The Hall of Extinct Monsters
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Amy Widdowson looks at the lasting legacy of the Smithsonian dinosaur collection, and the rival Victorian paleontologists who spared no efforts in undoing the other.…
A Prankster in the Emperor’s Court
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Sahil M Bansal explores a story on the line between historical fact and folklore, and the exceptional 16th century relationship between India’s Mughal Emperor Akbar,…
Sword Slinging and Opera Singing
In this episode, opera singer Marisa Lenhardt looks into the history and legacy of one of opera’s most audacious singers, who counterbalanced her stage time with sword fighting.
A sword-fighting bisex…
Natation of the Naiads
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Barbara North looks at the colorful world of competitive and performative swimming ladies in the Victorian era.
When we think about 1800s London, "ladies swimwear" is…
Audubon's Anomalous Animals
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Stuart Gripman shares the true story of the scientifically undignified pranks of one of America’s greatest ornithologists, driven to his wits’ end by an unruly rival…
From Shipwreck to Masterpiece
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Kelly Jensen takes us on an ill-fated sea voyage that would go on to inspire one of literature’s greatest works.
In 1820, two thousand miles into the Pacific Ocean, t…
The Mystery of the Green Children
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Beth Abdallah sorts fact from fiction in the mysterious tale of two green skinned children who appeared one day on the outskirts of a small village in England.
This …
Shakespeare, Ciphers, and Spies
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow Eva Galperin brings us a love story with code breaking, featuring Shakespeare, espionage, eccentric millionaires, and the greatest cryptographer you’ve never heard o…
Science and the Center of the Earth
In this episode, Odd Salon Fellow and resident geologist Miles Traer tells a story of extraordinary persistence and scientific dedication and groundbreaking research into the composition of our very …
Introducing the Odd Salon Podcast
We are excited to introduce the Odd Salon podcast: Stories from the odd corners of history, science, art, and adventure.
After nearly a decade on the live stage, we've invited our cadre of speakers t…