The Smuggler Librarians of Timbuktu

In Today's episode, Ben is joined by Producer Andrew Jacobs to tell the tale of John Keller a former Marine, who when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, took matters into his own hands. Keller battled flood waters, bandits, heat, starvation, and probably gators to help countless people survive the devastating aftermath of the hurricane.  Because when the flood waters rose, so did he. 

In today's episode Ben and producer Andrew Jacobs enter the dark and mysterious world of Rasputin the "mad monk", the mystic who wielded unearthly influence over the Russian royal family and became one of history’s most infamous figures. Rasputin's rise from a Siberian peasant to the confidant of the Romanovs shocked the Russian Empire and fueled countless rumors of sorcery, scandal, and seduction, all leading up to the dramatic plot to end his life—if only he’d stay dead. Brace yourself for a tale of faith, power, and the collapse of an empire, centered around the man who seemed to defy fate itself.

In today's doozy of an episode Ben and Pat take you on a journey into the world of Mithradates VI, the "Poison King," who waged relentless war against the mighty Roman Empire for decades. Known for his unmatched cunning, resilience, and immunity to poison, Mithradates forged one of the most impressive resistance campaigns in ancient history. As a master of survival, he outwitted assassins, built alliances, and led his people through brutal wars, becoming Rome's most enduring adversary. 

In today's episode Ben is joined by producer Andrew Jacobs to discuss the legendary braveheart - William Wallace. Famously portrayed by Mel Gibson, William Wallace is a Scottish warrior and hero who showed led his people in an uprising against the tyrannical English until he got beheaded, drawn and quartered, inspiring an even bigger uprising!! This episode is dedicated to: "FREEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!" 

In today's episode Ben and Pat step into the mythic halls of power as we unravel the legend of King Minos of Crete, the ruler with a legacy steeped in both glory and terror. Known for his connection to the infamous Minotaur and the labyrinth, Minos’s reign was marked by cunning, ambition, and iron-fisted control over the Mediterranean. In this episode, we'll dive into the myths and realities surrounding Minos, exploring how he shaped Crete into a dominant force and became a central figure in one of history’s most iconic legends. Discover the truth behind the king who ruled not just a kingdom, but the darkest corners of mythology

In today's episode Ben and Pat are joined by author and podcast host Erik Slader from Epik Fails of History to talk about Alva Nuñe Cabeza De Vaca, a Spanish explorer who defied all odds to survive a harrowing trek across the Americas. Shipwrecked, enslaved, and wandering through unknown lands, Cabeza de Vaca's tale is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and unyielding determination. From enduring brutal hardships to becoming a healer and diplomat among indigenous tribes, his journey redefined what it meant to be an explorer. 

In today's episode, Ben and Pat are joined by Matt the host of the Late Night History podcast to chat about one of Boston's Bravest, Eddie Loder, a firefighter who made some of the most daring rescues in Fire Fighting history. 

In today's episode, Ben is joined by Brandon Fibbs to tell the story of Eugene James Bullard, an unsung American war hero who was one of the first African American Military Pilots who flew for France in WWI, and then fought the Germans again in WWII.     

In today's episode Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs tell the story of Captain James Macrae, a blue-collar ship captain for the British East India Company who managed to fight off two ships full of bloodthirsty pirates and lived to tell the tale. 

In today's episode, and in honor of the Olympics, historian Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs talk about possibly the greatest athlete of all time - Wa-Tho-Huk - AKA Jim Thorpe. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma not only dominated multiple Olympic events with scant experience in them, but put professional football on the map.