Join Alex and Kelly for a provocative dive into the scandalous life and dark philosophy of Donatien Alphonse François, the Marquis de Sade (1740-1814). This episode cuts through the sensationalism to explore the man behind the infamous term "sadism," examining his revolutionary, and often repulsive, ideas that challenged every moral and social convention of 18th-century France.

Sade's existence was as turbulent as his writings. We trace his aristocratic beginning and the notorious series of sexual offenses that led to decades of imprisonment, including stints in the Bastille and Charenton asylum. It was within the confines of these cells that he penned his most notorious and explicit works, such as The 120 Days of Sodom. These aren't simply erotic novels; they are radical, philosophical treatises that use extreme sexual violence and cruelty to critique religion, government, and the very concept of virtue.

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Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
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Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

Step back into the early 2000s, when a simple idea—a shoe with a removable wheel in the heel—transformed casual walking into a coasting cruise. This is the story of Heelys, the sneakers that became a worldwide sensation, a safety hazard, and a cultural flashpoint, all before receding into a cool, nostalgic niche.

We track the astonishing ascent of Heelys, from a revolutionary concept to a must-have item propelled by clever guerrilla marketing, celebrity sightings (yes, even Usher wore them!), and the sheer joy of effortlessly gliding across any flat surface. The freedom was addictive, and for a few shining years, Heelys dominated school hallways and shopping malls, symbolizing ultimate youthful cool.

But with great popularity came significant controversy. We dive into the dark side of the craze: the sudden spike in injuries. Reports of broken wrists, arms, and even head trauma led to doctors issuing strong warnings and public anxiety soaring. This wasn't just fun and games—it was a public safety risk. The result? A wave of widespread bans in schools, malls, and theme parks worldwide, grounding the wheel-heeled rebels.

Hear how these twin forces—safety concerns and market saturation—contributed to a significant slump. Today, Heelys haven't disappeared, but they exist in a very different world. They are a niche trend—a beloved retro item for those seeking Y2K nostalgia and a specialty item embraced by new generations of kids and trick enthusiasts.

Join us as we roll through the complete, chaotic history of the Heelys shoe: the moment of brilliant innovation, the explosive popular crest, the crash of safety liability, and the quiet, persistent comeback that makes them a true modern classic.

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Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!

In this episode, Kelly and Alex take a deep dive into the fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking world of Tiny Tim, the man who dared to sing "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" in a falsetto while strumming a ukulele.

Born Herbert Khaury in 1932, Tiny Tim was more than just a novelty act; he was a brilliant musicologist, an eccentric showman, and a surprisingly complex figure who captivated millions during the late 1960s cultural upheaval. We trace his journey from a shy, isolated young man in New York City, obsessed with the forgotten songs of the Vaudeville era, to his unlikely rise to international stardom.

Was he a cultural joke, a misunderstood genius, or a living piece of performance art? His talent for meticulously archiving and performing tunes from the 1890s to the 1930s—like "The Great Pretender" and "When You Wore a Tulip"—reveals a profound dedication to musical history often overlooked beneath the novelty of his persona.

Tune in to understand how Tiny Tim's enduring legacy is not just about a silly song, but about authenticity, devotion to craft, and the power of being completely, unapologetically yourself in a world that often demands conformity.

God bless Tiny Tim!

Drop us a quick text and we’ll reply in the next episode!

Support the show

Dirt Nap City is the podcast about the most interesting dead people in history.
Subscribe and listen to learn about people you've heard of, but don't know much about.
Someday we'll all live in Dirt Nap City, so you should probably go ahead and meet the neighbors!