The Revisionist History Podcast

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Setting the historical record straight, no matter who it offends, and making history fun (and sometimes funny) in the process. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revisionisthistorypodcast. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/revisionisthistory/

Paul Combs


    • Mar 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 587 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Revisionist History Podcast is an outstanding educational podcast that captivates listeners with its thought-provoking topics and engaging discussions. Hosted by Malcolm Gladwell, this podcast delves into historical events and reexamines them from a different perspective, challenging commonly held beliefs and offering new insights. With each episode, listeners are taken on a fascinating journey through the past, gaining a deeper understanding of how history has shaped the present.

    One of the best aspects of The Revisionist History Podcast is its ability to make history accessible and engaging for all listeners. Malcolm Gladwell has a talent for storytelling, using vivid language and compelling narratives to bring historical events to life. The episodes are meticulously researched, presenting detailed information in a way that is easy to understand and absorb. Whether you are a history enthusiast or someone looking to learn more about the subject, this podcast has something to offer everyone.

    Another strength of this podcast is its ability to challenge preconceived notions and offer alternative perspectives. Through thorough analysis and critical thinking, Gladwell presents alternative explanations and interpretations of historical events that may reshape our understanding of them. This fresh approach encourages listeners to question what they think they know and fosters intellectual curiosity.

    On the downside, some listeners find the background music distracting while listening to The Revisionist History Podcast. While others find it soothing and enjoyable, there are those who feel that it takes away from the content being discussed. It would be beneficial if the show provided an option for listeners to toggle the background music on or off based on their personal preference.

    In conclusion, The Revisionist History Podcast is an exceptional educational podcast that offers fascinating insights into historical events from a unique perspective. Malcolm Gladwell's storytelling ability combined with thorough research makes each episode captivating and thought-provoking. While some may find the background music distracting, overall, this podcast provides valuable knowledge and encourages critical thinking among its audience. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the subject, The Revisionist History Podcast is definitely worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from The Revisionist History Podcast

    An Brief Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 4:18


    Today's brief episode gives a long overdue update. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Five Films That Got History Right

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 6:55


    Hollywood doesn't care much about historical accuracy, and historically accurate movies aren't always great. The five we cover in today's Throwback Thursday episode are both accurate historically and excellent films as well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Myths About the War of 1812

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 7:35


    In today's episode, we explore both some facts and some myths about the most forgotten war in American history: the War of 1812. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Meet Sir Thomas More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 8:57


    In today's episode, we travel back to the time of King Henry VIII of England to meet a man who took a conscientious stand against the king and paid the ultimate price. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Myths About Sex in the Victorian Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 8:08


    In today's episode, we debunk the persistent myth that the Victorian Age in England was one of total sexual repression. The facts are much more interesting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Christmas Story You May Not Have Heard Before

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 4:10


    Merry Christmas! We all know the Christmas story from Luke's gospel, but in honor of the holiday, today's special Christmas episode looks at a Christmas story you may not be familiar with. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Best of 2023: Three Maritime Myths from the Age of Sail

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 11:17


    To wrap up the year, we will be looking back at some of the most popular episodes of 2023. We start with an episode debunking three persistent myths from the Age of Sail. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Real Origins of Two Cherished Christmas Traditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2023 7:14


    Rather than debunking Christmas myths (which we did in an earlier episode anyway), today we'll be looking at the origins of two of our most cherished and enduring Christmas traditions: the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 7:13


    Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. In today's episode, we take a closer look at her appearance to St. Juan Diego 500 years ago. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Four Persistent Myths About Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2023 7:39


    We're right at two weeks before Christmas, which makes it the perfect time to debunk some long-held and long-cherished myths about the holiday. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Emperor Constantine Did Not Invent the Catholic Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2023 5:48


    In today's episode, we tackle a myth I didn't know about until recently: the claim by some that the Roman Emperor Constantine actually started the Catholic Church. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Books the Saints Read

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 9:49


    Since I missed the Sundays with the Saints episode yesterday, today I am combining that with our Tuesday book review segment. In this episode, we look at the books that influenced the saints. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Three Big Historical Errors in 'Band of Brothers'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 10:38


    Sometimes, even an outstanding historical series gets some major facts wrong. In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we look at three times this happened in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    A Very Different Halloween Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 6:51


    Today's episode is unlike one I have ever done. I was going to cover myths about Halloween, but I realized that, for some odd reason, I did that earlier in the month. So for this Halloween, we veer into music for the first, and probably last, time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Four U.S. Presidents Who Won the Nobel Peace Prize

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 8:12


    In today's episode, we look at the four US presidents who won the Nobel Peace Prize. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Some Recent Developments at The Revisionist History Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 4:53


    Today's episode is not about history but rather an update on recent developments with the podcast and some changes as a result of those developments. Also, the email I mentioned in the episode is revisionisthistory@yahoo.com. Thanks. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    From the Archives: Trigger Warnings and Revisionist History

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 6:01


    In today's episode, I'm pulling an episode from the archives that should have run again during Banned Books Week. In it, we look at a recent spate of trigger warnings and outright rewriting of classic literature that are the very epitome of revisionist history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Tuesday Book Review: Witness to Hope - The Biography of Pope John Paul II

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 5:55


    For this week's Tuesday Book Review, we're looking at a giant of the 20th century and an equally massive biography: "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II" by George Weigel. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: St. Gregory the Great

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 8:19


    In today's Sundays with the Saints episode, we meet the last of the four great Latin Fathers of the Church: Pope St. Gregory the Great. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Four Myths About Benito Mussolini

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 6:30


    In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we debunk four myths about the least-known leader of World War Two: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    A Look at Christopher Columbus on Columbus Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 8:38


    From the toppling of his statues to moves to rename cities named after him, few historical figures cause as much debate centuries after their death as Christopher Columbus. Was he a hero, or a villain, or both? Today's Columbus Day episode looks at that question. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: St. Augustine

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2023 10:54


    In today's Sundays with the Saints episode, we look at a saint and Church Father that virtually everyone has heard of: St. Augustine of Hippo, author of "The Confessions." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Four Myths About the Titanic

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 8:58


    On today's Throwback Thursday episode, we debunk four myths about the RMS Titanic, which tragically sank on the early morning of April 15, 1912, and is one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    It's Never Too Early To Debunk Myths About Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 8:29


    Since it's become something of a month-long celebration, it's not too early to talk briefly about the history, revisionist and otherwise, of Halloween. No ghosts here...just a jack o' lantern lit by facts. Enjoy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: St. Ambrose

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 6:18


    In today's Sundays with the Saints episode, we look at the life of another early Church Father. Let's meet St. Ambrose of Milan. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Banned Books Week Starts Tomorrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2023 10:25


    Tomorrow, October 1st, kicks off Banned Books Week in the United States. On the surface, it may not seem like that has anything to do with revisionist history, but in reality, it does. Let's look at how and why. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Man Who Might Have Ended the Civil War Two Years Sooner

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 4:48


    History is filled with examples of missed opportunities, and in today's episode, we look at one involving Abraham Lincoln, Italian freedom fighter Giusepe Garibaldi, and the American Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Four Myths About the Salem Witch Trials

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 6:47


    More than 300 years after the infamous Salem Witch Trials, the event remains shrouded in myth and misconception. In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we set the record straight. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Che Guevara, the Poster Boy of Revisionist History

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 16:45


    In today's episode, we take a look at the man who is the literal poster boy of revisionist history. If you only know him as "that guy on the T-shirt," you're in for a surprise. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Author Profile: Alexandre Dumas

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 7:07


    In today's episode, we look at one of the all-time greats of literature and a man who not only wrote novels about history but lived it as well. Let's meet Alexandre Dumas, author of "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Hagiography: History or Hoax?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 7:56


    In today's episode, we take a look at a neglected literary art form: the hagiography. Is it real history or pious hoax? Let's find out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: St. Jerome

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2023 7:55


    In today's Sundays with the Saints episode, we look at St. Jerome, the man who translated the Bible into Latin and may have been the grumpiest saint who ever lived. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Five Cool Facts About Ernest Hemingway

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2023 8:03


    It's been a rough month so far, and we all need some good news for a change. So rather than busting myths about today's subject, we instead present five cool facts about the greatest American author ever: Ernest Hemingway. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    A Few Myths About Pirates

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 7:05


    In today's episode, we head back out to sea and debunk some cherished myths about those most romanticized of maritime marauders: pirates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: Myths About the Spanish Inquisition

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 8:24


    In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we wade into a myth so pervasive that almost everyone accepts it as fact. Let's take a look at the Spanish Inquisition and set the record straight. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Five Myths About Julius Caesar

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 6:31


    In today's episode, we debunk five common myths about the greatest Roman in history: Julius Caesar. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Tuesday Book Review: 'Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 4:28


    In today's Tuesday Book Review, we look briefly at one of the best histories of the American Civil War ever written: James McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    battle american civil war battle cry civil war era james mcpherson freedom the civil war freedom the civil war era
    Why Revisionist History Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 7:54


    In today's episode, we address a question that comes up more often than it should: does revisionist history really matter? It absolutely does, and we'll explain why. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: The Saints Were Actually Funny

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2023 7:09


    Today, I am using our "Sundays with the Saints" episode to debunk a common myth about the saints: that they were always serious, always sour, and never, ever, funny. The evidence definitely shows otherwise. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Did George Washington Start a World War?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 7:16


    Everyone knows that George Washington led the Continental Army in the American Revolution and became the first President of the United States. Fewer know that it may have been a young Lieutenant Colonel George Washington who in 1754, twenty-two years before the American colonies declared independence, actually started the French and Indian War. In today's episode, we look at Washington's role in starting the first truly global conflict. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Myths About the Death of Pope John Paul I

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 6:03


    In today's episode, we debunk a conspiracy theory that has raged for 45 years: that Pope John Paul I was murdered. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: When Jesus Made the Cover of Time Magazine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 6:26


    In today's Throwback Thursday episode, I review a book about a pivotal yet nearly forgotten period in American history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    A Note About Today's Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 2:00


    Just a brief note before today's full episode asking you to listen to the next episode on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/24OIdPLNou7U8Cq1uDGP7t?si=r6usx4_TR9i45Jv5rpsAWA --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    The Literary Ambulance Drivers of World War I

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 11:46


    History can be revised not only by what is changed but sometimes simply by what is forgotten. Today's episode addresses that by introducing you to the literary ambulance drivers of World War I. If you've never heard about these courageous volunteers who became the best-known authors of the 20th century, some of the names may surprise you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Tuesday Book Review: No One Here Gets Out Alive

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 9:50


    Today's episode is a little different in that I am not only reviewing a book, but one in which I believe the myths it contains are actually a good thing. Let's look at "No One Here Gets Out Alive," the biography of Doors lead singer Jim Morrison and an interesting chronicle of the 1960s. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Meet Rick Rescorla, a True Hero of 9/11

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 10:38


    Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks. In this episode, which I do every year around this time, we introduce you to a hero of that day who should never be forgotten: Rick Rescorla. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Sundays with the Saints: St. Teresa of Avila

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 7:03


    In today's episode of Sundays with the Saints, we look at one of the most beloved saints in the world. Let's meet St. Teresa of Avila. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Learning History from an Unlikely Source

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2023 9:51


    In today's episode, we look at what you might not immediately consider a source for great content about history: YouTube. There are some channels that aren't just informative but also a lot of fun. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    An Episode for the One-Year Anniversary of the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 9:59


    In today's episode, which comes on the one-year anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we look back at a reflection I did shortly after that sad day. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Throwback Thursday: My Five Favorite Films About Kings and Queens

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 9:56


    After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II one year ago tomorrow, many of us binge-watched films about kings and queens. In this Throwback Thursday episode, I give you five of my favorites. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

    Cardinal Richelieu: Fact vs Fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 8:29


    In today's episode, we separate fact from fiction regarding a historical figure most of us know best from the novel "The Three Musketeers," or at least its many film versions: Cardinal Richelieu. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revisionisthistory/support

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