Behind the Scenes Minis: This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven

Summary of Behind the Scenes Minis: This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven

by iHeartPodcasts

19m•January 16, 2026
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Overview of Stuff You Missed in History Class — Behind the Scenes Minis: "This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven"

This behind-the-scenes mini from Stuff You Missed in History Class (hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey) walks listeners through the producers’ editorial process for the "Unearthed" episodes, recent items considered or added to that episode, and a range of topical reflections — from threats to cultural institutions to odd archaeological finds and ethical choices about storytelling. The hosts mix production logistics with reactions to late-breaking news, research hurdles (paywalls), and personal anecdotes about travel and podcasting.

Production & editorial decisions

  • Workflow described:

    • Tracy prepped most of both parts of the Unearthed episode before taking time off for the holidays.
    • On returning to work she checked RSS feeds for late-year developments and added a few items (e.g., Victorian shoes).
    • She shared the revised outline with Holly and then learned of more developments she’d missed while away.

  • Editorial challenges and constraints:

    • Rapidly changing news led to last-minute additions (Smithsonian funding letter; Corporation for Public Broadcasting vote).
    • Some topics were excluded because the hosts felt they couldn’t discuss them with adequate context or expertise (e.g., ongoing Department of Education debates over how history is taught).
    • Practical limits: paywalled sources (BBC and small local outlets) make verifying or citing some stories difficult for the show’s research.

News items & topics discussed

  • Smithsonian and funding threats:

    • A letter was sent concerning the Smithsonian (addressed to Lonnie Bunch), raising worries about withholding funding. Hosts expressed frustration at attacks on historians and historical institutions.

  • Corporation for Public Broadcasting:

    • The CPB voted to dissolve itself very close to the episode’s deadline, further complicating the editorial picture.

  • Victorian shoes:

    • A late-breaking, evocative item Tracy added after seeing a headline while away. The hosts noted how compelling small discoveries can be for storytelling.

  • Art heists and thefts:

    • Noted a cluster of art heist stories late last year (including one at the Louvre). The hosts suspect increased reporting — not necessarily an actual spike — and discussed how art theft can be used by organized criminals as barter or leverage (e.g., promising to recover a stolen work in exchange for leniency).

  • BBC paywall impact:

    • BBC news going behind a paywall (at least outside the UK) disrupted access to previously bookmarked research articles; this illustrates broader problems for journalism access and podcast research.

  • Dionne quintuplets / Annette Dion:

    • The hosts addressed the death of the last surviving Dionne quintuplet, Annette Dion (died December 24, 2025, aged 91).
    • They explained why they will not immediately produce an episode: ethical concerns about retelling a life that already involved exploitation, respecting grieving family, and the need for historical distance.

  • Animal burials and archaeology:

    • Discussion of animal cemeteries (notably macaques buried with grave goods) and the emotional/ritual significance of animal burials.
    • Fascination with the parallels between human and animal funerary practices and what future archaeologists might infer from modern pet burials, ashes jars, etc.

  • Ancient Celtic dictionary:

    • Hosts highlighted that a projected complete ancient Celtic dictionary would contain only about a thousand words, which they found striking compared to constructed languages like Klingon.

  • Bayeux Tapestry (mispronounced repeatedly as “Bayou” in the discussion):

    • The tapestry will be on loan (implying upcoming opportunity to see it in London). Hosts expressed eagerness to visit the exhibit.

Host reflections & personal anecdotes

  • Travel and podcast work:

    • Both hosts shared personal travel reflections: fears of flying, first experiences traveling by air, and gratitude that podcast work enabled trips to Europe and other places they might not otherwise have made.
    • Tracy acknowledges that many listeners don’t have the opportunity to travel and feels grateful for the experiences made possible by the show.

  • Ethical storytelling:

    • Repeated emphasis on being careful when covering recently deceased or exploited individuals (e.g., the Dionne quintuplets) — balancing public interest with sensitivity to survivors and historical distance.

Notable quotes / takeaways

  • On attacks to the historical profession: hosts say actions are "attacked and undermined" — a strong expression of concern about political pressures on historical institutions and teaching.
  • On art crime: art theft is sometimes used as criminal currency — stolen works can be leveraged later for bargaining or money laundering.
  • On coverage timing: there’s often not new insight to add immediately after major coverage; piling on can feel unhelpful or exploitative.

Practical implications / action items for listeners

  • If you follow history/podcast research:

    • Expect some late additions and corrections when episodes are produced across holiday periods — hosts actively monitor feeds and add late-breaking items.
    • Be mindful of paywall limitations when researching; some items may require alternative sources.

  • If you’re a fan wanting more:

    • Hosts indicate some stories (Dionne quintuplets) may be revisited later once enough time has passed and context allows.
    • Keep an eye on upcoming exhibitions (Bayeux Tapestry loan) that the hosts plan to see and potentially cover.

Sponsors & recurring spots (brief)

  • The episode contains repeated sponsor and PSA reads interspersed through the transcript: PrEP/carefortheculture.com PSA; Bahamar (Nassau resort); Amazon One Medical; Leqvio (cholesterol medication); Xfinity; Big O Tires; Toyota. These are standard ad reads included in the minis episode.

Final note

This mini episode is lighter on a single historical narrative and heavier on editorial transparency, host perspectives, and how current events, access to sources, and ethics shape what gets covered and when. It’s useful for listeners who want to understand the production choices behind the show and the hosts’ stance on sensitive storytelling.