Philippe Pinel

Pinel’s work is considered the precursor to psychiatry. In the late 18th century, he overhauled the asylum system of Paris with his groundbreaking ideas about mental health. Research: Bicêtre Hospital. https://hopital-bicetre.aphp.fr/lhopital  Boullerne, A.I., et al. “The origins and early history…

SYMHC Classics: Flexner Report

This 2020 episode covers the Flexner Report, which is often credited with changing the medical field and shaping what medical education looks like today. But this document negatively impacted medicine in the Black community. 

Behind the Scenes Minis: Paddles and The British Museum

Tracy and Holly talk about corporal punishment in schools and student loans. Tracy relays her experience at the British Museum.

Ashurbanipal

Ashurbanipal was the ruler of the Assyrian empire in the 7th century BCE. His 38-year reign was marked by both scholarship and a terrifying brutality. Research: "Babylon." Britannica Library, Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2025. libraries.state.ma.us/login?eburl=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.eb.com&ebta…

Six Impossible Episodes: Back-to-Court

This episode takes a quick look at six U.S. Supreme Court cases that all have to do with the rights of children in public primary and secondary schools. Abington School District v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963). https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/374/203 Bowman, Kristine. “West Virginia Sta…

SYMHC Classics: Olympe de Gouges

This 2021 episode covers Olympe de Gouges, known primarily for her 1791 pamphlet “Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Citizen.” But her writing and political activity went far beyond that one pamphlet.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Percy Theories

Holly shares additional details of Percy Fawcett's life, including theories about his interest in spiritualism leading him to some odd conclusions.

Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 2

The second part of Percy Fawcett's story delves into his fascination with a document known as Manuscript 512 and how it impacted his life. His obsession led to his disappearance; there has been endless speculation about what exactly happened. Research: Biello, David. “Ancient Amazon Actually Highl…

Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 1

Fawcett’s life has invited controversy and speculation, because he was a man who did a mix of great and shady things. Part one covers his early life, marriage, military service, and early visits to South America. Research: Biello, David. “Ancient Amazon Actually Highly Urbanized.” Scientific Ameri…

SYMHC Classics: Swill Milk

This 2021 episode covers a period of time when the milk supply in New York was anything but appetizing and wholesome – it was often deadly. But efforts to address the problem were blocked by corrupt officials.