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How did the French Revolution shape Napoleon Bonaparte's view on effective governance? What exactly are the origins of the 'Corsican Ogre?' In this episode we begin the second installment of our six-part series, discussing Napoleon's beginnings, his place within the French Revolution, the Italian campaign and the coup of Brumaire, commonly cited as the end of the Revolution itself. 

What were the worst abuses of the French Revolution? Why were Revolutionary champions such as Danton and Robespierre not ultimately immune from the guillotine? Are there ever noble-enough ends to justify excessive means? This week we explore these topics in the conclusion of our series on the French Revolution, covering the decisions leading up to the Great Terror, the formation of the Committee of Public Safety and what finally undid (consecrated?) the Revolution itself. 

After the initial upheaval, how are revolutions navigated? What forms do effective dissent take? Is the term 'mob-rule' necessarily synonymous with 'majority-rule'? In this episode, Henry and Josh continue their examination of the French Revolution following the fall of the Bastille and the arming of the citizens, glancing at the French attempt to create a new constitution, the organization and then polarization of the ascendent under-class and the rise of a group of idealists known as the Jacobins. 

How do we know for sure when a nation is definitively and indisputably beyond redemption? What are some large portents or warning signs that indicate a country is on its last legs? In sum, how are revolutions built? Josh and Henry RETURN from their hiatus with the first in a three-part installment covering the rise and fall of French Revolution, discussing in this episode the social and economic factors that led up to the storming of the Bastille, including France's fiscal shortcomings, a widespread disbelief in competency of the ruling class and, to top it all off, a food crisis. 

Who were the Amazonian women of ancient Greek legend? This week we kick off Women's History Month with a look at the warrior women of the surrounding Black Sea region, what the most recent archeological record has borne as well as a few notable Amazons in myth and in history.

In this episode we discuss the most decorated unit of WW1: The Harlem Hellfighters, who battled the Germans and brought Jazz to Europe during the era of Jim Crow segregation. We are joined by Tre Tutson, a comedian from Texas and soon to be a national name. Remember to Like, follow and share!

On this episode we discuss The Songhai Empire and its formation under the Mali Empire, Its internal conflicts that led to dynastic changes and the Invasion of the Pasha Moor army which destroyed the empire and threw Sub Saharan West Africa into turmoil just in time for the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Henry E Price wrote this - So you wanna be a baller? Shot caller? Worship and praise in the name of Allah? (It works better if you sing it in your head, phonix not phonetics). THIS WEEK we examine the reign of Mansa Musa, primarily discussing the details of his famous Hajj to Mecca, his reasons for undertaking this venture, the actual status of his finances and the Mali naval expedition off the coast of the Atlantic.

We're Back! In this episode we discuss the myths surrounding the creation of Medieval Ghana, the Gold Trade and the Epic of Sundiata - The Forrest Gump/Lion King/George Washington/King Arthur/Tom Brady of Mali.    #Comedy #History #Funny #ForestGump #KingArthur #Georgewashington #Mali #TheLionKing #TomBrady

In this episode Henry and Josh discuss America's largest slave revolt: Louisiana's 1811 German Coast Uprising where a collection of African tribes, maroons and enslaved people conspired, revolted and almost overran New Orleans.

What did WW2-era Japan have in common with Sunny D? They both unleashed the power of the sun. THIS WEEK! In honor of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, Josh, Henry and itinerant funny-man Tim Williams dive as deep as possible into the series of events leading up to this most infamous of days. Within, we cover topics such as the Emperor's active involvement in war preparations, the character of the escalating tensions between Japan and the US and the rawest nature of duel-track diplomacy. 

Exactly how was American Reconstruction bungled? Join us as we explore the question through the last thirty six years of Frederick Douglass' life, examining his role during the Civil War, the minor-league coup's launched during Reconstruction itself and the social causes advocated by Douglass up until the end of his life. 

What's the biggest personal obstacle you've had to overcome? This week we cover the first 39 years of the life of Frederick Douglass, discussing his escape from enslavement, the evolution of his ideas and his eventual connection to the conspiracy around John Brown.

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Is your heart lighter than a feather? This week we continue our spooky streak by exploring the mythology, spirituality and religious organization of Ancient Egypt, covering topics such as the Book of the Dead, the reasons for and process of mummification and the individual Day of Judgement that awaits us once we cross that final threshold. Joined by Houston-area favorite Will Loden! 

Have you ever encountered a troll under a bridge? In the spirit of Halloween, we decided to examine the folk monsters of Japan, covering both the attributes of the monsters themselves as well as the history of their commercial publication. 

What exactly was communicated (or not communicated) between the various intelligence agencies and executive branch in the months leading up to 9/11? How did Osama bin Laden spend the last ten years of his life? What scars remain from that horrific day? All this and more answered in this episode.

Where and how did al Qaeda spread? As we continue our investigation, we discuss the Black Hawk Down Incident, the first bombing of the World Trade Center, the first few attempts at the detention and assassination of Osama bin Laden and that time leaders of the Taliban had dinner with an oil baron in Sugar Land. 

What do you really know about Osama bin Laden? This week we look at the first 35 years of America's, if not the world's, most infamous terrorist, covering the circumstances of his birth and childhood, his service in the Soviet-Afghan war and how his radical beliefs were shaped by the events and people around him. Also covered is the US' initial reaction to the emergence of bin Laden on their intelligence radars, the negotiation of Afghanistan's national identity after the Soviet withdrawal and the beginnings of the First Persian Gulf War. Part two coming within the next couple days!

If both your old friends and your new friends are inviting you to sit with them in your grade-school's cafeteria, which group would you sit with? This week we conclude our series on the Saudi Royal Family, covering events such as the First Persian Gulf war, the most-recent frictions caused by Saudi Arabia's attempts to modernize and the global standing of Saudi Arabia today. (Sorry for the delay, been a busy week. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned!)