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The Alarmist

Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch!

Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, "It's hilarious, informative and addictive."

Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020.

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28 episodes
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Avg 45 min
English

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Tuesday · 31 min
The Aftermath: Puerto Rico's Taxation without Representation
On this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Samuel Erman about the history of Puerto Rico and its unfortunate taxation and representation status with the United States. A Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School and author of Almost Citizens: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Constitution and Empire, Dr. Erman delivers an expert deep dive into the island's economic and political past. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early to see if the verdict holds up. Not on Patreon?! Click the link below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E346
September 29 · 54 min
PUERTO RICO'S TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for Puerto Rico’s taxation without representation? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into the island of Puerto Rico. Considered unincorporated US territory, the residents have American citizenship and are subject to US law and taxes. But, no right to vote in the US congress! Why not?! Is this the ripples of British Colonialism at play? Do selfish economic interests have something to do with it? Or perhaps the conveniently undefined relationship status is advantageous. Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 22 · 24 min
The Aftermath: Angel of Death Murders
On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Beatrice Yorker about the case of Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as The Angel of Death. Professor Yorker shares some fascinating details about crimes of convenience and societal blindness to feminine forms of violence and how this allowed Shipman to get away with his crimes for so long. Curious what feminine forms of violence are? So were we! Tune in to find out. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can listen to the post-interview recap with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early. Not part of Patreon yet?! Join us below! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E345
September 15 · 57 min
ANGEL OF DEATH MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Angel of Death Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) delves into Dr. Harold Shipman, better known as the Angel of Death, and his terrifying spree of murders conveniently cloaked beneath the veneer of his medical practice. It’s estimated he killed between 250-450 of his patients. Was he suffering from a God-like complex? Did his famously good bedside manner allow him to get away with it for so long? Or perhaps a lack of check and balances in the medical profession is to blame. Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 8 · 29 min
REWIND - The Aftermath: Death of Harry Houdini
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Matthew Solomon about the life, death and enduring legacy of history's most celebrated escape artist, Harry Houdini. Author of Disappearing Tricks: Silent Film, Houdini, and the New Magic of the Twentieth Century, Professor Solomon conjures the image of Houdini as a living myth of his time. A man defying all odds and doing the impossible until his shocking and untimely death. Afterward, Patreon Subscribers can tune in for the post-interview breakdown with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith for the big reveal! Will the verdict still stand? Or has it escaped?! Not an Alarmeon yet? Check out the Patreon link below. Check out Matthew Solomon’s book Here! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E344
September 1 · 58 min
REWIND - DEATH OF HARRY HOUDINI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Death of Harry Houdini? On this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back comedian and magician Matt Donnelly (aka The Mind Noodler) to discuss the storied death of arguably the most legendary escape artist of all time, Harry Houdini. They’re joined by Producer Clayton Early. How did he die? Could the infamous punch to the gut have something to do with it? Was a secret death plot by the Spiritualists community to blame? Or maybe all that tempting fate finally caught up with Houdini! Let’s just say, this culprit WILL NOT escape The Alarmist! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25 · 19 min
REWIND - The Aftermath: The Dust Bowl
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Gabi Hegerl about her expertise in climate system science and how her research on the record breaking heat waves during the 1930’s in America’s great plains led her to one of their biggest contributing factors, what we now know as The Dust Bowl. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith and reflect with the crew on some of the simple and approachable ways Dr. Hegerl suggested we as a society began addressing our climate concerns. Not on Patreon? Click below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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August 18 · 1 hr 2 min
REWIND - The Dust Bowl
Who’s to blame for The Dust Bowl? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes fellow podcaster Mike Rugnetta, host of Never Post, to discuss a major bump in the road during America’s westward expansion. Well, more like a big bowl of dust which swept up the country's notion of manifest destiny. Was this wheat bubble also part of our destiny or was it created by poor planning and farming practices? Perhaps WWI had something to do with it? And let us never forget Mother Nature! Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 11 · 40 min
REWIND - The Aftermath: Orson Welles' War of the Worlds
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca is back in the recording studio with national bestselling author William Hazelgrove discussing Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds broadcast. Williams 2024 book Dead Air: The Night that Orson Welles Terrified America illustrates the level of pandemonium that ensued and he shares a few more interesting tidbits that really alter our understanding of this moment in American history. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early to see if Brilliant Natural Acting remains in The Alarmist Jail. Not on Patreon?! Join us below! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E342
August 4 · 59 min
REWIND - ORSON WELLES' WAR OF THE WORLDS BROADCAST PANIC: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Broadcast Panic? On this week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is celebrating 300 EPISODES with a LIVE taping at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles! Together with special guests Amanda Lund, Jamila Webb and Dusty Warren they find out who’s to blame for the Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast of the War of the Worlds and the pandemonium which ensued. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join in on the fun and the audience has plenty to say about this particular board. One of the biggest in Alarmist history! Literally. You’ll see. Happy 300 Alarmy! We couldn’t have done it without you! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 28 · 35 min
REWIND - The Aftermath: NYC Blackout of 1977
On this week's REWIND Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. James Goodman about the pivotal moment in NYC history before, during and directly after the massive blackout on that hot summer night in 1977. Author of Blackout, Dr. Goodman shares first hand accounts and lends some important historical context that helps clarify the various reactions to this unique New York event. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Will the verdict hold up? Join us on Patreon and find out! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E341
July 21 · 1 hr 2 min
REWIND - NYC BLACKOUT OF 1977: WHO IS TO BLAME
Who’s to blame for the NYC Blackout of 1977? On this week's REWIND, This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian Janet Varney, host of The JV Club podcast, to discuss the epic NYC Blackout of 1977. If you’re in the dark about this one, allow us to shine a much needed light on all the events that occurred during this prolonged power outage. Did a freak lightning strike put a strain on the NYC power grid or was the strain already brewing due to economic, institutional and government failures. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 14 · 30 min
The Aftermath: Plessy v. Ferguson Case
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the consequential Plessy v. Ferguson case with Professor Kenneth W. Mack. Professor Mack is the co-faculty leader of the Harvard Law School Program on Law and History. He discusses the profound impact of the Plessy decision and how it shaped our psychological and legal landscape for decades to come. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview discussion with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early to see if the verdict holds up. Not on Patreon yet?! Click below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E340
July 7 · 52 min
PLESSY V. FERGUSON RULING: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Plessy v. Ferguson Ruling? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the devastating decision in the US Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson case which solidified the infamous American era of Jim Crow laws and the doctrine of “Separate but equal.” Was this due to the failure of Reconstruction? Did the political climate of the late 19th century have too much sway over the US Supreme court at the time? Or perhaps it’s simply we the people who are ultimately to blame. Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 30 · 33 min
The Aftermath: The Menendez Murders
New Guest Expert! In this week’s aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Carlos Cuevas about the Menendez brothers murder trial. Dr. Cuevas is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University and sheds some light on the evolution of shifting societal attitudes toward male sexual assault and trauma. Afterwards, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Check Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early to see if the verdict holds up. Not part of the Patreon family yet?! Click below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E339
June 23 · 1 hr 2 min
THE MENENDEZ MURDERS: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the Menendez Murders? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) discusses the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons Erik and Lyle Menendez. A trial that dominated the media and fascinated the public eye in the mid 1990's, questions about the case linger on to this day. Were the Menendez brothers calculated killers after their inheritance as the prosecution alleged? Or was a history of sexual abuse and a 90’s culture of denial around male sexual abuse the ultimate cause? Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 16 · 24 min
The Aftermath - The Rise and Fall of Crystal Pepsi
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi with Professor Ernest Baskin. Chair of the Food, Pharma and Healthcare Department at Saint Joseph’s University, Ernest shares some fascinating insights about the world of consumer market research, advertising and distribution tactics. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can join the post-interview discussion and revisit the board with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early. Not part of the Patreon family yet? Click below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E338
June 9 · 1 hr
THE RISE AND FALL OF CRYSTAL PEPSI: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the rise and fall of Crystal Pepsi? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) finds out who’s to blame for the 90’s soda flop, Crystal Pepsi. Clear in color and not quite Pepsi in flavor, this short lived fad still lives on in the hearts and minds of a particular generation. Billed as a lighter tasting healthy-ish version of regular Pepsi-cola, were the Executives at Pepsi-Cola chasing the diet fads of the time? Perhaps rushing the product to market in time for the Superbowl without sufficient testing is to blame. And who knew sunlight could have such a profound effect on the taste of clear soda?! Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 2 · 29 min
The Aftermath: The Tragic Story of Adèle Hugo
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with journalist and author Leslie Smith about the life of Adèle Hugo. A tragic story that only gets worse once Leslie dives deep into the family dynamic and the impact her father Victor Hugo had on her life. Author of the award-winning historical biography Adèle Hugo: La Miserable, Leslie has plenty to add to this heartbreaking story. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early to see if the verdict holds up. Not on Patreon yet? Click below and join us! Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E337
May 26 · 57 min
THE TRAGIC STORY OF ADÈLE HUGO: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Who’s to blame for the tragic story of Adèle Hugo? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) covers the story of Adèle Hugo, a tragic story of unrequited love and mental decline. Daughter of the famous writer Victor Hugo, described as more interested in public affairs than his nearest and dearest, did being the child of a star lead to her demise? Was Adèle experiencing an extreme case of Limerence, a term uncoined at the time? Or perhaps it was her own unrealistic expectations of love that’s to blame. Fact Checker Faryn Einhorn and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation. Join our Patreon! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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