Episode Title: Smoking Gun
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Podcast: Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities
Host: Aaron Mahnke
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction

In the "Smoking Gun" episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, host Aaron Mahnke delves into two riveting tales that blend historical intrigue with dramatic twists. This episode, true to its name, explores moments where evidence and actions taken within critical situations led to unexpected and profound outcomes.

Tale 1: Richard Burbage and the Birth of the Globe Theatre

Timestamp: [00:34]

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by transporting listeners to late 16th-century London, focusing on the tumultuous period when theaters were shuttered due to plague outbreaks. Central to this narrative is Richard Burbage, a prominent actor and leader of the Lord Chamberlain's Men—a company famously associated with William Shakespeare.

Key Points:

• The Plague and Theater Closures: In 1597, an outbreak of plague forces London theaters to close, mirroring the global pandemic experiences of 2020.

• Conflict with Giles Allen: Upon reopening, Burbage faces opposition from Giles Allen, a Puritan landowner who claims ownership of the beloved Theater. Allen's refusal to allow performances on his land poses a significant threat to the company’s livelihood.

• Strategic Response: Undeterred, Burbage proposes a collective investment model to his company members. By each covering 10% of the construction costs, they can build a new theater, sharing in the profits equally. This innovative approach not only mitigates financial strain but also strengthens the bond within the troupe.

• The Dismantling Operation: On the night of December 28, 1598, Burbage and his troupe undertake a bold mission to dismantle the original Theater. Armed with construction tools and swords, they quietly deconstruct the venue. Despite differing historical accounts on the duration of this operation—ranging from a single night to several days—the end result is the removal of the theater from Allen’s control.

• Legal Triumph and the Birth of the Globe: When Allen sues, the courts uphold the original contract favoring Burbage’s family ownership. This legal victory allows the company to establish the Globe Theatre on leased land. Under Burbage’s leadership, with Shakespeare’s acclaimed playwright talents, the Globe becomes a centerpiece of Western theater, hosting monumental plays like Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke ([02:15]): "It's curious to think that this would never have been possible if they didn't set out one night in 1598 to reclaim what was rightfully theirs."

Aftermath and Legacy:

• Tragic Turns: The Globe Theatre faces setbacks, including a devastating fire in 1613 during a production of Henry VIII. The theater is rebuilt, but by then, Shakespeare has retired and passes away in 1616, followed by Burbage in 1619.

• Cultural Shifts: The legacy of Burbage and Shakespeare endures, despite the fluctuating public sentiment towards theater. Their contributions solidify the theater’s prestige, even as societal attitudes waver, culminating in the temporary shutdown of theaters in 1642 by the Puritan-led government.

Tale 2: Clement Vallandigham’s Fatal Demonstration

Timestamp: [06:22]

Aaron Mahnke transitions to a 19th-century courtroom drama in Lebanon, Ohio. This story centers on an ambitious lawyer, Clement Vallandigham, whose attempt to utilize demonstrative evidence leads to his untimely demise.

Key Points:

• The Incident: In July 1871, a brawl breaks out in a Lebanon saloon between Tom McGeehan and Tom Meyers over accusations of cheating at poker. The altercation escalates, culminating in Meyers being fatally shot by accident during the melee, resulting in McGeehan's arrest for murder.

• Legal Defense Strategy: McGeehan hires Clement Vallandigham, a renowned attorney known for his unconventional methods. Vallandigham investigates the scene, interviewing witnesses and analyzing blood stains, leading him to believe that Meyers accidentally shot himself while both men were armed.

• The Demonstrative Evidence: To convince the jury of this accidental discharge, Vallandigham plans a live reenactment in the courtroom. Confident in his preparation, he conducts the demonstration to illustrate how Meyers could have unintentionally fired his weapon during the chaos.

• Tragic Oversight: In a fatal oversight, Vallandigham neglects to verify whether the demonstration pistol is loaded. As he pulls the trigger to showcase the accidental shooting, the gun fires, fatally injuring him.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke ([09:30]): "In the legal world, demonstrative evidence can sway a jury's opinion, but for Vallandigham, it became the smoking gun that ended his life."

• Narrative Summary: "In the midst of demonstrating how someone might accidentally shoot themselves, Vallandigham did just that."

Outcome:

• McGeehan's Acquittal: Despite Vallandigham’s tragic death, the jury remains convinced by his argument, leading to McGeehan's acquittal. Vallandigham’s final, albeit fatal, demonstration secures his client's innocence.

• Legacy of Innovation and Tragedy: Vallandigham’s story underscores the potential and peril of innovative legal strategies. His pioneering use of live reenactments in court foreshadows modern courtroom technologies but also serves as a cautionary tale about meticulous preparation.

Conclusion

In "Smoking Gun," Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines tales from different eras, illustrating how pivotal moments hinged on decisive actions and, occasionally, tragic mistakes. From Richard Burbage’s daring reclaiming of the Theater leading to the establishment of the Globe, to Clement Vallandigham’s groundbreaking yet fatal courtroom demonstration, the episode highlights the thin line between triumph and disaster. These stories not only entertain but also shed light on the enduring human spirit to create, defend, and innovate against the odds.

Closing Remarks:

Aaron Mahnke wraps up the episode by reflecting on the lasting impacts of these historical curiosities, encouraging listeners to appreciate the intricate tapestry of events that shape our cultural and legal landscapes.

Final Quote:

• Aaron Mahnke ([11:30]): "Until next time, stay curious."

Additional Information

For those intrigued by the tales shared in this episode, consider exploring Cabinet of Curiosities’ official book and tuning into Aaron Mahnke’s other acclaimed works, such as the Lore podcast and television series, which delve deeper into the uncanny and the mysterious aspects of history and folklore.

Note: Advertisements and promotional content from Capital One Bank, American Public University, and Coca-Cola were excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's content.