The Pirate History Podcast
Matt Albers
A podcast about the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, the real men and women that threatened the trade and stability of the Old World empires, the forces that led them to piracy and the myths and stories they inspired. Famous names like Captain Henry Morgan, Henry Avery, Charles Vane, Mary Reed, Anne Bonny, Black Bart Roberts, Ned Low, and Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach will rub elbows with Queens, Kings, Popes, rebellious monks, Caribbean Natives, African Slaves and notorious governors like Woodes Rogers. History, high seas adventure, myth and magic, voodoo, treachery, biography and freedom await.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 31, 2018 • 51min
Episode 71 - Dice for Your Life
In 1697 France was at war, and had been for almost a decade. French artists, sculptors, dramatists and authors were encouraged to produce works that would bolster French spirits. It was propaganda. One of those authors was a former buccaneer ten years removed from his last pirate voyage, Raveneau de Lussan. His story was filled with everything the French fighting man could want. Valor, bravery, victory, spoils, and the charms of fair maidens. Today we poke holes in that story as the second Pacific Adventure draws to a close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22, 2018 • 39min
Episode 70 - Truth & Lies
Spring 1687. The pirates in the Pacific had been away from home for more than two years. They longed for Port Royal, or Tortuga, or anywhere they could sleep easy. Before they could return though, they needed one big prize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15, 2018 • 52min
Episode 69 - These New Turks
In April 1687 everyone in our story arrives at Drake's Isle. The French freebooters, the English corsairs, and a Spanish Naval Squadron sent to destroy them all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 7, 2018 • 50min
Episode 68 - In a Word, Freebooters
The French privateers in Nicaragua found themselves at the mercy of - and at peace with - the Spanish army outside Leon. They were given orders, from the peace signed by Louis XIV, to attack the enemies of Catholicism. Which they did. Sort of. But starvation, poverty, and a thirst for vengeance led them back to Spanish shores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 30, 2018 • 46min
Episode 67 - A Noisome Smell
The Buccaneers in the pacific were at an impasse. The coast of Nicaragua was preparing an army against them, and they had to get back to sea as quickly as possible. However, what to do once they were back on the water? Today we look at that decision, all while discussing the conquistadors, Medieval manufacturing practices, linguistics, and some disgusting medical details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 25, 2018 • 57min
Episode 66 - Swan Song
1685 would be a reliable date for the end of the Buccaneer era of the Golden Age of Piracy. For the English pirates in the Pacific, they were fighting the last real buccaneer fight of their careers. However, buccaneering was, traditionally, a French occupation. The English were part timers. After 1685 most of them that chose to continue the trade would do so full time. Only now they wouldn't be privateers or Buccaneers, but outright pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 18, 2018 • 41min
Episode 65 - Knavery
1685 saw the last great, and ultimately failed, piratical raid of the buccaneer era. A multinational armada of pirates sailed for Panama bay to capture the Spanish Treasure Fleet and were defeated. The aftermath saw the fleet disperse along national allegiances. Today we look at the national loyalties that drove this division and how they were beginning to crumble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 10, 2018 • 55min
Episode 64 - People of Desperate Fortunes
Our small fleet of English pirates was at an impasse, when several pieces of good fortune fell into their laps. First, a treasure trove of letters carrying news of a prize worthy of a king, and then the men needed to capture it. We introduce them and tell their stories, and then follow the pirates to battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 31, 2018 • 46min
Episode 63 - Nostos & Kleos
What is it that drives people to piracy? Is it a lust for gold? A need to support themselves, and perhaps build a life? Or is there something more? Something that drives them to seek out notoriety and infamy? A desire to be remembered? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 28, 2018 • 1h 1min
Episode 62 - Not Quite a Haven
What would it be like to spend three years in complete solitude, fighting for survival? Would it be better or worse if your only human contact came from other people trying to kill you? Today we discuss one man in that situation, and his rescue. Then we follow the pirates from the South Pacific to the Galapagos and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
