S8 Ep172: Sailing to Rhode Island and the Storms of Politics — Nathaniel Philbrick — Washington sailed to Newport, Rhode Island in August 1790 to embrace the state after it finally ratified the Constitution, completing the original union of thirteen states. Philbri
Sailing to Rhode Island and the Storms of Politics — Nathaniel Philbrick — Washington sailed to Newport, Rhode Island in August 1790 to embrace the state after it finally ratified the Constitution, completing the original union of thirteen states. Philbrick recounts his own terrifying contemporary experience with a tornado while retracing this historical route by boat, using the meteorological ...
13m Dec 08, 2025
13m
S8 Ep172: The Secret Tour of Long Island's Spy Ring — Nathaniel Philbrick — Washington's tour of Long Island in April 1790 is characterized as a secretive journey implemented with a deliberate "press blackout," likely designed to quietly thank members of the Culper
The Secret Tour of Long Island's Spy Ring — Nathaniel Philbrick — Washington's tour of Long Island in April 1790 is characterized as a secretive journey implemented with a deliberate "press blackout," likely designed to quietly thank members of the Culper Spy Ring who had conducted intelligence operations during the Revolutionary War. Unlike his extensively documented other travels, there are n...
10m Dec 08, 2025
10m
S8 Ep172: Power Dynamics in Boston and the Paradox of Slavery — Nathaniel Philbrick — In Boston, Washington asserted the supreme constitutional authority of the presidency over state governors by refusing John Hancock's dinner invitation until Hancock paid his resp
Power Dynamics in Boston and the Paradox of Slavery — Nathaniel Philbrick — In Boston, Washington asserted the supreme constitutional authority of the presidency over state governors by refusing John Hancock's dinner invitation until Hancock paid his respects by visiting Washington first, establishing hierarchical political precedent. Despite this political victory establishing executive suprem...
16m Dec 08, 2025
16m
S8 Ep172: The Inauguration and the New England Tour — Nathaniel Philbrick — Philbrick recounts Washington's inauguration ceremony, noting his emotional collapse immediately following the ritual, which revealed him not as an impassive "marble man" but as a human pro
The Inauguration and the New England Tour — Nathaniel Philbrick — Philbrick recounts Washington'sinauguration ceremony, noting his emotional collapse immediately following the ritual, which revealed him not as an impassive "marble man" but as a human profoundly terrified of the political road ahead. Philbrick draws historical parallels between this psychological moment and a near-fatal fall exp...
11m Dec 08, 2025
11m
S8 Ep172: Washington's Reluctant Journey to the Inauguration — Nathaniel Philbrick — Philbrick discusses the beginning of George Washington's presidency, focusing on his journey from Mount Vernon to New York in April 1789. Despite massive public adulation and cerem
Washington's Reluctant Journey to the Inauguration — Nathaniel Philbrick — Philbrick discusses the beginning of George Washington's presidency, focusing on his journey from Mount Vernon to New York in April 1789. Despite massive public adulation and ceremonial parades greeting him throughout his transit, Washington experienced profound internal psychological turmoil. Washington felt he had reac...
11m Dec 08, 2025
11m
S8 Ep172: Ranking Resilience and the Importance of Water: Colleague Eric Cline uses definitions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—coping, adapting, and transforming—to rank ancient civilizations, attributing the survival of Egypt and Assyria partly
Ranking Resilience and the Importance of Water: Colleague Eric Cline uses definitions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—coping, adapting, and transforming—to rank ancient civilizations, attributing the survival of Egypt and Assyria partly to their access to major river systems, a resource the failed Hittite empire lacked; the Phoenicians and Cypriots are ranked highest for "tra...
8m Dec 08, 2025
8m
S8 Ep172: Collapse and Loss of Literacy in the Aegean: Colleague Eric Cline revisits the demise of the Minoans and Mycenaeans, comparing their state to a tree that appears solid but is rotted inside, collapsing when stressed by environmental factors; the segment em
Collapse and Loss of Literacy in the Aegean: Colleague Eric Cline revisits the demise of the Minoans and Mycenaeans, comparing their state to a tree that appears solid but is rotted inside, collapsing when stressed by environmental factors; the segment emphasizes the total disintegration of their palatial economy and culture, noting that unlike other regions where administration continued, the ...
7m Dec 08, 2025
7m
S8 Ep172: The Internal Fragility of Minoans and Mycenaeans: Colleague Eric Cline discusses the Aegean civilizations—the Minoans of Crete and Mycenaeans of Greece—as examples of societies that failed to adapt, suffering from internal "rot" and fragility possibly due
The Internal Fragility of Minoans and Mycenaeans: Colleague Eric Cline discusses the Aegean civilizations—the Minoans of Crete and Mycenaeans of Greece—as examples of societies that failed to adapt, suffering from internal "rot" and fragility possibly due to overextended construction projects and peasant rebellions triggered by drought; their collapse was absolute, resulting in the loss of the ...
7m Dec 08, 2025
7m
S8 Ep172: The Failure of the Hittite Empire: Colleague Eric Cline examines the Hittites, classified as the major failures of the era, explaining that this superpower controlling Anatolia and rivaling Egypt collapsed due to a "perfect storm" of drought, plague, and
The Failure of the Hittite Empire: Colleague Eric Cline examines the Hittites, classified as the major failures of the era, explaining that this superpower controlling Anatolia and rivaling Egypt collapsed due to a "perfect storm" of drought, plague, and poor leadership, with their capital Hattusa destroyed and abandoned; however, "Neo-Hittite" rump states in northern Syria such as Carchemish s...
11m Dec 08, 2025
11m
S8 Ep172: The "Antifragile" Success of Phoenicians and Cypriots: Colleague Eric Cline categorizes the Phoenicians and Cypriots as the "geniuses" of the post-collapse world, applying the concept of "antifragility" to describe how the Phoenicians flourished amidst ch
The "Antifragile" Success of Phoenicians and Cypriots: Colleague Eric Cline categorizes the Phoenicians and Cypriots as the "geniuses" of the post-collapse world, applying the concept of "antifragility" to describe how the Phoenicians flourished amidst chaos, establishing Mediterranean colonies like Carthage and spreading the alphabet, while Cypriots transitioned from bronze to iron technology ...
9m Dec 08, 2025
9m
S8 Ep172: Egypt's Decline and the Rise of Israel: Colleague Eric Cline explains that while Egypt survived the collapse, it merely "coped" rather than flourished, entering a chaotic era known as the Third Intermediate Period; as Egypt retreated from the internationa
Egypt's Decline and the Rise of Israel: Colleague Eric Cline explains that while Egypt survived the collapse, it merely "coped" rather than flourished, entering a chaotic era known as the Third Intermediate Period; as Egypt retreated from the international stage, a power vacuum allowed smaller entities like the Israelites to emerge, while recent DNA evidence from Ashkelon confirms the Philistin...
11m Dec 08, 2025
11m
S8 Ep172: Assyrian Resilience Through Leadership and War: Colleague Eric Cline focuses on the survivors of the Bronze Age collapse, identifying the Assyrians as a key example of resilience who maintained their monarchy, military, and writing systems through strong
Assyrian Resilience Through Leadership and War: Colleague Eric Cline focuses on the survivors of the Bronze Age collapse, identifying the Assyrians as a key example of resilience who maintained their monarchy, military, and writing systems through strong leadership, adapting to the loss of trading partners by engaging in constant warfare to secure resources, detailing the complex fluctuating re...
4m Dec 08, 2025
4m
S8 Ep172: The Uluburun Shipwreck as a Bronze Age Microcosm: Colleague Eric Cline discusses the Uluburun shipwreck, which sank around 1300 BC and serves as a time capsule for the Late Bronze Age, describing the ship as a microcosm of a globalized network carrying ca
The Uluburun Shipwreck as a Bronze Age Microcosm: Colleague Eric Cline discusses the Uluburun shipwreck, which sank around 1300 BC and serves as a time capsule for the Late Bronze Age, describing the ship as a microcosm of a globalized network carrying cargo from at least seven different civilizations including Mycenaeans, Egyptians, and Hittites, with ten tons of copper from Cyprus and tin lik...
13m Dec 08, 2025
13m
S8 Ep171: Dallas the Spoodle Befriends Local Magpies as Cockatoos Target Neighbors: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that Dallas, an 11-year-old spoodle, continues to expand his "village" of avian friends, now joined by teenage magpies who actively run to greet him d
Dallas the Spoodle Befriends Local Magpies as Cockatoos Target Neighbors: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that Dallas, an 11-year-old spoodle, continues to expand his "village" of avian friends, now joined by teenage magpies who actively run to greet him during walks, theorizing that the territorial magpies view the friendly dog as a "force multiplier" or ally rather than a threat; while the mag...
8m Dec 07, 2025
8m
S8 Ep171: Australia Dominates England in First Ashes Test Amidst Heat and Humidity: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that Australia has taken a commanding lead in the Ashes, scoring 511 runs to England's opening 334, attributing the English team's struggle to the har
Australia Dominates England in First Ashes Test Amidst Heat and Humidity: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that Australia has taken a commanding lead in the Ashes, scoring 511 runs to England's opening 334, attributing the English team's struggle to the harsh Australian environment ranging from 100-degree dry heat in Perth to tropical humidity in Brisbane, which fatigues players and alters ball a...
10m Dec 07, 2025
10m
S8 Ep171: Miraculous Escape: Girl Survives Dry Bite from Deadly Tiger Snake in Perth: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that an 11-year-old girl in Perth miraculously survived a tiger snake encounter while riding her scooter; although the snake, whose venom can kill 2
Miraculous Escape: Girl Survives Dry Bite from Deadly Tiger Snake in Perth: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that an 11-year-old girl in Perth miraculously survived a tiger snake encounter while riding her scooter; although the snake, whose venom can kill 200 humans and clot blood within 30 minutes, bit her leg, she received a rare "dry bite" where no venom was injected, and while younger victims...
10m Dec 07, 2025
10m
S8 Ep171: Early Bushfires Destroy Homes on Central Coast Despite La Niña Forecast: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that despite forecasts of a wet La Niña summer, New South Wales is facing intense early bushfires driven by high winds and hot, dry conditions; a fire
Early Bushfires Destroy Homes on Central Coast Despite La Niña Forecast: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports that despite forecasts of a wet La Niña summer, New South Wales is facing intense early bushfires driven by high winds and hot, dry conditions; a fire near Kulaw on the Central Coast has already destroyed 12 homes, spreading rapidly through ground scrub and airborne embers that bypass firebre...
11m Dec 07, 2025
11m
S8 Ep170: Competition and the Human Struggle with Death: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the poem's end, where Achilles processes grief through funeral games that replace lethal combat with competition, analyzing Achilles giving Agamemnon a prize without contest—p
Competition and the Human Struggle with Death: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the poem's end, where Achilles processes grief through funeral games that replace lethal combat with competition, analyzing Achilles giving Agamemnon a prize without contest—possibly a "sick burn"—and the final focus on women's lamentations, emphasizing the enduring human struggle to accept death and loss. 1717 TROY
7m Dec 07, 2025
7m
S8 Ep170: The Death of Patroclus and Achilles' Vengeance: Colleague Emily Wilson examines the climax, starting with Patroclus's fatal decision to fight and his death, describing Achilles' return to battle with Hephaestus-forged armor, his terrifying slaughter that
The Death of Patroclus and Achilles' Vengeance: Colleague Emily Wilson examines the climax, starting with Patroclus's fatal decision to fight and his death, describing Achilles' return to battle with Hephaestus-forged armor, his terrifying slaughter that clogs the river god, and his vengeful dragging of Hector's body, driven by an insatiable desire to inflict humiliation and process loss. UNDAT...
13m Dec 07, 2025
13m
S8 Ep170: Visceral Combat and the Sanctity of the Dead: Colleague Emily Wilson focuses on the visceral violence of battle scenes and the significance of caring for the dead, detailing the warrior ethos regarding proper burial versus the desecration of corpses to de
Visceral Combat and the Sanctity of the Dead: Colleague Emily Wilson focuses on the visceral violence of battle scenes and the significance of caring for the dead, detailing the warrior ethos regarding proper burial versus the desecration of corpses to deny closure, also touching upon the gods bleeding "ichor" and the struggle over armor as a symbol of dominance. ZEUS
7m Dec 07, 2025
7m
S8 Ep170: Agamemnon's Quarrel and Divine Politics: Colleague Emily Wilson explains the catalyst for the Iliad's plot: the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles over a "prize" woman, leading to Achilles' withdrawal, discussing the divine politics between Zeus and H
Agamemnon's Quarrel and Divine Politics: Colleague Emily Wilson explains the catalyst for the Iliad's plot: the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles over a "prize" woman, leading to Achilles' withdrawal, discussing the divine politics between Zeus and Hera that seal Troy's fate and analyzing Agamemnon's flawed, burdened leadership amidst the pressure of holding the Greek forces together. SAC...
11m Dec 07, 2025
11m
S8 Ep170: Gods, Warriors, and the Brutality of Patroclus: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the gods' involvement, specifically Aphrodite and Ares representing base instincts on the battlefield, characterizing Patroclus not merely as gentle but as a brutal warrior,
Gods, Warriors, and the Brutality of Patroclus: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the gods' involvement, specifically Aphrodite and Ares representing base instincts on the battlefield, characterizing Patroclus not merely as gentle but as a brutal warrior, also examining the status of enslaved women like Briseis and the deep intimacy between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. 1599 ARMS FOR AC...
7m Dec 07, 2025
7m
S8 Ep170: Mortal Tragedies and Divine Manipulations: Colleague Emily Wilson explores key character dynamics, including Helen's weaving as a metaphor for poetry and her strained relationship with Paris, analyzing the tragic parting of Hector and Andromache, the rage
Mortal Tragedies and Divine Manipulations: Colleague Emily Wilson explores key character dynamics, including Helen's weaving as a metaphor for poetry and her strained relationship with Paris, analyzing the tragic parting of Hector and Andromache, the rage of Hecuba, and the role of gods like Thetis and Hera in manipulating mortal fates through prayers and bargains. 1545 AD TROJAN WAR
12m Dec 07, 2025
12m
S8 Ep170: The Homeric Question and Narrative Choices: Colleague Emily Wilson addresses the "Homeric Question," describing the transition from oral tradition to written text around the 8th century BCE, discussing how the Iliad subverts audience expectations by omitt
The Homeric Question and Narrative Choices: Colleague Emily Wilson addresses the "Homeric Question," describing the transition from oral tradition to written text around the 8th century BCE, discussing how the Iliad subverts audience expectations by omitting famous events like the Trojan Horse, focusing instead on a brief period of intense conflict and internal Greek strife. 1200 AD ILLIAD
8m Dec 07, 2025
8m
S8 Ep170: Grief, Games, and Lamentation: The Iliad's Conclusion: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the Iliad's conclusion, focusing on Achilles' processing of grief through the funeral pyre and games, analyzing the shift from violence to regulated competition, Achil
Grief, Games, and Lamentation: The Iliad's Conclusion: Colleague Emily Wilson discusses the Iliad's conclusion, focusing on Achilles' processing of grief through the funeral pyre and games, analyzing the shift from violence to regulated competition, Achilles' ambiguous gesture of giving Agamemnon a prize without competition, and the poem ending with women's lamentations rather than a victory ce...
7m Dec 07, 2025
7m
S8 Ep169: Octavian Becomes Augustus: Colleague Barry Strauss explains that Octavian adopts the title Augustus, carefully avoiding the labels of king or dictator while establishing authority; he erases Antony's public memory, while Octavia raises Antony's children,
Octavian Becomes Augustus: Colleague Barry Strauss explains that Octavian adopts the title Augustus, carefully avoiding the labels of king or dictator while establishing authority; he erases Antony's public memory, while Octavia raises Antony's children, securing a lineage that leads to future emperors like Nero, with the fate of Cleopatra's statue in Rome remaining unknown. 1891 SARAH BERNHAR...
14m Dec 07, 2025
14m
S8 Ep169: The Deaths of Antony and Cleopatra: Colleague Barry Strauss recounts that back in Alexandria, negotiations fail as Octavian closes in to secure Egypt's treasury; Antony's remaining forces defect, leading to his suicide in Cleopatra's arms, and realizing O
The Deaths of Antony and Cleopatra: Colleague Barry Strauss recounts that back in Alexandria, negotiations fail as Octavian closes in to secure Egypt's treasury; Antony's remaining forces defect, leading to his suicide in Cleopatra's arms, and realizing Octavian plans to parade her in Rome and kill her son Caesarion, Cleopatra commits suicide, likely via snakebite.
9m Dec 07, 2025
9m
S8 Ep169: Agrippa's Brilliant Attack on Methone: Colleague Barry Strauss details the logistical maneuvers preceding Actium, noting Antony's defensive posture in western Greece, with Agrippa executing a brilliant surprise attack on Methone, a key supply base, crippl
Agrippa's Brilliant Attack on Methone: Colleague Barry Strauss details the logistical maneuvers preceding Actium, noting Antony's defensive posture in western Greece, with Agrippa executing a brilliant surprise attack on Methone, a key supply base, crippling Antony's supply lines; this amphibious raid forces Antony to shift focus to the north, setting the stage for battle.
9m Dec 07, 2025
9m
S8 Ep169: Antony's Political Error and the Path to Civil War: Colleague Barry Strauss recounts that Antony commits a major political error by divorcing Octavia, allowing Octavian to frame the conflict as a defense of Roman values against a foreign queen; despite in
Antony's Political Error and the Path to Civil War: Colleague Barry Strauss recounts that Antony commits a major political error by divorcing Octavia, allowing Octavian to frame the conflict as a defense of Roman values against a foreign queen; despite internal objections, Cleopatra remains with the fleet at Ephesus, cementing the inevitability of civil war between the factions.
6m Dec 07, 2025
6m
S8 Ep169: Antony's Marriage and Octavian's Information War: Colleague Barry Strauss explains that to maintain peace, Antony marries Octavian's sister Octavia, though tensions persist; while Antony suffers military losses in Parthia, Octavian's general Agrippa defea
Antony's Marriage and Octavian's Information War: Colleague Barry Strauss explains that to maintain peace, Antony marries Octavian's sister Octavia, though tensions persist; while Antony suffers military losses in Parthia, Octavian's general Agrippa defeats Sextus Pompey and succeeds in Illyricum, with Octavian launching an information war portraying Antony as a traitor "unmanned" by Cleopatra ...
15m Dec 07, 2025
15m
S8 Ep169: Cleopatra's Spectacular Introduction to Antony: Colleague Barry Strauss describes Cleopatra's spectacular introduction to Antony and her background as the ruthless, wealthy queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty, noting that Antony values her resources and acknow
Cleopatra's Spectacular Introduction to Antony: Colleague Barry Strauss describes Cleopatra's spectacular introduction to Antony and her background as the ruthless, wealthy queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty, noting that Antony values her resources and acknowledges her son Caesarion as Julius Caesar's child, highlighting Cleopatra's wealth display with the pearl story and their strategic alliance.
8m Dec 07, 2025
8m
S8 Ep169: Power Struggle After Caesar's Death: Colleague Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Caesar's death, featuring the established noble Mark Antony and the ambitious, though physically slight, Octavian, detailing the Second Triumvirate and An
Power Struggle After Caesar's Death: Colleague Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Caesar's death, featuring the established noble Mark Antony and the ambitious, though physically slight, Octavian, detailing the Second Triumvirate and Antony's military prestige after Philippi, contrasting it with Octavian's reliance on political cunning and the legacy of his great-uncle. 1700 ...
11m Dec 07, 2025
11m
S8 Ep168: Views on America and Marxist Dogma: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts explains that Stalin admired American production and the Constitution, viewing the U.S. as a progressive capitalist state; however, Stalin remained a Marxist dogmatist who edited texts to fit
Views on America and Marxist Dogma: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts explains that Stalin admired American production and the Constitution, viewing the U.S. as a progressive capitalist state; however, Stalin remained a Marxist dogmatist who edited texts to fit his ideology, with Roberts ultimately characterizing Stalin as an intellectual whose worldview was limited by his fanatical commitment to Bols...
8m Dec 07, 2025
8m
S8 Ep168: Rehabilitating Ivan the Terrible: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts reports that Stalin favored the narrative history of Robert Vipper, who rehabilitated Ivan the Terrible as a state-builder rather than a cruel tyrant; Stalin criticized Eisenstein's film sequel
Rehabilitating Ivan the Terrible: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts reports that Stalin favored the narrative history of Robert Vipper, who rehabilitated Ivan the Terrible as a state-builder rather than a cruel tyrant; Stalin criticized Eisenstein's film sequel for portraying Ivan as weak, insisting Ivan's terror was a necessary defense of the state, a view justifying Stalin's own purges. 1945
13m Dec 06, 2025
13m
S8 Ep168: Historical Influences: Bismarck and Realpolitik: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts discusses how Stalin studied Bismarck as a fellow modernizer who executed a "revolution from above" to build a strong state, arguing that regarding Machiavelli, Stalin did not nee
Historical Influences: Bismarck and Realpolitik: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts discusses how Stalin studied Bismarck as a fellow modernizer who executed a "revolution from above" to build a strong state, arguing that regarding Machiavelli, Stalin did not need The Prince to learn cynicism or power politics, as he had already learned those lessons effectively from Bolshevik mentors like Lenin and Tr...
11m Dec 06, 2025
11m
S8 Ep168: Rediscovering the Scattered Library: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts explains that after 1956, Stalin's library was dispersed, leaving only about 5,500 identifiable books, some containing his pometki or markings; while Yuri Sharapov revealed the library in 198
Rediscovering the Scattered Library: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts explains that after 1956, Stalin's library was dispersed, leaving only about 5,500 identifiable books, some containing his pometki or markings; while Yuri Sharapov revealed the library in 1988, no "smoking gun" explains Stalin, with Roberts arguing the library proves Stalin was a serious intellectual who believed books changed the ...
8m Dec 06, 2025
8m
S8 Ep168: Personal Tragedy and the Dacha Library: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts recounts that following the suicide of his wife Nadia in 1932, Stalin became more isolated, moving his routine to the Blizhnyaya dacha, which became the "center of gravity" for his books e
Personal Tragedy and the Dacha Library: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts recounts that following the suicide of his wife Nadia in 1932, Stalin became more isolated, moving his routine to the Blizhnyaya dacha, which became the "center of gravity" for his books eventually numbering around 25,000, suggesting that like Machiavelli, Stalin felt most among friends when surrounded by his library. 1934
7m Dec 06, 2025
7m
S8 Ep168: Classifying the Dictator's Collection: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts reports that Stalin hired Lenin's former librarian to organize his growing collection, creating a handwritten classification scheme that prioritized Marxist thinkers, surprisingly ranking h
Classifying the Dictator's Collection: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts reports that Stalin hired Lenin's former librarian to organize his growing collection, creating a handwritten classification scheme that prioritized Marxist thinkers, surprisingly ranking his rival Trotsky highly on this reading list; the Bolsheviks seized control of publishing to manage public thought, while Stalin adopted an ex...
14m Dec 06, 2025
14m
S8 Ep168: Stalin's Early Education and Reading Habits: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts describes Stalin's Blizhnyaya dacha, where the dictator kept a massive library and died in 1953, detailing Stalin's youth as a pious, star seminary student who lost interest in the pr
Stalin's Early Education and Reading Habits: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts describes Stalin's Blizhnyaya dacha, where the dictator kept a massive library and died in 1953, detailing Stalin's youth as a pious, star seminary student who lost interest in the priesthood after discovering a radical bookshop, becoming a voracious reader of prohibited nationalist and socialist literature. 1921
8m Dec 06, 2025
8m
S8 Ep168: Stalin's Early Education and Reading Habits: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts describes Stalin's Blizhnyaya dacha, where the dictator kept a massive library and died in 1953, detailing Stalin's youth as a pious, star seminary student who lost interest in the pr
Stalin's Early Education and Reading Habits: Colleague Geoffrey Roberts describes Stalin's Blizhnyaya dacha, where the dictator kept a massive library and died in 1953, detailing Stalin's youth as a pious, star seminary student who lost interest in the priesthood after discovering a radical bookshop, becoming a voracious reader of prohibited nationalist and socialist literature. 1939
12m Dec 06, 2025
12m
S8 Ep167: SHOW 12-5-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT INFLATION. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Infrastructure Booms and Business Exoduses in the West: Colleague Jeff Bliss reports that high-speed rail construction from Los An
SHOW 12-5-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1940 PITTSBURGH THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT INFLATION. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Infrastructure Booms and Business Exoduses in the West: Colleague Jeff Bliss reports that high-speed rail construction from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is accelerating in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, while the Boring Company expands tunnel networks; convers...
8m Dec 06, 2025
8m
S8 Ep166: audi Arabia Seeks Nuclear Capabilities: Colleague Henry Sokolski explains that Saudi Arabia wants a nuclear power plant but resists signing US protocols allowing inspections; while Washington may view this as a hedge against Iran, a Saudi nuclear capabili
Saudi Arabia Seeks Nuclear Capabilities: Colleague Henry Sokolski explains that Saudi Arabia wants a nuclear power plant but resists signing US protocols allowing inspections; while Washington may view this as a hedge against Iran, a Saudi nuclear capability would threaten Israel's qualitative military edge, and the US has not yet granted advanced consent for enrichment.
8m Dec 06, 2025
8m
S8 Ep166: Nuclear Ambitions in South Korea: Colleague Henry Sokolski reports that South Korea is requesting nuclear-powered submarines and enrichment rights, raising concerns about potential nuclear proliferation, with some arguing this could lead to a confederatio
 Nuclear Ambitions in South Korea: Colleague Henry Sokolski reports that South Korea is requesting nuclear-powered submarines and enrichment rights, raising concerns about potential nuclear proliferation, with some arguing this could lead to a confederation with the North or US withdrawal, while others prefer Seoul invest in American nuclear facilities to strengthen the alliance. 1953
11m Dec 06, 2025
11m
S8 Ep166: Lebanon's Demographic Decline and Political Stagnation: Colleague Hussain Abdul-Hussain reports that Pope Leo's visit highlighted Lebanon's diminishing Christian population, now estimated at perhaps one-quarter, with the government remaining weak and relu
Lebanon's Demographic Decline and Political Stagnation: Colleague Hussain Abdul-Hussain reports that Pope Leo's visit highlighted Lebanon's diminishing Christian population, now estimated at perhaps one-quarter, with the government remaining weak and reluctant to disarm Hezbollah, fearing foreign deals that sacrifice national interests; while civil war is unlikely, the country remains dominated...
9m Dec 06, 2025
9m
S8 Ep166: The Limits of AI and the Global Quantum Race: Colleague Brandon Weichert explains that current AI models are data crunchers rather than thinking entities, facing limits known as "The Bitter Lesson," while China is "nanoseconds" away from practical quantum
The Limits of AI and the Global Quantum Race: Colleague Brandon Weichert explains that current AI models are data crunchers rather than thinking entities, facing limits known as "The Bitter Lesson," while China is "nanoseconds" away from practical quantum computing aimed at decrypting military communications, with Switzerland and Singapore also pursuing sovereign quantum capabilities to ensure ...
9m Dec 06, 2025
9m
S8 Ep166: Mary's Influence on Early Christian Teachings: Colleague James Tabor examines the "Q" source containing teachings shared by Matthew and Luke that parallel the words of James and John the Baptist, positing that Mary, as the mother, was the source of thi
Mary's Influence on Early Christian Teachings: Colleague James Tabor examines the "Q" source containing teachings shared by Matthew and Luke that parallel the words of James and John the Baptist, positing that Mary, as the mother, was the source of this shared wisdom, arguing that historians must reclaim her humanity and influence from theological erasure. 1947 GALILEE
7m Dec 06, 2025
7m
S8 Ep166: The Talpiot Tomb and Ossuary Evidence: Colleague James Tabor discusses a tomb discovered in 1980 containing ossuaries with a unique cluster of names, including Jesus, Maria, and Jose, suggesting this could be the Jesus family tomb, supported by statistica
The Talpiot Tomb and Ossuary Evidence: Colleague James Tabor discusses a tomb discovered in 1980 containing ossuaries with a unique cluster of names, including Jesus, Maria, and Jose, suggesting this could be the Jesus family tomb, supported by statistical analysis and an ossuary inscribed "James son of Joseph brother of Jesus," with new DNA testing underway. 1850 JERUSALEM
13m Dec 06, 2025
13m
S8 Ep166: The Historical Disappearance of Mary: Colleague James Tabor explains that following the crucifixion, Mary disappears from the biblical record, likely dying before the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem; while early Christians fled to Pella under Simon's leade
The Historical Disappearance of Mary: Colleague James Tabor explains that following the crucifixion, Mary disappears from the biblical record, likely dying before the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem; while early Christians fled to Pella under Simon's leadership, traditions suggest Mary died on Mount Zion, with Tabor arguing she was "written out" of the story by later traditions. 1650
8m Dec 06, 2025
8m
S8 Ep166: The Early Church Headquarters on Mount Zion: Colleague James Tabor discusses archaeology on Mount Zion revealing a first-century foundation beneath a medieval church, likely the headquarters of the early movement, describing this as the home where James l
The Early Church Headquarters on Mount Zion: Colleague James Tabor discusses archaeology on Mount Zion revealing a first-century foundation beneath a medieval church, likely the headquarters of the early movement, describing this as the home where James led the church and Mary hosted pilgrims, with Mary possibly living long enough to witness James's martyrdom. 1950 BEERSHEBA
10m Dec 06, 2025
10m
S8 Ep166: New Discoveries Challenge Cosmic Models: Colleague Bob Zimmerman reports that ground-based telescopes have directly imaged exoplanets and debris discs, the James Webb Telescope found a barred spiral galaxy in the early universe defying evolutionary models
New Discoveries Challenge Cosmic Models: Colleague Bob Zimmerman reports that ground-based telescopes have directly imaged exoplanets and debris discs, the James Webb Telescope found a barred spiral galaxy in the early universe defying evolutionary models, scientists discovered organic sugars on asteroid Bennu, and admits solar cycle predictions have been consistently incorrecT. 1955
5m Dec 06, 2025
5m