Professor S. Paul O'Hara discusses Allan Pinkerton's journey founding the Pinkerton Detective Agency, balancing their heroic image with controversial strike-breaking work. The podcast explores Pinkerton's branding strategies, rivalry with Jesse James, and evolution from respected detectives to criticized security guards during the Gilded Age.

Former Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini shares his harrowing two-year ordeal after a B-24 bomber crash in the Pacific Ocean, surviving at sea and in Japanese captivity. The podcast covers his triumphs at the Berlin Olympics, struggle for survival in a POW camp, liberation, and post-war journey to reconciliation.

Explore the Pinkerton Detective Agency's pursuit of notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, their involvement with the Western Federation of Miners, and the evolution of their investigative methods. Dive into the mystery of missing gold on a steamship, and discover how the Agency faced congressional scrutiny and transformed into a global security force.

The podcast explores the rise of Pinkerton Detective Agency in the 1800s, from crime-fighting to labor dispute involvement. It delves into the agency's controversial tactics, including labor spying and strike-breaking. The Pinkertons' aggressive methods attracted scrutiny and led to violent clashes during strikes and investigations.

The podcast explores the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, with potential KGB ties. It delves into the assailant's erratic behavior, extremist connections, and unanswered questions. The episode also highlights the transformative meeting between the Pope and his assassin, focusing on forgiveness and reconciliation.

The podcast delves into the origins of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton, highlighting their role in preventing the assassination of President Lincoln. It explores Pinkerton's journey from Scotland to becoming a renowned lawman, as well as the agency's evolution into spies during the Civil War and pursuit of outlaws in the Wild West. The thrilling recount of train robberies and the relentless pursuit of the notorious Reno Brothers gang adds an exciting twist to the narrative.

Author and history professor Christopher Capozzola discusses the training of US soldiers in World War I, using old weapons and broomsticks as rifles. He talks about the recruits' journey from Hoboken to Europe to aid French and British forces. The podcast delves into the making of the modern American citizen through wartime experiences.

A look into the Broadway debut of the rock musical Rent, exploring themes of resilience, collaboration, and the creative journey of Jonathan Larson. Protests against discriminatory hiring policies in the UK also highlighted.

The podcast discusses President Woodrow Wilson's ambitious 14 Point vision for peace during the final months of World War I, his struggles against opposition at home and from America's allies, the chaos in Germany during the war, the tense armistice negotiations, the challenges faced after the war, including the Spanish flu pandemic, and Wilson's difficulties in achieving lasting peace at the Paris Peace Conference.

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by the US military during World War I, including production delays and equipment shortages. It explores President Wilson's 14-point peace plan and America's struggles to overcome production bottlenecks during Germany's impending spring offensive. The episode also highlights discrimination against German immigrants, increased opportunities for women, and acts of heroism by African American soldiers.