Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged

How One Man Drowned San Diego. What if someone promised to make it rain—and you believed them?In the early 1900s, Charles Hatfield went from selling sewing machines door to door to pitching American cities on an impossible idea: that he could manufacture rainfall using a secret chemical process. Farmers hired him. Towns paid him. And rain seemed to follow wherever he went.Then San Diego made a deal.Facing an extreme drought and mounting pressure as it prepared for a major world exposition, city leaders took a gamble on Hatfield’s “no rain, no pay” promise. What followed was not relief—but chaos. Rain fell. Then more rain. Then flooding, collapsing infrastructure, and a disaster that would permanently change the city.In this episode, Jody walks Shea through:How Hatfield built his reputation as The RainmakerWhy early 20th-century America was primed to believe himThe thin line between innovation, coincidence, and catastropheAnd the legal and moral fallout that lasted more than 20 yearsDid Hatfield actually make it rain?Or was he simply very good at predicting when nature was already about to unleash itself?The answer isn’t as simple—or as comforting—as you might think.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we have a huge announcement! Rainy Day Rabbit Holes has joined the MSW Media Network! We are so excited for this new partnership. We will continue to bring you all of the juicy and unhinged history that you have grown to love, but now with 25% more politicians behaving badly!Also, if you haven't heard about it yet, we cover the story of the Columbia outdoor wear company offering its assets to anyone who can provide a photo of the edge of the earth. #expeditionimpossiblehttps://youtu.be/JxJOAsTMC6wGo check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.com, and check out the other great podcasts at MSW Media! www.mswmedia.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

History is messy. It’s weird, wild, and anything but boring. Rainy Day Rabbit Holes is a history podcast about unhinged stories that make you stop and ask, wait… is this real life?From crazy disasters and tasty scandals to enlightening and surprisingly heartwarming tales, the show explores moments where people behaved badly—and sometimes beautifully. Expect naughty politicians, cultural chaos, and a deep love for the Pacific Northwest… including Bigfoot.It’s thoughtful, irreverent, occasionally serious, and always entertaining.Go listen now and fall down the rabbit hole.Find Rainy Day Rabbit Holes at rainydayrabbitholes.com or wherever you get your podcasts.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special fan-fiction episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody dive headfirst into myth, memory, and maritime magic with a story written especially for beloved Patreon supporter Captain Dan.Set against the storm-soaked docks and taverns of the 19th-century Salish Sea, this tale follows a seasoned ship’s captain whose final voyage brings him face-to-face with Cadborosaurus—the legendary sea serpent said to haunt the waters of Cadboro Bay. What begins as a routine herring run turns into an encounter with something ancient, terrifying, beautiful… and irresistible.Blending historical texture, Pacific Northwest folklore, and unapologetic romantic weirdness, this episode is a love letter to:Old sailors with haunted eyesSea monsters who may not be monsters at allThe pull of the ocean—and what happens when you answer itThis story is inspired by Episode 26, “Release the Kraken: Sea Monsters of the Salish Sea,” and created as a thank-you to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Patreon supporters. It is fan fiction, folklore, and birthday present all rolled into one slightly damp, fish-scented package.🎂 Happy (belated) 70th birthday, Captain Dan.⚓ Some sailors retire. Others sail on forever.If fog rolls in and you hear singing from the harbor… maybe don’t follow it. Or do. Chris Staudinger, sorry we killed you off.If you want your very own piece of bespoke fan fiction, consider signing up for our Patreon! Not only will you get ad-free episodes early, you get bonus content and so much more! Check out our website at www.rainydayrabbitholes.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🎉 This week is a little different—and very special.We’re not bringing you a new historical story in this episode. Instead, we invite you to curl up with us as we look back, laugh, and reflect on the last 100 episodes of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.If you’re in the mood for something story-driven instead, no worries at all—feel free to hop over to our latest fan fiction episode, which is ready and waiting for you. 🐇🎙️ 100 episodes. Somehow.In this milestone episode, Shea and Jody celebrate over two years of podcasting chaos, curiosity, friendship, and forgotten history. What started as a half-formed idea in the Pacific Northwest turned into 100 full episodes, countless rabbit holes, a growing community, and friendships we never expected.This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter—to listeners, collaborators, historians, and each other.🐇 What We Talk About:Why reaching 100 episodes is such a rare podcast milestoneEarly audio struggles, evolving formats, and champagne-fueled recording daysThe episodes that still stick with us (and why)Listener-favorite stories like:Madam MustacheThe Salish Sea Human Foot DiscoveriesThe Traveling Corpse of Elmer McCurdyIshi: The Last Wild IndianSea Monsters of the Salish SeaHow podcasting changed the way we see history—and historiansWhy preserving uncomfortable history mattersMessages and reflections from listeners, friends, and fellow podcastersThe friendships and creative communities that grew out of this show💖 Gratitude & Community:We take time to thank the people who made the last 100 episodes possible—from collaborators and historians to fellow podcasters, Radio Tacoma, behind-the-scenes helpers, and the listeners who stuck with us while we figured things out.🔮 What’s Next:We also share news about an upcoming project, State of Disgrace, where we’ll explore moments in history that echo loudly into the present—starting with McCarthyism, fear politics, and how societies find their way back from the brink.This new show will be more focused and seasonal, but rooted in the same curiosity that drives Rainy Day Rabbit Holes.🥂 Final Thoughts:This episode isn’t about numbers or algorithms. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and building something together.Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just fell down the rabbit hole—thank you for being part of this journey.🕳️ Here’s to 100 more. See you down the rabbit hole.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy