Stuff You Missed in History Class: Episode Summary – “Behind the Scenes Minis: Hans, Mike, and Nate”

Release Date: November 15, 2024
Hosts: Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson
Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class by iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intriguing stories of historical figures Hans Sloan and Nate DeMaio, interwoven with personal anecdotes and reflections. The discussion spans topics from colonial impacts on scientific work to the complexities of legacy and modern interpretations of historical contributions.

2. The Legacy of Hans Sloan and Colonial Influences

A. Understanding Sloan’s Background and Colonial Impact

Holly begins by exploring the life of Hans Sloan, a prominent figure whose work was significantly influenced by the colonization and enslavement in Jamaica.

Holly Frey [03:30]: "It wasn't until I got into a deeper biography where I understood the circumstances of his youth and how that was already a scenario of colonization and forced occupation that maybe just made him so accustomed to that concept."

Tracy agrees, highlighting the normalized context Sloan grew up in:

Tracy V. Wilson [04:01]: "That's just a guess on my part. Like, we don't actually know his opinion about slavery per se."

B. Sloan’s Contributions and Ethical Considerations

The hosts discuss Sloan's possible views on slavery, noting the ambiguous stance he might have held despite benefiting from the system.

Holly Frey [04:01]: "Even though it clearly benefited him. And he believed that anyone who was not a white European person must be lying if they said they didn't feel good because they were lazy and trying to get out of work."

This revelation sheds light on the complexities of Sloan's legacy, balancing his scientific contributions with the ethical implications of his personal beliefs.

3. Mike the Cat: A Historical Anecdote

During a visit to the British Museum’s reading room, Holly shares a memorable encounter related to Mike the Cat, a historical feline known for guarding the museum.

Holly Frey [04:42]: "If ever I did want a ghost, it was Mike the Cat in Moment. But no Mike the Cat sightings."

This story adds a personal and whimsical touch to the discussion, illustrating the rich and sometimes quirky history surrounding historical sites.

4. The Rebranding of Sloan Chocolate Company

The conversation shifts to the Sloan Chocolate Company, which bore Hans Sloan's name until its rebranding in 2022.

Holly Frey [05:18]: "He didn't own it. It was named in reference to him. It rebranded to Coco Canopy in 2022."

Tracy reflects on the longevity of the brand’s association with Sloan:

Tracy V. Wilson [05:38]: "That is a long time. Yeah."

5. Property Legacy and Historical Preservation

Holly discusses the enduring legacy of Sloan’s property, particularly his manor house in Chelsea, which includes an apothecary garden leased to the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries.

Holly Frey [08:02]: "He leased it to the worshipful society of apothecaries for £5 a year. According to a Gardens Illustrated article, his descendants might still be receiving rent today."

Tracy muses on the concept of multi-century property ownership:

Tracy V. Wilson [09:15]: "You've been receiving rent since what year? 1722. For real?"

This segment highlights the fascinating intersection of personal legacy and property law, emphasizing how historical legacies can persist into modern times.

6. Visiting the British Museum: Reflections and Observations

The hosts share their experiences visiting the British Museum, noting the institution's efforts and challenges in managing its vast collections.

Holly Frey [10:15]: "I felt it was a cool space, but hard as heck to navigate."

Tracy adds her perspective on the museum's current state:

Tracy V. Wilson [10:55]: "They're trying so hard. We're just really behind."

This discussion underscores the complexities museums face in balancing preservation, accessibility, and repatriation debates.

7. Nate DeMaio and “The Memory Palace”

A. Introduction to Nate DeMaio’s Work

Shifting focus, Tracy introduces Nate DeMaio and his upcoming book, “The Memory Palace”.

Tracy V. Wilson [15:35]: "We talked to Nate DeMaio this week about his upcoming book called The Memory Palace."

B. Podcast Episode Challenges and Rights Issues

Tracy recounts previous attempts to feature Nate's work in their podcast, encountering licensing issues with music.

Tracy V. Wilson [16:00]: "There were rights issues with music that had been used in the episode, so we had to take them all out before doing this interview."

C. Comparing “The Memory Palace” to Other Reading Formats

Tracy likens the book to bathroom readers, questioning its market viability in the digital age.

Tracy V. Wilson [18:14]: "It reminds me of a thing that you might read for a couple of minutes like you would a bathroom reader."

D. Personal Reflections and Anticipation

Both hosts express admiration for Nate’s work, with Tracy highlighting the audiobook format and the book’s potential to provide solace, akin to reading Mary Oliver’s poems during solitary walks.

Tracy V. Wilson [19:30]: "It would just bring a little bit of peace and focus to my soul. So yeah, that book is coming out on November 19th."

8. Holly’s Upcoming Book: “Killer Cocktails”

Holly shares details about her forthcoming book, “Killer Cocktails”, which intertwines historical true crime stories with themed cocktails.

Holly Frey [17:29]: "It is Killer Cocktails, based on the work that we do on the other podcast that I'm on, Criminalia."

Tracy complements the project, noting its unique blend of history and mixology.

Tracy V. Wilson [17:30]: "It's perfect Christmas gift if you have someone that likes mixing drinks."

9. Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The episode wraps up with hints of future content, including a Saturday Classic and new segments slated for Monday. The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for more engaging historical explorations.

Tracy V. Wilson [19:56]: "We will be back with a Saturday classic tomorrow and something brand new on Monday."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Holly Frey [03:30]: "It wasn't until I got into a deeper biography where I understood the circumstances of his youth and how that was already a scenario of colonization and forced occupation that maybe just made him so accustomed to that concept."

• Tracy V. Wilson [05:38]: "That is a long time. Yeah."

• Holly Frey [08:02]: "He leased it to the worshipful society of apothecaries for £5 a year."

• Tracy V. Wilson [15:35]: "We talked to Nate DeMaio this week about his upcoming book called The Memory Palace."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class provides a rich tapestry of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on legacy and memory. Holly and Tracy expertly navigate complex topics, offering listeners both depth and engagement in their exploration of Hans Sloan’s impact and Nate DeMaio’s literary contributions.

For more in-depth discussions and historical insights, tune into Stuff You Missed in History Class on your preferred podcast platform.