The Genpei War (1180-1185), pitting against one another the two most
powerful clans of the era, the Minamoto and the Taira, is one of the most
crucial turning points in Japanese history. Movies and video games have
usually overlooked this conflict in favor of the civil wars of the warring
states period of the 1500s. Big mistake since the story of the Gen ... Show More
Sep 2024
[RERUN] EPISODE 70: John Brown (Part 1): Heartbreak & Slavery
In this first episode of a three-part series, we’ll introduce the early part of John Brown’s life
and his crusade against slavery. Among today’s topics, we’ll have the ethics of punching a
Nazi, how the beating of an enslaved child set Brown on his path, how both pro and anti-
sl ... Show More
1h 22m
Jan 2024
Episode #195- How Bad Was Caligula? (Part I)
The Roman Emperor Gaius, better known by his childhood nickname Caligula, is often counted among the worst rulers in the history of the world. According to some ancient sources his tumultuous four year reign was defined by wonton cruelty, sadistic sexual excess, and unchecked blo ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 2024
How Rome Unified Italy
On today's episode, we explore how Rome dealt with the so-called "barbarians" who shaped its rise.
From the Greek idea that anyone outside their polis was a barbarian (bar, bar, bar...), to Rome's practical alliances with these tribes, we dive into the myths, wars, and politics t ... Show More
1h 22m