Western Civ
A fast-moving history of the western world from the ancient world to the present day. Examine how the emergence of the western world as a global dominant power was not something that should ever have been taken for granted. This podcast traces the development of western civilization starting in the ancient Near East, through Greece and Rome, past the collapse of the Western Roman Empire into the Dark Ages, and then follows European and, ultimately, American history as the western world moved into a dominant world position.
Latest episodes
Jul 11, 2025 • 31min
Episode 456: Charles I
Charles I ascends the English throne and almost immediately things turn south. Support the show!
Jul 4, 2025 • 21min
Episode 455: Salem
In what is perhaps one of the most infamous episodes in all of American history, in the winter of 1692 the tiny village of Salem, Massachusettes descends into paranoia and chaos. The cause? Witches...Support the show by joining our Patreon!
Jun 27, 2025 • 17min
Episode 454: Bacon's Rebellion
Virginia finds itself torn apart by the first rebellion in North America by colonists against their own government. Spoiler alert, it won't be the last. Nathaniel Bacon finds himself leading disgruntled farmers, indentured servants, and Africans (both enslaved and free) against the wealthy planters of the coast. Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jun 23, 2025 • 21min
Native American History and Culture 4
We finish our coverage of the First Nations of North America (for now) with the Great Lakes and upstate New York. Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Jun 20, 2025 • 22min
Native American History and Culture 3
Today we turn our attention to the tribes of the southeast and southwest United States.Western Civ 20 Free Trial
Jun 18, 2025 • 21min
Native American Culture and History 2
European farms are not the only kind... In this episode, I explore Native American farming in general and hunting.Western Civ 2.0
Jun 13, 2025 • 20min
Native American Culture and History 1
Today I begin a short series on pre-Columbian North American Indian history and culture. In this episode, I give a broad overview of several aspects of Native American culture and their use of fire to craft the world around them.Western Civ 2.0
Jun 6, 2025 • 14min
Episode 453: The Land of Dissent
Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson found Rhode Island.Western Civ Podcast 2.0 Free Trial
Jun 4, 2025 • 51min
Air Battles Before D-Day: How Allied Airmen Crippled the Luftwaffe and German Army in France
In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Colonel Joseph Molyson Jr and discuss the second book in his series on World War Two: Air Battles Before D-Day: How Allied Airmen Crippled the Luftwaffe and German Army in France. In this groundbreaking analysis, retired Air Force Colonel Joseph T. Molyson reveals how a year of strategic bombing and aerial warfare created the conditions necessary for D-Day's success. Drawing on his thirty years of military intelligence experience, Molyson pieces together the complex puzzle of amphibious planning, airborne operations, and inter-Allied coordination that culminated in Operation Overlord. Key revelations include:How the Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic enabled the crucial flow of American resourcesThe strategic bombing campaign's dual role in weakening both German industry and Luftwaffe capabilitiesThe intricate coordination between British night raids and American daylight bombing missionsPreviously overlooked connections between air superiority and the success of the D-Day landingsPerfect for military history enthusiasts and World War II scholars alike, this meticulously researched account offers fresh insights into the aerial strategy that changed the course of history.Buy the book HERE.Support the show HERE.
Jun 3, 2025 • 46min
And Housing for All
Today I sit down with advocate and author Maria Foscarinis and discuss her latest book: And Housing for All: The fight to End Homelessness in America.In And Housing for All, founder of the National Homelessness Law Center Maria Foscarinis reveals the human impact of the housing crisis by sharing personal stories and examining the flawed policies that have perpetuated it. As millions face rising housing costs and encampments spread nationwide, she uncovers why past efforts have failed and what must change to achieve lasting solutions.Drawing from over 35 years of national advocacy, Foscarinis shares compelling stories of individuals and families impacted by homelessness, highlighting their resilience and growing leadership. Blending personal narratives with policy analysis, she reveals how deliberate decisions have fueled the crisis and how public narratives have sustained it.And Housing for All is essential reading for social justice advocates, policymakers, lawyers, and anyone invested in solving one of America’s most pressing challenges.Buy the book HERE.Support the show HERE.
