Episodes
Lapulapu, The Apostate Of Mactan
The Life of Lapulapu, The Filipino National Hero
The Forgotten Colony Of Erik The Red
Eric The Red was a Norwegian farmer in the 10th century. After finding himself incompatible with the rules of civilisation he sailed west looking for a new place to call home in the frigid wastes of Greenland. Now, the ruins …
Valette and The Great Siege of Malta (Part 3)
After a heroic final stand, Fort St Elmo has finally fallen. With the Ottoman navy now streaming into the harbour, the Knights prepare for an assault on three fronts as both sides are pushed past their breaking point. Meanwhile, Valette …
Valette and The Great Siege of Malta (Part 2)
The enormous Ottoman fleet has just been sighted on the horizon of Malta, 'The Greatest Siege Of All Time' has begun! As Dragut, 'The Drawn Sword Of Islam' wrestles command from his underlings, the isolated Fort St Elmo endures one …
Valette and The Great Siege of Malta (Part 1)
"Nothing is more well known than the siege of Malta" - Voltaire In the year 1565 an enormous Ottoman fleet departed Constantinople heading for the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. With around 40,000 troops onboard, the army was tasked with …
The Indian Renaissance of Ram Mohan Roy
Ram Mohan Roy was a Bengali man from the 19th century. After watching a widow burnt alive as part of a Hindu funeral ceremony, he dedicated his life to improving women's rights and restoring pride in Indian identity. He faced …
Afghanistan: Chatting with Madina
In this very special episode, I chat with the Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Granddaughter of Ahmad Shah Duranni, whose story I covered on our Afghanistan episode! Madina and I chat about her lineage, family and enduring legacy …
The Last Stand Of The Maya: The Tale Of Tecun Uman
Elliot tells the story of the destruction of the indigenous Mayan peoples of Guatemala and their leader, Tecun Uman. He shares first hand accounts of The Spanish conquest of The Kʼicheʼ kingdom and the brutal treatment of the Native Americans …
Bokassa I, The Cannibal Emperor Of Africa
We explore the life and legacy of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, better known as Emperor Bokassa. We examine his rise to power, his outrageous spending habits, and his fall from grace. We discuss his obsession with Napoleon and his lust for power …
Collaboration: Chatting With Ollie
In my first collaboration episode I chat with Ollie, an English guy who runs the 'History Emporium And Pals Podcast' We talk Alfred The Great, English History, Podcasting, Personal Passions and the white-washing of the history we get caught in …
Alfred The Great And The Last Kingdom (Part 2)
After a humiliating defeat, Alfred retreats to the swamps of Wessex and desperately tries to pickup the pieces of his shattered kingdom. Meanwhile, Viking Warlord Guthrum recruits more Danes to help subdue the troublesome realm. The fate of England balances …
Alfred The Great And The Last Kingdom (Part 1)
Alfred was the ruler of the Kingdom of Wessex in the 9th century. As the rest of England fell to Viking invaders he won a string of miraculous victories and pushed back the heathens. It seemed God stood with him, …
Tituba, The Black Witch Of Salem
Tituba was a slave in the highly religious town of Salem, Massachusetts. After being wrongly convicted of witchcraft she ensured her survival by involving other townsfolk in her story of rituals, spells and The Devil.
Abu Tahir Al-Jannabi, The Muslim Who Sacked Mecca
Abu Tahir was the leader of a mystical offshoot of mainstream Islam known as 'The Qarmatians'. He created a kind of 'proto-communist' enclave on the Arabian peninsula, and successfully defended it from the Abbasid Caliphate. But soon his hatred of …
Eugene Of Savoy, Saviour Of House Habsburg
Eugene was a French aristocrat born in the 17th century. After being snubbed by the French King for his ugly face and frail body, he rose through the ranks of the Austrian military and bought the Arrogant French King and …
Blackbeard, Scourge Of The Sea
Blackbeard was a pirate from the 18th century. He delighted in terrorising pirates and civilians alike as his iconic Jolly Roger flag spread fear across the high seas. Encouraging stories of his own depravity, Blackbeard earned a fierce reputation as …
Imadaddin Nasimi, The Poet Martyr
Imadaddin Nasimi wrote heretical poetry in 14th century Azerbaijan. Despite being banned, his altruistic poetry was incredibly popular and helped give rise to the Azerbaijani language. He evaded capture for many years but when he saw a man being tortured …
St Gregory The Illuminator And The Birth Of The Church
St Gregory was one of the first Christian missionaries in the 3rd century. He bought his faith to Armenia, and received a hostile reception from King Tiradates III who tortured him mercilessly attempting to making him recant his faith. When …
The First King Of Numidia, Masinissa
Masinissa was the son of a minor Berber Chieftain around the time of the Punic Wars. Through his skills as a cavalry commander he became Rome's most important ally, and the first King of Numidia. By the end of his …
Wilfred the Hairy And Charlemagne's Last Rump State
The March of Barcelona was created as a buffer zone by Charlemagne in the 8th century. Over the course of years, all counties except Andorra were absorbed by Spain or France. Listen in for the bizarre history of why Andorra …
The Slave Who Became A King, Zumbi Dos Palmares
Zumbi was a descendant of Angolan royalty who was enslaved and sent to Brazil. He led a guerrilla war against the Portuguese, and built a city deep within the Amazon rainforest for runaway slaves. Under his brilliant leadership, he turned …
Australian Outlaw Ned Kelly and His Gang
We hear the story of one of Australia's most infamous outlaws - Ned Kelly. We learn about his early life, and how he became involved in crime. We hear about the rise of the Kelly Gang, and their notorious crimes. …