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Fascinating People, Fascinating Places

73 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 692 ratings

Coming soon: Dahomey., Satan & Exorcism, Gary Arndt Travel blogger & podcaster, The Goering brothers,

Documentary Society & Culture history british history european history ancient rome african history british culture australia
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Episodes

Caliphate of Hamdullahi (Massina Empire)

November 24, 2022 15:17 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

In North West Africa, the vast wilderness of the Sahara runs into the tropical rainforests of Benin and Burkina Faso. And it is in this region, that some of Africa’s greatest empires flourished. Among them was the Songhai Empire, as well as the earlier Mali Empire, whose rulers included Mansa Musa –  who flushed with gold – was reportedly the wealthiest man in history. By the early 19th century, the Bambara Empire controlled much of the territory that is in today’s Mali. But from the Southwe...

Modern Day Slavery: Mauritania

November 10, 2022 03:01 - 26 minutes - 20.3 MB

Mauritania, one of Africa’s largest yet least talked about countries holds a dark secret: slavery. While slavery in various forms continues to exist around the world, in Mauritania its on a massive scale having been woven into the very fabric of society. In fact, the loathsome practice was only criminalized 15 years ago. But whereas the emancipation proclamation and subsequent events in the US eventually led to the visible liberation of milions of people, the new law in Mauritania had no suc...

Amy Johnson: The Pioneering Pilot

October 27, 2022 22:49 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

In May 1930, a young English woman from Yorkshire arrived in Sydney, Australia she received a welcome fit for a Queen. Amy Johnson had become the first female pilot to fly from the United Kingdom to Australia. It was a remarkable feat for the 26 year old aviator who was born the same year the Wright brothers launched the first flight. It was also a notable achievement for a British woman considering that just two years earlier most women (Johnson included) weren’t even allowed to vote. In ...

The Hindenburg Disaster

October 14, 2022 02:30 - 25 minutes - 29.8 MB

On 6 May 1937, four camera crews were on hand as the German Zeppelin airship the Hindenburg burst into flames. Separately, radio journalist Herbert Morrison was on the scene and his commentary of the event is forever associated with the tragedy. In this episode, I explore the Hindenburg disaster. What went wrong? What did it mean for Nazi Germany? And what was the dark past of one of its victims Ernest Lehman. Sound & Music Richard Wagner Ride of the Valkyries Conductor: James Allen Gähres E...

Tutankhamun: Man, Treasure, Curse

September 29, 2022 01:08 - 27 minutes - 35.4 MB

Having been lost to history for 3,000 years, Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun became a household name in 1922 when British Archaeologist Howard Carter excavated his tomb. But who was the man behind the iconic golden mask? What treasures were found in his tomb? and what is the truth behind the curse of Tutankhamun? Music by Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Mussolini’s March on Rome (1922)

September 16, 2022 13:00 - 26 MB

Some 1500 years after Alaric led the Visigoths in the sacking of Rome, the eternal city was braced for another invasion. There was talk of as many as a million supporters of fascist politician Benito Mussolini, seizing power by force. What followed was si

Mussolini's March on Rome (1922)

September 16, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 26 MB

Some 1500 years after Alaric led the Visigoths in the sacking of Rome, the eternal city was braced for another invasion. There was talk of as many as a million supporters of fascist politician Benito Mussolini, seizing power by force. What followed was simultaneously anti climactic and yet profoundly significant. In this episode I recount the 1922 March on Rome. Music from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message --- Send in a voice message: ht...

Munich 1972 Olympic Massacre

September 04, 2022 01:23 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MB

In September 1972, the Olympic Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” became an irrelevance as the world’s greatest sporting event was ravaged by violence and bloodshed as the Palestinian Black September group massacred 11 members of the Israeli delegation. In this episode, I discuss the Munich Massacre. Why it happened, how it happened, and whether it could have been prevented. Music by Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message --- Send in a voice m...

Tony’s List: Go West

August 28, 2022 17:53 - 18.9 MB

Episode 3 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to […]

Tony's List: Go West

August 28, 2022 17:53 - 21 minutes - 18.9 MB

Episode 3 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers -- barely known to each other -- appeared on the playground at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to their arrival? And why had they come? In this peculiar three-part story, I recount a tale of daredevil escape, a fake passport, war, the end of communism, and the remarkable story of these 11 people. ...

Tony’s List: From Poland With Love

August 19, 2022 01:44 - 26.1 MB

Episode 2 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to […]

Tony's List: From Poland With Love

August 19, 2022 01:44 - 25 minutes - 26.1 MB

Episode 2 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers -- barely known to each other -- appeared on the playground at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to their arrival? And why had they come? In this peculiar three-part story, I recount a tale of daredevil escape, a fake passport, war, the end of communism, and the remarkable story of these 11 people. ...

Tony’s List: Saddam and The Students

August 12, 2022 02:22 - 26.2 MB

As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their

Tony's List: Saddam and The Students

August 12, 2022 02:22 - 25 minutes - 26.2 MB

As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers -- barely known to each other -- appeared on the playground at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to their arrival? And why had they come? In this peculiar three-part story, I recount a tale of daredevil escape, a fake passport, war, the end of communism, and the remarkable story of these 11 people. --- Send in a ...

Wagga Wagga: World War I Stories

August 05, 2022 17:59 - 26 minutes - 21.3 MB

Wagga Wagga: World War 1 Stories On commemorative occasion such as Anzac and Memorial Day, we inevitably reflect on the service of prior generations in The First World War as well as other conflicts. But while these service men and women fought bravely during the conflict, how did the war fit in with their broader lives? Its a topic that Historian Ian Hodges of The Australian Department of Veteran’s affairs has been exploring with regard to World War I. The conflict that saw Australia forge...

Robespierre: The Reign of Terror

July 29, 2022 17:03 - 30 minutes - 31.7 MB

Robespierre: The Reign of Terror On 21 January 1793, a gruesome scene unfolded at the place de la revolution in Paris. After attempting to address the crowd only to have his words drowned out by drums, King Louis XVI the King of France was decapitated by the Guillotine. Spectators rushed forward and soaked their handkerchiefs in his blood to create a macabre souvenir of the event. A critical figure in the demise of Louis XVI was the revolutionary Maximilien Robespierre. He had argued that g...

The Songhai Empire: Africa's Forgotten Super State

July 22, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

On the periphery of the Malian city of Gao, close to the banks of the River Niger, sits an extraordinary pyramid-like structure. Standing 17 meters tall, and reportedly constructed with mud and wood shipped in from Mecca, some 7,000 kilometers away, it is known as the Tomb of Askia. And is believed to be the last resting place of Askia Mohamed I a man who ruled one of Africa’s largest yet less remembered superstates: The Songhai Empire. In this episode, I detail the key events in the meteori...

The Songhai Empire: Africa’s Forgotten Super State

July 22, 2022 16:00 - 17.9 MB

On the periphery of the Malian city of Gao, close to the banks of the River Niger, sits an extraordinary pyramid-like structure. Standing 17 meters tall, and reportedly constructed with mud and wood shipped in from Mecca, some 7,000 kilometers away, it is

Apartheid South Africa with Gabeba Baderoon

July 15, 2022 02:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

In the years after World War II, hundreds of millions of Africans experienced newfound independence after decades or in some cases centuries of Colonialism.  But in South Africa, the descendants of white settlers, and other European immigrants increased the subjugation of 90 percent of the populace through overtly racist policies under the umbrella term of Apartheid. During the Apartheid era, non-whites couldn't vote, marry, go to school with, or live alongside whites. Many also lost citiz...

Australian Penal Transportation (British Crime and Punishment Part Two)

July 08, 2022 12:50 - 25 minutes - 27.3 MB

On the 29 April 1770, two men attempted to stop the disembarkation of a group of strange and unwelcome visitors on a beach in what came to be known as Botany Bay in Australia. The interlopers were lead by Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy, and they were the first Europeans to make landfall in Eastern Australia. This incident had huge ramifications not just for the native Australians but also for people 10,000 miles away in Britain. With the so-called bloody code in force, Britons ...

The Bloody Code : British Crime and Punishment (Part One)

July 01, 2022 11:37 - 46 minutes - 48.8 MB

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britons were subject to a penal system including up to 220 crimes punishable by death. These offences ranged from murder to theft, from arson to wearing blackface while poaching. Even young children, were subject to these draconian penalties. In this episode I explore the era of the so-called "bloody code" and explain how it developed, the level of enforcement, and the reasons for its demise. In this documentary style episode I interview two experts on this e...

Rome’s 5 Craziest Emperors (Episode 2) Caligula

June 30, 2022 00:24 - 2.08 MB

Caligula the Roman emperor has been held up as the archetype of a crazy ruler for the last 2,000 years. But was he as bad as the history books say he was? And is everything you’ve read about him true? In this episode I examine Caligula and explain why he

Rome's 5 Craziest Emperors (Episode 2) Caligula

June 30, 2022 00:24 - 2 minutes - 2.08 MB

Caligula the Roman emperor has been held up as the archetype of a crazy ruler for the last 2,000 years. But was he as bad as the history books say he was? And is everything you've read about him true? In this episode I examine Caligula and explain why he ranks fourth in my list of the 5 Craziest Roman Emperors. Pictures: Howard Stern Just before his interview on the Today Show Bill Norton Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Caligula3.jpg Képkocka a Caligula c. 1979-es filmből. Bruno Briv...

Morris Dancing – The Peculiar British Tradition

June 23, 2022 23:29 - 20.2 MB

Morris dancing — a traditional type of British folk dance is synonymous with villages fairs and men dressed in white dancing with wooden sticks. But there are many more elements to “Morris” that the stereotypes we are familiar with. In this episode, I ex

Morris Dancing - The Peculiar British Tradition

June 23, 2022 23:29 - 35 minutes - 20.3 MB

Morris dancing -- a traditional type of British folk dance is synonymous with villages fairs and men dressed in white dancing with wooden sticks. But there are many more elements to "Morris" that the stereotypes we are familiar with. In this episode, I explore its origins, and learn how it has expanded around the globe. Today's guests:  Peter Austin, "Bagman" of The Morris Ring - The founding National Association of Morris and Sword Dance Clubs in Britain. Cat Van't Hof & Nat James of the...

Witches of Denmark

June 17, 2022 13:21 - 26 minutes - 27.2 MB

Witches have existed in Denmark since primitive times. Though in the past, many were categorized as "cunning folk" since they were concerned with good deeds rather than ill. But in the late 16th century, anyone carrying around runes, whipping up potions, or practicing traditional folklore suddenly found themselves in danger. King Christian IV, developed a preoccupation with all forms of witchcraft. His definition included practically anything religious or spiritual outside of conventional Lu...

Fascinating People Fascinating Places

June 16, 2022 20:03 - 30 seconds - 685 KB

Fascinating People Fascinating Places podcast advertisment --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message

Rome's 5 Craziest Emperors (Episode 1) Commodus

June 15, 2022 22:10 - 4 minutes - 3.85 MB

The Roman Emperor Commodus is best know for Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of him in the movie Gladiator. There is little doubt the ranks as one of Rome's craziest emperors. In this Wednesday bonus mini-cast, I separate fact from fiction and examine the man behind the legend. Pictures credit: Actor Joaquin Phoenix at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival 2018 Harald Krichel Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Russell Crowe (34450751620).jpg Russell Crowe Eva Rinaldi from S...

Rome’s 5 Craziest Emperors (Episode 1) Commodus

June 15, 2022 22:10 - 3.85 MB

The Roman Emperor Commodus is best know for Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of him in the movie Gladiator. There is little doubt the ranks as one of Rome’s craziest emperors. In this Wednesday bonus mini-cast, I separate fact from fiction and examine the man

The Druids with Ellen Evert Hopman

June 09, 2022 23:50 - 27 minutes - 26.7 MB

Druids are synonymous with Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice but are these modern druids representative of their ancient forbears? And who exactly were the druids? Many people base their knowledge of the druids on brief remarks made by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. But, there are many other sources – from Ireland – that provide us with much more information on this ancient group. In this episode, I talk to author and Druid Priestess Ellen Evert Hopman, of the Tribe of the Oak Druid Grove.  In...

The Druids

June 09, 2022 23:50 - 27 minutes - 26.7 MB

Druids are synonymous with Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice but are these modern druids representative of their ancient forbears? And who exactly were the druids? Many people base their knowledge of the druids on brief remarks made by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. But, there are many other sources – from Ireland – that provide us with much more information on this ancient group. In this episode, I talk to author and Druid Priestess Ellen Evert Hopman, of the Tribe of the Oak Druid Grove.  ...

The Druids with Ellen Evert Hopman

June 09, 2022 23:50 - 27 minutes - 26.7 MB

Druids are synonymous with Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice but are these modern druids representative of their ancient forbears? And who exactly were the druids? Many people base their knowledge of the druids on brief remarks made by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. But, there are many other sources – from Ireland – that provide us with much more information on this ancient group. In this episode, I talk to author and Druid Priestess Ellen Evert Hopman, of the Tribe of the Oak Druid Grove.  In...

Putin's False Flag: The Moscow Apartment Bombings of 1999

June 05, 2022 23:39 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series of events that salvaged the reputation of President Boris Yeltsin and laid the stage for his protege Vladimir Putin to come to power. But Selezynyovs apparent clairvoyance w...

Putin’s False Flag: The Moscow Apartment Bombings of 1999

June 05, 2022 23:39 - 24.6 MB

On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series […]

Putin’s False Flag: The Moscow Apartment Bombings of 1999

June 04, 2022 01:34 - 29.5 MB

On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this inci

Everton Football Club: Success, Stagnation & Aspiration

May 25, 2022 23:23 - 27 minutes - 27.1 MB

Founded in 1878, Everton are nine times English football champions but recent decades have seen the club slide into mediocrity. In this episode, I talk to fans who witnessed relegation in the 1950s, The Golden Vision and Holy Trinity of the 1960s, the pinnacle of success in the 1980s, and the rollercoaster ride since. Featured Interviewees: Isaac Chisnall Dominic Hodgson Derek Knox Lyndon Lloyd John McFarlane Ant Welsh Picture: Everton F.C. team 1909 public domain Music/sound: BBC ...

Astronomer and Astronaut: Hubble from each perspective with Steven Hawley

May 12, 2022 21:53 - 27 minutes - 30 MB

Heroes of Space. Part III In 1990, astronaut Steven Hawley deployed the Hubble telescope in space as part of the crew of the space shuttle Discovery. Kansas-born Hawley was among the civilians selected to be part of the space program on the basis of his expertise in a specific area: astronomy. One of his subsequent trips into space involved completing maintenance on HST. More recently, he has used it at ground level during his research work. In this episode, I talk to Professor Hawley about...

The Space Race with Historian Dr. Cathleen Lewis

May 07, 2022 17:25 - 24 minutes - 26.9 MB

Heroes of Space. Part II In the aftermath of World War II, the United States and USSR quickly turned their attention to space. In this episode, I talk to one of the world's leading experts on space history: Dr. Cathleen Lewis curator of International Space Programs and Spacesuits at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. We discuss the early efforts to send animals and later humans into space. The culture of the competing space programs including the role of women, and...

Gallipoli Part Two: The Forging of The Anzacs

April 30, 2022 03:00 - 35 minutes - 36 MB

The Anzac landings in Gallipoli quickly descend into chaos as Braund and other commanders try to lead their men to victory against overwhelming odds.  In this episode, I explore the story of the tragic tale of George Braund, Henry Edward White, and so many others. I interview two experts in the field: Brad Manera, and Ian Hodges, who provide fascinating insights into the battle, the legacy of Gallipoli, and how it helped forge the Anzac and Australian identities. With thanks to: Brad Mane...

Gallipoli Part One: For King and Empire

April 23, 2022 02:55 - 33 minutes - 33 MB

In August 1914, New South Wales politician George Braund was tasked with forming the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the newly created Australian Imperial Force. One of his recruits was Henry Edward White. Both men had some prior military experience, and like many of their countrymen, they had been born in England. When the call came to defend the British Empire against the Central Powers of Europe, they quickly enlisted and within a few months set sail for Europe. But they never reached the propos...

Explore Your Carlow or Irish Roots

April 08, 2022 02:00 - 2 minutes - 3.08 MB

Do you have Irish ancestry? Are you intrigued about the history of Carlow? John Kelly of the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society offers advice and resources for anyone thinking of making a visit or delving into genealogical research. This is bonus content attached to The Battle of Carlow and the 1798 Irish Rebellion episode. Links:  Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society Carloviana Archives Irish Genealogy Free National Site Roots Ireland --- Send in a voice message: https:...

The Battle of Carlow and the 1798 Irish Rebellion

April 08, 2022 01:54 - 36 minutes - 40.2 MB

On the 24 May 1798, simultaneous revolts across cities and towns in Ireland signified the start of the long anticipated Irish rebellion. The insurectionists -- many of whom were members of The Society of United Irishmen -- were both protestant and catholic, rich and poor. But they shared a vision of an Irish republic -- free from British rule. In this episode, I investigate the events surrounding the rebellion, recall its progress and aftermath with a focus on events in the small South Easter...

Westboro Baptist Church: Shirley Phelps-Roper Interview

April 01, 2022 02:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

When you hear people talk about zealots and religious hate groups, you tend to think of some dour old cave dweller with a long beard or a 17th century puritan with an obscenely large and seemingly unnecessary buckle on his hat. You don’t typically think of a smiling, colorfully dressed, personable wife and mother who drops terms of endearment like “hun” into conversation while discussing serious topics such as hellfire and brimstone. But just down the road from where I live here in Kansas, ...

Season 3 Preview

March 29, 2022 00:36 - 2 minutes - 3.3 MB

In season 3 Dan talks to NASA astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley as well as Smithsonian space historian Cathy Lewis. He discusses Gallipoli with Australian Department of Veteran's Affairs historian Ian Hodges and explores the 1798 rebellion in Ireland with Prof. Tom Bartlett and Carlow historian John Kelly. He delves into race relations with The New Black Panther's Tamara Jones and tackles the controversial Westboro Baptist church with Shirley Roper-Phelps. The TV sci-fi classic Doctor...

Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

March 26, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 31.1 MB

In the Spring of 2019, Scottish police launched investigations into incidents at two football matches. In the first, Aberdeen fans were accused of using colorful language to suggest that English football manager Steven Gerrard was an Orange man. A few weeks later, Aberdeen’s own manager Derek McInnes was targeted with similar chants from Celtic fans. The fact that fans from Aberdeen – a largely secular city could find themselves on either side of this type of incident is indicative of the fa...

Modern Day Hero: NASA Astronaut Jim Wetherbee

March 19, 2022 03:00 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

Heroes of Space. Part I I have always had a fascination with heroic figures. In the modern world, it's difficult to think of a task requiring more courage and skill than flying as a test pilot -- unless of course you decide to go into space. Jim Wetherbee is one man who did both. A decorated Navy veteran, NASA pilot and commander, he later brought his skills to the private sector. It was here that he realized his experience could provide valuable lessons not just to businesses but to privat...

Gall

March 13, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 33 MB

Gall --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/support

UFOs Part Two: The Experiencers

March 11, 2022 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this episode, I delve deeper into the world of UFOs beyond the Hollywood flying saucers. I talk to four experts from the fields of academia, journalism, and research who have thoroughly investigated the phenomena either as skeptics or experiencers. Featuring: Professor of History Professor Greg Eghigian of The Pennsylvania State University Clas Svahn of https://www.ufo.se/ Bill Konkolesky author of Experiencer: Raised in Two Worlds https://www.amazon.com/Experiencer-Raised-Worlds-Wi...

UFOs Part One: The Beginning of the Phenomena

March 04, 2022 17:00 - 29 minutes - 16.9 MB

In this episode, I delve deeper into the world of UFOs beyond the Hollywood flying saucers. I talk to four experts from the fields of academia, journalism, and research who have thoroughly investigated the phenomena either as skeptics or experiencers. Featuring: Professor of History Professor Greg Eghigian of The Pennsylvania State University Clas Svahn of https://www.ufo.se/ Bill Konkolesky author of Experiencer: Raised in Two Worlds https://www.amazon.com/Experiencer-Raised-Worlds-Wi...

Racism and The New Black Panther Party in Kansas City

February 25, 2022 03:42 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

Tamara Jones is a prominent civil rights activist and outspoken critic of well-documented instances of racism and corruption involving the Kansas City Police Force. More controversially, she is the Minister of Justice for The New Black Panther Party and is involved in The New Black Panthers for Self Defense -- two groups condemned by the American Defence League, and The Southern Poverty Law Center as anti-semitic, racist, and anti-government groups. I spoke to Tamara about her experiences in...