Black cats: the purr-fect Halloween decoration, or so they seem. But how did these sleek, sometimes misunderstood felines become a spooky season staple? Join us on this episode as we scratch the surface of black cat lore! We'll journey from ancient reverence to the dark days of the witch trials, where the Church played a significant role in their bad rap. Discover how these creatures became entangled with witchcraft and superstition, and even discuss their modern-day resurgence, from pop culture icons like Katy Perry to the simple truth: these cats are just innocent, loving pets who deserve a forever home, not a scary reputation. Tune in to clear their name!

References:

1. Cambridge Dictionary – Superstition Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). Superstition. In Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/superstition
   

2. History.com – Black Cats Superstitions Yuko, E. (2021, October 13). Why black cats are associated with Halloween and bad luck. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/black-cats-superstitions [www.history.com]
   

3. HowStuffWorks – Why Are Black Cats Considered Unlucky? Turner, B. (2023, August 15). Why are black cats considered unlucky? HowStuffWorks. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/why-are-black-cats-considered-unlucky.htm [animals.ho...fworks.com]
   

4. Chewy – Black Cat Breeds and History Mellen, G. (2025, April 30). Black cats throughout history. Chewy. https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/black-cat-breeds-and-history [www.chewy.com]
   

5. Hartz – How Black Cats Came to Halloween Hartz. (n.d.). Why are black cats associated with Halloween? https://www.hartz.com/how-black-cats-came-to-halloween/ [www.hartz.com]
   

6. Meowingtons – Black Cats and Halloween Meowingtons. (2023, October 24). How black cats became associated with Halloween. https://www.meowingtons.com/blogs/lolcats/how-black-cats-became-associated-with-halloween-black-cat-day [www.meowingtons.com]
   

7. Library of Congress – Origins of Halloween Traditions Thomas, H. (2021, October 26). The origins of Halloween traditions. Headlines & Heroes. https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/ [blogs.loc.gov]
   

8. Wellness Pet Food – Black Cats Facts Wellness Pet Food. (2021, November 15). Black cats: 6 facts you should know. https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/blog/black-cats-6-facts-you-should-know/ [www.wellne...etfood.com]
   

9. Greater Good – Black Cats in Shelters Greater Good Charities. (2024, October 31). Black cats in shelters: The facts behind the stigma. https://greatergood.org/blog/black-cats-in-shelters-the-facts-behind-the-stigma [greatergood.org]
   

10. NADOVet – Black Cat Safety on Halloween Coronado Veterinary Hospital. (n.d.). Black cat safety on Halloween. NADOVet. https://nadovet.com/blog/black-cat-safety-halloween/ [nadovet.com]
    

11. Catster – Famous Black Cats Catster. (n.d.). Famous black cats. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/famous-black-cats/

Sunflowers aren't just a pretty face, they're a true marvel of nature. Join us as we explore the secrets of this iconic late summer bloom, from its ancient origins as a staple crop for Native Americans to its modern-day use in everything from cooking oil to renewable energy. We’ll uncover how they follow the sun, break down the surprisingly complex structure of their "false flower" head, and discuss the world's tallest-ever sunflower, grown to the height of a three-story house. We'll also dive into the fascinating world of sunflower colors beyond the classic yellow and celebrate their incredible versatility and undeniable cheer.

References

1. Britannica – Sunflower PlantEncyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, August 22). Sunflower. https://www.britannica.com/plant/sunflower-plant

2. ProFlowers – Sunflower FactsProFlowers. (n.d.). Sunflower facts. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.proflowers.com/blog/sunflower-facts

3. Kew Gardens – SunflowerPOWO. (2025). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://www.kew.org/plants/sunflower

4. YouTube – Sunflower Time-LapseBoxlapse. (2020, May 22). Sunflower time lapse - seed to flower in 83 days [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RBktO4RK8s

5. Smackin’ Sunflower Seeds – How Tall Can Sunflowers GetSmackin’ Sunflower Seeds. (n.d.). How tall can sunflowers get. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://smackinsunflowerseeds.com/blogs/blogs/how-tall-can-sunflowers-get

6. FTD – When Do Sunflowers BloomFTD. (n.d.). When do sunflowers bloom. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.ftd.com/blog/when-do-sunflowers-bloom

7. The Daily Blooms – Sunflower FactsThe Daily Blooms. (n.d.). Sunflower facts. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://thedailyblooms.com/blogs/news/sunflower-facts

8. Growing Family – Sunflower Puns and JokesGrowing Family. (2023, April 25). 70 sunflower puns and sunflower jokes to make you smile. https://growingfamily.co.uk/jokes-and-puns/70-sunflower-puns-and-sunflower-jokes/

9. Bloom & Wild – Meaning and Symbolism of SunflowersBloom & Wild. (n.d.). Meaning and symbolism of sunflowers. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/meaning-and-symbolism-of-sunflowers

We're tackling the sartorial rule that has stumped America for decades: "Don't Wear White After Labor Day." Join us as we unravel the surprising history behind this fashion faux pas, from its origins in the catty social circles of 20th-century New York to its unexpected metaphor to the meaning of Labor Day and the fight for workers' rights. Tune in to learn what Labor Day really signifies and whether it's finally time to break this outdated rule.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Labor Day history. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

2. Holmes, M. (2022, August 30). Why can't you wear white after Labor Day? Here's the history behind the fashion rule. The Pioneer Woman. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a40246129/white-after-labor-day-history/

3. Schulman, M. (2022, September 5). Can you wear white after Labor Day? Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/wearing-white-after-labor-day

4. The Wardrobe Consultant. (2022, September 5). Can you wear white after Labor Day? The Wardrobe Consultant. https://www.thewardrobeconsultant.com/blog/can-you-wear-white-after-labor-day

5. Union Plus. (n.d.). Labor Day history. Union Plus. https://www.unionplus.org/page/labor-day-history

6. Labour Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Day

7. Haymarket affair. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair

8. International Workers' Day. (2025, August 30). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day

9. Leslie, O. (2022, September 1). Why the U.S. celebrates Labor Day instead of May Day. Observing Leslie. https://observingleslie.com/magazine/why-the-us-celebrates-labor-day-instead-of-may-day

Back to school season is here, and we're taking you back in time to the fascinating and often unsettling world of nursery rhymes. We all chanted them as kids, but have you ever really considered the lyrics? They're surprisingly dark!

In this episode, we're diving deep into the history of these haunting poems to uncover their surprising and often shocking meanings. Where did they come from, and why do we teach them to our children? We're digging for answers because history is definitely keeping some secrets from us!

1. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Nursery rhyme. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursery_rhyme

2. King County Library System. (n.d.). Ring Around the Rosie. https://kcls.org/content/ring-around-the-rosie/

3. Lawson, C. (n.d.). Nursery rhymes with dark origins. Colin Lawson Books. https://www.clawsonbooks.com/nursery-rhymes-with-dark-origins/

4. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Three Blind Mice. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Blind_Mice

5. National Literacy Trust. (n.d.). Sing Three Blind Mice with your child. Words for Life. https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/sing-three-blind-mice-your-child/

6. Reddit user [deleted]. (2020, February 17). Most nursery rhymes have a dark meaning behind them, which one blows your mind the most? Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f4e8om/most_nursery_rhymes_have_a_dark_meaning_behind/

7. Mother Goose. (2000). Jack and Jill. In The Dorling Kindersley book of nursery rhymes. Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46974/jack-and-jill-56d2271cb3535

8. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). London Bridge Is Falling Down. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Bridge_Is_Falling_Down

9. Wood, J. M. (n.d.). The dark and mysterious origins of 10 classic nursery rhymes. Classical Music. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/55035/dark-origins-11-classic-nursery-rhymes

10. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Humpty Dumpty. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humpty_Dumpty

11. Scribbr. (2022, June 16). How to cite a poem in MLA | Quoting & citing correctly. https://www.scribbr.com/mla/poem-citation/

12. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Rock-a-bye Baby. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock-a-bye_Baby

It’s the Renaissance - and no, not the iconic Beyonce album. Join us as we dive into the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece that Michelangelo absolutely hated creating. We'll explore the iconic paintings and the juicy gossip behind their creation.

Learn about the hidden, petty portraits Michelangelo snuck into his work and the wild drama that unfolded while he was painting them.

Whether you're an art history buff or just love a good story, this episode is a fun and irreverent look at one of the world's most famous artworks.

References

1. Michelangelo (Wikipedia)Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Michelangelo. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo

2. Renaissance (Wikipedia)Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Renaissance. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance

3. Sistine Chapel (Wikipedia)Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Sistine Chapel. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Chapel

4. Sistine Chapel ceiling (Wikipedia)Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Sistine Chapel ceiling. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Chapel_ceiling

5. Smarthistory – Ceiling of the Sistine ChapelZappella, C. (n.d.). Michelangelo, Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Smarthistory. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://smarthistory.org/michelangelo-ceiling-of-the-sistine-chapel/

6. Through Eternity – 10 Things About the Sistine ChapelThrough Eternity Tours. (2025, April 28). 10 things about the Sistine Chapel. Through Eternity. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.througheternity.com/en/blog/history/10-things-about-the-sistine-chapel.html

7. The Creation of Adam (Wikipedia)Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). The Creation of Adam. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_of_Adam

8. Smarthistory – Michelangelo, Last JudgmentCamara, E. (n.d.). Michelangelo, Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel. Smarthistory. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://smarthistory.org/michelangelo-last-judgment/

9. National Galleries – FrescoNational Galleries of Scotland. (n.d.). Fresco. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/glossary-terms/fresco

10. Teravarna – Michelangelo Hated Painting the Sistine Chapel CeilingTeravarna. (n.d.). Did Michelangelo hate painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling? Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.teravarna.com/post/michelangelo-hated-painting-the-sistine-chapel-ceiling

11. Through Eternity – Nudity and Controversy in the Sistine Chapel(Still retrieving this one—would you like me to continue and get the APA citation for this last source as well?)

Feeling the burn this summer? 🔥 This episode of The Nuanced Podcast is your hilarious and informative deep dive into all things sunburn! We're peeling back the layers on what causes those fiery rays, the tell-tale symptoms, and who's most susceptible (hint: everyone!). Plus, we tackle a burning question: can our furry friends get sunburned too? Tune in for personal stories, random facts that will blow your mind, and a healthy dose of humor to help you embrace sunscreen and prevent those unwanted summer souvenirs. Don't get fried – get informed (and entertained)! #Sunburn #Summer #Sunscreen #PodcastHumor #NuancedPodcast

References

1. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Sunburn - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). UV Index Search. Envirofacts. https://enviro.epa.gov/envirofacts/uv/search

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). The sun and your medicine. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/sun-and-your-medicine/

4. World Health Organization. (2016, March 9). Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-%28uv%29

5. Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). UV radiation. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/

6. United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Ozone and you. Ozone Secretariat. https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-and-you

7. Affiliated Dermatology. (2024, July 25). Degrees of sunburns & the role of Fitzpatrick skin types. https://affderm.com/degrees-of-sunburns-and-different-skin-types/

8. DermNet. (2012). Skin phototype (Fitzpatrick skin type). https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-phototype

9. PDSA. (n.d.). Sunburn in pets. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/sunburn-in-pets

Get ready for Shark Week like never before, because our latest episode plunges into a chilling true story that makes any shark attack documentary pale in comparison: the original "Shark Week" of 1916. Discover how a real-life monster movie unfolded along the New Jersey coast when a bull shark took the lives of four people and critically injured another in a terrifying feeding frenzy. Could this unprecedented series of shark attacks be the true inspiration behind Peter Benchley's iconic novel and Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film, Jaws? Tune in to uncover the horrifying details of this historical event and decide for yourself if this was the nightmare that shaped our most enduring stories of sharks and the primal fear they can inspire.

References:

1. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916. Wikipedia. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Shore_shark_attacks_of_1916

2. Gambino, M. (2012, August 6). The shark attacks that were the inspiration for Jaws. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shark-attacks-that-were-the-inspiration-for-jaws-15220260/

3. Shark Research Institute. (n.d.). Shark attack incidents. Living Sharks. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.livingsharks.org/incidents

4. Vena, D. (2023, July 6). Was ‘Jaws’ actually inspired by N.J. shark attacks? The answer is complicated. Jersey’s Best. https://www.jerseysbest.com/community/was-jaws-actually-inspired-by-new-jersey-shark-attacks/

5. Dwinell, J. (2024, June 12). Cape Cod shark attacks: How ‘Jaws’ changed the way we see sharks. Cape Cod Times. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/environment/2024/06/12/jaws-movie-shark-attack/73886823007/

6. LiveNOW from FOX. (2023, July 6). The real-life shark attacks that inspired ‘Jaws’. https://www.livenowfox.com/news/jaws-shark-attack-origins

Welcome back to our special Pride Month celebration! In Part Two of this episode, we're finally diving into the spark that ignited the enduring love between Elenore and Hick. You've heard about their tumultuous pasts and how fate brought these two iconic queer women to New York City. Now, prepare to witness their serendipitous meeting amidst the vibrant, burgeoning LGBTQ+ scene of their era. We'll reveal how their initial connection blossomed into a deep and passionate bond, culminating in a revealing look at the sensual and heartfelt love letters they exchanged. These letters offer an intimate glimpse into their lesbian romance, showcasing not only their profound affection but also the courage and defiance with which they lived and loved in a less accepting world. Get ready for a truly spicy and inspiring exploration of one of history's most compelling queer relationships!

References:

1. National Park Service. (n.d.). First friend: The love affair of Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/rori/learn/news/first-friend-the-love-affair-of-lorena-hickok-and-eleanor-roosevelt.htm

2. Romano, A. (2022, October 3). Was Eleanor Roosevelt a lesbian? Slate. https://slate.com/culture/2022/10/eleanor-roosevelt-lesbian-bros-movie-lorena-hickok.html

3. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 16). Eleanor Roosevelt. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt

4. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 16). Lorena Hickok. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorena_Hickok

5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). CPI inflation calculator. https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

6. WAF Editorial Staff. (2018, June 1). The love affair between Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena “Hick” Hickok. Women’s Advancement Forum. https://wafmag.org/2018/06/the-love-affair-between-eleanor-roosevelt-and-journalist-lorena-hick-hickok/

7. Popova, M. (2012, October 11). Eleanor Roosevelt’s love letters to Lorena Hickok. The Marginalian. https://www.themarginalian.org/2012/10/11/eleanor-roosevelt-lorena-hickok-love-letters/

8. Riese. (2016, June 30). 24 very gay excerpts from Eleanor Roosevelt’s love letters with Lorena Hickok. Autostraddle. https://www.autostraddle.com/24-very-gay-excerpts-from-eleanor-roosevelts-love-letters-with-lorena-hickok-346115/

9. National Park Service. (n.d.). Lorena Hickok. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/people/lorena-hickok.htm

10. Waxman, O. B. (2016, March 31). The woman who changed Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. TIME. https://time.com/4276317/lorena-hickok/

11. NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project. (n.d.). Lorena Hickok residence. https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/lorena-hickok-residence/

12. Peoples World. (2020, October 9). Bringing Eleanor Roosevelt’s lover, Lorena Hickok, out of the shadows. https://peoplesworld.org/article/bringing-eleanor-roosevelt-s-lover-lorena-hickok-out-of-the-shadows/