Today In History with The Retrospectors

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1. The Men Who Stole Monopoly

   5 november 2026 · 12 min

   Afspelen
   Arion, Rebecca and Olly unearth the origins of iconic board-game Monopoly, marketed across the United States by Parker Brothers on 5th November, 1935. Lees meer

   Its roots lay in a game designed by Quaker feminist Lizzie Magie in 1902, intended to illustrate the theories of political economist Henry George. Her concept, called "The Landlord's Game," intended to demonstrate the unfairness of the land system. But, though home-made versions spread across the States, the game was only picked up for official distribution after being spotted by entrepreneur Charles Darrow in Atlantic City.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal how little Magie was financially compensated, despite having a patent on the game; explain why the London version of the board has been played in more territories than the Atlantic City version; and consider the merits of spin-offs Gayopoly, Drinkopoly, and even the ‘Love Actually’ version…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘Lizzie Magie invented Monopoly, so why haven’t we heard of her?’ (The Guardian, 2015): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/10/lizzie-magie-invented-monopoly-landlords-game

   • ‘The Game of Monopoly is Patented’ (Library of Congress, 2010): https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/december/game-of-monopoly-patent#:~:text=Charles%20B.,Parker%20Brothers%20bought%20the%20game

   • ‘The surprising history behind the board game "Monopoly"’ (CBS, 2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz5H0cg2uXs

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   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   This episod…

2. Harry Potter Goes To Hollywood

   4 november 2026 · 12 min

   Afspelen
   Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first big-screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series, had its premiere in London's Leicester Square on November 4th, 2001. Lees meer

   Among the glittering guest list were Sting, Cliff Richard, and the Duchess of York, but Baby Spice spoke for all of us when she told reporters “I don’t know what to expect, but I'm really excited!”

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explore why Warner Bros was so nervous about bringing Harry Potter to the big screen; look into how Steven Spielberg imagined the film when he was briefly attached to the project; and discuss how Daniel Radcliffe was given the title role ahead of 60,000 other boys who had auditioned for it…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘Charmed 'Harry Potter' Is Poised to Set New Records’ (The New York Times, 2001): https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/23/movies/charmed-harry-potter-is-poised-to-set-new-records.html?searchResultPosition=164

   • ‘Chris Columbus Interview: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary’ (Screen Rant, 2021): https://screenrant.com/harry-potter-20th-anniversary-chris-columbus-interview/

   • ‘From the archives: The Chatterley trial’ (Spectator, 2010): https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/from-the-archives-the-chatterley-trial

   • ‘The Original Harry Potter ScreenTests that Started it all - Daniel Radcliffe’ (No1 Potterhead, 2000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WqhS5o52T4

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   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   This episode originally aired in 2022.

   #2000s #Film #Arts #UK
   Learn more about …

3. Muhammad Ali and the Hail of Toothbrushes

   3 november 2026 · 12 min

   Afspelen
   In a quirky blend of sports, public health, and self-promotion, boxing legend Muhammad Ali took on an unusual opponent at the Washington Monument on 3rd November, 1979: ‘Mr. Tooth Decay’. Lees meer

   The demonstration, promoted by Don King, culminated with Ali knocking down Decay in the sixth round, prompting the crowd of children to celebrate by tossing toothbrushes. It was part of an extended dental health campaign that included Ali’s bizarre LP, "Muhammad Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay," featuring Frank Sinatra and released in 1976.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca, and Olly dare each other to listen to the album in full; consider how Ali transitioned his public personality away from his stand against the Vietnam War and embrace of Islam; and seek out the even lesser-known sequel, "Dope! The Dope King's Last Stand", featuring a guest appearance from no less than President Jimmy Carter…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘Ali Still The Most in 6 Rounds With Tooth Decay’ (The Washington Post, 1979): https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1979/11/04/ali-still-the-most-in-6-rounds-with-tooth-decay/9700895a-6014-4a38-b2f4-5dfe2ff1cf3f/

   • ‘Remembering Muhammad Ali’s Trippy, Anti-Cavity Kids’ Record’ (Rolling Stone, 2016): https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/remembering-muhammad-alis-trippy-anti-cavity-kids-record-64027/

   • ‘Ali and His Gang Fight Mr. Tooth Decay’ (St. John's Fruit And Vegetable Co, 1976): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiNbm9o8zU

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   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   This ep…

4. The Spruce Goose Takes Flight

   2 november 2026 · 13 min

   Afspelen
   Howard Hughes - aviator, filmmaker, and all-around eccentric - gathered reporters at Long Beach, California on 2nd November, 1947 to witness his giant seaplane, nicknamed ‘the Spruce Goose’, take flight. For 26 seconds. Lees meer

   Built mostly of birch, the “Goose” was officially called the H-4 Hercules, a flying boat dreamed up during World War II as a way to transport 750 troops or even tanks across the Atlantic, while avoiding Nazi submarines. It was the brainchild of industrialist Henry Kaiser and Hughes, who teamed up in 1942 to build three prototypes. Wartime metal shortages forced them to construct it from laminated wood; although by the time it finally left the water, the war was long over, Kaiser had quit, and Hughes was flying solo - literally and financially.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how Hughes came to be defending the project at a U.S. Senate committee; reveal the ‘mad genius’ behaviour that marked him out as one of the most influential tech billionaires of all time; and uncover what happened to the gargantuan Goose after his death in 1976…

   Further Reading:

   • 'The Spruce Goose: The All-Wood Plane That Only Flew Once’ (All That’s Interesting, 2024): https://allthatsinteresting.com/spruce-goose

   • '10 amazing facts about Howard Hughes’ (Telegraph, 2017): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/howard-hughes-facts/

   • 'Hughes' H-4 Hercules Flies!’ (1947): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5EgnoKb5Eo

   Love the show? Support us!

   Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…

   … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.

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   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   #Design #Technology #Perso…

5. The 'War of the Worlds' Panic

   30 oktober 2026 · 11 min

   Afspelen
   Martians invaded New Jersey on CBS Radio on 30th October, 1938, when Orson Welles' War of the Worlds delighted and confused a generation of Americans. Lees meer

   The fictional news bulletins sounded terrifyingly real, and many listeners missed the disclaimer stating it was just a play. But radio was a burgeoning medium, and Americans were still feeling the strain of the Great Depression, and feared becoming embroiled in World War II, so were perhaps pre-disposed to panic when their primary news source informed them aerial invasions and explosions were lighting up the skies.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how newspapers hyped up the resultant ‘mass panic’ in order to take revenge on the radio industry; explain how the play’s use of ‘fake news’ broadcasts, mimicking newsman Herbert Morrison’s dramatic Hindenburg coverage, was a surprisingly late addition; and consider why, in our world of A.I. deepfakes, its lessons resonate still…

   Further Reading:

   • ’The Infamous "War of the Worlds" Radio Broadcast Was a Magnificent Fluke’ (Smithsonian, 2015):

   https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/infamous-war-worlds-radio-broadcast-was-magnificent-fluke-180955180/

   • '’I had no idea I'd become a national event': Orson Welles on the mass hysteria of The War of the Worlds’ (BBC Culture, 2023): https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20231027-behind-the-broadcast-orson-welles-on-the-mass-hysteria-of-the-war-of-the-worlds

   • ’The War of the Worlds: The Original Broadcast’ (CBS, 1938): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crPGFZiFjfs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nj.com%2Flife-and-culture%2Ferry-2018%2F10%2F42845552865240%2Fwas-new-jersey-the-birthplace.html

   We'll be back on Monday - unless you join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴, where we give you ad-free listening AND a full-length Sunday episode every week!Plus, weekly bonus content, unlock over 70 bonus bits, and support our independent podcast. Join now via Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Thanks!The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, R…

6. Stealing The Star Of India

   29 oktober 2026 · 13 min

   Afspelen
   The ‘jewel heist of the Century’ occurred at the American Museum of Natural History, New York on 29th October, 1964. Lees meer

   Florida surfer ‘Murph the Surf’ and his accomplices, Allan Kuhn and Roger Clark, stole priceless gems, including the Star of India, worth over $3 million today. The lax security at the institution, along with non-functional alarms and reduced staff, made the theft relatively easy - but the perceived glamour and audacity of the operation caught America’s attention, as the nation mourned President Kennedy.

   In this episode, The Retrospectors consider the fate of the still-missing Eagle Diamond; reveal the natty dress sense Murph employed on night he pulled off the theft; and explain how an alleged encounter with Eva Gabor helped put the perpetrators behind bars…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘How Three Amateur Jewel Thieves Made Off With New York’s Most Precious Gems’ (Smithsonian Magazine, 2014): https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-three-amateur-jewel-thieves-made-new-yorks-most-precious-gems-180949885/

   • ‘How a Band of Surfer Dudes Pulled Off the Biggest Jewel Heist in N.Y. History’ (The New York Times, 2019): https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/17/nyregion/natural-history-museum-jewelry-heist.html

   • ‘History's Greatest Heists - Season 1’ (HISTORY, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNZDVQnyLuU

   Love the show? Support us!

   Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…

   … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.

   Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️

   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   This episode originally aired in 2023.

   #1960s #Crime #NewYork
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7. Welcome To Harvard

   28 oktober 2026 · 12 min

   Afspelen
   The life of Harvard University – the oldest institution of higher learning in the US – officially began on 28th October, 1636 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony appropriated £400 for its construction. Lees meer

   It's fair to say the first few years of Harvard’s existence were not a success, featuring whippings, poisonings, and way too little beef and beer for the students’ liking.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how the university got its name; look into why early students had to learn Hebrew if they wanted to graduate; and discuss why Benjamin Franklin thought all Harvard students were “blockheads”...

   Further Reading:

   • 'Harvard’s History and Mission' (Harvard University, 2022): https://hds.harvard.edu/about/history-and-mission#:~:text=After%20God%20had%20carried%20us,it%20to%20posterity%3B%20dreading%20to

   • 'A History of Harvard University' (Best College Reviews, 2022): https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/history-behind-harvard-university/

   • 'History of Harvard University’ (American History: 2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhK3UG6hsXc

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   Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…

   … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.

   Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️

   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.This episode originally aired in 2022.

   #1600s #Education #US
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8. Rebel Without A Script

   27 oktober 2026 · 13 min

   Afspelen
   Nicholas Ray’s ‘troubled teen’ picture, ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ opened in the US on 27th October, 1955. The film was eagerly anticipated, partly due to the recent death of its star, James Dean, in a car accident. Lees meer

   Although the movie’s title can be traced back to a book by Dr. Robert Lindner that explored the mind of a teenage criminal, the script underwent multiple revisions - in part so that Dean and the young cast, including Natalie Wood and Dennis Hooper, could contribute improvisation.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly examine the film’s radical sexuality, yet latent conservatism; explain why it received an X rating in the UK; and reveal why it was released in colour, yet initially filmed in black and white…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘Rebel Without a Cause: Review’ (Time, 1955): https://time.com/4079963/review-rebel-without-a-cause/

   • ‘Behind the scenes: Rebel without a Cause’ (BFI, 2014): https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/behind-scenes-rebel-without-cause

   • ‘Screen Tests - Rebel Without a Cause’ (Warner Bros., 1955): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj-qDUVJ1vI

   Love the show? Support us!

   Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…

   … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.

   Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️

   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   This episode originally aired in 2023.

   #1950s #Film #US
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9. Aqua's Barbie Megahit

   26 oktober 2026 · 12 min

   Afspelen
   “Come on Barbie, let’s go party!” was adopted as a global mantra after Aqua’s catchy single ‘Barbie Girl’ reached number one on October 26th, 1997 in the UK - where it remains in the Top 20 bestselling singles of all time. Lees meer

   Initially known as Joyspeed - a techno oddity whose biggest claim to fame was a rave version of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” - the Danish band had been inspired to write about ‘life in plastic’ at a Copenhagen art installation made of Barbie dolls. Mattel was not amused. The toy titan sued, claiming Barbie’s reputation had been sullied.

   In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal how relations between Mattel and Aqua finally cooled; explain how the Magaluf club scene was instrumental in breaking Europop hits in Britain and beyond; and discover how a chance encounter on a domestic ferry route changed pop music forever…

   Further Reading:

   • ‘Aqua's 'Barbie Girl': An Oral History of the Bizarre 1997 Hit’ (Rolling Stone, 2022): https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aqua-barbie-girl-oral-history-1319069/

   • ‘Barbie Girl — a novelty hit with a subversive twist’ (Financial Times, 2022): https://ig.ft.com/life-of-a-song/barbie-girl.html

   • ‘Aqua - Barbie Girl (Official Music Video)’ (Universal Music, 1997): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A

   Love the show? Support us!

   Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…

   … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.

   Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️

   The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

   Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.

   Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

   #Music #90s #Denmark #Legal #Funny #Scandinavia
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10. 1,000 Songs In Your Pocket

    23 oktober 2026 · 13 min

    Afspelen
    When Steve Jobs took to the stage in Cupertino on 23rd October, 2001, he unveiled Apple’s first portable device: the iPod. As ever, his pitch was simple and on-point: "1,000 songs in your pocket." Lees meer

    But the iPod wasn't Jobs’s creation. Its concept came from Tony Fadell, an amateur DJ who’d grown frustrated by lugging his music collection to gigs. Apple saw the potential for a hardware system that could work as an entry-point to iTunes. By the time the iPod was eventually discontinued in 2022, over 450 million products had been sold, forever changing how people consume music.

    In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly recall a world of "skip protection", CDs and FireWire cables; reveal how Jobs’ showmanship was just the tip of his deep involvement with the product; and explain how Apple delicately danced around concerns of music piracy…

    Further Reading:

    • ‘Apple’s ‘Breakthrough’ iPod’ (Wired, 2001): https://www.wired.com/2001/10/apples-breakthrough-ipod/

    • ‘Apple Presents iPod’ (Apple Press Release, 2001): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2001/10/23Apple-Presents-iPod/

    • ‘iPod Launch Event’ (Apple, 2001): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0SVBCJqLs

    We'll be back on Monday - unless you join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴, where we give you ad-free listening AND a full-length Sunday episode every week!Plus, weekly bonus content, unlock over 70 bonus bits, and support our independent podcast. Join now via Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Thanks!The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026.

    This episode originally aired in 2024.

    #Music #Inventions #Technology
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