Part 3 (The Epic Conclusion) of the JFK series is here! Austin leads us through time and space, all the way back to November 22, 1963. To a little town called Dallas. Along the way Austin and Sam discuss the Space Race, the Bay of Pigs, and other Cold War highlights. Enjoy!
Part 2 is here! In this episode, Austin guides us through JFK's exciting WWII career, his road to the White House, and his complicated love life.
The lads are back with a new series! Austin leads us on a rollicking adventure 60 years into the past, where we'll discover the true story of John F. Kennedy. This episode has it all: the Irish Mob, angry chauffeurs, stories about chasing tail. That's only part one! Stay tuned for the rest and enjoy!
The finale of our series on U.S. Grant! Austin and Sam follow Grant's postwar career, from the battlefield to the White House. They uncover his incredible Civil Rights achievements, discuss his fall from grace, and read a few passages from his memoirs. They even uncover a little secret about author Mark Twain. Enjoy!
We're back with a two part series on Ulysses S. Grant!! Hero of the Civil War! Huge family man! Notorious drinker? Maybe. Austin and Sam delve into the fascinating story of one of the USA's most famous war heroes. Seriously... he was considered the best general in the world. Enjoy!
NUTS! Austin and Sam dive into one of WWII's most famous battles. This episode features meth-fueled Nazis, General George Patton, and a lot of references to LOGISTICS. They also discuss an extremely heroic African American tank battalion that has largely been forgotten. Enjoy!
Austin and Sam are back at it after a short break (we tried to join the military but quit when we learned that ancient calvary tactics were no longer in use). Austin delivers a stunning account of Alexander's epic rise and fall. The fellas dive into ancient warfare tactics and equipment, the importance of sexual diplomacy, and ask a question: Could we pay the troops in Blue Chew? Enjoy!
Cover Art: Mosaic of Alexander fighting at the battle of Issus
Austin and Sam tackle one of their most difficult topics yet; The Irish Potato Famine. Almost everyone thinks that they know this sad story, but only Austin can leads us through this complex whirlwind of Irish history and British colonialism. How did it all start? Did they really only eat potatoes? Just how bad were the British? (really bad). They also touch on medieval feast days and the amazing solidarity of marginalized peoples. Shoutout to the Choctaw Nation!
Austin and Sam dive into the fascinating life of "the last viking" Harald Hardrada. As a young man, he was forced from his homeland and left adrift in the ancient world. His military skill eventually led him to Constantinople and the Holy Land, where he gained wealth and prestige. Ultimately, his path led to England and the famous Battle of Stamford Bridge. It's hell of a journey. But don't worry, the lads also discuss going back in time to kill Hitler and making a podcast for babies. Is that what this is now? Enjoy.
Austin and Sam celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party! But don't let the name fool you, this isn't about fancy gatherings with nice tea and those little triangular sandwiches. This episode features an in-depth look at the early days of the American independence movement. Samuel Adams! John Adams! (second cousins!) Also featuring British taxation, the Sons of Liberty, and a little ship named The Beaver. They also ask one important question... Just how much copper is in Paul Revere's house? Enjoy!
Who doesn't love Christmas? The beautiful lights, the great times with friends and family, and the absolute devastation of trench warfare! Sam and Austin have brought you a present: The Christmas Truce of WWI. This episode includes the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the unifying power of drinking beers with the lads, and the importance of notes from your mom. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Inspired by "Florida Man" headlines, Austin leads us on a mystical journey through the mists of time. From the tectonic level, to Pangea (did it really exist?), to Francis Drake and the election of Abraham Lincoln. Florida's reputation as a crazy and lawless land of opportunity is well deserved. Thanks for listening!
Austin and Sam talk about the original Covid-19. You thought staying inside was horrible? Wait until you hear about plague doctors, bursting pustules, and shrieking flagellants. Trust us, the black plague was even worse than you think. It also has a surprisingly long history, from the Bible to the 1900s. This is an in-depth episode, full of disgusting facts and jokes about those disgusting facts. Austin really delivered the goods on this one. Enjoy!
Episode Art: The Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut
The UAW is on strike! As the United Auto Workers continue to put pressure on automakers, Austin and Sam are here to make sure that you know exactly what is going on. All the way from the early beginnings of the UAW to the developments that we're seeing right now! They also touch on Henry Ford's secret army, building tanks during WWII, the election of Shawn Fain, and so much more. Enjoy!
(Cover photo: UAW members from Louisville, KY)
Some people love them, some hate them. The latter group makes no sense to us. Join Austin and Sam as they explore the mind-blowing history of a superfood: pickles. Used by Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and even our boys overseas in WWII. They also discuss the new drug "monkey dust" and speculate on Captain America's relationship to the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy!
Cover photo: "An American Pickle", starring Seth Rogan. (2020)
Guns, gambling, and gangsters. The mafia has captured public attention for many years (Shoutout Pauly Walnuts), but Austin and Sam found out the real history of Italian organized crime. From the Black Hand to John Gotti, they discuss the rise and fall of the greatest criminal organization that the world has ever seen. Cover Photo: Meyer Lansky, 1958.
It's a 4th of July special episode! Austin and Sam discuss one of the most famous wartime operations in the history of the world. Discover the behind the scenes politics and spy-work that made it possible, how and why Eisenhower became Supreme Allied Commander, and how a bunch of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Balloons saved the world.
Fist fights, Mormons, Fried Chicken? Austin and Sam dive into the crazy life of Colonel Harlan Sanders. Yes, the KFC guy. But there's so much more to this story than a secret blend of herbs and spices. We discuss stolen valor, being a fake lawyer, and the benefits of taking test. Finally, we discover that Mormon polygamists actually invented the bucket of chicken. Enjoy!
Austin and Sam meet up to discuss one of the most important scientific discoveries of the modern age... the development of the atomic bomb. They discuss the Manhattan Project and the scientists who worked to develop the bomb. They also consider the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, secret Soviet spies, and what would happen if we gave dogs the nuclear codes. Enjoy!
Inspired by a WWII vet that Sam met in Kroger, this episode explores the Pacific Theater of WWII. The USS Pensacola saw action in almost every sea battle, dealing with Japanese air attacks on a regular basis. The boys discuss the staggering costs of war, both during the conflict and at home. It is a truly amazing story of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. They finish the episode with a visit to Bikini Atoll aka Bikini Bottom. (Shoutout to Squidward)