Cutting Class artwork

Cutting Class

183 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 124 ratings

Jess and Joe provide a humorous and thoughtful approach so some of the lesser known or poorly explained stories of history. These two history teachers will set the record straight and unveil some fascinating and lesser known stories of American and World History

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Episodes

177 – Calvin Coolidge in the Black Hills

August 17, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MB

Here it is folks, The Final Episode! Please excuse our poor attitudes and my dropped mic towards the end of the show. You’ll see when you get there! But we’re wrapping up this wonderful podcast journey with our favorite president, Calvin Coolidge. We hope you enjoy. Thank you all for listening to our show. Even … 177 – Calvin Coolidge in the Black HillsRead More »

176 – The Crocodile Massacre of WWII

August 04, 2022 01:24 - 39 minutes - 28.3 MB

First off, we apologize as Jess’ mic is terrible in this recording and could not be repaired beforehand. Jess brings us a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT as well as the story of the Ramree Island Massacre in which supposedly nearly 500 Japanese soldiers were eaten alive by the jungles of Myanmar in WWII. Listen in to this … 176 – The Crocodile Massacre of WWIIRead More »

175 – Major Dick Bong’s Soaring Success

July 14, 2022 01:03 - 24 minutes - 19.8 MB

Today we return to the skies as Jess tells the tale of a true American hero of WWII that was lost to the history books. Perhaps it’s because the time was so full of heroes it’s not surprising a few get left behind over time. But perhaps it’s also because he just so happens to … 175 – Major Dick Bong’s Soaring SuccessRead More »

174 – A Bit of Bela Lugosi

June 30, 2022 22:39 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MB

Learn about this historical icon of horror and his surprising amount of socialistic political dealings in this episode!Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

173 – Paul McCartney Died in 1966!

June 15, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutes - 44.6 MB

Didn’t you know? Paul is dead! He’s been dead for decades but THE MAN doesn’t want you to know! For years many Beatlemaniacs were convinced Paul had died in 1966 and there were secret clues hidden across the albums that could be decoded with some wit, some wisdom, and probably some weed. Listen into this … 173 – Paul McCartney Died in 1966!Read More »

172 – Where Dog Names Came From

June 01, 2022 11:00 - 29 minutes - 23.7 MB

Sure… Butter, Watson, and Sir Chonksalot are great dog names. But what about those super stereotypical dog names we’ve all heard of? Where did those come from? Today we look into the origin of three super generic names for man’s best friend. Watch! – Rescued by Rover! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 Consider Supporting … 172 – Where Dog Names Came FromRead More »

171 – Surprising the Soviets

May 19, 2022 00:22 - 37 minutes - 30.5 MB

Joe brings the finale of our series of aircraft in odd places series when a young man with a really bad idea decides to just pop in on the Soviet heads of state on a one man mission of peace. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Consider Supporting us on Patreon for … 171 – Surprising the SovietsRead More »

170 – Why We Stopped Celebrating Washington’s Birthday

May 05, 2022 09:50 - 38 minutes - 31.2 MB

Back in the glory days of America we would celebrate THE Founding Father with a day of his own awesomeness. But no longer. That day was destroyed by none other than Washington D.C. itself! Learn about how President’s day usurped Washington’s Birthday and the numbskullery involved in it’s whole creation. Sources – 1 2 3 … 170 – Why We Stopped Celebrating Washington’s BirthdayRead More »

169 – Crashing at the White House

April 21, 2022 10:46 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MB

Joe continues to thrill and amaze you with his bizarre tales of planes gone wild. Did you know a plane crashed just a few yards away from the White House during Bill Clinton’s Presidency? Listen in for this sad but strange tale! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

169 – Crashing at the White House

April 21, 2022 10:46 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MB

Joe continues to thrill and amaze you with his bizarre tales of planes gone wild. Did you know a plane crashed just a few yards away from the White House during Bill Clinton’s Presidency? Listen in for this sad but strange tale! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

168 – Huey Heads to Washington!

April 06, 2022 10:55 - 38 minutes - 31.7 MB

Inspired by his own storytelling, Joe brings us a similar story to last weeks episode of a rogue aircraft going to all the wrong places. During Nixon’s presidency one helicopter pilot in training decided the best way to impress all his naysayers was to take a Huey on a joyride to the White House. Listen … 168 – Huey Heads to Washington!Read More »

167 – The Tower Bridge Incident

March 23, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.9 MB

In 1968 during an Airshow to commemorate the Royal Air Force one pilot by the name of Allan Pollock decided that he was unhappy with the bureaucratic fat cats in London who felt the RAF funding was excessive. So he decided to very calmly and reasonably take a Hawker Hunter jet fighter plane out for … 167 – The Tower Bridge IncidentRead More »

166 – Escaping North Korea

March 09, 2022 13:00 - 39 minutes - 31.9 MB

Today we’re releasing a 2019 Patreon exclusive episode due to some unforeseen life circumstances that prevented us recording a new show! If you’ve heard it then it’s a perfect time to listen to Body By Calvin one more time. In this show we examine North Korean Prison Labor camps and discuss why countries turn a … 166 – Escaping North KoreaRead More »

165 – Dr. Brinkley goes nuts for goats!

February 23, 2022 13:43 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MB

Jess is back with another Medical Miracle Man of the early 1900s. Dr. John Brinkley was an infamous medical quack known best for his Goat Gland treatment in which he would surgically insert goat testicles into men suffering from impotence, infertility, or just about any medical illness you can imagine. Learn about the rise and … 165 – Dr. Brinkley goes nuts for goats!Read More »

164 – Mount Rushmore’s Controversial Creation

February 09, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Joe and Jess have a blast examining this monumental undertaking of stonework. We look at the controversial Gutzon Borglum who picked up the job after being run out of the South. We also discuss the methods of building and the pushback from Lakota Indian tribes who once called this place “home.” Sources – 1 2 … 164 – Mount Rushmore’s Controversial CreationRead More »

163 – How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet Union

January 26, 2022 11:30 - 46 minutes - 32.5 MB

We’ve known for years that Heavy Metal represented the greatest threat to all civilized nations. But today Joe brings us definitive PROOF that heavy metal was the final straw that broke the Soviet Union’s back. In 1991 the Monsters of Rock would showcase in Moscow and lead to a massive crowd of over a million! … 163 – How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet UnionRead More »

163- How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet Union

January 26, 2022 11:30 - 46 minutes - 32.5 MB

We’ve known for years that Heavy Metal represented the greatest threat to all civilized nations. But today Joe brings us definitive PROOF that heavy metal was the final straw that broke the Soviet Union’s back. In 1991 the Monsters of Rock would showcase in Moscow and lead to a massive crowd of over a million! … 163- How Heavy Metal Ended the Soviet UnionRead More »

162 – Super Mario 2’s Bizarre Origin Story

January 12, 2022 13:13 - 37 minutes - 26.3 MB

Who doesn’t love stomping Goombas and grabbing some coins? But if you ever played Mario 2 then you may have noticed it feels a bit different from the rest. Sometimes its even labeled as Super Mario 2 USA. There’s actually a really good reason for that! Learn about how the more odd Mario characters like … 162 – Super Mario 2’s Bizarre Origin StoryRead More »

161 – Rudolf the Reindeer’s Origin Story

December 28, 2021 16:07 - 40 minutes - 28.9 MB

It’s geek chic to lay out all the origin tales of Earth’s mightiest heroes. So Jess and Joe decided to give you the origin tale nobody seems to talk about and that is the young upstart Rudy the Reindeer. Listen in as we discuss this newcomers origin tale and how he saved a story, saved … 161 – Rudolf the Reindeer’s Origin StoryRead More »

Rudolf the Reindeer’s Origin Story

December 28, 2021 16:07 - 40 minutes - 28.9 MB

It’s geek chic to lay out all the origin tales of Earth’s mightiest heroes. So Jess and Joe decided to give you the origin tale nobody seems to talk about and that is the young upstart Rudy the Reindeer. Listen in as we discuss this newcomers origin tale and how he saved a story, saved … Rudolf the Reindeer’s Origin StoryRead More »

160 – Three Generations of Tyler

December 15, 2021 12:49 - 35 minutes - 25 MB

Looking for a fun fact to share between political and religious arguments this holiday season? Look no further and listen in!Time to clue in on a shocking fact about John Tyler and his long lived progeny! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6

159 – The Accidental President

December 01, 2021 14:12 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

William Henry Harrison’s famous early death in 1841 led to an interesting problem for the United States in the form of who would take power. Eventually the task would fall on John Tyler who would become perhaps one of the most hated men in America and eventually stand alone abandoned by his competitors and even … 159 – The Accidental PresidentRead More »

158 – To Kill a Dork King

November 17, 2021 12:48 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

Today we’re releasing a special Patreon Exclusive show from April of this year! We’ve been blessed to have many supporters over our years and we continue to gain more and more! Check out this special Patreon exclusive to see what kind of goodies you’ve been missing! In 1997 a new era of online video gaming … 158 – To Kill a Dork KingRead More »

157 – Akkad the Producer

November 03, 2021 12:24 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

Moustapha Akkad born in Aleppo Syria came to the United States in the mid 20th century with a dream of the theatre. He would go on to produce a 30+ year movie franchise easily recognizable today. Not familiar with his work? Listen in to today’s episode and learn about his journey to bring the Middle … 157 – Akkad the ProducerRead More »

Halloween in the White House!

October 20, 2021 10:06 - 43 minutes - 31 MB

Woah now, something is wrong! Due to unforeseen circumstances Joe and Jess weren’t able to record but no worries! We’re releasing to you all an Exclusive Patreon only Episode we did for Halloween WAY BACK in 2019. What a different time it was. Listen into how presidents of yesteryear celebrated this spooky night! It’s a … Halloween in the White House!Read More »

156 – Halloween in the White House!

October 20, 2021 10:06 - 43 minutes - 31 MB

Woah now, something is wrong! Due to unforeseen circumstances Joe and Jess weren’t able to record but no worries! We’re releasing to you all an Exclusive Patreon only Episode we did for Halloween WAY BACK in 2019. What a different time it was. Listen into how presidents of yesteryear celebrated this spooky night! It’s a … 156 – Halloween in the White House!Read More »

155 – The Witchfynder General

October 06, 2021 13:11 - 43 minutes - 30.7 MB

In the spirit of this spooky season, Joe tells us the tale of Matthew Hopkins the Witchfynder General which was mostly a self appointed title to a man with nothing much else going for him. Ever wonder where Monty Python got those ridiculous ideas about proving witches? Then look no further for many would be … 155 – The Witchfynder GeneralRead More »

154 – The Chamomile-lionaire

September 22, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.5 MB

Young Living is THE name in north American Essential Oils. But how much do you know of the recently deceased founder Gary Young? Today Jess takes a look into the bizzare life of Gary Young. Accidently drowning babies? Jail time for practicing medicine without a license? A super sketchy clinic in Mexico? Find out more … 154 – The Chamomile-lionaireRead More »

153- George Washington is dead!

September 08, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.8 MB

Joe dives into the abrupt and unexpected death of America’s first president on today’s show. You may have heard a little about the blood letting or even the enemas. But what killed George Washington? Today we look at long held mystery of America’s first presidential death. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 153- George Washington is dead!Read More »

152 – The Bly Balloon Incident

August 25, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 28.1 MB

In the promising spring of 1945, the little town of Bly Oregon rocked by events they could never have predicted. Due to the nature of these events the incident was kept quiet and mostly hidden from the American public and especially the rest of the world. Due to the secretive nature of the cover-up, families … 152 – The Bly Balloon IncidentRead More »

151- What DID they say on Tooth Decay?

August 11, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 28.1 MB

Joe bites into history and the delightful topic of tooth decay today. From the earliest origins and the dreaded “tooth worms” to some more modern approaches to our rotten teeth. Join in for this toothsome story! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Consider Supporting … 151- What DID they say on Tooth Decay?Read More »

150 – A History of Competitive Eating

July 28, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37.5 MB

After a moment of pure inspiration this 4th of July Joe simply had to dig into the facts on eating. As long as people have been eating food theres always that one person who feels they can eat more than someone else. Listen in as we see how deep the rabbit hole goes and some … 150 – A History of Competitive EatingRead More »

149 – A Dandy Fop for a President

July 14, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 35.8 MB

Chester Arthur is a president most Americans would struggle to even recognize AS a president. But this foppish fiend of the White House was known for extravagant clothing, wicked sideburns, and rooting out the spoils system in the United States. Check out this episode for a crash course on an often-forgot president! Sources – 1 … 149 – A Dandy Fop for a PresidentRead More »

148 – The Weird Origins of the 27th Amendment

June 30, 2021 22:28 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MB

Ahh! The 27th Amendment! Its that one that… yeah… does the freedom right? Don’t even remember what it does? Well you’re in luck! Sit back and enjoy as Jess and Joe not only remind you of what it is but enlighten you to the strange story of how it was passed over a hundred years … 148 – The Weird Origins of the 27th AmendmentRead More »

147 – Caesar’s Pirate Adventure

June 16, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

When it comes to Julius Ceasar there is a lot to talk about. But in today’s show, Joe shares one of our personal favorite stories about Julius Ceasar in which he is captured by pirates while on the way to Rhodes. Check out this questionably true story that is unquestionably awesome! Sources – 1 2 … 147 – Caesar’s Pirate AdventureRead More »

146 – Washington’s Weird Monument

June 02, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 30.3 MB

Did you know the Washington Monument was supposed to have several smaller towers around it? Did you know it was inspired by the Egyptians? Learn about the history of this iconic American monument that nearly failed completion several times! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 … 146 – Washington’s Weird MonumentRead More »

145 – Mount St. Helens Holdouts with Kate from IWB

May 19, 2021 20:10 - 1 hour - 42.6 MB

Kate from Ignorance was Bliss joins Jess and Joe to discuss the 1980 Mt. St Helens eruption! We discuss some psychological oddballs who refused to leave, the carnage of the eruption itself, and volcanoes of course! Join us for this special Mash-Up Episode with a much more successful podcaster! Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content … 145 – Mount St. Helens Holdouts with Kate from IWBRead More »

144 – Brutality and Christian Martyrs

May 12, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

Joe leans into his metal heritage and looks into some brutal killings recorded regarding early christians. While the stories themselves are sad they’re morbidly fascinating. Listen into this non-exhaustive list of stonings, skinnings, and more! Consider Supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content and swag!Visit our website for more info!

143 – Henry Cabot Lodge Finale!

April 28, 2021 10:45 - 47 minutes - 34.1 MB

One of the most controversial foreign policy decisions of the 20th century was America suggesting a “League of Nations” after WWI and then immediately refusing to join that very same league. What happened!? Some nations even blame America’s refusal to join as the lynchpin problem for leading to WW2. So why on earth did this … 143 – Henry Cabot Lodge Finale!Read More »

142 – Henry Cabot Lodge pt. 2

April 14, 2021 15:52 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

Now we get into the nitty gritty on Lodge. He’s really remembered in US history for two things. This week we cover the first of those which is his unflagging support for Imperialism. Singin’ Songs and pickin’ fights around the world! Like brothers from another mother, he and Teddy Roo would be the most adamant … 142 – Henry Cabot Lodge pt. 2Read More »

141 – Henry Cabot Lodge Pt. 1

March 31, 2021 15:39 - 1 hour - 47.2 MB

It’s time we finally delve into the infamous Henry Cabot Lodge. Why should we care about this Senator from Massachusetts? Perhaps because he was one of the single most influential Americans in the early 20th century? Anti-Immigration, pro-war/imperialism, and a profound racist, his beliefs would shape much of American foreign policy before and after WWI. … 141 – Henry Cabot Lodge Pt. 1Read More »

140 – A WWII Medical Mystery in Bari

March 17, 2021 21:52 - 1 hour - 45.2 MB

Jess brings us a medical mystery of history that broke out in WWII when soldiers came down with bizarre symptoms that baffled the battlefield doctors and nurses. When a medical expert get called into to solve the case he stumbles upon an international cover up that could change the outcome of World War II. Not … 140 – A WWII Medical Mystery in BariRead More »

139 – Wilson Strokes Out!

March 03, 2021 14:39 - 48 minutes - 34 MB

Joe can’t help but share his disdain for President Wilson. Today he looks at his unprecedented end of office months as he suffered a major stroke which left him at the mercy of his cabinet and his wife who struggled to determine who really was fit to lead the country. Listen in on this medical/political … 139 – Wilson Strokes Out!Read More »

138 – The War Over a Pig

February 17, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 22.1 MB

Jess misses his opportunity to make Babe references while Joe lays down the history of the American Pig War with Britain. Yet another series of border disputes emerges as a wandering pig nearly sets off a conflict between two nations in 1859. Listen in on perhaps the most bizarre of near-miss conflicts for the red … 138 – The War Over a PigRead More »

137 – Benjamin Salomon: A Dentist at War

February 03, 2021 14:17 - 37 minutes - 26.6 MB

It’s been far too long since Jess and Joe looked at another heroic individual from wars past! Jess delivers the goods on Benjamin Solomon, a humble dentist sent to fight plaque and cavities in WWII. But that wouldn’t be all that Solomon would slay as he landed on the beaches of Saipan. Join us this … 137 – Benjamin Salomon: A Dentist at WarRead More »

136 – John Dee the Mathemagician!

January 20, 2021 10:30 - 49 minutes - 36.2 MB

Gather your candles and obsidian mirror folks! It’s time to speculate and commune with the beyond! Joe takes us on a magical mystery tour of Elizabethan England and the magical mathematician who advised the queen and coded the language of angels! Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 … 136 – John Dee the Mathemagician!Read More »

135 – Florence Oregon’s Whale Encounter

January 06, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 25.9 MB

Almost exactly 50 years ago Florence Oregon was visited the by the bloated corpse of a 8 ton 45 foot sperm whale. The whale posed quite a conundrum for local government as people unsure of how to remove the great stinking corpse. It wasn’t until the Highway Division showed up with a man, a plan, … 135 – Florence Oregon’s Whale EncounterRead More »

134 – America’s Most Bizzare Secretary of Agriculture

December 23, 2020 11:45 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

Henry Wallace isn’t exactly a household name. He’s not one you’d find in the history textbooks or even a late-night binge of the History Channel. But Henry Wallace bought into some weird characters and ideas during his time as the Secretary of Agriculture and commerce under FDR. Check out this weird tale that connects all … 134 – America’s Most Bizzare Secretary of AgricultureRead More »

133 – Fake News: Dewey Defeats Truman!

December 09, 2020 15:50 - 42 minutes - 30.9 MB

We’ve all seen that famous photograph of Harry Truman holding up the newspaper declaring his defeat. Nowadays people have very little idea of who this “Dewey” guy even was. So what made it seem so obvious that he would win? Joe gives us the lowdown on this famous historical photo and the “obvious outcome” that … 133 – Fake News: Dewey Defeats Truman!Read More »

132 – Navy Devil Docs

November 25, 2020 18:45 - 46 minutes - 33.7 MB

Joe and Jess dive (see what we did there?) into the wild history of the Devil Docs of the navy and their role in various historical events of the past. Not all soldiers carry guns, but these ones certainly do. Check out these badasses who excel and saving and taking lives. Sources – 1 2 … 132 – Navy Devil DocsRead More »