History Unhinged: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes – Details, episodes & analysis

This conversation explores the rich and tumultuous history of the Muckleshoot Tribe, from their deep-rooted connection to the land and salmon to the devastating impacts of colonization and treaty betrayals. It highlights their struggle for survival, the significance of the Fish Wars, and the transformative power of the Muckleshoot Casino in revitalizing their community. The discussion also addresses the challenges that come with newfound prosperity and the tribe's ongoing efforts to revive their culture and language.

 

In case you missed it, we are rereleasing one of our most popular episodes-

Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler In this captivating episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," we delve into the remarkable life of Eleanor Dumont, famously known as Madame Mustache, a figure who epitomized the grit and spirit of the Wild West. Prepare to be transported to a time when high-stakes gambling was not just a pastime but a battleground for power and prestige, where the stakes were as high as the mountains that towered over Nevada's frontier towns.

Madame Mustache was no ordinary gambler. With her signature mustache and sharp intellect, she carved a name for herself in a male-dominated world, effortlessly outsmarting the toughest card sharks and swindlers who dared to challenge her. We explore her early life, where her cunning nature began to flourish, leading her to the bustling saloons of San Francisco and the rough-and-tumble gambling halls of Virginia City. Listeners will be captivated as we recount her legendary poker games, where she employed not just skill but also an unyielding spirit that transformed her into a local legend.

But the tale of Madame Mustache isn’t just about winning hands and collecting fortunes; it’s also a gripping story of revenge and resilience. In a dramatic twist, Eleanor's life takes a dark turn when she discovers her husband has been conning her and others. Fueled by betrayal, she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, tracking him down with a determination that serves as a testament to her strength. With every twist and turn, her journey unfolds like a thrilling narrative from the pages of a Western novel, blending elements of mystery and drama that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

As we weave through the rich historical tapestry of the Wild West, we also highlight the broader themes of gender dynamics and empowerment that Madame Mustache embodied. At a time when women were often relegated to the shadows, Eleanor stood tall, not only as a successful businesswoman but as a trailblazer who defied societal norms. Her story prompts us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women in history, making her tale not just one of gambling prowess but also of breaking barriers and asserting one’s identity in a tumultuous world.

Join us for this enthralling episode as we uncover the layers of Madame Mustache's life, rich with anecdotes, historical insights, and a few surprises along the way. From the saloons of the Gold Rush to the dusty trails of the frontier, Eleanor Dumont's journey is a celebration of courage and defiance that resonates even today. Tune in to "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes" and discover the woman behind the legend—Madame Mustache, the Wild West’s most badass gambler.

🎙 Madame Mustache: The Wild West’s Most Badass Gambler

 

🎩 High-stakes games, a mustachioed legend, and one hell of a revenge story—this episode has it all! Eleanor Dumont, better known as Madame Mustache, was a sharp-witted gambler, a successful businesswoman, and a woman way ahead of her time. From outplaying men at their own game to tracking down her con artist husband and personally delivering justice, her story is as wild as the Wild West itself.

 

😲 Why did the world remember her mustache more than her empire?

 

🎲 How did she run the classiest gambling hall in the lawless West?

 

🔫 And what was her final, dramatic exit?

 

🔥 Get ready for gambling, crime, whiskey, and Wild West nonsense!

 

🎧 Listen now & fall down the rabbit hole!

 

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👉 Hear Shea’s story on Live, Laugh, Larceny! Listen here

The Wild West wasn’t all shootouts and saloons—it also had brothels where life, death, and legends collided. Some of those stories never left.

In this episode, Shea and Jody take you inside two infamous houses of ill repute:

• The Birdcage Theater, Tombstone, Arizona – 26 deaths, bullet holes in the walls, and a love triangle that turned into a ghost story still whispered today.
• The Red Onion Saloon, Skagway, Alaska – where miners, madams, and a lingering ghost named Lydia turned a gold rush brothel into one of the most haunted stops in Alaska.

Along the way, the hosts debate where they’d haunt if stuck for eternity, spill some spicy legends, and prove once again that history is never as tidy as it looks on paper.

Grab your whiskey, dim the lights, and follow us down the rabbit hole… if you dare.

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Will you hear laughter, smell perfume, or feel a ghostly touch when you step inside? Listen now to find out…

Hold onto your mushroom caps! Did you know that Oregon is home to the world's largest organism? Deep in the Blue Mountains an ancient killer is at work under the soil, spreading it's deadly tendrils for over four square miles! Today, we talk about the Pacific Northwest's most amazing natural marvel, the Humongous Fungus. And of course, we have all of the finest quality mushroom puns and bad dad jokes. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more!

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Step into the whirlwind of the Stanley Quencher water bottle craze! In this episode, we unravel the phenomenon that turned a simple hydration tool into a cultural icon. Discover what sparked the frenzy, the features that made it irresistible, and the social media storm that fueled its rise. Join us as we explore the highs, the hype, and the eventual decline of the Stanley Quencher tumbler craze. Tune in for a refreshing look at the power of a simple bottle to captivate the masses.
As always, head on over to www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for more! Make sure to follow and subscribe wherever you listen!

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Wondering if you should listen to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes? Well of course the answer is yes! Do you like to laugh while you learn? Then this podcast is for you. Do you like your history hysterical? Then this podcast is for you. Every episode we tell a story about the Pacific Northwest, from Bigfoot to Starbucks to the Salish Sea Feet Discoveries. Discover the upper left corner of North America like never before! You can also check out our website for pictures and descriptions, plus so much more! www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

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It's Rainy Day Rabbit Holes story time, with professor of Pacific Northwest history Michael Sullivan. Michael leads us on a journey through the spellbinding world of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's own millionaire magician, and uncovers the captivating story behind Gamble's rise to fame and fortune.
Michael Sullivan taught Pacific Northwest history for 23 years as well as historic preservation, at University of Washington Tacoma. He's a writer, a historian, and the chairman of the board of History Link.
Ray Gamble is a character that can almost be viewed as a representation of the city of Tacoma. From humble beginnings he pulled himself up by his boot straps to become wildly successful, and was a larger-than-life character who is shrouded in mystique, even to this day. Kind of like Tacoma.
Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com for links to Michael's website, pictures, and more!

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Discover the untold story of Zula Swanson, a trailblazing entrepreneur who became Alaska’s largest Black landowner and a powerful businesswoman. From running a high-profile brothel to shaping the region’s economy, Swanson’s influence stretched far beyond her time. Join us as we dive into her remarkable legacy, her fight for economic empowerment, and her role in Black history.

💻 Explore more: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

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Seattle’s early history wouldn’t be the same without Lou Graham, the city’s most misunderstood madam and business mogul. While many remember her for running one of Seattle’s most luxurious brothels, few know she was also a wealthy financier who quietly shaped the city's development.In this episode, we uncover the truth behind her legacy, from her influence on Seattle’s economy to her unexpected role as a philanthropist.

Did she really fund the city’s first schools? And why has history overlooked her contributions?

Join us as we separate fact from fiction and explore the impact of this pioneering woman.

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Join us for a toe-tally intriguing episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes where we dive deep into the baffling phenomenon of the Salish Sea Feet Discoveries! Since 2007, detached human feet have been washing ashore on the coasts of the Salish Sea, leaving both locals and scientists scratching their heads—and their toes.
 
In this gripping episode, we explore the possible explanations behind these mysterious findings, from ocean currents to sneaker buoyancy. We'll also discuss how urban legends and sensational media have contributed to the public's fascination with this ongoing enigma.
Don't miss this opportunity to dip your toes into the science and speculation behind one of the Salish Sea's most puzzling mysteries. Whether you're a true crime aficionado or a marine biology buff, this episode is sure to keep you on your toes!

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You can always find more on our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com

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