The Axeman: Jazz and Its Role in Protecting New Orleans

A black and white photo of a man playing the clarinet while seated

What was the connection between the Axeman, jazz, and the city of New Orleans? How did jazz save lives? According to a public letter from the serial killer the Axeman, jazz music could keep residents of New Orleans safe when he went on his killing sprees. The Axeman may have loved jazz music, but he may have also been simply demonstrating power and control. Here is what we know about the Axeman and jazz, with content from an episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast.

The Impossible Victory: A People’s History of the Vietnam War

A person holding a sign with the peace symbol illustrates a people's history of the Vietnam War ("The Impossible Victory")

How did the US involvement in Vietnam turn into a full-scale war? What tactics did the US employ? In what ways did the anti-Vietnam War movement gain momentum in the US? In the chapter “The Impossible Victory: Vietnam” of his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn details the complexities of the Vietnam War. He sheds light on the significant role of the draft in shaping public sentiment and resistance movements. Continue reading to get a people’s history of the Vietnam War.

About the Axeman, New Orleans’ Notorious Serial Killer

The silhouette of a man holding an axe at night looking at the city of New Orleans

What do we know about the Axeman, New Orleans’ most famous serial killer? Why was he associated with jazz? The Axeman, New Orleans’ notorious serial killer of 1918-1919, targeted primarily Italian women. We know that he would use the victims’ own axes to commit his murders, and that he wrote a public letter declaring that those who played jazz out of their homes would be safe. Read more about the true story of this vicious killer, based on an episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast.

A People’s History of the Cold War (Howard Zinn)

A depiction of the White House and the Kremlin across the street from each other illustrates the history of the Cold War

What’s the history of the Cold War from “the people’s” perspective? What was it really about? Howard Zinn portrays the Cold War as a strategic endeavor by American elites to curb communism’s influence while safeguarding financial interests. The CIA’s covert operations and the Vietnam War showcase the lengths to which the US went to maintain dominance and thwart perceived threats. Read more to get Zinn’s take on this prolonged ideological conflict that dominated much of the 20th century.

The Manipulative Patterns in Ted Bundy’s Relationships

A close-up image of Ted Bundy.

What were the red flags in Ted Bundy’s relationships? How did he live a double life with his girlfriends? Bundy’s relationships with women, particularly his partners Elizabeth Kendall and Stephanie Brooks, reveal a pattern of manipulation and deception. According to the Morbid podcast, he sought revenge post-breakup and maintained a facade during his killing spree.  Continue reading to learn more about how Bundy manipulated so many women.

The History of the Liberty Bell: From the Revolutionary War to WWI

The history of the Liberty Bell illustrated through its hanging in Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Where does the history of the Liberty Bell begin? Where is it now? The history of the Liberty Bell starts in 1751, when it was forged on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Since, it has become relevant in many periods of American history, such as during the abolitionist movement and later World War I. Read on to understand the depth of the significance of the Liberty Bell in history, as recounted on the Stuff You Should Know podcast.

The Real Story of the Axeman, American Horror Story’s Jazz Killer

A man holding up a large axe at night, overlooking a cityscape

Was the Axeman American Horror Story references real? What was the true story? The Axeman that American Horror Story mentions was a real serial killer who haunted New Orleans in the years 1918-1919. He was well known for a public letter he wrote declaring that any residents who played jazz from their homes would be spared. For more on this notorious killer, read this retelling of a segment of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast.

The Black Power and Civil Rights Movements (Howard Zinn)

People assemble during the Black Power and Civil Rights movements in Washington DC

How did the Civil Rights Movement differ from the Black Power Movement? How did violent white supremacist suppression impact the progress and goals of both movements? In A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn explores the Black Power and Civil Rights movements. He highlights their distinct approaches to achieving racial equality amid systemic oppression and violent white supremacist backlash. Keep reading to learn about the Black Power and Civil Rights movements in America.

The Shocking Advantages of Breathing Through the Nose

A close-up of a man breathing through the nose.

Is it better to breathe through the nose or mouth? What are the advantages of breathing through the nose? Mel Robbins and Patrick McKeown sit down for a conversation on proper breathing and its importance to your health on The Mel Robbins Podcast. Specifically, they look at the benefits of nasal breathing, which is much better than mouth breathing. Keep reading to learn why nasal breathing will improve your lifestyle.

Why Does the Liberty Bell Have a Crack in It?

The Liberty Bell hanging in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Why does the Liberty Bell have a crack in it? Where did it come from? The Liberty Bell has a crack in it because of issues with its structural integrity, though the origins of the first crack are mostly unknown. However, it’s well-documented that the large, visible crack we see today happened as a result of drilling during an attempted repair. Here’s the full story of the Liberty Bell’s crack, discussed on the Stuff You Should Know podcast.