The Reference Desk

Have you ever fallen down a rabbit hole into an obscure topic and suddenly need to know all the details and consume all the media related to it? You've found your people. Every other Wednesday, librarians Hailee and Katie take turns sharing the topic that has them bewitched. After a deep-dive into the subject-du-jour, fill your "to read" list with their related book recommendations.

The Reference Desk is a history podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 91 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Reference Desk, a history show with 91 episodes published.

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  The Reference Desk

  Women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus & Freddie Oversteegen

  Apr 23, 20251h 33mS0

  <p><b>In this episode, Katie is bewitched by three women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus and Freddie Oversteegen. </b></p><p>When the German Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, local resistance groups and everyday Dutch folks organized ingenious ways to fight back against their occupiers. From distributing illegal newspapers to bombing supply lines to killing Nazis, the Dutch resistance was a powerful example of how even against the biggest forces of evil, everyone can do something to fight back. Hannie Schaft, who once dreamed of using her law degree to fight fascism with the League of N...

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  The Reference Desk

  Dolly Parton Part 2

  Feb 5, 20251 hourS0

  <p>In this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Patron (again!)<br/><br/>After leaving the Porter Wagoner Show and striking it big on her own as a solo country artist, Dolly turned to yet another industry: the movies. The commercial and critical success of 9 to 5 (and the award-winning single of the same name Dolly wrote for the film) propelled her to superstardom. Since then, Dolly has been featured in over a dozen films, including classics like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias along with some flops (like when she tried to turn Sylvester Stallone into a coun...

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  The Reference Desk

  Dolly Parton Part 1

  Jan 22, 20251h 19mS0

  <p>In this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Parton. <br/><br/>Dolly Parton came from very humble beginnings but turned herself into a star. In this first part of a two-part series, we cover Dolly's childhood, spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Though Dolly's family lived in poverty, they never lacked love, and her early life remains a source of inspiration for her music. After teaching herself how to play guitar and compose music, Dolly earned a spot singing on a local radio show and was featured on the Grand Ole Opry. <br/><br/>After becoming the fir...

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  The Reference Desk

  Mental Health Vacation

  Apr 17, 20241h 26mS0

  <p>Sometimes, we all need a vacation! For us, that meant being together in person for the first time in two years and chatting about our favorite weird topics. <br/><br/>In this episode, Katie and Hailee are bewitched by the legend that is Reesa Teesa, the absurdity of medieval animals on trial, and the Dave Matthews Band tour bus incident.  Plus, we share some of our favorite feel-good books and media for self-care when our mental health is on the rocks. <br/><br/>Staff picks (available in our bookshop!)<br/>Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell<br/>The City Baker's Guide t...

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  The Reference Desk

  The Price is Right: The Perfect Bid Scandal

  Apr 3, 202453 minS0

  <p>Come on down! You’ve been accused of cheating on The Price is Right!<br/><br/>In this episode, Katie is bewitched by Terry Kneiss’ perfect showcase bid. </p><p>In 2008, a man named Terry Kneiss had a perfect bid on his showcase. But he was robbed of his celebratory moment when new host Drew Carey and tPIR producers assumed the historical bid was the result of cheating. While Kneiss maintained that his perfect bid was a combination of careful studying and a bit of sheer luck, producers thought he’d been given the winning number from audience member Ted Sla...

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