as Tulip Mania. Explore how a simple flower bulb caused a massive economic crash in the 17th-century Netherlands. Learn about the cultural significance of tulips, the rise and fall of their prices, and the lasting impact of this financial frenzy on modern economics. This episode uncovers one of the first recorded instances of a market bubble and its surprising parallels to today's financial markets. Key Points: Introduction to Tulip Mania and its historical context. How tulips became a status symbol in the Netherlands. The escalation of tulip prices and the economic impact. The eventual crash of the tulip market and its aftermath. Comparison of Tulip Mania to modern financial bubbles. Resources Mentioned: Historical records of Tulip Mania. Articles on economic bubbles and market speculation. "Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused" by Mike Dash. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 min
  3. Elvis is Alive

    09/02/2024

    Elvis is Alive

    In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into the enduring conspiracy theory that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is still alive. Explore the official account of Elvis's death, the numerous reported sightings of Elvis after his supposed demise, and the various reasons why people believe he faked his death. From misspelled tombstones to sightings at Burger King, uncover the strange evidence and theories that keep this conspiracy alive. Key Points: Official account of Elvis Presley’s death. Inconsistencies surrounding his death, including the misspelled tombstone and the heavy casket. Numerous reported sightings of Elvis after his death. Theories on why Elvis might have faked his death, including escaping the mafia and financial troubles. The cultural impact and lasting fascination with the idea that Elvis is still alive. Resources Mentioned: Rolling Stone magazine's list of top Elvis songs. "Is Elvis Alive?" book. Articles and interviews about Elvis sightings and the conspiracy theory. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min
  4. The Erfurt Latrine Disaster

    08/26/2024

    The Erfurt Latrine Disaster

    In this dark and intriguing episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim delve into the gruesome details of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster of 1184. Discover how a meeting of European nobles turned into a horrific tragedy when the floor of a church collapsed, plunging dozens into a cesspit of human waste. Learn about the historical context, the notable victims, and the changes this disaster prompted in medieval sewage systems. This episode uncovers one of the most morbid yet fascinating events in history. Key Points: Introduction to the Erfurt Latrine Disaster. The political context and the meeting of the nobles. Detailed account of the disaster and its aftermath. Notable victims of the tragedy. The impact on medieval sewage systems and public health reforms. Resources Mentioned: Historical records of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster. Articles on medieval sewage systems. Research by Pastor Leitzman of Tusenhausen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    16 min
  5. Queen Elizabeth Was A Cannibal

    08/19/2024

    Queen Elizabeth Was A Cannibal

    In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into one of the wildest conspiracy theories about the British royal family: the claim that Queen Elizabeth II was a cannibal. From bizarre stories about her private freezer to tales of corpse medicine, discover the strange rumors that have swirled around the late queen. Learn about the historical context of these claims and why some people believe that the British royals have a taste for human flesh. Key Points: Introduction to the conspiracy theory about Queen Elizabeth II. Historical context of medicinal cannibalism and its use by royalty. The story of an electrician's shocking discovery in the queen's freezer. Analysis of why these rumors persist and their impact on public perception. Broader discussion on conspiracy theories involving the British royal family. Resources Mentioned: "Mummies, Cannibals, and Vampires" by Richard Sugg. Articles and interviews about royal family conspiracy theories. Historical records on medicinal cannibalism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 min
  6. The Trial of the Papal Cadaver

    08/12/2024

    The Trial of the Papal Cadaver

    In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim explore one of the most bizarre episodes in medieval history: the trial of Pope Formosus' corpse. Discover how this 9th-century pope was exhumed, dressed in papal robes, and put on trial by his successor. Learn about the political intrigue, the strange customs of the time, and the ultimate fate of the cadaver. This episode delves into the strange and dark world of medieval papal politics. Key Points: Introduction to the trial of Pope Formosus. The political context of the 9th-century papacy. Details of the trial, including the role of Pope Stephen VI. The aftermath and legacy of this bizarre event. The significance of relics and their impact on medieval religious practices. Resources Mentioned: Historical accounts of Pope Formosus and Pope Stephen VI. Articles and books on medieval papal history. Academic research on relics and medieval justice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    17 min
  7. The History of the Middle Finger

    08/05/2024

    The History of the Middle Finger

    In this episode of Stupiracy, Scott and Tim dive into the surprising and fascinating history of the middle finger. From its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its status as a powerful symbol of displeasure today, learn how this simple gesture has evolved over millennia. Discover the cultural significance, historical anecdotes, and unexpected moments in pop culture that have kept this gesture relevant and controversial. Key Points: Introduction to the middle finger and its impact as a gesture. Ancient Greek and Roman origins of the middle finger. How the gesture was perceived and used in different eras. The Catholic Church's role in shaping the middle finger's modern meaning. How the middle finger made its way to America. Famous instances of the middle finger in pop culture and media. Resources Mentioned: Historical records from ancient Greece and Rome. Anthropological studies on gestures. Articles on the cultural evolution of offensive gestures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 min
  8. Kings Sleeping Together to Show Unity

    07/29/2024

    Kings Sleeping Together to Show Unity

    In this episode of Stupiracy, dive into a curious slice of medieval diplomacy where kings shared more than just their realms—they shared their beds! Join Rizz and Tim as they unpack the tradition of monarchs sleeping together to seal alliances and foster unity. It's history with a twist, exploring how powerful rulers once cuddled up to resolve conflicts! Show Notes: Overview: Episode 6 of "Stupiracy" explores a fascinating medieval practice where kings would literally share a bed to symbolize and celebrate peace agreements. This episode digs into the historical context, the personal dynamics involved, and how these actions were perceived then and now. Topics Discussed: The tradition of kings sleeping together as a peace gesture, with a focus on Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France. Cultural and historical perspectives on the practice, including its implications and symbolism. How this seemingly strange tradition compares to modern diplomatic practices. Examination of how personal relationships between rulers influenced political decisions and historical narratives. Entities Mentioned: Richard the Lionheart Philip II of France Medieval European monarchies See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    14 min
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About

In a world where conspiracy and history meets stupidity, 'Stupiracy' takes you on a wild ride through the most bizarre tales ever told. Join hosts Scott Rizzuto and Tim McKernan for another 12 episode season of absurd, unbelievable, and downright hilarious stories you never learned in history class. This is the Stupiracy Podcast. New episodes every Thursday. Presented by CARSTAR – your auto body repair experts – locally owned with a nationwide guarantee.

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