1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast

byJon Hagadorn Podcast Host

HistorySocietyCulture

Where History Comes Alive! A fast-paced, well-researched weekly podcast covering a wide range of historical events, persons, places, legends, and mysteries, Hosted by Jon Hagadorn, the selection of stories and interviews includes 'Found In The Footnotes" 5-10 minutes history shorts, lost treasure, unsolved mysteries, unexplained phenomenon, WWII stories, biographies, disasters, legends of the Old West, American Revolutionary history, urban legends, movie backstories, author interviews and much more. Available wherever podcasts are found, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Comcast, & others. Episodes air Sundays at 12pm ET and Thursdays at 6am ET. Follow us at www.Facebook.com/1001Heroes and Twitter @1001podcast. All...

Episodes(40 episodes)

BETRAYAL ON THE THAMES: THE FINAL DAYS OF POCAHONTAS

Todays story explains the controversy which still surrounds the untimely death of 21 year-old Pocahonts, the daughter of a Powhatan chief who, thanks to her trust in Capt. John Smith and willingness to accept English presence in the New World, became a pawn of English colonialism and, according to her tribe's oral tradition, was likely killed for her kindness when she was poisoned while on board a ship leaving Engaland ihn March of 1617- the same ship and Captain which had kidnapped her just a few years earlier to "christianize" her. Our storyline today: 1616 Pocahontas, with husband JohnRolfe...

Published: Feb 1, 2026Duration: 22m 35s

THE FINEST HOURS (PT 2) THE COAST GUARD RESCUE THAT INSPIRED THE BOOK AND MOVIE

In part two we cover the finding of the Pendleton bow section with all hands lost, and the rescue of the Ft. Mercer bow and stern sections in high seas off Cape Cod. At the end- parts of a Cape Cod Times interview with Andrew Fitzgerald; portions of the Coast Guard memorial flag ceremony for Berne Webber with words from USCG Master Chief Petty Officer Jack Downey; also included a Disneyworld tribute for Andrew Fitzgerald. Credits given in this episode to ,The Finest Hour' authors Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. There were dozens of heroes involved in the 1952...

Published: Jan 29, 2026Duration: 29m 56s

THE FINEST HOURS (PT 1): THE COAST GUARD RESCUE THAT INSPIRED THE BOOK & MOVIE

Part One- Saving the crew of the Pendleton- On February 17th, 1952, a wicked nor'easter tore through New England, leaving 42 deaths n its wake. The cyclone winds, driving snow and sleet, and 70 foot waves caused havoc off Cape Cod, causing two huge T-2 oil tankers to break in half- leaving over 80 crewmen and officers in all 4 ship sections at the mercy of the ocean. The US Coast Guard was alerted first to one of the ships, the Fort Mercer, and sent their cutters and lifeboats out in extremely dangerous waves to try to save any survivors. When the shocking news...

Published: Jan 28, 2026Duration: 43m 35s

CHARLES DICKENS AND THE STAPLEHURST RAIL CRASH: FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES

Make Sure to catch Dickens GREAT short story 'The Wreck of The Golden Mary' NOW at 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales! FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES CHARLES DICKENS AND THE STAPLEHURST RAIL CRASH Podcast Script – Charles Dickens and the Staplehurst Rail Crash As many of you know,I'm a huge fan of classic literature and four of our 1001 podcasts are packed with My renderings of short stories and novels from the greats like Robert Louis Stevenson, O. Henry, and Charles Dickens- just search 1001 Classic Short Stories and you'll see what I mean. Charles Dickens gave us...

Published: Jan 25, 2026Duration: 4m 22s

THE THEATER OF THE MIND- WHEN RADIO RULED THE AIRWAYS

Join us 3X weekly (M-FW-F ) AT 4-5PM for our hosted episodes of what was America's top radio show for nearly 30 years- The Shadow, at 1001 Ghost, Ciller & Lovecraft Stories at Spotify, Apple, and all the rest- Gizelle( whose voice reminds me of Margot Lane in 'The Shadow' will give you the play by playon every episode, and it won't be long before you discover why audiences were glued to the big bx in their living room every Sunday night. 1001 Ghost Chiller & Lovecraft at Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-chiller-lovecraft-stories/id1516332327 In the 19...

Published: Jan 25, 2026Duration: 39m 45s

ORIGINS OF SPIRITUALISM, THE FOX SISTERS SCAM, AND THE OUIJA BOARD

In this episode we discuss the spiritualism movement that lit up the country (but especially northwest and central New York) between 1840 and the 1920's, including the Fox sisters, who were fraudulent mediums who made lots of money cheating bereaved war widows and moms. Spiritualism and Ouija boards rely upon communing with spirits of the dead for advice and counsel. We also cover the history and legacy of the Ouija Board, which sprang from the spiritualism movement and is still purchased by many as a child's game today. Get all of our shows at one website: w...

Published: Jan 24, 2026Duration: 33m 46s

'THE SHADOW' VINTAGE RADIO MYSTERY NOW PLAYIING M-W-F AT 1001 GHOST, CHILLER & LOVECRAFT

Join host Gizelle Erickson every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4pm ET at 1001 Ghost, Chiller & Lovecraft Podcast as she introduces the nuances of every episode of America's favorite vigilante radio serial 'The Shadow' as Lamont Cranston and his sexy sidekick Margot Lane bring all the lowlifes and sleazeballs who never thought they would be punished to justice. Take the Shadow challenge and listen to the first five episodes like I did to really get an understanding of the show and you'll be a fan! Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-chiller-lovecraft-stories/id1516332327 Spotify L...

Published: Jan 23, 2026Duration: 3m 58s

WHEN THE OLYMPICS GAVE OUT GOLD MEDALS FOR ART

The Winter Olympics are coming FEB 6th- and here's a littleknown story (found in the footnotes) about how they used to give medals for art- you know, painting, writing..creative stuff...provided the art reflected something to do with the Olympics. Its an interewsting story that not many people are aware of so enjoy and share with friends- Thanks! Our websitefor browsing over 2,000 stories of all different types is www.bestof1001stories.com

Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 5m 56s

THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON, (THE VANISHING EVANGELIST)

Aimee Semple McPherson's "trial" was a highly publicized investigation in 1926 following her mysterious disappearance and reappearance, where she faced charges of conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly faking a kidnapping to cover up a romantic tryst in Mexico. Although evidence mounted against her, including testimony from her secretary and her mother's inconsistent statements, the case ultimately collapsed due to a lack of definitive proof, and the charges were dismissed in early 1927, allowing her to continue her influential evangelistic ministry, however it was never proved that she had made up the kidnapping story, and Aimee never revealed that she did...

Published: Jan 18, 2026Duration: 24m 50s

KING OF THE ROAD- THE HOBO STORY

The story of hoboes- the men who rode and still ride the rails, formerly in search of employment and today in search of adventure, despite the fact that trespassing on railroad property or trains in considered a crime. The hoboes have their own unique language and a strict code of conduct and today the town of Britt Iowa still holds an annual convention to honor them. Featured here: "Waiting for a train" Jimmie Rodgers (1928), "Big Rock Candy Mountain" Harry McClintock (1928); Excerpts from train hopper James Stobie's travel videos ; "Stobie The Hobo"; "...

Published: Jan 17, 2026Duration: 1h 9m 22s

HOW LAKE TITICACA GOT ITS NAME

I recall researching the back story for our 1001 Heroes episode 'THE LOST CITY OF Z when I came across then mentio0n of lake Titicaca in Peru- and although I was curous as to how it got its name, I had to pass it up until now- where it becomes 'Found In The Footnotes'. Enjoy! Browse all 12 1001 shows at www.bestof1001stories.com and find a treasure trove of stories for all ages and tastes!

Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 6m 13s

THE ORANGE IN THE STOCKING

THE ORANGE IN THE STOCKING FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES Todays's story: I called The Orange In The Stocking… and of course, my question to you is..did you get one IJN YOURS ? After the recent episode we did titled Christmas in Appalachia we received lots of feedback about this old tradition- it seemed that every one in the story recvalled getting that orange in the stocking- and to them it meant so very much~! Actually, there's more to the story of the orange that turned up - In Christmas inn Appalachia we covered the - the hard times- the...

Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 15m 35s

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS RADIO BROADCAST: OCT 30, 1938- THE BACK STORY PLUS CLIPS FROM THE RADIO BROADCAST

( Audio Clips included) The story of the Orson Welles radio broadcast called 'The War Of The Wprlds' that sent a portion of the NY/NJ area into a panic on Oct. 30, 1938.. Really GOOD radio entertainment! Unplug that TV! Join us for theater of the mind as we share clips from the show. Catch our new 'Found in the Footnotes' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS-THE CHAOS AND THE CON (6 minutes) For ADDED insight! Apple listeners listen and subscribe to 1001 Radio days here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413. Android: https://play...

Published: Jan 11, 2026Duration: 16m 23s

FARMERS BATTLE ALIENS IN NEW JERSEY

Deep dive with original radio broadcast clips follows at 1001 Heroes.... Imagine it's October 30, 1938. You're scanning the radio dial, and you stumble upon a live orchestra. Suddenly, a news bulletin cuts in: "Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our program of dance music to bring you a special bulletin." A scientist reports strange explosions on Mars. Within minutes, the music is gone, replaced by "live" reports of a giant metallic tripod incinerating a field in Grover's Mill, New Jersey. For decades, we've been told that millions of Americans took to the streets in a blind pan...

Published: Jan 11, 2026Duration: 5m 8s

NINE MEN'S MISERY KING PHILIP'S WAR REMEMBERED (1675-1676)

Check out our new for 2026 FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES this Wednesday and every Wednesday at 4pm ET!! Amaazing history in 5-10 minute soundbytes..... Today we're taking you on a field trip to the site of America's oldest war memorial. Its called Nine Men's Misery, and iti is a monument which remembers the nine men who were captured by Indian warriors in 1676 in Rhode Island and were tortured, scalped, and mutilated while fighting in what is today called King Philip's War. It was a deadly, brutally fought war, with atrocities committed on both sides- and a war that...

Published: Jan 4, 2026Duration: 32m 26s

The tradition of saying "Rabbit, Rabbit" (or "White Rabbits") on the first day of the month is a long-held superstition intended to ensure good luck for the next 30 days. While its exact origins are "fuzzy" and likely rooted in ancient folklore, the practice has several documented historical milestones: Earliest Recorded Origins 1909 (First Written Mention): The earliest known written record of this superstition appears in the British journal Notes and Queries. A contributor noted that his daughters had a habit of saying "Rabbits!" as their first word on the first of the month to bring luck. <...

Published: Jan 1, 2026Duration: 6m 27s

ANDY JACKSON'S PET PARROT or THE AMAZING THINGS PARROTS (AND KIDS) WILL REPEAT)

BRAND NEW FOR 2026- FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES- AMAZING HISTORY TOLD IN 5 TO 10 MINUTE SOUNDBITES- Right Here Every Wednesday at 4pm ET...and sometimes on Fridays at 4pm) The natural outcome of 10 years of researching stories for 1001 Heroes podcast ( now 680 episodes)- 'Found In he Footnotes" is my new collection of amazing stories delivered in 5-10 minute soundbites If you like it- sed us a review and share with your friends! Tell 'em to tune in to 1001 Heroes Podcast vey Wedsday at 4pm ET- Thanks!

Published: Dec 31, 2025Duration: 6m 9s

WE HAD IT ALL- REMEMBERING BOGART & BACALL

Betty Joan Perske was 18 years old when she met 44 year-old screen star Humphrey Bogart on the sound stage of 'To Have and Have Not' at Warner Studios in Burbank, California, in 1942. Her picture had landed on the cover of a fashion magazine called Harpers which came in the mail to Warner film director Howard Hawks home- where his wife Slim picked it up and mentioned "You know what Howard, this might be the girl you're looking for for that movie". She was sent a letter and a train ticket to Hollywood, got a chance, worked for it, and was...

Published: Dec 28, 2025Duration: 1h 8m 35s

BOB HOPE CHRISTMAS SHOWS WWII TO VIETNAM

Bob Hope recalls three decades of Christmas Shows that he and his traveling troupe performed for our military beginning with an island in the Pacific and then his stops in 1972 in Vietnam, Guam, Korea, Thailand, Diego Garcia and Singapore. Lots of one liners and memories included. ANDROID USERS- SPOTIFY OR WWW.BESTOF1001STORIES.COM APPLE USERS Catch 1001 Radio Crime Solvers- https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vQURMMzA0OTMyMjE1Mg/episode/ZGZjY2U4ZmUtNzMzYi0xMWVkLWE3NzUtMmY1MGNmNGFiNDVh?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwifjrqi8-L7AhViM1kFHQ1nA_EQjrkEegQICRAI&ep=6 <p...

Published: Dec 26, 2025Duration: 1h 7m 33s

ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE: BACKSTORY: 1001 INTERVIEWS KAROLYN GRIMES (ZUZU BAILEY)

"Its A Wonderful Life: The Movie Backstory & Message: The backstory to Frank Capra's film masterpiece "It's a Wonderful Life" featuring an exclusive interview with Karolyn Grimes Wilkerson, who played Zuzu Bailey in the film, and ended the movie with the memorable line : "Look, Daddy. Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." Karolyn, whose acting career placed her on screen with Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Jimmy Stewart, and Donna Reed, to name a few, experienced multiple family tragedies that ended her career at an early age, but brings an inspiring message about the movie and...

Published: Dec 21, 2025Duration: 1h 11m 39s