17: A Silly Lil’ Treat pt.2: BEARly Different

A Silly Lil' Treat pt.3: BEARly Different

In this history podcast, Maia and Grant sit down to have yet another light-hearted conversation on a variety of different topics. The host unexpectedly shares a fascinating pet story which takes a unique twist that you won't see coming because it is not your typical "man's best friend" narrative – this pet gets an extraordinary upgrade and embarks on a journey into the heart of wartime.

Join us as we explore the incredible story of Wojtek, the Syrian Brown Bear of World War II, showcasing the remarkable power of a simple treat and human affection.

This heart-touching episode reveals the extraordinary bond formed during intense moments and makes for a very interesting history podcast!

Key Highlights

Historical Contexts: The segment begins with a quick discussion of some historical contexts, as the hosts presented the Eurocentric view of the start of World War II. The two also dive into events surrounding the invasion of Poland in 1939 and talk about how it was not solely the work of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, under Stalin, also invaded Poland, splitting the country in half. As serious as this sounds it was not, a quick history lesson presented in the most entertaining way history can be presented!

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: The hosts touch up on the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, and its implications for the division of Poland along with the Sikorsky-Maisky Agreement, in which Joseph Stalin sought allies and collaborated with the exiled Polish government in London to release tens of thousands of Polish prisoners of war, who would help the USSR fight the Nazis.

Bear humor: The discussion sets the stage for the story of the bear Wojtek, also known as Wojtek the Soldier Bear, who was a real-life Syrian brown bear who became a mascot and soldier during World War II. He was adopted by a group of Polish soldiers and accompanied them throughout the war, even being officially enlisted as a private in the Polish Army. The conversation humorously emphasizes the practicality of bringing a pet bear on a road trip, highlighting the peculiar logistics of having a bear cub in their care, even as prisoners of war fighting for their homeland. You're in for a lot of laughs and giggles in this segment, as well as some aww-moments especially if you love animals!

Key Quotes

“I'm not trying to be like Yay communism I mean but like oh communism”
“There's like a whole war going on where the enemy is literally the Nazis and the Polish soldiers have to have a special dog crate sent to them so their little mascot can join them."
"I'd love to see a bear, and then here, oh yeah, are we gonna put those here?"
Honey, fruit, marmalade, and syrup. Wojtek was also often given other silly little treats like beer. That's PBAS, baby!

Interested in listening to more of such comedic, humor-packed, and educational podcasts? Make sure to tune in to our upcoming episodes and stay engaged with the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and share your favorite episodes to support "Well, I Laughed"!

Photos/Videos:


Wojtek as a young cub	Wojtek Sitting up for one of his handlers


Wojtek standing at attention in line with soldiers	Video Wojtek play wrestling with soldiers (2min 12sec)


Wojtek play wresting with soldier	Wojtek boarding British boat to Italy war front


Wojtek emblem/insignia for the 22nd Company	Wojtek's claw marks in the tree at the farm in Berwickshire - Polish at Heart


Soldiers riding Wojtek in Berwickshire	Edinburgh bronze statue of Wojtek and Prendys