Dive into the forgotten pages of history with our podcast, where adventure, commerce, and geopolitics intertwine in the 18th and 19th centuries. In this episode, we continue the journey with the remarkable life of John Ledyard, an American explorer whose exploits set the stage for global trade networks and wealthy merchants that would shape economies and cultures across continents. From the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest to the bustling markets of Canton, we prepare to unfold stories of ambition, innovation, and the complex dance of trade with China involving furs and opium. I have turned the lights on for you.