In this episode of Pieces of History, I’m joined by Geoff Emberling to explore the history of ancient Nubia and the Kingdom of Kush - a civilisation too often overlooked in traditional accounts of the ancient world. We begin with Geoff’s own path into archaeology and his work in Nubia, before stepping back to place the region geographically and culturally within the wider Nile Valley. From there, we examine how Egypt-centred narratives have shaped popular understandings of the past, and what the...
Feb 25, 2026•33 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of Pieces of History, I’m heading into the shadow world of organised crime with crime historian and author Scott M. Deitche, whose books and documentaries have become essential reading for anyone interested in the American Mafia. From Garden State Gangland to Cigar City Mafia and The Silent Don , Scott has built a career uncovering stories hidden in court files, surveillance tapes, and long-forgotten archives. Our conversation focuses on the DeCavalcante crime family of New Jerse...
Feb 11, 2026•23 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In the second episode of Season Four, Pieces of History returns to the Belfast Hills for the next chapter of Phil Donnelly’s family journey, turning to the Joy–Dean line - a story rooted in the same landscape, but shaped by different choices and remarkable lives. Phil’s research introduces Margaret Joy and Philip Dean, whose mid-1700s marriage crossed religious boundaries in a way that was bold for its time. We then follow one of the most surprising figures in the family tree: Fr. Joseph Joy Dea...
Jan 28, 2026•32 min•Season 4Ep. 2
The latest episode of Pieces of History journeys into the Bolivian Amazon and a vast, seasonally flooded region known as the Llanos de Mojos — a landscape that is reshaping how historians and archaeologists understand the ancient Amazon. Long imagined as an untouched wilderness, the rainforest is now known to have been carefully shaped over centuries. Research has revealed enormous human-engineered environments of raised fields, forest islands, canals, and causeways, built through long-term plan...
Jan 14, 2026•38 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Episode twenty-eight of Pieces of History takes us into the Belfast Hills, where the story of the Magee family offers a rare window into life in Hannahstown in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Through the research of Phil Donnelly, we uncover how ordinary families lived under extraordinary pressure - from the legacy of the Penal Laws to the quiet resilience of faith at hidden Mass Rocks. At the centre is Edward Magee of Carnaghliss, whose farm records and surviving fragments reveal ...
Dec 31, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Episode twenty-seven of the new series of Pieces of History takes us into the turbulent final years of the Tokugawa shogunate — a period of political upheaval, foreign intrusion, and samurai-driven revolution that culminated in the Meiji Restoration. It is one of the most transformative chapters in Japan’s history, when centuries of tradition collided with the urgent need for national survival and modernisation. Joining me for this episode is author and historian Romulus Hillsborough, whose deca...
Dec 17, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Episode twenty-six of the new series of Pieces of History takes us to one of the most strikingly symbolic places in Cold War Europe: Mödlareuth - the tiny village once known as “Little Berlin.” With only a few dozen residents, this quiet rural community found itself split by a concrete wall after 1945, becoming an unexpected microcosm of division and ideology. Joining me is historian Susan Berger, whose work focuses on the lived experiences of ordinary people shaped by major political events. Su...
Dec 03, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Episode twenty-five of the new series of Pieces of History turns its gaze to Spain - a country where landscapes, ruins, and silences still carry the weight of a conflict that ended nearly a century ago. The Spanish Civil War continues to shape identity, politics, and memory, yet much of its legacy remains contested, hidden, or unspoken. Joining me is writer and historian Nick Lloyd, whose long connection with Spain and deep engagement with the war’s legacy come together in his powerful book Trav...
Nov 19, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Episode twenty-four of the new series of Pieces of History turns the spotlight on Uzbekistan - a country often overlooked in global discussions yet rich in history, culture, and complexity. From the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the modern-day shifts reshaping its society, Uzbekistan stands at a fascinating crossroads of past and future. Joining me is journalist and author Joanna Lillis, a long-time observer of Central Asia whose latest book, Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass...
Nov 05, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Episode twenty-two of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Rathmullan - a coastal village on the shores of Lough Swilly whose story spans centuries of Irish history. My guest is local historian and guide Deirdra Friel, who helps trace Rathmullan’s remarkable past - from the legacy of the McSweeneys and the Abbey to its surprising links with figures like Davy Crockett. We explore the dramatic kidnap of Red Hugh O’Donnell and the Flight of the Earls, events that changed the course of Ir...
Oct 21, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Episode twenty-one of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to Lisburn, a city with a layered past and a living heritage. My guest is local historian and tour guide Aaron McIntyre, who helps trace Lisburn’s story from its earliest settlements to the city we see today. We look at the debate around its pre-Plantation origins, the transformation of the seventeenth century with the Plantation, linen, and Lisburn Castle, and the great fire of 1707 that reshaped its streets and architecture. Mo...
Oct 08, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Episode twenty of the new season of Pieces of History brings us into the world of Roman Britain through the work of archaeologist and illustrator Dr. David Neal. Over his career, Dr. Neal has recorded and interpreted some of the most important mosaics ever uncovered in Britain. We’ll trace his journey from early influences and training, to the moment he discovered the connection between art and archaeology. Along the way, Dr. Neal explains what mosaics are, why they matter, and what they reveal ...
Sep 23, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Episode nineteen of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the heart of Ireland’s medieval capital - Kilkenny. I’m joined by John Comerford, a local historian and tour guide, to explore the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Together, we’ll walk through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile , uncovering stories behind its well-preserved cobblestone streets, soaring cathedrals, and, of course, the imposing Kilkenny Castle. John shares how the city’s unique blend of Norman, ecclesiastical, and civi...
Sep 09, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Episode eighteen of the new season of Pieces of History delves into a tale of intrigue, ambition, and one of the most daring thefts in history. Journalist and podcast writer Emma-Jane Kirby joins me to discuss A Most Audacious Heist , her gripping show that uncovers the extraordinary true story of the theft of the Sisi Star - a priceless diamond hairpiece belonging to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi. We’ll explore Emma-Jane’s journey from journalism to podcasting and how her i...
Aug 27, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Episode seventeen of the new series of Pieces of History journeys deep into the Alps - and deeper still into one of Europe’s quietest royal dynasties: the Princely House of Liechtenstein. In this episode, we follow the unlikely rise of a family that didn’t conquer a kingdom - they bought one. From medieval Austria to the court of the Habsburg emperors, the Liechtensteins navigated war, revolution, and exile not with armies, but with alliances, land deals, and political calculation. Why did they ...
Aug 13, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Episode sixteen of Pieces of History journeys into the rugged landscapes and complex past of Eritrea - a nation whose story is shaped by ancient empires, fierce colonial rivalries, and decades of struggle for independence. In this episode, we explore Eritrea’s unique position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East - from its role in the ancient Aksumite Empire to centuries under Ottoman and Egyptian influence, followed by Italian colonization and the brutal fight against Ethiopian annex...
Jul 30, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Episode fifteen of Pieces of History takes us deep into the eerie world of 17th-century Ireland, where ghost stories, political intrigue, and family legacies intertwine. In this episode, we uncover the mysterious Beresford Apparition - a chilling spectral visitation involving Lady Beresford and Lord Tyrone that has haunted local memory for centuries. What was the story behind this famous ghostly encounter? How did it reflect the turbulent politics and social tensions of the era? And what role di...
Jul 16, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Episode fourteen of the new series of Pieces of History steps into the heart of 1970s Stockholm, where a botched bank heist gave rise to one of psychology’s most confounding concepts: Stockholm Syndrome. In this episode, we unravel the tense six-day standoff at Kreditbanken in Norrmalmstorg Square - a robbery that turned into a media circus, a national spectacle, and a defining moment in the study of trauma and empathy. As police surrounded the building, something strange was happening inside: h...
Jul 02, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Episode thirteen of the new series of Pieces of History heads into the rugged wilderness of British Columbia to uncover the story of the Cariboo Gold Rush — a lesser-known but no less dramatic chapter of 19th-century North American history. This episode traces the feverish pursuit of fortune that drew thousands into remote mountain passes and dense forests, carving new routes through the Canadian frontier. I explore the chaotic rise of boomtowns, the role of Indigenous peoples and Chinese miners...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Episode twelve of the new series of Pieces of History delves into the shadowy world of the Peruvian Inquisition, a chapter in colonial Latin American history often forgotten outside academic circles. This episode traces the complex layers of Peru’s past - from its rich geography and the legacy of powerful pre-Columbian empires, to the imposition of Spanish colonial rule and the creation of the Viceroyalty of Peru. We explore how faith and fear intertwined in the workings of the Tribunal of the H...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Episode eleven of the new series of Pieces of History shines a light on the often-overlooked role of Irish women in Jacobite networks, revealing their significant yet underappreciated contributions to the cause. Far from passive observers, these women were active participants in the struggle to restore the Stuart monarchy, operating in a world of secrecy, strategy, and high stakes. Joining me is historian Dr. Frances Nolan, recipient of the SFI-IRC Pathway Fellowship at the UCD School of History...
May 21, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In episode ten of the new season of Pieces of History, we turn our attention to the ancient and intricate world of heraldry. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Paul Fox, whose fascinating journey from a career in medicine to heraldic and genealogical scholarship sheds light on the enduring power of symbols, identity, and tradition. Together, we explore the rich history of heraldry - from its medieval origins on the battlefield to its ceremonial and genealogical significance ...
May 07, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Episode nine of the new season of Pieces of History uncovers the rich and often haunting history of Ireland’s graveyards. In this episode, we explore Friar’s Bush Graveyard, one of Belfast’s oldest burial sites, and its deep connections to the city’s past. Joining me are Dr Deirdre Nic an tSionnaigh and John Bradbury from Cairde na Cille, a group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Ireland’s graveyards. Together, we delve into the key moments that have defined Friar’s Bush - from ...
Apr 23, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Episode eight of the new season of Pieces of History explores the fascinating intersection of investigative journalism and the mysteries of reincarnation. Award-winning journalist and author Tom Shroder joins me to discuss Old Souls, his compelling book that follows the groundbreaking research of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a pioneer in the study of past-life memories. We’ll dive into Tom’s career in journalism, his firsthand experiences traveling to Lebanon and India to investigate extraordinary case st...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Episode seven of the new season of Pieces of History takes us into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Ireland, where revolution, political upheaval, and shifting ideologies shaped the nation’s future. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of General Eoin O’Duffy - one of Ireland’s most controversial figures. Joining me is historian Jack Traynor, author of General Eoin O’Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand . Together, we explore O’Duffy’s rise from his role in the Ir...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Episode six of the new season of Pieces of History takes us beneath the waves, where archaeology and history converge to uncover lost stories of the transatlantic slave trade. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Slave Wrecks Project, an international effort to locate and study shipwrecks tied to the global slave trade. Joining me is Dr. Steve Lubkemann, maritime archaeologist and one of the project’s founding members. We’ll delve into how the Slave Wrecks Project began, th...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Episode five of the new season of Pieces of History takes us deep into the heart of Ireland, where oral history preserves a powerful narrative of resistance, sacrifice, and memory. In this episode, we uncover the tragic story of the Scariff Martyrs - four young Irishmen executed by British forces in 1920 during the War of Independence. Joining me is historian and award-winning Oral Historian Tomás Mac Conmara, whose work has safeguarded the voices and experiences of those who lived through Irela...
Feb 26, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Episode four of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the vast landscapes of Central Asia, as we explore the history, politics, and culture of Kazakhstan with journalist Joanna Lillis. In this episode, we’ll trace Kazakhstan’s journey from its Soviet past to its present-day identity as a modern nation. We’ll examine the country’s political landscape, the impact of independence, and the cultural forces that continue to shape its society. Joanna Lillis, a Kazakhstan-based journalist and ...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Episode three of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of “The Death Match” – Start vs Flakelf. In this episode, we’ll explore the rich history of Ukraine, from its early origins to its cultural and political evolution. We’ll dive into the development of football in the country, tracing its growth and the rise of Dynamo Kiev as a dominant force. Finally, we’ll uncover the gripping story of the match between Start and Flakelf, examining the events leading up to it,...
Jan 29, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Episode two of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of Alamut Castle. In this episode, we’ll journey to the dramatic setting of this legendary stronghold, exploring its strategic location and uncovering the purpose behind its creation. We'll investigate who established and utilised Alamut, with a focus on the enigmatic Order of the Assassins and their intriguing history. Finally, we’ll trace the castle’s rise and eventual downfall, uncovering the layers of myster...
Jan 15, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 2
