Kenneth Dukofsky is an exorcist. Raised in the Jewish faith, his experiences with the seemingly supernatural led him to adopt a scientific approach to the supernatural. He also became ordained in the Universal Life Church though he no longer participates in what he refers to as “man-made religions.” In this episode, I talk to Kenneth […]
Friday 13th …. A few years ago, the Barna Group – a market research firm specializing in religious beliefs conducted a survey in which it emerged that more Americans believe Satan is real than believe in God. On a superficial level, the results seem counterintuitive. In a nominally Christian society, God and Satan seem to […]
In 1945, the Allied powers prepared to hold the Nazi leaders accountable for the crimes committed during world war II. Richard Sonnenfeldt sat down with a man whose name was as synonymous with Nazism as Hitler or Himmler. The subject of the interview, Göring, denied any culpability for the holocaust or the war. Sonnenfeldt dismissed […]
Of the many Fascinating Places around the world, only the most extraordinary make the Unesco World Heritage site list. Gary Arndt — blogger, businessman, and podcaster — has visited over 400 of these sites since 2007 while visiting every continent and over 200 countries or territories whilst establishing himself as a well-renowned travel writer. But […]
Precisely 200 years ago, Prince Pedro declared independence for the Portuguese colony of Brazil. The first country in the world to officially acknowledge the vast nation’s independence was a tiny African Kingdom that had developed relations with the South American country over the prior 70 years. Dahomey, a Kingdom that once existed in what today […]
In North West Africa, the vast wilderness of the Sahara runs into the tropical rainforests of Benin and Burkina Faso. And it is in this region, that some of Africa’s greatest empires flourished. Among them was the Songhai Empire, as well as the earlier Mali Empire, whose rulers included Mansa Musa – who flushed with […]
Mauritania, one of Africa’s largest yet least talked about countries holds a dark secret: slavery. While slavery in various forms continues to exist around the world, in Mauritania its on a massive scale having been woven into the very fabric of society. In fact, the loathsome practice was only criminalized 15 years ago. But whereas […]
In May 1930, a young English woman from Yorkshire arrived in Sydney, Australia she received a welcome fit for a Queen. Amy Johnson had become the first female pilot to fly from the United Kingdom to Australia. It was a remarkable feat for the 26 year old aviator who was born the same year the […]
On 6 May 1937, four camera crews were on hand as the German Zeppelin airship the Hindenburg burst into flames. Separately, radio journalist Herbert Morrison was on the scene and his commentary of the event is forever associated with the tragedy. In this e
Having been lost to history for 3,000 years, Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun became a household name in 1922 when British Archaeologist Howard Carter excavated his tomb. But who was the man behind the iconic golden mask? What treasures were found in his tomb? and what is the truth behind the curse of Tutankhamun? Music by Pixabay […]
Some 1500 years after Alaric led the Visigoths in the sacking of Rome, the eternal city was braced for another invasion. There was talk of as many as a million supporters of fascist politician Benito Mussolini, seizing power by force. What followed was si
In September 1972, the Olympic Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” became an irrelevance as the world’s greatest sporting event was ravaged by violence and bloodshed as the Palestinian Black September group massacred 11 members of the Israeli delegation. In this episode, I discuss the Munich Massacre. Why it happened, how it happened, and whether it could […]
Episode 3 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to […]
Episode 2 of 3 As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their new classmates react to […]
As the Cold War was winding down, a group of 11 East European teenagers — barely known to each other — appeared on the playground at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford, a quiet town 30 miles from London. How would the town, and their
Wagga Wagga: World War 1 Stories On commemorative occasion such as Anzac and Memorial Day, we inevitably reflect on the service of prior generations in The First World War as well as other conflicts. But while these service men and women fought bravely during the conflict, how did the war fit in with their broader […]
Robespierre: The Reign of TerrorOn 21 January 1793, a gruesome scene unfolded at the place de la revolution in Paris. After attempting to address the crowd only to have his words drowned out by drums, King Louis XVI the King of France was decapitated by
On the periphery of the Malian city of Gao, close to the banks of the River Niger, sits an extraordinary pyramid-like structure. Standing 17 meters tall, and reportedly constructed with mud and wood shipped in from Mecca, some 7,000 kilometers away, it is
In the years after World War II, hundreds of millions of Africans experienced newfound independence after decades or in some cases centuries of Colonialism. But in South Africa, the descendants of white settlers, and other European immigrants increased the subjugation of 90 percent of the populace through overtly racist policies under the umbrella term of […]
On the 29 April 1770, two men attempted to stop the disembarkation of a group of strange and unwelcome visitors on a beach in what came to be known as Botany Bay in Australia. The interlopers were lead by Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy, and they were the first Europeans to make […]
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britons were subject to a penal system including up to 220 crimes punishable by death. These offences ranged from murder to theft, from arson to wearing blackface while poaching. Even young children, were subject to these draconian penalties. In this episode I explore the era of the so-called “bloody […]
Caligula the Roman emperor has been held up as the archetype of a crazy ruler for the last 2,000 years. But was he as bad as the history books say he was? And is everything you’ve read about him true? In this episode I examine Caligula and explain why he
Morris dancing — a traditional type of British folk dance is synonymous with villages fairs and men dressed in white dancing with wooden sticks. But there are many more elements to “Morris” that the stereotypes we are familiar with. In this episode, I ex
Witches have existed in Denmark since primitive times. Though in the past, many were categorized as “cunning folk” since they were concerned with good deeds rather than ill. But in the late 16th century, anyone carrying around runes, whipping up potions, or practicing traditional folklore suddenly found themselves in danger. King Christian IV, developed a […]
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The Roman Emperor Commodus is best know for Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of him in the movie Gladiator. There is little doubt the ranks as one of Rome’s craziest emperors. In this Wednesday bonus mini-cast, I separate fact from fiction and examine the man
Druids are synonymous with Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice but are these modern druids representative of their ancient forbears? And who exactly were the druids? Many people base their knowledge of the druids on brief remarks made by Roman Emperor Juli
On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series […]
On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this inci
Founded in 1878, Everton are nine times English football champions but recent decades have seen the club slide into mediocrity. In this episode, I talk to fans who witnessed relegation in the 1950s, The Golden Vision and Holy Trinity of the 1960s, the pin
Heroes of Space. Part IIIIn 1990, astronaut Steven Hawley deployed the Hubble telescope in space as part of the crew of the space shuttle Discovery. Kansas-born Hawley was among the civilians selected to be part of the space program on the basis of his ex
Heroes of Space. Part II In the aftermath of World War II, the United States and USSR quickly turned their attention to space. In this episode, I talk to one of the world’s leading experts on space history: Dr. Cathleen Lewis curator of International Space Programs and Spacesuits at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and […]
The Anzac landings in Gallipoli quickly descend into chaos as Braund and other commanders try to lead their men to victory against overwhelming odds. In this episode, I explore the story of the tragic tale of George Braund, Henry Edward White, and s
In August 1914, New South Wales politician George Braund was tasked with forming the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the newly created Australian Imperial Force. One of his recruits was Henry Edward White. Both men had some prior military experience, and like m
Do you have Irish ancestry? Are you intrigued about the history of Carlow? John Kelly of the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society offers advice and resources for anyone thinking of making a visit or delving into genealogical research. This is bonu
On the 24 May 1798, simultaneous revolts across cities and towns in Ireland signified the start of the long anticipated Irish rebellion. The insurectionists — many of whom were members of The Society of United Irishmen — were both protestant and catholi
When you hear people talk about zealots and religious hate groups, you tend to think of some dour old cave dweller with a long beard or a 17th century puritan with an obscenely large and seemingly unnecessary buckle on his hat. You don’t typically think of a smiling, colorfully dressed, personable wife and mother who […]
In season 3 Dan talks to NASA astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley as well as Smithsonian space historian Cathy Lewis. He discusses Gallipoli with Australian Department of Veteran’s Affairs historian Ian Hodges and explores the 1798 rebellion in Irel
In the Spring of 2019, Scottish police launched investigations into incidents at two football matches. In the first, Aberdeen fans were accused of using colorful language to suggest that English football manager Steven Gerrard was an Orange man. A few weeks later, Aberdeen’s own manager Derek McInnes was targeted with similar chants from Celtic fans. […]
Heroes of Space. Part II have always had a fascination with heroic figures. In the modern world, it’s difficult to think of a task requiring more courage and skill than flying as a test pilot — unless of course you decide to go into space. Jim Weth
In this episode, I delve deeper into the world of UFOs beyond the Hollywood flying saucers. I talk to four experts from the fields of academia, journalism, and research who have thoroughly investigated the phenomena either as skeptics or experiencers. Fea
In this episode, I delve deeper into the world of UFOs beyond the Hollywood flying saucers. I talk to four experts from the fields of academia, journalism, and research who have thoroughly investigated the phenomena either as skeptics or experiencers. Featuring: Professor of History Professor Greg Eghigian of The Pennsylvania State University Clas Svahn of […]
Tamara Jones is a prominent civil rights activist and outspoken critic of well-documented instances of racism and corruption involving the Kansas City Police Force. More controversially, she is the Minister of Justice for The New Black Panther Party and is involved in The New Black Panthers for Self Defense — two groups condemned by the […]
In season 3 I talk to Shirley Phelps of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church. Here is a preview. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/support
Dan investigates NASA with astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley plus space historian Dr. Cathleen Lewis. He delves into the phenomena of UFOs with Penn State Professor Greg Eghigian, author Robert Sheaffer, MUFON state director for Michigan Bill Konk
Dan explores the space race and interviews NASA astronauts Jim Wetherbee and Steve Hawley as well as space historian Dr Cathleen Lewis — curator of International Space Programs and Spacesuits at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum
Coming in March 2022. Dan investigates the UFO phenomena on Fascinating People, Fascinating Places. Guests include Professor Greg Eghigian of Penn State University, MUFON state director of Michigan William Konkolesky, author Robert Sheaffer, and journalist and Vice Chairman of UFO-Sweden Clas Svahn. Art and music courtesy of Pixabay.com — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message
The Romanian revolution of 1989 was the result of the countrys long tradition of simultaneously resisting and embracing outside forces and influences. Its a process that stretches back to the second century AD when the Roman Emperor Trajan conquered the
On 28 June 1914, a young Serb named Gavrilo Princip sat outside a Delicatessen in Sarajevo, reflecting on his role in a botched assassination attempt on Archduke Ferdinand heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire. To his surprise, the intended target suddenl
On the 30 January 1649, a large crowd gathers beneath a hastily erected scaffold at the Palace of Whitehall, at the stroke of 2pm a nameless masked man delivered a single blow to sever the head of Charles II. 700 hundred years after Alfred the Great sought to establish the Kingdom of England, the English […]
Coming in January I reflect on Romania 1989 — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message
On 1 April 527 AD, an extraordinary event unfolded in the ancient city of Constantinople — known to the modern world as Instanbul. A 37 year old woman — a former actress and prostitute dressed in the imperial regalia of Rome — was crowned as empress of Byzantium — the Eastern branch and largest remnant […]
Every year tens of thousands of young people descend on the small Christian community of Taize in Eastern France. Founded by a Swiss man, Roger Schütz, the ecumenical ministry provides a place of refuge where Christians and non-believers can reflect, pray, study, and engage with their contemporaries from around the globe. Special Thanks to: Sister […]
Mobuto Sese Seko, once described by Ronald Reagan as “a voice of good sense and goodwill” was one of the most powerful and controversial figures of the post-colonial era in Africa. From humble roots, his charisma and intelligence propelled him from obscurity to power of halls of Kinshasa. Music and sound: Simon-Pierre Boka Di Mpasi […]
Grace O’Malley, her name conjures up images of a wild, sword-wielding pirate terrorizing merchants off the West coast of Ireland. But in reality, she was far from the stereotypical patch-eyed, wooden-legged pirate of folklore. From her point of view, she wasn’t really a pirate at all. In this episode, I explore the woman behind the […]
On the 1st of December 1135, King Henry I of England died. His choice of successor was controversial but unequivocal. His daughter Matilda — previously crowned as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire — would be crowned as the first Queen of England. In theory, she was the most powerful woman in Europe, but neither […]
With Germany divided, the GDR grapples with economic problems and unrest. The erection of the Berlin Wall draws US President John F Kennedy to Berlin, while the state represses the church, and embarks on a nationalized doping campaign to boost performance in sport. The arrival of Gorbachev signals the beginning of the end for Honecker […]
In 1949, communist leaders formalized the division of a nation with the creation of the German Democratic Republic. In the West, this was portrayed as an opportunistic act by puppets of the Soviets who wished to impose their ideology on Eastern Europe. But the story of German communism began long before 1949. In this episode, […]
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the world’s first global trade fair. Attendees included Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and Karl Marx. But beyond the pomp and ceremony, there were fears of a violent insurrection. Critics implored the Queen to cancel the event. In this episode, I explore the exhibition’s founders, critics, highlights, and enduring legacy. […]
As the Nazi regime was defeated, East Germans hoped for a brighter future. Political exiles such as Erich Honecker returned to Berlin and set about rebuilding the nation. But, the fragile alliance of World War II soon collapsed. The Western nations found themselves at odds with the Soviets and Germany was divided. In this episode, […]
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the world’s first global trade fair. Attendees included Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and Karl Marx. But beyond the pomp and ceremony, there were fears of a violent insurrection. Critics implored the Queen to cancel the event. In this episode, I explore the exhibition’s founders, critics, highlights, and enduring legacy. […]
The depraved and sadistic Roman emperor was one of the most reviled figures of antiquity. Allegations of incest, murder, and more bizarrely the promotion of his beloved horse to consul still linger in popular culture today. But was he really the deranged tyrant we learned about in history class or was there another side to […]
Roman Emperor Caligula raised an army and marched across Gaul with every intention of invading Great Britain. Having set sail, he neared the famous white cliffs of Dover before returning course and disembarking in France. Upon his return, two soldiers: Gaius and Lucius, are surprised to find themselves tasked with something other than battle. This […]
