Forbidden History

Forbidden History

Forbidden History is an investigative documentary podcast series produced by Like A Shot Entertainment that examines the enigmas, controversial legacies, and hidden narratives of the past. Building upon the foundations of the established television franchise of the same name, the podcast explores a broad spectrum of historical topics, ranging from ancient archaeological mysteries to 20th-century political conspiracies and wartime secrets.

Narrated by Eric Meyers, each episode functions as a deep dive into the archives, aiming to separate historical fact from popular myth and folklore. The series frequently tackles subjects that challenge conventional wisdom, including the potential origins of the Holy Grail, the hidden history of the Knights Templar, and the archaeological reality behind the legend of King Arthur. Modern historical events also feature prominently, with investigations into the fate of the Romanov family, Nazi-era cover-ups, and the Cold War’s most enduring secrets.

The production emphasizes expert testimony, incorporating insights from professional historians, archaeologists, and specialized researchers. Notable contributors to the series include battlefield archaeologist Tim Sutherland and historian Dominic Selwood, who provide technical and academic context to the narratives. The format typically involves a centralized theme explored through a combination of expert analysis and detailed storytelling, focusing on the physical and archival evidence left behind in the historical record.

Produced in association with the Argonon group, the show has established a significant international presence, frequently appearing in the top history and documentary charts in regions including Australia and the United Kingdom. By investigating the lesser-known aspects of the past, the program provides listeners with new perspectives on familiar stories, utilizing rigorous research and contemporary findings to illuminate previously overlooked or suppressed information. The series maintains a consistent release schedule, offering a comprehensive exploration into the diverse and often contested facets of global history.

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Episode's summary

This episode explores the historical details and human impact of the Salem witch trials, examining how mass hysteria, spectral evidence, and personal vendettas led to tragic executions. The discussion highlights specific figures like Ann Putnam Jr., Tituba, and Giles Corey to illustrate the mechanics of the trials. The narrative further examines the legacy of these events, tracing the transition from religious tyranny to Salem's modern identity as a hub for witchcraft. Finally, the episode serves as a cautionary tale, noting that modern-day witch hunts driven by land theft and hysteria continue to occur globally in parts of Africa and Asia.

Chapters

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Highlights

Ann Putnam Jr. accused 62 people of witchcraft, and she was responsible for the deaths of 17 people.

00:01:20 · The speaker identifies a direct connection between a key accuser and the high number of casualties in the trials.

None of the people who confessed to practicing witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials were killed. Those accused who claimed innocence all hung.

00:06:13 · This highlights the paradoxical and deadly incentive structure created during the trials.

If someone wanted your land, if somebody wanted your property, if they didn't like you, then the easiest way of getting rid of you is to point the fickle finger of fate and call you a witch.

00:13:41 · The speaker suggests that many accusations were driven by mundane motives like land disputes rather than actual belief in witchcraft.

While he's being tortured, the sheriff asked him, have you changed your mind? Will you enter a plea? To which he replies, more weight.

00:18:10 · This illustrates Giles Corey's extreme defiance during his execution by pressing.

21st century witch hunts around the world are a reminder that the lessons of history must continually be learned, or else history will be repeated.

00:37:15 · The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from past atrocities to prevent modern-day repetitions of mass hysteria.

Episodes

234-

Halloween Special: Salem Witch Trials | The Visual Edition

This episode explores the historical details and human impact of the Salem witch trials, examining how mass hysteria, spectral evidence, and personal vendettas led to tragic executions. The discussion highlights specific figures like Ann Putnam Jr., Tituba, and Giles Corey to illustrate the mechanics of the trials. The narrative further examines the legacy of these events, tracing the transition from religious tyranny to Salem's modern identity as a hub for witchcraft. Finally, the episode serves as a cautionary tale, noting that modern-day witch hunts driven by land theft and hysteria continue to occur globally in parts of Africa and Asia.

29 Oct 2026
233-

Halloween Special: The Unsolved Mystery of the Woman in the Wych Elm

This episode explores the 1943 discovery of human remains in a hollow tree in Birmingham, England, during World War II. It details the forensic investigation into the unidentified woman's death and the subsequent appearance of cryptic 'Bella' graffiti that reignited public interest in the cold case. The investigation examines various theories regarding the identity of 'Bella,' including potential connections to German spy Joseph Jacobs and allegations involving Jack Mossop and a Dutch man named Van Ralt. The episode also delves into theories of a cover-up by British security services, the suspicious disappearance of crucial police records, and the use of modern facial reconstruction technology to aid in identification.

27 Oct 2026
232-

The Devil's Bible | The Visual Edition

This episode explores the history and legends surrounding the Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil's Bible, including its mysterious origins and the legend of its monk author. The journey traces the manuscript's turbulent survival through religious wars, its time in the Sedlec ossuary, and its movement through various hands, including Emperor Rudolf II and Queen Christina of Sweden. Beyond its physical history, the episode investigates connections to 13th-century Bohemian folklore, such as Huska Castle and the 'Devil's Heads' carvings. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on how the manuscript serves as a powerful memento mori and a representation of the fundamental Christian duality between salvation and perdition.

22 Oct 2026
231-

Why Cleopatra Risked Everything

This episode explores the political life and strategic maneuvers of Cleopatra, beginning with her early education under Ptolemy XII. It details how she learned to leverage Roman debt and navigate internal Egyptian crises, such as the Gabiniani uprising, by utilizing Roman connections to reclaim her throne. The narrative follows her calculated use of wealth and femininity to form alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The episode concludes by examining the rise of Octavian, the pivotal Battle of Actium, and how the very gender-based political strategies Cleopatra used to gain power were ultimately weaponized by Rome to orchestrate her downfall.

20 Oct 2026
230-

The Pyramid Code | The Visual Edition

This episode explores the mysteries and construction of ancient pyramids, ranging from the Great Pyramid of Giza and Teotihuacan to the controversial structures in Bosnia. It examines mainstream Egyptological views alongside fringe theories regarding pyramids as energy conduits, technological machines, or remnants of a lost global culture. The discussion details recent archaeological findings, such as muon particle voids in Egypt and pyrite-embedded tunnels in Mexico, while weighing the claims of Sam Osmanagic regarding man-made formations in Bosnia. The episode contrasts scientific geological perspectives with theories about the intentional astronomical planning and potential healing properties of these ancient monuments.

15 Oct 2026