History Loves Company

For the most part on this podcast, we've focused on the factual. History is, of course, chock full of a near-infinite selection of interesting stories that bear repeating. But what of the fictional? Surely, there's history behind such things that never were, as fantasy writers Michael Page and Robert Ingpen once referred to them. In this, the first installment in a series of spooky-themed topics throughout the month of October, we'll be leaving the factual behind for a look at the history behind the greatest civilization that never was: the mythic lost (or eighth) continent of Atlantis!

Everyone knows about the October Revolution, the genesis of the greater Russian Revolution that took place in the final days of the Great War (World War One). But what many people don't realize is that this wasn't the first revolution to grip the country. Almost a century earlier, a failed revolt led by generals and military leaders attempted to bring an end to the absolute monarchy, one of the last of its kind in Europe. Join me as we explore this forgotten revolt, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!

In the years since the late 19th Century, the name Dracula has conjured up images of a vampire living in a secluded castle, but what if I told you that the name comes directly from an actual historical figure? Not a vampire, mind you, but someone who was just as bloodthirsty. Join me this week for a look at the meteoric, albeit chaotic, rise of Vlad the Impaler, one of the most notorious figures in all of history.

With the Great Famine in 1845 in Ireland, millions of destitute Irish fled to the United States in search of a better life. But their arrival on these shores was anything but warm and welcome. So harshly were they treated and severely discriminated against that, by the time the country entered into a war with Mexico, several troops of Irish ancestry defected to the other side. But this is more than just a tale of bigotry and injustice. It's one of courage, tenacity and, above all, standing up for what's right. Tune in to learn more.

We use them every day. Whether on foot or bicycle, by car or bus, the traffic signal has become so integral to our daily lives that we're hardly conscious of them anymore. But did you know that several makes and models were implemented before the final form we use today? Find out just how many (and how many equally brilliant people) were involved in their creation, development and evolution, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!

No longer safe in the United States with so many local law enforcement agencies hot on their trail, Butch Cassidy, Harry Longabaugh and the latter's girlfriend, Etta Place, make for South America, where they plan to start life anew. But old habits, as they say, die hard and they're soon back in the robbery business. But what ultimately becomes of the trio in this new, exotic locale? Find out in Part Two of Butch Cassidy's hard-to-believe story!