Join me as we continue unraveling the mystery of the Gang of Nivelles. In this episode, we pick up in September 1983, following the gang as their reign of terror escalates toward its violent and enigmatic conclusion in November 1985. We’ll examine their chillingly calculated attacks, the patterns that emerged, and the devastating toll they left in their wake. Beyond the crimes themselves, we’ll delve into the lingering questions: Who were these men? What motivated their brutality? Were they mere criminals, or was there something more sinister at play? From theories of paramilitary connections to whispers of deep-state involvement, we’ll explore the many conspiracies that have kept this case shrouded in mystery for decades.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to the first episode of the second season of Pieces of History. This week, we’re diving into one of Belgium’s most chilling and perplexing mysteries - the case of the Gang of Nivelles. Between 1982 and 1985, this ruthless trio carried out a series of violent attacks and robberies, leaving a trail of fear and unanswered questions in their wake. Their crimes, marked by extreme brutality and a seeming disregard for the stolen goods, remain one of Belgium’s most notorious unsolved cases. Who were these men? What drove their reign of terror? And why, despite decades of investigation, does their true identity remain a mystery? Join me as we explore the theories, the evidence, and the lingering questions surrounding this dark chapter in European crime history.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to the thirteenth episode of Pieces of History. I’m joined by award-winning oral historian and storyteller Madeline McCully, creator of derryghosts.com. Madeline has spent years uncovering the eerie folklore of Ireland, and today, she’ll be sharing the chilling tale of Abhartach, the legendary Irish vampire. Long before Dracula, this bloodthirsty figure struck fear into the hearts of those who dared cross his path. We’ll explore the origins of the legend, its historical roots, and how Abhartach may have influenced some of the world’s most famous vampire stories. Prepare for a journey into one of Ireland’s darkest and most fascinating myths.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Joining me this week is Katharine Fellows, a DPhil candidate in History at St Peter’s College, Oxford. Katharine will be shedding light on the infamous House of Borgia, with a particular focus on Rodrigo Borgia, who rose to power as Pope Alexander VI. We'll explore his controversial papacy, the political intrigue that surrounded his rule, and the lasting legacy of the Borgia family in Renaissance Europe. From accusations of corruption to their influence on art, politics, and the Church, this episode unravels one of history’s most notorious dynasties.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to this special bonus episode of Pieces of History. This week, I'm joined by historian David Alvarez to delve into the origins of the Swiss Guard in the 16th century. We'll explore the political and military landscape that led to their formation, the state of the Papacy during this turbulent period, and how the Swiss Guard evolved from an active military force into the iconic ceremonial unit we recognize today. Along the way, we'll uncover their role in key historical events and the traditions that have kept them at the heart of Vatican security for over 500 years.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to the tenth episode of Pieces of History. This week, I'm joined once again by Dr. Richard McElligott as we continue our discussion on the Gaelic Athletic Association at the turn of the 20th century, exploring the club and county game of the time and the GAA's role during Ireland's revolutionary era.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to episode nine of Pieces of History. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Richard McElligott from Dundalk Institute of Technology to explore the origins and early history of one of Ireland’s most influential cultural institutions - the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Founded in 1884, the GAA was more than just a sporting organisation; it was a movement that played a crucial role in shaping Irish identity. We’ll discuss the social and political landscape that led to its creation, the key figures behind its foundation, and how it helped revive traditional Irish sports like hurling and Gaelic football at a time when British influences dominated the country’s athletic scene.

Beyond sports, we’ll examine the GAA’s ties to nationalism, its role in Ireland’s struggle for independence, and how it became a pillar of Irish communities both at home and abroad. From its humble beginnings to its lasting cultural impact, we’ll uncover how the GAA became much more than a game - it became a symbol of Ireland itself.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of the Gaelic Athletic Association and its enduring legacy.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to episode eight of Pieces of History.

I’m joined by Emma McAlister, a PhD candidate at Queen’s University Belfast, to explore the fascinating world of Objects and Material Culture.

Together, we’ll uncover how historical objects shape our understanding of the past, from religious relics to hidden places of worship. We’ll discuss artifacts like the Shrine of St. Patrick’s Hand and the Relic of St. Anthony, examining their significance and the devotion they inspired. We’ll also journey to Amsterdam’s Our Lord in the Attic Museum, a secret church that tells a powerful story of faith and tolerance in the early modern era.

Beyond these historical treasures, we’ll reflect on the role of museums today - how they preserve, interpret, and present artifacts in an ever-changing world. What does the future hold for these institutions? How do we decide what is worth preserving?

Join us as we explore the stories behind these objects and what they reveal about history, belief, and identity.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to episode seven of Pieces of History. This week, I’m joined by author Heather Darsie as we delve into the fascinating and complex history of the Habsburgs and the Netherlands.

We’ll explore the political and religious upheavals that shaped the region, from the impact of the Reformation and Martin Luther’s challenge to the Catholic Church to the rule of Emperor Charles V of Spain and his struggle to maintain control over his vast empire. We’ll also discuss key figures like Margaret of Parma, a pivotal leader in the Spanish Netherlands, and the growing resistance that set the stage for the Dutch Revolt.

Together, we’ll unravel the intricate web of power, faith, and rebellion that defined this turbulent era. Join us as we uncover the lasting legacy of the Habsburgs in the Netherlands.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod

Welcome to episode six of Pieces of History. A story of explorers, colonisation, plunder, slavery, and exploitation - few episodes in history are as dark as King Leopold’s rule over the Congo.

This week, I’ll be uncovering the brutal history of the Congo Free State, a vast territory personally controlled by Belgium’s King Leopold II in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Under the guise of philanthropy and progress, Leopold’s regime unleashed a system of forced labor, violence, and terror, all in the pursuit of rubber and ivory. Millions of Congolese suffered under his rule, subjected to horrific punishments, starvation, and massacres.

We’ll explore how Leopold secured control over the Congo, the economic motives behind his exploitation, and the international outcry that eventually forced change. From the role of European powers to the voices of those who exposed the atrocities, we’ll examine how one of history’s greatest humanitarian scandals unfolded and how its legacy still lingers today.

Join me as we shine a light on one of the darkest chapters of colonial history - King Leopold’s Congo.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Pieces of History podcast

Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod