Best Savant History Podcasts (2025)

1
Volney’s Vision: The Ruins of Empires in Our Time. With Thomas C. Williams 1:20:10

6d ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Thomas C. Williams is an American author and historian living in France since 1989. A former U.S. Embassy staffer, he is a leading expert on Volney and Thomas Jefferson’s secret translation of The Ruins of Empires, a radical Enlightenment text that nearly derailed Jefferson’s presidency. He has lectured at the Robert H. Smith Research Facility (Mon…

1
The 1830 Revolution. Barricades in Paris! 40:58

3M ago40:58

40:58

In July 1830, Paris erupted. For three days, workers, students, and veterans rose against royal ordinances that trampled the Charter of 1814. Barricades filled the streets, the tricolour flag flew once more, and the Bourbon monarchy collapsed. King Charles X fled, and Louis-Philippe—styled the “Citizen King”—took the throne. This revolution wasn’t …

1
Antoine Lavoisier - A Savant at the Scaffold 36:23

5M ago36:23

36:23

If you weren't sleeping through your chemistry classes in high school, you probably heard the phrase "Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed." This is basically what we know as the law of conservation of mass. It was coined by Antoine Lavoisier, the man considered the father of modern chemistry and one of history's most infl…

1
The French Résistance - Refusing Defeat & Occupation 41:32

7M ago41:32

41:32

The story of the Résistance is the story of ordinary men and women rising to the occasion. Risking everything to fight oppression, to defend their homes, their country, their way of life. Being a résistant could mean many things. You could be part of a network, you could just run errands or messages, you could spy on the Germans or just not answer …

1
Bonus - The Raft of the Medusa Part II - From Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs 51:14

8M ago51:14

51:14

This is part II of our episode swap on The Raft of the Medusa from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano. Enjoy this bonus episode and check out Rich's podcast, it's fantastic! The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-day Mauritan…

1
Gaby & Robert Casadesus - With Thérèse Casadesus Rawson 52:04

8M ago52:04

52:04

In this very special episode, we interview Thérèse Casadesus Rawson, daughter of the renowned French pianists Robert and Gaby Casadesus. The occasion is the publication of Gaby Casadesus' book My Musical Notes: A Journey in Classical Piano between the World Wars and Beyond, now available in English. We discuss the book, as well as Thérèse's parents…

1
Bonus - The Raft of the Medusa Part I - From Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs 49:07

8M ago49:07

49:07

We have something special for today, an episode swap! Coming straight from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano, I give you the story of the Radeau de la Méduse, The Raft of the Medusa. The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-da…

1
Marie-Antoinette & Louis XVII - The Cursed Family. With Charles MacKay 1:12:50

10M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Charles MacKay, PhD, former university history professor at Morehead State University and West Virginia University joins us to discuss Queen Marie-Antoinette and her family, especially her son, the ill-fated Louis XVII. These members of the French royal family suffered terribly during the French Revolution, eventually losing their lives to the guil…

1
The Five French Republics - From Revolution to Evolution 1:08:30

11M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

We will traverse the peaks and valleys of five republics, each reflecting France’s evolving spirit and struggles. From revolutionary fervour to imperial ambition, from the trials of war to the triumphs of modern democracy, each republic has contributed to the rich mosaic of France as we know it today. Join us as we unravel the dramatic narrative of…

1
La Fayette's USA Tour of 1824 - The Hero Returns. With Elizabeth Reese. 48:16

12M ago48:16

48:16

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of La Fayette's grand tour of the USA in 1824, we have a special episode featuring guest Elizabeth Reese. Elizabeth is a public historian whose work focuses on the American Revolution and the Early Republic. She recently published a book on the famed Marquis' visit to America: "Marquis de Lafayette Returns - A T…

1
Jules Verne - France's Great Adventure 45:57

1y ago45:57

45:57

Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors who ever lived, from every country and genre. He is the most translated author in the world after Agatha Christie and is by far the most translated French author. Verne's vision, stories and characters still resonate with us today, whether as part of new fictional storylines, or as cultural beacons…

1
The French Wars of Religion - Faith in Destruction 55:32

1y ago55:32

55:32

On one side, the Catholic majority, unwavering in their devotion to Rome. On the other, the Huguenots, French Protestants inspired by the teachings of Jean Calvin. Caught in the crossfire of this religious divide was the monarchy, struggling to maintain order amidst growing tension. But their efforts often only fuelled the flames of conflict. And s…

1
Napoléon : the Man and his Books, with Louis Sarkozy 1:10:28

1+ y ago1:10:28

1:10:28

When we talk about Napoléon, we often talk about battles or politics, but we don't talk nearly enough about the man. Some dismiss him as a proto-Hitler, others adore him as they would a god. But few actually try to crack open the mysteries of the Napoleonic mind. Author Louis Sarkozy did just that, by studying Napoléon Bonaparte and his most import…

1
Camille Saint-Saëns and France's Music 36:46

1+ y ago36:46

36:46

We often see history as a succession of dates, events, wars and political machinations. But we should not forget that history is also forged by culture and by art. Art reflects society's values and aspirations, but also helps create them and move people forward. It also elevates us and makes us better in many ways. Among the many art forms availabl…

1
The First World War. The French Experience 52:33

1+ y ago52:33

52:33

For France, the Great War is a serious and deep wound that she partially inflicted on herself. It is painful and has never fully healed. It is something personal, felt by all strata of the nation. From the humblest peasant to the richest industrialist, no layer of French society was spared in the great slaughter that the trenches were. The country …

1
Nathanael Greene and La Fayette, Partners in Freedom. With Salina B. Baker. 42:25

1+ y ago42:25

42:25

In this unique episode, we engage in a conversation with Salina B. Baker, an accomplished author of historical fiction, who has received multiple awards for her work. Additionally, she is a historian specializing in the American Revolution and Victorian America. She has just released an outstanding novel titled "The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nat…

1
The Dreyfus Affair. France's Shame 48:16

1+ y ago48:16

48:16

Liberté, égalité, fraternité. This is the French Republic’s motto. Liberty and equality are also in the first article of the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" of 1789. The French are very proud of that heritage, of France’s struggle during and after the Revolution. They think of their homeland as the cradle of liberty in Europe,…

1
The Seven Years' War. The Great French Disaster 44:14

2y ago44:14

44:14

This particular conflict goes by multiple names and definitions. While it is globally recognized as the Seven Years' War, it is more commonly referred to in America as the French and Indian War, and in Canada as the War of Conquest. These wars are all interconnected and are part of a vast global struggle between the two superpowers of the mid-eight…

1
Richelieu and Louis XIII, France’s Dynamic Duo? 41:41

2y ago41:41

41:41

King Louis XIII and the Cardinal de Richelieu. These two men are quite important and deserve to be better known. The Cardinal is probably the most known of the two, because of his policies, wars and his long lasting impact on French institutions and Europe's destiny. Louis XIII is often perceived as the weaker of the two, the king who merely signed…

1
Nouvelle-France, the French in North America 1:01:23

2y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

The Nouvelle France (New France) is the French colonization of North America. And by this I mean North America, not just Canada. Over a couple of centuries, the French established settlements all over North America, especially along the St-Lawrence and Mississippi River but also in Nova Scotia, Florida, Louisiana and more. New France basically exis…

1
François I, King of the Renaissance 40:50

2y ago40:50

40:50

We delve into the life and reign of King François I (Francis the First), who ruled France from 1515 to 1547. Despite facing significant challenges and experiencing notable failures during his rule, François I remains one of the most renowned French monarchs. He is particularly associated with the Renaissance in France and has left a lasting legacy,…

1
De Gaulle, JFK and the New World Order with Sean J. McLaughlin 1:05:29

2y ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In this special episode, I am joined by Sean J. McLaughlin, historian specialized on the relationship between Charles de Gaulle and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He is the author of JFK and de Gaulle: How America and France Failed in Vietnam, 1961-1963 (University Press of Kentucky, 2019). Together, we discuss the complex but utterly fascinating relatio…

1
French Indochina, from Imperial Jewel to Hell on Earth 46:49

2y ago46:49

46:49

"The pearl of the Empire", that's how the French described their colony of Indochina, comprised of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. They took over control in the nineteenth century, exploited the place for decades, and finally got kicked out in 1954-55. It is a story of violence and exploitation. Of colonization and war. Of exchanges and legacies. And s…

1
Season 5, Episode 2 - Michael Barrett, University of Pretoria, South Africa 24:51

2y ago24:51

24:51

Meet our 2024 TMEA All-State Conductor Michael Barrett on Texas State Choirs Today! Michael talks about the University of Pretoria Choir, including their travels, membership, and local events. We also discuss Dr. Barrett's activity as an arranger of South African folk music.By Jonathan Babcock

1
Season 5, Episode 1 - Rosephanye Powell, Auburn University 34:39

2y ago34:39

34:39

Composer, conductor and singer Rosephanye Powell talks about her life as an artist, an educator and performer. Featured recordings: Songs of Separation: If you should go William Grant Still Gospel Trinity - III. Holy Spirit, Come Rosephanye Powell; Rosephanye Powell, soloist To sit and dream Rosephanye Powell; California State University-Long Beach…

1
Napoleonic Discussion with Very Special Guests 2:15:06

2y ago2:15:06

2:15:06

In this very special episode, I am joined by a coalition of Napoleonic experts to discuss this fascinating period of history and its legacy. We cover Napoléon's personality, some campaigns, the roles of his marshals, the era's lasting impact, as well as a variety of other topics. A truly interesting and enjoyable discussion. My guests are: Dr. Zack…

1
Charles de Gaulle, Tales of Grandeur 52:41

2y ago52:41

52:41

Charles de Gaulle, the famous general who led the French Resistance during the Second World war before becoming President and the father of the current French political system: the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle is a very, very complicated man. You will often read in the same paragraph that he was ultra-conservative, but that he was a troublemaker and f…

1
The Fall of France of 1940, German Victory or French Defeat? 41:27

2+ y ago41:27

41:27

The Fall of France of 1940, the famous military campaign that saw France being conquered by the German army in a few weeks. This subject is one of the most misinterpreted military events in history. Reading online, you’d believe that the French went to war with sticks to fight German Panzers, or that they fled at the first sign of enemy artillery. …

1
Ep10 | Message in a Bottle 40:27

2+ y ago40:27

40:27

Aether, Sirius, and Logo wait out a sandstorm and spend the night at a desert inn. They investigate the mystery of the last guest who checked in but never checked out. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea…

1
Ep9 | Cradle of Despair (Part 2 of 2) 36:00

2+ y ago36:00

36:00

Aether, Sirius, and Logo face their doom at the Institute of Advanced Psychobeing. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea English Sound Supervisor and Mix by Dennis Dembeck Sound Design by Dan Timmons Music…

1
Ep8 | Cradle of Despair (Part 1 of 2) 36:29

2+ y ago36:29

36:29

Aether, Sirius, and Logo stumble upon an eerily advanced institute in the middle of the desert. They encounter the head of the institute, Professor Adder, and his assistant, Eva. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda …

1
Ep7 | Crater Tales 48:49

2+ y ago48:49

48:49

Aether, Sirius, and Logo spend the night at the bottom of a massive crater. They share stories as to what could be the source of the crater’s origin. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea English Sound Sup…

1
Ep6 | Mole Lair 51:02

2+ y ago51:02

51:02

Aether, Sirius, and Logo reach the Mole Lair, the site where the satellite dish they’ve been hired to recover is located. Safe retrieval of the satellite dish proves more challenging than expected. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produce…

1
Napoléon Part II - From Paris to Saint Helena 1:07:50

2+ y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

December 2nd 1804, Napoléon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of the French. Over the next decade, he will keep reforming and modernizing France, but he will also fight the rest of Europe. He will become master of the continent, defeating all his enemies on land, only to go too far and to see Europe strike back at him and at France. This is the second p…

1
Ep5A | Pyrite Kingdom - Oren’s Oasis 38:07

2+ y ago38:07

38:07

Aether, Sirius, and Logo travel to a castle with an oasis at the edge of the Azrael Desert. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea English Sound Design and Mix by Dennis Dembeck Music by Trey Toy Episode wr…

1
Ep5B | Pyrite Kingdom - Nero’s Return 32:37

2+ y ago32:37

32:37

Aether, Sirius, and Logo go to battle and get more than they bargained for when the Kingdom’s archenemy Nero makes his return. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea English Sound Design and Mix by Dennis D…

1
Ep4 | Desert Reflections 42:05

2+ y ago42:05

42:05

Aether, Sirius, and Logo agree to a moratorium on speaking. They reflect inwardly on their journey through internal monologues. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda and Chelsea English Sound Design and Mix by Dennis …

1
Ep3 | Uncanny Valley 54:15

2+ y ago54:15

54:15

Aether, Sirius, and Logo find themselves in an uncharted valley. They encounter a kooky lighthouse keeper, a sinister desert gang, and a mysterious black mountain mass in the distance. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Ray…

1
Ep2 | Rokh Bazaar 43:44

2+ y ago43:44

43:44

Aether, Sirius, and Logo, three adventurers on a mission to recover a satellite dish for The Agency, travel to the Rokh Bazaar in search of supplies and safe passage into the desert. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymo…

1
Napoléon Part I - From Corsica to Paris 56:55

2+ y ago56:55

56:55

Napoléon Bonaparte doesn't really need an introduction. He's the most famous Frenchman ever. He's had more books written about him than any other person, except for Jesus Christ. This French general and emperor shook France, Europe and the world at the turn of the nineteenth century. He is also a polarizing figure. Enlightened ruler, or tyrannic di…

1
Ep1 | Pilot 40:42

2+ y ago40:42

40:42

Aether and Sirius, partners on a mission, meet Logo, who attempts to recruit them for a new quest on behalf of The Agency. The three work together to complete the current mission. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg and iHeartRadio Co-produced by Adam Raymonda…

1
Ep0 | Umbra Prologue: The Intra - Enter Your Mind 9:53

2+ y ago9:53

9:53

Before the adventure begins: The Lost Agent, a mercenary loyal to The Agency, loses his way in the Azrael Desert. He encounters Umbra, a primordial evil existing solely in the mind, and crosses into her mental realm called The Intra. Intra Quest – Created by Michael Freiberg A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media Executive Produced by Michael…

1
Trailer | Intra Quest 2:32

2+ y ago2:32

2:32

Three adventurers in a post-apocalyptic world, Aether, Sirius, and Logo, take on a mission to recover an ancient satellite dish and return home. A primordial evil awakened at the time of the apocalypse exists solely in the mind and threatens their mission and the world. A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media. Created by Michael Freiberg. See …

1
The French Revolution, a Worldwide Tremor 1:02:11

2+ y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

The French Revolution shook the world from 1789 to 1799 and completely transformed modern European societies. By ricochet, it transformed the whole world. It was a real political tsunami, with immediate and long term consequences. With the following Napoleonic wars, it shaped the Nineteenth century in a way that nobody could foresee only a generati…

1
Aliénor d’Aquitaine, Queen of France and of England 36:15

2+ y ago36:15

36:15

Of the millions of people who are born every year during the Middle Ages, an extremely small number are what we call “blue bloods”, members of the nobility. Out of that already small number, a little percentage can be called “royalty”. Someone who manages to be a monarch not only for one country but for two countries, two adversaries, that is more …

1
The Hundred Years’ War, Death by all Means - Part Two 38:36

3y ago38:36

38:36

This part-two of a two-part episode on the Hundred Years' War. I encourage you to listen to the previous episode if you haven't already done so. England owns a third of the French kingdom. War has ravaged France for a quarter of a century. The Black Death has killed millions of people and keeps coming back. At the end of the XIVth century, France i…

1
The Hundred Years’ War, Death by all Means - Part One 35:45

3y ago35:45

35:45

The Hundred Years' War or la guerre de Cent Ans in French. That enormous conflict, or series of conflicts actually, ravaged France from 1337 to 1453. The vast majority of English or American history podcasts or books have an English point of view regarding this conflict. This is perfectly normal and understandable, but I will try to bring more of a…

1
Vikings and Franks, with Christophe Adrien 44:17

3y ago44:17

44:17

Vikings in France. Here's an often ignored topic for historical discussion. In this special episode, we try to remedy to that situation. I say "we" because we have a guest on this one, historian and author Christophe Adrien, specialist on the Viking world and especially their role in Brittany. Join us as we discuss Vikings, Franks, longships, silve…

1
Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Roman Emperor 35:19

3y ago35:19

35:19

Charlemagne is one of the most important figures of the Middle Ages. He ruled from 768 to 814 as king of the Franks, and became Roman Emperor in 800. He conquered peoples, built institutions and completely changed Europe's political trajectory. One cannot stress enough the importance of his reign and his legacy. I think you will find him a complex …

1
Voltaire in Prussia, with Alec Avdakov 42:24

3y ago42:24

42:24

In this special episode, we travel outside of France, to Prussia, guided by Alec Avdakov from the podcast "The Life and Times of Frederick the Great". Make sure to check out his podcast. Voltaire was in Berlin, at the court of Prussia from 1750 to 1753, invited by the Prussian King Frederic II, known as Frederic the Great. This is a perfect example…

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