Stuff You Missed in History Class: Behind the Scenes Minis: Opera and Joyous Research

Released on August 1, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the latest episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intriguing intersections of art, science, and personal transformation. This episode, titled "Behind the Scenes Minis: Opera and Joyous Research," explores the life of Eadweard Muybridge, the influence of Philip Glass's opera about him, and the broader implications of head injuries on personality, all while intertwining personal anecdotes and research challenges.

Eadweard Muybridge: Life and Photography

[02:25] Holly Fry: “We talked about Eadweard Muybridge this week.”

Tracy and Holly introduce Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneering photographer renowned for his motion studies, particularly the famous sequence of a horse galloping. Initially unfamiliar with his name, Tracy quickly connects Muybridge's work to the iconic images of motion that have permeated both art and scientific communities.

[04:02] Tracy V. Wilson: “I'm scrolling through Google image results of just his name and so many of these other motion studies I have for sure seen before.”

They discuss Muybridge's significant contributions to photography and motion capture, highlighting how his studies are frequently used in educational materials about film history and motion science.

Philip Glass and the Opera "The Photographer"

[05:24] Holly Fry: “So of course Philip Glass wrote an opera about Edward Muybridge called The Photographer.”

Holly shares her passion for Philip Glass and reveals that he composed an opera centered on Muybridge's life. The minimalist staging of the opera underscores the profound connection between Muybridge's visual art and Glass's musical composition.

[06:08] Tracy V. Wilson: “So, I could not in any way describe myself as, like, a Philip Glass devotee just because there's a lot of stuff to experience in the world and finite time. But Philip Glass wrote the score to the movie Kundun.”

Tracy acknowledges her less fervent enthusiasm for Glass but concedes his pivotal role in creating compelling scores that complement historical narratives, such as his work on Martin Scorsese's Kundun.

Phineas Gage and Personality Changes After Injury

[14:52] Tracy V. Wilson: “This also reminds me a little bit of Phineas Gage, who...”

The conversation shifts to Phineas Gage, a railroad worker whose dramatic personality changes following a head injury have made his case a cornerstone in the study of neurology and psychology.

[16:08] Holly Fry: “Most researchers who have kind of examined his case think that he had an injury to the orbitofrontal cortex, which controls things like the regulation of emotion.”

Holly explains the scientific basis behind Gage's behavioral shifts, emphasizing the impact of orbitofrontal cortex injuries on emotional regulation and personality.

The Trial of Muybridge: Murder and Acquittal

[19:02] Holly Fry: “What? It would make me very scared to go to Northern California in the 1870s.”

The hosts recount the infamous trial in which Muybridge was acquitted for murder. Despite witnesses and evidence, the jury accepted that his actions were justified, reflecting the societal norms and legal interpretations of the era.

[18:35] Tracy V. Wilson: “It also feels like not exactly the same thing as jury nullification, because usually when we're talking about jury nullification, the idea is that the law in question is unjust. And at least from what you have said, that doesn't seem like where they were coming from.”

Tracy differentiates Muybridge's trial from typical cases of jury nullification, suggesting that the jury's decision was influenced by personal sentiments rather than a belief in unjust laws.

Evolving Menstrual Protection: Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith

[26:16] Tracy V. Wilson: “We talked about Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith and their various inventions this week, which meant we talked a lot about menstrual protection.”

The episode transitions to the innovations of Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith in the realm of menstrual hygiene. The discussion highlights the transition from sanitary belts to adhesive pads, reflecting broader societal changes and the challenges faced in menstrual product development.

[37:00] Tracy V. Wilson: “Beatrice's first patent for the sanitary belt also included a term that I don't know if I've ever encountered before—catamenial.”

Tracy introduces the term "catamenial," relating to menstruation, and ponders its decline in common usage, possibly due to the stigma surrounding menstrual topics.

Personal Anecdotes and Research Challenges

[26:26] Holly Fry: “Yeah. And. And Holly, you and I came of age to start menstruating during the transition from sanitary belts to adhesive pads.”

The hosts share personal memories of the shift in menstrual products, providing a relatable context to the historical innovations discussed.

[33:45] Tracy V. Wilson: “But it also included a very significant error, which is it said that Beatrice had gotten married to heavyweight boxing champion Jack Jabo Johnson. Jack Johnson, a famous black heavyweight boxer, was dead when Beatrice Kenner married James Jabo Kenner, a completely different person.”

Tracy elaborates on the difficulties encountered during research, including misinformation and the challenges of verifying historical facts. This segment underscores the complexities historians face when piecing together accurate narratives from fragmented sources.

Concluding Thoughts

[37:38] Holly Fry: “After my own heart. Let’s try to make it so you're not having to hunt for the end of the toilet paper.”

The episode concludes with light-hearted remarks about everyday annoyances, tying back to the theme of problem-solving showcased by historical figures like Kenner and Smith.

[38:34] Tracy V. Wilson: “Buzz and I will proceed into the...”

Tracy hints at upcoming content, maintaining the episode's engaging and conversational tone.

Notable Quotes

• Holly Fry [04:45]: “I feel bad cause I didn't notate what article I saw it in but someone described Edward Muybridge as looking like a mix of Walt Whitman and Zeus.”

• Tracy V. Wilson [17:25]: “Yeah. It just seems like the... that's where it gets kind of wild to me.”

• Holly Fry [37:07]: “This moment, and that is how it was referenced throughout the patent.”

Conclusion

In "Behind the Scenes Minis: Opera and Joyous Research," Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson offer a rich tapestry of historical exploration, blending in-depth research with personal narratives. From Muybridge's groundbreaking photography and the artistic interpretation by Philip Glass to the psychological impacts of head injuries exemplified by Phineas Gage, the episode provides a comprehensive look at how individual lives intersect with broader cultural and scientific advancements. Additionally, the focus on menstrual product innovation by Kenner and Smith highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women inventors in history. Despite the research hurdles and occasional misinformation, the hosts successfully weave a compelling narrative that is both informative and engaging for listeners.

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