Short showHistorically Bad Advice

Ever wonder about the experts who got it spectacularly wrong? We're digging up hilariously terrible advice from history, from bizarre health fads to failed tech predictions. Join us for a sarcastic look back at the myths and misconceptions people once believed, celebrating the sweet hindsight of today.

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Pelvic Massage: A 19th-Century Prescription

Pelvic Massage: A 19th-Century Prescription

When physicians automated a bizarre medical treatment.

2:56
Buried in Manure: 1890s Urban Planning

Buried in Manure: 1890s Urban Planning

A sanitation nightmare erased by new technology.

3:17
"Poison Apples": Europe's Deadly Mistake

"Poison Apples": Europe's Deadly Mistake

How wealthy diners were killed by their fancy tableware.

3:01
"Flight Is Impossible": Lord Kelvin

"Flight Is Impossible": Lord Kelvin

The world's top minds dismissed a coming revolution.

4:00
The Runaway Train: A Victorian Expert's Blunder

The Runaway Train: A Victorian Expert's Blunder

When a celebrated mind's calculations went off the rails.

3:18
X-Ray Feet for a Perfect Fit: Shoe Store Fad

X-Ray Feet for a Perfect Fit: Shoe Store Fad

How 'science' sold a dangerous, unregulated device.

3:32
Whale Carcass Therapy: A 19th-Century Cure

Whale Carcass Therapy: A 19th-Century Cure

How desperation led to a strange medical treatment.

2:47
Cry It Out: The Victorian Parenting Fad

Cry It Out: The Victorian Parenting Fad

How experts taught parents to ignore their babies.

3:17
Eat Whale to Be Healthy: Post-War Health Advice

Eat Whale to Be Healthy: Post-War Health Advice

Governments once pushed whale meat as a superfood.

3:10
A Past Lover's Traits: Ancient 'Science'

A Past Lover's Traits: Ancient 'Science'

How a debunked theory was used to control women.

3:50