Admiral James Stavridis once commanded fleets as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. Now he commands a collection of 5,000 rare books. Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea changed Stavridis’ life. In this episode, the admiral sits down with Shilo Brooks to discuss the themes of hardship, pride, and resilience that appear in Santiago’s epic struggle at se ... Show More
Apr 16
The Ancient Jewish Wisdom Behind a $5 Billion Company
For tickets to our live recording with Jon Meacham in Philadelphia, CLICK HERE and register. Use code TFP for a 20 percent discount. As he built Kind Snacks into a $5 billion company, ‘Shark Tank’s Daniel Lubetzky didn’t turn to startup gurus or business manuals—but to a 2,000-ye ... Show More
52m 33s
Apr 9
Neal Stephenson on AI, Rome, and How Civilizations Decline
Neal Stephenson, the prophetic author of cyberpunk classics like Snow Crash and The Diamond Age, has shaped how we imagine the future, from the metaverse to crypto to AI. His science fiction has a way of becoming reality. But Stephenson’s thinking is just as rooted in the past, r ... Show More
49m 18s
Feb 2025
Admiral McRaven’s Advice Will Leave You SPEECHLESS 2.0 (MUST LISTEN)
<p>Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired United States Navy SEAL, best known for his leadership in special operations, delivers one of the most POWERFUL motivational speeches. </p><br><p>"The little things in life matter, If you can't do the little things right, you'll never be a ... Show More
27m 54s
Jul 2024
621 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
For Virginia Woolf, Leo Tolstoy was "the greatest of all novelists," and her argument was simple: "[W]hat else can we call the author of War and Peace?" In this episode, Jacke takes a look at Tolstoy's original plans for the novel; the unusual nature of the book, which Henry Jame ... Show More
1h 27m
Aug 2024
233 - Hearts of Steel: One sailor's Journey with the Royal Navy
<p>In this episode of the WW2 podcast, we'll explore the Royal Navy from 1918 to the end of the Second World War and one man's career. Not an officer, but a regular sailor: Herbert Leeder, who chalk up 27 years of service. Following the career of one sailor is an interesting way ... Show More
50m 58s
Sep 2024
9/11: Rescue on the Water (Replay)
HISTORY This Week returns with new episodes starting September 16th! In the meantime, listen to a favorite classic from the archives.
September 11, 2001. On a clear and sunny day, Captain Richard Thornton is piloting his ferry boat back and forth between New Jersey and New York ... Show More
30m 7s
Sep 2017
Episode Eleven: Cadet Paille-au-nez
Napoleon grows up: surviving military school, coping with the death of his father, and becoming an officer in record time. Also discussed: Bourrienne's problematic 'Memoirs,' Napoleon's love of books, talking to girls, and how the Bonapartes were like the Bluths Learn more about ... Show More
40m 6s
Jan 2025
How to Build a Life Full of Meaning and Purpose (ft. Arthur Brooks)
Today, I sit down with Arthur Brooks, a renowned social scientist and happiness expert, for a deep dive into the realms of meaning, faith, and love. Our conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and personal growth. From discu ... Show More
1h 14m