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By Secret Loft

A live-streamed history/educational/comedy show with Ariel and Alex, the cofounders of Secret Loft, a performing arts venue in NYC. Ariel is a professional aerialist, Alex is a software engineer with a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Every week we cover a new topic, giving you memorable, funny anecdotes that you can use to charm your friends and family.
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I Think Therefore I Am: The History of Philosophy - Part 1

Question BlockSep 20, 2021

00:00
01:03:22
Category Is: The History of Drag - Part 2

Category Is: The History of Drag - Part 2

This week we're continuing to talk about the history of Drag, from the NYC Ball Scene to Ru Paul and the story behind Drag Race.

Jul 23, 202244:36
Category Is: The History of Drag - Part 1

Category Is: The History of Drag - Part 1

This week we're talking about the history of Drag, from ancient Greek dramas to Shakespearean actors to the New York City ballroom scene. This episode is part 1 of 2, ending with Paris is Burning. Check out next week to learn about Ru Paul and the story behind Drag Race.

Jul 09, 202246:04
The Ultimate Guide to Shade(s)

The Ultimate Guide to Shade(s)

This week we're talking about the history, rating, and culture of sunglasses!

Jun 26, 202239:28
All Your Burning Questions About Sunscreen Answered

All Your Burning Questions About Sunscreen Answered

This week we're talking about the history, science, and myths of sunscreen. You should be wearing it every time you go in the sun, but do you know how it works, how it's tested, and what kinds are the most effective?

Jun 20, 202246:59
A Cold Treat to Beat the Summer Heat: The History of Ice Cream

A Cold Treat to Beat the Summer Heat: The History of Ice Cream

This week we're talking about the history of ice cream, from the ancient Persians to Nero, from Marco Polo to Ben and Jerry.

Jun 05, 202201:14:48
You Must Be This Tall To Ride: The History of Amusement Parks and Rides, Including Disneyland and Coney Island

You Must Be This Tall To Ride: The History of Amusement Parks and Rides, Including Disneyland and Coney Island

This week we're talking about the history of amusement parks, from Renaissance Faires and Pleasure Gardens to American Amusement Parks. We discuss theme parks like Disney Land, Six Flags and Universal Studios, and America's best and worst amusement parks, Cedar Point and Action Park. We've even got a couple asides about carousels and the physics of roller coasters.

May 31, 202201:30:14
Renaissance Men: The Story of the original Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo, and their patrons the Medici

Renaissance Men: The Story of the original Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo, and their patrons the Medici

This week we're talking about the Italian Renaissance and the lives of some of history's most famous sculptors and painters.

May 24, 202201:13:53
Sweet Dreams Are Made of Z's: The Science and History of Sleep

Sweet Dreams Are Made of Z's: The Science and History of Sleep

This week we're talking about the science and history of sleep! Ariel will give some tips for falling asleep at night, while Alex will spend part of the episode almost dozing off because he has a cold. Turn this one up and get some rest!

May 17, 202201:02:05
Shocking News! The History of Electricity and Electrical Inventors

Shocking News! The History of Electricity and Electrical Inventors

This week we're talking about the discovery of electricity, how it works, the history of electrical inventors, the current wars between Edison, Westinghouse and Tesla, and more!

May 08, 202201:37:08
Floriography: The Language and History of Flowers

Floriography: The Language and History of Flowers

It's May and this week we're talking about the history and science of flowers, Tulip Mania and other flower crazes, and the secret meanings of bouquets and flower arrangements.

May 02, 202201:18:22
Two Tickets to the Gun Show: The History of Firearms

Two Tickets to the Gun Show: The History of Firearms

This week we're talking about guns, from ancient Chinese gunpowder to modern day sniper rifles!

Apr 25, 202201:23:50
Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds: Bicycle Day, MK Ultra, and the History of LSD

Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds: Bicycle Day, MK Ultra, and the History of LSD

This week we're talking about the chemistry and culture of lysergic acid diethylamide. We'll discuss how it works, where to get it, and the moral panic that changed it from a psychiatric tool to a Schedule 1 illegal drug.

Apr 17, 202201:05:02
Easter, The Gospel, and the Last Supper aka Jesus's Dramatic Dinner Party

Easter, The Gospel, and the Last Supper aka Jesus's Dramatic Dinner Party

This week we're talking about The Gospel, the origin of Easter, Passover, and Jesus's campy final days with Judas and the boys.

Apr 11, 202250:46
Rain On Me: The History and Science of Weather

Rain On Me: The History and Science of Weather

This week we're talking about weather! Types of clouds, what causes lightning, polar vortexes, the jet stream, weather on other planets, and more!

Apr 04, 202201:14:25
Et Two Brute? - The Life and Times of Julius Caesar and Brutus - Pt. 2

Et Two Brute? - The Life and Times of Julius Caesar and Brutus - Pt. 2

This week we're talking about the second part of the biography of Julius Caesar, the fall of the Roman Republic, the rise of the Roman Empire, and Brutus's  betrayal for the sake of his ideals. In the second half of this two part episode we talk about the Roman Civil War, the fall of the Roman Republic and the Rise of the Roman Empire, and finally Cesar's death on the Ides of March.

Mar 28, 202246:08
Et Tu Brute? - The Life and Times of Julius Caesar and Brutus

Et Tu Brute? - The Life and Times of Julius Caesar and Brutus

This week we're talking about the biography of Julius Caesar, the fall of the Roman Republic, the rise of the Roman Empire, and Brutus's betrayal for the sake of his ideals. In the first half of this two part episode we talk about Caesar's rise to power and Brutus's coming of age, right up to the point that Caesar crosses the Rubicon with his army to march on Rome.

Mar 21, 202240:10
Kiss Me I'm Celtic - The History of St. Patrick's Day

Kiss Me I'm Celtic - The History of St. Patrick's Day

This week we're talking about Druids, Celts, St. Patrick and the Emerald Isle!

Mar 13, 202249:01
Trending on Tick Tock: The History of Calendars and Clocks

Trending on Tick Tock: The History of Calendars and Clocks

This week we're talking about how humans measure time, from the prehistoric lunar calendar to the atomic clock.

Mar 06, 202201:07:50
Beads, Burbon Street, and Babies in Cakes: The History of Carnival and Mardis Gras

Beads, Burbon Street, and Babies in Cakes: The History of Carnival and Mardis Gras

This week we're talking about the history of Carnival and Mardis Gras, from Ancient Egypt and Rome to the present day Greatest Free Show on Earth in the Big Easy.

Feb 28, 202259:27
Shakes-Queer: The Love Lives of Famous Poets

Shakes-Queer: The Love Lives of Famous Poets

This week we're talking the love lives of famous poets and writers, including Sappho, Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Edgar Allen Poe, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Walt Whitman, Allen Ginsberg, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, and Sylvia Plath. Hear salacious stories, enjoy engrossing excerpts, and learn about the torrid affairs behind the quivering pens of your favorite wordsmiths!

Feb 15, 202255:42
Marry Me! - The History of Dating and Marriage

Marry Me! - The History of Dating and Marriage

This week we're talking about the history of dating, courtship, matchmaking, marriage, and the many ways that couples get together. From the earliest marriages to the first personal ads, to online dating scandals, you'll like this one so much that you might just fall in love and propose to this episode!

Feb 07, 202201:23:59
Xīn Nián Hǎo! or Happy Chinese New Year! - History, Customs, and the Story of the Chinese Zodiac

Xīn Nián Hǎo! or Happy Chinese New Year! - History, Customs, and the Story of the Chinese Zodiac

We're welcoming the year of the Water Tiger! This week we're talking about the history and fun traditions of Chinese New Year. Learn about the symbolism of fireworks, dragon dances and red envelopes, take a tour of the Chinese zodiac, and get psyched for a holiday that feels like a mix of the west's Christmas, Hanukkah and Valentine's Day all rolled into a two-week long party!

Jan 30, 202253:33
Buy Low, Sell High! - The History of Finance, Wall Street, and the Stock Market

Buy Low, Sell High! - The History of Finance, Wall Street, and the Stock Market

This week we're talking about the stock market and the history of financial bubbles, scandals and crashes, from the Dutch East India Company to GameStop and AMC.

Jan 23, 202201:23:49
You Are What You Eat... The History of Nutrition, with Healthy Eating Tips from a Personal Trainer

You Are What You Eat... The History of Nutrition, with Healthy Eating Tips from a Personal Trainer

We talk about eating well, the history of nutritional science, the food pyramid, and how to successfully improve you diet by eating more healthy foods and avoiding "low fat" gimmicks.

Jan 15, 202201:01:46
Pumping Iron: The History of Fitness, with Advice from a Professional Trainer

Pumping Iron: The History of Fitness, with Advice from a Professional Trainer

This week we're tackling our new year's resolutions, discussing the history of exercise and answering listener questions about fitness.

Jan 10, 202252:38
Ho Ho Ho! A Christmas Story Part 2 - Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Ho Ho Ho! A Christmas Story Part 2 - Christmas Traditions from Around the World

This week we're talking about Christmas traditions from around the world - from the Yule Cat and Krampus to Japan's love of Christmas fried chicken.

Dec 24, 202131:08
Ho Ho Ho! A Christmas Story Part 1 - The History of Xmas, from Solstice, Yule and Saturnalia to Jolly Old St. Nick

Ho Ho Ho! A Christmas Story Part 1 - The History of Xmas, from Solstice, Yule and Saturnalia to Jolly Old St. Nick

This week we're talking about the history of Christmas. How pagan solstice celebrations and the bacchanalia of Saturnalia became Christ's Mass and the celebration of Jesus's Birthday.

Dec 18, 202134:23
The Best Part of Waking Up? The History and Culture of Coffee in Your Cup

The Best Part of Waking Up? The History and Culture of Coffee in Your Cup

This week we're talking about the history and culture of coffee, from Ethiopian goat herders to Starbucks baristas.

Dec 13, 202101:12:29
Aloha! - The History and Culture of Hawaii

Aloha! - The History and Culture of Hawaii

This week we're live from the Big Island, talking about the history and culture of Hawaii. From Captain Cook and Kamehameha to surfing and aloha Fridays, the facts in this episode enough to totally get you lei'd.

Dec 09, 202148:42
Let's Talk Turkey! The History of Thanksgiving

Let's Talk Turkey! The History of Thanksgiving

This week we're talking about the history of Thanksgiving. We're digging in on the differences between Pilgrims (or Saints) and Puritans, the voyage of the Mayflower and the sinking of the Speedwell, John Carver, William Bradford, Squanto, and some asides about Jamestown. Finally, we put the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag into historical context and talk about how that one dinner became a national holiday.

Nov 29, 202145:44
Castles in the Sky - The History of Architecture

Castles in the Sky - The History of Architecture

This week we're time-traveling through history discussing famous buildings, tombs, architects and movements, from Ancient Greece to Zaha Hadid.

Nov 21, 202101:24:37
Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - The History of Candy and Chocolate - Part 2

Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - The History of Candy and Chocolate - Part 2

This week we're talking about the history of candy, from ancient Indian Khanda to Olmec chocolate, to Willy Wonka and the dysfunctional Mars family, truth is sweeter than fiction.

Nov 14, 202132:51
Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - The History of Candy and Chocolate - Part 1

Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - The History of Candy and Chocolate - Part 1

This week we're talking about the history of candy, from ancient Indian Khanda to Olmec chocolate, to Willy Wonka and the dysfunctional Mars family, truth is sweeter than fiction.

Nov 08, 202140:41
The Monster Mash! - The History of Gothic Monsters

The Monster Mash! - The History of Gothic Monsters

This week we're talking about classic horror creatures, like werewolves, vampires, zombies, and Frankenstein's monster.

Nov 01, 202101:10:03
Do You Like Scary Movies? - The History of Horror Films

Do You Like Scary Movies? - The History of Horror Films

This week we're talking about the history of horror movies, from silent films to Scream.

Oct 25, 202101:27:52
The Occult - The Haunting Mysteries of Secret Society Histories

The Occult - The Haunting Mysteries of Secret Society Histories

This week we're talking about the occult, spiritualism, and secret societies. From the Emerald Tablet and the Hermetic Orders of the Middle Ages to modern Wiccans and Chaos Magicians, we're shining some light on hidden secret societies and spells.

Oct 18, 202101:27:14
So Pumpkin' Good: The History of Harvest Festivals

So Pumpkin' Good: The History of Harvest Festivals

This week we're talking about autumn harvest festivals, including Oktoberfest, Diwali, Halloween, Samhain, Dia de los Muertos, Chinese Moon Festival, and Diwali! Ariel also does an exclusive on the history of pumpkin spice #PSL. Across the world, every culture seems to have a day to gather the harvest, commemorate the dead, and reflect on the passing of the year.
With @ariel.ist and @wiresofnyc

Oct 11, 202101:02:06
Cretaceous Park - The Incredible Evolution of Dinosaurs

Cretaceous Park - The Incredible Evolution of Dinosaurs

This week we're talking about the fierce reptiles of the Mesozoic Era, fossil hunters, feathers, and the evolution of flowers.

Oct 04, 202154:30
I Think Therefore I Am: The History of Philosophy - Part 2

I Think Therefore I Am: The History of Philosophy - Part 2

This week we're talking about the history of post-enlightenment philosophy, from Simone de Beauvoir to Sartre. As the best philosophers know, it's fly to ask "Why?"

Sep 26, 202136:52
I Think Therefore I Am: The History of Philosophy - Part 1

I Think Therefore I Am: The History of Philosophy - Part 1

This week we're talking about the history of philosophy, from Aristotle to Zeno, Machiavelli to Siddhartha. As the best philosophers know, it's fly to ask "Why?"

Sep 20, 202101:03:22
Crystal Light: Practical, Magical Gems, Crystals, Minerals and Rocks

Crystal Light: Practical, Magical Gems, Crystals, Minerals and Rocks

This week we're talking about rocks, minerals, crystals and gems, from amethyst to zirconia. Dr. Wires breaks down the science and quantum mechanics behind crystals while Ariel discusses birthstones, the history of the diamond trade, and healing gems.

Sep 05, 202101:24:49
By Zeus! - Greeking Out on Mythology

By Zeus! - Greeking Out on Mythology

This week we're talking about Greek Mythology. Jealous gods, sexy nymphs, confused mortals - it's a mess of epic proportions!


Recorded February 24, 2021

Produced by @secretloftnyc

Ariel: @ariel.ist

Alex: @dr.wires

http://secretloftnyc.com/

Sep 03, 202101:33:39
I'll Drink to That! - The History of Cocktails and Alcoholic Drinks

I'll Drink to That! - The History of Cocktails and Alcoholic Drinks

This week we're talking about the history of bartending and cocktails, from absinthe to zinfandel, from Jerry "The Professor" Thomas to Sailor Jerry.

Sep 01, 202101:23:45
Naked and Afraid: Fetishes and Phobias

Naked and Afraid: Fetishes and Phobias

This week we're talking about phobias and paraphilias, the irrational fears and irresistible kinks of famous historical figures.

Aug 22, 202101:24:49
The Journey is the Destination: Famous Explorers and Expeditions

The Journey is the Destination: Famous Explorers and Expeditions

This week we're talking about famous explorers, doomed expeditions and amazing discoveries.

Aug 15, 202101:23:51
Compose Yourself! - The History of Music

Compose Yourself! - The History of Music

This week we're talking about the history of music, from biblical guitars to experimental electronica, from medieval tritones to Black Sabbath, and every mellifluous weirdo in between.

Aug 05, 202101:47:57
A Wet and Wild World Under the Sea

A Wet and Wild World Under the Sea

This week we're talking about geologic history, weird fish, and conservation efforts to save the world's oceans.

Jul 29, 202101:55:24
The Roaring (19)20's

The Roaring (19)20's

This week we're talking about the gangsters, flappers, millionaires, speculators, suffragists, and bootleggers of the 1920s.

Jul 22, 202101:51:09
Walk Like an Egyptian

Walk Like an Egyptian

This week we're talking about Ancient Egypt! From the magnificent pyramids, to the scandalous legend of Osiris, to Cleopatra in a rug, to daily beer drinking, you can't de-Nile, it's a great episode. Skip to the halfway mark for silly mythology, start at the beginning for factual history.

Jul 15, 202101:29:20
What's Your Sign? - The History and Science of Astrology, Astrologers, and the Zodiac

What's Your Sign? - The History and Science of Astrology, Astrologers, and the Zodiac

This week we're talking about the history of astrology, the science of the positions of the planets and stars, and how the "What's Your Sign?" evolved over time, from the Babylonians to Walter Mercado. You're gonna love this episode: it's written in the stars!

Jul 08, 202101:40:27