Restless Times in History

Fantastic Journeys: A night ride from Tudor death to Stuart glory

The fantastic history of Robert Carey's incredible horseback ride from Richmond Palace in England to Scotland in just 2 days, in March 1603 -  in a dash to be the first to bend the knee to a new Stuart king. A story of death, ambition, a secret ring, and friends in the right places...
 
For the full story of the last days of Elizabeth I - see the 3 part podcast episode
Last Days of Elizabeth I

Part 4/4: The Justinian Plague - The aftermath and ’what if’ of Byzantine history

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire. 
In this concluding episode, we explore the aftermath and wide ranging effects of the Justinian Plague - and speculate on what might have happened, had the plague not left Constantinople, ravaged, hungry - and bereft of half its population?
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Part 3: The Justinian Plague: Wild rodents, elegant silks, and a pale, pale sun

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire. 
Why did the plague pandemic erupt at this particular time in history?In this third episode, the possible meteorological, biological, and socio-cultural events which affected the progression of the plague are examined. 
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Part 2: The Justinian Plague: Battles, Boats - and too many Bodies

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire. 
In this second episode, the emperor persists with his dreams of conquest even as Constantinople is ravaged by the plague. But enemies take stock of a weakened city...and internal conflict threatens to overwhelm the hard hit citizens...
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Part 1: The Justinian Plague: Calamity engulfs Constantinople

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire. 
In this first episode, the plague arrives by grain ship - and as physicians are overwhelmed, the emperor is preoccupied with other matters...
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Pt 2/2 Fantastic Escapes: Ransome and Chess in a time of war

Part 2/2 Arthur Ransome's fantastic escapes in 1919
Arthur Ransome is best remembered as a successful author of children's books, most notably Swallows and Amazons.
But in 1919 he had a series of truly remarkable, daring, improbable - and fantastic escapes through partisan forests and vast landscapes, as he attempted to reach Estonia and escape with the woman, he loved.
 
Like classical literature or film reviews in general? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning
Email for the podcast
Restlesstimesinhistory@gmail.com

Pt 1/2 Fantastic Escapes: A. Ransome, a Kettle, and a Great Coat

Part 1/2 Arthur Ransome's fantastic escapes in 1919
Arthur Ransome is best remembered as a successful author of children's books, most notably Swallows and Amazons.
But in 1919 he had a series of truly remarkable, daring, improbable - and fantastic escapes through partisan forests and vast landscapes, as he attempted to reach Estonia and escape with the woman, he loved.
 
Like classical literature or film reviews in general? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

REVIEW: OPPENHEIMER - A historical film about creation, destruction, and the human mind

A NON-SPOILER review of the historical film, OPPENHEIMER, currently showing in cinemas.
Who, why, and what makes this film an exceptional experience
 
Like classical literature or film reviews in general? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and LearningRight now featuring a review of the 1982 best picture winner, Chariots of Fire

Part 7/7: Who was Bluetooth? The legacy of the man, warrior, and king

In the concluding episode of this podcast series on Harald Bluetooth, we examine the continued legacy of this 10th Viking king, who lived and died by the sword. 
Bluetooth technology was named after Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth really and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him? We examine possible answers - and similarities! 
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Part 6: Who was Bluetooth? The last battle and the beginning of legend

In the year 985: With all to win and nothing to lose, King Harald Bluetooth must join battle with his greatest foe and most deadly rival - his own son and heir - for the crown of Denmark
 
Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him?
 
Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning