Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities

Accidental MVP

Jul 7, 2026 · 11m

Summary

This episode explores two historical curiosities: the origin of Texas A&M’s “12th Man” tradition and the Xeropolis tragedy. Host Aaron Mahnke recounts how a student’s willingness to play saved a football team from forfeit in 1922. He then details the 1896 coronation crush that killed thousands, earning Tsar Nicholas II the nickname “Bloody Nicholas” and contributing to his eventual downfall.

Topics discussed

Intro and Grainger advertisement Welcome to Cabinet of Curiosities The 12th Man: Texas A&M football legend Disney Cruise and Hyundai advertisements The Khodynka Field disaster and Tsar Nicholas II Outro, book promotion, and Patreon Las Culturistas and Hotels.com ad
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