Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Explore the captivating story of the Romanian revolution of 1989, a pivotal moment shaped by the country’s rich history of resisting and embracing external influences. This intricate tapestry of events traces back to the second century AD when the Roman Emperor Trajan conquered the region, leaving an indelible mark in the form of plundered gold. Subsequent waves of invaders, including Goths, Huns, Bulgars, Magyars, and Ottomans, were met with fierce resistance, led by legendary figures like Vlad The Impaler. Each conqueror left behind a lasting legacy, contributing to Romania’s unique heterogeneity in a region dominated by homogeneity. While neighboring Slavic countries followed certain paths, Romania charted its own course, embracing Orthodox Christianity while adopting the Latin alphabet. As a result, Romanian stands as the language most closely linked to modern Italian, setting it apart from the predominantly Slavic, Turkic, or Greek languages spoken in the Balkan nations. Join us in this episode as we unravel the complex historical threads that culminated in the Romanian revolution of 1989, shedding light on a nation’s enduring spirit of resistance and its quest for a distinct identity. Originally Broadcast in 2022 Sound Effects: Pixabay BBC John Simpson BBC1 News English: Address from the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin Wall). Full text at Wikisource Date12 June 1987SourceUniversity of Virginia Miller Center for Public Affairs President Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. Transcript available.[1] Date26 June 1963SourceKennedy Presidential Library[2]AuthorJohn F. Kennedy

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2025

Mata Hari -- publicly portrayed as a mysterious Javan princess who became famous for her exotic dance routines and high profile affairs -- has become the poster child for twentieth century female espionage. The bombshell sex symbol who can seduce any man. The cunning and ruthless individual who will betray anyone to enrich herself as a double agent. She is model for the Bond femme fatales that have become a cinematic trope. But, is any of this true? In this episode I speak with historian Professor Tammy Proctor of Utah State University. During her research which has among other things yielded the excellent book “Female Intelligence: Women and Espionage in the First World War” (2003, New York University Press), Tammy has stepped behind the curtain to expose the real Mata Hari. Music and sound: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

In 1912, the ”unsinkable” jewel in the crown of White Star Line voyages -- The Titanic -- hit an iceberg and sunk on its maiden voyage. It is difficult to imagine how passengers enjoying the amenities of this luxury liner would have reacted when suddenly they realized the vessel had become a floating coffin. Only a third of the passengers and crew survived the harrowing journey.  But, a touring exhibition now casts light on those passengers in an intimate and immersive manner. The Titanic Exhibition is currently on tour in Seattle, Washington. Visitors will gain access to over 200 artifacts from the ill fated voyage, as well as immersive audio commentary shedding light on the personal stories of passengers, and the chance to explore incredible recreations of the decks from the iconic ship. In this episode, I speak with the CEO of Musealia -- the company behind the exhibition -- Luis Ferreiro about this remarkable, critically acclaimed exhibit as well as his personal story about how his father turned a Spanish national radio show about fishing into a global history exhibition company.  Learn more at www.titanicexhibition.com Music and sound: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2024

She has become the poster child for James Bond style cunning, honey-trap-setting, spying vixens but does reality match the myths around Mata Hari? In this upcoming episode I speak with Prof. Tammy Proctor of Utah State University, author of Female Intelligence: Women and Espionage in the First World War. We discuss the Dutch girl who became a ”Javan princess,” a spy and ultimately a casualty of the first world war. Here is a sneak peak.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

Situated on the Mediterranean, just a short distance from Spain and the rest of Europe, Morocco attracts tens of millions of tourists every year. They flock to see the iconic mosques and bazaars.  But there’s another, much larger structure that you won’t find in any tourist guides and is seldom talked about.  It’s a 2700 kilometer long barrier wall constructed of dirt and brick that runs through the heart of the Sahara Desert.  And for the people living in its shadow, it’s a symbol of an ongoing occupation and decades long period of oppression.  In this episode, I speak with Jacob Mundi, professor from Colgate University, an expert on the subject of Morocco’s illegal decades long occupation of Western Sahara and the refugee crisis it created that now spans generations.  Guest: Prof. Jacob Mundy Links Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution Stephen Zunes, Jacob Mundy Jacob Mundy on violence in the Middle East Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

In 1937, Kansas native and pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart sought to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world. It was a daring adventure but one that ended in tragedy. Almost 9 decades later, a company named Deep Sea Vision produced evidence of a plane closely resembling Amelia’s at the bottom of the Pacific. Recovery attempts are ongoing and offer the potential for resolution to the enduring mystery of how and where Amelia’s journey came to an end. However, this apparent discovery while exciting is just the latest in a series of theories – backed by photographs or eye witness reports that suggest she died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, crashed in Papua New Guinea, or that she starved to death on a tiny remote island. We may or may not ever now how her adventure ended but we do know how it began. And it was right here in Atchison Kansas. In this episode I uncover the equally intriguing story of Amelia’s early life as I speak with Heather Roesch Executive Director and Madison Paul Director of Archives at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. With thanks to Heather Roesch & Madison Paul  Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Sound and Audio: Public Domain Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

An old Angolan proverb suggests it is the voyage not the ship that is important. And for the people of Angola the voyage has been a long one, from the era of the might Kongo empire, through the slave trade, colonialism, an independence struggle, and more recently decades of civil war. Despite this, in 2015 the capital city Luanda was in was listed as the most expensive city in the world, But new high rises built off the back of an oil boom sit uncomfortably alongside squalid outskirts of the city in the former Portuguese colony.  In this episode I speak with Alex Vines OBE was a UN observer when Angola held its first elections 30 years ago, as the Director of the Africa program at Chatham House, Alex has seen the growth of the nation, its slow transition towards real democracy and has expert insights into the nation, and the challenges it continues to face. Alex Vines OBE Chatham House Alex Vines has led the Africa Programme at Chatham House since 2002. Previously he has held roles at Chatham House as director for regional studies and international security, and director for area studies and international law. He chaired the UN Panel of Experts on Côte d’Ivoire from 2005 to 2007, and was a member of the UN Panel of Experts on Liberia from 2001 to 2003. He was also a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Nigeria in 2023 (Mozambique in 2019 and Ghana in 2016) and a UN election officer in Mozambique (1994) and Angola (1992). He worked at Human Rights Watch as a senior researcher on its Africa, Arms and Business and Human Rights programmes, and has served as a consultant including for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); JICA, DFID, USAID, the EU and for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He has also written expert reports for the EU parliament and has testified to law makers including for the US Congress and Senate, the EU parliament, the UK and Finnish parliaments and the Angolan and Mozambican National Assemblies. Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2024

Imagine one day being cast out of your society, subjected to violence or killed simply because you continue to participate in the traditional rituals and activities your community have practiced for generations. It might sound extraordinary but as we’ve seen down the centuries this is what happens when age old activities are suddenly rebranded as witchcraft and it is something that is happening now  in the tropical paradise of Papua New Guinea. In today’s episode I speak with Papuan native Dr. Fiona Hukula a world renowned activist tackling gender-based violence. She worked for the Papuan government handling issues such as family and sexual violence, law reform and was the recipient of the Royal Anthropological society’s Satosoma Award. We discuss her efforts to tackle gender based violence in Papua New Guinea, how the intrusion of colonialism and fundamentalist Christianity created a maelstrom in the long isolated traditional communities of her homeland, and her thoughts on the future for her country.  Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2024

Imagine an alien world where a creature could create a sonic boom simply by whipping its tail. Look no further as such creatures once roamed the Earth. This is just one remarkable discovery made by the world renowned Paleontologist Philip J. Currie -- the man whose worked inspire Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. In this episode, I speak with Philip J. Currie about feathered dinosaurs, long necked giants, his fascinating career and ongoing work. More info: Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Philip J. Currie Bio: Philip J. Currie, born in Brampton, Ontario on March 13th, 1949, is a leading Canadian palaeontologist and museum curator who helped found the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. He is now a professor at the University of Alberta. Inspired as a child by a toy dinosaur in a cereal box, Currie went on to study zoology at the University of Toronto, and then vertebrate palaeontology at McGill, under the tutelage of Robert Carroll, himself a major figure in the study of extinct animals. After receiving his doctorate, Currie became the curator of earth sciences at the Provincial Museum of Alberta in Edmonton in 1976. In 1981, this department became the nucleus of the new Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (now the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology), in Drumheller, Alberta, where Currie is curator of dinosaurs. Currie is an important figure in dinosaur science, and has specialized in fossils from Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park as well as other Cretaceous sites (dating from the latter part of the dinosaur age) around the world. He is particularly interested in the evolution and classification of carnivorous dinosaurs (theropods) and their living descendants, birds. He has painstakingly investigated the skeletal anatomy of many of these, including the recently discovered feathered theropods (Protarchaeopteryx and Caudipteryx) of China. The find was considered clear evidence of the relationship between birds and dinosaurs. Other research has focused on dinosaur footprints, as well as dinosaur growth and variation, including description of embryonic duck-billed dinosaur bones discovered inside their fossilized crushed eggshells at Devil’s Coulee in southern Alberta. Courtesy of Canadian Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia Historica http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/ Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2024

In 1986, anthropologist Patricia Wright arrived in the tropical paradise of Madagascar. Seemingly, she was hunting  a ghost: the greater bamboo lemur — then believed to be extinct. Lemurs predate humans by millions of years and have long been prevalent on Madagascar. In contrast, the first human settlers arrived on the Island within the last few thousand years. Despite our relatively short period of coexisting with these animals, human activities have contributed to their decline and — in some instances — apparent extinction. But, remarkably against all odds, the redoubtable Patricia Wright found not only that the lost lemurs were still alive. She also discovered a new species that was entirely new to science.  In this episode, I speak with Dr. Wright who is now a Professor and primatologist at Stony Brook University. At the same institution she founded the Institution for the Conservation of Tropical Environments which operates the Centre ValBio in Madagascar.  We discuss her life’s work, her remarkable discoveries, lemurs, and the magical island of Madagascar.  Guest: Dr. Patricia Wright Patricia C. Wright’s research in tropical ecology, primatology, and conservation biology includes a long term study (1986 - present) of the behavioral ecology of Propithecus edwardsi, the Milne Edward’s sifaka, in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Wright, her students and post docs investigate the demography, feeding behavior, parasite loads, infant development, genetics, tooth wear, reproductive behavior, predation pressure, and aging in this wild community of four adjacent rain forest sifaka groups. Current research includes investigating the growth, tooth eruption patterns, and ontogeny of various lemur species, the nutritional composition of lemur foods, the relationship between lemur foods and medicinal plants, the role of parasites on populations, and the effect of habitat disturbance on lemur populations. Wright′s long term database on individual lemurs, weather patterns, and plant phenology is maintained at SUNY Stony Brook. Wright also conducts biodiversity surveys in tropical forests of Madagascar to address conservation problems. In addition, Wright is spearheading construction of dormitories and computer facilities at the international research station (Centre ValBio) adjacent to Ranomafana National Park. Wright′s recent NSF grant addresses senescence in wild lemurs, particularly mouse lemurs and sifakas. Selected awards Indianapolis Prize Winner, Indianapolis Zoological Society (2014) Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival (2014) Commandeur National Medal of Honor of Madagascar (2012) Resources: Centre Val Bio Natural World Safaris Lemur Conservation Foundation Patricia Wright Bio Stony Brook University Island of Lemurs Documentary Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2024

The Borat movies were a fun but far fetched parody right? Think again. The Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan is currently ruled by the clownish Gurbangulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow and his son Serdar. He has styled himself as an action hero. Unfortunately he isn’t very good at racing, handling horses, firing guns, singing, dancing, weight lifting, rapping or any of the other ”talents” he likes to demonstrate.  He is also a tyrant, presiding over an oppressive system of government that has seen untold numbers of political opponents thrown into horrific dungeons. How did he get the job? Well because he was the dentist of his predecessor the equally bizarre Saparmurat Niyazov. Makes sense right? Of course it doesn’t but it is true and my guest today -- revered journalist Bruce Pannier a fellow of the Foreign Policy Institute was in Central Asia when the USSR ended and this peculiar new system of government arose from its ashes. We discuss Bruce’s firsthand insights into the hermit-like nation. He shares amusing anecdotes about the seemingly insane rulers, and shares his thoughts on more serious topics including life for the Turkmen people, terrorism, and international relations.  Guest: Bruce Pannier is a Central Asia Fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a longtime journalist and correspondent covering Central Asia. He currently writes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s blog, Qishloq Ovozi, and appears regularly on the Majlis podcast for RFE/RL. Prior to joining RFE/RL in 1997, Bruce worked at the Open Media Research Institute in Prague. In 1992, he led a sociological project in Central Asia sponsored by the University of Manchester and the Soros Cultural Initiative Foundation. During that time he lived in villages in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Bruce studied at Tashkent State University in the summer of 1990 and studied at Columbia University under Professor Edward Allworth. Bruce has also written for The Economist, Janes Intelligence, Oxford Analytica, Freedom House, The Cairo Review, the FSU Oil & Gas Monitor, and Energo Weekly.   Music: Performed by Gurbanghuly and Serdar Berdimuhamedow -- yes the ”rap” song is actually written and performed by the President and his son. This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia. Фильмы о Борате были забавной, но надуманной пародией, верно? Подумайте еще раз. Центральноазиатским государством Туркменистаном в настоящее время правят шут Гурбангулыевич Бердымухамедов и его сын Сердар. Он назвал себя героем боевиков. К сожалению, он не очень хорош в скачках, обращении с лошадьми, стрельбе из оружия, пении, танцах, поднятии тяжестей, рэпе и других «талантах», которые он любит демонстрировать. Он также является тираном, возглавляющим репрессивную систему правления, которая видела бесчисленное количество политических оппонентов, брошенных в ужасающие темницы. Как он получил эту работу? Ну, потому что он был дантистом своего предшественника, столь же эксцентричного Сапармурата Ниязова. Имеет смысл, не так ли? Конечно, это не так, но это правда, и мой сегодняшний гость - уважаемый журналист Брюс Паннье, сотрудник Института внешней политики, был в Центральной Азии, когда СССР распался и из его пепла возникла эта своеобразная новая система правления.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

In 1994, Drocella Mugorewera was a young mother when Ethnic tensions between Hutu’s and Tutsi’s rooted in colonial divisions boiled over and led to a horrific genocide in Rwanda that cost up to one million lives. Drocella fled to the comparative safety of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo before returning home determined to mold a better society in Rwanda.  She quickly became a government minister focused on forging an inclusive and peaceful society from the ashes of horrific events. But, her hopes for the future were largely unfulfilled as the increasingly authoritarian regime of Paul Kagame meant political dissent could no longer be tolerated. Fearing for her life, Drocella fled her homeland once again before finding refuge in the USA. There, she established herself as a campaigner for the rights of women, refugees, and an advocate for diversity. Ironically, as a young woman she earned a scholarship to study in the Ukraine -- another country now devastated by war.  Having seen the horrors of divisive politics. She is an inspirational figure full of hope and the desire for peace. In this episode I discuss her work as a diversity consultant. Her feelings about Rwanda, Ukraine, and war and conflict in general. A truly faith filled woman who somehow remains positive about he future despite seeing the worst of humanity. Official Website: Drocella Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2024

Despite being orphaned at a young age, Simon Bolivar was far from an orphan Annie character. Born into a wealthy Criollo family in 1783, his education continued before he made an extensive trip around Europe. While there, he was introduced to ideas of the enlightenment and events such as the French Revolution. Despite his ethnically Spanish roots, he returned to Venezuela determined to gain independence and establish a republic. In subsequent years he became involved in three separate Venezuelan republics whilst establishing himself as the de facto ruler of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia. The latter even named after him.  But his legacy is complicated. A proponent for the abolishment of slavery, for a time an ally of the newly independent Haiti, Bolivar while earning the moniker ”The Liberator” was ultimately pushed out of power. In this episode I examine Bolivar’s life with my guest, a leading expert on the subject -- his compatriot -- Prof. Tomas Helmut Straka Medina of the prestigious Andre Bello Catholic University of Caracas, Venezuela. Tomas explains the nuances of Bolivar’s reign, his motivations and the context of the overall geopolitical situation. Guest:  Prof. Tomas Helmut Straka Medina Tomás Straka is a Venezuelan historian, author, and professor of history at the Andrés Bello Catholic University. He has authored various works, including ”La voz de los vencidos,” ”Hechos y gente,” ”Un Reino para este mundo,” ”La épica del desencanto,” and ”La república fragmentada,” among others. Straka holds a PhD in History from Andrés Bello Catholic University and has been a visiting scholar at prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. He is a member of the National Academy of History in Venezuela since 2016. Straka’s contributions to Venezuelan history and academia are significant, reflected in his extensive bibliography covering various aspects of Venezuelan history and society. In addition to his academic endeavors, Straka is known for his involvement in preserving democratic memory in Venezuela, as highlighted in his work ”Por el rescate de la memoria democrática en Venezuela.” His role as a historian and essayist extends beyond academia, making him a prominent figure in discussions surrounding Venezuelan history and contemporary issues. Twitter: @thstraka  Instagram: @ thstraka2 Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

The DeCavalcante Crime Family of New Jersey were the inspiration for HBO’s acclaimed Sopranos drama series. In this episode, I speak with one of their members: Aidan Gabor. He is a mafia henchman, turned DOJ informant and cop.  Gabor shares his origin story from his parents escape from Soviet occupied Budapest to his childhood descent into crime and his eventual redemption based on the Baha’i faith. Aiden Gabor is also the author of and autobiographical book linked below.  Guest: Aiden Gabor author of Conflicting Loyalties: My Life as a Mob Enforcer Turned DOJ Informant *This episode contains strong language Music: Pixabay Composer Universfield Free Use Creative Commons License:  Rebecca Evans Title O Mio Babbino Caro - Rebecca Evans Description English: O mio babbino caro - A track by Rebecca Evans. From the 1995 album Rebecca Cymraeg: O mio babbino caro - Trac gan Rebecca Evans. O’r albwm 1995 Rebecca Performance date 1995 Record ID Sain SCD2105 This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

Rome’s first and arguably greatest Emperor Octavian (Augustus) helped to evolve and expand the Roman Republic into an empire that encompassed France, parts of Germany, Asia Minor, Egypt and North Africa. But the seemingly all conquering Roman met his match in an African woman called Candace. Who was she? How did she come to be the de facto leader of the Kushites? How was she able to defeat Augustus and ensure an independence for her people that lasted for hundreds of years? In this episode, I speak with a subject matter expert Prof. Emeritus Stanley Burstein of California State University, Los Angeles. We discuss the Roman expansion into Africa, the identity of Kandake AKA ”Candace,” her legacy, and her huge role in shaping both African and Roman history.  Guest: Prof. Stanley Burstein works on Amazon Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2024

Coming in May, I talk to Mafia gangster turned DOJ informant Aiden Gabor on Fascinating People, Fascinating Places. Guest: Aiden Gabor author of Conflicting Loyalties: My Life as a Mob Enforcer Turned DOJ Informant Creative Commons License:  Rebecca Evans Title O Mio Babbino Caro - Rebecca Evans Description English: O mio babbino caro - A track by Rebecca Evans. From the 1995 album Rebecca Cymraeg: O mio babbino caro - Trac gan Rebecca Evans. O’r albwm 1995 Rebecca Performance date 1995 Record ID Sain SCD2105 This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2024

In 1913, Albert Schweitzer, a respected theologian and organist left Alsace-Lorraine and made his way to the French colony of Gabon. As a newly qualified doctor, he decided to to use his skills to establish a free hospital in a remote corner of the French Empire. Schweitzer eventually earned a Nobel prize for his humanitarian work and his hospital still stands today. Decades later, award winning author Eric Madeen followed in Schweitzer’s footsteps and found himself in the now independent Gabon. While there he gained insight into Schweitzer’s life and legacy while having extraordinary experiences of his own that have since inspired his writing work.  In this episode, I talk to Eric about Schweitzer, life in the jungle, his writing, and his more recent experiences in Japan.  Eric Madeen Official Website Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2024

30 years ago the US brokered Oslo accords seemed to herald a new era of peaceful coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians. Yasser Arafat -- long demonized as a terrorist in the Tel Aviv, whilst being hailed as a freedom fighter in Palestine -- shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and politician Shimon Peres.  30 years later, peace seems further away than ever before after  Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants’ horrific 7 October attack on Israel provoked a response from Israel that caused South Africa to take Israel to court for allegedly committing genocide.  In this episode I speak with Middle Eastern policy and strategy expert Dr. Stephen Zunes a Professor at the University of San Francisco. We discuss how the Oslo accords unraveled, the role of the US, the current situation, and prospects for peace. Guest: Dr. Stephen Zunes Official Website Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2024

During the last 45 years, Iran has become synonymous with terrorism. While much of its direct, and indirect involvement in these acts is focused on Israel and the Middle East, plots involving Iran and its proxies have been uncovered in nations ranging from Denmark to Thailand. In this episode I speak with Matthew Levitt the Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of its Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Previously he worked with both the FBI and the US State Department of the Treasury where he tackled financial crimes linked to terrorist financing and sought to expose and disrupt the logistics of terrorist groups.  For more on Matthew below are select links to his work: Matthew Levitt at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Interactive Map of Hezbollah Activities Another Path to Martyrdom Hamas: Politics, Charity and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad Podcast: Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule If you enjoyed this topic check out these related episodes: MAJ Jason Wright: Guantanamo Bay Al-Qaeda Trials Eric Maddox: How I Found Saddam Hussein Al Shabaab: Al Qaeda in Somalia with Tricia Bacon Boko Haram (ISIS) With Vincent Foucher Music from Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia. يسوع هو المسيح

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2024

500 years ago Spanish conquistadors invaded the Incan Empire and slew Atahualpa -- the unfortunate who would prove to be the last Emperor. Due to his vast wealth -- largely in the form of gold -- treasure hunters have spent centuries searching in vain for lost treasure of the Incas.  Ecuadorian historian Tamara Estupiñán Viteri who among other things studied and then created a dictionary of the dialects spoken within the Incan Empire, also deciphered the ”secret language of the Incas.” This along with documents from the Spanish colonial period enabled her to piece together a treasure map of sorts. Following the leads she discovered Tamara made her way to a remote corner of Ecuador where she discovered the hitherto unknown Incan site at Malqui-Machay. It is here that Tamara explains that the greatest Inca ”treasure” now lies. Guest: Tamara Estupiñán Viteri is a professional historian with a degree in History from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. She also holds a master’s degree in history, with a specialisation in Andean history, from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences of Ecuador (FLACSO).  Read more on Tamara: Academia.Edu Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia La historiadora ecuatoriana Tamara Estupiñán Viteri, quien entre otras cosas estudió y luego creó un diccionario de los dialectos hablados dentro del Imperio Inca, también descifró la ”lengua secreta de los Incas”. Esto, junto con documentos del período colonial español, le permitió reconstruir una especie de mapa del tesoro.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2024

Wall Street Journal and Financial Times correspondent David Satter was expelled and banned from Russia after exposing corruption in Putin’s regime. On 19 March he talks to @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces about the shocking death of #russian politician Alexie #navalny. We also discuss the #wagner group mutiny. The suspicious death of Wagner coup leader #yevgenyprigozhin, the war in #ukraine and #Russian threats to use #nuclearforce. Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в’їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2024

In February 2024, Alexei Navalny a Russian politician died in an Arctic Russian penal colony. At just 47 years old his death would have been surprising were it not for the fact the Russian secret service FSB seemingly at the direction of Vladimir Putin had already tried and failed to kill him using a chemical weapon four years earlier. In this episode, I speak with Russian political expert David Satter. Formerly a Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times, and Soviet special correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. He was banned and expelled from Russian in 2013 after uncovering evidence of corruption and FSB links with apparent Chechnyan terrorist atrocities. We discuss the death of Navalny, the Wagner group’s failed coup under Prighozin, the war in Ukraine, and the threat of nuclear war. Guest: David Satter And please, subscribe, follow us on social media, and let your friends know about the podcast. The more exposure we get, the easier it is for people to find the podcast in a world controlled by those pesky big tech companies that prioritize profit above quality content produced as a labor of love. Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в’їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2024

Hundreds of years ago, it is believed a group of African migrants made their way South from the Remnants of the collapsing Mali Empire -- once ruled by the wealthiest human in history: Musa Mansa. These travelers eventually made their way to the South coast of what is now Ghana in North West Africa. They settled there but not on the land. Instead, they established a community in the middle of a river. Despite the ravages of war, the slave trade, and colonialism, these enterprising individuals didn’t just survive they thrived. But today, their remarkable community faces new challenges that include tourism and environmental change. Ghanaian native Prof. Nana Kesse of Clark University has visited the community and extensively researched their history and culture. In his study titled ”Living Waters,” he compares both the oral traditions of the people and the documented evidence from other historical sources as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Nzulezo community. In this episode, Nana shares his insights into the origins of this community. He explains how and why they came to live in such a unique location. The challenges they have faced, adaptations they’ve made, and how they remain an enduring example of the resilience of humanity.  Ghana Tourism: Nzulezu Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024

On 31 August Diana Spencer the ex-wife of the now King Charles III of the United Kingdom was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. Just 36 years old at the time, Diana left behind two young sons: William and Harry. Her death sent a nation into mourning. Millions traveled to London in subsequent months to lay wreaths in her honor, and approximately one-third of the world’s population watched her funeral on television. But while tragic, why were so many people so distraught over the sad passing of an individual that few of them had ever met? In this episode, I speak with Prof. Margaret Schwartz author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses. Through her research, Margaret has gained an understanding of the relationships that develop between celebrated individuals like Diana and distant members of the general public. Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2024

Western media reports on North Korea tend to focus on the nation’s missile launches, nuclear weapons program, and involvement in illegal activities such as weapon and drug smuggling. The despotic regime of the Kim Family are usually front and center in any reporting. But what about the millions of North Koreans living a dystopian nightmare under the regime? In this episode, I speak with Sokeel Park of Liberty in North Korea an organization that assists people wishing to escape the so-called hermit kingdom. The group also helps North Koreans settle abroad, sends information into North Korea, and as its name implies has the ultimate aim of bringing liberty to the nation. Resources: LiNK website: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/ Donate to North Korean freedom: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/donate Sign up as an ally of North Korean people: https://www.withthenorthkoreanpeople.org/ Article by Sokeel Park on how to change North Korea: https://www.globalasia.org/v18no2/cover/old-truths-new-tools-bringing-slow-change-to-north-korea_sokeel-park Documentary, The Jangmadang Generation: https://www.nkmillennials.com/ LiNK youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyinNorthKorea LiNK instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyinnorthkorea/ LiNK twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertyinNK LiNK facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libertyinnk/ Music: Pixabay This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2024

MAJ Jason Wright was forced to choose between following military orders and honoring the Constitution when tasked with defending 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed at Guantanamo Bay. The government and media had identified KSM as the culprit and he had freely admitted his guilt. But did his apparent guilt warrant the denial of his rights and the dismissal of elements of the US Constitution? Jason thought not and put his career on the line as he sought to do his duty. Aside from representing KSM, Jason also helped gain the release of a seemingly guilty but entirely innocent captive at Guantanamo Bay. We discuss these cases, Jason’s powerful stand, and the consequences for him, his clients, and the country. This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate, but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site; and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2024

During the so-called Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Englishman Robert Falcon Scott departed for the most Southerly continent. He aimed to reach the South Pole. On a broader scale, humanity hoped to reach the most Southerly point on Earth for the first time in history. Both accomplishments were achieved though not as Scott envisaged. Credits: This episode was produced with kind support from The Antarctic Heritage Trust and spokesperson Lizzie Meek -- Acting Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project Manager. Sound Effects and Music: Pixabay Scott’s Diary: Public Domain In this episode, I speak with Lizzie Meek Programme Manager - Artefacts for the Antarctic Heritage Trust -- a New Zealand-based historical preservation society. Through the sites and artifacts she and her team have restored, Lizzie helps me to explore the last journey of the remarkable explored.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2024

A 2022 report from the International Labor Organization estimated that 50 million people were trapped in modern slavery with 28 million engaged in forced labor. Some of the most well-documented and egregious cases include Uighurs detained in Chinese work camps, and, and North Korean prisoners. But forced labor is a global epidemic present even in the US, Europe, and Australia. In this episode, I speak with attorney Martina E Vandenberg founder and President of The Human Trafficking Legal Center. Martina has testified before senators and worked with Human Rights Watch in a 20-year career that has taken her to Bosnia, Ukraine, and elsewhere as she has worked to tackle the scourge of enforced labor and human trafficking. Guest: Martina E Vandenburg Human Trafficking Legal Center Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2024

In 2003, interrogator Eric Maddox was assigned to a Delta Force team as part of an operation run by the Joint Special Operations Command that was tasked with tracking down Iraqi fugitives including Saddam Hussein. Through relentless work, participating in daring raids, and interviews with over 300 detainees, Eric was able to locate Saddam. He was subsequently arrested thanks to Eric’s intel on 13 December 2003. In this episode, Eric recounts his work in Iraq. He explains the approach he developed for interrogations that proved to be highly successful and how it sharply contrasted with the controversial and ineffective techniques used by some others. Eric has also written a book Mission: Black List #1 which details the whole investigation. He now works as an inspirational speaker and has successfully adapted the communication techniques used during his investigations to help foster better communication and success in the private sector. You can learn more about Eric and contact him through his official Website: EricMaddox.com Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2024

This was a peculiar episode because frankly, the topic wasn’t on my radar until a female brothel owner from Nevada contacted me wanting to share her story. That interview was broadcast in the following episode but the suggestion led me to to this episode. At the time, I had been dusting off my Piers Gaveston episode which I have been kicking down the road since episode one though it eventually aired this year. But, having spoken to ”Kiki Smith” I was intrigued by her motivations, her business savvy, and the fact that she was in control of production versus individuals who work in the same realm at the behest of others. I wasn’t entirely sure how such a controversial and divisive topic would be received by listeners but it was the most listened to episode of 2023. This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners. In this episode, I speak with Kiki Smith — not her real name. But she is a stay at home mom and a married woman who makes a quite lucrative living posting as KS Wifey on websites including Only Fans, many vids and even her own domain: kswifey.com. What led her into this industry? How does it affect her relationship with her husband? What are the pitfalls and perks? A candid discussion about a growing yet controversial segment of the sex industry. Guest: Kiki Smith KS Wifey on Onlyfans KS Wifey Official website

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2023

In October 2023, Hamas terrorists massacred Israeli civilians as well as many foreign tourists in an unprecedented attack. Consequently, the Israeli government under Netanyahu launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza with manifold civilian deaths. Over 50 years ago, a similar attack at the Munich Olympics also led to severe repercussions for Palestinian civilians. I am rebroadcasting this episode which was among the most listened to during the last two years, with the hope that 10, 15, or 50 years from now this complex and ongoing conflict may find a peaceful and equitable resolution for all parties involved. In September 1972, the Olympic Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” became an irrelevance as the world’s greatest sporting event was ravaged by violence and bloodshed as the Palestinian Black September group massacred 11 members of the Israeli delegation. In this episode, I discuss the Munich Massacre. Why it happened, how it happened, and whether it could have been prevented. Music by Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2023

This was the most disturbing episode I have ever recorded. Vatican Exorcist Vincent Lampert is one of the most prominent Roman Catholic combatants of demons in the world. I was very anxious when I made this episode as many people -- including a demonologist -- warned me I could provoke demonic forces. Thus far, I seem to have endured so I feel safe to reshare this episode. A few years ago, the Barna Group – a market research firm specializing in religious beliefs conducted a survey in which it emerged that more Americans believe Satan is real than believe in God. On a superficial level, the results seem counterintuitive. In a nominally Christian society, God and Satan seem to go hand in hand. But it’s important to remember that the Satan figure of the Bible appears in Islam and Judaism, and that demons whether real or imagined pre-date the Abrahamic religions and can be found in ancient cultures around the world. But whatever his origins, Satan and his demons have inspired countless movies and TV shows and there are numerous instances of people arguing that these demons can and do possess people even today. In this episode, I speak with four people, an academic, a Vatican Exorcist, a fundamentalist Christian, and a man who believes demons can be tackled through science rather than religion. Music: Pixabay Images: Canva Guests: Father Vincent Lampert Shirley Phelps-Roper (Westboro Baptist Church) Kenneth Dukofsky Ljubo Rubic Film footage: Les Tresors De Satan (1902) Public domain The Devil in a Covent (1899)

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2023

One of the most enjoyable interviews I have had over the past two years was with Prof. Margaret Schwartz from Fordham University about Eva Peron. Clearly, I wasn’t alone as that episode was the most listened to of all episodes released within the last year. Next season, Prof. Schwartz will return with an episode on the late Lady Diana. But, in the meantime here is a chance for new listeners to hear the episode or for long-term listeners to get a refresher. In July 1952, some 3 million people gathered in the heart of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. They had come to pay their last respects to Eva Peron the President’s wife. Overcome by emotion, the frenzied crowd poured forward leading to a crush in which 8 people were killed and thousands injured. Despite the huge crowds, Eva Peron or Evita as she was known was a divisive figure and her death was a milestone in rather than the end of her political influence in Argentina. In this episode, I explore the story of Evita. Featuring Dr Margaret Schwartz Associate Professor (Phd. University of Iowa) at Fordham University and author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses. Music from Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2023

Fascinating People, Fascinating Places returns in January. Here about the exciting new episodes in this preview.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2023

The new series of Fascinating People, Fascinating Places launches on 5 January 2024 with new episodes featuring the man who caught Saddam Hussein, the lawyer for the 9/11 mastermind, and much more. But in the interim, I am replaying five episodes that were selected by listeners as the best content over the last few years. If you’re new to the show now is the time to catch up. If you’re a long-term listener here is a chance to revisit some of the fan favorites. Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I had the pleasure of speaking with WSJ veteran David Satter. He was expelled from Moscow due to his investigative work that indicated Vladimir Putin came to power on the back of terrorist atrocities committed by the FSB but blamed on Chechens. In this episode, he shares a compelling story that supports his claims. On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series of events that salvaged the reputation of President Boris Yeltsin and laid the stage for his protege Vladimir Putin to come to power. But Selezynyovs apparent clairvoyance wasn’t the only indication that something more sinister was afoot. And many people believe the second Chechen war was launched on the basis of a false flag attack concocted by Vladimir Putin. In this episode, I talk to the acclaimed journalist David Satter – formerly the Moscow correspondent for The Financial Times, and special correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. He was the first investigative reporter to detail what he believes was a bloody conspiracy to bring Putin to power. Aside from his journalistic work, David Satter has written five books about Russia including Age of Delirium: The Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union which was adapted into a documentary film, and more recently he authored The Less You Know, The Better You Sleep: Russia’s Road to Terror and Dictatorship under Yeltsin and Putin. In December 2013, he was expelled from Russia having been accused of violating migration laws. A claim that he denies and has been widely derided. Like many before and since his real crime appears to have been His actual offense appears to have been his efforts to expose the true nature of an opaque and sinister regime. Music and Sound: Pixabay Guests: David Satter (on Wikipedia)

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2023

Brian Hodgson is truly a pioneer of sound. A composer, and member of the famous BBC radiophonic workshop. An innovator within the realm of electronic music over two decades before the BBC acquired the first Macintosh computers, an actor, and Royal Airforce veteran, Brian came to prominence at the BBC. He began work on television in an era long before computers much less the digital technology and Artificial Intelligence his modern-day counterparts rely on to produce audio for shows such as Doctor Who. That particular show returns to our screens soon and is barely recognizable for the shows that first aired 60 years ago. The titular character has changed appearance more than a dozen times. Fundamentals of the Doctor’s origins and back story have been written, altered, and revised by dozens of writers over the decades while the interior of his spaceship the Tardis is radically different. Even the iconic design of his infamous cyborg rivals the Daleks has been tinkered with. But two key aspects of the show remain unchanged, and they are both crucial audio features introduced by Brian six decades ago.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2023

British actress Katy Manning has been a star of stage and screen for over five decades. During that time she has performed with stars including Jack Klugman, Derek Nimmo, and her partner Barry Crocker, in the UK, US and Australia. Despite her success and multitude of starring roles she is perhaps best known for her role as Jo Grant in Doctor Who. She appeared alongside actor Jon Pertwee for three years during which time the long running show achieved record viewing figures and became a worldwide success. In this interview we discuss Doctor Who, but also her career and life from the early days through to her current projects. For more on Katy visit her official website: Katymanning.com Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2023

In 1956, Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest determined to suppress the Hungarian revolution. Just months after an uprising in communist Poland, it was a severe test for the Soviets who were still adjusting to life post Stalin. The revolution had its roots in events from decades earlier going back to World War I and beyond. It also tragically set the tone for how later protests in Czechoslovakia in 1968, and Romania 1989, would be addressed by communist authorities.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2023

Science and religion are often pitted against each other with many people believing faith is incompatible with science. But is it? Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink PhD, Senior Research Scholar at Reasons To Believe believes the opposite. Jeff argues that scientific discoveries as well as theoretical notions like a meta verse actually offer evidence to back up his Christian faith. In this episode we discuss the interface of God and Science. Guest: Jeff Zweerink Music and Sound Effects: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2023

CUNY Law Professor Rebecca Bratspies found herself sitting in heavy traffic on the Major Deegan Expressway — a notoriously busy thoroughfare in NYC. She began to wonder who exactly this Major Deegan was? A war hero? Some notable military figure? Surely, there must be a story of some note attached to the man after whom this major roadway is named? Her subsequent research resulted in a book titled Naming Gotham in which she explores the figures behind the names on infrastructure projects and the methodology of naming them. Guest: Prof. Rebecca Bratspies NAMING GOTHAM Music and sound effects: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2023

Al-Shabaab emerged as a force after the Ethiopian incursion into Somalia in support of the UN-recognized government in 2006. The militant, Salafist group later formalized a relationship with Al-Qaeda and has been described as the most active and dangerous Al-Qaeda affiliate in the world. In 2024, African Union troops are set to leave Somalia and turn control over to the national government. But will this be a repeat of the Afghanistan situation or can Somalia -- as their government claims -- eradicate Al-Shabaab by the end of the year? In this episode, I speak with US State Department veteran Professor Tricia Bacon, author of Terror in Transition: Leadership and Succession in Terrorist Organizations, about the present situation in Somalia, its origins, and prospects for the future. Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2023

Michelle Manu, holds a unique distinction: she is the first female fully qualified Lua martial artist in 200 years. But in the past, female warriors were an integral part of Hawaiian society, so what happened? Charismatic Michelle’s resume reads like that of a superhero. A 26-year legal career after studying at Harvard Business School, earning a Master’s degree in Metaphysical Science, whilst working as a professional actress, martial artist, and dancer. She is an advocate for women, a self-defense trainer, an advocate for Hawaiian culture, and a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (O’ahu Chapter). In this episode, we discuss the recent tragic events in Hawaii, the impact of racism and colonialism on the islands, plus the self-inflicted wounds caused by the former royal rulers. A candid assessment of the 50th state. Its past, present, and her hopes for the future. Michelle Manu Official Website: www.michellemanu.com Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2023

The Sound of Freedom — a film produced on a minimal budget and snubbed by major studios stunned Hollywood in 2023 by outperforming blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible. The film has been praised by millions for tackling an important albeit disturbing topic that often garners little attention. But the movie — based on the real-life rescue of children from sex traffickers — has been subject to controversy. I recently interviewed the executive producer — Utah-based real estate magnate Paul Hutchinson — who went uncover to tackle human trafficking and whose own actions are weaved into the narrative of the film.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

60,000 Australian troops participated in the Vietnam War. Their experiences differed greatly from those of US troops. In this episode, Dr. Ian Hodges of The Australian Department of Veterans Affairs discusses Australia’s Vietnam War Experience

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2023

Like so many young men in the late 60s and 70s, Robin Bartlett -- fresh out of college found himself in Vietnam. Despite coming from a family with a military pedigree he had other plans for his life. But, when duty called he answered and found himself thrust into a leadership position among youthful men. His book, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History, is a candid account of his own experiences in the conflict. In this episode, I speak with Robin about the harrowing incidents he endured. The tragedies he was faced with. The manner in which young men like him were often harshly treated upon their return home. And, despite the circumstances of his story, there is even time for some light-hearted recollections. You can hear his whole story on his website: RobinBartlettauthor.com From there you can also get an autographed copy of his evocative book with free shipping. Music and sound effects: Pixabay In the next episode, I speak with award-winning author Dr Ian Hodges of the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs about the oft-overlooked experience of the Aussies in Vietnam.

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2023

Piers Gaveston has cast a long shadow over 700 years of British history. He wasn’t quite a ’nobody’ but among the well-stacked ranks of medieval nobles, he was close to the last rung of the ladder. Rising from obscurity in France, for a time he was arguably the most powerful man in England. Even seeming to hold sway over King Edward II who many believe was his lover. Crude, vengeful, and thrice exiled, despite dying years before him, he is seen as partly culpable for the later murder of the King. Within the last decade, his name was invoked in a political scandal that almost saw the removal of the British Prime Minister.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

The West African nation of Mali has been in the media recently for all the wrong reasons. An ongoing Jihadist insurgency, created political insecurity which led to a military coup and more recently the cutting of ties with the former colonial power France, as the de facto government rely on the support of the controversial Russian mercenary operation the Wagner Group – better known for atrocities committed in Ukraine, and the ill feted march on Moscow – but whose methods have also much bloodshed throughout Africa. But with accusations and counter-accusations of colonialism, exploitation, and human rights groups being bounced around between the French and the Wagner group, What’s often overlooked in the West is that was once home to the wealthiest ruler in history: Mansa Musa, as well as three of the greatest powers in African history, the Mali, Songhai, and Hamdulahi empires. In addition to the threat posed to civilians by the current conflict, the carefully preserved texts detailing this extraordinary history – typically maintained in tiny ancient libraries around the country are also at threat of looting or the threat of becoming collateral damage in the violent carnage. Scholars such as Naples native Professor Mauor Nobili continue to uncover facts about the political and Islamic history of this part of the world. And his work, in recent years has extended from just studying the raw facts to re-examining the famous historical chronicles – artifacts which have become historic relics in their own rights. Guest Speaker: Prof. Mauro Nobili Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2023

Zach Pincince has become a viral sensation as a hypnotist, motivational speaker, and voice actor. He has appeared on TedX and collaborated with the legendary Tony Robbins among others. But what is hypnotism and how does it work? In this episode, we get candid insights from Zach Pincince into the entertainment side of hypnotism as well as its practical benefits. To learn more about Zach follow these links: Zach Pincince Official Wesbite https://www.zachpincince.com/ Zach Pincince Youtube

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2023

The parents of Rose Kuhn as well as her older brother miraculously survived the killing fields of Cambodia and started a new life in America. But joy turned to despair when Rose’s father was murdered by a teen gang member -- also a refugee from Cambodia. In this remarkable and deeply moving interview, Rose discusses her family’s experiences in Cambodia. Her life in the US, and how she came to embrace forgiveness and lobbied the state of California to free her father’s killer. Music: Pixabay

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2023

In 1975, 9-year-old Sarah Pol-Lim saw her family’s life descend into horror when the Communist Party of Kampuchea -- better known as the Khmer Rouge ( ខ្មែរក្រហម) seized power in Cambodia. Initially backed by the North Vietnamese government, the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot sought to reset the country to year zero. Replacing all elements of colonialism, capitalism, culture, and the class divided by society with an agrarian utopia. The wealthy, the middle class, the educated, the religious, and ethnic minorities were among the segments of society they resolved to erase. The end result was a genocide that killed as many as 25 percent of the population. Even as a young child Sarah Pol-Lim was in the firing line because she and her parents were educated. In this episode, I speak with Sarah about her harrowing experiences during four years spent in work camps under the Khmer Rouge. The fate of her family, her eventual escape to America, and her views on lessons to be learned from this horrific event in modern history.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2023