Podcast rec: The Bowery Boys
The Bowery Boys podcast first caught my attention this summer, with their short series on New York in the 1920s — but they've been around a hell of a lot longer than that.
This podcast has 255 episodes, all chronicling the history of New York City. The episodes often focus small, on neighborhoods, buildings, or people.
Don't let the number of episodes intimidate you. I've been skipping around to explore the topics and time periods that catch my eye, and it's been a great way to pass the time on my commute, and keep learning when I'm too tired to read. Also of note: each episode has a post on their site with tons of historical pictures and references.
Here are some of my favorite episodes. You'll notice a theme, obviously — I'm currently devouring as much information as I can about the early 20th century. The podcast has been pretty invaluable to me, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Texas Guinan, Queen of the SpeakeasiesTexas Guinan was a total boss who hosted at many illicit nightclubs during the '20s. She is also now my hero.
The Algonquin Round TableListening to this made me want to get all my friends together at a fancy hotel so they could roast the shit out of me.
The Cotton Club"Why is it called that?" "Oh God, that's why."
Rudolph ValentinoAKA how buckwild can this story get.
Orchard Street: Life on the Lower East SideFeat. how those tenements worked, which had me pumping my fist and shouting YES, YES THANK YOU.
The Disappearance of Dorothy ArnoldWhich I'm now going to be mad about for the rest of my life?
Madame CJ Walker, Harlem's Self-Made MillionaireAnother total boss who deserves her own movie.


