Historically Speaking Podcast Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:56:50 -0400 http://www.historicallyspeakingpodcast.com en-us © 2026 Historically Speaking Podcast yes 75d60b5a-e654-53fd-9353-55214b1c9d8b Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) History, Biography, Education, American History, European History, World History, Military History, Politics, Religion, Society, History Teacher, Broadway Actress Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel https://storage.buzzsprout.com/zzzso33gtfuz2i98yyaxkqq9dwz8?.jpg Historically Speaking Podcast http://www.historicallyspeakingpodcast.com Arthur: The Man and The Legend Arthur: The Man and The Legend Legend has it that there once was a King named Arthur who allegedly lived in the late 5th and early 6th centuries and who, with his many companions, successfully fought off numerous enemies in Britain. But was there actually an historical Arthur of real flesh and blood? The Arthurian stories are arguably the greatest legends in Western history, and here in our 50th Episode we explore how the fabled Arthur compares with the historical one.

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]]> Legend has it that there once was a King named Arthur who allegedly lived in the late 5th and early 6th centuries and who, with his many companions, successfully fought off numerous enemies in Britain. But was there actually an historical Arthur of real flesh and blood? The Arthurian stories are arguably the greatest legends in Western history, and here in our 50th Episode we explore how the fabled Arthur compares with the historical one.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-11198867 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 1896 #EnglishHistory, #BrittishHistory, #AngloSaxon, #KingArthur, #ArthurianLegend, #Arthur, #Knights, #RoundTable, #Guinevere, #Lancelot, #Excalibur, #Merlin, #Legend, #Gildas, #Nennius, #Camelot 2 50 full false The Dreyfus Affair The Dreyfus Affair It was a political scandal that rocked France to its core and proved to be a watershed event for European antisemitism. A French officer, Alfred Dreyfus, was accused of passing military secrets to the Germans. He was found guilty by a military tribunal and sent to Devil’s Island, one of the most notorious penal colonies in the world. What happened next will shock and appall you as it did not only France but the entire world. Here in Episode 49, we explore just how far the French military went to cover up their colossal mistake in what would become known as The Dreyfus Affair.

Books:

Film:

  • I Accuse (1958) with José Ferrer as Captain Alfred Dreyfus
  • Papillon (1973) with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman 
]]> It was a political scandal that rocked France to its core and proved to be a watershed event for European antisemitism. A French officer, Alfred Dreyfus, was accused of passing military secrets to the Germans. He was found guilty by a military tribunal and sent to Devil’s Island, one of the most notorious penal colonies in the world. What happened next will shock and appall you as it did not only France but the entire world. Here in Episode 49, we explore just how far the French military went to cover up their colossal mistake in what would become known as The Dreyfus Affair.

Books:

Film:

  • I Accuse (1958) with José Ferrer as Captain Alfred Dreyfus
  • Papillon (1973) with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman 
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-11117546 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 1799 #HistoryPodcast, #FrenchHistory, #MilitaryHistory, #AlfredDreyfus, #DreyfusAffair, #FrenchMilitary, #ThirdRepublic, #France, #Antisemitism, #J’Accuse, #DevilsIsland, #CoverUp, #WWI, #Innocent 2 49 full false Some of History's Greatest Imposters Some of History's Greatest Imposters There have been many impostors throughout history and in this 48th episode we deal with six of them, two related to English history and four related to Russian history. All at one time or another had many who believed in them (or at least tried to use them for advantage). All six went a long way to pulling off their ruse and we discuss many of the details in this episode.

Episode Notes:

  • Ivan IV (the Terrible) was Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and Czar of Russia from 1547 to 1584.

Books:

Film:

]]> There have been many impostors throughout history and in this 48th episode we deal with six of them, two related to English history and four related to Russian history. All at one time or another had many who believed in them (or at least tried to use them for advantage). All six went a long way to pulling off their ruse and we discuss many of the details in this episode.

Episode Notes:

  • Ivan IV (the Terrible) was Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and Czar of Russia from 1547 to 1584.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-11038791 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2286 #HistoryPodcast, #EnglishHistory, #RussianHistory, #HenryVII, #WaroftheRoses, #Shakespeare, #Tudors, #PerkinWarbeck, #FalseDemitris, #IvantheTerrible, #LastTsar, #RussianRevolution, #Rasputin, #Romanov, #Stalin, #Anastasia, #DNA, #RoyalFamily, #QueenVicto 2 48 full false Hannibal Barca: Rome's Most Dangerous Enemy Hannibal Barca: Rome's Most Dangerous Enemy After a six-week hiatus, we’re back and with a fast-paced adventure story that rivals even the best of Hollywood. It’s the story of Hannibal Barca. When outnumbered by the Roman military two to one, this fearless Carthaginian general, complete with eye patch and riding atop a black stallion, defied all odds in one of the bloodiest battles in all of antiquity, thus becoming one of the greatest military commanders the world has ever known. Join us as we delve into the life and times of this extraordinary man. 

Episode Notes:

  • The immediate predecessor of Hannibal in Spain was his brother-in-law, Hasdrubal the Fair (not to be confused with Hannibal's brother, Hasdrubal), who ruled from 229-221 BC., after which Hannibal in 221 at the age of 26 took over Carthaginian Spain.
  • According to some ancient sources, Hannibal did marry an Iberian woman named Imilce and they had a son, but we do not know this for certain.

 Books:

Film:

]]> After a six-week hiatus, we’re back and with a fast-paced adventure story that rivals even the best of Hollywood. It’s the story of Hannibal Barca. When outnumbered by the Roman military two to one, this fearless Carthaginian general, complete with eye patch and riding atop a black stallion, defied all odds in one of the bloodiest battles in all of antiquity, thus becoming one of the greatest military commanders the world has ever known. Join us as we delve into the life and times of this extraordinary man. 

Episode Notes:

  • The immediate predecessor of Hannibal in Spain was his brother-in-law, Hasdrubal the Fair (not to be confused with Hannibal's brother, Hasdrubal), who ruled from 229-221 BC., after which Hannibal in 221 at the age of 26 took over Carthaginian Spain.
  • According to some ancient sources, Hannibal did marry an Iberian woman named Imilce and they had a son, but we do not know this for certain.

 Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10951597 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2345 #Podcast #HistoryPodcast, #Hannibal, #HannibalBarca, #AncientHistory, #RomanHistory, #PunicWars, #MilitaryHistory, #Warfare, #GreatestGeneral, #Alps, #Elephants, #Spain, #Tunsia, #Carthage, #HistoricallySpeakingPodcast 2 47 full false Cheating The Hangman Cheating The Hangman Imagine being hung three times… unsuccessfully. That’s exactly what happened to Englishman, John “Babbacombe” Lee in 1885. Or in the case of Herman Göring, being slipped a cyanide pill just hours before you were scheduled to be hung. Or foiling your pursuers by killing yourself first and being laid out in full regalia upon their arrival. Here in Episode 46, we explore seven individuals who cheated the hangman one way or another.

Books:

Film:

]]> Imagine being hung three times… unsuccessfully. That’s exactly what happened to Englishman, John “Babbacombe” Lee in 1885. Or in the case of Herman Göring, being slipped a cyanide pill just hours before you were scheduled to be hung. Or foiling your pursuers by killing yourself first and being laid out in full regalia upon their arrival. Here in Episode 46, we explore seven individuals who cheated the hangman one way or another.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10703036 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2071 #HistoryPodcast, #AmericanHistory, #AncientHistory, #BritishHistory, #RevolutionaryWar, #WWII, #Cleoptra, #ElizabethI, #BenedictArnold, #JackTheRipper, #JohnLee, #HermanGoring, #Nuremburg #Hitler 2 46 full false Caligula and The Julio-Claudian Dynasty Caligula and The Julio-Claudian Dynasty “Let them hate me, so they but fear me.” ~ Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (aka Caligula)

Caligula, the third Julio-Claudian emperor of the great Roman Empire, was known as a cruel, erratic, sex-crazed and delusional tyrant. Not only did he decree that his horse was a Roman consul, but he also marched his troops all the way to the English Channel only to have them pick up seashells, and he’s also said to have committed incest with all three of his sisters. Was he a madman or a victim of an undiagnosed medical condition? Here in Episode 45, we take an in-depth look at not only Caligula, but all five of the emperors who reigned during the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, including Claudius and the famed Nero.

Books:

Film:

  • I, Claudius (1976) 12 Episodes by BBC
  • Caligula (1979) terrible cult film, but incredible cast including Peter O’Toole, Helen Mirren & Malcolm McDowell
]]> “Let them hate me, so they but fear me.” ~ Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (aka Caligula)

Caligula, the third Julio-Claudian emperor of the great Roman Empire, was known as a cruel, erratic, sex-crazed and delusional tyrant. Not only did he decree that his horse was a Roman consul, but he also marched his troops all the way to the English Channel only to have them pick up seashells, and he’s also said to have committed incest with all three of his sisters. Was he a madman or a victim of an undiagnosed medical condition? Here in Episode 45, we take an in-depth look at not only Caligula, but all five of the emperors who reigned during the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, including Claudius and the famed Nero.

Books:

Film:

  • I, Claudius (1976) 12 Episodes by BBC
  • Caligula (1979) terrible cult film, but incredible cast including Peter O’Toole, Helen Mirren & Malcolm McDowell
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10617651 Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2006 #HistoryPodcast, #RomanHistory, #AncientHistory, #ItalianHistory, #JuliusCaesar, #CaesarAugustus, #Tiberius, #Caligula, #Claudius, #Nero, #Rome, #RomanEmpire 2 45 full false South Africa: A Brief History South Africa: A Brief History South Africa has a fascinating, complex, and often tragic history. From the migration of the Bantu to the settlements by the Dutch and British; from the Boar Wars to the fight to abolish apartheid, here in Episode 44, we explore the history of this geologically and culturally rich nation - a nation that is still striving to reach its full potential. 

Books:

Film:

]]> South Africa has a fascinating, complex, and often tragic history. From the migration of the Bantu to the settlements by the Dutch and British; from the Boar Wars to the fight to abolish apartheid, here in Episode 44, we explore the history of this geologically and culturally rich nation - a nation that is still striving to reach its full potential. 

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10552009 Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2775 #HistoryPodcast, #AfricanHistory, #SouthAfrica, #Bantu, #Zulu, #Zhosa, #Thembu, #Afrikaner, #BoarWar, #WinstonChurchill, #RhodesScholarship, #DeBeers, #diamonds, #gold, #CapeTown, #NelsonMandella, #deKlerk, #Apartheid 2 44 full false The Counter Reformation The Counter Reformation What do Georgetown University, St. Joseph’s University, and Loyola University have in common (besides basketball)? They were all founded by the Jesuits, and the Jesuit order of the Catholic Church was highly instrumental in the phenomenon known as the Counter Reformation. Once Luther, Calvin and others challenged the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church, the Church had no choice but to respond to these accusations and alternative beliefs. Here in Episode 43, we dive into the Counter Reformation which began in the 1540’s under Pope Paul III and ushered in many lasting changes in the Catholic Church.

Episode Notes:

·       Peter O’Toole played Pope Paul III in the Showtime series, The Tudors.
·       Yes, a Jesuit did become Pope. He is the present pontifex maximus, Pope Francis I.

 Books:

Film:

]]> What do Georgetown University, St. Joseph’s University, and Loyola University have in common (besides basketball)? They were all founded by the Jesuits, and the Jesuit order of the Catholic Church was highly instrumental in the phenomenon known as the Counter Reformation. Once Luther, Calvin and others challenged the authority and teachings of the Catholic Church, the Church had no choice but to respond to these accusations and alternative beliefs. Here in Episode 43, we dive into the Counter Reformation which began in the 1540’s under Pope Paul III and ushered in many lasting changes in the Catholic Church.

Episode Notes:

·       Peter O’Toole played Pope Paul III in the Showtime series, The Tudors.
·       Yes, a Jesuit did become Pope. He is the present pontifex maximus, Pope Francis I.

 Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10466232 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2114 #HistoricallySpeakingPodcast, #CounterReformation, #CatholicChurch, #RomanCatholic, #Vatican, #PopePaulIII, #CoucilofTrent, #Jesuits, #Loyola, #Inquisition, #Transubstantiation, #BannedBooks, #Baroque 2 43 full false Martin Luther & The Protestant Reformation Martin Luther & The Protestant Reformation The Protestant Reformation was one of the single greatest events in the history of Western Civilization. Led by Martin Luther, this protestation against the Catholic Church altered all of Western history. Here in Episode 42, we take a closer look at this exceptional, though conflicted man, as well as other early protestant reformers like Ulrich Zwingli and the formidable John Calvin, who together rocked the very foundation of western Europe and even led to the founding of America itself.

Books:

Film:

]]> The Protestant Reformation was one of the single greatest events in the history of Western Civilization. Led by Martin Luther, this protestation against the Catholic Church altered all of Western history. Here in Episode 42, we take a closer look at this exceptional, though conflicted man, as well as other early protestant reformers like Ulrich Zwingli and the formidable John Calvin, who together rocked the very foundation of western Europe and even led to the founding of America itself.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10343436 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 21:00:00 -0400 2779 #HistoryPodcast, #Religion, #WesternHistory, #EuropeanHistory, #MartinLuther, #ProtestantReformation, #JohnCalvin, #Zwingli, #JohnKnox, #Presbyterians, #Lutherans, #Anglican, #Catholics, #Protestants 2 42 full false The Crimean War The Crimean War "Into the valley of death rode the six hundred." Here in Episode 41, we take a closer look at the events that inspired Lord Alfred Tennyson to write those words in his epic poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade". We also explore both the long-term and short-term causes of the Crimean War and why it was a "first" in many areas of modern warfare, interrupting as it did a largely peaceful 19th century Europe between 1815-1914. 

Episode Edit:

  • Just to be clear, the antagonists in the Crimean War were the British, French, Turks and Piedmontese on the one side and the Russians on the other side. Kim was thinking a little too far ahead at the 2:48 mark as well as the 5:38 mark. 

Books:

Film: 

]]> "Into the valley of death rode the six hundred." Here in Episode 41, we take a closer look at the events that inspired Lord Alfred Tennyson to write those words in his epic poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade". We also explore both the long-term and short-term causes of the Crimean War and why it was a "first" in many areas of modern warfare, interrupting as it did a largely peaceful 19th century Europe between 1815-1914. 

Episode Edit:

  • Just to be clear, the antagonists in the Crimean War were the British, French, Turks and Piedmontese on the one side and the Russians on the other side. Kim was thinking a little too far ahead at the 2:48 mark as well as the 5:38 mark. 

Books:

Film: 

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10251655 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2005 History Podcast, World History, Military History, European History, Turkish History, Crimea War Ottoman Empire, Orthodox Church, Charge of the Light Brigade, Florence Nightingale, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Czar Nicholas I, Omar Pasha, Modern Warfare, 2 41 full false Lawrence of Arabia Lawrence of Arabia Lawrence of Arabia is the stuff of legend. There have been numerous books written and films made about him, but who was T.E. Lawrence actually? What made this man with so many talents, who was also immensely brave and resourceful, act and think as he did? Our 40th Episode explores some of the possible reasons. 

Books:

Film:

 Edits:

  • T.E. Lawrence is buried in the churchyard of St. Nicolas’ Church in Moreton, Dorset, but there is a memorial bust of Lawrence located in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
  • Even though we mentioned it, we never did get around to discussing the Allenby Rule. Per the 1962 film, when in Damascus and a large fire broke out, one of General Allenby’s subordinates asked him, “What should be done?”  to which Allenby replied, “Nothing, it’s usually best.” So, when a problem arises and you’re faced with a myriad of options, often your best choice is to do nothing, i.e., the Allenby Rule. 
]]> Lawrence of Arabia is the stuff of legend. There have been numerous books written and films made about him, but who was T.E. Lawrence actually? What made this man with so many talents, who was also immensely brave and resourceful, act and think as he did? Our 40th Episode explores some of the possible reasons. 

Books:

Film:

 Edits:

  • T.E. Lawrence is buried in the churchyard of St. Nicolas’ Church in Moreton, Dorset, but there is a memorial bust of Lawrence located in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
  • Even though we mentioned it, we never did get around to discussing the Allenby Rule. Per the 1962 film, when in Damascus and a large fire broke out, one of General Allenby’s subordinates asked him, “What should be done?”  to which Allenby replied, “Nothing, it’s usually best.” So, when a problem arises and you’re faced with a myriad of options, often your best choice is to do nothing, i.e., the Allenby Rule. 
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10164341 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2039 History Podcast, European History, British History, Arab History, WWI, T.E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, Arab Revolt, 7 Pillars of Wisdom, Aqaba, Prince Faisal, Allenby 2 40 full false The Black Death The Black Death Many diseases throughout history have wiped out entire families, villages or even towns, but nothing even comes close to the death and destruction that would become known as the Black Death. It made periodic appearances throughout the centuries, dying out for some and reemerging for others. Today, modern medicine can cure this disease, but even so, hundreds of people still die from this disease every year, even in America. So, what is it and how did it shape world history? We cover all that and more here in Episode 39.

Books:

]]> Many diseases throughout history have wiped out entire families, villages or even towns, but nothing even comes close to the death and destruction that would become known as the Black Death. It made periodic appearances throughout the centuries, dying out for some and reemerging for others. Today, modern medicine can cure this disease, but even so, hundreds of people still die from this disease every year, even in America. So, what is it and how did it shape world history? We cover all that and more here in Episode 39.

Books:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-10029888 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1676 History Podcast, European History, Medical History, Black Death, Bubonic Plague, Medieval Europe, Death Ships, Pneumonic Plague, Black Rats, World History, Great Famine, Early Medicine, Renaissance, King Charles II, Plague 2 39 full false The Scopes Monkey Trial The Scopes Monkey Trial Imagine sitting in a 97-degree court room in the middle of July while you’re being prosecuted for a crime you’re not even sure you committed. This is exactly the situation twenty-four-year-old John T. Scopes found himself in during the summer of 1925. Almost overnight this trial became a national sensation and put the small town of Dayton, Tennessee on the map. It would involve two of the most famous attorneys of the day going head-to-head over a newly passed Tennessee State law called the Butler Act. What was the crime? Teaching evolution in the classroom.

Books:

Film:

]]> Imagine sitting in a 97-degree court room in the middle of July while you’re being prosecuted for a crime you’re not even sure you committed. This is exactly the situation twenty-four-year-old John T. Scopes found himself in during the summer of 1925. Almost overnight this trial became a national sensation and put the small town of Dayton, Tennessee on the map. It would involve two of the most famous attorneys of the day going head-to-head over a newly passed Tennessee State law called the Butler Act. What was the crime? Teaching evolution in the classroom.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9954157 Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2177 History Podcast, American History, Southern History, Twentieth Century History, Scopes Monkey Trial, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, Charles Darwin, Evolution, Religion, Butler Act, Tennessee, Dayton Tennessee, 1920's 2 38 full false Napoleon: Part II Napoleon: Part II Napoleon, was he hero or villain? An enlightened genius or supreme egotist? Superb diplomat or an immoral usurper? All of the above? Continuing with Part II of our Napoleon series, we take a closer look into his greatest achievements as well as his greatest mistakes. From his coronation as Emperor at Notre-Dame in 1804 to his loss at Waterloo in 1815, this man’s story is seemingly inexhaustible. Has the world ever seen his equal either before or since? We’ll leave that for you to decide.

Notes:

  • Though buried at St. Helena's when he died in 1821, by 1840 Napoleon's legacy was such that some two decades later he was brought back to France in 1840 with great ceremony of state and placed in the Hotel des Invalides where he still resides.

Books:

Film: 

  • Napoleon (2003 TV Miniseries) staring Christian Clavier
]]> Napoleon, was he hero or villain? An enlightened genius or supreme egotist? Superb diplomat or an immoral usurper? All of the above? Continuing with Part II of our Napoleon series, we take a closer look into his greatest achievements as well as his greatest mistakes. From his coronation as Emperor at Notre-Dame in 1804 to his loss at Waterloo in 1815, this man’s story is seemingly inexhaustible. Has the world ever seen his equal either before or since? We’ll leave that for you to decide.

Notes:

  • Though buried at St. Helena's when he died in 1821, by 1840 Napoleon's legacy was such that some two decades later he was brought back to France in 1840 with great ceremony of state and placed in the Hotel des Invalides where he still resides.

Books:

Film: 

  • Napoleon (2003 TV Miniseries) staring Christian Clavier
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9832720 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2489 History Podcast, French History, European History, World History, Napoleon, Corsica, French Military, French Revolution, Directory, Josephine, Napoleonic Code, Congress of Vienna, Peninsula Wars, Elba, Wellington, Waterloo, Saint Helena 2 37 full false Napoleon: Part I Napoleon: Part I Are great leaders made or just born that way? It seems that in the case of Napoleon, he truly was born to lead. It is said that his troops would have followed him into the gates of hell. But how good or bad was he and what is his legacy? Here in Episode 36, we explore these questions and take a closer look into the early life of Napoleon from his upbringing on the island of Corsica through his early victories in Italy and elsewhere as well as his marriage to Josephine. Get ready because we packed a lot into this 36-minute episode.

 Books:

 Film: 

  • Napoleon (2003 TV Miniseries) staring Christian Clavier

Also Mentioned in Episode 36:

]]> Are great leaders made or just born that way? It seems that in the case of Napoleon, he truly was born to lead. It is said that his troops would have followed him into the gates of hell. But how good or bad was he and what is his legacy? Here in Episode 36, we explore these questions and take a closer look into the early life of Napoleon from his upbringing on the island of Corsica through his early victories in Italy and elsewhere as well as his marriage to Josephine. Get ready because we packed a lot into this 36-minute episode.

 Books:

 Film: 

  • Napoleon (2003 TV Miniseries) staring Christian Clavier

Also Mentioned in Episode 36:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9756693 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2166 History Podcast, French History, World History, Napoleon, Corsica, French Military, French Revolution, Directory, Josephine, Napoleonic Code, Elba, Wellington, Waterloo, Saint Helena 2 36 full false Staying Alive Staying Alive “A leader is a dealer in hope.” —Napoleon Bonaparte
Here in Episode 35, we take a closer look at two perhaps lesser-known great leaders in history. When all hope was lost and the odds were stacked against them, they defied all probability and led their men safely home. These are two of the most fascinating adventure stories ever told. Sir Ernest Shackleton and Xenophon did the extraordinary and both lived to tell their tales.

Episode Notes:

  • Shackleton's final Antarctic expedition of 1921-22 had imprecise goals but one of them was a possible circumnavigation of the continent.

 Books:

 Film: 

]]> “A leader is a dealer in hope.” —Napoleon Bonaparte
Here in Episode 35, we take a closer look at two perhaps lesser-known great leaders in history. When all hope was lost and the odds were stacked against them, they defied all probability and led their men safely home. These are two of the most fascinating adventure stories ever told. Sir Ernest Shackleton and Xenophon did the extraordinary and both lived to tell their tales.

Episode Notes:

  • Shackleton's final Antarctic expedition of 1921-22 had imprecise goals but one of them was a possible circumnavigation of the continent.

 Books:

 Film: 

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9683387 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2238 Podcast, History Podcast, British History, Ancient History, Greek History, Zenophon, Cyrus, Persian History, Anabasis, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic, Endurance, Elephant Island, Historically Speaking Podcast 2 35 full false Hard to Kill Hard to Kill There are a handful of people in history who seem to have had an uncanny ability to escape death. Whether evading a lone assassin, dodging friendly fire during the heat of battle, or simply defying the laws of nature by smoking over 200 cigarettes a day, these four historical figures featured in Episode 34 proved they were all Hard to Kill.

Books:
The Reign of Elizabeth by J.B. Black

Washington: The Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner 

King Zog: Self-Made Monarch of Albania by James Tomes

The Double Life of Fidel Castro by Juan Reinaldo Sanchez & Alex Gyldén 

 Film:

Elizabeth I and Her Enemies (2017) Documentary

Washington (2020) Documentary

The Fidel Castro Tapes (2014) Documentary

]]> There are a handful of people in history who seem to have had an uncanny ability to escape death. Whether evading a lone assassin, dodging friendly fire during the heat of battle, or simply defying the laws of nature by smoking over 200 cigarettes a day, these four historical figures featured in Episode 34 proved they were all Hard to Kill.

Books:
The Reign of Elizabeth by J.B. Black

Washington: The Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner 

King Zog: Self-Made Monarch of Albania by James Tomes

The Double Life of Fidel Castro by Juan Reinaldo Sanchez & Alex Gyldén 

 Film:

Elizabeth I and Her Enemies (2017) Documentary

Washington (2020) Documentary

The Fidel Castro Tapes (2014) Documentary

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9598018 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 1923 History Podcast, American History, British History, Albanian History, Cuban History, Elizabeth I, George Washington, King Zog I, Fidel Castro, Assassination, Revolutionary War, WWII, Cold War, CIA, Hard to Kill 2 34 full false The Restoration & Charles II The Restoration & Charles II The Restoration period is known as probably the most bawdy era in English history. And who was it that ushered in this remarkable age? Why, the Merry Monarch himself, Charles II. In addition to having a great fondness for the ladies and the good life, Charles had many remarkable qualities. Here in our first episode of Season 2, we take a closer look at this loveable rogue and the times in which he lived.

Episode Edits:

  • Charles had a stroke not months before his death but only about a week before his death.
  • The William Penn Statue on top of City Hall in Philadelphia is the largest freestanding statue atop any building in the world.

Books:

 Film:

]]> The Restoration period is known as probably the most bawdy era in English history. And who was it that ushered in this remarkable age? Why, the Merry Monarch himself, Charles II. In addition to having a great fondness for the ladies and the good life, Charles had many remarkable qualities. Here in our first episode of Season 2, we take a closer look at this loveable rogue and the times in which he lived.

Episode Edits:

  • Charles had a stroke not months before his death but only about a week before his death.
  • The William Penn Statue on top of City Hall in Philadelphia is the largest freestanding statue atop any building in the world.

Books:

 Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9474321 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2732 History Podcast, British History, Restoration, Charles II, Cromwell, Cabal, William Penn, Royal Colonies, Restoration Comedy, Merry Monarch, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 2 33 full false The Salem Witch Trials The Salem Witch Trials The years 1692-1693 were some of the darkest times in American history. They were the years when mass hysteria ruled the land and young girls were inexplicably stricken with fits of screaming, barking, shaking, and crying. It was a group of roughly 9 girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, who were taken at their fantastical word of being physically tormented by certain members of their own village which eventually led to over 200 people being accused of witchcraft. Nineteen of those accused were hung and one was pressed to death. Here in our last episode of our first season, we take an in-depth look at the fascinating yet heart-breaking time in our history known as The Salem Witch Trials. 

Books:

Films:



]]> The years 1692-1693 were some of the darkest times in American history. They were the years when mass hysteria ruled the land and young girls were inexplicably stricken with fits of screaming, barking, shaking, and crying. It was a group of roughly 9 girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, who were taken at their fantastical word of being physically tormented by certain members of their own village which eventually led to over 200 people being accused of witchcraft. Nineteen of those accused were hung and one was pressed to death. Here in our last episode of our first season, we take an in-depth look at the fascinating yet heart-breaking time in our history known as The Salem Witch Trials. 

Books:

Films:



]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9399858 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2121 History Podcast, American History, Colonial History, Salem Witch Trials, Salem Mass, Puritans, Spectral Evidence, Visions, Satan, God, Demons, Religion, Mass Hysteria, Witch Hunt 1 32 full false Jack The Ripper Jack The Ripper During the late summer and fall of 1888, a district in East London was being terrorized by an unknown Victorian serial killer. In a September 25th letter addressed to the Central News Agency, the yet to be identified murderer boasted of his recent killings and signed the letter “Jack the Ripper”. That name has endured for over 133 years, and the case remains open to this day. Why are we still fascinated by this case? With over 100 suspects, why was it never solved? Here in Episode 31, we walk you through the facts of what is known about the most notorious murderer the world has ever known.   

Books:

Film/Documentary:

]]> During the late summer and fall of 1888, a district in East London was being terrorized by an unknown Victorian serial killer. In a September 25th letter addressed to the Central News Agency, the yet to be identified murderer boasted of his recent killings and signed the letter “Jack the Ripper”. That name has endured for over 133 years, and the case remains open to this day. Why are we still fascinated by this case? With over 100 suspects, why was it never solved? Here in Episode 31, we walk you through the facts of what is known about the most notorious murderer the world has ever known.   

Books:

Film/Documentary:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9317988 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2348 History Podcast, British History, Jack the Ripper, Whitechapel, London, Scotland Yard, Dear Boss, From Hell, Serial Killer, Victorian England, Canonical Five 1 31 full false A Handful of Holiday Histories A Handful of Holiday Histories Everyone has their favorite holiday, but do you know how your favorite holiday came into being? The answers may surprise you. For instance, in 12th century England, New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25th, but the ancient Celts celebrated their New Year (Sumhain) on November 1st. So why do we now celebrate the New Year on January 1st? And why do we now use the Gregorian Calendar as opposed to the Julian Calendar? Also, did the Druids really use human sacrifices during their celebrations? And why would shepherds be tending their flocks in the middle of December? Did slavery still exist after June 19, 1865? Here in our 30th episode we answer every single one of those questions and much more!

Episode Notes:

  • King Numa Pompilius (c. 700 BC) is credited with adding January and February to the old 10-month Roman calendar, but March 1st remained New Year’s Day for Romans until the Julian calendar was developed around 45 BC.
  • President Abraham Lincoln did not, in August of 1862, write to Horatio Seymour, former and future Governor of New York, about slavery and the Union, but rather to Horace Greeley, editor of The New York Tribune. 
  •  As promised, here is Rebecca’s Spotify playlist, “October Songs”. 

Books:

Film:

]]> Everyone has their favorite holiday, but do you know how your favorite holiday came into being? The answers may surprise you. For instance, in 12th century England, New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25th, but the ancient Celts celebrated their New Year (Sumhain) on November 1st. So why do we now celebrate the New Year on January 1st? And why do we now use the Gregorian Calendar as opposed to the Julian Calendar? Also, did the Druids really use human sacrifices during their celebrations? And why would shepherds be tending their flocks in the middle of December? Did slavery still exist after June 19, 1865? Here in our 30th episode we answer every single one of those questions and much more!

Episode Notes:

  • King Numa Pompilius (c. 700 BC) is credited with adding January and February to the old 10-month Roman calendar, but March 1st remained New Year’s Day for Romans until the Julian calendar was developed around 45 BC.
  • President Abraham Lincoln did not, in August of 1862, write to Horatio Seymour, former and future Governor of New York, about slavery and the Union, but rather to Horace Greeley, editor of The New York Tribune. 
  •  As promised, here is Rebecca’s Spotify playlist, “October Songs”. 

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9231027 Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2211 History Podcast, Holidays, Julius Caesar, Pope Gregory, New Years, Samhain, Juneteenth, Emancipation, Slavery, Texas, Halloween, Druids, All Hallows Eve, Christmas, Jesus, Christianity, Zoroastrianism 1 30 full false Macbeth: Fact or Fiction? Macbeth: Fact or Fiction? Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a fascinating figure- resourceful, brave, insightful, reflective, but it’s his inordinate ambition that leads to his downfall. Can the same be said of Scotland’s real Macbeth? Here in Episode 29, we unpack the characters in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth alongside their historical (or mythical) counterparts including Banquo, Malcolm, McDuff, even the witches. We also let you in on a few theatre traditions involving “The Scottish Play” as well as why you can never say the word Macbeth in a theatre.

Episode Notes:

  • The word Bard means poet and because William Shakespeare was from the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, he was known as the Bard of Avon. Even though the title was never officially bestowed, in 1769 the Shakespearean actor David Garrick is credited with organizing the Shakespeare Jubilee for which he wrote a song referring to Shakespeare as the Warwickshire Bard which seems to have eventually morphed into The Bard of Avon. Here is a link to Garrick's original song, https://www.bartleby.com/333/77.html
  • Sir Laurence Olivier played the title role in Macbeth at the Old Vic Theatre in London in 1937.

Books:

Film:

]]> Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a fascinating figure- resourceful, brave, insightful, reflective, but it’s his inordinate ambition that leads to his downfall. Can the same be said of Scotland’s real Macbeth? Here in Episode 29, we unpack the characters in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth alongside their historical (or mythical) counterparts including Banquo, Malcolm, McDuff, even the witches. We also let you in on a few theatre traditions involving “The Scottish Play” as well as why you can never say the word Macbeth in a theatre.

Episode Notes:

  • The word Bard means poet and because William Shakespeare was from the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, he was known as the Bard of Avon. Even though the title was never officially bestowed, in 1769 the Shakespearean actor David Garrick is credited with organizing the Shakespeare Jubilee for which he wrote a song referring to Shakespeare as the Warwickshire Bard which seems to have eventually morphed into The Bard of Avon. Here is a link to Garrick's original song, https://www.bartleby.com/333/77.html
  • Sir Laurence Olivier played the title role in Macbeth at the Old Vic Theatre in London in 1937.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9156184 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1910 History Podcast, Theatre History, Scottish History, Scotland, England, Macbeth, Shakespeare, The Bard, Scottish Play, Macbeth Curse, Walnut Street Theatre, Edwin Forrest, Edwin Booth, Abraham Lincoln 1 29 full false Joan of Arc Joan of Arc Almost six centuries have come and gone and we’re still talking about an illiterate peasant girl who only lived to be nineteen years old. Why? Not only did she inspire her nation by leading thousands of men into battle, but she also ushered in the end of the Hundred’s Year War thus saving her nation of France from English rule. Was she divinely inspired or was she a schizophrenic who heard the voices of martyred saints in her head? We may never know the answer to that question, but here in Episode 28 we unpack a lot about Joan of Arc.

Episode Edit:

In the interest of accuracy and fairness, in 1450, almost twenty years after Joan's death, King Charles VII did himself have a retrial of Joan which vindicated her. This was before Pope Calixtus III (1455-1458) also had a retrial. To Charles' credit, he couldn't have the retrial until he did because it wasn't until late 1449 that he and French forces were able to take Rouen where Joan's trial and burning occurred and where all the papers and documents related to the trial were located.

Books:

Film:

]]> Almost six centuries have come and gone and we’re still talking about an illiterate peasant girl who only lived to be nineteen years old. Why? Not only did she inspire her nation by leading thousands of men into battle, but she also ushered in the end of the Hundred’s Year War thus saving her nation of France from English rule. Was she divinely inspired or was she a schizophrenic who heard the voices of martyred saints in her head? We may never know the answer to that question, but here in Episode 28 we unpack a lot about Joan of Arc.

Episode Edit:

In the interest of accuracy and fairness, in 1450, almost twenty years after Joan's death, King Charles VII did himself have a retrial of Joan which vindicated her. This was before Pope Calixtus III (1455-1458) also had a retrial. To Charles' credit, he couldn't have the retrial until he did because it wasn't until late 1449 that he and French forces were able to take Rouen where Joan's trial and burning occurred and where all the papers and documents related to the trial were located.

Books:

Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9072974 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1860 History Podcast, Joan of Arc, French History, English History, Hundred Years War, Catholic Church, Saints, Martyrs, 15th Century, England, France 1 28 full false Cuba: A Brief History Cuba: A Brief History In October of 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Caribbean Sea and christened it “Juana” in honor of Prince Don Juan, son of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. From there, Cuba would remain under Spanish rule for over 400 years. Eventually, the United States would help the Cuban people overthrow their colonial rulers just as America had done a century before. Thus began a long and contentious relationship between America and Cuba. Ironically, it was America who also assisted a young Cuban revolutionary named Fidel Castro to overthrow a corrupt government and set up his own government. That was 1959 and Castro would remain in power for over 50 years while surviving more than 600 assassination attempts and outlasting 11 American presidents. With his death in 2016 and the resignation of his brother, Raul, in April of 2021, there have been new rumblings in Cuba. Will the Cuban people finally demand freedom, or will they continue under Communist rule? Will America once again involve herself in Cuban affairs? It seems there is more Cuban history yet to be written.

BOOKS

 FILM

]]> In October of 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Caribbean Sea and christened it “Juana” in honor of Prince Don Juan, son of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. From there, Cuba would remain under Spanish rule for over 400 years. Eventually, the United States would help the Cuban people overthrow their colonial rulers just as America had done a century before. Thus began a long and contentious relationship between America and Cuba. Ironically, it was America who also assisted a young Cuban revolutionary named Fidel Castro to overthrow a corrupt government and set up his own government. That was 1959 and Castro would remain in power for over 50 years while surviving more than 600 assassination attempts and outlasting 11 American presidents. With his death in 2016 and the resignation of his brother, Raul, in April of 2021, there have been new rumblings in Cuba. Will the Cuban people finally demand freedom, or will they continue under Communist rule? Will America once again involve herself in Cuban affairs? It seems there is more Cuban history yet to be written.

BOOKS

 FILM

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-9009033 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2593 History Podcast, Cuba, Cuban History, Fulgencio Batista, Fidel Castro, Teddy Roosevelt, Rough Riders, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Nikita Khrushchev, JFK, Cuban Americans, Free Cuba 1 27 full false Famous Spies: The Male Edition Famous Spies: The Male Edition Spy: (noun) “A person employed by one nation to secretly convey classified information of strategic importance to another nation.” When someone says the word spy, the image that pops into most people’s minds is James Bond (for us here at Historically Speaking that would be Sean Connery, the original,) but the father of modern-day espionage can be traced all the way back to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. But no matter what century you are playing your deadly game, spying often times isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Yes, you may be hobnobbing with the elites of society, but in order to not reveal your cover you have to be tough enough to survive some extraordinarily perilous circumstances, while at the same time being clever enough to convince your adversaries that you’re truly on their side. John le Carré, Ian Fleming and Frederick Forsyth had to base their novels on someone, could it possibly be one of these three gentlemen that we discuss here in Episode 26? We’ll let you decide.

BOOKS

Sir Francis Walsingham:

 Wilhelm Canaris:

 Richard Sorge:

 

FILM

]]> Spy: (noun) “A person employed by one nation to secretly convey classified information of strategic importance to another nation.” When someone says the word spy, the image that pops into most people’s minds is James Bond (for us here at Historically Speaking that would be Sean Connery, the original,) but the father of modern-day espionage can be traced all the way back to the court of Queen Elizabeth I. But no matter what century you are playing your deadly game, spying often times isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Yes, you may be hobnobbing with the elites of society, but in order to not reveal your cover you have to be tough enough to survive some extraordinarily perilous circumstances, while at the same time being clever enough to convince your adversaries that you’re truly on their side. John le Carré, Ian Fleming and Frederick Forsyth had to base their novels on someone, could it possibly be one of these three gentlemen that we discuss here in Episode 26? We’ll let you decide.

BOOKS

Sir Francis Walsingham:

 Wilhelm Canaris:

 Richard Sorge:

 

FILM

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8931882 Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2889 History Podcast, Famous Spies, Spy Masters, Britain, British History, Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham, Germany, German History, WWII, Hitler, Wilhelm Canaris, Russia, Russian History, Stalin, Richard Sorge, Japan, Japanese History 1 26 full false Famous Spies: The Female Edition Famous Spies: The Female Edition Imagine being the most renowned woman in the world only to face a French firing squad for simply repeating the latest gossip, or having every one of your toenails ripped out one by one at the hands of a demonic Nazi interrogator, or filing down your own teeth in order to change your appearance so you could operate as a harmless old woman and pass Allied secrets right under the Nazis’ noses. Hard to imagine, right? Well, the trio of women featured in Episode 25 did exactly that and more. Three fearless, extraordinary women who operated in a world of war, espionage, and men. Were they effective? Did they change the course of history? Tune in and find out. 

 Books:

 Film/Documentary:

]]> Imagine being the most renowned woman in the world only to face a French firing squad for simply repeating the latest gossip, or having every one of your toenails ripped out one by one at the hands of a demonic Nazi interrogator, or filing down your own teeth in order to change your appearance so you could operate as a harmless old woman and pass Allied secrets right under the Nazis’ noses. Hard to imagine, right? Well, the trio of women featured in Episode 25 did exactly that and more. Three fearless, extraordinary women who operated in a world of war, espionage, and men. Were they effective? Did they change the course of history? Tune in and find out. 

 Books:

 Film/Documentary:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8847980 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2292 History Podcast, Famous Spies, Female Spies, Mata Hari, Virginia Hall, Odette Sansom, Churchill, WWI, WWII, France, Germany, England, America, OSS, SOE 1 25 full false Marxism: Explained From An Historical Perspective Marxism: Explained From An Historical Perspective You may have heard the phrase, “Marxism in theory has a lot of merit,” or “True Marxism has never really been tried.” Well, here in Episode 24, we break it all down as we explore the 6 principals of Marxism laid out by Karl Marx himself. We also delve into the life of Karl Marx along with his friend and co-author of the Communist Manifesto, Friedrich Engels, and take a closer look at the rise of the Frankfurt School and Critical Theory. Get ready, we packed a lot into this 36-minute episode.

Episode Edits:

  1. When referring to Felix Weil, who funded the Institute of Social Research, we incorrectly called him Max Weil.  


Books:

]]> You may have heard the phrase, “Marxism in theory has a lot of merit,” or “True Marxism has never really been tried.” Well, here in Episode 24, we break it all down as we explore the 6 principals of Marxism laid out by Karl Marx himself. We also delve into the life of Karl Marx along with his friend and co-author of the Communist Manifesto, Friedrich Engels, and take a closer look at the rise of the Frankfurt School and Critical Theory. Get ready, we packed a lot into this 36-minute episode.

Episode Edits:

  1. When referring to Felix Weil, who funded the Institute of Social Research, we incorrectly called him Max Weil.  


Books:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8773586 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2171 History Podcast, World History, Marxism, Communism, Nazism, Socialism, Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Germany, America, Frankfurt School, Critical Theory 1 24 full false The Underrated Calvin Coolidge The Underrated Calvin Coolidge “Keep Cool with Coolidge” was one of the presidential campaign slogans for the 1924 election. What was so cool about Coolidge? Here in Episode 23, we give you our reasons why Calvin Coolidge gets our vote for the most underrated president in American history. Here’s a few teasers – he was the first president to appoint a woman to the Federal Judiciary, he extended American citizenship to Native Americans, he proposed the first federal anti-lynching laws, he was the last president to pay down the national debt, and so much more. A man of very few words (a.k.a. Silent Cal,) who experienced heartbreaking personal tragedy while in office, Coolidge is the only president to be sworn into office by his own father and the only one to be sworn in at 3 o’clock in the morning.

Books: 

]]> “Keep Cool with Coolidge” was one of the presidential campaign slogans for the 1924 election. What was so cool about Coolidge? Here in Episode 23, we give you our reasons why Calvin Coolidge gets our vote for the most underrated president in American history. Here’s a few teasers – he was the first president to appoint a woman to the Federal Judiciary, he extended American citizenship to Native Americans, he proposed the first federal anti-lynching laws, he was the last president to pay down the national debt, and so much more. A man of very few words (a.k.a. Silent Cal,) who experienced heartbreaking personal tragedy while in office, Coolidge is the only president to be sworn into office by his own father and the only one to be sworn in at 3 o’clock in the morning.

Books: 

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8708149 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2298 History, American History, Presidential History, Government, Calvin Coolidge, Roaring 20s 1 23 full false Korea: The Forgotten War Korea: The Forgotten War The Korean War is the fifth most deadly war in American history, and it ranks among the top ten of any war in human history for the most casualties. So why is it called the Forgotten War? Technically, it wasn’t a war at all, but rather a U.N. “police action” which involved 1.8 million American soldiers and lasted from 1950-1953. Officially, the Korean War never ended, but rather an armistice was signed in 1953 ensuring a complete cessation of hostilities. Today, the only thing standing between Communist North Korea and Democratic South Korea is a thin, red dividing line located around the 38th Parallel and the hope that Kim Jong-un doesn’t repeat the same mistakes his grandfather did.

 Books

 Film

]]> The Korean War is the fifth most deadly war in American history, and it ranks among the top ten of any war in human history for the most casualties. So why is it called the Forgotten War? Technically, it wasn’t a war at all, but rather a U.N. “police action” which involved 1.8 million American soldiers and lasted from 1950-1953. Officially, the Korean War never ended, but rather an armistice was signed in 1953 ensuring a complete cessation of hostilities. Today, the only thing standing between Communist North Korea and Democratic South Korea is a thin, red dividing line located around the 38th Parallel and the hope that Kim Jong-un doesn’t repeat the same mistakes his grandfather did.

 Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins, Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8621696 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 01:00:00 -0400 2501 History Podcast, American History, Military History, Korean War, Douglas MacArthur, Harry S. Truman, North Korea, South Korea, Forgotten War 1 22 full false The New Deal - America's Original Bailout Plan The New Deal - America's Original Bailout Plan In 1932, a newly minted phrase was on the lips of most Americans… “The New Deal.” It was first uttered by Franklin D. Roosevelt to an audience in Chicago during his acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination for President. It would soon become an American phenomenon and the largest governmental spending plan to date. Its intention – to put Americans back to work and revive the economy following a depression unleashed by the stock market crash of 1929. It was hailed as a huge success and won FDR the Presidency in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944. But, was it really as successful as everyone lauded it to be? Did it really pull America out of the Great Depression? History is somewhat divided on this topic, after all, hindsight is 2020. So, why is history repeating itself in 2021 with Covid Relief which is now the largest government spending/American bailout plan to date? We discuss it here in Episode 21 so you can decide for yourself.

 Books

 Documentary

]]> In 1932, a newly minted phrase was on the lips of most Americans… “The New Deal.” It was first uttered by Franklin D. Roosevelt to an audience in Chicago during his acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination for President. It would soon become an American phenomenon and the largest governmental spending plan to date. Its intention – to put Americans back to work and revive the economy following a depression unleashed by the stock market crash of 1929. It was hailed as a huge success and won FDR the Presidency in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944. But, was it really as successful as everyone lauded it to be? Did it really pull America out of the Great Depression? History is somewhat divided on this topic, after all, hindsight is 2020. So, why is history repeating itself in 2021 with Covid Relief which is now the largest government spending/American bailout plan to date? We discuss it here in Episode 21 so you can decide for yourself.

 Books

 Documentary

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8543827 Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2118 History Podcast, American History, Great Depression, Black Tuesday, Hoover, FDR, New Deal, WWII, Covid Relief, Government Bailout 1 21 full false How Hitler Happened - Part II How Hitler Happened - Part II Economic depression, social unrest, a general discontent among the population – these are just a few of the reasons why Hitler happened. Charisma, personal drive, and bigger than life ideas for a better future for the country and the world at large – these are just a few of the reasons why it was Hitler. They said his eyes could draw you in, his persona was magnetic, and when he promised you something, you believed him. Instead of using his innate talents for good, Hitler chose to use them for evil, dominating not only his nation, but most of Europe. Why wasn’t he stopped sooner? Why didn’t anyone see him coming? How do we keep this from ever happening again? Here in Episode 20, which is Part II of "How Hitler Happened", we explore these questions and many more. 

 Books

 Film

]]> Economic depression, social unrest, a general discontent among the population – these are just a few of the reasons why Hitler happened. Charisma, personal drive, and bigger than life ideas for a better future for the country and the world at large – these are just a few of the reasons why it was Hitler. They said his eyes could draw you in, his persona was magnetic, and when he promised you something, you believed him. Instead of using his innate talents for good, Hitler chose to use them for evil, dominating not only his nation, but most of Europe. Why wasn’t he stopped sooner? Why didn’t anyone see him coming? How do we keep this from ever happening again? Here in Episode 20, which is Part II of "How Hitler Happened", we explore these questions and many more. 

 Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8410322 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2924 History, European History, Military History, WWI, WWII, Germany, Weimar Republic, Adolf Hitler, Nazism, Socialism, Democracy, Churchill 1 20 full false How Hitler Happened - Part I How Hitler Happened - Part I Lately, there have been headlines and comments among celebrities, news commentators and politicians to the effect – “This is how Hitler got into power!” or “This is why Nazism took over Germany!” So where is the truth? Are there analogies to be made between modern day America and the rise of Nazism? Can socialism and democracy co-exist? Is the term democratic socialist an oxymoron? Get ready for a deep dive into some cold, hard historical facts as we explore the answers to these difficult questions and most important, how Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi Party, rose to power.

Books

 Documentaries

 Weimar Films

]]> Lately, there have been headlines and comments among celebrities, news commentators and politicians to the effect – “This is how Hitler got into power!” or “This is why Nazism took over Germany!” So where is the truth? Are there analogies to be made between modern day America and the rise of Nazism? Can socialism and democracy co-exist? Is the term democratic socialist an oxymoron? Get ready for a deep dive into some cold, hard historical facts as we explore the answers to these difficult questions and most important, how Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi Party, rose to power.

Books

 Documentaries

 Weimar Films

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8331682 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2288 History, European History, Military History, WWI, WWII, Germany, Weimar Republic, Adolf Hitler, Nazism, Socialism, Democracy 1 19 full false Tet Offensive: The Vietnam Turning Point Tet Offensive: The Vietnam Turning Point Tet: a word which has two very different meanings depending on who you ask. To the Vietnamese, it means the festival celebrating the Lunar New Year. To the American GI, it means hell and the turning point for America in the Vietnam War. On January 31, 1968, over 100 cities and villages in south Vietnam were attacked by the communist Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam. By the end of 1968, over 14,000 American soldiers were dead as well as hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese. The Tet Offensive was considered a devastating military failure for the communists, however, today Vietnam is a communist country, ruled by The Socialist Republic of Vietnam. So, who really won?

Episode Edits:

  1.  This is our 18th episode, not our 19th as was erroneously put forward in this episode. We are, however, taking ideas for our upcoming 20th episode (after we do the 19th, of course,) so, please reach out either through our website, historicallyspeakingpodcast.com or at historicallyspeakinghosts@gmail.com
  2.  For clarity, 5,000 American soldiers died in the first phase of the Tet Offensive. The number of 14,000+ includes the entire year of 1968 and all three phases of the Tet. 


Books: 

 Film:



]]> Tet: a word which has two very different meanings depending on who you ask. To the Vietnamese, it means the festival celebrating the Lunar New Year. To the American GI, it means hell and the turning point for America in the Vietnam War. On January 31, 1968, over 100 cities and villages in south Vietnam were attacked by the communist Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam. By the end of 1968, over 14,000 American soldiers were dead as well as hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese. The Tet Offensive was considered a devastating military failure for the communists, however, today Vietnam is a communist country, ruled by The Socialist Republic of Vietnam. So, who really won?

Episode Edits:

  1.  This is our 18th episode, not our 19th as was erroneously put forward in this episode. We are, however, taking ideas for our upcoming 20th episode (after we do the 19th, of course,) so, please reach out either through our website, historicallyspeakingpodcast.com or at historicallyspeakinghosts@gmail.com
  2.  For clarity, 5,000 American soldiers died in the first phase of the Tet Offensive. The number of 14,000+ includes the entire year of 1968 and all three phases of the Tet. 


Books: 

 Film:



]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8229096 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2933 History, American History, Military History, Vietnam, American GI, Tet Offensive, 1968, Operation Rolling Thunder, Veterans, Ho Chi Minh, Nixon, LBJ, JFK, Westmoreland, Geneva Accords, Communism, Cold War 1 18 full false The OSS The OSS What do John Ford, Moe Berg, Julia Child and Nelson Eddy have in common? They all stepped away from their respective careers during WWII and joined a newly formed organization called The Office of Strategic Services a.k.a. the OSS. In short, they were spies for a group that was the forerunner to both the CIA and the Army’s Special Forces. From Julia’s special recipe for shark repellent, to John Ford’s undercover training films for secret agents, to Moe’s training of Slavic-American recruits to go on parachute drops into Yugoslavia, and Nelson Eddy’s “singing tour” of the Middle East, these extraordinary individuals risked their lives and their careers to secretly serve their country during its time of crisis.  But for the OSS, would the Allies have even won the war?  It's certainly a question worth asking and a great reason to dig a little deeper into this secret organization that only officially existed during WWII.

Books

Film

  • Casablanca (1943) with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains & Paul Henreid
  • The Conspirators (1944) with Hedy Lamarr, Paul Henreid & Peter Lorre
]]> What do John Ford, Moe Berg, Julia Child and Nelson Eddy have in common? They all stepped away from their respective careers during WWII and joined a newly formed organization called The Office of Strategic Services a.k.a. the OSS. In short, they were spies for a group that was the forerunner to both the CIA and the Army’s Special Forces. From Julia’s special recipe for shark repellent, to John Ford’s undercover training films for secret agents, to Moe’s training of Slavic-American recruits to go on parachute drops into Yugoslavia, and Nelson Eddy’s “singing tour” of the Middle East, these extraordinary individuals risked their lives and their careers to secretly serve their country during its time of crisis.  But for the OSS, would the Allies have even won the war?  It's certainly a question worth asking and a great reason to dig a little deeper into this secret organization that only officially existed during WWII.

Books

Film

  • Casablanca (1943) with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains & Paul Henreid
  • The Conspirators (1944) with Hedy Lamarr, Paul Henreid & Peter Lorre
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8155813 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2322 History, American History, WWII, OSS, CIA, Julia Child, Moe Berg, John Ford, Nelson Eddy, Sterling Hayden, FDR, Ian Fleming, James Bond 1 17 full false Controversial Supreme Court Decisions Controversial Supreme Court Decisions The Supreme Court agrees to hear about 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year. Decisions made by the 9 Justices that sit on the Court are considered final… unless overturned by a subsequent decision. For many seeking justice, it is their last hope. From Dred Scott to Brown vs Board of Education to Obergefell vs Hodges, here in Episode 16, we take a look at a handful of Supreme Court decisions that, for better or worse, changed America. 

Episode Edits

  1. Dred Scott was inherited by Dr. John Emerson's widow, not his sister.

 Books

]]> The Supreme Court agrees to hear about 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year. Decisions made by the 9 Justices that sit on the Court are considered final… unless overturned by a subsequent decision. For many seeking justice, it is their last hope. From Dred Scott to Brown vs Board of Education to Obergefell vs Hodges, here in Episode 16, we take a look at a handful of Supreme Court decisions that, for better or worse, changed America. 

Episode Edits

  1. Dred Scott was inherited by Dr. John Emerson's widow, not his sister.

 Books

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-8064083 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2271 History, American History, Supreme Court, Civil Rights, John Marshall, RBG, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor 1 16 full false The Adams Family The Adams Family Alcoholism, depression, suicide… you think you know the Adams family? There’s a few details about this family that you may not have heard in history class. Here in episode 15, we explore four generations of Adams from our second US President to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Henry Brooks Adams. With their extraordinary intellect and iron resolve, these men (and the women behind them) made immeasurable contributions not only to the founding of this country, but also to international relations and to the abolishment of slavery. In spite of heart-breaking personal tragedies that plagued every generation of Adams, this family is a fascinating study in patience and perseverance. 

 Episode Edits:

  1. Technically, the United Kingdom did not exist until 1801. From 1707-1801 the correct term is Great Britain.
  2. There are several illustrations depicting the collapse of John Quincy Adams in Congress on February 21, 1848. One engraving hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in DC and another, by Nathaniel Currier, resides in the Library of Congress. 

 Episode Resources:

 Books:

 Movies:

  • John Adams (2008) starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney
  • Amistad (1997) starring Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Matthew McConaughey
]]> Alcoholism, depression, suicide… you think you know the Adams family? There’s a few details about this family that you may not have heard in history class. Here in episode 15, we explore four generations of Adams from our second US President to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Henry Brooks Adams. With their extraordinary intellect and iron resolve, these men (and the women behind them) made immeasurable contributions not only to the founding of this country, but also to international relations and to the abolishment of slavery. In spite of heart-breaking personal tragedies that plagued every generation of Adams, this family is a fascinating study in patience and perseverance. 

 Episode Edits:

  1. Technically, the United Kingdom did not exist until 1801. From 1707-1801 the correct term is Great Britain.
  2. There are several illustrations depicting the collapse of John Quincy Adams in Congress on February 21, 1848. One engraving hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in DC and another, by Nathaniel Currier, resides in the Library of Congress. 

 Episode Resources:

 Books:

 Movies:

  • John Adams (2008) starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney
  • Amistad (1997) starring Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Matthew McConaughey
]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-7913035 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2027 History, American History, Presidential History, John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Louisa Adams, Charles Francis Adams, Henry Adams, Clover Adams 1 15 full false Presidential Powers: Pardons, Executive Orders, Proclamations, and Signing Statements Presidential Powers: Pardons, Executive Orders, Proclamations, and Signing Statements Do you know which president holds the record for presidential pardons? The answer may not be as clear cut as you might think. How about which president signed almost as many executive orders as all his predecessors combined? And just for the record, do you know which President implemented the most proclamations? Presidential powers are complex and fascinating; some are enumerated in the Constitution while some are not. Here in Episode 14, we take you on a whirlwind tour of the powers wielded by the Executive branch of our government. 

 Episode Edits:

  1. Muhammad Ali was convicted of avoiding the draft in 1967 but did not go to jail due to the appeal process. His conviction was overturned in 1971 by the Supreme Court.

 Episode Resources:

Books:

 Film:

]]> Do you know which president holds the record for presidential pardons? The answer may not be as clear cut as you might think. How about which president signed almost as many executive orders as all his predecessors combined? And just for the record, do you know which President implemented the most proclamations? Presidential powers are complex and fascinating; some are enumerated in the Constitution while some are not. Here in Episode 14, we take you on a whirlwind tour of the powers wielded by the Executive branch of our government. 

 Episode Edits:

  1. Muhammad Ali was convicted of avoiding the draft in 1967 but did not go to jail due to the appeal process. His conviction was overturned in 1971 by the Supreme Court.

 Episode Resources:

Books:

 Film:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-7622944 Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2339 History, American History, Presidential History, Presidential Powers, Pardons, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Signing Statements, Constitution 1 14 full false Teddy: The Maverick Teddy: The Maverick Maverick: (noun) an unorthodox or independent minded person. Most people know him as our 26th president and the man who uttered the phrase, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” but there’s far more to Theodore Roosevelt than meets the eye. From sickly, asthmatic child to conservationist, cowboy, boxer, explorer, author, orator, and perpetual adventure seeker, here in Episode 13, we take a closer look, not just at “President” Roosevelt, but the Renaissance man who stirred an entire nation to patriotism and the maverick who inspired many people’s favorite childhood friend, the Teddy Bear. 

 Episode Resources

 Books About Theodore Roosevelt:

 Books By Theodore Roosevelt:

 Documentaries:

]]> Maverick: (noun) an unorthodox or independent minded person. Most people know him as our 26th president and the man who uttered the phrase, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” but there’s far more to Theodore Roosevelt than meets the eye. From sickly, asthmatic child to conservationist, cowboy, boxer, explorer, author, orator, and perpetual adventure seeker, here in Episode 13, we take a closer look, not just at “President” Roosevelt, but the Renaissance man who stirred an entire nation to patriotism and the maverick who inspired many people’s favorite childhood friend, the Teddy Bear. 

 Episode Resources

 Books About Theodore Roosevelt:

 Books By Theodore Roosevelt:

 Documentaries:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-7362499 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2410 History, American History, Presidential History, Teddy Roosevelt 1 13 full false Kidnapped! Kidnapped! Don’t take candy from strangers! That phrase came into being in 1874 because little Charley Ross, age 4, took candy from two men in a horse-drawn carriage and was never seen again. The kidnapping case of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. took the entire nation by storm in 1932 and became known as the crime of the century leading to the execution of German immigrant, Bruno Richard Hauptman. Here in Episode 12, we take a closer look into these cases as well as three other high profile kidnapping cases.

 Episode Resources

 Books

 Film

]]> Don’t take candy from strangers! That phrase came into being in 1874 because little Charley Ross, age 4, took candy from two men in a horse-drawn carriage and was never seen again. The kidnapping case of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. took the entire nation by storm in 1932 and became known as the crime of the century leading to the execution of German immigrant, Bruno Richard Hauptman. Here in Episode 12, we take a closer look into these cases as well as three other high profile kidnapping cases.

 Episode Resources

 Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins and Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-7112437 Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2496 History, Kidnapping, Ransom, Charley Ross, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Jr., John Paul Getty III, Patty Hearst 1 12 full false Unexplained Historical Events Unexplained Historical Events When a German Zeppelin burst into flames over Lakehurst, New Jersey, speculation began almost immediately that it was sabotage, but was it?  How is it possible for 5,000 men to simply disappear in a country the size of South Carolina with their only trace being a stone inscription dated 108 AD? Why would a captain and his crew abandon a perfectly sound ship that contained 6 months of food and supplies? These are some of the unexplained historical events that baffle historians to this day. Here in Episode 11, we take a closer look into these fascinating mysteries.

Episode Edits

  1. Hadrian's Wall measures 73 miles in length.

Episode Resources

Books

 Film

]]> When a German Zeppelin burst into flames over Lakehurst, New Jersey, speculation began almost immediately that it was sabotage, but was it?  How is it possible for 5,000 men to simply disappear in a country the size of South Carolina with their only trace being a stone inscription dated 108 AD? Why would a captain and his crew abandon a perfectly sound ship that contained 6 months of food and supplies? These are some of the unexplained historical events that baffle historians to this day. Here in Episode 11, we take a closer look into these fascinating mysteries.

Episode Edits

  1. Hadrian's Wall measures 73 miles in length.

Episode Resources

Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-7056535 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2541 History, Mysteries, Hindenburg, Mary Celeste, Lost Colony of Roanoke, Jesus Galindez Suarez, Spanish 9th Legion 1 11 full false Everybody Loves a Winner Everybody Loves a Winner History is full of winners and losers, but rarely do you come across an individual who is a winner 100% of the time. Sometimes faced with insurmountable odds, these five military leaders always found a way to win. Whether facing Hannibal’s elephants in Zama, battling across the breadth of a river in Worcester or commencing a battle at 11pm to take their Ottoman enemies by surprise, these military geniuses of the Western world were the original action heroes not just of their time, but throughout the ages.  

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Film

]]> History is full of winners and losers, but rarely do you come across an individual who is a winner 100% of the time. Sometimes faced with insurmountable odds, these five military leaders always found a way to win. Whether facing Hannibal’s elephants in Zama, battling across the breadth of a river in Worcester or commencing a battle at 11pm to take their Ottoman enemies by surprise, these military geniuses of the Western world were the original action heroes not just of their time, but throughout the ages.  

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6952934 Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2179 History, Military History, Alexander the Great, Scipio Africanus, Julius Caesar, Oliver Cromwell, Alexander Suvorov 1 10 full false Sensational Marriages Sensational Marriages Imagine being uninvited to perform at a presidential inauguration because of whom you just married or buying a baby carriage for an infant who, 21 years later, would become your spouse, or how about finding out the person you just married wasn’t actually divorced from their previous spouse. Without a doubt, history is full of sensational marriages and here, in episode 9, we explore a handful of them. Get ready, these are some unusual and fascinating stories.

 Episode Edits: 

  1.  Any background noise you may hear in this episode is actually an excavator being used by our neighbors. Many apologies if you find it distracting.
  2.  Geoffrey Rush was an Academy Award nominee for best supporting actor for The King’s Speech. Colin Firth, who played King George VI, won the Academy Award for best actor.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Films

]]> Imagine being uninvited to perform at a presidential inauguration because of whom you just married or buying a baby carriage for an infant who, 21 years later, would become your spouse, or how about finding out the person you just married wasn’t actually divorced from their previous spouse. Without a doubt, history is full of sensational marriages and here, in episode 9, we explore a handful of them. Get ready, these are some unusual and fascinating stories.

 Episode Edits: 

  1.  Any background noise you may hear in this episode is actually an excavator being used by our neighbors. Many apologies if you find it distracting.
  2.  Geoffrey Rush was an Academy Award nominee for best supporting actor for The King’s Speech. Colin Firth, who played King George VI, won the Academy Award for best actor.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Films

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6869753 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2540 History, Marriages, Justinian I, Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland, Edward VIII, Sammy Davis Jr., Theodora, Wallis Simpson, Last Confederate Widow 1 9 full false Two Sides of The Same Coin Two Sides of The Same Coin Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum was invented by one of Hollywood’s greatest beauties. An Associate Justice of the Minnesota State Supreme Court was also known by millions as a Purple People Eater. A record 11 Academy Awards were given to a film based on a book written by a Civil War general. Who were these people? In this episode, we explore 6 individuals who had surprising hidden talents that were wildly different from what they were ultimately known for.

Episode Edits:

  1.  Alan Page played in the NFL for 14 seasons. 11 years with the Minnesota Vikings and 3 years with the Chicago Bears.
  2.  Ben-Hur was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won 11.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Film

]]> Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum was invented by one of Hollywood’s greatest beauties. An Associate Justice of the Minnesota State Supreme Court was also known by millions as a Purple People Eater. A record 11 Academy Awards were given to a film based on a book written by a Civil War general. Who were these people? In this episode, we explore 6 individuals who had surprising hidden talents that were wildly different from what they were ultimately known for.

Episode Edits:

  1.  Alan Page played in the NFL for 14 seasons. 11 years with the Minnesota Vikings and 3 years with the Chicago Bears.
  2.  Ben-Hur was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won 11.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Film

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6753058 Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 1805 History, Biography, Hedy Lamarr, Winston Churchill, Lewis Carroll, Alan Page, Emperor Hirohito, Lew Wallace, Hollywood, Alice in Wonderland, Ben-Hur, Minnesota Vikings, Civil War, WWII, 1 8 full false Everyone Has Something to Hide Everyone Has Something to Hide Warren G. Harding did what in a White House Closet? Who was FDR with when he died? JKF had how many women while he was president? These are just a few of the questions that get answered in this week’s episode as we delve into secrets that could have brought down political careers, administrations, and even entire governments (and some secrets that actually did!) This may be our best episode yet, and who doesn’t love an intriguing, salacious scandal or two? 

 Episode Edits:

  1.  John Profumo resigned in June of 1963, not July as stated in the episode.
  2.  In 1975, John Profumo was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire which he received personally from Queen Elizabeth II.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Films/Documentaries

]]> Warren G. Harding did what in a White House Closet? Who was FDR with when he died? JKF had how many women while he was president? These are just a few of the questions that get answered in this week’s episode as we delve into secrets that could have brought down political careers, administrations, and even entire governments (and some secrets that actually did!) This may be our best episode yet, and who doesn’t love an intriguing, salacious scandal or two? 

 Episode Edits:

  1.  John Profumo resigned in June of 1963, not July as stated in the episode.
  2.  In 1975, John Profumo was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire which he received personally from Queen Elizabeth II.

 Episode Resources:

 Books

 Films/Documentaries

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6645826 Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2529 History, US Presidents, Senators, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Strom Thurmond, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, John Profumo, Christine Keeler, Scandals, Affairs, Politics 1 7 full false Wanted For Treason: Plots and Rebellions in Early America Wanted For Treason: Plots and Rebellions in Early America From the very founding of the United States to the Whisky Rebellion to John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry, Americans have always had a voracious drive to fight for what they believe – even if that means treason. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." What galvanizes people to fight for their cause even if it means the hangman’s noose? Here we explore some of America’s earliest rebellions from Fries Rebellion over taxes to Aaron Burr’s insatiable quest for power to the treasonous plot to kidnap Abraham Lincoln.

 Episode Edits:

  1. Colonel Robert E. Lee was commissioned by President James Buchanan to lead the forces against John Brown at Harper’s Ferry.

 Episode Resources:

]]> From the very founding of the United States to the Whisky Rebellion to John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry, Americans have always had a voracious drive to fight for what they believe – even if that means treason. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." What galvanizes people to fight for their cause even if it means the hangman’s noose? Here we explore some of America’s earliest rebellions from Fries Rebellion over taxes to Aaron Burr’s insatiable quest for power to the treasonous plot to kidnap Abraham Lincoln.

 Episode Edits:

  1. Colonel Robert E. Lee was commissioned by President James Buchanan to lead the forces against John Brown at Harper’s Ferry.

 Episode Resources:

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6539044 Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2422 American History, Early American History, Treason, Shays' Rebellion, Whisky Rebellion, Fries' Rebellion, Aaron Burr, Blennerhassett Island, Eliza Jumel, John Brown, Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln 1 6 full false Spies Within: Alger Hiss and Julius & Ethel Rosenberg Spies Within: Alger Hiss and Julius & Ethel Rosenberg Since its very inception, America has always had to be on the lookout for spies not just from foreign adversaries, but also from its own citizens. Alger Hiss, along with Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, all American citizens, were former members of the Communist Party (a party that still exists in America today.) They were all accused of passing American secrets to the U.S.S.R. in the 1940’s and were brought to trial in the early 1950’s. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what those three were accused of, what they were found guilty of, and what their ultimate sentence was. 

Episode Edits:

  1. While most federal crimes have a five-year statute of limitations, acts of espionage generally carry a 10-year statute of limitations.
  2. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were married in 1939, the same year Julius graduated from City College of New York.
  3. Julius Rosenberg was fired from the Army Signal Corps in 1945 because they found out he was a Communist.

 Episode Resources: Alger Hiss (1904-1996)

Episode Resources: Julius Rosenberg (1918-1953) and Ethel Rosenberg (1915-1953)

]]> Since its very inception, America has always had to be on the lookout for spies not just from foreign adversaries, but also from its own citizens. Alger Hiss, along with Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, all American citizens, were former members of the Communist Party (a party that still exists in America today.) They were all accused of passing American secrets to the U.S.S.R. in the 1940’s and were brought to trial in the early 1950’s. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what those three were accused of, what they were found guilty of, and what their ultimate sentence was. 

Episode Edits:

  1. While most federal crimes have a five-year statute of limitations, acts of espionage generally carry a 10-year statute of limitations.
  2. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were married in 1939, the same year Julius graduated from City College of New York.
  3. Julius Rosenberg was fired from the Army Signal Corps in 1945 because they found out he was a Communist.

 Episode Resources: Alger Hiss (1904-1996)

Episode Resources: Julius Rosenberg (1918-1953) and Ethel Rosenberg (1915-1953)

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/#fd08cd37-37e4-4b66-a7d8-435b2cd259e0 Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6429493 Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2386 American History, Cold War, Espionage, U.S.S.R., Alger Hill, Whittaker Chambers, Pumpkin Papers, Julius Rosenberg, Ethel Rosenberg, Manhattan Project, Sing Sing, Electric Chair 1 5 full false Did They REALLY Say That? Did They REALLY Say That? You can find quotes in most places these days, on cards, shirts, magnets, hanging in offices or you may even have one hanging over your fire place. In this episode, we explore some of the most famous historical quotes from "Let them eat cake!" to "When going through hell, keep going." and we also do some fact checking as to whether the famous people they're attributed to actually said them.  We also take a look into the times and circumstances in which they may (or may not) have been said because in the words of Yogi Berra, "I really didn't say everything I said."

Episode Resources:

Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth

Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser

Fart Proudly: A Letter to a Royal Academy by Benjamin Franklin

Churchill By Himself: The Definitive Collection of Quotations by Richard Langworth

All About Eve starring Bette Davis

Bette Davis on The Sexes - Interview with Shirley Eder

Quote Investigator - Website by Garson O'Toole

]]> You can find quotes in most places these days, on cards, shirts, magnets, hanging in offices or you may even have one hanging over your fire place. In this episode, we explore some of the most famous historical quotes from "Let them eat cake!" to "When going through hell, keep going." and we also do some fact checking as to whether the famous people they're attributed to actually said them.  We also take a look into the times and circumstances in which they may (or may not) have been said because in the words of Yogi Berra, "I really didn't say everything I said."

Episode Resources:

Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth

Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser

Fart Proudly: A Letter to a Royal Academy by Benjamin Franklin

Churchill By Himself: The Definitive Collection of Quotations by Richard Langworth

All About Eve starring Bette Davis

Bette Davis on The Sexes - Interview with Shirley Eder

Quote Investigator - Website by Garson O'Toole

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6320533 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 01:00:00 -0500 2388 History, Quotes, Marie Antoinette, Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon, Orwell, Churchill, Bette Davis 1 4 full false Cleopatra: Did She Do It For Love or Country Cleopatra: Did She Do It For Love or Country Everyone knows the Hollywood Cleopatra, but what about the woman trying to preserve her family’s 275-year-old dynasty, the woman trying to keep Egypt safe from the ever-reaching grasp of Roman rule? Were her bedroom alliances with Caesar and Mark Anthony done out of love for these powerful Roman men or to save herself and her country? Would her first-born child by Caesar be strong enough to continue the Ptolemaic Dynasty and ally himself with Rome? This episode is jam packed with fascinating facts about Cleopatra and the times in which she lived.  

Episode Edit: 
*The comment regarding chess and checkers mentioned at about 8 minutes into the episode is purely satirical. As far as we can tell, neither of those games were around in the 1st century BC.

 Episode Resources:

 Anthony and Cleopatra by Adrian Goldsworthy

 From Gracchi to Nero by H. H. Scullard

 Plutarch’s Lives (Volume I and II)

 Clues to Cleopatra’s Tomb Discovery (Travel & Leisure Magazine)

 Cleopatra’s Real Appearance (Express UK)

 Gal Godot’s New Cleopatra Movie (BBC) 

 Cleopatra (1963 film with Elizabeth Taylor)

 Cleopatra (1934 film with Claudette Colbert)

]]> Everyone knows the Hollywood Cleopatra, but what about the woman trying to preserve her family’s 275-year-old dynasty, the woman trying to keep Egypt safe from the ever-reaching grasp of Roman rule? Were her bedroom alliances with Caesar and Mark Anthony done out of love for these powerful Roman men or to save herself and her country? Would her first-born child by Caesar be strong enough to continue the Ptolemaic Dynasty and ally himself with Rome? This episode is jam packed with fascinating facts about Cleopatra and the times in which she lived.  

Episode Edit: 
*The comment regarding chess and checkers mentioned at about 8 minutes into the episode is purely satirical. As far as we can tell, neither of those games were around in the 1st century BC.

 Episode Resources:

 Anthony and Cleopatra by Adrian Goldsworthy

 From Gracchi to Nero by H. H. Scullard

 Plutarch’s Lives (Volume I and II)

 Clues to Cleopatra’s Tomb Discovery (Travel & Leisure Magazine)

 Cleopatra’s Real Appearance (Express UK)

 Gal Godot’s New Cleopatra Movie (BBC) 

 Cleopatra (1963 film with Elizabeth Taylor)

 Cleopatra (1934 film with Claudette Colbert)

]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6197122 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500 1912 Ancient History, Egypt, Rome, Ptolemy, Cleopatra, Caesar, Mark Anthony, Octavian, Battle of Actium 1 3 full false And The Winner Goes To… A look back at unusual Presidential elections in America’s history And The Winner Goes To… A look back at unusual Presidential elections in America’s history If you think politics has never been as controversial as it is today, wait until you hear this episode. For example, in the 1876 election 20 electoral votes were in dispute, Tilden needed only one of those votes and Hayes needed all 20. Guess who became president? We cover 4 different types of elections from America’s past to try to shed some light on the possibilities that may be just around the corner.  

Episode Edits:  
* Bush won the 2000 election by 537 votes, not the 567 mentioned in the episode. The percentage remains unchanged at .009%.

Episode Resources:

Modern Times by Paul Johnson

Truman by David McCullough

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Jefferson and His Time by Dumas Malone (6 Volumes)

Hamilton Broadway Cast Recording

Dewey defeats Truman Photo

 








]]> If you think politics has never been as controversial as it is today, wait until you hear this episode. For example, in the 1876 election 20 electoral votes were in dispute, Tilden needed only one of those votes and Hayes needed all 20. Guess who became president? We cover 4 different types of elections from America’s past to try to shed some light on the possibilities that may be just around the corner.  

Episode Edits:  
* Bush won the 2000 election by 537 votes, not the 567 mentioned in the episode. The percentage remains unchanged at .009%.

Episode Resources:

Modern Times by Paul Johnson

Truman by David McCullough

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Jefferson and His Time by Dumas Malone (6 Volumes)

Hamilton Broadway Cast Recording

Dewey defeats Truman Photo

 








]]> https://historicallyspeakingpodcast.com/ Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6092497 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400 2053 Presidential Elections, American Politics, Electoral College, Election 2020, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Democrat, Republican, Federalist 1 2 full false Til Death Do You Part - Macabre Tales of Famous Corpses Til Death Do You Part - Macabre Tales of Famous Corpses Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658, but his head didn't reach its final resting place until March 25, 1960. Where was it during that 302 year stretch in between? In this episode we not only cover Cromwell, but also Mary Queen of Scotts and Lord Nelson in addition to exploring the various peregrinations of the bodies of Eva Peron and Charlie Chaplin. Who they were, why they died and what happened to their corpse - all in time for Halloween!

* Cromwell's head was placed on a spike and displayed above Westminster Hall.

Link to Mary Queen of Scots (Biography by Antonia Frasier)

Link to Oliver (Biography of Oliver Cromwell by Antonia Frasier)

Link to Nelson's Trafalger: The Battle That Changed The World (by Roy Adkins)

Link to Evita (the Original Broadway Cast Album)

Link to The Great Dictator (Charlie Chaplin Film)


]]> Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658, but his head didn't reach its final resting place until March 25, 1960. Where was it during that 302 year stretch in between? In this episode we not only cover Cromwell, but also Mary Queen of Scotts and Lord Nelson in addition to exploring the various peregrinations of the bodies of Eva Peron and Charlie Chaplin. Who they were, why they died and what happened to their corpse - all in time for Halloween!

* Cromwell's head was placed on a spike and displayed above Westminster Hall.

Link to Mary Queen of Scots (Biography by Antonia Frasier)

Link to Oliver (Biography of Oliver Cromwell by Antonia Frasier)

Link to Nelson's Trafalger: The Battle That Changed The World (by Roy Adkins)

Link to Evita (the Original Broadway Cast Album)

Link to The Great Dictator (Charlie Chaplin Film)


]]> http://www.historicallyspeakingpodcast.com Rebecca Robbins & Kim Kimmel Buzzsprout-6002209 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400 1954 history, macabre, Mary Queen of Scotts, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Nelson, Eva Peron, Charlie Chaplin, couple, teacher, Broadway 1 1 full false