S8 Ep630: 2. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio critique the lack of traditional military preparation. They contrast this conflict’s incoherence with previous operations like Kuwait, noting the surprising resolve displayed by various Gulf nations,,. (2)
2. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggiocritique the lack of traditional military preparation. They contrast this conflict’s incoherence with previous operations like Kuwait, noting the surprising resolve displayed by various Gulf nations,,. (2) 1900 BEAUMONT TEXAS
6m Mar 23
6m
S8 Ep630: 1. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio analyze the Middle East "fog of war." They discuss President Trump’s claims of productive talks with Iran, the five-day strike delay, and the resulting global market volatility,,. (1)
1. Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggioanalyze the Middle East "fog of war." They discuss President Trump’s claims of productive talks with Iran, the five-day strike delay, and the resulting global market volatility,,. (1) 1887 OKLAHOMA
12m Mar 23
12m
S8 Ep629: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ernesto Araújo discusses Lula da Silva's deep ties to authoritarian regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran. The segment explores if these controversial associations will influence voters in Brazil's upcoming election. (1)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ernesto Araújo discusses Lula da Silva's deep ties to authoritarian regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran. The segment explores if these controversial associations will influence voters in Brazil's upcoming election. (1) 1914 RIO
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep628: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. John Hardie reports on President Zelenskydeploying Ukrainian drone technicians to the Middle East. The discussion covers potential commercial contracts and Ukraine’s strategic goal of securing Patriot interceptor missiles in excha
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. John Hardie reports on President Zelenskydeploying Ukrainian drone technicians to the Middle East. The discussion covers potential commercial contracts and Ukraine’s strategic goal of securing Patriot interceptor missiles in exchange. (3) 1951
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep628: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ahmad Sharawi details the creeping implementation of Sharia law in Syria under President Alshara. New restrictions targeting alcohol, makeup, and swimwear suggest a shift toward medieval order in a secular society. (4)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Ahmad Sharawi details the creeping implementation of Sharia law in Syriaunder President Alshara. New restrictions targeting alcohol, makeup, and swimwear suggest a shift toward medieval order in a secular society. (4) 1925  SYRIA
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep628: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Edmond Fitton-Brown analyzes Iran’s recent missile strikes reaching as far as Diego Garcia. He explains how this aggression proves Iran is a direct threat to European capitals like London and Paris. (6)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Edmond Fitton-Brown analyzes Iran’s recent missile strikes reaching as far as Diego Garcia. He explains how this aggression proves Iran is a direct threatto European capitals like London and Paris. (6) 1958
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep624: PREVIEW FOR LATER GUEST DAVID DAOUD explains that the Lebanon and Iran operations are on separate tracks. While the US is involved in Iran, the Lebanon offensive remains a confined Israeli mission targeting Hezbollah directly. (1)
PREVIEW FOR LATER GUEST DAVID DAOUD explains that the Lebanon and Iran operations are on separate tracks. While the US is involved in Iran, the Lebanon offensive remains a confined Israeli mission targeting Hezbollah directly. (1) 1875 BEIRUT CASTLE
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep627: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY. Guest Mark Simon discusses the fate of imprisoned Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai. Simon suggests medical parole could lead to Lai's release for urgent medical care in the UK or US. (1)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY.Guest Mark Simon discusses the fate of imprisoned Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai. Simon suggests medical parole could lead to Lai's release for urgent medical care in the UK or US. (1) 1906 HONG KONG TYPHOON
2m Mar 23
2m
S8 Ep626: 3. The debate shifts to the historical Nero, examining his legacy as both a builder and a man tormented by violent mistakes, including the murder of his mother. Germanicus notes that modern perceptions of Nero are often filtered through Victorian sentimen
  3. The debate shifts to the historical Nero, examining his legacy as both a builder and a man tormented by violent mistakes, including the murder of his mother. Germanicus notes that modern perceptions of Nero are often filtered through Victorian sentimentality or biased historical accounts. They compare contemporary leadership to a generational decline in Rome, moving from the magisterial ba...
13m Mar 23
13m
S8 Ep626: 2. Gaius identifies defeatism in the current "emperor’s" behavior, citing his attacks on the media, allies, and his own team as evidence of losing control. Germanicus suggests the emperor has entered a paranoid phase where the war has slipped away, leavin
2. Gaius identifies defeatism in the current "emperor’s" behavior, citing his attacks on the media, allies, and his own team as evidence of losing control. Germanicus suggests the emperor has entered a paranoid phase where the war has slipped away, leaving only the options of defeat or catastrophe. The military is reportedly leaking information to distance itself from the administration's faili...
16m Mar 23
16m
S8 Ep626: 1. In Londinium, 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus discuss a 21st-century Middle East conflict involving 3,200 trapped ships and massive supply chain disruptions. Germanicus critiques the military cliché "the enemy gets a vote," arguing it reflects a superiorit
1. In Londinium, 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus discuss a 21st-century Middle East conflict involving 3,200 trapped ships and massive supply chain disruptions. Germanicus critiques the military cliché "the enemy gets a vote," arguing it reflects a superiority complex and a failure to perform accurate net assessments of Iraniancapabilities and American limitations. He notes critical shortages, incl...
24m Mar 23
24m
S8 Ep625: 8. Following the 1973 peace deal, North Vietnam realized the U.S. would not return, particularly after Nixon’s resignation and resulting congressional funding cuts. The ARVN, though well-armed, became immobile due to shortages of fuel and ammunition. Th
8. Following the 1973 peace deal, North Vietnam realized the U.S. would not return, particularly after Nixon’s resignation and resulting congressional funding cuts. The ARVN, though well-armed, became immobile due to shortages of fuel and ammunition. The 1975 NVA offensive triggered a rapid collapse as President Thieu’s abrupt retreat from northern provinces turned into a rout. Wawro concludes ...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep625: 7. "Vietnamization" aimed to prepare the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight alone through material support and Nixon's increased bombing campaigns. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) was a failure, demonstrating that ARVN lacked the leade
7. "Vietnamization" aimed to prepare the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight alone through material support and Nixon's increased bombing campaigns. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) was a failure, demonstrating that ARVN lacked the leadership and spirit to execute complex air-mobile operations without U.S. ground troops. Nixon also pursued "detente" with China and Moscow, hopi...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep625: 6. In 1970, Nixon expanded the war into neutral Cambodia to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and destroy NVA supply dumps. While the operation captured significant munitions, the NVA simply retreated further west to wait for U.S. forces to leave. This widening o
6. In 1970, Nixon expanded the war into neutral Cambodia to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and destroy NVA supply dumps. While the operation captured significant munitions, the NVA simply retreated further west to wait for U.S. forces to leave. This widening of the war sparked massive domestic unrest, including the Kent State shootings. The incursion deepened social rifts between the anti-war moveme...
7m Mar 23
7m
S8 Ep625: 5. Richard Nixon secretly sabotaged the 1968 peace talks via Henry Kissinger and Anna Chennault to ensure his election victory. This political interference delayed peace by four years, resulting in 28,000 more American deaths. Once in office, Nixon faced
5. Richard Nixon secretly sabotaged the 1968 peace talks via Henry Kissinger and Anna Chennault to ensure his election victory. This political interference delayed peace by four years, resulting in 28,000 more American deaths. Once in office, Nixon faced the 1969 Battle of Hamburger Hill, a "meaningless" engagement where paratroopers suffered heavy casualties to take a ridge immediately abandon...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep625: 4. The 1968 Tet Offensive, led by Le Duan, aimed to knock the U.S. out of the war through a massive, coordinated strike. While the NVA suffered extreme casualties, the offensive was a strategic information victory. Images of fighting at the U.S. Embassy s
4. The 1968 Tet Offensive, led by Le Duan, aimed to knock the U.S. out of the war through a massive, coordinated strike. While the NVA suffered extreme casualties, the offensive was a strategic information victory. Images of fighting at the U.S. Embassy shattered domestic support, leading Walter Cronkite to declare the war a stalemate. Simultaneously, the siege of Khe Sanh illustrated the war’s...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep625: 3. Westmoreland’s three-phase plan focused on building massive infrastructure and then launching "crushing operations" to force North Vietnamese negotiations. However, the "search and destroy" metric of success—body counts—failed because 90% of operations
3. Westmoreland’s three-phase plan focused on building massive infrastructure and then launching "crushing operations" to force North Vietnamese negotiations. However, the "search and destroy" metric of success—body counts—failed because 90% of operations made no enemy contact. The NVA often disappeared into trackless jungles to live to fight another day. Meanwhile, President Johnson respected ...
10m Mar 23
10m
S8 Ep625: 2. General Westmoreland implemented a "search and destroy" strategy using superior technology and "vertical envelopment" with helicopters. At the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, the U.S. sought to trap NVA regiments with air mobility and crushing artillery. Howe
2. General Westmoreland implemented a "search and destroy" strategy using superior technology and "vertical envelopment" with helicopters. At the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, the U.S. sought to trap NVA regiments with air mobility and crushing artillery. However, the NVA quickly adapted, learning to "cling" to American perimeters to neutralize U.S. fire support. Hal Moore’s battalion faced a brutal...
8m Mar 23
8m
S8 Ep625: 1. Geoffrey Wawro explains that President Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara exploited the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident as a political opportunity. Though the reported North Vietnamese attacks were "contrived," they were used to secure the Tonkin Gulf Res
1. Geoffrey Wawro explains that President Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara exploited the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident as a political opportunity. Though the reported North Vietnamese attacks were "contrived," they were used to secure the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, providing a "blank check" for military escalation. Johnson’s strategy was a delicate balance: he aimed to intimidate North Vietnam in...
10m Mar 23
10m
S8 Ep624: 8. Octavian enters Alexandria, securing the Egyptian treasury and ordering the execution of Caesarion to eliminate any rival heirs. Cleopatra commits suicide—likely via a cobra—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. In 27 BC, Octavian takes the titl
8. Octavian enters Alexandria, securing the Egyptian treasury and ordering the execution of Caesarion to eliminate any rival heirs. Cleopatra commits suicide—likely via a cobra—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. In 27 BC, Octavian takes the title "Augustus," establishing the Roman Empire by artfully using authority rather than raw power. His sister Octavia remains a central figure, rais...
6m Mar 23
6m
S8 Ep624: 7. Following the defeat, Antony falls into a deep "melancholy," while Cleopatra focuses on protecting her dynasty, even considering exile in India. Octavian consolidates power by securing the loyalty of Eastern client kings and managing restless veterans
7. Following the defeat, Antony falls into a deep "melancholy," while Cleopatra focuses on protecting her dynasty, even considering exile in India. Octavian consolidates power by securing the loyalty of Eastern client kings and managing restless veterans in Italy. A complex "film noir" negotiation begins, with Antony and Cleopatra separately dealing with Octavian while often lying to each other...
14m Mar 23
14m
S8 Ep624: 6. At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Antony’s blockaded fleet is forced into a breakout attempt to save their treasury. During the engagement, Cleopatra’s squadron, marked by purple sails, breaks through the line. Antony follows her, abandoning his fleet
6. At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Antony’s blockaded fleet is forced into a breakout attempt to save their treasury. During the engagement, Cleopatra’s squadron, marked by purple sails, breaks through the line. Antony follows her, abandoning his fleet and army, which Strauss describes as a devastating blow to his Roman honor. Although his sailors continue to fight, Octavian’s forces eventual...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep624: 5. Marcus Agrippa serves as the logistical mastermind behind Octavian’s strategy leading to the Battle of Actium. While Antony and Cleopatra wait in western Greece, Agrippa launches a daring, pre-dawn amphibious assault on Methone, a vital supply base. Th
5. Marcus Agrippa serves as the logistical mastermind behind Octavian’s strategy leading to the Battle of Actium. While Antony and Cleopatra wait in western Greece, Agrippa launches a daring, pre-dawn amphibious assault on Methone, a vital supply base. This surprise victory effectively cuts Antony’s supply lines from Egypt. Octavian then strikes the northern coast, pinning Antony’s fleet into t...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep624: 4. Antony commits a fatal "unforced error" by divorcing Octavia in 33 BC. Octavian exploits this for propaganda, framing Antony as a traitor who abandoned his Roman wife for an Egyptian queen. Antony views the divorce as a "credible commitment" to show hi
4. Antony commits a fatal "unforced error" by divorcing Octavia in 33 BC. Octavian exploits this for propaganda, framing Antony as a traitor who abandoned his Roman wife for an Egyptian queen. Antony views the divorce as a "credible commitment" to show his supporters he will never compromise with Octavian. Despite warnings from generals like Ahenobarbus to leave Cleopatra behind, Antony keeps h...
6m Mar 23
6m
S8 Ep624: 3. Octavian utilizes his sister, Octavia, as a diplomatic tool and source of intelligence after she marries Antony to seal a peace treaty. While Antony governs the East from Athens, Octavian faces internal challenges in Rome, including the Senate and Sext
3. Octavian utilizes his sister, Octavia, as a diplomatic tool and source of intelligence after she marries Antony to seal a peace treaty. While Antony governs the East from Athens, Octavian faces internal challenges in Rome, including the Senateand Sextus Pompey’s naval blockades. Octavian relies on his brilliant friend, Marcus Agrippa, a logistical genius who builds a new navy to defeat Pompe...
15m Mar 23
15m
S8 Ep624: 2. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, is introduced as a powerful member of the Ptolemaic dynasty who turned Egypt into a Mediterranean "gold mine". She meets Antony at Tarsus in 41 BC with a spectacular, perfumed barge presentation that immediately wows him.
2. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, is introduced as a powerful member of the Ptolemaic dynasty who turned Egypt into a Mediterranean "gold mine". She meets Antony at Tarsus in 41 BC with a spectacular, perfumed barge presentation that immediately wows him. Strauss portrays her as a tough political player who survived dynastic murders to secure her throne. She claims her son, Caesarion, is Julius...
8m Mar 23
8m
S8 Ep624: 1. Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Julius Caesar's death between Mark Antony and Octavian. Antony, a noble consul and seasoned lieutenant, initially holds a superior social position. Octavian, Caesar’s younger great-nephew, is viewed
1. Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Julius Caesar's death between Mark Antony and Octavian. Antony, a noble consul and seasoned lieutenant, initially holds a superior social position. Octavian, Caesar’s younger great-nephew, is viewed as less of a warrior but possesses extreme ambition and cunning. Using sources like Plutarch and Cassius Dio, Strauss describes the Second Tr...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep623: 8. The Tragic End of the Ptolemies and the Roman Conquest After their defeat at the Battle of Actium, the saga of Antony and Cleopatra reached its tragic conclusion in Alexandria. Mark Antony died in Cleopatra's arms after being mortally wounded, a scene
  8. The Tragic End of the Ptolemies and the Roman Conquest After their defeat at the Battle of Actium, the saga of Antony and Cleopatra reached its tragic conclusion in Alexandria. Mark Antony died in Cleopatra's arms after being mortally wounded, a scene confirmed by historical records. Realizing Octavian could not be seduced and refusing to be paraded as a captive in Rome, Cleopatra took her...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep622: 7. Mark Antony and the Divine Spectacle of the East Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra wooed Mark Antony with a theatrical arrival on a gilded boat, presenting herself as the goddess Aphrodite. While Antony viewed her as a vital political opportu
7. Mark Antony and the Divine Spectacle of the East Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra wooed Mark Antony with a theatrical arrival on a gilded boat, presenting herself as the goddess Aphrodite. While Antony viewed her as a vital political opportunity, conservative Rome saw her as a dangerous seductress who had caused a Roman general to abandon his principles. Their union was marked by ...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 6. Cleopatra and Caesar: A Fatal Alliance and a Lost Legacy An eighteen-year-old Cleopatra VII formed a strategic and romantic alliance with the veteran Roman leader Julius Caesar, seeking a protector against her warring family members. Caesar was drawn t
6. Cleopatra and Caesar: A Fatal Alliance and a Lost Legacy An eighteen-year-old Cleopatra VII formed a strategic and romantic alliance with the veteran Roman leader Julius Caesar, seeking a protector against her warring family members. Caesar was drawn to her extraordinary magnetism, intellect, and her possession of the "keys to Egypt's wealth". However, their partnership brought immediate con...
5m Mar 23
5m
S8 Ep622: 5. Power Struggles and the Rise of the Formidable Cleopatras As the Ptolemaic dynasty entered its decline, the family turned inward, adopting the Egyptian tradition of sibling marriage to consolidate power—a practice taboo in the Greek world. This era saw
5. Power Struggles and the Rise of the Formidable Cleopatras As the Ptolemaic dynasty entered its decline, the family turned inward, adopting the Egyptian tradition of sibling marriage to consolidate power—a practice taboo in the Greek world. This era saw the rise of influential royal women, starting with Cleopatra I, a Seleucid princess who stabilized the kingdom through political astuteness. ...
13m Mar 23
13m
S8 Ep622: 4. Mercenaries, War Elephants, and the Seeds of Dynastic Decay The Ptolemies maintained their vast empire through wealth-funded mercenary armies and a unique arms race involving battle elephants. While their rivals, the Seleucids, used Indian elephants, t
4. Mercenaries, War Elephants, and the Seeds of Dynastic Decay The Ptolemies maintained their vast empire through wealth-funded mercenary armies and a unique arms race involving battle elephants. While their rivals, the Seleucids, used Indian elephants, the Ptolemies relied on harder-to-train African species. Despite military successes like the Battle of Raphia, the dynasty eventually began to ...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep622: 3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and Wisdom Under Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation,
3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and WisdomUnder Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation, turning grain into a vital international currency. This prosperity funded monumental projects like the Pharos Lighthouse, a symbol of Alexandr...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and Wisdom Under Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation,
3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and WisdomUnder Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation, turning grain into a vital international currency. This prosperity funded monumental projects like the Pharos Lighthouse, a symbol of Alexandr...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 2. Ptolemy I: The Architect of a Hybrid Greco-Egyptian Empire Ptolemy I, a general and scholar educated by Aristotle, emerged as the visionary founder of Egypt’s final dynasty. Recognizing the strength of Egyptian civilization, he avoided treating the lan
2. Ptolemy I: The Architect of a Hybrid Greco-Egyptian EmpirePtolemy I, a general and scholar educated by Aristotle, emerged as the visionary founder of Egypt’s final dynasty. Recognizing the strength of Egyptian civilization, he avoided treating the land as a mere conquest, instead blending Greek and Pharaonic cultures into a unique hybrid. Ptolemy expanded his empire to include Cyprus, parts ...
7m Mar 23
7m
S8 Ep622: 1. Alexander the Great’s Divine Ambition and the Birth of Alexandria Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt began with the brutal siege of Gaza, where he mirrored the mythical wrath of Achilles by dragging the city's governor to his death. Seeking div
1. Alexander the Great’s Divine Ambition and the Birth of Alexandria Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt began with the brutal siege of Gaza, where he mirrored the mythical wrath of Achilles by dragging the city's governor to his death. Seeking divine legitimacy, Alexander journeyed to the remote Siwa Oasis. There, the Oracle of Zeus Ammon confirmed his status as a god incarnate, a pivotal ...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep620: 4. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis details the strategic "diplomacy" of his 11-year-old Spoodle, Dallas, in managing backyard bird territories,. Dallas has learned to selectively disperse aggressive minor birds, whose presence previously deterred d
4. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdetails the strategic "diplomacy" of his 11-year-old Spoodle, Dallas, in managing backyard bird territories,. Dallas has learned to selectively disperse aggressive minor birds, whose presence previously deterred destructive cockatoos. By intervening, Dallas has allowed his "friends," the magpies, to return safely to the property. Zakis notes that Dallas demon...
7m Mar 22
7m
S8 Ep620: 3. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis analyzes recent developments in cricket, starting with English player Ollie Pope’s public defense of his team’s "internally devastated" reaction to their Ashes loss. More significantly, Zakis reports on a critical glob
3. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisanalyzes recent developments in cricket, starting with English player Ollie Pope’spublic defense of his team’s "internally devastated" reaction to their Ashes loss. More significantly, Zakis reports on a critical global shortage of cricket ballslinked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Because the essential tanning and hardening process is centra...
9m Mar 22
9m
S8 Ep620: 2. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis discusses how extreme rainfall, specifically seven inches in the Northern Territory, is driving wildlife toward human habitats,. He recounts a rescue mission in Queensland delayed by a large snake, which was eventually
2. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdiscusses how extreme rainfall, specifically seven inches in the Northern Territory, is driving wildlife toward human habitats,. He recounts a rescue mission in Queensland delayed by a large snake, which was eventually identified by a conservationist as a non-venomous brown tree snake rather than a deadly species. Zakis also shares a heartwarming story about ...
14m Mar 22
14m
S8 Ep620: 1. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis describes Cyclone Narelle as a "monster" storm currently impacting Darwin with 130 mph winds. He explains the cyclone's rare trajectory, crossing the Australian landmass from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean while maint
1. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdescribes Cyclone Narelle as a "monster" storm currently impacting Darwin with 130 mph winds. He explains the cyclone's rare trajectory, crossing the Australianlandmass from the Pacific to the IndianOcean while maintaining strength,. Zakis highlights the severe flooding in Queensland and the "bunker-like" housing in the Northern Territory designed for such ex...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep621: 7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles a
7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles alone. Huffman’s unverified accusations were widely publicized by a hostile press, swaying public opinion against the arts. Although Huffman had...
6m Mar 22
6m
S8 Ep621: 7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles
7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles alone. Huffman’s unverified accusations were widely publicized by a hostile press, swaying public opinion against the arts. Although Huffman had...
14m Mar 22
14m
S8 Ep620: 6. Headline: The Rise of Martin Dies and HUAC Guest Author: James Shapiro Congressman Martin Dies, an ambitious politician from Texas, leveraged the burgeoning medium of radio to attack the Federal Theater Project. As chairman of the first House Un-Americ
6. Headline: The Rise of Martin Dies and HUAC Guest Author: James Shapiro Congressman Martin Dies, an ambitious politician from Texas, leveraged the burgeoning medium of radio to attack the Federal Theater Project. As chairman of the first House Un-AmericanActivities Committee, Dies targeted the program by framing its output as communistic and un-American. He exploited public fatigue with relie...
5m Mar 22
5m
S8 Ep620: 5. Headline: Living Newspapers and Suppressed Voices Guest Author: James Shapiro The "Living Newspaper" format used fact-based drama to address social issues like the national housing crisis. Productions such as *One-Third of a Nation* were popular with t
5. Headline: Living Newspapers and Suppressed Voices Guest Author: James Shapiro The "Living Newspaper" format used fact-based drama to address social issues like the national housing crisis. Productions such as *One-Third of a Nation* were popular with the public but drew ire from mocked senators who saw their own words used against them on stage. While the project pushed boundaries, it also f...
13m Mar 22
13m
S8 Ep620: 4. Headline: Challenging Fascism with Sinclair Lewis Guest Author: James Shapiro When Hollywood refused to film Sinclair Lewis’s anti-fascist novel *It Can’t Happen Here* due to censorship and foreign market fears, the Federal Theater stepped in. Hallie F
4. Headline: Challenging Fascism with Sinclair Lewis Guest Author: James Shapiro When Hollywoodrefused to film Sinclair Lewis’s anti-fascist novel *It Can’t Happen Here* due to censorship and foreign market fears, the Federal Theater stepped in. Hallie Flanagan secured the rights and staged the production simultaneously in twenty cities, proving that live theater could match the national reach ...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep620: 3. Headline: The Innovation and Controversy of Voodoo Macbeth Guest Author: James Shapiro Orson Welles modernized *Macbeth* by setting it in 19th-century Haiti, substituting traditional witches for voodoo drumming and chanting. This "Voodoo Macbeth" becam
3. Headline: The Innovation and Controversy of Voodoo MacbethGuest Author: James Shapiro Orson Welles modernized *Macbeth* by setting it in 19th-century Haiti, substituting traditional witches for voodoo drumming and chanting. This "Voodoo Macbeth"became a national sensation, touring cities like Dallas and breaking local Jim Crow laws. Despite its success, the production faced scrutiny; Langsto...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep620: 2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by BroaE
2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by Broadway star Rose McClendon, who recognized the importance of developing Black actors and directors. She brought in John Houseman, then a struggli...
5m Mar 22
5m
S8 Ep620: 1. Headline: The Birth of the Federal Theater Project Guest Author: James Shapiro On April 14, 1936, the Lafayette Theater hosted an integrated crowd for the premiere of an all-Black production of *Macbeth*. This era-defining moment was made possible by t
1. Headline: The Birth of the Federal Theater Project Guest Author: James Shapiro On April 14, 1936, the Lafayette Theater hosted an integrated crowd for the premiere of an all-Black production of *Macbeth*. This era-defining moment was made possible by the Works Progress Administration under Harry Hopkins, who launched Federal One to employ artists during the Great Depression. Hopkins believed...
13m Mar 22
13m
S8 Ep619: 4. Copley asserts that China and Russia are reasserting their identities as empires by reconnecting with historical traditions. He describes China as a composite state attempting to regain its social contract by linking with its imperial past. Similarly
4. Copley asserts that China and Russiaare reasserting their identities as empires by reconnecting with historical traditions. He describes China as a composite state attempting to regain its social contract by linking with its imperial past. Similarly, he views Vladimir Putin as a nationalist who has reinvigorated the Russian Orthodox Church and may restore the monarchy. Finally, Copley notes ...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep619: 3. Copley identifies the U.S. Constitution as a "de facto crown" providing stability, though it has become dangerously "frozen". He observes that the United States is approaching the 250-year average lifespan of empires, causing internal divisions over th
3. Copley identifies the U.S. Constitution as a "de facto crown" providing stability, though it has become dangerously "frozen". He observes that the United States is approaching the 250-year average lifespan of empires, causing internal divisions over the Constitution’s validity. Furthermore, he argues that a noble state relies on a "belief in beliefs," where leadership is imbued with mysticis...
12m Mar 22
12m