At just 24, Alexander the Great becomes a pharaoh in Egypt, blending conquest with local customs. His journey from young king to semi-divine ruler reveals the tensions of ambition and cultural unity. The tragic incident at a banquet highlights the darker sides of power and guilt. With a relentless quest for greatness, Alexander grapples with the myths surrounding his legacy while pondering his humanity. This exploration reflects on the emotional complexities of his reign and the ultimate costs of greatness.

Explore the thrilling game that clinched the 2009 World Series for the Yankees, with a surprising standout performance. Discover Masanori Murakami’s incredible journey as the first Japanese player in MLB, navigating cultural challenges and public scrutiny. Delve into the rigorous training in Japan that shaped Murakami’s career, and the complex loyalties he faced upon returning home. Finally, see how his legacy opened doors for future stars like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani, reshaping the landscape of baseball.

William Sheehan, author of "Discovering Mars," discusses the fascinating history of Martian exploration. He reveals how the Mariner 9 mission broke the infamous 'Mars Curse' by providing stunning images and groundbreaking data about the Red Planet. Sheehan dives into the allure of Mars, from early telescopic theories to the intense space race. The conversation also highlights the contrast between public imagination of Martian life and the harsh reality revealed through exploration, opening a window into humanity's ever-evolving connection with Mars.

Allison Emmerson, an Associate Professor of Roman Archeology at Tulane University and director of the Pompeii I.14 Project, explores the rich tapestry of everyday life in Pompeii before disaster struck. She reveals how the bustling marketplaces and restaurants catered to a diverse population, showcasing middle-class life often overshadowed by elite narratives. Emmerson discusses recent archaeological discoveries that shed light on the communal dining culture and the socio-economic dynamics affected by wealth and class disparities, providing a relatable glimpse into ancient Roman society.

Dive into the intriguing world of Southern crime with gripping tales that spotlight notorious cases. Each week, uncover a fresh story filled with suspense and unique narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat. The exploration of diverse criminal histories offers a captivating look at the darker side of the South. With a storytelling approach that draws you in, there's no shortage of shocking twists and compelling characters.

October 18, 1887. At the Crystal Palace in London, hundreds of cats are ready to be judged. This is the first show put on by the National Cat Club, an organization seeking to bring order to the competitive cat world. But the NCC has another goal, to bring legitimacy and attention to a new idea: having a cat as a pet.Even just a couple of decades before this, you’d rarely find a cat living in a person’s home. Cats were on the streets – living near humans, not with them. They’re pretty much seen on the same level as the mice they catch. But now, cats are starting to get their due. So, how did cats overcome their image problem? And who were the artists who helped us fall in love with our feline friends?Special thanks to Kathryn Hughes, author of Catland: Louis Wain and the Great Cat Mania.To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 11, 1975. In Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, Lorne Michaels and his cast and crew of 20-somethings scramble as the clock gets closer and closer to 11:30 PM. Wardrobes are being assembled, sets put together, and everyone—from NBC executives to viewers at home—anxiously awaits the start of what's supposed to be "a whole new dimension for TV." In just a few minutes, NBC's Saturday Night will be broadcast live across America, and change television forever.Today, guest host Dave Holmes interviews author James Andrew Miller to find out... what happened in the lead-up to the first episode of SNL? And how did one man's unwavering vision result in the most influential comedy program of the century?Special thanks to James Andrew Miller, author of Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live.To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 9th, 1944. In California, 50 U.S. sailors are on trial for the Navy’s most serious crime, mutiny. It’s a rarely used charge, yet these 50 sailors—all of whom are Black—face the death penalty if convicted. But today, their chances of a fair trial get a little better. Thurgood Marshall enters the courtroom. He is the lead attorney for the NAACP, and believes that this trial is a direct result of ongoing segregation and racism in the U.S. military. Knowing the odds are against him, Marshall will do everything he can to prevent a miscarriage of justice.Today, the Port Chicago Mutiny. Why did 50 Black sailors working on the homefront get charged with a capital crime? And with Thurgood Marshall on their side, will justice prevail in the courtroom?Special thanks to Matthew Delmont, professor of history at Dartmouth College and author of Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad; and Steve Sheinkin, author of The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights.To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 5th, 1871. In what some call the wildest town in the Wild West, bad blood has been building for a long time. Wild Bill Hickok, the sheriff of Abilene, Kansas, is facing down Phil Coe, a saloon owner with a history of antagonizing the law. Then, the guns come out. This kind of shootout isn’t uncommon in the Old West, but it’s a lot more complicated than good guys versus bad guys. And to understand it on a deeper level, you just have to play a video game.Red Dead Redemption is a wildly popular gaming franchise, filled with train robberies, cattle rustling, and gunfights. And today, we take a close look at the real history behind the second game in this legendary series. Who are the inspirations behind its main characters? And how can understanding this video game help us to learn the true story of the Wild West?Special thanks to our interview guest, Tore Olsson, author of Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, An Obsession, and America’s Violent Past.To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Quinn, editor of The Plain Dealer, shares insights on the infamous Cleveland Balloon Fest of '86, an ambitious attempt to raise the city’s spirits by releasing 1.5 million balloons. He discusses Cleveland's struggles with its tarnished reputation and how this colorful stunt was meant to unite and inspire the community. Listeners learn about the emotional ties to the event, the chaotic aftermath, and its lasting impact on perceptions of Cleveland. The podcast explores the excitement, environmental challenges, and media narratives surrounding this ambitious endeavor.