The True Scandal of Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegeta...

In 1800s America, something terrifying is feeding on the quiet town of Exeter. As members of George Brown's family succumb one by one, the town considers drastic measures to protect the living from the dead. For a list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com Cautionary T ...  Show more

In 1980s Southern England, intricate crop circles are appearing overnight, and people are desperate for an explanation. Could humans really create something so complex without anyone spotting them? The truth is out there! Actually, the truth is right here. The problem is getting ...  Show more

In a time when women were desperate for safe and effective treatments for women’s health issues, Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compounds became one of the best-known medicines of the 19th century. She began by giving away the compound for free to create a strong referral network, whi ...  Show more

Thanks so much for listening to Historical Figures. Parcast has another podcast called Great Women of Business where we profile amazing female business leaders. This episode is on Lydia Pinkham, an historic figure in her own right! We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do! ...  Show more

Long before the days of expiration dates and ingredient labels, the drug and food industries were an unregulated Wild West plagued by false advertising, fake cure-alls, and manufacturers that would do anything to cut costs. The public health scandals weren’t far behind. Learn mor ...  Show more

Not only were Madame Rachel's claims about the magical qualities of her cosmetics false, she also used her London salon as a front for shadier practices like blackmail and prostitution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices