Host Brenden Escott explores the fascinating history of nicknames — from their origins in medieval “eke-names” to the way they’ve defined leaders, legends, and athletes across centuries. The conversation traces how nicknames shifted from practical labels to cultural storytelling, with famous examples like Alexander the Great, Ivan the Terrible and Richard the Lionheart. Then, the focus turns to sports: how nicknames evolved from locker-room jokes to media branding to fan-driven social media creations, with iconic cases like Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky’s “The Great One,” and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “Greek Freak.” A lively deep dive into why nicknames stick, what they reveal about identity and how they shape the way we remember history and sports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices