

15-Minute History
15-Minute History Podcast
Walking in the footsteps of history, fifteen minutes at a time. Join us for a 15-minute episode covering a person, place, or event in history, and stay for an extended discussion. New episodes and discussions every week.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2024 • 13min
Thanksgiving & the Art of Being Thankful | Repost
Join us as we share stories of Thanksgiving throughout history and discuss how to practice the art of being thankful. This episode originally aired in November 2019.

Nov 25, 2024 • 5min
Pop Quiz | History in Video Games
It's time for a Pop Quiz!
Join us as Joe and I discuss our favorite historical video games and the insights they give us into "real" history.

Nov 21, 2024 • 8min
Pop Quiz | Crashes, Recoveries, and the Welfare State
It's time for a Pop Quiz!
Join us as Joe and I compare the Great Depression to the COVID-19 lockdowns, how the country recovered from each, and the role of the welfare state in modern America.

Nov 18, 2024 • 18min
Espionage | Kim Philby and The Cambridge Five
Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, and John Cairncross—passed almost 17,000 classified documents to the Soviet Union for 30+ years. The information was so extensive and the volume so large, that Soviet intelligence initially suspected some of it might be disinformation, due to the high-ranking positions these spies held and the access they had. However, much of this intelligence was invaluable, influencing Soviet strategies during pivotal moments of World War II and the Cold War.
Join us as we teach you about one of the most notorious spy rings in modern history, The Cambridge Five, and the most prominent member, Kim Philby.

Nov 14, 2024 • 8min
Pop Quiz | The Printing Press and the Internet
It's time for a Pop Quiz!
Join us as Joe and I discuss the marvels of the printed word and the "skills gap" that seemed to happen during the Internet revolution.

Nov 11, 2024 • 46min
The Diadochi Successors | A Discussion
Discover the intriguing dynamics of the Diadochi successors and their impact on history. Explore how communication methods, like the Persian postal system, shaped governance. Delve into military strategies, contrasting Greek and Roman tactics. Unpack the complexities of Hellenization, blending Greek and local customs. Learn about the connections between Alexander the Great and biblical prophecies. Finally, examine the nuances of cultural blending, distinguishing between voluntary and imposed changes. It's a fascinating journey through a pivotal era!

Nov 7, 2024 • 22min
Pop Quiz | The 2024 Election
It's time for a Pop Quiz!
Joe and I take some time to discuss the results of the 2024 presidential election in the United States and some long-term implications for the two parties.

Nov 4, 2024 • 18min
Unity and Disunity | The Diadochi Successors
The podcast dives into the hubris and power struggles among the Diadochi, the successors of Alexander the Great. It highlights the chaotic aftermath of his death, showcasing the rivalries and ambitions that led to fierce betrayals. Key figures like Cassander rise and fall in a dramatic tale of conflict and dominance. The discussion also touches on the dual legacy of Hellenization, exploring its cultural impacts and moral implications. Learn how the dreams of unity crumbled, paving the way for greater powers to emerge in the Mediterranean.

Oct 31, 2024 • 5min
Pop Quiz | A Second Look at Historical Figures
It's time for a pop quiz!
Every Thursday, one of the hosts will ask the other a question about history they must answer.
Have an idea for a topic? Send it to us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com or submit it to our website at https://www.15minutehistorypodcast.org.

Oct 28, 2024 • 35min
The Roman Empire | A Discussion
Join us as we discuss six Roman emperors, highlighting how they either helped the empire grow through innovation and scalability, or through corruption and greed, contributed to its downfall.