Stuff You Missed in History Class Episode: Behind the Scenes Minis: Bad Science and Library Love
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy V. Wilson
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into two main topics: the spread of misinformation surrounding autoimmune diseases, exemplified by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial statements, and a heartfelt exploration of the significance and challenges of libraries, particularly the Library of Congress.

RFK Jr.’s Misconceptions on Autoimmune Diseases

Timestamp: [02:51]

Tracy and Holly kick off the discussion by addressing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s remarks on autoimmune diseases. Tracy expresses frustration over RFK Jr.'s lack of awareness regarding conditions like juvenile diabetes (now known as Type 1 Diabetes), eczema, ADD, autism, Tourette syndrome, and other autoimmune disorders.

Tracy V. Wilson ([03:00]): "I'm so mad at RFK Jr. ... why he was saying that he had never heard of juvenile diabetes when he was a kid."

Tracy critiques RFK Jr.'s historical perspective, highlighting advancements in medical treatments since the 1950s and pointing out that many autoimmune diseases were indeed recognized and managed during his upbringing.

Impact of Misdiagnosis and Growing Awareness

Timestamp: [04:03]

The hosts discuss how increased awareness has led to more precise diagnoses of conditions such as ADHD and autism, replacing broader, less specific diagnoses like developmental delay.

Tracy V. Wilson ([04:21]): "Child that would have been diagnosed with something like developmental delay ... instead being diagnosed with something more specific, like autism spectrum disorder."

This segment underscores the evolution of medical understanding and the importance of accurate diagnosis in improving patient care and societal perception.

Critique of RFK Jr.’s Family Health Discussions

Timestamp: [06:02]

Tracy delves into RFK Jr.'s portrayal of his family's health history, particularly the understated chronic illnesses of his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, and the tragic story of his aunt Rosemary's lobotomy.

Tracy V. Wilson ([07:44]): "He was talking about his own family as though they... time they were living through was exemplary in terms of health."

The conversation highlights the discrepancies between public perceptions fostered by RFK Jr. and the underlying health struggles within his family, emphasizing the dangers of misrepresenting such critical information.

The Role and Challenges of Libraries

Timestamp: [20:25]

Shifting gears, Holly and Tracy express their deep appreciation for libraries, drawing from personal experiences. Holly reminisces about her decade-long tenure in a university library, where she engaged in cataloging and managing acquisitions.

Holly Fry ([20:31]): "I worked in a library for more than a decade... I have deep fondness for libraries, in particular, Library of Congress cataloging."

Tracy adds her own experiences from middle and high school libraries, illustrating the foundational role libraries have played in their lives.

Importance of Librarians and Library Services

Timestamp: [23:16]

The hosts shed light on the multifaceted roles of librarians beyond the commonly perceived tasks, such as cataloging and curating collections. They emphasize the critical services librarians provide, including research assistance and data curation for academic and professional purposes.

Tracy V. Wilson ([25:08]): "Every once in a while, there will be discourse... someone is looking for a job and doesn't understand why a librarian needs to have a master's degree."

This segment aims to dismantle stereotypes about librarians, showcasing their pivotal role in information management and accessibility.

Library of Congress: Treasures and Threats

Timestamp: [34:28]

Holly highlights the treasures housed within the Library of Congress, such as the Bay Psalm Book, and discusses innovative programs like the "Mostly Lost Films," which engage the public in cataloging and preserving undocumented films.

Holly Fry ([34:34]): "There are some incredibly cool things... that are just lurking in libraries."

Tracy expresses concern over budget cuts impacting projects like the Chronicling America Historical Newspapers collection, stressing the importance of continued funding for preserving historical records.

Tracy V. Wilson ([34:28]): "There have been concerns about whether these cuts meant new items not being added to this collection."

Personal Reflections and Mental Well-being

Timestamp: [12:35]

Both hosts share personal strategies for coping with frustration over societal and political issues. Tracy discusses the benefits of volunteer work in maintaining mental health, while Holly reflects on finding Zen in repetitive tasks and the therapeutic value of reading and audiobooks.

Tracy V. Wilson ([14:19]): "I did some volunteer work... it was one of the best things that I did."

Holly Fry ([15:02]): "I found those oddly Zen and kind of good for my brain."

These insights underscore the importance of engaging in fulfilling activities to balance the stresses of navigating complex societal challenges.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: [38:36]

As the episode concludes, Tracy and Holly urge listeners to support libraries and engage in proactive measures to preserve valuable institutions like the Library of Congress. They also advocate for critical thinking and informed discourse to combat the spread of misinformation in public health and other vital areas.

Holly Fry ([37:42]): "I hope everybody gets to read lots of books they love. Listen, it doesn't have to be highbrow. Reading is great."

The hosts leave listeners with a hopeful message about the enduring power of knowledge and community resources in fostering an informed and resilient society.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy V. Wilson ([03:00]): "I'm so mad at RFK Jr. ... why he was saying that he had never heard of juvenile diabetes when he was a kid."

• Tracy V. Wilson ([07:44]): "He was talking about his own family as though they... time they were living through was exemplary in terms of health."

• Holly Fry ([34:34]): "There are some incredibly cool things... that are just lurking in libraries."

• Tracy V. Wilson ([14:19]): "I did some volunteer work... it was one of the best things that I did."

• Holly Fry ([37:42]): "I hope everybody gets to read lots of books they love. Listen, it doesn't have to be highbrow. Reading is great."

Final Thoughts

This episode eloquently intertwines a critique of misinformation in public discourse with a passionate celebration of libraries as bastions of knowledge and community support. Holly and Tracy effectively balance their critical viewpoints with personal anecdotes, making for an engaging and informative listen that underscores the importance of both accurate information and accessible public resources.