Indy Neidell in Conversation

Niagara Falls wasn’t always a postcard-perfect tourist spot. In the early 1900s, it was ground zero for an industrial revolution powered by the falls themselves. What began as a sacred site for Indigenous nations transformed into one of North America’s most powerful industrial hubs—fueled by the world’s first large-scale hydroelectric plants.In this episode, we dive into the forgotten rise and dramatic fall of Niagara Falls’ mills district. You’ll learn how Tesla and Westinghouse turned it into an electrical powerhouse, why major industries like aluminum and chemicals flocked to its shores, and how environmental disasters like Love Canal left a permanent scar. Today’s Niagara is a shadow of its roaring industrial past—but the ruins, tunnels, and power stations still tell a fascinating story.

10 Apr 20min

Once a booming roadside attraction along America’s highways, Wigwam Motels symbolized a golden era of postwar travel. With their iconic teepee-shaped rooms, these unique lodgings captured the imagination of Route 66 tourists during the rise of the automobile age. But how did something so bold, kitschy, and beloved become nearly extinct?In this episode, we explore the surprising history behind the Wigwam Motels—from their invention in the 1930s by Frank Redford, to their rise in popularity across the country, and the cultural controversy that followed. We’ll visit what remains of these strange structures today, meet the people trying to preserve them, and uncover why their quirky charm couldn’t stand up to the forces of modernization, franchising, and shifting cultural values.

5 Apr 15min

At one point in American history, the circus didn’t just come to town—it rumbled in like a thunderstorm on steel wheels. These mile-long trains carried everything: elephants, big tops, lion cages, and hundreds of performers. They were logistical marvels, traveling from coast to coast and transforming empty lots into dazzling cities of wonder overnight. But over time, the spectacle faded, the animals disappeared, and the trains were left to rust.In this episode, we uncover the bizarre history and epic scale of circus trains—why they existed, how they operated, and what brought the whole spectacle to an end. Were these the real-life Snowpiercers of showbiz? And could a spectacle this large ever return?

29 Mars 16min

For nearly a century, Mar-a-Lago has loomed large over Palm Beach—first as a palace of opulence, then as a flashpoint of politics. Originally built by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, this 20th-century mega-mansion was once offered to the U.S. government as a presidential retreat… but they turned it down. Years later, Donald Trump made a stunning real estate power play that saved it from demolition and turned it into the Winter White House. This is the incredible true story of America’s most controversial estate—one of luxury, lawsuits, and legacy.

27 Mars 20min

Buried Cadillacs in the middle of nowhere? Welcome to Cadillac Ranch, one of the most bizarre and iconic landmarks along Route 66. Originally installed in 1974 by a group of artists and funded by a Texas millionaire, this half-buried fleet of classic Cadillacs has become a symbol of roadside Americana. But after decades of graffiti, vandalism, and weathering, what’s left of this legendary site today? Join us as we uncover the strange history of Cadillac Ranch, its impact on pop culture, and why thousands still visit this decaying masterpiece every year.

22 Mars 15min

In 1628, Sweden launched what was meant to be the most powerful warship of its time—the Vasa. But within 20 minutes of setting sail, it tragically sank right in Stockholm’s harbor. Now, nearly 400 years later, the Vasa Museum holds one of the best-preserved shipwrecks in history, offering an unparalleled look into 17th-century naval warfare and engineering failure.We traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to explore the Vasa Museum, uncover the fascinating story behind the ship's doomed voyage, and speak with Dr. Fred Hocker, the leading expert on the Vasa’s recovery and restoration. Why did this state-of-the-art warship fail so spectacularly? What secrets does it hold about Sweden’s ambitions during the Thirty Years' War? And how did it become one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time?Join us as we step inside the Vasa Ship, explore its centuries-old remains, and uncover the shocking truth behind Sweden’s greatest maritime disaster.

15 Mars 31min

In the heart of Maricopa County, Arizona, stands Towers Jail—a facility that was never meant to last but became a permanent fixture in the U.S. incarceration system. Originally built in 1982 as a temporary solution to overcrowding, the 720-bed detention center soon became part of a larger crisis in mass incarceration. Towers Jail was designed for pretrial detainees, but over the years, it has been plagued by outdated infrastructure, extreme heat, and overcrowding. Critics argue it represents the failures of Arizona’s justice system, while supporters claim it still serves a vital purpose. With poor living conditions, increasing maintenance costs, and growing legal challenges, the future of Towers Jail is now in question. Will it be shut down, modernized, or replaced? And what does its story say about the larger issue of mass incarceration in America? Join us as we explore the rise, controversy, and uncertain future of Towers Jail in this episode of It’s History.

13 Mars 16min

Deep beneath the city of Rzeszów, Poland, lies a relic of the Cold War—the Marysieńka Shelter. Once a secret refuge designed to protect against nuclear fallout, this underground bunker remains largely unknown to the outside world. In this ON-LOCATION episode of It's History, we tour the eerie corridors and abandoned rooms of this historic shelter to uncover what still remains. Join us as we explore the bunker’s past, from its construction during the Cold War to its present-day condition. We examine the architecture, survival provisions, and Cold War technology left behind. What was this place built to withstand? And why has it been forgotten? Step inside Poland’s hidden history and discover the secrets beneath Rzeszów.

8 Mars 16min