Fin vs History Don’t Even Talk To Me Before You’ve Picked My Coffee | Papa Doc: Haitian Dictator (Part 1)
Jan 12, 2026
Dive into the chaotic rise of Papa Doc, from doctor to dictator, fueled by folklore and unconventional allies. Explore the mysterious world of Voodou, and the reality of daily Haitian life, including mud 'cookies'. Discover how a single book on Machiavelli fueled his ruthless political tactics. The creation of the infamous Tonton Macoute adds a chilling layer to his reign, blending terror with cultural symbolism. With humor and intrigue, this exploration of history promises a wild ride through Haiti's tumultuous past.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Haiti's Revolution Then Decline
- Haiti's extraordinary history includes the world's only successful large-scale slave revolt and later extreme decline in state capacity.
- Fin Taylor and Horatio Gould argue that Duvalier's era is central to understanding modern Haiti's struggles.
Politics Meets Vodou And Noirism
- Duvalier combined noirist racial populism with immersion in Vodou to build political legitimacy among rural Haitians.
- He reframed power as mystical destiny after surviving a diabetic coma, shifting from politics to mythmaking.
How Papadoc Became A Folk Healer
- François Duvalier earned the nickname "Papadoc" by distributing penicillin and walking to remote villages to treat yaws.
- The locals saw his cures as miraculous, which began his populist appeal.
