The Smuggler Librarians of Timbuktu

In today's episode Ben and Pat dive into Basil II also known as The Bulgar Slayer a super hardcore dude from Byzantine history who took on Krum the Horrible.  No this is not a Conan the Barbarian movie. This is real life and just goes to show we need way better nicknames for our leaders these days. 

On today's episode Ben and Pat dive into the stories of two very different women: Edith Garrud and Mary Church Terrell. They both fought valiantly for civil rights and women's suffrage, but only one them did so with jiu jitsu! 

Today we blast off with Apollo 11 as Ben and special guest Brandon Fibbs (9 Days in July) celebrate the audacious mission that put humanity on the moon. Learn about how Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins defied the odds, overcame incredible challenges, and made history. 

In today's episode we follow Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition to the Antarctic where he led his crew through relentless ice, treacherous seas, and brutal conditions. This is one of the greatest survival stories ever told as Shackleton and his men defy death at every turn. 

He's barely mentioned in history, except for once each in two separate books - but what they do mention - is the sort of utter mayhem that simply must be told and retold. Tune into to find out what makes Wolf the Quarrelsome so freaking badass. 

In today's swashbuckling episode, Ben and Pat set sail on an adrenaline-fueled adventure with John Paul Jones, the fearless naval commander who gave the British navy a run for their money.  Here we'll chart the daring exploits of the man who declared, "I have not yet begun to fight," and meant every word. From his legendary sea battles to his relentless pursuit of victory, Jones's story is a tidal wave of audacious heroics and nautical badassery. Prepare to hoist the anchor and dive into the epic saga of John Paul Jones, the pirate patriot who rocked the high seas. 

Ben Thompson is joined by Producer Andrew Jacobs in today's episode as they discuss the epic tale of Roy Benavidez, a human hurricane who tore through the jungles of Vietnam with unstoppable force. In this action-packed episode, witness how Roy transformed into a one-man army, rescuing comrades and defying death like it was just another day at the office. From brushing off land-mines, dodging bullets to taking down enemy fighters, his story is a whirlwind of bravery. Get ready to be blown away (pun intended) by the legend of Roy Benavidez. 

New York Times best-selling author A.J. Jacobs (author of the new book The Year of Living Constitutionally) joins Ben and Dr. Pat to talk about some of the unexpected people who have led to changes in the U.S. Constitution over the years. 

On this week's episode Ben and Dr. Pat chat about "Handsome" Mingyan a mythological character from the Jangar Epic, a group of stories that comprise what some might call the Mongolian King Arthur. He was a minor character in our previous episode about the Scarlet Khongor - today he takes center stage. 

In today's episode Ben Thompson and Producer Andrew Jacobs talk about the true story behind the new movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. And you won't be surprised to know that Operation Postmaster and those behind it were even more badass than portrayed in the movie!