Stuff You Missed In History Class

Since current hosts Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson took the reins of the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast in 2013, it has become one of the most consistently popular podcasts in North America with listeners across the globe. Their purpose is simple. Each episode, Frey and Wilson take about 30 minutes to discuss a person, event, or topic that might not have been covered in your high school or college history class. Topics are quite eclectic, and a sample of past episodes includes the following:

• “The War Between Great Britain and the Zulu Kingdom” (Nov. 20, 2017)
• “Transatlantic Cruising Before the Titanic” (Mar. 6, 2019)
• “Chien-Shiung Wu, First Lady of Physics” (Dec 16, 2019)
• “The Occupation of Alcatraz” (Nov. 18 and 20, 2019)
• “Butter v. Margarine” (Aug 1, 2016)

Listening to this podcast is an entertaining way to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place within it. 

Frey and Wilson are passionate about accurately understanding the past and carefully research each episode. They are not shy about covering topics that are often overlooked by historians, perhaps because they reflect poorly on those who were or are in power. For example, though Frey and Wilson are American, they explore U.S. events, policies, and actions that have been cruel and unjust. Frey and Wilson often will include their emotional reactions to difficult parts of the episode, encouraging listeners to consider empathy for those harmed.

Stuff You Missed in History Class educates listeners, providing knowledge that can be used to form wisdom. The listener is responsible for how they use this knowledge. Is it used as entertainment and distraction? Or do listeners consider the past as they seek to develop good judgment for the decisions and actions they make each day.

Wisdom needs a humble heart and a willingness to use this knowledge in love to serve others. Most importantly, as we read in Proverbs 9:10a, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the holy one results in good judgment.” The Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast won’t make the listener wise, but it will help those who are seeking wisdom.  (IHeartRadio)