Podcast Summary

Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
Episode: Behind the Scenes Minis: Raccoon Cranberries
Hosts: Holly Frey & Tracy V. Wilson
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this behind-the-scenes minisode, Holly and Tracy revisit the main stories from the week, notably their exploration of unusual White House pets (including turkeys and raccoons) and the history and culture of cranberries. The informal conversation ranges from historical anecdotes and debunked myths to modern pet-keeping ethics, personal stories, culinary experiments, and strong feelings about food debates—wrapped up with practical advice and a dash of humor.

White House Pets & Animal Anecdotes

[02:35 – 14:15]

White House Animals Gone Wild

• The hosts reflect on their recent episode about “Unusual White House Pets,” discussing the strangest animals to have resided at the White House.
• Holly expresses her joy in myth-busting, especially the John Quincy Adams alligator legend and talking about Tad Lincoln’s pet turkey.
  • “I love that we could myth bust that whole John Quincy Adams having an alligator thing.” (Holly, 02:42)
• Discussion on Tad Lincoln’s turkey, and messy implications of keeping poultry indoors:
  • “So presumably the turkey's pooping in the house…probably just seems inconvenient.” (Tracy, 03:37)
  • “That's how pets work…unless your cats don't use the bathroom…” (Holly, 03:51)

On Keeping Wild Animals as Pets

• Both hosts strongly emphasize that wild animals are not good pets for health, temperament, and ethical reasons.
  • “Wild animals should not be kept as pets.” (Tracy, 05:14)
  • “It's very different from their temperament and their needs for, you know, space and whether they roam…” (Tracy, 05:23)
• The hosts note that the Coolidge era did not have the benefit of modern animal behavior science.

Quote:
“Nobody was really considering the emotional needs of animals and what they might want at that point.” (Holly, 06:22)

On Surprise Pet Gifts

• They caution listeners not to give pets as surprise gifts unless all parties are deeply on board.
  • “But as a true surprise, it's a bad idea. Always.” (Holly, 07:23)

Personal Animal Stories

• Holly shares personal anecdotes about strange pets from her childhood—a period that included a secret deer and “perhaps briefly, a raccoon.”
• She alludes to the deer story without full detail for family privacy, but notes, “We had a variety of weird animals… fish and deer and perhaps briefly, a raccoon.” (Holly, 09:34)
• She also hints at a “swearing bird” story from an animal trainer she knows, illustrating how animals under stress can behave unpredictably.
  • Memorable moment: When a parrot, debuting on stage, unexpectedly shouted expletives at a child:
    • “…when he came out for his debut and he was on stage with a little girl from the audience, he shouted expletives in that kid's face, which…was the end of his performing career.” (Holly, 11:20)

The Andrew Jackson Parrot Incident

• They discuss the infamous parrot, Paul, who reportedly had to be removed from Jackson’s funeral for squawking obscenities. Holly defends the bird, noting animal stress and attachment to owners:
  • “Animals will do weird things when they are put in stressful situations or they don't understand something.” (Holly, 12:44)

Pet Care After Owners' Deaths

• The hosts remind animal owners—especially parrot owners (who often outlive humans)—to make provisions for their animals after their passing.
  • “We have one [plan] with our pet sitter. Each of us would take the other's animals if something happened.” (Holly, 15:23)
  • “Ours are in our will.” (Tracy, 15:25)

Defending Cranberries and Food Preferences

[18:52 – 38:07]

Food Debates and Food Shaming

• Holly and Tracy share strong opinions against food shaming, especially about holiday sides.
  • “Let people eat what they want to eat.” (Holly, 19:08)
  • Holly describes frustration at food arguments in the office and asserts, “I hate them. Let people eat what they want to eat.” (19:05)
• Tracy supports discussing regional or cultural foodways, but not shaming individual taste:
  • “We don’t need to go on a gigantic diatribe and bring out pitchforks about the potato salad ingredients.” (Tracy, 20:49)

Canned vs. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• Both hosts recount their own family cranberry sauce traditions.
  • Holly notes, “Cranberry. Jellied cranberry sauce is very appealing to kids, because it is high sugar… it's jelly.” (21:42)
  • Tracy admits she didn't try it till adulthood, due to its look, but now enjoys homemade versions.
    • “…As a kid, I never tried it because I did not like the look of it.” (Tracy, 21:59)
• Holly encourages home cooks to make their own sauce, touting its simplicity and versatility:
  • “It's literally throw some cranberries in a saucepan with sugar…you can add stuff. Add a little vanilla…orange…nut…rum…” (Holly, 22:12)

Cranberry Experiments & Leftovers

• Holly invents and recommends creative uses for leftover cranberries, from cranberry liqueur (25:00) to using leftover cranberry sauce in cocktails or over Dole Whip, and custom sodas.
  • “What I am doing is making cranberry liqueur…super easy. Look up a recipe online.” (Holly, 24:58)
  • “The best move…put your leftover cranberry sauce on top of pineapple Dole Whip. It is one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life.” (Holly, 33:23)
• Tracy describes her husband’s (Patrick) attempts at making cranberry jam and shrubs—fruit and vinegar syrups for drinks. (25:55)
  • “He tried to make a cranberry shrub one time… it didn’t work out, and I think a different series of steps probably would have made something delicious.” (Tracy, 25:58)

The Science of Cranberries and Health

• The hosts clarify the myth that cranberry juice “treats” urinary tract infections; it’s more useful as a preventative.
  • “That's actually not a great treatment, but it is a great preventative.” (Holly, 30:24)
• Tracy shares practical uses for cranberry supplements when at higher risk for UTIs due to travel, but reaffirms “If I get a UTI, I call the doctor.” (Tracy, 32:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On wild pets: “Wild animals do not make good pets for a lot of reasons. And also, just don't give people wild animals or any animals as surprise gifts.” (Tracy, 06:30)
• On family pet secrets: “There was a deer that lived in your house. There are some secret animals that people still alive today would not be happy to discover had lived in their home.” (Holly, 09:09)
• On animal behavior: “Animals will do weird things when they are put in stressful situations or they don't understand something.” (Holly, 12:44)
• On food debates: “I hate them. Let people eat what they want to eat.” (Holly, 19:08)
• On cranberry sauce innovation: “The best move you can make post holiday is to put your leftover cranberry sauce on top of pineapple Dole Whip.” (Holly, 33:23)
• On kindness and food choices: “Please be kind as we head into this weekend and we are in the midst of the holidays… Just don't dog people for their choices.” (Holly, 37:19)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:35–08:05 | White House pets, wild animal myths, and surprise pet gifting | | 08:05–14:15 | Holly’s family animal stories and animal behavior under stress | | 14:15–16:08 | Parrots’ longevity, making plans for pets after your passing | | 18:52–22:50 | Food debates, shaming, and personal cranberry traditions | | 22:50–26:47 | Creative cranberry uses: jams, liqueurs, shrubs | | 30:19–32:47 | Scientific perspective: Cranberry and urinary tract infection prevention | | 33:23–36:35 | Holly’s plea for Dole Whip with cranberry sauce and cocktail suggestions | | 36:35–37:19 | Advocating kindness and understanding around food, especially during holidays |

Tone and Final Thoughts

The episode is conversational, warm, and often humorous; Holly and Tracy blend historical curiosity with practical, inclusive advice. They encourage listeners to be open-minded about food, sensitive to animals’ needs, and kind to one another—especially during the busy holiday season.