History Dispatches

Throughout the 1100's the abbess Hildegard of Bingen was one of the most influential figures in medieval Europe. An astounding theologian, scholar, writer, and musician, she was also wrote hundreds of letters to numerous popes, kings and emperors. All while being overcome with mind melting visions from God. Sources Hildegard of Bingen by Fiona Maddocks Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hildegard_von_Bingen.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Execution of King Louis XVI as brought to you by wonderful History Daily. Host Lindsay Graham takes us on a dramatic recreation of the events of that fateful day in 1793 - when the French Revolution took a step that few had ever imagined. This episode is presented in partnership with History Daily. Thanks to Lindsay Graham and his team. https://www.historydaily.com Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hinrichtung_Ludwig_des_XVI.png History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the morning of September 22, 1776, 21 year old Nathan Hale was escorted to the gallows in New York City near modern-day 66th St. and Third Avenue. He was to be hanged for being a spy. When given a chance for some final words, he was reportedly to have said one sentence that would resonate to this day. 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.' This is the story of Nathan Hale. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Hale "Nathan Hale," by M. William Phelps https://nypl.getarchive.net/media/last-words-of-captain-nathan-hale-the-hero-martyr-of-the-american-revolution-5cee80\ Image: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. (1800 - 1910). Nathan Hale. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-d863-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In late afternoon on March 25, 1911, a small spark would ignite on the 8th floor of the Triangle Factory. The spark would turn into a blaze that would leave 146 dead. And the worst part is that almost all of these deaths were preventable. This is the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Sources Triangle: The Fire that Changed America by David Von Drehle Image: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Image_of_Triangle_Shirtwaist_Factory_fire_on_March_25_-_1911.jpg# History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edward Carter was an American soldier of mixed race. He fought the Japanese in Shanghai. The fascists in Spain. And the Nazis in Europe. And on March 23, 1945, Carter single-handedly wiped out two machine gun nests, a mortar team, killed six Germans, and captured two more, despite being wounded five times. For his actions, Carter would - ultimately - receive the Congressional Medal of Honor - although it would take more than 50 years to be recognized. This is his incredible story - which is filled with tragedy and heartbreak - as well triumph. Sources "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_A._Carter_Jr. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3347931/medal-of-honor-monday-army-sgt-1st-class-edward-carter-jr/ https://www.nps.gov/people/edwardcarterjr.htm "Honoring Sergeant Carter: A Family's Journey to Uncover the Truth About an American Hero" by Allene Carter and Robert L. Allen Image: Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edward_Carter_USArmy.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1200s a legend surfaced of a female pope who ruled for two years, disguised as a man. And while it was just that - a legend - that did not stop Pope Joan from being considered real for hundreds of year. And desite being nothing more than myth, Pope Joan would have an abnormally large impact on the Catholic Church. Sources "The Myth of Pope Joan" by Alain Boureau Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Papesse_Jeanne_BnF_Français_599_fol._88.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Stanley Cup - hockey's greatest prize - is meant to be experienced - by the fans and the players. As a result, the treasured trophy has been through many, many adventures in its 130+ years. It’s been lost, stolen, tossed in a river, and even used as a flower pot. These are the Adventures of the Stanley Cup. Sources https://www.nhl.com/news/stanley-cup-has-strange-and-colorful-past https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cup https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditions_and_anecdotes_associated_with_the_Stanley_Cup Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1930_Stanley_Cup.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking 200 years to build the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world's most iconic structures. Built in wet soil, engineers have been fighting gravity for nearly a thousand years. And seemingly by sheer willpower, the structure still stands today. Sources https://www.towerofpisa.org/; https://www.britannica.com/topic/Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pisa/interventions.html Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa_in_the_1890s.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1784, 44 Japanese sailors ventured off towards an island in the Pacific in search of a mysterious treasure. They would not be heard of again - until 151 years later when a bottle was found detailing the fate of the crew. This is the story of Chunosuke Matsuyama and the world’s oldest Message in a Bottle. Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-glass-bottle-on-brown-sand-4724049/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1909, wealthy Georgia widow Susie Wright Allgood saw a business opportunity. She wanted to create a new stuffed toy that would usurp the popular Teddy Bear. Her new toy was Billy Possum - inspired by President William Howard Taft. For this episode, we are joined by Howard Dorre from the podcast Plodding Through the Presidents. Sources "How a Stuffed Animal Named Billy Possum Tried—and Failed—to Replace the Teddy Bear as America’s National Toy" by Howard Dorre - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-a-stuffed-animal-named-billy-possum-triedand-failedto-replace-the-teddy-bear-as-americas-national-toy-180986072/ Awesome Podcast by Howard and his wife: https://www.ploddingthroughthepresidents.com Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Possum_advertisement.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Feb. 14, 1929, seven members and associates of Chicago's North Side Gang were lured into a garage at Lincoln Park - lined up - and killed in a hail of machine gun fire. The killings were believed to have been orchestrated by Al Capone - and exposed the mob violence that was gripping many of the nation’s big cities. No one would ever be charged in the killings. This is the story of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Sources "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine's_Day_Massacre https://stvalentinemassacre.org" Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Valentine%27s_Day_Massacre_-_view_from_above.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1935, the first lobotomy was preformed, ushering in the era of one of history's worst medical practices. Over the next 30 years, tens of thousands of them would be preformed, earning its inventor a Nobel Prize. This is the history of the lobotomy. Sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4291941/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3640229/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chimp_Brain_in_a_jar.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 1930s, nearly 3000 Americans traveled to Spain to fight in a civil war that would leave upwards of half a million dead. Many of these Americans were socialists and communists - but more than that - virtually all of them were united for the hatred of fascism. This is the story of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Battalion Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives: https://alba-valb.org Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chimp_Brain_in_a_jar.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 60 countries across six continents, millions of people live in constant fear of landmines. There are many tactics to remove these explosives, but the most fascinating is using mine sniffing rats. And one of the greatest of those rats is Magawa. Sources https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59951255 https://apopo.org/latest/in-loving-memory-of-magawa/ APOPO Website: https://apopo.org History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around 800 AD, monks in Scotland and Ireland created a book containing the four gospels. But the book was more than just the religious texts. It was filled with intricate artwork, including full page illustrations, vivid colors, and elaborate Celtic knotwork. Today it is recognized as a masterpiece of Insular illumination and script. This is the story of the Book of Kells. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Kells https://digitalcollections.tcd.ie/concern/works/hm50tr726?locale=en Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KellsFol032vChristEnthroned.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1979, Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox had a fantastically dumb idea. Sell cheap tickets if fans brought a disco record. The vinyl would then be all blow up. While it sounds dumb, it got far worse as this publicity stunt turned into a riot. Sources https://www.chicagohistory.org/disco-demolition-night/; https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230922-the-night-angry-rock-fans-destroyed-disco-music https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Demolition_Night History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 13, 1884, to January 26, 1885, the city of Khartoum, Sudan, was surrounded by insurgents bent on establishing an Islamic state. For 10 months, 7,000 Egyptian troops and 30,000 civilians - under the command of Major General Charles Gordon - an Englishman - held out - hoping for relief troops to arrive. This is the story of Charles Gordon and the Siege of Khartoum. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Khartoum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_George_Gordon https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:General_Gordon%27s_Last_Stand.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January of 1919, a tank containing millions of gallons of molasses burst in the north end neighborhood of Boston. The resulting flood claimed over 20 lives, millions of dollars in damage, and took months to clean up. This is the story of the Great Molasses Flood of Boston. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood https://www.boston.gov/news/100-years-ago-today-molasses-crashes-through-bostons-north-end Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood#/media/File:BostonMolassesDisaster.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Iron Brigade is the story of one of the finest fighting forces in United States history. Made up of 'western men' from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, the brigade would sustain the highest casualty rate of any unit in the American Civil War. Sources "The Iron Brigade, A Military History" by Alan T. Nolan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Brigade" Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_American_Soldier,_1862_-_by_H._Charles_McBarron.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1903, George Edalji was falsely accused of maiming several animals, and sentenced to seven years in prison. However, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, would take up the case, and exonerate an innocent man. Sources "The Man Who Would Be Sherlock: The Real Life Adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle" by Christopher Sandford Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Conan_Doyle#/media/File:Arthur_Conan_Doyle_by_Walter_Benington,_1914.png History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In July of 1771, famed naval explorer Captain James Cook returned to England after circumnavigating the world. And he had great praise and admiration for one of his crew - who had completed a second circling of the world. That crew member was a goat - who is only known to history as the Well-Traveled Goat. This is her story. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Well-Travelled_Goat https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2019/04/the-well-travelled-goat.html History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 415 BC, the city state of Athens would embark on a campaign to conquer the island of Sicily. However, a series of decisions would turn this idea from bad, to worse, to one of the worst disasters in military history. This is the story of the Sicilian Expedition. Sources "The Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian Expedition" By Donald Kagan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Expedition Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Retreat_of_the_Athenians_from_Syracuse_(Litho).jpeg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early morning hours of April 15, 1865, Dr. Samuel Mudd had a man come to his home with a fractured fibula. Mudd set the man’s injury. That man was John Wilkes Booth - the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Mudd would claim not to have known Booth - or have been a part of the assassination plot. He said he was just a doctor doing his job. But was that true? This is the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Mudd Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drmudd4wiki.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1804, in the bayous of modern day Louisiana, three brothers would embark on a campaign of burning and pillaging against the Spanish government. They did this out of spite - and the desire to declare a republic. Sources "Republic of Scoundrels" by Jane Plummer, the chapter 'The Troubled Trio' History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 25, 1950, in the early morning hours, four Scottish students from the University of Glasgow broke into Westminster Abbey in London and removed the Stone of Scone - a symbol of Scottish nationhood and independence - which had been taken by England’s King Edward 650 years earlier. This is the story of the Heist of the Stone of Scone. Sources "The Taking of the Stone of Destiny" by Ian Hamilton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_removal_of_the_Stone_of_Scone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Scone Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Scone#/media/File:Coronation_Chair_with_Stone_of_Scone,_Westminster_Abbey_(3611549960).jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the mid 800s until 1296, a 300 pound block of sandstone would be where every Scottish monarch was crowned. But after it was stolen by the British, this nondescript piece of rock would go on to have a remarkable journey. This is the story of the Stone of Scone. Sources https://www.britannica.com/topic/Stone-of-Scone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Scone Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Replica_of_the_Stone_of_Scone,_Scone_Palace,_Scotland_(8924541883).jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Dec. 5, 1952, a thick layer of smog settled over the city of London - which was not an unusual thing. But due to cold weather, windless conditions and collected airborne pollutants - this fog remained until Dec. 9. The result was England’s worst Air Pollution disaster ever - with more than 10,000 people dying from respiratory issues. This is the story of the Great Smog of London. Sources https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/the-great-smog-of-1952/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smog_of_London The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In late 1788, an Austrian army on the march came across some people selling large quantities of alcohol. When the cavalry started buying the liquor, the infantry wanted in on the action. But some people don’t like to share, and when shots were fired, the melee descended into one of the worst friendly fire incidents in history. This is the story of the Battle of Karánsebes. Sources "The Brassey's Book of Military Blunders" by Geoffrey Regan Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kar%C3%A1nsebes Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:II._Jozsef_es_katonai_1787-ben.JPG The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teddy bears are cute and cuddly. Children cling to them for comfort. They have inspired countless books and stories and songs. They are the backbone of a $12 billion industry. Most of us probably know the Teddy Bear is named after a beloved US President - but beyond that - what do we really know? This is the story of the Teddy Bear. Sources https://corporate.steiff.com/en/steiff-teddy/history/ https://www.nps.gov/thrb/learn/historyculture/storyofteddybear.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_bear Image @ Matt Breen The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Silverman from the Useless Information Podcast joins us to tell the story of a gruesome and unusual murder. In Denver, Colorado, 1941, a man was found murdered in his own home. The weird part - all the doors and windows were locked from the inside. The question - how was the killer able to make his getaway. This is the story of the Denver Spiderman. Steve Silverman, Useless Information Podcast - https://uselessinformation.org Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-man-standing-at-night-316681/ The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Dec. 6, 1917, the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with a Norwegian vessel in the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Mont-Blanc, loaded with high explosives, caught fire and exploded, devastating the Richmond district of Halifax. Nearly 1800 people were killed, and 9,000 injured. The blast was the largest human-made explosion at the time. Sources The Canadian Encyclopedia - https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/halifax-explosion Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halifax_Explosion_-_harbour_view_-_restored.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic pieces of American symbolism. Despite a crack that has rendered it useless for over a century, it still represents American liberty and freedom. But why? This is the story of the Liberty Bell. Sources National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm US History.org - https://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/ Image by William Zhang: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liberty_Bell_2017a.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 19, 1803, Irishman Robert Emmet was convicted of treason for his role in a failed uprising earlier that year. Accordingly, Emmet was executed - another in a long line of Irish rebels. Except Robert Emmet did one thing that would bring him lasting fame. At his trial, he gave an impassioned speech - one of the finest - that would inspire Irish nationalists to this day. This is the story of Robert Emmet and his famed Speech from the Dock. Sources Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Emmet Speech from the Dock: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_from_the_Dock_(Emmet) Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RobertEmmetWatercolor.png The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1911, a man disguised as a maintenance worked walked into the Louvre right before it opened. He proceeded to steal the Mona Lisa, and go uncaught for two years. The theft turned the painting from well-known, to the most famous work of art in history. This is the story of the theft of the Mona Lisa. Sources "The Thefts of the Mona Lisa" by Noah Charney Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa#/media/File:Mona_Lisa,_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci,_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was returning from a secret mission - the delivery of the nuclear bomb that would ultimately be dropped on Hiroshima. In the early morning hours the cruiser was struck by two torpedoes. The ship sank in 12 minutes. Nearly 1200 men went into the ocean. Only 316 came out alive. This is the story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Sources "The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis Triggered the Worst Shark Attack in History - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/sinking-uss-indianapolis-triggered-worst-shark-attack-history-25715092/ Surviving the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis - https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/surviving-sinking-uss-indianapolis Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Indianapolis_(CA-35)" Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Indianapolis_(CA-35)_underway_in_1944_(stbd).jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before 1860 to send a letter from the east to west coast would take months. However, in April of 1860 the Pony Express was created, and riders on horseback could cross the American frontier in just 10 days. This extreme feat would become ever enshrined in the American West. This is the story of the Pony Express. Sources "The Saga of the Pony Express" by Joseph J. Di Certo Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pony_Express#/media/File:Pony_Express_Poster.jpg just the top portion The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ark of the Covenant was one of the most sacred objects to the Israelites. It represented God's presence on Earth. Yet most people’s knowledge of the ark comes from a movie - Raiders of the Lost Ark. So what exactly was the fabled Ark of the Covenant? Sources "What is the Ark of the Covenant? - https://www.livescience.com/64932-the-ark-of-the-covenant.html Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_Covenant" Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Benjamin_West_-_Joshua_passing_the_River_Jordan_with_the_Ark_of_the_Covenant_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2011-2012, a gang of thieves orchestrated the theft of 3000 tons of maple syrup - valued at nearly $19m Canadian dollars - from a storage facility in Quebec. Adjusted for inflation, it is the biggest theft in Canadian history. This is the story of the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist. Sources The Sweetest Heist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adCQ9cwYA8o Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Canadian_Maple_Syrup_Heist ‘The Sticky’ true story: Inside the real Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist - https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/the-sticky-true-story-canadian-maple-syrup-heist-rcna182982 The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine of Aragon and Henry the VIII have one of the most important marriages, and divorces in history. But why did it take Henry separating England from the Catholic Church to do something as simple as a divorce? Turns out Cathrine was a shrewd and feisty woman that did everything to protect her position. This is the story of the divorce of Cathrine of Aragon. Sources "Catherine of Aragon: The Spanish Queen of Henry VIII" by Giles Tremlett Katherine of Aragon: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/katherine-of-aragon/#gs.ln8ows Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catherine_of_Aragon_(1485-1536).jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the night of June 30, 1520, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and his troops attempted to escape from Tenochtitlan. The Spanish loaded themselves down with eight tons of treasure. However, their escape didn't go well. The result was what the Spanish called La Noche Triste - the Night of Sorrows. At least half of Cortes’ men were killed - and all the loot was gone. This is the story of Moctezuma’s Gold. Sources Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Sad_Night_(Noche_Triste)_(Conquest_of_Mexico)_Painting.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 8, 1871, the same night as the Chicago Fire, a massive blaze was spreading a few hundred miles north. It would level millions of acres, and claim more than 1200 lives, making it history's deadliest wildfire. This is the story of the Peshtigo Fire. Sources "The Great Peshtigo Fire; An Eyewitness Account" by Peter Pernin Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshtigo_fire Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Peshtigo_Fire_showing_people_seeking_refuge_in_the_Peshtigo_River.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 8, 1871, the city of Chicago was mired in a drought with only one inch of rain over the past three months. And it was in these dry, parched and windy conditions that a fire started. It would rage for two full days, killing more than 300 people, consuming 17,500 buildings and homes, and cause more than $220 million in damage. This is the story of the Great Chicago Fire. Sources The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory: https://greatchicagofire.org Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chicago_in_Flames_by_Currier_%26_Ives,_1871_(cropped).jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 404 BC, democracy was in tatters. Athens was under the control of tyrants and hope was draining. But one man, Thrasybulus, would defy the odds, return from exile, and restore democracy to Athens. Sources "Thrasybulus and the Athenian Democracy: the Life of an Athenian Statesman" by R J Buck Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrasybulus Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bust_of_%22Thrasybulus_Athenienses%22_1935_-_1080x1350.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1938-1942, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra had 16 number one records and 69 top 10 hits. He was one of the most popular musicians of the era. And then, in December of 1944, Miller boarded a plane in England bound for Paris. He was never seen again. This is the story of the death of band leader Glenn Miller. Sources National Museum of the United States Air Force: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196150/maj-glenn-miller-army-air-force-band/ NPR: 80 years later, Glenn Miller's sudden disappearance remains unsolved - https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/nx-s1-5206680/glenn-miller-disappearance-unsolved-80-years-later Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glenn_Miller_Billboard.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first decade of the 1800s the South China Sea became a hotbed for piracy, with the largest pirate fleet ever assembled defeating the Chinese and Portuguese navy. This fleet was led by an unlikely admiral - the prostitute turned pirate queen Zheng Yi Sao. Sources "Pirates of the South China Coast, 1790–1810", by Dian Murray Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E9%84%AD%E4%B8%80%E5%AB%82.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 27, 1883, the volcanic island of Krakatoa exploded. It was a blast heard more than 3,000 miles away. 70% of the island and its surrounding archipelago were destroyed. More than 36,000 people died. It is one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history. This is the 1883 Eruption of Krakatoa. Sources The Atlantic: The Volcanic Eruption of Krakatoa: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1884/09/the-volcanic-eruption-of-krakatoa/376174/ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1883_eruption_of_Krakatoa Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_uitbarsting_van_de_Krakatau,_KITLV_5888.tiff?page=1 The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1887, Pleasant Valley, Arizona, became the battlefield for the bloodiest feud in American history. It would leave dozens dead, and slaughter two entire families. This is the Pleasant Valley War. Sources "Pleasant Valley War" by Jinx Pyle Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasant_Valley_War#/media/File:Grabill_-_The_Cow_Boy.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout history there has only been one woman to rule the Chinese empire. This was Wu Zetian - who rose from the rank of imperial concubine - to that of emperor of China. Her rise to power was a very bloody trip. Sources "Empress Wu Zetian: the only woman to rule China, and who would be hated for it" - https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/empress-wu-zetian-china-rule-life-reputation/ "Wu Zhao: Ruler of Tang Dynasty China" - https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/wu-zhao-ruler-of-tang-dynasty-china/" Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Zetian The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the mid-1850's a young man named Joshua Glover was a slave in Missouri. He would escape, and settle in Wisconsin - only to be recaptured, freed by an abolitionist mob, and escape again to Canada once and for all. His story caused a clash between federal and state courts, and helped spark the establishment of the Republican Party - who main goal was to end slavery in America. Sources "Finding Freedom: The Untold Story of Joshua Glover, Runaway Slave" by Walter T. McDonald, Ruby West JacksonFile:Prison_Break_of_Fugitive_Slave_Joshua_Glover.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 10, 1985, in the harbor of Auckland, New Zealand, a bomb planted on the Greenpeace ship - the Rainbow Warrior - went off - opening a hole in her hull. A few minutes later, another bomb exploded. The ship sank within minutes - and one person was dead. So who was behind the bombing? Extremists of some kind? Political enemies? The answer would shock the world. Sources "The Bombing of the Rainbow Warrior" - https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/about/our-history/bombing-of-the-rainbow-warrior/ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_the_Rainbow_Warrior Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schip_Rainbow_Warrior_van_Greenpeace_in_Scheveningen,_Bestanddeelnr_930-2632.jpg The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices