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Welcome to the Monthly History Podcast Discussion

Join us as we have a monthly conversation about a selected historical podcast. This is a great way to explore an assortment of podcasts. The total listening time for a month of podcasts will be about 1.5 to 2 hours. The title includes the running time of the podcast.

Graphic for September which includes colonial era figures who are wearing headphones gathered around a microphone.

For September we have the opportunity to listen to up to three podcasts that were created by Mike Duncan who is the host and creator of Revolutions, a weekly podcast exploring great political revolutions. Here are three excerpts that focus on the American Revolution.

Part 1 - Revolutions Podcast - American Revolution - The New World (30:19)

Part 2 - Revolutions Podcast - American Revolution - The Stamp Act (29:15)

Part 3 - Revolutions Podcast - American Revolution - The Townshend Acts (27:33)

Graphic image for the month of October with a female Asian pirate with headphones.

For the month of October, we will listen to a podcast about female Chinese pirate Cheng I Sao. The History on Fire podcast is hosted by Daniele Bolelli and covers a range of topics from Native American chief Crazy Horse to Italian artist Caravaggio.

History On Fire - The Pirate Queen (2:12:57)

This month we will listen to the first episode of the Blueprint for Armageddon series from the Hardcore History podcast hosted by Dan Carlin. Blueprint for Armageddon covers events leading to World War I. This topic was chosen to support Veterans Day in November which was created in response to Word War I. Hardcore History focuses primarily on world conflicts, empires and history making world leaders.

Episode 1 - Hardcore History - Blueprint for Armageddon (3:09:41)

Here we are in December and I thought it might be fun to listen to some podcasts from Brian Earle who is the host of Christmas Past. As you might surmise, this podcast covers the topic of all things Christmas. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, there are probably some interesting topics. I've included a few categories for you. Choose one or two and listen to the podcasts in the group. Most of these podcasts are shorter the previous ones. You can always visit the Christmas Past website and listen to others not included here.

Evolution of Santa Claus

While you are probably familiar with Santa Claus this series explains how a guy from Turkey became the jolly old elf we are familiar with today.

Santa Claus Part 1 (12:28)

Santa Claus Part 2 (10:41)

Santa Claus Part 3 (13:06)

The Christmas Tree

Did you ever wonder what a decorated tree in the house has to do with Christmas? This segment explains how and why.

Christmas Trees (17:04)

Twelve Days of Christmas

You may be familiar with the song, but might not be as familiar with the twelve items mentioned. A turtle dove and partridge for a gift? Also, what do then mean by twelve days? These two segments will explain the meaning of the song and provide a history of when the holiday took twelve days to celebrate.

Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas (12:18)

Explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas Song (11:17)

Ghost Story Time

Most everyone loves a good ghost story and back in the day, telling them was a much part of Christmas as candy canes and colored lights. The first episode explains the creepy part of Christmas history. The other two are some good ole ghost stories.

History of Christmas Ghost Stories (24:08)

The Doll's Ghost (29:37)

The Dead and the Countess (33:21)

Literacy Leaders

Tom Bradley Profile Picture Tom Bradley

Currently, Tom is an Instructional Technology Specialist at Macomb Community College. Working in the Center for Teaching & Learning he assists faculty with integrating technology into their curricula, facilitating workshops, and developing training programs. Additionally, Tom is involved with producing video projects to support the department and various faculty. Tom often listens to history podcasts while commuting or on walks.