Best Gustavus Podcasts (2025)

1
107 - Gustavus Adolphus and the Aurora Borealis 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Perhaps the most ethereal and beautiful astronomical sight available to regular old humans, the auroras borealis and australis, the Northern and Southern Lights have amazed and inspired us for our whole existence on earth. One of the better places to see the Northern Lights is northern Sweden, and this episode covers the five years in which Sweden …

1
The Battle of Agincourt: The Longbow's Deadly Legacy 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

In Episode 26 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we revisit the legendary Battle of Agincourt and the deadly legacy of the English longbow. Fought on 25 October 1415 during the Hundred Years’ War, Agincourt saw King Henry V’s vastly outnumbered army achieve a stunning victory against the French. The battle became a defining moment in medieval warfare…

1
War Elephants in Ancient India 7:10

3M ago7:10

7:10

In Episode 25 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the formidable war elephants of ancient India—massive battlefield beasts that struck fear into enemies and shaped the course of warfare for centuries. Used by Indian armies as early as the 4th century BCE, these towering creatures were armoured, trained for combat, and deployed to crush infa…

1
The Korean War: The Forgotten Conflict 8:07

3M ago8:07

8:07

In Episode 24 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into the brutal and often overlooked conflict of the Korean War. Fought between 1950 and 1953, this Cold War battleground saw fierce combat between North and South Korea, backed by global superpowers in a deadly proxy war. From trench warfare along the 38th parallel to relentless aerial bombar…

1
The English Civil War: Muskets, Pikes and the Fall of a King 7:43

3M ago7:43

7:43

In episode 23 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we dive into the English Civil War, a brutal conflict that tore a nation apart and led to the unprecedented execution of a king. Fought between 1642 and 1651, the war saw Parliament’s Roundheads clash with the Royalist Cavaliers in a struggle over power, governance, and the future of England. From the …

1
The Hundred Years War: England vs France for a Century 7:59

3M ago7:59

7:59

In episode 22 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the Hundred Years’ War, the epic conflict that saw England and France locked in battle for over a century. Fought between 1337 and 1453, this war was not just a struggle for the French throne but a series of brutal campaigns that reshaped medieval Europe. From the longbow’s devastating power…

1
Rome vs Carthage: The Punic Wars Unleashed 6:59

4M ago6:59

6:59

In episode 21 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into one of history’s greatest rivalries—Rome versus Carthage. The Punic Wars, fought between 264 and 146 BCE, were a brutal series of conflicts that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world. From epic naval battles to Hannibal’s legendary march over the Alps, these wars saw tactical brilliance,…

1
Come See Me at Intelligent Speech Online! 2:01

4M ago2:01

2:01

February 8th! Got to https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ for tickets! And use the promo code WONDERS to get 10% off! It'll be great!

1
The Cold War: Proxy Wars & The Threat of Nuclear Annihilation 8:20

4M ago8:20

8:20

In episode 20 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into the intense and complex era of the Cold War, a geopolitical struggle defined by proxy wars and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. In just five minutes, we explore how the United States and the Soviet Union clashed ideologically and militarily across the globe, supporting opposin…

1
Gustavus Adolphus: The Father of Modern Warfare 7:59

4M ago7:59

7:59

In episode 19 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the remarkable legacy of Gustavus Adolphus, the Swedish king hailed as the Father of Modern Warfare. In just five minutes, we uncover how his revolutionary military tactics, from the use of combined arms to the mobility of his forces, transformed the art of war in the 17th century. Leading S…

1
The Mongol Invasions: Genghis Khan's Unstoppable Army 8:16

4M ago8:16

8:16

In the 18th episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we delve into the extraordinary story of the Mongol invasions and the unstoppable army led by Genghis Khan. In just five minutes, we explore how the Mongols, driven by unmatched strategy, mobility, and discipline, created the largest contiguous empire in history. From their sweeping conquests across Asia to …

1
106 - The Valley of the Middle Rhine and the 30 Years War 55:43

4M ago55:43

55:43

The Rhine River flows through the heartland of western Germany, through a gorge passing an average of one castle per mile. Reisling vineyards, charming villages, and castle after castle after castle surround you as you drift along the river. But almost 400 years ago, this idyllic valley was caught up in the most devestating war in pre-20th century …

1
The Battle of Kadesh: Chariots, Strategy and the First Peace Treaty 7:27

5M ago7:27

7:27

In the seventeenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we journey back to 1274 BCE to explore the epic Battle of Kadesh, one of history’s most iconic clashes. In just five minutes, we unravel how the Egyptians under Pharaoh Ramesses II faced off against the mighty Hittites in a contest of chariots, strategy, and deception. The episode delves into the batt…

1
The Vietnam War: Guerrilla Tactics and a Superpower Stalemate 8:09

5M ago8:09

8:09

In the sixteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the Vietnam War, a conflict defined by its gruelling guerilla tactics and the stalemate between a superpower and a determined insurgency. In just five minutes, we delve into the strategies of the Viet Cong, the challenges faced by the United States, and how the dense jungles of Vietnam became…

1
The Siege of Vienna - Ottoman Ambitions vs European Defenders 8:00

5M ago8:00

8:00

In the fifteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we recount the dramatic events of the Siege of Vienna in 1683, a pivotal clash between the Ottoman Empire and European defenders. In just five minutes, we explore how the city of Vienna, on the brink of collapse after months of siege, was saved by a coalition of forces led by King John III Sobieski of P…

1
The Siege of Jerusalem - Bloodshed in the First Crusade 7:39

6M ago7:39

7:39

In the fourteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we revisit the dramatic Siege of Jerusalem in 1099, a pivotal moment in the First Crusade. In just five minutes, we recount how Crusader forces, driven by religious fervour, laid siege to the holy city, overcoming its defences in a brutal assault. The siege culminated in a bloody conquest, with thousan…

1
Hannibal's Masterstroke: Crossing the Alps 7:28

6M ago7:28

7:28

In the thirteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we delve into Hannibal’s audacious crossing of the Alps, one of the most legendary feats in military history. In just five minutes, we recount how, in 218 BC, the Carthaginian general led his army, including war elephants, through treacherous mountain terrain to surprise the Roman Republic. This bold m…

1
D-Day: The Invasion that Turned the Tide 8:51

6M ago8:51

8:51

In episode 12 of 5 Minute Warfare, we examine D-Day, the pivotal invasion that turned the tide of World War II. In just around 5 minutes, we’ll explore the planning, execution, and immense significance of the Normandy landings, which marked the beginning of the end for Nazi-occupied Europe. Join us for a concise and insightful look at one of the mo…

1
The Pike & Shot: Revolutionising Battlefield Tactics 8:49

6M ago8:49

8:49

In episode 11 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the Pike and Shot era, a revolutionary period in battlefield tactics that changed the face of warfare in the early modern period. In around 5 minutes, we’ll examine how the combination of pikes and firearms created powerful new formations, leading to the decline of heavy cavalry and reshaping military s…

1
Knights in Shining Armour: The Rise and Fall of Heavy Cavalry 8:42

7M ago8:42

8:42

In episode 10 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the story of knights in shining armour and the rise and fall of heavy cavalry in medieval warfare. In just around 5 minutes, we examine how these armoured warriors dominated the battlefield for centuries, only to be eventually overtaken by advancements in military technology. Join us for a concise and i…

1
Alexander the Great: Conqueror of the Known World 9:07

7M ago9:07

9:07

In episode 9 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the life and military genius of Alexander the Great, the conqueror who reshaped the ancient world. In just around 5 minutes, we’ll cover his rapid rise to power, his bold strategies, and how he built one of the largest empires in history. Join us for a quick and engaging dive into the mind of one of hist…

1
Blitzkrieg: The Lightning War That Shocked the World 8:44

7M ago8:44

8:44

In episode 8 of 5 Minute Warfare, we dive into the Blitzkrieg, the lightning-fast military strategy that took the world by surprise during World War II. In around 5 minutes, we’ll explore how this revolutionary tactic changed the face of warfare, from its rapid advances to its devastating effectiveness. Learn how Blitzkrieg shocked Europe and paved…

1
“Greg Kaster: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership" 1:07:36

7M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Professor Greg Kaster's love for learning and deep appreciation for the people around him left an indelible mark on Gustavus Adolphus College, creating a lasting legacy beyond the classroom. This past summer, on June 22, 2024, Greg unexpectedly passed away. In this episode, Carley, who worked closely with Greg on his podcast, interviewed professors…

1
105 - Český Krumlov and the Defenestration of Prague 55:46

7M ago55:46

55:46

Nestled on a bend of the Vltava River, the beautiful town of Český Krumlov is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. It's also the site of a horrific true crime! (Oo, let's get those true crime junkies in on this!) Rudolf II had troubles, and the mental illness of his son Julius only adds to the load. But the decline and fall of Rudolf…

1
The Thirty Years War: Europe's Religious Battleground 8:49

7M ago8:49

8:49

In episode 7 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the Thirty Years' War, a monumental conflict that turned Europe into a religious battleground. In around five minutes, we’ll break down the origins, key battles, and lasting impact of this war, which began as a religious dispute but escalated into a complex struggle for political power. Get a quick and e…

1
The Crusades: Holy War in the Middle Ages 9:04

8M ago9:04

9:04

In episode 6 of 5 Minute Warfare, we take a quick but insightful look at the Crusades, the intense series of holy wars that shaped much of the Middle Ages. In just five minutes, we’ll explore the roots of these epic conflicts between Christian and Muslim forces, uncovering the religious motivations, political ambitions, and long-lasting effects of …

1
The Trojan War: Myth, Legend and Reality 8:36

8M ago8:36

8:36

In episode 5 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we take a closer look at one of history's most enduring and debated conflicts—the Trojan War. Was it a true historical event, or simply a myth born from epic poetry and legend? Join us as we unravel the blend of fact and fiction behind the ancient war that inspired Homer’s Iliad, exploring the battle’s …

1
World War I: The Dawn of Trench Warfare 8:56

8M ago8:56

8:56

In episode 4 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we dig into the grim and relentless realities of trench warfare during World War I. Stretching across the Western Front, these vast networks of trenches became the defining symbol of the conflict, where soldiers faced unimaginable conditions and brutal combat. From the strategies that shaped trench warf…

1
The Spanish Armada: A Naval Showdown with England 8:53

8M ago8:53

8:53

In episode 3 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we set sail to 1588 and the naval showdown between England and the mighty Spanish Armada. This high-stakes conflict saw King Philip II of Spain attempt to invade England, only to be met by fierce resistance and tactical ingenuity from Queen Elizabeth I's forces. The defeat of the Armada marked a turning…

1
104 - The Old New Synagogue of Prague and the Golem 1:03:52

8M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

They say a giant man of clay sits in the attic, waiting for centuries for his instructions. The story of the Golem in Prague is one of the classics of western storytelling, yet did you know that the temple where the Golem is rumored to be is a real place? The Old New Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the world, sits in the heart of …

1
The Battle of Hastings: How William Conquered England 8:28

8M ago8:28

8:28

In episode 2 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we head to 1066, when the fate of England was decided at the Battle of Hastings. William of Normandy faced King Harold II in a clash that would forever alter the course of English history. From the dramatic tactics used on the battlefield to the momentous consequences that followed, this battle saw the …

1
The Battle of Thermopylae: 300 Spartans Against an Empire 8:02

9M ago8:02

8:02

Welcome to the first episode of 5 Minute Warfare. In this episode, we take you back to 480 BCE, where one of history's most legendary last stands took place at the Battle of Thermopylae. Facing the overwhelming might of the Persian Empire, 300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas, alongside a small Greek force, defied impossible odds and held the narrow …

1
103 - The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Galileo Galilei 46:55

10M ago46:55

46:55

You've seen it on a million pizza boxes, in a thousand Italian restaurants, and in photos of your Dad pretending to hold it up. It's the Leaning Tower! Why does it lean? And why is it so gracefully elegant in its leaning? Most of this episode, however, is about the most famous person to be associated with the tower: the astronomer Galileo. Did he r…

1
102 - The Harmandir Sahib of Amritsar and the Beginning of Sikhism 27:21

12M ago27:21

27:21

The youngest of the world's seven largest religions is Sikhism, founded in Punjab in the 16th century. Nanak, a guru, or teacher, from outside Lahore, spent three days lost along a river and returned with an undestanding of one God: the Ultimate Reality. Nanak created a religion founded on equality, service, and openness, yet his successors would s…

1
"Studying and Countering Hate" 1:10:58

1y ago1:10:58

1:10:58

In this last episode of the 2023-24 academic year, Kenneth S. Stern, JD, Director of his alma mater Bard College's Center for the Study of Hate, leading expert on antisemitism and hate, and past speaker at Gustavus talks about his path from Brooklyn (NY) to Bard to Willamette Law School in Oregon; becoming involved in American Indian Movement co-fo…

1
"Be Curious (and Play Hockey)" 1:05:25

1y ago1:05:25

1:05:25

International student, graduating senior, and Management major Thomas Patterer, ’24, has combined academic excellence with athletic success at Gustavus, earning him Academic All-Conference honors from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In this episode Thomas talks about growing up in his native Klagenfurt, Austria; coming to the Uni…

1
"Grief, Loss, and Identity" 1:05:38

1y ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Dr. Patricia English-Schneider of the Gustavus Communication Studies Department talks about her background and love of musicals; her not exactly straight path to undergraduate and graduate degrees in her field; how she came to be a Com Studies prof at Gustavus; the genesis and content of her recent award-winning co-edited book, Narrative and Grief:…

1
“I Have Become the Person I Was Meant to Be” 1:04:51

1y ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Helena Shanks, ‘12, co-owner of River Rock Coffee and Tea, a fair-trade coffeehouse in St. Peter and Mankato, MN, on her family background and path from the Fargo-Moorhead area to Gustavus; majoring (for a time, uncertainly) in Chemistry; what she learned while working as an employee at River Rock both before and after graduation; how and why she e…

1
101 - The Uffizi Gallery of Florence and Cosimo I de' Medici 47:09

1y ago47:09

47:09

One of the world's great museums of Renaissance art: the Uffizi. Meaning "the offices," the Uffizi were quite literally built as an office buidling for the growing administration of Cosimo I de' Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, the leader who brought authoritarian rule, if also stablity, to Florence. Bry Rayburn from the Pontifacts podcast,…

1
“I’m Not Just Changing What I’m Putting on Television Screens” 1:05:57

1y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Jillian Hiscock, Gustavus class of 2005 and owner of the newly-opened (as of March 2024) A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis, the only bar in Minnesota devoted entirely to women’s athletics, speaks about her background and path to Gustavus; some of her formative experiences there, including a philosophy course on schools and society; her work in coll…

1
Bonus - The Total Solar Eclipse of 2024 7:35

1y ago7:35

7:35

A quick bonus episode about how eclipses connect with human historyBy Caroline Vahrenkamp

1
"From Small-Town Pharmacist’s Daughter to Leading Global Investment Professional" 1:05:42

1y ago1:05:42

1:05:42

150 episodes and counting! For this 150th unique episode of the podcast, Greg speaks with special guest Marcia Page, Gustavus Class of ‘82 and Chair of the Board of Trustees, about growing up in Olivia, MN, where her dad was a pharmacist and drugstore owner; what she learned at a young age from both her parents; her path from Olivia to Gustavus; he…

1
099 - The Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai and the Fall of Vijayanagar 33:54

1y ago33:54

33:54

Towering above the city of Madurai, the gopurams or gateways of the Meenakshi Amman Temple are medieval skyscrapers, awash in color, writhing in movement, beautiful and otherworldly at the same time. In this episode we'll discuss the rise of the Mughal Empire, the fall of Vijayanagara, and of course, masala dosa, that most incredible of South India…

1
"In-Betweenness, Boxing, Philosophy, and Buddhism" 1:07:36

1y ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Dr. John Cha, faculty member in the Department of Religion and Japanese Studies program at Gustavus, talks about the challenges and impact of growing up Asian-American on Chicago's South Side and in Quincy, Illinois; the influence in his teen years of Huey Newton and Bruce Lee; his academic path to philosophy and religion; being hired by Gustavus; …

1
“It All Comes Back to the Liberal Arts Education” 1:13:41

1y ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Sarah Calhoon Cuthill, ’85, on her path to Gustavus from the south Chicago suburbs; her love of music and fascination with France and international relations; studying abroad in high school and college; majoring in international economics; the twists and turns of her career path, eventually leading to her partnership status with Deloitte Global; he…

1
"Making My Life Count through the People I’ve Met at Gustavus" 1:02:35

1y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Communication Studies major Abigail (Abby) Vizenor, ’25, talks about her background and path to Gustavus; a memorable January Term in St. Maarten; interning for CADA, Inc., which supports survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence; her research and articles about the myth of "false reporting" and, most recently, teen dating violence; her enjoy…

1
“Childhood Poverty: Uniting Voices to Empower Tomorrow” 1:05:45

1+ y ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Gustavus students Ainsley Langerud, ’24, and Alex Dillon, ’25, co-chairs of this year’s annual student-run Building Bridges (BB) Conference at the College on Saturday March 2, 2024, talk about their backgrounds and paths to Gustavus, the conference’s focus on childhood poverty, the work and rewards of planning BB and (without giving too much away) …

1
"It’s Only Useless If You Make it Useless” 1:08:45

1+ y ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Allie Skjerven Boyd, Gustavus Class of 2010, talks about her background and path to Gustavus, why she majored in History and Russian Studies, her path from graduation to working in the private sector with Fortune 500 companies Nestle and Clorox, how she obtained her current position with the Minnesota-based global firm Datasite, the nature, challen…

1
"The Liberal Arts College I Went to Changed My Life" 1:02:46

1+ y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Dr. Pamela Kittelson of the Biology Department and Environmental Studies program at Gustavus talks about growing up in Colorado, her path to college and eventually an unanticipated PhD in plant biology, coming to Gustavus, teaching Gustavus students in the field and abroad in India and Bangladesh, the ingredients of teaching excellence, directing t…

1
“You Need to Constantly Stay Uncomfortable” 1:00:14

1+ y ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Lt. Col. Jess Langerud, ’96, on his path to Gustavus and its nursing major, and from there to nursing and medical-related work in both the civilian and military (U.S. Army) sectors, the nature of his work and what he loves about it—including a major project with Poland’s military and his newest position as commander of an Army Reserves civil affair…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Gustavus Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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