Marcus Bull, a history professor and author of 'The Great Siege of Malta,' unfolds the gripping tale of the 1565 siege where the outnumbered Knights Hospitaller faced the formidable Ottoman Empire led by Suleiman the Magnificent. He illustrates the strategic significance of Malta and the relentless defense put up by Grand Master Jean de Valette. With discussions on the brutal tactics, disease's impact on the Ottoman forces, and the fine line between victory and defeat, Bull captures the resilience that ultimately turned the tide of the conflict.

Timothy Heck, an artillery officer in the US Marine Corps Reserve and a supervisory historian with the Naval History and Heritage Command, dives deep into the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima. He discusses the fierce resistance from Japanese forces and the heavy toll on American Marines, revealing the staggering casualties faced. Heck also explores the psychological challenges of motivating troops during such intense conflict and highlights key moments like the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, emphasizing the human cost of this pivotal WWII battle.

John Hogue, a renowned Nostradamus scholar, dives into the life of the famous prophet, exploring his dual role as a plague doctor and his intricate predictions. Hogue discusses Nostradamus's upbringing in a repressive environment and how his medical expertise helped during a plague outbreak. They unravel the significance of his famed quatrains, revealing insights tied to historical figures like Catherine de' Medici. The conversation also touches on why his prophecies, including those interpreted to foresee events like 9/11, continue to captivate and mystify us today.

Minou Dinshaw, author of "Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War," shares fascinating insights into this tumultuous period. She highlights the intense battles between Roundheads and Cavaliers, showcasing personal stories of friendships torn apart by war. The discussion explores the intricate allegiances, Prince Rupert's controversial strategies, and the strategic significance of Gloucester and Bristol. Dinshaw delves into the complexities of negotiation and shifting power dynamics, painting a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil.

Minoo Dinshaw, the author of 'Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War', provides fascinating insights into a tumultuous chapter of English history. He explores how candid political and religious disagreements ignited the conflict between the monarchy and Parliament. Listeners will discover the key events leading to civil strife, the moral dilemmas faced by participants, and the profound consequences of political scapegoating. The discussion highlights the shifting loyalties of friends caught on opposite sides of a devastating war.

Thomas Harding, a best-selling author and historian known for his work on the Holocaust, joins the discussion to explore the chilling duality of Rudolf Höss, the Commandant of Auschwitz. They delve into how Höss balanced his serene family life with overseeing mass murder. Harding recounts the disturbing psychological factors leading to Höss’s actions and his attempts to evade justice post-war. The visit to Höss's former home reveals the stark contrast of normalcy against the horrific backdrop of the genocide, raising profound questions about the banality of evil.

Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, former DEA agents who played pivotal roles in the hunt for Pablo Escobar, share their gripping experiences. They discuss Escobar's ruthless rise to power and the astonishing tale of his self-surrender to a government that allowed him to build a luxury prison. The duo recount their high-stakes efforts to capture him, including intense confrontations and the emergence of vigilante groups. Their reflections reveal the human impact of the drug war and the vital importance of maintaining optimism in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Nicholas Wachsmann, a Professor of Modern European History at Birkbeck University and author of "KL: A History of the Nazi Concentration Camps," shares insights into the grim history of Auschwitz. He discusses the swift dismantling of German democracy post-1933 and the origins of concentration camps. The conversation highlights the transformation of Auschwitz into a site of mass murder, the radicalization of Nazi policies against Jews, and anecdotal accounts of prisoner resilience amid despair. Wachsmann emphasizes the importance of remembering these atrocities to prevent the repetition of history.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Julie Greene, an expert in global labor and the history of the Panama Canal, unpacks its tumultuous past. She reveals how the canal, a 50-mile waterway of immense significance, faced centuries of failed attempts before the U.S. took on the challenge in the early 1900s. The podcast highlights the horrendous conditions faced by Caribbean workers, the scandalous political maneuvering by the U.S., and the canal's lasting impact on global trade and geopolitics, including contemporary debates over its legacy.

John Garth, an award-winning Tolkien biographer and author of 'Tolkien and the Great War,' shares insights into how World War I shaped J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary Middle-earth. He discusses Tolkien's early life and the profound impact of personal tragedy and friendship on his writing. Garth explores the pressures of enlistment and how the battlefield experiences influenced Tolkien's narratives. The conversation also highlights the contrast between Tolkien’s views on war and those of other contemporary writers, showcasing the deep psychological impacts of conflict on literature.