This Job is History Podcast
1) Funeral Clown: “To Die Laughing” | 1
What is it like to tell jokes at a Roman emperor’s funeral? Chris Parnell interviews a real Funeral Clown from 82 CE, a job that sometimes captured the hearts of funeral goers… and sometimes ended in ...Show More
2) “So You Wanna Be a VJ?” with Dave Holmes | 14
Before music apps curated personalized playlists for us, the MTV VJ was our trusted guide in the world of new tunes. In this episode, Linda takes the hosting reins from Chris and interviews real-life ...Show More
3) Master of the Revels: "Party Like It’s 1673" | 13
Bear wrestling. Horse dancing. Women on stilts. If you’re throwing a party for the King of England, these are a must. Chris speaks with a 1600s Master of the Revels who exposes all the theatrics, dram...Show More
4) Phone Booth Repair Woman: “Last Call” | 12
Before there was a cell phone in every pocket, there was a pay phone on every corner. And someone had to repair every coin jam and faulty wire, but who? Enter the Phone Booth Repair person. Chris’ gue...Show More
5) Alchemist: “All That Glitters” | 11
Secret societies. Forbidden experiments. For thousands of years, Alchemists have tinkered in the shadows to crack the code to immortality. In today’s episode, Chris demystifies this dark science and g...Show More
6) WW2 Pigeoneer: “Waiting in the Wings” | 10
Messenger pigeons carried crucial communications that saved untold lives during World War 2. But before they soared into battle, these winged warriors needed to be trained. In today’s episode, Chris l...Show More
7) Resurrectionist: "Grave Mistakes" | 9
Grave robbing. Body snatching. Call it what you want but selling corpses for cash was a lucrative business in 19th century England. Chris struggles to keep it together as he learns the morbid details ...Show More
8) Telegraph Operator: “Woman on a Wire” | 8
Before eggplant emojis and cat gifs, the Telegraph Operator decoded DM’s one letter at a time. It’s old west meets new tech as Chris and his guest cover everything from call signs to heartbreak and al...Show More
9) Milkman: “Udder Tragedy” | 7
Milk. Eggs. Cheese. It’s all in a day’s delivery for the 1950’s milkman. But most people don’t know this sunny occupation had a dark side. In today’s episode, Chris uncovers the truth about the “Milk ...Show More
10) Barber Surgeon: “Men of the Clot” | 6
A shave, haircut, and an amputation. That’s all in a day’s work if you’re a 1690s Barber Surgeon. Chris struggles not to squirm as today’s guest covers everything from battlefield hack-jobs, whiskey a...Show More