Advertise on podcast: Mistakes Were Made

In 1875, Dublin was flooded with whiskey, literally. When a bonded warehouse in the Liberties district went up in flames, over 300,000 gallons of burning whiskey poured through the streets, turning one of Ireland’s poorest neighborhoods into a fiery river of booze. Firefighters quickly learned that water only made it worse, so they turned to an unlikely hero: horse manure. Comedians Robert Bacon and guest host Jenna O’Brien (filling in for Mike Kauffman) dive into this bizarre disaster where people didn’t die from fire, but from drinking the flaming whiskey. It’s a true story of chaos, comedy, and cautionary tales about Irish ingenuity gone sideways. SOURCES The Irish Times (June 21, 1875): descriptions of people scooping whiskey with boots, the wholesale poisoning numbers The Irish TimesThe Pot Still Whiskey BlogIrish Examiner (June 21, 1875): “in literal torrents from the doors and windows” Wine EnthusiastThe Pot Still blog: detailed local reporting, including the dog incident and hospital admissions The Pot Still Whiskey BlogWikipedia: overview of the event, location, fatalities not from direct fire but poisoning WikipediaWine Enthusiast: recounting the burning river and manure tactics Wine EnthusiastHistoric Mysteries: supplementary context on the chaos and the nature of the response Keywords: Dublin Whiskey Fire, 1875 Dublin Fire, Irish history podcast, comedy history podcast, whiskey disaster, Liberties Dublin, weird history, whiskey history, Ireland disasters, Mistakes Were Made podcast.

We're back! After a 7-year break, Mistakes Were Made returns with a high-flying tale—literally. In this episode, Bacon tells Mike the bizarre history of people who tried to fly using helium balloons. From lawn chairs to church pews, it turns out some folks really took “lightheaded” to new heights. EPISODE 31 - Lawnchair Larry In this episode of Mistakes Were Made, we dive into the strange history of helium balloon flight attempts, including the infamous Lawnchair Larry and other balloon-powered adventurers. If you love weird history, historical mistakes, or funny stories about real-life stunts gone wrong, this podcast is for you. Subscribe to Mistakes Were Made for more episodes about history’s biggest blunders, epic fails, and bizarre moments. MISTAKES WERE MADE PODCAST Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman explore some of history’s biggest blunders—mixing well-researched storytelling with a dose of humor. It’s history, but with more laughs and fewer homework assignments.

In the late 1960s, Chairman Mao Zedong turned a simple piece of fruit into a symbol of blind devotion—and chaos. When Mao gifted crates of mangos to Chinese factory workers, the nation erupted into a frenzy of worship, complete with parades, wax mango replicas, and (of course) executions. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman peel back the absurd true story of how one man’s tropical obsession became a cult-like craze that mixed propaganda, paranoia, and pulp. It’s a sweet, sticky slice of history that proves power really does rot from the inside out.Keywords for SEO: Mao Zedong mango obsession, Cultural Revolution history, weird history podcast, Mistakes Were Made podcast, Chinese history comedy, Mao mango story, history gone wrong, propaganda stories, historical blunders, comedy podcast.

n 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Finland in a conflict known as the Winter War. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish forces put up a fierce resistance in freezing conditions. Among them was Simo Häyhä, nicknamed “The White Death,” a sniper who reportedly killed hundreds of Russian soldiers with astonishing skill. The war demonstrated Finland’s resilience, tactical ingenuity, and how one extraordinary marksman can influence the course of a battle. Comedians Robert Bacon, Mike Kauffman, and Bobby Smithney recount the heroics, hardships, and human absurdity of the Winter War. They blend historical detail with humor, exploring how extreme cold, cunning strategy, and remarkable individuals created one of the most unique military conflicts of the 20th century. Keywords: Winter War podcast, Finland vs Russia 1939, Simo Häyhä sniper, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, Finnish military history, World War II prelude, historical heroes podcast, military blunders and feats, funny history podcast. More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simo_H%C3%A4yh%C3%A4

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo—a single event that triggered the chain reaction leading to World War I. Ferdinand’s death exposed the tangled web of alliances, militarism, and nationalism in Europe, turning a regional conflict into a global catastrophe. His life, politics, and the assassination itself reveal how small mistakes and poor timing can spiral into unimaginable consequences. Comedians Robert Bacon, Mike Kauffman, and Bobby Smithney break down the Archduke’s eccentric personality, his controversial marriage, and the absurdly preventable circumstances of his assassination. Mixing historical insight with dark humor, they explore how one man’s death changed the world forever, and how human folly often sets the stage for monumental events. Keywords: Franz Ferdinand podcast, World War I history, Sarajevo assassination, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, historical blunders, causes of World War I, funny history podcast, human folly in history.

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million—a deal widely mocked at the time as “Seward’s Folly.” Critics believed the U.S. had bought nothing but frozen tundra, ice, and bears. History, of course, proved them spectacularly wrong. The purchase provided vast natural resources, strategic advantages, and eventually became a cornerstone of American expansion. Comedians Robert Bacon, Mike Kauffman, and Bobby Smithney dive into the political drama, public ridicule, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that made the Alaska Purchase possible. Mixing history with humor, they highlight how one man’s vision—and a very cold gamble—turned into one of America’s smartest deals. Keywords: Alaska Purchase podcast, Seward’s Folly, William H. Seward history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, 19th century U.S. history, American land deals, political blunders and triumphs, funny history podcast, historical mistakes that worked out.

Robert Bacon, Mike Kauffman, and Bobby Smithney tackle one of the 20th century’s most infamous symbols: the Berlin Wall. Erected in 1961, the Wall didn’t just divide a city—it divided families, friends, and an entire ideology. Built almost overnight by East Germany, it was meant to stop the mass exodus of citizens fleeing to the West, but it also became a monument to political absurdity, paranoia, and human ingenuity. The hosts explore the Wall’s construction, its impact on everyday life, daring escapes, and the increasingly bizarre lengths people went to in order to cross it. From tightrope walkers and homemade hot-air balloons to tunnels dug by hand, the Berlin Wall became a theater of human courage and folly—all set against a backdrop of Cold War tension and bureaucratic blunders.It’s a story of walls, mistakes, and monumental human absurdity—delivered with humor, insight, and the signature style of Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Berlin Wall podcast, Cold War history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, East Germany history, Berlin Wall escapes, historical blunders, 20th century history, human ingenuity in history, funny history podcast, political mistakes.

For the first time, Mistakes Were Made welcomes a new co-host: Bobby Smithney joins Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman as they dive into one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. On December 6, 1917, the bustling harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the site of unimaginable chaos when two ships—a Norwegian vessel and a French munitions ship—collided. The resulting explosion leveled the city, killed nearly 2,000 people, and injured thousands more, leaving a sticky, smoldering mess that history still remembers. The hosts break down the tragic events, the human errors, and the series of mistakes that led to the catastrophic explosion, mixing detailed historical storytelling with dark humor and absurdity. From eyewitness accounts to the sheer scale of destruction, this episode captures both the horror and the bizarre circumstances surrounding the Halifax Disaster.It’s a story of misjudgment, miscommunication, and human folly—now with a fresh voice—on Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Halifax Disaster podcast, 1917 Halifax explosion, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, deadliest maritime disasters, Nova Scotia history, historical accidents podcast, funny history stories, ship collision disasters, World War I history, weird history podcast.

The art of showing one’s rear end has a surprisingly long and hilarious history—and it might just date back to ancient Rome. In 66 CE, tensions flared between Romans and Jews, but Emperor Caligula had bigger problems: spending money faster than the empire could make it. From building a two-mile-long floating bridge just to ride his horse across it to throwing extravagant parties, Caligula’s reign was absurd, cruel, and occasionally scandalous. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman explore the roots of mooning as a political and social statement, from rebellious Roman citizens to later historical examples. Along the way, they reveal how defiance, satire, and sheer absurdity have made mooning a timeless human gesture—sometimes hilarious, sometimes deadly, and always memorable.It’s history, humor, and human cheekiness rolled into one episode of Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: history of mooning podcast, Caligula Roman Empire, ancient Rome funny history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, historical rebellion stories, funny ancient history, political satire history, weird history stories, history of insults, human absurdity in history.

Mobutu Sese Seko, the flamboyant and corrupt ruler of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), earned his nickname the “Leopard Hat Dictator” for his ostentatious fashion and absolute power. Rising from a military officer to president-for-life, Mobutu transformed his country into a playground for personal gain, extravagance, and political theater, all while the nation’s infrastructure crumbled. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman dive into the bizarre life of Mobutu, exploring how his obsession with style, personality cults, and kleptocracy made him infamous worldwide. From leopard-skin hats and gold-plated everything to corruption so blatant it became legendary, this episode is a hilarious yet cautionary tale of absolute power and human folly.It’s a story of style, scandal, and stupidity—perfectly suited for Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Mobutu Sese Seko podcast, Leopard Hat Dictator, Zaire history, Congo history podcast, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, African dictators history, weird history stories, kleptocracy history, 20th century dictators, funny history podcast.

Saparmurat Niyazov, born in 1940 in the Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan, survived a childhood straight out of a tragedy. After losing his family in an earthquake and emerging from the rubble after eight days, he was sent to a harsh Soviet orphanage in the mountains. These early hardships helped shape a man who would grow up to become one of the most eccentric and authoritarian rulers of the 20th century. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman explore Niyazov’s rise to power, from a traumatized child to the president-for-life of Turkmenistan, who renamed months after himself, built golden statues, and created a personality cult so extreme it defies belief. It’s a story of loss, power, and human absurdity—the perfect fit for Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Saparmurat Niyazov podcast, Turkmenistan history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, eccentric dictators, personality cult history, Soviet-era leaders, weird history stories, authoritarian rulers, history of Turkmenistan, funny history podcast.

On April 6, 1945, the German U-1206 submarine set sail from Kristiansand, Norway, on a mission that would quickly go down in history as a catastrophic and hilariously tragic misadventure. This was no ordinary naval mishap—an accident with the sub’s toilets caused flooding, panic, and a disaster that left the crew scrambling for their lives. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman dive into the unbelievable story of a top-secret U-boat undone not by enemy fire, but by human error and a malfunctioning latrine. From engineering blunders to desperate attempts to save the sub, it’s a darkly funny tale of World War II’s oddest naval catastrophe—where the real enemy might just have been bathroom plumbing.It’s history, hygiene, and hilarity all rolled into one unforgettable Mistakes Were Made episode. Keywords: German submarine U-1206 podcast, World War II naval disasters, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, WWII funny stories, U-boat mishaps, submarine accidents history, bizarre military disasters, weird history stories, historical blunders podcast.

Nicolae Ceaușescu was born into a poor Romanian peasant family in 1918, and by the end of his life, he was one of the most notorious dictators of the 20th century. From escaping an abusive father to becoming an apprentice shoemaker, young Nicolae’s early life set the stage for a rise fueled by ambition, ideology, and a shocking disregard for human rights. Introduced to communism at a young age, he quickly climbed the ranks of Romania’s underground political movement, eventually seizing power and ruling with an iron fist. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman trace the bizarre, brutal, and occasionally absurd life of Ceaușescu, exploring how a village kid became a man whose policies led to immense suffering, eccentric displays of power, and a dramatic downfall that the world couldn’t ignore.It’s a story of ambition, ideology, and human folly—perfectly suited for Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Nicolae Ceaușescu podcast, Romanian dictator history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, 20th century dictators, weird history stories, Romanian history podcast, communist leaders history, human folly in history, history of Romania, funny history podcast.

In 1919, Boston experienced one of the strangest disasters in American history: a massive wave of molasses barreling through the streets of the North End. When a 50-foot-tall storage tank burst, over 2 million gallons of sticky syrup surged at 35 miles per hour, destroying buildings, flattening horses, and tragically killing 21 people. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman dive into this bizarre catastrophe, exploring how a poorly constructed tank, negligence, and a community that underestimated sticky liquids led to one of history’s most absurd—and deadly—floods. From eyewitness accounts of people and animals trapped in syrup to the cleanup efforts that took weeks, this episode is equal parts tragedy and dark comedy.It’s a story of engineering failure, human error, and one of the most unexpectedly hilarious disasters you’ll ever hear about on Mistakes Were Made. Keywords: Great Molasses Flood podcast, Boston disasters history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, sticky disasters, 1919 Boston flood, weird history stories, engineering failures in history, historical accidents podcast, funny history podcast.

Medieval Europe wasn’t exactly a party paradise—famine, plague, and political chaos made life miserable for most people. So why, then, did groups of people suddenly start dancing uncontrollably in the streets? Known as Dancing Mania, these bizarre outbreaks saw hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people writhing, leaping, and spinning—often until they collapsed from exhaustion or worse. Comedians Robert Bacon and Mike Kauffman dig into the strange, often deadly phenomenon that baffled doctors and terrified communities. Was it mass hysteria, a mysterious illness, or just medieval people really, really loving dance? From Germany to the Low Countries, this episode explores the history, the theories, and the chaos of Europe’s most perplexing dance parties.It’s history, hilarity, and human weirdness—because on Mistakes Were Made, even the plague comes with a punchline. Keywords: Dancing Mania podcast, medieval Europe strange history, mass hysteria history, Mistakes Were Made podcast, comedy history podcast, weird history stories, dancing epidemic, bizarre medieval events, strange epidemics, funny history podcast.