

History Hyenas with Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas
Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas
Comedians Yannis Pappas and Chris Distefano are smoothie-drinking history cuties who bring wild energy to every episode of their podcast, History Hyenas! Join these two as they blend history and humor like never before. Get ready to laugh and learn with the boys!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 57min
History of The Samurai is wild! & PACMan Jones
Former NFL cornerback Pacman Jones, known for his colorful personality and football prowess, joins the conversation as they dive into the fascinating history of samurai culture. They explore the brutal yet honorable life of samurais, sharing wild stories including the only Black samurai, Yasuke. Jones brings a unique perspective on sports culture, discussing the challenges athletes face and the humorous side of party life. The episode blends humor with insights into loyalty, legacy, and the evolving identities in both historical and modern contexts.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
King Louis XIV - The Original Influencer
Let’s take you back to Bourbon-ruled France for the tale of Louis XIV. He was an opulent king who ruled with a watchful eye for 72 years. He spent lavishly, hosted extravagant parties, and turned his reign into a grand spectacle in the burbs at Versailles where he forced everyone to live. His life was as public as that of a modern-day streamer. While his rule strengthened the monarchy and kept the nobility under his control, the common people bore the burden of heavy taxation. Though he died decades before the French Revolution, his policies contributed to the economic and social tensions that ultimately led to the uprising. Was he hood fo France or bad? Tune in and let the boys know! Support our sponsorsStart your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/HYENAS.Head to https://acorns.com/HYENAS or download the Acorns app to get started. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HYENAS at https://Mandopodcast.com/HYENAS! #mandopod#comedy #Podcast #History Join our Patreon at 👇https://www.patreon.com/historyhyenas/Subscribe to the poddy woddy Our YouTube!: https://bit.ly/2ARdDOz HH Clips:https://bit.ly/2YaK2Z8 iTunes: https://apple.co/2UQTHCc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fxtsc0 Hyenas Merch!!!https://teespring.com/stores/historyhyenasFollow us Cuz!🙆🏻♂️ Yannis PappasInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/yannispappas/Twitter - https://twitter.com/yannispappasWebsite - https://www.yannispappascomedy.com/🙆🏼♂️ Chris DistefanoInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdcomedy/Twitter - https://twitter.com/chrisdcomedyWebsite - https://www.chrisdcomedy.com/🐕More HyenasWebsite: www.historyhyenasisback.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyhyenas/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryHyenasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyhyenaspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 15min
The Jewish general that started the Israel Palestine conflict
Yannis & Chris delve deep into the past to explore the causes of the Jewish Diaspora. The Jews sought to shake off the yoke of Roman rule but failed in three revolts, leading to their expulsion from Judea. It was during this time that the name Palestine emerged, and the story of the Jewish Zealot Bar Kokhba remains highly relevant to today’s conflict.Support our sponsors:Make life easier by getting harder and discover your options at https://bluechew.com!Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/hyenas today.#comedy #Podcast #History Join our Patreon at 👇https://www.patreon.com/historyhyenas/Subscribe to the poddy woddy Our YouTube!: https://bit.ly/2ARdDOz HH Clips:https://bit.ly/2YaK2Z8 iTunes: https://apple.co/2UQTHCc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fxtsc0 Hyenas Merch!!!https://teespring.com/stores/historyhyenasFollow us Cuz!🙆🏻♂️ Yannis PappasInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/yannispappas/Twitter - https://twitter.com/yannispappasWebsite - https://www.yannispappascomedy.com/🙆🏼♂️ Chris DistefanoInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdcomedy/Twitter - https://twitter.com/chrisdcomedyWebsite - https://www.chrisdcomedy.com/🐕More HyenasWebsite: www.historyhyenasisback.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyhyenas/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryHyenasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyhyenaspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tim Dillon is at the End
Tim Dillon, a sharp-witted comedian, joins Yannis and Chrissie for a lively discussion that ranges from the highs and lows of P. Diddy's life to the murky morality of the music industry. They delve into celebrity culture, exploring how fame distorts identity and personal trauma. The trio also reflects on the absurdities of internet fame compared to traditional celebrity status, and they engage in humorous critiques of today's political landscape, drawing on nostalgic tales from the comedy scene of the 80s and 90s.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 15min
HOW SHE ESCAPED 24 YEARS OF SLAVERY
Dive into an astonishing escape story of Ellen and William Craft, who cleverly disguised themselves to flee slavery in the 1840s. The hosts blend humor and history, discussing the complexities of identity and freedom along their perilous journey. They reflect on cultural misunderstandings and race, while revealing the bravery of those who sought liberation. From Philadelphia to England, this tale is not just about survival but also about love and community reinvestment. Their engaging banter adds a layer of laughter to a powerful narrative.

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
Is Trump Right on Panama Canal?
Dive into the zany history of the Panama Canal while the hosts discuss Donald Trump's controversial takeover claims. They jab about the challenges of building the canal, from diseases to engineering feats. The conversation turns geopolitical, examining U.S. policies and Chinese influence. Plus, enjoy personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and their hilarious takes on the modern economic landscape. With jokes flying about yacht charters and tariffs, this episode blends humor and insights seamlessly!

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 32min
The Happiest Place on Earth
Discover the wild and stornid history of Walt Disney and his empire! Explore underground tunnels, the bizarre land acquisition in Florida, and conspiracy theories swirling around the man himself. Was he really frozen? Join a hilarious dive into Disney's dark side—from cult-like fandoms to expensive family trips. Enjoy comedic reflections on pop culture, absurdities of celebrity life, and even a whimsical take on reincarnation. It's a chaotic blend of humor and history that will change how you view the happiest place on Earth!

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 45min
A Prostitute’s RISE to Empress
The hosts dive into the sensational life of Empress Theodora, the only prostitute to become a powerful ruler. They blend humor and history while exploring her rise from humble beginnings in Constantinople. The discussion takes playful jabs at societal norms and draws amusing comparisons to modern figures. Listeners will appreciate the comedic take on sex work and personal finance, along with insightful anecdotes about Theodora’s impact on women's rights. This lively banter makes history both entertaining and relatable.

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 6min
Live from the Blast Zone
Live from D.C., the hosts dive into the quirky history of inaugurations with comical anecdotes about their own experiences. They hilariously compare presidential heights and make light of political absurdities. The discussion touches on historical figures and their modern counterparts, blending humor with insightful reflections. From mocking contemporary political antics to celebrating the quirks of the past, the banter keeps the audience entertained and engaged throughout.

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 25min
The Greek General That Ended the Ottoman Empire with his Glue Gun
Dive into the wild life of Georgios Karaiskakis, a Greek rebel who helped end Ottoman rule with his outrageous antics and sharp wit. Discover the absurdities of war through hilarious tales like a general's mooning mishap. Reflect on Greek identity and the cultural heritage impacted by the Ottoman Empire, all while enjoying playful banter and personal stories. From quirky historical figures to unexpected rivalries, this podcast blends humor with history to reveal the unforgettable legacy of this iconic hero.