Best Alexandria City Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 2 - The Etched City 51:16

22d ago51:16

51:16

For our second episode of Starship Alexandria, Adrian puts forward KJ Bishop’s weird fantasy novel The Etched City (2004) for Emma to read and consider. Other talking points: A short discussion about spoilers and different thresholds depending on the work being considered The challenges involved with reading and writing secondary world fantasy due …

1
Alfred Hitchcock 1:01:04

5d ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Alfred Hitchcock was one of the most celebrated film directors of all time. In a career that spanned six decades, he produced more than 50 films, including Britain’s first successful talking picture. His countless awards and accolades earned him a reputation as the ‘Master of Suspense’, but how did an introverted working class boy come to dominate …

1
Gaudi (Bonus Episode) 44:08

10d ago44:08

44:08

In a long life, spanning the late 19th and early 20th century, Antoni Gaudi created some of history’s best-loved architecture. From his early lamppost designs, through to his great unfinished masterpiece, his unmistakable works are world renowned, inimitable, and iconic to this day. But how did a man who began life as a sickly child become one of h…

1
The Romanovs 1:04:47

12d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Throughout their centuries-long dynasty, the Romanovs oversaw the transformation of Russia from a fragmented medieval state, into a vast empire. Despite their power though, the period of the Romanovs was plagued by violence, assassinations, and the heavy hand of autocratic rule. Then, in 1917, the course of Russian history took an irreversible turn…

1
April 2025 Recap & Sheriff Sean Casey 1:55:50

17d ago1:55:50

1:55:50

It was a busy month for the City Council in April 2025, and Kirk and Sarah are here with the details about the City budget, the ICPRB ordinance revisions, and more. Plus, an interview with Alexandria's Sheriff Sean Casey.

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The Anglo Saxons 1:06:15

19d ago1:06:15

1:06:15

The Anglo-Saxon period, also known as the ‘Dark Ages’ stretched from the withdrawal of Roman forces in 410 AD to the conquest of England by William of Normandy in 1066. The period is remembered by the legends that emerged from it, such as the tales of Beowulf and King Arthur, but it was also a time populated by very real historical figures: Alfred …

1
VE Day 58:50

26d ago58:50

58:50

Victory in Europe Day brought the curtain down on a horrific conflict that decimated a continent and upended the world. But the price of victory over fascism was impossibly high. Many millions had been killed, and vast areas of Europe had been all but destroyed. VE Day signalled the end of Nazi Germany, and yet the war on the Pacific Front was stil…

1
The Salem Witch Trials 1:01:58

1M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

For more than two centuries, between the late 1400s and early 1700s, a terror of witches gripped Europe. From Scotland to Spain, thousands of people were accused, tortured and executed. But as the hysteria faded in Europe, it crossed the Atlantic. In 1692, in New England, it took hold of a small Puritan settlement in Massachusetts - Salem. The even…

1
The Egyptian Sphinx 59:00

1M ago59:00

59:00

Measuring 240 feet long from paw to tail, and around the height of a six-story building, the Great Sphinx is one of Egypt’s most spectacular, and mysterious, monuments. Believed to have been built over four millennia ago, much of its story has been lost to history, and the rest is shrouded in myth. So what do we know about who built it? What caused…

1
1 | Jennifer C. "Why Does Speech Therapy Matter After a Cancer Diagnosis?" 30:46

1M ago30:46

30:46

Jennifer C., Manager of Oncology Rehabilitation and Speech Language Pathologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, shares the surprising benefits of working with a speech therapist when it comes to cancer treatment. Listen as she reveals her favorite tips that make a big difference when it comes to maintaining quality of life after treatment.…

1
The Real Greatest Showman 1:04:07

2M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

PT Barnum may be better known as the loose subject of the movie The Greatest Showman, but his life was so much more than that work of fiction. A master of entertainment, an entrepreneur, and a genius of publicity, he built a career on feeding public curiosity with his grand illusions. But his legacy is complicated, as many of his attractions reflec…

1
Introducing: Titanic: Ship of Dreams - Episode 1 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

This is a taster episode of a brand-new podcast from the Noiser podcast network. Join host Paul McGann as he explores life and death on the most famous ship in history. You’ll be right there on board - setting sail from Southampton, chugging across the Atlantic, striking the iceberg and sinking into the icy depths. We’ll hear the harrowing tales of…

1
March 2025 Recap & City Manager Jim Parajon 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Sarah and Kirk discuss the March Council meetings, which covered the City budget, Beauregard and the AlexWest SAP, and how Federa policy will impact Alexandria, and interview City Manager Jim Parajon.

1
The Tudors, Part 2 of 2 1:03:51

2M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

The later Tudor years were a time of turmoil, political intrigue, and national transformation. Initially defined by crises of succession, and shifts in the religious landscape, the period went on to see the reign of some of the most famous royal women in history. And, under the 44-year reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Britain experienced a golden age of…

1
Episode 1 - The Kraken Wakes 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

For this very first episode of Starship Alexandria, Emma puts forward John Wyndham’s classic SF novel The Kraken Wakes (1953) for Adrian to read and consider (published in the US as Out of the Deeps.) Other media mentions: The War of the Worlds, HG Wells Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Aliens franchise, dir. Ridley Scott, James Cameron et al The Q…

1
The Tudors, Part 1 of 2 1:05:57

2M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

The Tudors are the most famous royal family in English history, ruling from 1485 to 1603. The dynasty began with the reign of King Henry VII, and ended with his granddaughter, Elizabeth I. Marked by political, religious, and cultural change, the Tudor era shaped the course of English history, and paved the way for modern Britain. But how did the fi…

1
Christopher Columbus 54:43

2M ago54:43

54:43

The explorer, Christopher Columbus, is famous for reaching the Americas and opening up a new world to European pioneers. But though his determination and skills were second to none, he eventually fell out of favour at home and abroad, and was unwelcome even in the very colonies he’d founded. Contrary to popular misconception, Columbus never set foo…

1
The Printing Press 1:00:15

3M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Before Johannes Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention, knowledge was a privilege accessible only to the wealthy, the powerful, or the devout. In this world, ideas travelled slowly, and were constrained by the limits of human hand. So when, in the mid-15th century, Gutenberg invented the printing press, it became so much more than a machine. Ideas cou…

1
Ludwig van Beethoven 58:41

3M ago58:41

58:41

One of the world’s most influential composers, Ludwig van Beethoven changed the course of Western music. Despite losing his hearing, he created some of history’s most celebrated works, and his compositions are renowned for their emotional depth, innovation, and freshness to this day. But how did an unpolished youth from the German Rhineland rise to…

1
February 2025 Recap 1:00:19

3M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Kirk and Sarah discuss the three Council meetings in February. Topics include short term rental regulations, the City's upcoming economic summit, and the City Manager's proposed FY 2026 budget.

1
The Forbidden City 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Nestled deep in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City stands as one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Built in the early 15th century as the secretive seat of imperial rule, it’s the largest palace complex anywhere in the world, and the biggest wooden structure on earth. But how did an audacious coup lead to the construction of this…

1
Trailer 1:22

3M ago1:22

1:22

Alexandria Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley and Councilman Kirk McPike introduce their new monthly podcast.

1
The Battle of Stalingrad 1:02:12

3M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

During World War Two, the Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most brutal engagements of the entire conflict, and would go on to be one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare. Over a course of six months, Soviet forces fought to defend their city against the German Army, where an estimated 1 million Soviet soldiers, and 800,000 Axis tro…

1
Pablo Picasso 1:01:37

3M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Pablo Picasso was one of the most celebrated and radical artists of the 20th century. His styles shocked and outraged contemporaries, and are still instantly recognisable today. But while the artist was publicly fêted, behind closed doors there was a darker side, and many of his female companions protested at his behaviour. So what drove Picasso to…

1
Butch Cassidy 58:42

4M ago58:42

58:42

Leader of the Wild Bunch gang, Butch Cassidy was a legendary American criminal who engineered infamous bank and train robberies across the West in the late 19th century. His charisma and careful planning ensured he eluded capture for years. And when, in 1901, he fled the law to South America with his partner, the Sundance Kid, reports differ as to …

1
9 | Rudy H. "Early Detection Saved My Life" 25:47

4M ago25:47

25:47

Rudy H., a 7 year Colon Cancer Survivor and Firefighter of over 40 years. Rudy is the poster child for early detection and how abiding by screening guidelines saved his life. Listen, and he shares the alarming impact cancer has had on the firefighter community, and the potentially life-saving advice he urges everyone to take seriously as it relates…

1
Nelson Mandela 1:00:15

4M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Nelson Mandela came to be considered one of the great global figures of his age, but for decades he was a prisoner in his own country. Branded a terrorist by South Africa’s white authorities, as well as many foreign governments, he survived years in the wilderness, only to return in one of the most dramatic character rehabilitations in history. So …

1
The Australian Gold Rush 1:00:06

4M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

When a man called Edward Hargraves first discovered gold in Australia, in 1851, the impact on the country was immeasurable. Word of Hargraves’ good fortune caused thousands of individuals to flood New South Wales and join the rush. Men left their families, professionals quit their jobs, ships were abandoned in the ports, as gold-fever spread throug…

1
Bob Marley 1:00:05

4M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

From impoverished roots on an island struggling to leave behind its colonial past, Bob Marley emerged; creating music that spoke with a universality, and which was beloved by people all over the world. His love of music was the backbone of his life, and his commitment to the Rastafari faith shone a spotlight on its ideals. But how did Bob Marley go…

1
Emperor Nero 57:58

5M ago57:58

57:58

Emperor Nero was one of the most reviled and controversial leaders of Ancient Rome. To some, his reign was a breath of fresh air after his unpopular predecessor, and his failings had no more to do with him, than with the unstable infrastructure of Roman government. And yet to others, Nero is inseparable from rumours about his sexual predilections, …

1
John F Kennedy 1:01:53

5M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

The second of nine children from a well-to-do family in New England, John F Kennedy fought his way up to become the most powerful man on the planet. After claiming a narrow victory in the 1960 election, Kennedy and his glamorous wife, Jacqueline, led the country on a wave of optimism and energy. For many, he represented a vision of America at its b…

1
8 | Alexandria C. “Struggles with Body Image and Intimacy After Cancer” 35:37

5M ago35:37

35:37

Alexandria C., Manager of Behavioral Health at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago and Clinical Sexologist, gets real with the struggles patient face in dealing with body image and intimacy after cancer treatment and shares valuable tools to help rebuild that connection with yourself and your partner.…

1
The Spartans (Repeat) 54:37

5M ago54:37

54:37

In 480BC, the Spartans secured their place in history when 300 of their soldiers fought to the death against the mighty Persian army at Thermopylae. Their reputation for brutal decisiveness and simple living have been admired for thousands of years. But what about the darker side of Spartan ideology, a society that culled weak babies, forced childr…

1
Stonehenge (Repeat) 1:01:07

5M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Older than the pyramids and just as cryptic, the prehistoric British site of Stonehenge has dominated its landscape for thousands of years. But what is Stonehenge? A celestial clock? An ancient computer to predict eclipses? Was it a temple, a cemetery, or a site of execution? And who were the people who lived and died to create this Stone Age maste…

1
Norse America: The Story of a Founding Myth, with Gordon Campbell 38:37

6M ago38:37

38:37

In our interview with Gordon Campbell, we chat all about his new book Norse America: The Story of a Founding Myth. The book tells two stories. One story is that of the Norse proceeding in the 10th and 11th century from mainland Scandinavia to the Faroes and Iceland and Greenland, and from Greenland they sail, hunting in many cases to what is now th…

1
Beatrix Potter 56:01

6M ago56:01

56:01

Beatrix Potter’s tales and illustrations of Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and friends, set in quintessential English villages and on Edwardian farms, have charmed children for decades. But alongside being an artist and author, Beatrix Potter was a natural scientist, a conservationist, a farmer, sheep-breeder, and shrewd businesswoman. So how did this sh…

1
Introducing: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories 31:40

6M ago31:40

31:40

A brand-new release from the Noiser Network. Join Hugh Bonneville on a thrilling journey through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated Holmes mysteries - read in their original, masterful form. If you enjoy this taster episode, search ’Sherlock Holmes Short Stories’ in your podcast app and hit follow for more episodes. Or follow this link: https…

1
Egyptian Mythology: A Travelers Guide From Aswan to Alexandria, with Garry Shaw 37:24

6M ago37:24

37:24

Join World History Encyclopedia as we talk to Garry Shaw, an Egyptologist and author of a brand new book Egyptian Mythology: A Travelers Guide From Aswan to Alexandria. Garry's book on Egyptian mythology starts with a journey beginning in the south of Egypt, which is the traditional border in the region of Aswan, and then you travel northward to th…

1
The Panama Canal 1:00:47

6M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

A 50-mile man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the creation of the Panama Canal was arguably the greatest infrastructure project the world had ever seen. But its journey from concept to completion was anything but simple, as it failed repeatedly, and passed through numerous pairs of hands, before a decade-long construction …

1
7 | Jose R. and Shemika R. "For better or worse…I am the patient and the caregiver” 37:34

6M ago37:34

37:34

Jose R. and Shemika R., married for 19 years, a strong history of cancer, and now both diagnosed with cancer just two years apart. Listen as this couple gets vulnerable about how they navigated being both the patient and the caregiver and where they found their inspiration on their hardest days to never give up.…

1
Viking Warrior Women: Fact or Fiction, with Nancy Marie Brown 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

Nancy Marie Brown, author of The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women joins us to talk all about female Vikings, warrior women and women in the Viking Age. Nancy uses two very different kinds of sources in The Real Valkyrie: medieval texts and modern archaeology. The Real Valkyrie is a book that attempts to recreate the life an…

1
Buckingham Palace 1:01:48

6M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

The official seat of Britain’s monarchy for almost 200 years, Buckingham Palace has provided the stage and backdrop to countless events that have shaped the nation and the wider world. An iconic building, family home, and nucleus of political power, it’s one of the nation’s most expensive estates. But how did a singular building become such a stapl…

1
The Wolf Den: Pompeii's Brothels, with Elodie Harper 33:50

6M ago33:50

33:50

Meet Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den, a riveting book that explores life in ancient Pompeii... in a brothel. Sold by her mother. Enslaved in Pompeii's brothel. Determined to survive. Her name is Amara. Welcome to the Wolf Den... Amara was once a beloved daughter, until her father's death plunged her family into penury. Now she is a slave in P…

1
Chichen Itza 59:20

6M ago59:20

59:20

Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the ancient city of Chichén Itza stands as a majestic testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of the ancient Maya civilization. It’s long been regarded as a shining example of Maya influence, yet today, many experts agree it’s not typically Maya at all, but rather a reflecti…

1
Ariadne: Ancient Greek Myth, with Jennifer Saint 28:29

6M ago28:29

28:29

In this episode we interview author Jennifer Saint about her book Ariadne and the myth behind it. As Princesses of Crete and daughters of the fearsome King Minos, Ariadne and her sister Phaedra grow up hearing the hoofbeats and bellows of the Minotaur echo from the Labyrinth beneath the palace. The Minotaur - Minos's greatest shame and Ariadne's br…

1
Sir Isaac Newton 56:28

6M ago56:28

56:28

Sir Isaac Newton became one of history’s most important scientists - all thanks, as legend has it, to an apple falling from a tree. But beyond the famous anecdote is the story of a polymath who revolutionised our grasp of how the universe works, and led a life plagued by rivalries, grudges, and accusations of plagiarism. Loved by some, derided by o…

1
The Gladiators (Repeat) 51:23

7M ago51:23

51:23

Take a trip back in time to Ancient Rome, to discover the bizarre and barbaric world of the gladiators. But who were these mysterious warriors? And how much truth lies behind the legends? Take your seat in the Roman Colosseum, the games are about to begin. This is a Short History Of the Gladiators. A Noiser production, written by Addison Nugent. Wi…

1
Old World: Antiquity in a Game, with Leyla & Soren Johnson 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

In this interview with Leyla & Soren Johnson we explore the strategy game Old World, a 4X game set in ancient times. The creators at Mohawk Games worked hard to bring antiquity to life, incorporating many events inspired by real history. Play as a real leader of an ancient empire, make choices for your empire and grow it into a successful and prosp…

1
The Lighthouse of Alexandria 57:21

7M ago57:21

57:21

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a testament to human ingenuity and architectural brilliance. Built in the third century BC on the small island of Pharos, it was the first lighthouse in recorded history and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing over 100 metres high, it provided a vital beacon for sailors navigating the treach…

1
Swallow's Dance: A Minoan Story, with Wendy Orr 34:26

7M ago34:26

34:26

Swallow's Dance by Wendy Orr is a beautiful portrait of the Aegean Bronze Age set during the time of the Theran eruption through the eyes of a young girl. This interview with our CEO Jan van der Crabben and author Wendy Orr discusses Wendy's fascination with the Minoans, Akrotiri and the Bronze Age Aegean, and how her visit to Santorini and Crete i…

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