In this episode, we discuss the stretch of time between the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the rule of Charlemagne, as well as Charlemagne’s first years of rule. Phil Downey returns as guest.

In this episode we discuss the fall of the Knights Templar due to a plot by the French crown to accuse the order of heresy, as well as some of the lasting cultural impacts. Colin Oliver returns as guest.

In this episode, we discuss the origins and structure of the Knights Templar in the context of the Crusades in medieval Europe. Colin Oliver returns as guest.

In this episode we examine the the drastic social and political changes instituted by the Meiji emperor after his restoration and consolidation of power, as well as Japan’s first forays into global politics. James Mitchell returns as guest.

In this episode, we look at the extremely stable Edo period of Japanese history which was dramatically interrupted by Western powers bent on economic trade with Japan, as well as the struggle to reinstate the Imperial seat as the executive power for the country. James Mitchell joins as guest.

In this episode we look over the CIA’s direct involvement in brokering deals that funneled weapons into post-revolutionary Iran and supplied funds and goods to the Contra guerrilla group, as well as the discovery of the scheme and its fallout. Paul McGeown returns as guest.

In this episode we set the scene for what would become the Iran-Contra Affair by exploring two distinct conflicts in the 1980s: the revolt of the Contras against the Sandanistas in Nicaragua, and the Iran-Iraq War. This background is vital to understanding one of the largest intelligence gaffes in United States history. Paul McGeown returns as guest.

In this episode we discuss the fall of the Republic to the machinations of the Grand Plan of the Sith, leading to the establishment of the First Galactic Empire under Sheev Palpatine. Paul McGeown joins as guest.   For more information on this episode as mentioned at the end, please read my essay here: https://www.hi101.ca/?p=180

In this episode we discuss the history of the effective treatment of smallpox, beginning with the crude method known as variolation and ending with the eradication of smallpox from the world in 1977. Gillian Webber returns as guest.

In this episode we discuss smallpox in its earliest form – what the disease is, how it effects people, and how it was understood by those it infected. Gillian Webber joins as guest.