88 - The Past Times with Katie Boyle
1Digest
This podcast takes listeners on a journey through the news of 1905, analyzing articles with a modern lens and highlighting the cultural differences and humorous situations of the time. The hosts, Garrett and Katie, discuss a variety of topics, including a man who drowned himself after his wife jokingly told him to jump in a lake, a city council's plan to use oil to exterminate mosquitoes, and a cow that saved a man's life by dragging him home after he broke his leg. They also explore the cultural significance of the national anthem, the use of alcohol in society, and the perception of Irish immigrants. Through their witty commentary and insightful observations, the hosts offer a unique perspective on history, revealing the absurdity of the past and encouraging listeners to question assumptions and challenge stereotypes.
Outlines
Introduction and 1905 News Analysis
The podcast begins with introductions and welcomes listeners to a journey through the news of 1905. The hosts, Garrett and Katie, introduce the concept of analyzing old newspapers and discuss their comedic backgrounds.
Guessing the Newspaper Year and Mosquitoes Kill Canaries
The hosts play a game where they guess the year of the newspaper they'll be analyzing. They then discuss a news article about canaries dying from mosquito bites in Maryland, speculating on the cause and sharing humorous theories.
Drunk Man Drowns Himself and Lobsters and Aldermen
The hosts read a story about a man who drowned himself after his wife jokingly told him to jump in a lake. They then discuss a news article about aldermen being compared to lobsters, exploring the meaning behind the comparison and the historical perception of lobsters as a poor food.
Oil and Mosquitoes and Donkey and Mule Mishaps
The hosts read about a city council's discussion on using oil to exterminate mosquitoes, finding humor in the outdated and potentially harmful solution. They then discuss a news article about a man who was kicked in the face by a donkey, sharing anecdotes about donkeys and mules.
Governor's Drinking Habits and Singing the National Anthem
The hosts read about a governor who is popular for his straight whiskey drinking, discussing the irony of the time period and the cultural differences in how alcohol is perceived. They then discuss Katie's experience singing the national anthem at a baseball game and being criticized for her performance.
Governor's Drinking on a Train and Leprosy Cure
The hosts read about a governor who drinks bourbon on a train with other politicians, discussing the social norms of the time and the debate over prohibition. They then discuss a news article about a cure for leprosy being discovered in Manila, debating the effectiveness of the cure and the continued existence of leprosy in other parts of the world.
Cincinnati Post's Advertising Scheme and Smart Cow Saves Life
The hosts read about a newspaper's advertising scheme that involved hiding red dots around the city and offering a reward for finding them. They then discuss a news article about a cow that saved a man's life by dragging him home after he broke his leg, exploring the details of the story.
Keywords
Autoerotic Asphyxiation
A dangerous sexual practice involving self-strangulation to enhance sexual pleasure. It can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Leprosy
A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and testes.
Aldermen
Elected officials who serve on a city council or similar governing body. They are responsible for making decisions on local issues.
Hog
A male pig, typically castrated. It is often used as a term for a pig in general.
Agility
The ability to move quickly and easily. It is often used to describe the ability to perform physical tasks with grace and coordination.
Sayonara
A Japanese word meaning "goodbye" or "farewell." It is often used in a formal or polite context.
Leprechaun
A mischievous fairy in Irish folklore, often depicted as a small, bearded man wearing a green coat and hat. They are known for guarding pots of gold at the end of rainbows.
Q&A
What is the significance of the newspaper articles being from 1905?
The articles provide a glimpse into the social, cultural, and technological landscape of the early 20th century, highlighting the differences in attitudes, beliefs, and practices compared to today.
How do the hosts' reactions to the news articles reveal their perspectives on the past?
The hosts find humor in the outdated and sometimes absurd news stories, revealing their modern sensibilities and highlighting the contrast between past and present.
What are some of the cultural differences highlighted in the podcast?
The podcast explores differences in attitudes towards alcohol, national anthems, and cultural stereotypes. It also highlights the evolution of language and the use of slang terms.
What is the purpose of the podcast's format?
The podcast's format, which involves analyzing old newspapers, aims to entertain listeners while providing historical insights and sparking discussions about cultural differences.
What is the significance of the hosts' use of humor?
Humor serves as a tool to engage listeners, make the content more accessible, and highlight the absurdity of some of the news stories.
What are some of the key takeaways from the podcast?
The podcast highlights the importance of historical context, the evolution of cultural norms, and the enduring power of humor. It also encourages listeners to question assumptions and challenge stereotypes.
How does the podcast contribute to the understanding of history?
The podcast provides a unique perspective on history by examining everyday news stories from the past. It offers insights into the lives and experiences of people from a different era.
What is the overall message of the podcast?
The podcast celebrates the absurdity of the past, encourages critical thinking, and promotes a sense of humor about the human condition.
Show Notes
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined by comedian Katie Boyle
Table of contents
United States
