Well, hello there, pardner. Welcome to JMiF.
Curiosity. Rewarded.
So, what is JMiF?
Yes, JMiF is a blog, but it’s also part time capsule, part road trip, and a lot of digging into a whole bunch of nearly-lost stories behind invention, innovation, and progress.
I look past the name that’s engraved on the tidy little plaque at the museum. I dig into margins for the factory workers, collaborators, pioneers, trailblazers, and “wives of” who were often just as responsible for changing the world. Sometimes they were even more responsible. I want to know where they grew up, what school was like, did they fight with their siblings, and what they did when they weren’t busy making history.
So, JMiF is not a simple catalog of historical whodunnits. I look at the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. I don’t back away from stolen credit, slavery, exclusion, the Matilda effect, unequal access, underrepresentation, and the people who didn’t really benefit from technological progress.
History… it’s complicated. And that is exactly what makes it worth exploring.
Also, I discuss hot dogs whenever appropriate, and occasionally even when it most certainly is not.
Buckle up, besties. Enjoy the ride.
JMiF was created to share my love of learning and my addiction to discovering cool stories with the world around me.
Engaging storytelling. Tireless research. Insatiable curiosity. All to uncover the people, ideas, and moments that changed the world.
The core of JMiF is researched history. Sometimes, it’s a little too researched. You’ll know what I mean when you stumble upon the hot dog article. Other times, I’m doing the best I can. The beautiful thing about history, is there is always a lean to the take based on who was writing it. I’m always open to thoughtful dialogue and discourse if I got something incorrect.
The non-core of JMiF is to be an avenue of expression and sharing for me. I do a lot of reading. I travel. I live to discover new things. And in those discoveries, I love to share my thoughts. It’s generally not a hot take but sometimes I get miffed about something and vent. When you aren’t on the road through history, feel free to detour into some of my book and gaming recommendations!
Seriously, thank you.
I am not writing for profit, I’m writing for the adventure. I have a passion for sharing knowledge and I love to dive into rabbit holes. My favorite thing is finding coincidences and geeking out about them. I have a day job and I love it. If you’re in the startup space or in Illinois, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!
Meet The Fam
Really, it’s just me (for now) working on JMiF, but who doesn’t love pictures of cats?
Jeffrey “Jeffy” Inman
Founder & Writer
Pluto McGillicuddy
Meownager
Lando Catrissian
Chief Researcher
Luke Skywhisker
Editor in Chief
The Original Series
Badass Women in History
History is full of extraordinary women whose stories were forgotten, simplified, or stolen. Discover the inventors, scientists, rebels, spies, pioneers, and trailblazers who challenged expectations and changed the world—often without receiving the credit they deserved.
We Built That!?
From everyday conveniences to world-changing breakthroughs, America has built an astonishing amount of the modern world. Follow a cross-country journey uncovering the people, places, and ideas behind more than 250 years of American innovation.
Illinovation
Illinois has quietly shaped the modern world in ways most people never realize. Explore the inventions, breakthroughs, businesses, institutions, and innovators that prove the Prairie State has been one of history’s greatest engines of progress.
300-Second History Lessons
Short on time? These bite-sized history lessons deliver fascinating people, surprising events, and overlooked moments in about five minutes. Perfect for satisfying your curiosity without committing to a full-blown historical rabbit hole.
Want to help keep the tank full?
- Your contribution helps keep research material available.
- Your contribution helps make sure nearly-lost stories are told.
- Your contribution helps pay the tolls for the rabbit holes.
