You know Mickey Rooney as a Hollywood legend, but did you know he also served in World War II? At the height of his fame, Rooney traded red carpets for the Army, entertaining the troops and boosting morale across war zones. While he wasn’t storming beaches, he was on the front lines of entertainment, giving performances to soldiers who needed a reason to laugh in the middle of chaos. In this episode Ben is joined by writer Robert O'Connor, we look at how one of Hollywood’s biggest stars used his...
Mar 11, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Step into the smoke-filled temple of Apollo and meet the Oracle of Delphi, the most mysterious and feared fortune-teller in the ancient world. Kings, generals, and philosophers all climbed Mount Parnassus to hear her cryptic prophecies—some of which shaped the course of history. But was the Oracle really channeling the gods, or just really high on volcanic fumes? In today's episode Ben and Pat unravel the truth behind ancient Greece’s most powerful mystic, the riddles that baffled empires, and t...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Robert Smalls wasn’t just a man—he was a one-man revolution. Smalls was slave who stole a Confederate warship, sailed his way to freedom, and then went back to kick the Confederacy’s ass. Born into slavery, Smalls pulled off one of the greatest heists in American history, disguising himself as a Confederate captain and delivering a stolen ship to the Union. But he didn’t stop there—he went on to become a Union naval officer, a U.S. Congressman, and a major force in Reconstruction. In this episod...
Feb 26, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Before the Vikings had maps, they had Erik the Red—a hot-tempered, ax-swinging explorer who turned exile into empire. In this episode, Ben and Pat follow the fiery outlaw who got kicked out of Norway, then Iceland, and instead of learning his lesson, discovered Greenland and made it his own. With a reputation for both brutality and brilliance, Erik carved his way into history as the ultimate Viking troublemaker. Get ready for a tale of blood feuds, icy frontiers, and the man who made Greenland s...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 96
In this episode Ben and Brandon set sail for a high-seas adventure with Zheng Yi Sao, the most powerful pirate you've never heard of. This legendary Chinese pirate queen commanded a fleet of over 70,000 ruthless outlaws, outmaneuvered imperial navies, and built a criminal empire that made the British and Portuguese think twice before messing with her. We'll dive into how she rose from a life in the shadows to ruling the South China Sea with an iron fist—and then pulled off one of history’s great...
Feb 11, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Get ready for the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel as Ben and Pat charge into the epic saga of the Winged Hussars, the cavalry that didn’t just ride into battle—they exploded onto the scene. In this episode, we’ll uncover how these armored juggernauts, with wings strapped to their backs and lances aimed for glory, shattered enemy lines and rewrote the rules of warfare. From the Siege of Vienna to battles where they turned the tide against impossible odds, the Winged Hussars weren’t just ...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Meet Nancy Wake, the WWII spy, saboteur, and all-around badass who became one of the Allies’ most decorated agents. In this episode, Ben and Pat dive into her fearless exploits: smuggling resistance fighters, outsmarting the Gestapo, and leading guerrilla raids deep behind enemy lines. Known as "The White Mouse" for her uncanny ability to evade capture, Nancy Wake didn’t just fight Nazis—she made it look stylish. Get ready for a wild ride through the life of a woman who redefined courage and lef...
Jan 29, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Step into the arena with Milo of Croton, the ancient Greek strongman whose feats of strength turned him into a living legend. In this episode, Ben and Pat explore how Milo went from an Olympic champion to a battlefield hero, carrying entire armies on his back—literally. From wrestling lions to tearing trees apart with his bare hands, Milo’s life was a nonstop display of raw power and unmatched swagger. Join us as we uncover the epic tale of history’s ultimate flex and the man who redefined what ...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Meet Saladin, the crusader-crushing legend who outsmarted Europe’s toughest knights while keeping his cool. In this episode, Ben and Mike break down how this unstoppable tactician reclaimed Jerusalem, united rival factions, and earned respect from both allies and enemies. With brains, brawn, and a surprising dose of chivalry, Saladin proved that being a badass doesn’t mean you can’t also be a class act. Get ready for the epic tale of the warrior who fought with honor and ruled with heart!
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 91
This Christmastime, we’re diving into the frosty, ferocious legend of Odin and the Wild Hunt, the ghostly procession that storms through winter skies. In this episode Ben and Pat uncover how the all-father of Norse mythology became the centerpiece of this eerie Yuletide tradition, leading a spectral pack of warriors, wolves, and spirits in a hunt that blurs the lines between the living and the dead. From its ties to Viking lore to its echoes in modern holiday traditions, the Wild Hunt is a tale ...
Dec 25, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 90
When the Nazi blitz came roaring into Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, 22-year-old Lyle Bouck and his tiny unit of 18 men decided they weren’t moving an inch. Outnumbered by a German force 500 times their size, Bouck and his squad held their ground at Lanzerath Ridge, turning the Nazi blitzkrieg into a slow crawl. In this episode Ben and producer Andrew Jacobs unpack the grit, ingenuity, and sheer defiance of one of WWII’s most underdog stands—where a handful of American soldiers gave Hit...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 89
This week, Ben and producer Andrew Jacobs are diving into the wild world of Steve Irwin, the legendary “Crocodile Hunter” who turned animal conservation into an action-packed adventure. From wrestling crocs to cuddling snakes, Steve’s fearless love for wildlife inspired millions while breaking down the barriers between humans and nature. In this episode, we’ll celebrate his incredible legacy, his passion for protecting endangered species, and the boundless enthusiasm that made him a global icon....
Dec 11, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 88
This week, Ben and Pat light the fuse on the story of Agustina de Aragón, the unstoppable Spanish heroine who faced down Napoleon’s army with grit, guts, and a cannon. During the Siege of Zaragoza, when all seemed lost, Agustina stepped up, lit the fuse, and became a legend. In this episode, we unpack how this fearless woman turned the tide of battle and inspired a nation with her explosive courage. Get ready for the fiery tale of the “Artillery Queen” who proved that one person—and one well-aim...
Dec 03, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 87
It’s Thanksgiving week, so what better time to talk about a man who put comfort food on the map—Colonel Sanders. In this episode, Ben and guest Jason Cavanagh dig into the spicy, crispy, and downright legendary life of the chicken kingpin who turned a roadside recipe into a global empire. From his humble beginnings to building a fried food legacy, Colonel Sanders proved that success can come at any age—with just the right blend of herbs, spices, and persistence. Grab a drumstick and settle in fo...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Meet Pine Leaf, the extraordinary Crow warrior woman whose bravery and battle skills became the stuff of legend on the Great Plains. In this episode, Ben and Pat explore how Pine Leaf defied expectations, leading war parties and earning a reputation as a fierce protector of her people. With unmatched cunning and courage, she became a symbol of resilience and strength in a time when survival demanded both. Join us as we uncover the life and legacy of the warrior who fought like ten men and inspir...
Nov 19, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 85
In today's episode Ben, Pat and special guest Mike Primavera step into the arena with Spartacus, the fearless gladiator who rose from slavery to lead a rebellion that rocked the Roman Empire. They trace how Spartacus transformed from a warrior-forced gladiator into the commander of an unstoppable army of rebels. With courage, strategy, and unbreakable resolve, he waged war against Rome, turning the arena’s bloodshed into a full-scale revolution. Join us as we uncover the epic story of the gladia...
Nov 13, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Get ready to march with Hannibal, the brilliant and fearless Carthaginian who took on Rome with elephants, audacity, and a battle plan for the ages. In this episode, we’ll follow Hannibal’s wild journey over the Alps, his jaw-dropping victories, and his knack for outsmarting every Roman general in his path. With a mix of courage and cunning, Hannibal became the ultimate thorn in Rome’s side, proving he was a force they couldn’t ignore. Strap in for the thrilling saga of history’s boldest general...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Saddle up with Ben and guest Brandon Fibbs for the untold story of Bass Reeves, the most fearless lawman the Wild West ever saw. In today's episode, we follow Reeves as he tracks down over 3,000 outlaws, armed with nothing but grit, a badge, and a sharp shot. A former slave turned U.S. Marshal, Reeves rewrote the rules of justice with his relentless pursuit of criminals—whether riding through storms, swapping disguises, or staring down gunslingers. Get ready for a wild ride through the legend of...
Oct 29, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 82
In today's episode Ben and Pat take flight into the dark heart of Mayan mythology with Camazotz, the fearsome bat god of death and guardian of the underworld. In this spine-chilling episode, we explore how Camazotz became a symbol of chaos, blood, and transformation, stalking both mortal heroes and spirits alike. From his role in the trials of Xibalba to his influence over ancient rituals, Camazotz’s legend embodies the thin line between life and death. Get ready for a journey into the shadows w...
Oct 23, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 81
In Today's episode, Ben is joined by Producer Andrew Jacobs to tell the tale of John Keller a former Marine, who when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, took matters into his own hands. Keller battled flood waters, bandits, heat, starvation, and probably gators to help countless people survive the devastating aftermath of the hurricane. Because when the flood waters rose, so did he.
Oct 15, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 80
In today's episode Ben and producer Andrew Jacobs enter the dark and mysterious world of Rasputin the "mad monk", the mystic who wielded unearthly influence over the Russian royal family and became one of history’s most infamous figures. Rasputin's rise from a Siberian peasant to the confidant of the Romanovs shocked the Russian Empire and fueled countless rumors of sorcery, scandal, and seduction, all leading up to the dramatic plot to end his life—if only he’d stay dead. Brace yourself for a t...
Oct 09, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 79
In today's doozy of an episode Ben and Pat take you on a journey into the world of Mithradates VI, the "Poison King," who waged relentless war against the mighty Roman Empire for decades. Known for his unmatched cunning, resilience, and immunity to poison, Mithradates forged one of the most impressive resistance campaigns in ancient history. As a master of survival, he outwitted assassins, built alliances, and led his people through brutal wars, becoming Rome's most enduring adversary.
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 78
In today's episode Ben is joined by producer Andrew Jacobs to discuss the legendary braveheart - William Wallace. Famously portrayed by Mel Gibson, William Wallace is a Scottish warrior and hero who showed led his people in an uprising against the tyrannical English until he got beheaded, drawn and quartered, inspiring an even bigger uprising!! This episode is dedicated to: "FREEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!"
Sep 24, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 77
In today's episode Ben and Pat step into the mythic halls of power as we unravel the legend of King Minos of Crete, the ruler with a legacy steeped in both glory and terror. Known for his connection to the infamous Minotaur and the labyrinth, Minos’s reign was marked by cunning, ambition, and iron-fisted control over the Mediterranean. In this episode, we'll dive into the myths and realities surrounding Minos, exploring how he shaped Crete into a dominant force and became a central figure in one...
Sep 17, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 76
In today's episode Ben and Pat are joined by author and podcast host Erik Slader from Epik Fails of History to talk about Alva Nuñe Cabeza De Vaca, a Spanish explorer who defied all odds to survive a harrowing trek across the Americas. Shipwrecked, enslaved, and wandering through unknown lands, Cabeza de Vaca's tale is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and unyielding determination. From enduring brutal hardships to becoming a healer and diplomat among indigenous tribes, his journey redefined w...
Sep 10, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In today's episode, Ben and Pat are joined by Matt the host of the Late Night History podcast to chat about one of Boston's Bravest, Eddie Loder, a firefighter who made some of the most daring rescues in Fire Fighting history.
Sep 03, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 74
In today's episode, Ben is joined by Brandon Fibbs to tell the story of Eugene James Bullard, an unsung American war hero who was one of the first African American Military Pilots who flew for France in WWI, and then fought the Germans again in WWII.
Aug 27, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 73
In today's episode Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs tell the story of Captain James Macrae, a blue-collar ship captain for the British East India Company who managed to fight off two ships full of bloodthirsty pirates and lived to tell the tale.
Aug 20, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 72
In today's episode, and in honor of the Olympics, historian Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs talk about possibly the greatest athlete of all time - Wa-Tho-Huk - AKA Jim Thorpe. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma not only dominated multiple Olympic events with scant experience in them, but put professional football on the map.
Aug 13, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 71
In today's episode Ben Thompson and guest Dr. Brad Balukjian step into the ring with the Iron Sheik, the larger-than-life wrestling icon who captivated audiences with his unmatched charisma and fierce persona. In this hard-hitting episode we delve into the incredible journey of Khosrow Vaziri, from his early days in Iran to becoming the Iron Sheik, a wrestling legend and pop culture phenomenon. Explore his rise to fame, his legendary rivalries, and the indomitable spirit that made him a househol...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 70
