Speaking at a 1913 National Geographic Society gala, Hiram Bingham III, the American explorer celebrated for finding the “lost city” of the Andes two years earlier, suggested that Machu Picchu “is an awful name, but it is well worth remembering.” Millions of travelers have since followed Bingham’s advice. When Bingham first encountered Machu Picchu, the site ... Show More
Jul 26
Michelle Bigenho and Henry Stobart, "Heritage Fever: Law and Cultural Politics in a Decolonizing State" (Oxford UP, 2025)
The early twenty-first century ushered in a period of change in Bolivia. The country welcomed its first Indigenous president, a new constitution, and a profusion of laws that recognized individual music and dance expressions as intangible cultural heritage. Using cultural heritag ... Show More
1 h
Jul 20
Brendan Greeley, "The Almighty Dollar: 500 Years of the World's Most Powerful Money" (Crown, 2026)
America’s money is global money—nearly every nation in the world writes international contracts in dollars, and in 2023, central banks around the world held nearly $6.7 trillion in dollar reserves, three times any other currency. Today, the United States’ global hegemony rests la ... Show More
1h 21m
Jul 19
Gabriella Soto, "Border Afterlives: Migrant Deaths, Forensic Investigations, and the Politics of Haunting" (U Arizona Press, 2026)
Border Afterlives: Migrant Deaths, Forensic Investigations, and the Politics of Haunting (University of Arizona Press, 2026) begins with the undocumented individuals who die crossing the U.S.-Mexico border—deaths that are both preventable and politically produced. Moving between ... Show More
1h 7m
Jan 2025
AT#928 - Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru
Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I ... Show More
1h 11m
Jul 2022
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Covering thousands of miles in the Andes, the Inca Trail was the backbone of the ancient empire, connecting the millions of people who lived under its rule. The jewel in its crown, Machu Picchu, was recently named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But who were the Inc ... Show More
58m 2s
Aug 2023
Hiram Bingham and Machu Picchu
Join us as we learn about the life of Hiram Bingham and his interest in exploring far-off places, which led him to the mountaintop palace of Machu Pichu. We learned about Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire in last week's episode, so be sure to check that out, too.Get $10 off StoryB ... Show More
10m 50s
Sep 2024
Blood on the Main Square: Horrors of Cusco’s Haunted Streets
In this eerie exploration of Cusco, Peru, we delve into the city’s rich history, uncovering both its cultural significance and its darker, more sinister side. As tourists flock to enjoy the city’s vibrant festivals, few know the blood-soaked past that lingers in its plazas and st ... Show More
21m 25s
<p>Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the <span style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161);"><a style= "color: rgb(35, 111, 161);" href= "https://reallifeglobal.com/app/">RealLife App</a>.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The entire RealLife English tea ... Show More
