Podcast of Greats

Enjoy some time with Ian and Coop breaking down how Mummies were used for medicine and Socialite hospitality, how the FBI stole a hefty amount of Civil War gold, and how there is a pet rock on Mars. 

In the 18th century in France, a mysterious creature known as the Beast of Gevaudan was responsible for spreading fear over a rural region. It all began with a vicious assault on a woman that took place in the south of France in the year 1764. It's possible that this tragedy would have ended up being just another tale about a vicious and deadly beast, but nevertheless, the narrative spread, and it eventually grew so large that it involved King Louis XV of France.Top off that whiskey glass, it's a good one 

Sit back and relax with this week's thimble of whiskey episode brought to you by Cooper and Ian. The boys dive into some new alien chats, mass flocks of birds falling from the skies around the world, planets that should only exist in your nightmares, ancient occult mirrors designed to see into one's future, and the most wanted turkey in human history. Buckle up, pour that rocks glass to the brim, or spark up a phat one....this episode is a trip.

Caroline Amelia Nation, who was often called "Hatchet Granny" or "Carry Nation," was a radical member of the temperance movement, which protested alcohol use leading up to Prohibition. Carry described herself as "a bulldog running along at the feet of Jesus, barking at what He doesn't like", and claimed a divine ordination to promote temperance by destroying bars. In today's episode, we are going to discuss just how much of a bad-ass woman Carry Amelia Nation really was. 

The Rape of Nanjing, also known as the Nanjing Massacre or the Nanking Massacre, was one of the most horrific and lesser-known atrocities of World War II that lasted for a total of six weeks. This brutal event was perpetrated by the Japanese against the Chinese people who lived in Nanjing. The Japanese military had no regard for the lives of these innocent people and used a wide range of unethical and horrific actions to nearly exterminate the city. There were human experiments and even competitions where the Japanese would see who could kill the most people the fastest, which was reported in local Japanese newspapers as if it were some type of game show. This episode is a bit dark and is heavy with some wicked evil things. So, you have been warned. 

In today's episode, we are going to take a dive into America's most famous haunted house, The Amityville Horror house. For those of you who might not be so divvied in the haunted, true crime, and Hollywood horror world, the Amityville horror tale is an American horror classic tale, filled with demons, possessions, murder, and loads of conspiracy. The story of the haunting became so popular, that there have been over 30 films made surrounding the so-called hauntings, six of which made it to theaters, grossing over $220million in total box office sales. Our aim in this episode is to break down that horrific night of the DeFeo murders, the aftermath, and all of the hauntings that supposedly took place, and then explain how this riveting American horror tale became the most infamous haunted story in the US of A.

In today's episode, we will be discussing one of the most badass dudes to ever grace the Earth with his presence, Peter Fruechen. Danish explorer Peter Fruechen stood 6'7” tall and could put the fear of God into a man's heart with just a look. He killed a wolf or polar bear (depending on who you ask) with his bare hands, became a world-famous author, escaped the Nazis, cut off his own toes, and starred in an Oscar-winning film that was based on his own books.

In today's episode, we will be discussing the life story of King Taksin the Great, one of the most awesome and crazy warlord heroes of Thai history! Thailand had a lot of Kings that sought independence and glory. From Ramathibodi to King Naresuan, many Kings brought back the prestige of the Siamese Kingdoms, became respected, and were considered great rulers. In the 18th century, the Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya faced invasion once again. But a man born from intermarriage rose to power and prominence to revive the unity of the Siamese people for another time and became a player in the foundation of modern Thailand. A simple, common-born street merchant who joined the military, rose through the ranks all the way to Commander of the Imperial Guard, led a ferocious guerilla war against a vastly superior enemy force, threw out an invading army, crowned himself king, conquered new lands, and then went so religiously insane and tyrannical that his own advisors declared him unfit to rule on grounds of insanity and sentenced him to death by one of the weirdest royal execution methods I have ever heard of. 

Hey, y'all! Come kick it with Ian and Cooper as they discuss Viking torture, new discoveries within old findings and some good ol' whiskey drinkin.

In today's episode, we will be discussing Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great. Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Great, King of the Franks, Defender of the Faith, and Slaughterer of the Saxons is one of the most badass figures of history. In nearly four decades of rampant badassness and unrelenting Christian justice, this man ruefully obliterated the Vikings, Moors, and  Huns, conquered most of Italy, parts of Eastern Europe. He saved the lives of two different Popes on two separate occasions, and he was one of the only men to ever unite Western Europe under one rule. Pour yourself a thick glass of whiskey and embark on this crazy journey of Charlemagne's life. 

Hey there y'all! Come join Ian and Cooper with a glass of whiskey as they discuss new discoveries about Anne Frank, ancient drugged-up business relationships, and some new looks as to what might have happened to JFK's brain!

It's the first Friday of 2022, so it's time for you to get out of work, get home, grab some whiskey, and kick it with Cooper and Ian as we talk about some new things going on in space and recent or somewhat recent discoveries that involve Dinosaurs!

In today's episode, we will be discussing Shaka Zulu, the founder of the Zulu Kingdom. His actual name was Sigidi kaSenzangakhona but is commonly known as Shaka. He was a great Zulu king and conqueror. Shaka lived in the South-East region of Africa between Drakensberg and the Indian Ocean. During his brief reign, more than a hundred chiefdoms were brought together in a Zulu kingdom. Shaka was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu, responsible for re-organizing the military into a formidable force through a series of wide-reaching and influential reforms. Shaka's reign coincided with the start of the Mfecane/Difaqane ("Upheaval" or "Crushing"), a period of devastating warfare and chaos in southern Africa between 1815 and about 1840 that depopulated the region. His role in the Mfecane/Difaqane is highly controversial and resulted in the deaths of one million to two million people.

A couple days late but never a dollar short. Come hang out with Ian and Cooper for a relaxing thimble of whiskey.

In today's episode we will be diving down the rabbit hole to discuss one of the CIA's most illicit experiments, Project MK-Ultra.Project MK-Ultra was a classified CIA project where the agency conducted a series of covert and illegal human experiments, some of which were conducted on unaware citizens of the United States, to evaluate the potential use of LSD and other drugs that could be used in interrogations to weaken individuals and force confessions through brain washing, and psychological torture. 

We have a special guest, do not be alarmed! In this week's episode, we will be diving into the crazy conspiracy lore of major past events that have taken place within The Bermuda Triangle.The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a loosely defined region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where a number of aircraft and ships have disappeared under mysterious circumstances.This week features Cooper's brother, Ian Taylor.You can check out Ian's music here:Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ian-taylor/1315778426Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WwtEuo4b0B1OBULq7UBQV?si=IFlDPxv1S3Ck488OAynJfQ

In today's episode, we will be diving into one of America's oldest and most well-known family feuds. We are of course discussing the Hatfield and McCoy feud. The Hatfield & McCoy feud is perhaps the most famous family conflict in American history. It has become a legendary story of jealousy, rage, and revenge. Yet the events that took place near the end of the 19th century in central Appalachia are part of a much richer and more complex story, a story of a people's way of life slipping away, and their struggle to adapt to forces far beyond their control. 

Come hang out for a bit. We are going to split up some of our main episodes with some fun conversations about fun great topics. Glynn and Coop chat about Cleopatra, Woolly Mammoths, DB Cooper, and ancient toilets. You should grab a drink. 

In this week's episode, we will be covering Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard! Blackbeard was an English pirate during the Golden Age of Piracy. After serving as a privateer in the British navy, he, like many other privateers, turned to a life of piracy when the War of Spanish Succession ended in 1713. In a few short years, Blackbeard gained a notorious reputation as he and his crew attacked settlements in the Caribbean Sea and along the Atlantic Coast of North America up until he met his violent end on November 22, 1718.

In this week's episode, we will be discussing the life of the real Lone Ranger, Bass Reeves. Born to slave parents in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas, Bass Reeves would become the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River and one of the greatest frontier heroes in our nation's history.

In today's episode, we will be discussing Lady Jane Grey. Lady Jane Grey was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII and was the first Queen of England for just nine days, as part of an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the accession of the Catholic Mary Tudor. Jane inherited the crown from her cousin Edward VI on July 9th, 1553.She arrived at the Tower of London to prepare for her coronation, but within two weeks she was a prisoner of her Catholic cousin, Mary I, who had claimed the throne as rightfully hers. While Mary was reluctant to punish Lady Jane at first, she proved too much of a threat.On February 12th, 1554 Jane was executed on Tower Green at the young age of 17.

In this week's episode, we will be discussing Hernán Cortés. Don Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. A man that was truly a product of his time. 

In this week's episode we will be discussing Spartacus! Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who led a slave revolt army against the Roman Republic and was successful in defeating Roman forces over half a dozen times while marching his people up and down the Italian peninsula. Spartacus and his army were nearly at arms lengths of toppling control of the Roman Republic but was killed in battle in April 71 BC during his slave armies final stand against the Republic. 

In today's episode we will be discussing the life of one of the most famous assassins in the United States, John Wilkes Booth. The man that killed Lincoln.

In this week's episode, we will be discussing Billy The Kid! Billy is probably the most misunderstood historical figure of the Old West. He was not a cold-blooded killer, nor was he a robber of trains or banks. Instead he was a gunfighter in a feud between two factions in which both sides stole from each other and killed. Billy was simply a scapegoat for those in power at the time and never got a real chance in life, but instead kept falling down the wrong path. Don't get us wrong, Billy was no angel, but he definitely didn't deserve the life he was delt. 

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. In 1295, Marco Polo returned to Venice after spending 24 years in Asia. Venice was at war with its rival Genoa. Polo took part in helping defend Venice and found himself captured as a prisoner of war. Within his time as prisoner, his cellmate was a famous romance writer, Rustichello da Pisa, and together they wrote one of the most famous works of literature - The Travels of Marco Polo. 

This week, we will discuss the life of the great 20th century English actor, Christopher Lee. Mr. Lee was a man of many talents. He learned eight languages, became a master swordsman and a Nazi hunter, all before he made his first film. Best known for his portrayal of Dracula, he managed to appear in more films over the course of his very long life than any other actor before or since. 

In this week's episode Cooper and Glynn discuss the first and last female Chinese Emperor, Wu Zetian. China's history is a unique story filled with dynasties, rebellions and civil wars. Emperors came and went. Dynasties rose and dynasties fell. In nearly every case those dynasties were run by men who ruled over a vast Asian empire with hand-picked bureaucrats and concubines. And in the middle of China's most beloved imperial dynasty, Wu Zetian defied all odds and became Empress. 

In this weeks episode Coop and Glynn discuss the Battle of the Alamo, which was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna reclaimed the Alamo Mission near San Antonio, killing most of the Texians inside. 

In this week's episode, Cooper and Glynn will be discussing the courageous and plucky social reformer journalist of the late 1800's, Nellie Bly. She accomplished so much in her life, it reads like an action / adventure book of fiction. She committed herself to a disreputable insane asylum in New York City for women to report on the wrong-doings there and later, traveled around the world as a stunt to promote her newspaper in an age when women almost never traveled anywhere alone. Later, she managed to become an industrialist and innovator before returning to her first passion, investigative reporting. She is the true definition of a female badass. Grab a drink and listen in, it's a fun ride.

In today's episode we will be discussing Elizabeth Báthory, who came to be known as The Blood Countess who tortured and murdered anywhere from 80 to 650 young women and spread their blood over her body or possibly even bathe in their blood. Her atrocious acts can be explained by a few different factors, such as the practice of torture was more common in her time, her genetic heritage, personal madness, and the fear of fading beauty......The bloody tale awaits you.

This week, in honor of the mighty drinking holiday around the corner, we will be discussing none other than the great Saint Patrick himself and his legendary mythical stories!

In today's episode we will be discussing the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union which formed from the infamous Sputnik crises and led to mankind's first steps onto the Moon.

In today's episode we will be discussing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD that buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum while simultaneously preserving bodies of humans and animals alike, allowing historians to take the most detailed look ever into the ancient Roman Empire.People's brains explode....you should listen.

In today's episode we will be discussing Josephine Baker, the world renowned American-born French entertainer, World War 2 spy against the Nazi's and civil rights activist that used her platform to change the world. Josephine Baker radically redefined notions of race and gender through style and performance in a way that continues to echo throughout fashion and music today, from Prada to Beyoncé.

In today's episode we will be discussing Robert Smalls, the slave who seized a Confederate ship during the Civil War and sailed it to freedom.Just before dawn on May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls and a crew composed of fellow slaves, slipped a cotton steamer off the dock, picked up family members at a rendezvous point, then slowly navigated their way through the harbor. Smalls, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and Confederate coat to help hide his identity, acting as the captain, responded with the proper coded signals at Confederate checkpoints, including Fort Sumter, and other defense positions. After clearing the Confederate checkpoints, Smalls sailed into the open seas. Once outside of Confederate waters, he had his crew raise a white flag and surrendered his ship to the blockading Union fleet.

This week Cooper & Glynn discuss The Cuban Missile Crisis where the world almost came to an end in October 1962. The Cuban Missile Crisis was among the scariest events of the Cold War with the possibility of ending human existence. 

This week we break down the most mysterious hijacking in American history. The man who brought a bomb on a plane, negotiated for four parachutes and $200,000 and then jumped out mid flight, never to be seen again! Ladies and gentlemen, we bring to you, Mr. D.B. Cooper!

Join us this week as we discuss the finality of the mysterious Cleopatra!

This week we begin our 2 part series of Cleopatra!Cleopatra VII Philopater was an Egyptian queen, who's story is portrayed in dramatic stories from novels, to stage performances and to the big screen itself, as the lover of Julius Caesar and later as the wife of Mark Antony. She became queen following the death of her father, Ptolemy XII,  in 51 BC and ruled successfully with her two brothers, who met their fate by the dealings of Cleopatra. After the Roman armies of Octavian, defeated their combined forces, Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide, and Egypt fell under Roman domination. Queen Cleopatra is remembered as history's temptress, a queen adept in the art of seduction, the ultimate femme fatale. But her story isn't so simple. Cleopatra's destiny as the ruler of Egypt expected much of her, and she faithfully obliged. 

This week, we tell the story of the Finnish War hero, Simo Häyhä, also known as The White Death! Simo Häyhä was the legendary Finnish War hero, who served his country during the 1939-1940 conflict known as the Winter War against the former Soviet Union. Simo served a total of 98 days with 6th Battalion, Infantry Regiment 34 amassing over 500 kills. The war itself lasted 105 days, but Simo was wounded by an exploding bullet and hospitalized during the last week of the war. Simo's nickname was The White Death of the Winter War, a nickname given to him by the Russians. 

In the heart of Rome, Italy, lies a massive stone amphitheater known as the Roman Colosseum. Commissioned around 70-72 A.D. by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian Dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. The largest amphitheater in the Roman world would become a stage for Gladiator battles, animal hunts, staged naval battles and public executions. The bloody existence of the Colosseum would last nearly 400 years and claim over 400,000 lives along with over one million animals. After four centuries of victories and slaughter, this monument fell to neglect, and the section that collapsed in a 14th century earthquake was used as a source of building materials for Saint Peter's Basilica among other buildings. Although only one third of the original Colosseum still stands, it remains a popular tourist destination, as well as a symbolic icon of Rome and its long, tumultuous history.  Music by GeriArt from PixabayMusic by 1tamara2 from PixabayIntro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

In today's Christmas episode we will be covering the legend of St. Nicholas and how his story has traveled through time and welcomed its way into our shopping malls and Hallmark cards in the form of Jolly old Santa Claus. While diving into the jolly world of sleigh bells and reindeer, we will also be diving into Santa's counterpart, the horned, half-goat, half-demon, Krampus! Who instead of giving gifts to the children on the nice list, punishes children who have misbehaved. We have also included some fun Krampus Creepypasta's for you at the tail end of the episode!CHECK THIS DUDE OUT FOR CREEPY HORROR STORIES!!!J. Speziale - https://www.creepypasta.com/krampus/https://jspeziale.com/Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

This week we take you through the epic adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.The exploration of the North American continent in the early 1800's was the modern day equivalent of a trip to the Moon. President Thomas Jefferson ordered the expedition with 3 main objectives - to find a water route to the Pacific through the continent, to document unknown flora and fauna, and to make contact with the native tribes while extending a message of peace and cooperation to them from Washington D.C. It allowed the USA to gain a firm foothold beyond the Louisiana Territory in places like current day Oregon and Washington State where the British and Spanish were already staking a tentative claim. Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

The meaning of the name Torquemada is prophetic, because it means burnt tower in Spanish and being burnt at the stake was the fate of many victims of the Spanish Inquisition who refused to bend to the will of the Catholic Church at that time. The Inquisition was notorious for burning its heretics. So Torquemada, as the Grand Inquisitor, emerged as a sinister figure.He was the mastermind behind the Spanish Inquisition and the one responsible for all of the cruelty and tragedy that the Jews suffered in Spain in the late 15th century, the first Grand Inquisitor. Think of the Spanish Inquisition as a mini holocaust and think of Torquemada as the Heinrich Himmler of that mini holocaust.Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

Christopher Columbus, the man who is commonly known as the one who discovered America and sailed the ocean blue. Before recent events, there were statues across the United States and the world in honor of discovering America and paving the path to European colonization. When you judge this book by its cover, it looks like he has been rightfully honored for the courageous voyages he underwent. But as soon as you open that book, you may realize why his statues were toppled and beheaded around the world. A brilliant man and talented cartographer and navigator, he was also an egotistical leader that was obsessed with his own fame and stature, Christopher Columbus set out with the intent to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands, and mistakenly wound up in the Caribbean only to begin the genocide of the indigenous people. The picture of Christopher Columbus that we were painted in the public school system here in the States, was a partially false painting, and today we are here to lay it all out on the table for you.Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States from 1829 to 1837. Before being elected to the presidency, Jackson gained fame as a general in the United States Army and served in both houses of the U.S. Congress.Travel back to the Jackson era with Cooper and Gylnn for a rather entertaining discussion about why this man is considered an American Great (ass hole).Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA

Ching Shih was hands down the most successful pirate in the history of piracy. She (that's right, I said she) dominated the south-eastern Chinese Sea's with an iron fist, controlling a pirate armada consisting of about 1800 ships and several thousand men. Go ahead and compare that to the almighty Black Beard who only had 8 ships. From prostitute to pirate, Ching Shih lived an astounding life and went down in history as one of the most badass women in China and all the world. Intro/Outro beat created by Stafford Beatshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQJFh6xb_KNKG6NNnKDpA