Podcast Summary: Stuff You Missed in History Class – "Introducing: Hoax!"

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Hosts: Holly and Tracy
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Episode

In the premiere episode titled "Introducing: Hoax!", hosts Holly and Tracy set the stage for an exciting exploration into the world of historical deceptions and scams. They aim to uncover some of the most audacious and ambitious tricks that have captivated the public's imagination over the years.

The Cottingley Fairies Hoax

Holly begins the discussion by recounting a fascinating event from 1920:

"In 1920, a magazine article announced something incredible. Real fairies had been photographed. Two young girls playing by the creek near their house in Cottingley, England, had been surrounded by fairies and had been able to snap pictures to prove it."
(00:01)

This extraordinary claim captured widespread attention, leading many to question the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Fascination

Tracy delves deeper into the involvement of a prominent figure related to the hoax:

"If you don't recognize his name, you probably know the name of his most famous character. Sherlock Holmes. Yes, the man who invented literature's most brilliant detective was fooled by two girls into thinking fairies were real."
(00:26)

It's intriguing to note that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, renowned for his creation of Sherlock Holmes, was personally taken in by the Cottingley Fairies, showcasing that even the most skeptical minds can be susceptible to deception.

Belief vs. Skepticism

Holly reflects on the broader implications of the hoax:

"The thing which you probably know is that fairies aren't real. But Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to believe they could be. And so he found ways to dismiss all of the logical ways the photos of the Cottingley fairies could have been faked."
(00:40)

This highlights the human tendency to seek evidence that supports our beliefs, often overlooking logical explanations.

The Prevalence of Hoaxes in History

Tracy broadens the conversation to the significance of hoaxes throughout history:

"History is filled with hoaxes, people coming up with scams and tricks, sometimes for profit, but sometimes just for fun. In an era of misinformation, the ability to think critically and to understand what's real and what isn't seems more important than ever."
(00:55)

In today's digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly, the lessons from historical hoaxes are more relevant than ever.

Introducing the "Hoax" Podcast

The hosts take a moment to introduce their new endeavor:

Holly states:

"Hoax is a new podcast from me, Dana Schwartz, the creator of Noble Blood."
(01:10)

Tracy adds:

"And me, Lizzy Logan. Every episode, we'll explore one of the most audacious and ambitious tricks in history, from the fake Shakespeares to balloon boys, all trying to answer the question why we believe what we believe."
(01:14)

This collaboration promises listeners an in-depth look at various hoaxes, examining not just the events themselves but also the psychological and societal factors that make such deceptions possible.

Availability and Closing Remarks

Holly concludes with details on how to access the podcast:

"The first episode of Hoax is available on August 4th. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast."
(01:27)

Listeners are encouraged to tune in and embark on this journey to uncover the truths behind some of history's most intriguing hoaxes.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Deceptions: The episode explores significant hoaxes, starting with the Cottingley Fairies, highlighting how even credible individuals like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can be misled.

• Critical Thinking: Emphasis is placed on the importance of skepticism and critical thinking, especially in an era rife with misinformation.

• New Podcast Launch: Holly and Tracy introduce their new podcast, "Hoax," aiming to dissect and understand the mechanisms behind famous historical scams and the human propensity to believe in them.

Notable Quotes

• "Sherlock Holmes... was fooled by two girls into thinking fairies were real." – Tracy (00:26)

• "In an era of misinformation, the ability to think critically and to understand what's real and what isn't seems more important than ever." – Tracy (00:55)

This introductory episode sets the tone for a series that promises to blend historical narrative with insightful analysis, making it a must-listen for those fascinated by the interplay between belief, deception, and the human psyche.