In this fascinating discussion, Benito Mussolini, the controversial Italian dictator and founder of the National Fascist Party, delves into his transformative journey from a wounded soldier to a rising political force. He recounts the tumultuous atmosphere in post-World War I Italy, marked by national grievances and social unrest. Mussolini reveals the strategic planning behind the audacious March on Rome, detailing how it secured his power amid chaos. His insights provide a chilling look at the bold tactics that cemented his rule and the birth of fascism.

Hugh Bonneville, known for his acting in shows like 'Downton Abbey,' takes listeners on a thrilling journey through Sherlock Holmes' mysteries. He introduces a veiled lady desperately seeking help, revealing her family's tragic secrets. Bonneville narrates the eerie ties to a sister's fatal fear and the unsettling occurrences haunting a decaying estate. The rich tapestry of intrigue unfolds as Holmes faces dark histories intertwined with love and loss, drawing fans of classic mysteries deeper into the narrative.

In this riveting discussion, Benito Mussolini, the infamous Italian dictator and founder of Fascism, recounts his journey from humble beginnings as the son of a blacksmith to becoming Italy's controversial leader. He explores his tumultuous youth, marked by violence and isolation, and discusses his radical political awakening during World War I. Mussolini also reflects on the chaotic events surrounding his downfall, conveying the transformation of public sentiment towards him, from a revered leader to a despised figure by the end.

Luis Moreno Ocampo, the deputy prosecutor who took on the trial of the Argentine Junta, shares his insights from the courtroom against General Videla. He discusses the emotional testimonies from survivors and the tough journey from dictatorship to democracy. The impact of the Falklands War is examined, revealing how it led to a demand for justice. Ocampo recounts efforts to expose the military's atrocities, culminating in a landmark verdict and reflecting on the broader implications for Argentina's identity and the continuous fight for accountability.

Jorge Rafael Videla, the notorious Argentine dictator during the 1978 World Cup, shares chilling insights into his regime's dark manipulations. He discusses how the World Cup was used as a mask for human rights abuses, presenting a facade of national pride while oppression loomed nearby. The podcast reveals tense moments of the contentious semi-final against Peru, where politics and football collided, and highlights the jarring contrast between celebratory crowds and the suffering of political prisoners, framing it as a complex narrative of triumph amid tyranny.

Guests Ernesto Seman and Edward Brudney dive deep into the dark era of General Videla’s regime in Argentina. Seman shares chilling insights about the oppressive measures and torture centers that marked the Dirty War. Brudney offers context around the coup, highlighting the surprising public support for military rule despite its brutal tactics. The episode vividly paints a picture of cultural repression and the fight for justice against a backdrop of international indifference, exposing the horrific reality faced by countless families.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Jorge Rafael Videla—a former Argentine dictator notorious for his human rights abuses—and journalist Robert Cox, who covered Argentina's tumultuous years, provide chilling insights into a dark chapter of history. They delve into Videla's early life and the socio-political chaos of the 1920s and 30s, illustrating how economic turbulence and military coups paved the way for his oppressive regime. The narrative starkly juxtaposes Argentina's cultural vibrancy against its grim reality, highlighting the personal stories lost in the brutality of the Dirty War.

Daniel Kalder, the author of 'The Infernal Library' and 'Dictator Literature: A History of Bad Books', delves into the curious world of dictators and their writings. He discusses the eerie blend of power and literature, showcasing how many dictators turned to pen and paper, revealing their vulnerabilities. Kalder highlights Saddam Hussein's surprising shift from speeches to novels, particularly 'Zabiba and the King', and ponders the grotesque legacy of a Quran written in blood, illuminating the deeper cultural and historical implications of dictator literature.

Join John Bartlett, a political events expert, Mark Ensalaco, a Latin American history scholar, and Peter Kornbluh, an author specializing in secret operations, as they delve into the dark legacy of Pinochet's regime. They discuss the chilling rise of DINA and its culture of fear, reveal the impacts of economic reforms amid social unrest, and explore the stark contrast between the privileged lives of the dictatorship's elite and the everyday struggles of Chileans. The conversation culminates in the haunting search for justice by the families of the disappeared.

John Bartlett, an expert on historical dictatorships, joins Mark Ensalaco, a scholar of Latin American political history, and Peter Kornbluh, a historian specializing in U.S.-Latin American relations. They delve into the chilling events of September 11, 1973, as Pinochet's coup unfolds. The discussion reveals the harrowing experiences of students at Santiago's Technical University and the brutalities faced by detainees, including the tragic fate of Victor Jara. They expose the terrifying 'Caravan of Death,' illustrating the regime's systematic persecution of dissenters.