Rick Nazden
Rick Nazden is our go-to writer for the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully obscure sides of America's past. Before joining the team, he spent six years working as a historical society tour guide, which perfectly explains his talent for turning dusty facts into incredible, edge-of-your-seat stories. Rick specializes in Cold War oddities, bizarre mid-century inventions, and the totally forgotten pop culture fads of the 1980s. When his laptop is finally closed for the day, he is usually out scouring local flea markets for vintage cereal boxes or trying to beat the high score on the classic Pac-Man arcade cabinet he restored in his living room.
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How These 10 Misunderstood Moments Shaped American History More Than You Think
Uncover 10 popular myths in American history, from Columbus’ ‘discovery’ to the real reasons behind the Civil War and more.
How These Strange But Crucial Decisions Shaped America’s Early Years in Ways You Never Expected
From wild elephant offers to bizarre proposals, these strange decisions shaped early America in unexpected ways.
Why the Salem Witch Trials Created Mass Hysteria and How Their Impact Still Haunts America
The Salem Witch Trials revealed deep fears and prejudices in colonial America, shaping legal and cultural perspectives for centuries.
How Radio Took Over American Homes in 1920s
The rise of radio in the 1920s revolutionized American culture, connecting people nationwide and shaping entertainment, news, and politics.
How the Pony Express Delivered Mail Across America and Why It Didn’t Last
The Pony Express revolutionized communication across the American frontier, bridging the gap between the East and West before the telegraph.
How the Erie Canal Transformed American Trade and Why Its Impact Is Overlooked
The Erie Canal revolutionized American trade, linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic and fueling economic expansion in the 19th century.