The Explorers Podcast

Part 4 in our series on Christopher Columbus details his exploration of Cuba and Jamaica, plus his subjugation of Hispaniola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Columbus heads to the New World for a second voyage. This time he has 17 ships and more than 1,200 men. The object is to establish a viable commercial enterprise in this newly discovered land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Columbus embarks on his historic voyage, encounters setbacks with a broken rudder, but successfully repairs it. He continues his westward journey in search of land, encounters interesting sights, and eventually discovers a primitive island with naked people. Columbus explores the New World, interacts with natives, maps his routes, and claims lands for Spain. Despite not finding large quantities of precious items, Columbus evaluates the potential for settlement and is appointed as the leader of the second voyage.

Christopher Columbus seeks backing for his daring expedition to reach Asia by crossing the Atlantic. The podcast covers his early life, ambitions, and confrontations with Ferdinand and Isabella. It also discusses his attempts to gain support for his expedition and his audacious quest to sail into uncharted territory.

Francisco de Orellana heads down the Amazon River in a desperate bid to return to civilization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francisco de Orellana and Gonzalo Pizarro head over the Andes in search of El Dorado - the City of Gold. Instead, they only find death, forcing Orellana to begin a desperate 4,000 mile journey down the Amazon to reach safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zheng He commands the legendary Chinese Treasure Fleet, which sailed the Indian Ocean in the 15th century Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Étienne Brûlé, the most famous of the Coureur de bois, explores the lands around the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one of the greatest journeys of survival - and exploration - ever recorded, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca begins a 2,500 mile trek across Mexico in a bid to return to Spanish territory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stranded and alone in modern day Texas, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca begins a remarkable eight year struggle to return home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices