Advertise on podcast: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

Step into one of the most jaw‑dropping survival stories in American history — a tale so wild that even The Revenant barely scratched the surface. In this episode, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes unpacks the chaotic, violent, and strangely cinematic life of Hugh Glass: sailor, pirate captive, adopted Pawnee tribesman, frontier scout, and the man who simply refused to die. Before Glass ever met the grizzly that made him famous, he’d already survived pirate raids, shark‑infested waters, and a ceremonial execution that claimed the life of his companion. But nothing compares to what happened next: a brutal bear attack, a desperate betrayal, and a crawl across hundreds of miles of unforgiving wilderness with nothing but a bear hide and sheer spite to keep him alive. We explore the messy historical record, the tall tales Glass told about himself, and the parts of his story that are so extreme they feel like folklore. If you think you know the Hugh Glass story because you’ve seen the movie — think again. This is the unfiltered, unhinged version. Perfect for fans of frontier history, survival epics, pirate lore, and the kind of stories that make you say, “There’s no way that actually happened”… except it did. Check out our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com for episode guides, sources, and more. Want more Unhinged History? Join us on Patreon for ad‑free and early episodes, plus bonus content you won’t hear anywhere else. Big thanks to Letha Davis at easybrzy.com for our beautiful website. Proud member of MSW Media. Chapters 00:00 The Grizzly Bear Encounter 02:13 Hugh Glass: The Man Behind the Legend 12:52 Survival Skills and the Pawnee Tribe 24:04 The Bear Attack: A Fight for Life 35:12 The Quest for Revenge 41:23 The Real Story vs. Hollywood's Adaptation 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

A truly crappy way to go. Today, enjoy this bonus sample from our most recent Patreon bonus episode about the Erfurt Latrine Disaster-a high‑stakes medieval gathering goes disastrously wrong in one of the most infamous mishaps you’ve probably never heard of. This bonus episode unpacks the political tensions, the crowded venue, and the chain of decisions that set the stage for a catastrophe so bizarre it’s echoed through history. If you are dying to hear the rest of the episode, head on over to our website at rainydayrabbitholes.com and join our Patreon! For just $5 per month you get bonus episodes, ad-free and early episodes, and more! 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

Proud members of the MSW Media Network Last week, we revisited one of our biggest episodes ever: How the West Was Stolen — The Oregon Land Fraud King, our 2024 deep dive into the Oregon Land Frauds featuring Allison Gill (The Daily Beans) and Shea’s brother Jason. If you want the full “how the scheme worked” breakdown — the dummy entrymen, the timber grabs, the scale of the theft — go listen to that episode first. It’s the foundation. But you can still enjoy this week's episode even if you missed last week. Because this week… we’re zooming in on the slipperiest character orbiting the whole mess: U.S. Senator John H. Mitchell. John H. Mitchell was the kind of politician who didn’t just survive scandal — he collected it. Name changes, personal controversy, corruption accusations, railroad money, political sabotage, courtroom drama… and through it all, he kept finding his way back into power. Not once. Not twice. Four terms. In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes you through Mitchell’s entire chaotic arc — from early reinvention and reputation-building, to the legal landmark case Pennoyer v. Neff, to the factional warfare of Oregon politics, all the way to the moment the federal government finally stopped looking the other way. And as we join the MSW Media Network, this story feels like a perfect kickoff for the next era of the show — because if you’ve ever looked at modern political headlines and thought, “Wait… how is this allowed?” — you’re going to feel extremely at home here. 🎧 In this episode: John H. Mitchell’s rise from reinvention to influenceThe Pennoyer v. Neff case and what it reveals about his methodsThe 1866 “bolting caucus” and Oregon’s political chaosBribery accusations and the shadow of railroad powerDeadlocked legislatures, backroom deals, and a Senate seat held hostageThe Oregon Land Fraud fallout… and the scandal that finally stuckIf last week was the crime, this week is the politician who kept skating past it — until he couldn’t. 🎙️ Rainy Day Rabbit Holes — unhinged history, corruption, and the uncomfortable reminder that some things never change… especially in politics. Listen + links: rainydayrabbitholes.com Bonus + ad-free: Patreon (links at website) Watch on YouTube + follow on socials: @RainyDayRabbitHoles 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

Special Guest Allison Gill of the Daily Beans, Unjustified, Cleanup on Aisle 45, and founder of MSW Media! This week, Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is going full “wild west,” with a scandal that spans four decades, features millionaire tycoons, U.S. senators, railroad barons, and—because history is never normal—a belly dancer called “Little Egypt.” Shea takes us deep into the late-1800s timber boom, where public land laws like the Homestead Act and the Timber & Stone Act were exploited so thoroughly that the “American Dream” basically became: “steal from the government, call it business.” Joining Shea and Jody for this chaos is special guest Allison Gill—host of The Daily Beans and the head of MSW Media—who brings her trademark sharp political insight (plus swearing, jokes, and the occasional Eddie Izzard reference) to a scandal where everyone involved is conveniently already dead. And big news: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has officially joined Allison’s network, MSW Media! We’re beyond excited to be part of the MSW Media family and can’t wait to share even more weird, messy, unhinged history with an even bigger community of listeners. If you’ve ever wondered how people pulled off land fraud before the internet (or indoor plumbing), buckle up: this episode has bribes, fake homesteads, corrupt officials, and indictments by the thousand. Check out the rest of our episodes and our bonus content available on Patreon! Head on over to 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

How One Man Drowned San Diego. What if someone promised to make it rain—and you believed them? In the early 1900s, Charles Hatfield went from selling sewing machines door to door to pitching American cities on an impossible idea: that he could manufacture rainfall using a secret chemical process. Farmers hired him. Towns paid him. And rain seemed to follow wherever he went. Then San Diego made a deal. Facing an extreme drought and mounting pressure as it prepared for a major world exposition, city leaders took a gamble on Hatfield’s “no rain, no pay” promise. What followed was not relief—but chaos. Rain fell. Then more rain. Then flooding, collapsing infrastructure, and a disaster that would permanently change the city. In this episode, Jody walks Shea through: How Hatfield built his reputation as The RainmakerWhy early 20th-century America was primed to believe himThe thin line between innovation, coincidence, and catastropheAnd the legal and moral fallout that lasted more than 20 yearsDid Hatfield actually make it rain? Or was he simply very good at predicting when nature was already about to unleash itself? The answer isn’t as simple—or as comforting—as you might think. 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

Today we have a huge announcement! Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has joined the MSW Media Network! We are so excited for this new partnership. We will continue to bring you all of the juicy and unhinged history that you have grown to love, but now with 25% more politicians behaving badly! Also, if you haven't heard about it yet, we cover the story of the Columbia outdoor wear company offering its assets to anyone who can provide a photo of the edge of the earth. #expeditionimpossible https://youtu.be/JxJOAsTMC6w Go check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com, and check out the other great podcasts at MSW Media! www.mswmedia.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

History is messy. It’s weird, wild, and anything but boring. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a history podcast about unhinged stories that make you stop and ask, wait… is this real life? From crazy disasters and tasty scandals to enlightening and surprisingly heartwarming tales, the show explores moments where people behaved badly—and sometimes beautifully. Expect naughty politicians, cultural chaos, and a deep love for the Pacific Northwest… including Bigfoot. It’s thoughtful, irreverent, occasionally serious, and always entertaining. Go listen now and fall down the rabbit hole. Find Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at rainydayrabbitholes.com or wherever you get your podcasts. 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

In this special fan-fiction episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into myth, memory, and maritime magic with a story written especially for beloved Patreon supporter Captain Dan. Set against the storm-soaked docks and taverns of the 19th-century Salish Sea, this tale follows a seasoned ship’s captain whose final voyage brings him face-to-face with Cadborosaurus—the legendary sea serpent said to haunt the waters of Cadboro Bay. What begins as a routine herring run turns into an encounter with something ancient, terrifying, beautiful… and irresistible. Blending historical texture, Pacific Northwest folklore, and unapologetic romantic weirdness, this episode is a love letter to: Old sailors with haunted eyesSea monsters who may not be monsters at allThe pull of the ocean—and what happens when you answer itThis story is inspired by Episode 26, “Release the Kraken: Sea Monsters of the Salish Sea,” and created as a thank-you to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Patreon supporters. It is fan fiction, folklore, and birthday present all rolled into one slightly damp, fish-scented package. 🎂 Happy (belated) 70th birthday, Captain Dan. ⚓ Some sailors retire. Others sail on forever. If fog rolls in and you hear singing from the harbor… maybe don’t follow it. Or do.   Chris Staudinger, sorry we killed you off. If you want your very own piece of bespoke fan fiction, consider signing up for our Patreon! Not only will you get ad-free episodes early, you get bonus content and so much more! Check out our website at 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

🎉 This week is a little different—and very special. We’re not bringing you a new historical story in this episode. Instead, we invite you to curl up with us as we look back, laugh, and reflect on the last 100 episodes of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes. If you’re in the mood for something story-driven instead, no worries at all—feel free to hop over to our latest fan fiction episode, which is ready and waiting for you. 🐇 🎙️ 100 episodes. Somehow. In this milestone episode, Shea and Jody celebrate over two years of podcasting chaos, curiosity, friendship, and forgotten history. What started as a half-formed idea in the Pacific Northwest turned into 100 full episodes, countless rabbit holes, a growing community, and friendships we never expected. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter—to listeners, collaborators, historians, and each other. 🐇 What We Talk About:Why reaching 100 episodes is such a rare podcast milestoneEarly audio struggles, evolving formats, and champagne-fueled recording daysThe episodes that still stick with us (and why)Listener-favorite stories like:Madam MustacheThe Salish Sea Human Foot DiscoveriesThe Traveling Corpse of Elmer McCurdyIshi: The Last Wild IndianSea Monsters of the Salish SeaHow podcasting changed the way we see history—and historiansWhy preserving uncomfortable history mattersMessages and reflections from listeners, friends, and fellow podcastersThe friendships and creative communities that grew out of this show💖 Gratitude & Community:We take time to thank the people who made the last 100 episodes possible—from collaborators and historians to fellow podcasters, Radio Tacoma, behind-the-scenes helpers, and the listeners who stuck with us while we figured things out. 🔮 What’s Next:We also share news about an upcoming project, State of Disgrace, where we’ll explore moments in history that echo loudly into the present—starting with McCarthyism, fear politics, and how societies find their way back from the brink. This new show will be more focused and seasonal, but rooted in the same curiosity that drives Rainy Day Rabbit Holes. 🥂 Final Thoughts:This episode isn’t about numbers or algorithms. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and building something together. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just fell down the rabbit hole—thank you for being part of this journey. 🕳️ Here’s to 100 more. See you down the rabbit hole. 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

What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule? In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave. As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule. If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did. 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

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody wander straight into the delightfully unhinged heart of Japanese folklore, where the landscapes are beautiful, the temples are ancient, and the raccoon dogs have… opinions. And tricks. And extremely versatile anatomy. Fresh off Shea's travels through Nagano, the conversation opens with reflections on Japan’s quiet magic — misty mountains, timeless streets, and the spiritual gravity of places like Zenkoji Temple, where centuries of belief hang in the air like incense smoke. From there, things take a turn. A tanuki-shaped turn. Enter the Tanuki: real animal, legendary menace, folkloric chaos goblin. Known in English as the Japanese raccoon dog, the tanuki occupies a strange and wonderful space where biology collides with myth. Shea and Jody dig into how this very real creature became one of Japan’s most beloved tricksters — a shapeshifter, a prankster, and a master of illusion who delights in confusing humans, impersonating monks, and generally causing low-stakes supernatural nonsense. And then there’s the scrotum. Yes, that s*****m. In tanuki folklore, it’s not just anatomy — it’s a multipurpose magical object capable of stretching, transforming, disguising, and occasionally funding a night out. Shea and Jody unpack how this bizarre detail isn’t just crude humor for humor’s sake, but ties back to real historical practices, particularly Kanazawa’s gold-leaf industry, where tanuki legends became symbols of wealth, flexibility, and good fortune. Folklore, it turns out, is nothing if not practical. Along the way, the episode explores why tanuki statues are everywhere in Japan — outside restaurants, shops, temples, and bars — grinning, wide-eyed, eternally mid-prank. These statues aren’t just cute roadside oddities; they’re cultural shorthand for prosperity, humor, and a reminder not to take life too seriously. Or at least to keep an eye on your wallet when magical animals are nearby. The discussion weaves together travel stories, religious history, art, pop culture, and the enduring appeal of a creature that refuses to behave. From ancient tales to modern anime, the tanuki continues to evolve, shape-shift, and bounce gleefully through Japanese storytelling, dragging its legends — and its lucky bag — right along with it. It’s an episode about Japan’s ability to hold beauty and absurdity in the same breath. About sacred spaces and silly stories. About how folklore survives because it entertains as much as it teaches. And about a mischievous raccoon dog whose legacy proves that sometimes, the weirdest stories are the ones that stick the longest. Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip to Japan plus links to social media and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Looking for a gorgeous SEO optimized website? We owe ours to www.easybrzy.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

Shea is back from her Japan adventure and is bringing you some of Japan's most captivating legends!  Today, not only does Shea share some insights into driving in Japan, Japanese bathing culture, castles as adult museums, and toilets, she brings the tale of one of Japan's most terrifying Yokai and urban legends, Kuchisake-onna or the Slit-Mouthed Woman. Visit our website for pictures from Shea's trip and more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com Make sure to check out our YouTube, subscribe, like our videos, leave a comment! You can follow us on instagram for more photos! All links at our website! 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

In this special episode swap, listeners are swept into the ghost-laden corridors of the legendary Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado—the real-world inspiration behind The Shining. Through rich storytelling and a flair for the uncanny, Ani Khajadourian of Audibly Haunted resurrects the hotel’s past: the 1911 explosion that shook room 217, the resilient chambermaid Elizabeth Wilson who still tidies up from beyond the grave, the spectral children racing down the fourth-floor halls, and the gentlemanly cowboy ghost who warms room 428 with a phantom’s charm. Each floor, each door, each whisper carries a century of mystery. The living check out, but the hotel’s other guests never do. Make sure to visit Audibly Haunted on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and engage with us on social media to share your thoughts or your own ghost stories. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/audibly-haunted/id1705358960 https://www.instagram.com/audiblyhaunted/   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

A government-built city rose out of the Columbia River Basin with rules no one could explain and a purpose no one fully understood. Families lived in identical houses, signed confidentiality papers they barely read, and trusted that whatever was happening behind the restricted fences was “for the good of the country.” What really happened out there shaped world history, rewrote entire landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode, Shea and Jody explore the haunting history of the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington with Ellicia Elliott, a theater professional and historian. They delve into the origins of the Manhattan Project, the impact of the nuclear industry on local communities, and the ongoing cleanup efforts. The conversation highlights the complexities of pride and legacy associated with the site, as well as the environmental and health consequences faced by the surrounding populations. Follow Ellicia Elliott https://www.elliciaelliott.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ellicia_elliott/?hl=en https://www.threads.com/@elliciaelliott     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

Summary The conversation explores the story of a wild man who emerges from the wilderness, highlighting themes of cultural identity and the challenges of communication across different languages and backgrounds. The narrative illustrates the complexities of understanding and interpreting the experiences of those who are marginalized or misunderstood.   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