October 1, 2016

57. The Three Kingdoms Of Korea (Part 1)

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In this episode we talk about Korea’s long relationship with China, the fall of the ancient Gojoseon state, and the development of the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla that would dominate the peninsula for centuries. Phil Downey returns as guest.

September 15, 2016

56. The Fall Of The USSR (Part 2)

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In this episode we discuss the destructive effects of Gorbachev’s reforms, both in the satellite Soviet countries and in Russia itself, culminating in the formal dissolution of the USSR. Dan McGinnis returns as guest.

55. The Fall Of The USSR (Part 1)

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In this episode we talk about the difficulties facing the Soviet Union throughout the 1980’s, as well as the policies of its young new leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Dan McGinnis returns as guest.

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August 19, 2016

Notes: Episode 54, Mormonism (Part 2)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 4:03 – The Louisiana Purchase territory wasn’t all unorganized by the time frame we’re talking about here. Some of it was, but other states were a territorial version of the state they would eventually become, and still others had been accepted into the union. Because of […]

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August 18, 2016

54. Mormonism (Part 2)

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In this episode we follow Joseph Smith and the early LDS church from their origins in Ohio through a number of states until finally settling, after their founder’s death, in what would become Utah. We also cover the immense legal and moral battle with the federal government over the issue of polygamy. Gary Hallman returns as guest.

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August 4, 2016

Notes: Episode 53, Mormonism (Part 1)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 7:25 – The accurate line that’s relevant here is Mark 16:17-18. In recognition of the Mormon preference to the King James Version of the Bible, this reads: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out evils; they shall speak […]

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August 3, 2016

53. Mormonism (Part 1)

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In this episode we discuss some of the basic tenets of Mormonism, including its links to American exceptionalism, as well as the founding of the church by Joseph Smith. Gary Hallman returns as guest.

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July 2, 2016

Notes: Episode 51, Caribbean Piracy (Part 1)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 6:36 – The Chinese pirate I’m referring to was named Ching Shih, or Madame Ching sometimes. She commanded a fleet of over 300 vessels, commanded tens of thousands, faced many of the major empires of the 18th and 19th centuries including Britain and China, and retired […]

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July 1, 2016

51. Caribbean Piracy (Part 1)

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In this episode we discuss the global framework that allowed piracy to become such a strong phenomenon in the Caribbean Sea, as well as what being a pirate was like. Yumiko Hutchenreuther returns as guest.

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June 16, 2016

Notes: Episode 50, Conspiracy Theories (Part 2)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 2:59 – This was a joke, but it’s also a real thing. Comedian David Rees did a circuit on a book called “How To Sharpen Pencils”, and I think it might have gotten away on him a little bit, as everyone got way on board and […]

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