Cutting Class
183 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 124 ratingsJess 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
83- Was Hiss a Snake?
May 22, 2019 10:00 - 37 minutes - 31.1 MBIn 1950 a man by the name of Algier Hiss was found guilty of perjury. He reportedly lied under oath about his involvement in a Soviet spy ring that was operating before and during WWII….Hiss would go on to serve about 4 years of jail time and spend the rest of his life maintaining his … 83- Was Hiss a Snake?Read More »
82- State Testing is a Travesty
May 15, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBJess and Joe deliver a special episode on State Testing using Tennessee as an example of how this seemingly innocuous practice ruins learning in the classrooms. If you’re not interested, then join us next week for another exciting show. But if you’d like to hear why teaching history and learning history in state schools is … 82- State Testing is a TravestyRead More »
81- A Brief look at Scientology
May 08, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 41.6 MBIn a special dedication episode, Joe takes us into the History of Scientology discussing some of the core beliefs of this bizarre religion. Not only this, but he covers Operation Snow White in which the church infiltrated the US Government in order to spy on those spying on them! Finally, we discuss a bit of … 81- A Brief look at ScientologyRead More »
80- Accidentally Nuking Spain
May 01, 2019 10:00 - 41 minutes - 34.4 MBIn today’s episode we look at the 1966 Palomares incident in which the US accidentally dropped 4 Hydrogen bombs over the little town of Palomares Spain. Why did this happen and how have I not heard about this before!? Find out on today’s show! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 a decent video Stratofortress refueling … 80- Accidentally Nuking SpainRead More »
79- What the Falklands?
April 24, 2019 10:00 - 41 minutes - 34.4 MBWe’ll take a short break from our Moral Panic Series to bring you some fun tales we’ve been individually cooking up. On today’s episode Joe dives into the lesser-known Falklands war of 1982. Britain’s first invasion since WW2 ends up with a smack down on Argentina in these practically deserted islands off of the coast … 79- What the Falklands?Read More »
78- Dungeons and Dragons is the Devil!
April 17, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBToday Jess delivers us our third tale of moral panic on Dungeons and Dragons itself. in the 1970s and 1980’s as this game was growing in popularity there were many who believed it may lead kids down a path of delusion and devil worship. Today’s epic of an episode covers the origins of D&D, the … 78- Dungeons and Dragons is the Devil!Read More »
77- Juan and Eva Peron’s Wild Ride
April 10, 2019 10:00 - 54 minutes - 44.9 MBWe’ve all heard that story that some Nazis escaped to South America and maybe even Hitler got away there. But why is this a rumor and where did they go? Today Joe dishes on the history between Argentina’s Juan and Eva Peron and their connections to Nazi Germany. Not only this, but we look at … 77- Juan and Eva Peron’s Wild RideRead More »
76- Comics Will Rot Your Brain!
April 03, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBCheck out some “undeniable proof” of the evils in Comics by Dr. Wertham Part 2 of our Moral Panic series details the terror of the 1950s and the 10 cent plague. Kids and adults everywhere were reading comic books and it was a nightmare for parents and some congressmen. We’ll dive into the congressional pressure … 76- Comics Will Rot Your Brain!Read More »
75- Yep, Edmund Randolf!
April 01, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 18.1 MBWho hasn’t wanted to check out George Washington’s second Secretary of State? Though he may be historical trivia today he was quite the guy back in the day hobnobbing with the likes of Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton and more! Check him out! www.presidencies.blubrry.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/presidencies-of-the-united-states/id1191633316?mt=2
74- Elvis Presley: A Danger to Decency
March 25, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBJess and Joe begin a mini-series on Moral Panics in America and where better to begin than with the King himself? Today’s episode is a dive into the moral hysteria surrounding this young musician from Mississippi. He terrified parents, pastors, and even the FBI! Check it out! Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 74- Elvis Presley: A Danger to DecencyRead More »
73- Otto Skorzeny: Hitler’s Hitman
March 20, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBJoin Joe and Jess as we take a look at one of the most notorious commandos of the Third Reich. Otto Skorzeny is a die-hard fascist who will be used time and time again by the Reich to try and make “miracles” happen. His mot famous accomplishment will be breaking Mussolini out of prison in … 73- Otto Skorzeny: Hitler’s HitmanRead More »
72- The Harrison Family Horror Show
March 13, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 27.9 MBWilliam Henry Harrison’s Family story isn’t over yet. Did you know his grandson would be Benjamin Harrison, future president? The man who connected these two presidents was John Scott Harrison. He was the ONLY man in American history thus far to be the son of a president and a father of a president. But this … 72- The Harrison Family Horror ShowRead More »
71- America’s 31 Day President
March 06, 2019 11:00 - 56 minutes - 46.3 MBDid you know America had a president who died within a month of taking office? He’s easily the shortest term president we’ve ever had and hopefully will ever have. But who was he really? The story behind William Henry Harrison is quite interesting! Join Jess and Joe as we visit one of the littlest known … 71- America’s 31 Day PresidentRead More »
70- The History Behind Les Miserables
February 27, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 35.8 MBBoth Jess and Joe were taken/dragged to a local performance of Les Mis and it got us thinking about what the historical background was. It’s easy to assume this is just another part of the French Revolution but you’d be flat out wrong! Learn about this history of this famous play with Jess and Joe! … 70- The History Behind Les MiserablesRead More »
69- The Counter-Fail of the English Armada
February 20, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 26.4 MBLast week we told your Britain’s favorite story of defeating the Spanish with a little bit of grit and a lot of luck. This week we tell you their less popular counter-invasion that goes just about as awful as the Spanish invasion did. Check out this little known tale of the English Armada! Sources- 1 … 69- The Counter-Fail of the English ArmadaRead More »
68- The Epic Fail of the Spanish Armada
February 13, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 37.6 MBWe’ve all heard of the Spanish Armada at some point. Maybe you even know they get a whoppin’ to be remembered for the Ages. But what happened to this massive invasion force and why? What was at stake? Jess and Joe dive into this classic British propaganda tale in which they pretty much take credit … 68- The Epic Fail of the Spanish ArmadaRead More »
67- The Bobbins are Back
February 06, 2019 11:00 - 50 minutes - 41.7 MBJess deals out the goods on Tom Boyd’s new book! If you thought the ideas of building a non-Shire fantasy Utopia in our town was odd just wait until you hear about the source material! We promise this is the last you’ll hear of the bobbins! We’re bringing you the historical goods next week! Creepy … 67- The Bobbins are BackRead More »
66- What’s the deal with Communist Mummies?
January 30, 2019 11:00 - 42 minutes - 34.9 MBMost of us have heard of Lenin’s embalmed body from all the way back in the early 1900s. Maybe you’ve even heard that Mao Zedong is entombed as well. But did you know almost all major communist leaders have followed this practice and it’s still going on today in the 21st century? Today Jess deliver’s … 66- What’s the deal with Communist Mummies?Read More »
65- Meet the Bobbins!
January 23, 2019 11:00 - 37 minutes - 31 MBSomewhere in a magical place just behind the Walmart and the Home Depot there is a mystical land in Knoxville Tennessee. We couldn’t keep this to ourselves. It’s a land of Elves, Dwarves, and of course the Bobbins. This may sound similar to some works of fantasy and lore but rest assured any resemblance to … 65- Meet the Bobbins!Read More »
64- Desert Storm and HW Bush Part 3
January 16, 2019 11:00 - 57 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this final episode we look at the end of Bush Sr’s time as President. Desert Storm! We look at the infamous NEW WORLD ORDER speech given during this time. Illuminati anyone? We discuss Saddam Hussein’s great folly and the International Response. Finally, we look at what brought about Bush’s failed re-election campaign and the … 64- Desert Storm and HW Bush Part 3Read More »
63- Operation Just Cause and the Downfall of Noriega
January 09, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 37.5 MBThe Invasion of Panama was yet another of the major events to take place during H.W. Bush’s short 4 years as president of the US. We take a look at this brief but bizarre invasion and the “Pineapple Face” Face man himself. Tune in for some modern fun! Sources- 1 2 3 4 5 Famous Photo mentioned
62- George H.W. Bush Part 1
January 02, 2019 11:00 - 40 minutes - 33.4 MBDespite being a 1 term president, HW Bush had quite an impressive track record as president. We’re devoting not one, not even two, but 3 episodes to this one termer! Today we look at his legacy recently. We weigh some strengths and weaknesses of this president. Sources – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 62- George H.W. Bush Part 1Read More »
61- Challenging the Narrative with George Wallace
December 26, 2018 11:00 - 49 minutes - 40.7 MBAnyone familiar with the American Civil Rights movement of the 1960s will be familiar with George Wallace. He’s the archetypal villain of the movement and with good reason. As the Governor of Alabama his famous defending the status quo would often be quoted. “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever!” But we know how it … 61- Challenging the Narrative with George WallaceRead More »
60- Woodrow Wilson: an Overrated Racist
December 19, 2018 11:00 - 52 minutes - 42.8 MBIn today’s episode we take Woodrow Wilson to the test on his abysmal Civil Rights record. Then we compare him with the amorous and often mocked Warren G. Harding. Say what you will about the corrupt or inept Harding… He was lightyears ahead of his predecessor on Civil Rights. Today we ask why it is … 60- Woodrow Wilson: an Overrated RacistRead More »
59- Sexy Scandals of President Harding
December 12, 2018 11:00 - 45 minutes - 32.4 MBPresident Harding isn’t just known for his lackluster presidency or his scandals at Teapot Dome. He’s also remembered as one of the more promiscuous presidents in American History. The guy even had his security detail keep an eye out for his wife as he made out like a teenager in a closet with one mistress! … 59- Sexy Scandals of President HardingRead More »
58- The Worst American President?
December 05, 2018 11:00 - 58 minutes - 47.6 MBMany have valiantly fought for the title of worst American President. Perhaps we’ll never decide who truly deserves this crown. But in this episode, Jess and Joe dive into Warren G. Harding’s time in office to debate whether or not he really deserves a place among the top 3 worst presidents or not. It’s got … 58- The Worst American President?Read More »
57- John “Badass”ilone
November 28, 2018 11:00 - 32 minutes - 27.4 MBJoe and Jess return to the Heroes of WWII series to tell the story of John Basilone. John was a WWII marine who served in both Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions and go down as an American Hero of WWII. He’s also the subject of … 57- John “Badass”iloneRead More »
56- A Little Thanksgiving History
November 22, 2018 11:00 - 46 minutes - 37.9 MBWe’ve all been a part embarrassing childhood plays of the first Thanksgiving. But what really happened? Do we even know? Jess and Joe dive into some basics on where Thanksgiving came from and some fun facts. Did you Know Jefferson refused to celebrate Thanksgiving? Did you know FDR had the holiday moved for two years? … 56- A Little Thanksgiving HistoryRead More »
55- The Berlin Airlift
November 14, 2018 11:00 - 40 minutes - 33.7 MBIt’s time for Operation Vittles! Russia has Western Berlin behind a blockade and it’s up to the Allied Powers to save the day! Here’s our ode to American awesomeness! Can you imagine feeding half of a major world city purely by airpower? Now imagine that airpower is under threat of enemy fighter shooting them down. … 55- The Berlin AirliftRead More »
54- Blavatsky and the Theosophists
November 07, 2018 11:00 - 43 minutes - 35.5 MBNo this isn’t a wicked new band of Joe’s. Today we discuss Helena Blavatsky, a Russian woman of the 19th century who traveled the world and started the bizarre Theosophy movement. The rabbit hole goes deep with these guys so we just barely scratch the surface of this topic. If you listen closely, you might … 54- Blavatsky and the TheosophistsRead More »
53- A Review of our 1st Year
October 31, 2018 10:00 - 37 minutes - 30.9 MBThis is an unscripted and unplanned episode but we wanted to take a second and talk with you, the listeners, about how the show has gone over the last year. We hope you enjoy this candid discussion of how our podcasting expectations and reality lined up. We also discuss some favorite episodes and reflect on … 53- A Review of our 1st YearRead More »
52- A Halloweeny History
October 29, 2018 10:00 - 38 minutes - 32.1 MBAs a special treat, or perhaps a trick, this show is releasing Monday! Joe’s got the lowdown on some History of Halloween for you guys to get in the spirit of things. (See what I did there?) This is also our 52nd episode! That’s a whole year! We’ll be giving you double episode this week … 52- A Halloweeny HistoryRead More »
51- Cargo Cults!
October 24, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 27.4 MBWarning! This episode was cursed! We’ll spare you details but we had all kinds of problems with this episode. It’s finally working but this one has an odd transition later in the episode so just bear with us! Otherwise, we hope you enjoy this show! The Pacific Ocean is home to a vast array of … 51- Cargo Cults!Read More »
50- The Bonus Army Catastrophe
October 17, 2018 10:00 - 54 minutes - 44.5 MBIf you haven’t heard of the fantastic Bonus Army then you have to check out this episode! This story holds a star-studded cast of American characters. It’s a story of honor, horror, and holdouts. It’s 1932 and the Great Depression has struck. A horde of WWI veterans will descend on Washington to demand pay they … 50- The Bonus Army CatastropheRead More »
49- Olga’s Revenge
October 10, 2018 10:00 - 22 minutes - 19.3 MBRevenge is a dish best served in heaping portions. Olga of Kiev who is sainted by both the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches will wreak bloody havoc on those who wronged her in the past. This is a “must-hear” story of shocking payback! Sources 1 2 3 4
48- USA: “Mexicans Wanted!”
October 03, 2018 10:00 - 53 minutes - 38 MBImagine a time the US was importing Mexican workers by the thousands to do simple labor jobs. No, it’s not a Trump dystonian nightmare! It’s the Bracero Program! Learn about this bizarre standard from US history Jess and Joe never actually teach their students! America has a long history of relying on it’s southern neighbor … 48- USA: “Mexicans Wanted!”Read More »
47- The Bloodstained Canal
September 26, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBThe Panama Canal is a darker story than you may know. Think about it for a second… How did the United States gain land in the middle of Central America? It’s a story that is more complicated than you may think. It will require taking the land, threatening Columbia, and also a side coup d’etat … 47- The Bloodstained CanalRead More »
46- The Hillbilly Prophet
September 18, 2018 10:00 - 45 minutes - 32.1 MBA TUESDAY episode? Who could have predicted that? This show is special! This is our “live show” rehearsal! So if you caught us at the East Tennessee Historical Fair you may want to pass. Honestly, I think we did even better in person! But here you go! A fun story from our part of the … 46- The Hillbilly ProphetRead More »
45- The American Filipino War
September 12, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBNo more playing around. America will claim her “just reward” for “helping” the Cubans. This conflict, however, will prove to be an expensive, costly headache for the US. It may even be a foreshadowing for another costly headache of a war that will drag on in Eastern Asia later that century. It turns out invading … 45- The American Filipino WarRead More »
44- The Spanish American War
September 05, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MB“Here I come to save the daaaay!” Mighty Mouse’s motto is a perfect backdrop for America’s intervention into the Cuban independance movement. In the second story of American Imperialism we look as the US seizes control of Cuba in their efforts to “help.” If you’ve never heard this story of America’s treatment of their neighbor … 44- The Spanish American WarRead More »
43- Hammurabi’s Code of Fun
August 29, 2018 10:25 - 58 minutes - 41.4 MBAn eye for an eye makes the whole world blind right? Well apparently not for Hammurabi and his impressive set of codes. Jess and Joe dive into one of mankind’s oldest records of law. We dig into the history of the codes, where they came from and how we have them today. Then we have … 43- Hammurabi’s Code of FunRead More »
42- The Heist of Hawaii Part 2
August 22, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 30.3 MBThe stage is set for the first American overthrow of a foreign government. Join us to the exciting, insulting, frustrating, and even shocking conclusion to this strange tale. Today we’ll see how those carefully laid plans pan out. As a bonus, you’ll finally learn about “ol’ Twinbeard” himself on our cover art! Sources – … 42- The Heist of Hawaii Part 2Read More »
41- The Heist of Hawaii Part 1
August 15, 2018 10:30 - 42 minutes - 30.4 MBHow did Hawaii become a state? How did the United States gain control over islands 2,000 miles away? Well the story isn’t pretty! Learn about how some devious businessmen force America’s hand to conquer these friendly people. Jess and Joe begin a new long running series on American Imperialism with this first story. Don’t worry … 41- The Heist of Hawaii Part 1Read More »
40- The Hollow Earth People
August 08, 2018 10:00 - 48 minutes - 34.3 MBJohn Quincy Adams approved the funding but Congress did not! Today Joe and Jess dive into the weird world of the Hollow Earth Theory! What’s in there? Dinosaurs? Angels? Nazi scientists? Flying Saucers? A monorail? The answer, of course, is all of the above! If you loved Flat Earth then this is even better! You … 40- The Hollow Earth PeopleRead More »
39- John Quincy Adams
August 01, 2018 10:30 - 59 minutes - 41.9 MBA crocodile in the White House? A corrupt bargain? A throw down with Andrew Jackson? What all went on with the oft-forgotten but interesting life of our 6th president and his four short years in office. Not only that! But he’s the son of a president and their two presidencies are weirdly similar. Check it … 39- John Quincy AdamsRead More »
38- Ozzy Osbourne Wants You Dead
July 25, 2018 11:30 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBOzzy’s Madness knows no bounds! What better way to be hardcore than to encourage your own adoring fans to kill themselves? Sound far fetched? Well it certainly didn’t in 1985! Learn about how Ozzy was accused of being a cult-like leader whose music pushed young people to take their own lives. Sources – The first … 38- Ozzy Osbourne Wants You DeadRead More »
37- Are Disney’s Dirty Jokes Real?!
July 18, 2018 10:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBWe’ve all heard the rumors that Disney has hidden sex symbols in their classic animated films. Be honest, haven’t you looked at least once? Joe and Jess dive into the rumor mill and try to get at the heart of this 1990’s “pornography for kids” scandal! Is it real? Is it a rumor? Whats the … 37- Are Disney’s Dirty Jokes Real?!Read More »
36- The Women Warriors of WWII
July 11, 2018 10:00 - 59 minutes - 41.8 MBDid you know Russia sent women to fight in World War 2? Did you know that they terrified the Germans? Check out this episode on the badass babooshkas of WWII and some of the hilarious and embarrassing responses they received from Americans. Sources 1 2 3 4
35- Chuck Norris Saves America!
July 04, 2018 10:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBHappy 4th of July! Today we’re unloading a special holiday episode celebrating America’s Independence! You may not know of the time in 1985 when scores of men stormed the beaches of Florida to wreck havoc on freedom loving Americans. Don’t worry, Chuck Norris took care of it! This was made into a feature-length film/documentary titled … 35- Chuck Norris Saves America!Read More »
34- Never Gonna Give You Up
June 27, 2018 10:30 - 56 minutes - 39.6 MBWorld War II ended in 1945 but why on earth are a few Japanese men still fighting all the way up to the 1970s? Is this chivalry, stupidity, or something else? Join Jess and Joe as we look at three different men who were all “Japanese Holdouts” for different reasons. Sources 1 2 3 4 … 34- Never Gonna Give You UpRead More »