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Alice and Tarn get drunk and try to talk about the Oprichnina.

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Ivan’s mental state continues to deteriorate as he experiences the loss of multiple close relationships. In an attempt to gain ever more control, Ivan pulls an elaborate ruse to manipulate the boyars to give him absolute power.

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Ivan begins yet another armed conflict, this time in Livonia. Alice and Tarn try to understand an event that historians have called “the most complex issue I’ve ever studied.” Beyond Livonia, we cover some personal tragedy for Ivan which would affect him for the rest of his life.

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Whelp, Ivan gets really sick, resulting in what historians call the succession crisis of 1553. The boyars ask themselves “If Ivan dies, who will rule Russia?” Join us as we regale you with tales of scheming, treachery, betrayal, and paranoia. 

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You know what they say, fourth times the charm. Episode four follows Ivan’s fourth and finally successful invasion into Kazan. This one is filled with terror, magic, gore, and maybe even a bit of love. 

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Tarn and Alice are joined by their first guest star who will evaluate a bracket of historical figures and determine who would win in a medieval jousting tournament.

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Meet some of the most influential people in Ivan’s life: his boys… oh, and his wife. Our cast of characters includes a crotchety priest, a childhood friend, and a guy with an amazing name. In this episode, Ivan comes into his rule with the help of those around him to combat the problems that plague Russia, including the Great Fire of Moscow in 1547.

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For their second hot or not, Alice and Tarn talk about exploding whales, ghost ships, NSFW Tumblr, and Manson Family personal connections. 

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Though Ivan may have been terrible, his life was not always easy. Join us as we talk about Ivan’s troubled childhood and his rambunctious youth. There is something for everyone: treacherous plots, hot wives, dogs, and what happens when a group of threes goes against a group of sixes to fight for ultimate power.

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In this season's first hot or not episode, Tarn and Alice evaluate random historical events sent in by listeners. They take these historical topics and quiz each on the general sex appeal of each historical fact. 

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