The Professor Liberty Podcast

In this episode, Mr. Palumbo dives into the fascinating world of propaganda, starting with its roots in ancient civilizations and bringing us all the way to today’s digital landscape. We break down what propaganda really is—a method of shaping how people think and act—while pointing out some key traits, like its emotional pull and the way it picks and chooses facts.

On this special Saturday edition of the Professor Liberty Podcast we dive into the historical roots of political power and the dangers of unchecked authority. By examining the rise of tyrants in ancient Greece and Rome, we uncover timeless lessons about the fragility of democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance of power. The American framers of the US Constitution were actually more inspired by the Roman republican system than Athenian democracy. The Romans had a complex system of checks and balances, which they thought was a better way to prevent tyranny. 

Buckle up history buffs as we continue our series on important battles with the scorched earth hellscape that was the Battle of Stalingrad.  After Hitler's failed attempt to conquer Russia with Operation Barbarossa, the Nazis launched Operation Blau to capture Soviet oil fields. But there was a roadblock in their path: Stalingrad, a city named after the iron-fisted Joseph Stalin himself. Taking it would be a propaganda victory the Nazis craved, and the Soviets were determined not to let that happen. Stalingrad is considered a pivotal moment World War II that sent the Germans in perpetual retreat and became the bloodiest conflict not just of the war, but in all human history. 

On today's episode Mr. Palumbo gives a brief summary of the elements surrounding the American Revolution. In one of the longest episodes of the Professor Liberty Podcast, our favorite obscure social studies teacher dives into multiple topics ranging from the Magna Carta to the Enlightenment. Explaining how the American Revolution began our host discusses history, political philosophy and taxes, all in order to find the answer to the question: independence from what? What are Americans celebrating on July 4th in the year 2024? 

On this episode we continue our important battles series as we set sail on the high seas during the Napoleonic Wars. Sometimes in history one bold plan can change the world. Today we analyze Admiral Lord Nelson's actions at the Battle at Trafalgar. 

Continuing with our "Important Battles" series our favorite obscure social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo dives into ancient history with the Battle at Thermopylae. Looking into the key players, the geography and the lasting impact of this famous battle, you'll be screaming THIS IS SPARTA in no time. 

What does code breaking, surprise attacks, and aircraft carriers have in common? They were all a curical component in the Battle of Midway (1942). We continue our series on important battles in history on today's episode. 

On today's episode our favorite obscure social studies teacher begins a new series discussion important battles in world history. Today's topic is the battle at Shiloh during the American Civil War. 

Some men search for destiny others have destiny hoisted upon them...isn't that a quote from a movie. On this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo discusses the life and legacy of President Harry S. Truman. From ending WWII to authorizing the use of nuclear weapons and from addressing civil rights to setting America's vision during the Cold War, President Truman seemed to be in the middle of several crucial historical events. Not bad for a humble farmer from rural Missouri. 

During the opening months of World War II the Nazi war machine using tanks, aircraft and paratroopers unleashed a deadly new offensive strategy known as Blitzkrieg or "Lightning War". Gone were the days of static trench warfare. On today's episode our favorite obscure social studies teacher walks us through the history of this new military strategy, why it worked so well and also why it ultimately lost momentum.