Revolutionary Spirits

Revolutionary Spirits•podcasters.spotify.com

This is not a conventional history podcast. Welcome to Revolutionary Spirits, a podcast on revolutions and the spirits that shape them. Season 1 offers an unfamiliar take on famous Mexican revolutionary, Francisco Madero. Join hosts Sam and Rob Buffington, as they explore how Madero incorporated the moral and ethical teachings of a belief system known as Spiritism (conveyed in written messages by ghosts he channeled himself) and became an Apostle of Democracy. Produced by Steven Renderos

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Episodes

The Martyr of Lecumberri

In the final chapter of Revolutionary Spirits, we pick up as Francisco Madero is democratically elected President of Mexico. Madero is in power for 15 short months, a presidency characterized by failed political compromises, missteps, and relentless attacks from the press. Madero's enemies orchestrate an overthrow with the help of the traitorous general Victoriano Huerta. Madero is arrested and placed at the Lecumberri prison where days later on February 22, 1913 he is assassinated alongside his...

May 23, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 4

The Apostle of Democracy Becomes a Spiritual Warrior

Francisco Madero begins his second phase of mediumship under the guidance of a spirit identified as José—supported by another spirit identified only as BJ (probably liberal icon Benito Juárez). These spirits encourage Madero to engage in political action and eventually in armed rebellion, against the increasingly corrupt and authoritarian regime of Porfirio Diaz. A special thanks to the Center for Humanities and the Arts at the University of Colorado and to the following historians, whose schola...

May 16, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Forging A "New Man"

A few years before becoming a revolutionary figure, Madero discovered Spiritism, a religious philosophy founded by the French educator, Allan Kardec. Through spiritist practice, Madero learns of his ability to channel ghosts. Under the guidance of the spirit of his deceased younger brother, Raul, Madero commits himself to moral purification and ethical behavior through self-discipline, community service, and the promotion of Spiritism in Mexico. Raúl’s instruction relies on a series of conventio...

May 09, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 2

An Unlikely Revolutionary

The Mexican Revolution was the first major social revolution of the 20th century. An unlikely figure in that revolution was Francisco Madero who came from one of the wealthiest families in Mexico. Yet he would be instrumental in bringing together the forces that would successfully overthrow the authoritarian regime of Porfirio Diaz. We begin our journey with Madero at the end, the day of his assassination just months after becoming president. Then we go back to learn about the forces that shaped...

May 01, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Trailer

Welcome to Revolutionary Spirits, a podcast about revolutions of all kinds and the spirits that shape them. Season 1 focuses on the improbable life of Francisco Madero, famed leader of the Mexican Revolution. Hosted by Sam & Rob Buffington, produced by Steven Renderos. This special 4-part podcast series drops on May 1st 2022.

Apr 10, 2022•2 min

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