We've finally reached the end of the road! We cover the final official Woodstock tour from 2009 and the catastrophic attempts at bringing back the festival for Woodstock 50. Then we take a detour down the strange story of the failed Korean Woodstock to end our series. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and Michael Lang will waste a lot of time and money! Jo…

We continue our history of Woodstock by looking at the middle child known as Woodstock '94, which was easily the best run of all of the official festivals. We also take a brief look at "Polish Woodstock", an unofficial spin-off with it's own lasting legacy. Then, we delve into the disaster that was Woodstock '99. The other Woodstock you've probably…

Ryan goes us as we dive into the deep history of Woodstock in our final series of this season! Everyone's heard of Woodstock, but most people don't know just how deep the story goes. We're not just covering the music like everyone else; we're looking into the business deals, difficult setup, and troubled production that made the original 1969 festi…

We wrap up our series on the Seminole Wars! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

Jacob joins us again to recount the story of the Seminole Wars. Learn about some of early America's strangest conflicts along with the history of the Seminole people, the early U.S. military, and how they shaped the history of Florida. Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

We're once again joined by Casey as we explore the history of rigged sporting events from across the world. We also get distracted talking about hunky football players and lifestyle of John Daly! Sources Tim Donaghy https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25980368/how-former-ref-tim-donaghy-conspired-fix-nba-games https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id…

On this episode we're joined by close friend of SideStories Casey as we look at Rome's most infamous emperor, Caligula. Join us as we talk about his rise, fall, pleasure ships, supposed return as a ghost, and yes, we will talk about the horse! Sources Suetonius Tacitus Cassius Dio Nemi Ships: How Caligula's Floating Pleasure Palaces Were Found and …

Our final episode of our Weird World War II series wraps up with a view from the other side of the war. We take a look at the little-known story of Fritz Klingenberg, who led perhaps the strangest invasion of the entire war. You won't want to miss this one! Sources Klingenberg, Fritz 'Fritzy' (Waffen SS) - TracesOfWar.com Klingenberg, Fritz “Fritzy…

Our World War II series continues with the life story of Teddy Roosevelt Jr, the confusingly named son of the famous president who lived an incredible life of adventure, which included personally leading his soldiers to victory on D-Day! Sources Teddy Roosevelt Jr.: The Officer Who Stormed Normandy with Nothing but a Cane and a Pistol (historynet.c…

We're back! After a long hiatus, SideStories has returned from the dead! This time, we're sharing the strange tale of how American soldiers fought alongside German soldiers to defend French prisoners...from other Germans! Sources Battle for Castle Itter | Prisoners, Defenders, Significance, & Facts | Britannica U.S. and Nazi Soldiers Joined Forces …

We're back from the dead! New SideStories episodes are out now! Background music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

Well, this is it, folks. After more than a year of putting out content for you, the Sidestories adventure must come to a close. Join us (and a very special suprise guest) as we reminisce about our favorite episodes, our greatest accomplishments, our worst episodes. Make sure you stay to the end to watch the nostalgic discussion devolve into an irre…

Poker is one of the most popular card games on the planet and it has a uniquely American story. It also has a fascinating history with the legal system! Join us at the table as we tell you all about it and maybe you'll learn how to play too! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

Continuing our discussion on gunpowder weapons from last episode, we explore all kinds of cannons from various places and times--while also trying to figure what exactly a cannon is anyway! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

On this very explosive episode of Sidestories, we discuss the history of the development of gunpowder in China, attempt to define what a "gun" is (it's harder than you might think!), and share stories about some of the earliest gunpowder weapons from the Far East! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin Mac…

This week on Sidestories, we discuss one of America's most fascinating (and sadly obscure) founding fathers--Isaac Sears. Sears had many adventures privateering, mob-forming, and rabble rousing during the American Revolution. He might've gotten his name into Metal Gear Solid 2 as well! Not too bad for an uppity colonial, huh? Follow us on Twitter @…

On this somewhat different episode we ask the ever popular question: what if you could go back to the past? Where would you go and what would you do? We also discuss the concept of anemoia, being the protagonist of history, and how we view and think about history as a whole. Finally, we share stories about historical adventures we wish we had! It's…

On this week's episode of Sidestories, we begin our tour of Revolutionary France, by recounting the tragically short life of Evariste Galois. A complicated young man, Galois was a French mathematician and political revolutionary who led protests and riots in the streets of Paris, fought for the honor of the woman he loved, and set the stage for a N…

We're back with season 3! Join us as we discuss the history of Valentine's Day and it's namesake(s?), what it is, what it isn't, and why it's defintely not for the birds. Enjoy! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Sidestories! We all have our own holiday traditions that we look forward to each year. This week, we're taking a look at some of the uniques ways that people around the world celebrate Christmas. Now go grab yourself a mug of hot chocolate and a handful of your favorite Christmas cookies and enjoy the show! F…

As we approach the end of the year and reflect on how things have changed, on the show we reflect on the history of writing journals. Who wrote the first journal in history? We answer that on today's episode of SIdestories! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

George Hackenschmidt lived a life of incredible strength, endurace, and overall adventure. Today we discuss some of his greatest achievements such as inventing the bench press and lifting a horse! The perfect episode to listen to while you hit the gym! Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

Well, our extended Spooktober is finally coming to a close as we all transition into the Holiday Season. In this banger of an episode, Aaron is joined by Ryan to scream, snarl, and shout about the origins of heavy metal music, it's connection to the blues, and it's lasting legacy. Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Kni…

This week on Sidestories, Aaron and special guest Casey continue their discussion of serial killers with the story of Eugene Butler, perhaps the most famous serial killer of North Dakota. Butler moved to the state in the late 1800's to start a better life. He struck it rich as a farmer, but unfortunately (for him) wound up in a mental hospital. He …

Gilles de Rais was a famous soldier, Marshal of France, friend of Joan of Arc...and was also accused of ruthlessly murdering dozens of children in cold blood. Was de Rais innocent, or can he truly be considered one of history's first recorded serial killers. Find out all this and more on this week's episode of Sidestories! Follow us on Twitter @sid…

Follow us on Twitter @sidestories_pod! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

Before the panic around the 2020 pandemic caused massive runs on toilet paper (no pun intended!), the late-90's fear around the turn of the millenium caused mass-hysteria to grip the United States and beyond. Known as the Year 2000 Bug, the Y2K Bug, or simply Y2K, this simple oversight in software design sparked media-fuelled panic across the natio…

Sidestories is getting into the Halloween spirit this week by bringing you a spooky local story. In the summer of 1979, Marshall Country sheriff's deputy Val Johnson brought national attention to northwest Minnesota after a mysterious late-night encounter neither he, nor seemingly anyone else, could explain. In this episode, we break-down what John…

The Nazca Lines are among the most beautiful and intriguing of all human creations. These shallow indentations in the desert of southwestern Peru stretch for miles forming intricate patterns and figures which still fascinate people today. This week on Sidestories we delve into the history of the Lines, from their creation by the Nazca people to the…

Recently, it's become a cliche to say that the United States is a divided country. While some argue that political violence is becoming a growing issue in our nation, at least none of our leaders have fared the same fate as 17th century Dutch "Grand Pensioner" Johan de Witt. In today's episode, Aaron and Darian look at how the Dutch turn political …

We have another guest this week on Sidestories. Our friend Cedric joins Aaron to talk about the life and reign of Francis I, the king steered France through the former half of the 16th century. Enjoy!Von Sidestories

Special guest Casey returns to the pod with this spooky summertime installment of Sidestories. In this episode, Casey and Aaron break the mold of the traditional American ghost stories and recount some scary stories from a variety of civilizations throughout history. Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

In a solo episode, Aaron digs deep to discover pin down the song that gave way to the rock 'n roll genre of music. I hope you enjoy this unique Sidestories adventure! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

This week, we delve into the history of the Olympics, discuss old events, new events, and events that should be. We also go on a lengthy tangent about various combat sports. Enjoy! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

This week on Sidestories, we take our recent trip to Utah to discuss some of the history of the Beehive state. We start off by recounting some of our experiences in Salt Lake City and Ogden, then dive into a discussion of the history of Mormonism and the Mormons treks west to what would eventually become Utah Territory. Enjoy! Intro/outro music: "C…

In this week's episode of Sidestories, we take a look at the life and career of Seleucus "Nicator", a successor of Alexander the Great who went on to found the formidable Seleucid Empire and re-conquer nearly all the territory taken by Alexander's other generals. Enjoy! As a side note, there will be no episode next week as we will be on vacation in…

This week on Sidestories, we take a look at the life of an oft-maligned Roman emperor who we feel has gotten the historical short end of the stick. Emperor Domitian has long been represented as a paranoid, tyrannical autocrat who cared for nothing but servicing his own selfish, short-sighted ends. In this episode, we shall argue that, in fact, he w…

In this special episode of Sidestories, Aaron is joined by friend and special guest (a first for the podcast) Casey to take a tour through the history of some of your favorite foods--complete with a taste-test. Enjoy!Von Sidestories

This week on Sidestories, we dive into the history behind the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What are they? Who built them and why? What makes them so wonderful? Find out all this and more! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

This week on Sidestories, we discuss Scotland's several attempts throughout the 17th century to establish itself as a colonial empire in the mold of England, Spain, and others, and how these attempts led directly to its absorption into the nascent United Kingdom in 1707. Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

This week we go undercover and analyze one of the most adorable disasters in CIA history: Operation Acoustic Kitty. Join us as we discuss all the hair-raising details of the intelligence agency's attempt to turn the ever-obstinate cat into the next American super spy. Listen to it meow! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

This week's episode is a solo by Aaron--a first for this podcast. In it, he details accomplished early-life wrestling career of America's sixteenth president and explains some of the interesting down-stream consequences of Lincoln's dedication to the sport. Enjoy! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

Everyone knows Pythagoras from high school algebra (a^2 + b^2 = c^2, am I right?), but did you know he was not only one of the preeminent mathematicians of the Ancient Greek world, but also the divine leader of a wacky, number-worshiping cult? In this week's episode, rather than bore you with facts about right triangles, we dive deep into the belie…

This week, we are excited to bring you a special episode in appreciation of the late Christopher Lee. Lee was an accomplished actor who rose to fame in his many portrayals of Count Dracula, though in his long and fulfilling life also pursued many other passions outside of the acting sphere. Check it out! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin M…

In this week's episode, we discuss the lives of some particularly interesting Byzantine emperors from the early years of the stand-alone Eastern Roman Empire. Enjoy! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

Today we wrap-up our miniseries on short-lived empires with the Tay Son Dynasty, an ostensibly populist rebellion that disrupted the status quo in late 18th century Vietnam.Von Sidestories

In this week's episode, we continue our series on short-lived empires by discussing the First Mexican Empire. Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeodVon Sidestories

We've all heard of great, illustrious empires like those of the Romans or the Mongols. Well in this episode, we'll be taking a look at some empires who just couldn't quite cut it and were dissolved almost as quickly as they were formed. Catch part 2 next week! Intro/outro music: "Crunk Knight" by Kevin MacLeod…

This episode will be a bit different than our regular content. In our first bonus episode, we will take a look at the development of one the most important inventions in human history: the theory of calculus. Before you immediately click away, however, know that this isn't going to be a dry, boring lecture on mathematical theory. The approach of th…

Although it's the fourth largest country in the world by population and an up and coming industrial powerhouse in the Pacific, Indonesia seems to be all but unknown to the English-speaking west. In this episode, we dive into the history of this beautiful archipelago, touching especially the period of European colonialization and the lives of two of…