Hidden History Happy Hour with Alex & Bryan

Alex and Bryan tell a romantic tale of death (yes, you read that right) and extoll the WW II exploits of the Polish Cichociemni (“silent unseen”) Paratroopers. Don’t Miss It! Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History

In their last go of 2025, the guys tell the tale of a surprisingly lucky boy forced into the British Navy and an audacious commando strike gone wrong, and predict the next James Bond. Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History  

Alex and Bryan welcome military historian and author Jack Bowsher to discuss “Thunder Run Meiktila 1945,” a triumphant and consequential campaign through the jungles of Burma. They’re also joined by a great friend of the show and decorated British Army combat veteran. Oh, and a key factor in the win was a 1/2-naked guy freezing his twigs and berries in a river. Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History Jack Bowsher’s Book: https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/bookstore/p/thunder-run

Yo ho ho, the boys return to the sea for tales of boozy boating, fratricide, and the tragedy of a slave without a country. Don’t Miss It! Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History

Two new stories, in which an ancestor falls from grace and a Belgian sings… Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History

The boys return to a favourite theme: Gallantry at Sea, with midget submarines and the heroic last rides of a retired dairy farmer. Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History We mention an episode of ours about the US sneaking aircraft to the UK in WW2 across a desolate Maine desert, and It’s here for you to check out: https://www.hiddenhistoryhappyhour.com/2022/03/31/bending-the-rules-to-save-a-nation/

We’re BACK With the West’s Greatest Spy Against Russia. RIP Oleg Gordievsky. Alex & Bryan tell us about when baby poo saved the world, when rudeness is required, and how to make the heart fly. We also welcome a fantastic new sponsor and a new production team. WELCOME BACK! Thanks to our sponsor The Wolf Project for making this happen! The Wolf Project – Wolfproject.co Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them  More Lessons From History

Alex and Bryan are back with two tremendous takes from royal history. A Crowning achievement. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1  

The guys return with two crackin’ (or is that Kraken?) tales of bravery and heroism at sea, this time from the War of 1812 and World War 1. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1  

H4 The Musical: The guys find the lost Brandenburg Concertos and hear true modern musical tails from record producer and conservationist Scott Bledsoe. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

Alex & Bryan bring tales of gallantry and privation in a North Korean prison camp and of “Marie Claire,” heroic WW2 spy who helped 100 downed British airmen escape home to fight again. And the scandal of the Patagonian Toothfish. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

Castles and Nazis and Grand Slams, Oh My! The guys tell the story of the last castle and strangest battle of WW2. Prepare to suspend disbelief. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

Bryan and newly-minted House of Commons Candidate Alex Deane tell two (of course) legislative stories. Hear of a “codger” MP who literally kicked the wrong bum and a short-lived Australian Prime Minister who committed the unpardonable political gaffe of telling the truth. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/peace-arch-historical-state-park https://www.columbian.com/news/2022/apr/11/isolated-point-roberts-struggles-with-labor-border-restrictions-residents-try-to-keep-economy-afloat/

This one’s for Canada. And one for the Royal Navy. The boys celebrate the new addition to the H4 family with the story of the Great Canadian Stork Derby and salute the bravery and technological innovation of the Royal Navy – with rum and midget submarines. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 The Testament by John Grisham – https://www.amazon.com/Testament-John-Grisham/dp/B0027V5I3E/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2XLGBBH8KN9GZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QLfhulmj4n7neZdo3D2E6lVlDNnb-J8BYQFBrcz7i7VrxWtTIrGAh6cn9T5PVjhsWHrAMD9Jl7sBhSwNgqCmop4Twg2_m9phxsoq3K6nuMtsCn0Ga2dxCNezjckWTyLIa-1Y9gdrLx8krpW3I0OwxeDZ6-dPI1p6LLhX5GGr6V75QW3XYZNib7WUh6_8Eul1Z6FCJgVnfP-dLmI712wXVny72-4_6gpKk1l5IYpJ_vE.gGv3444iO7lIFO8STgFFvETaW2odyzb3FGSMyi9tuh8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+testament+john+grisham+book&qid=1709567013&sprefix=john+grisham+testa%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-2

In this special edition mini episode, Alex takes us back to 1944 Italy, a post-Mussolini state which had become a battleground between Allied forces and Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

It’s a gruesome quickie (Yikes!) as the guys talk a dictator’s exploding fish and a conqueror’s exploding….well….just tune in. And join Bryan here on groundhog day: https://x.com/denvercunning/status/1748788411341984019?s=20 Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

NINE NINE! If you ever find yourself in a pub with British rugby players and hear this screamed – run for your life. Join Alex and Bryan for another week of Hidden History, Rich Tipple, and Middle-East commentary. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them – https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-History-Hidden-heroes-villains/dp/1785907107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JMRVEUAT1M0T&keywords=alex+deane&qid=1656264679&sprefix=alex+deane%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 More Lessons From History – https://www.amazon.com/More-Lessons-History-Uncovering-characters-ebook/dp/B0B5YRMCQ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=209NY0DLAJXC&keywords=more+lessons+from+history&qid=1662044950&sprefix=more+lessons+from+history%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/14507/the-greatest-trick-the-devil-ever-pulled

Bryan releases the bees on world renowned urban warfare expert Col. John Spencer (ret.). John tells a brand new and (almost) unbelievable story of the Battle of Mariupol, Ukraine and Bryan and John talk urban warfare and the power of storytelling for warfighters. And John settles the “Best James Bond” question once and for all. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Urban Warfare Project Podcast Understanding Urban Warfare War Words War No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah FOLLOW @denvercunning and @SpencerGuard for the best X Spaces.

Just when we need them most: Two Holocaust Heroes. And some much-needed truth from Alex and Bryan. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Alex tells the story of the Siege of Bala Hissar, and the fort’s defenders – who were faithful even unto death. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Fan favorite guest Willard Foxton rejoins the guys for the second episode of Season Two of the Hidden History Happy Hour for an inspirational and rollicking tale of the first female African-American prosecutor who incidentally brought down “Dutch” Schultz and Lucky Luciano and ushered in the wiretapping era of law enforcement. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0979432/ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi8ta7W8OSBAxVSLkQIHRnFBt0QFnoECBYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftv.apple.com%2Fca%2Fshow%2Ffighter-pilot-the-real-top-gun%2Fumc.cmc.6xucmyp0op7245gwr051qw8u2&usg=AOvVaw3-W5TIjNWF_MekDbaOtL2e&opi=89978449

The Hidden History Happy Hour launches Season Two with the heroic tale of RAF Pilot Ron Hockey and the guys discuss the legal, moral, and ethical issues around the agonizing decision to carry out a targeted killing – even of one the most evil Nazis of them all. Check out our new look and welcome to our many new fans and a heartfelt thanks to fhos of you who have been with us since the beginning. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://www.hiddenhistoryhappyhour.com/2022/05/22/island-of-misfit-dictators-what-the-spanish-civil-war-can-teach-us-about-the-russo-ukraine-war/ https://www.hiddenhistoryhappyhour.com/2022/05/22/island-of-misfit-dictators-what-the-spanish-civil-war-can-teach-us-about-the-russo-ukraine-war/ Conspiracy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266425/ Anthropoid: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4190530/  (starring Cillian Murphy of Oppenheimer)

Alex recounts the harrowing heroism of the US Marine Pilot who rode the thunder and the boys return to one of their favorite subjects: UFOs. Testimony in US Congress: US Government is hiding alien biomass. Whaaaat? Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://www.amazon.com/Flying-saucer-pilgrimage-amazing-research/dp/B0007DOAAG https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8132700/

A Must WATCH. Listening alone will not give the full experience for this one. How I learned to stop worrying and love the honey. The boys cover the weapons spectrum from micro (bees) to extinction-threatening (nuclear weapons). And watch Bryan faithfully recreate a bespoke cocktail –“The Oppi” — as mixed by the father of the atomic bomb Robert Oppenheimer himself. A genius on many levels. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

A new Alex yarn you CANNOT FIND ANYWHERE BUT HERE (including Twitter (X)) and the guys wax not-so-eloquent about the pros and cons of temperance. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Alex and Bryan hear an (almost) unbelievable tale of derring-do under the Arctic Ice from Alex’s friend – and former British Navy Submarine Officer Andrew Storey, who also settles a long-running dispute between the guys. A long episode but well worth it. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

In the last of four live episodes recorded in the Summer of 2022 at NYC’s fabulous Von Bar, the guys chat up the team from the award-winning new film Ramona at Midlife and Alex has an original take on Punk Royal (and inspirational Mom) Patti Smith. Don’t Miss This One! Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History #deanehistory 118 https://www.ramonaatmidlife.com Berlin Women Cinema Fest Award. Ramona at Midlife Instagram

Alex tells “The Day of the Tiles” from his first book and his latest story about Napoleon and the Prussians. The guys give their take on mutiny in Russia and perhaps the beginning of the end of a mad reign there. And Bryan contends that his summer location s the inspiration for the town in It’s a Wonderful Life. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History The Real Bedford Falls

The guys tell Alex’s newest story, about Archduke Ferdinand, Lady Victoria, and an anonymous gun loader who might have prevented World War One. And the OG of the OG (Alex’s first Twitter story): How Sweden’s King to this day started with a Frenchman’s errand of mercy. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://veteransdefenseproject.org  

In a show of bipartisanship and historical appreciation, Alex & Bryan interview the playwright, producer/director, and star of Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground. Also, Bryan overindulges in Ike’s favorite scotch whisky. You’re Welcome. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Weblink to purchase tickets for Eisenhower:  This Piece of Ground performance at the Theatre at St. Clements in Manhattan, New York.  Previews start June 13th, and the show premieres on June 20 with the initial run going through July 30, 2023, unless it’s extended. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/07/15/John-Rubinstein-fabulous-son-of-fabulous-father-has-varied-career-as-composer-actor-radio-host/4930458712000/   JOHN RUBINSTEIN (Actor) plays President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the new one man play Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground.  This play allows John to join his extraordinary theatrical skills with his passion for helping create a better future. And his ability to embody General Eisenhower, commanding the stage in moments ranging from the pointedly political to the intimate and personal, has already begun to resonate with audiences—inspiring them to think and question, moving them from laughter to tears, and leading them to leave the theatre with optimism. John’s career has been varied and always brilliant.  He originated the title role in the Broadway musical Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse, and won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his performance in Children of a Lesser God. Other Broadway appearances include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ragtime, Hurlyburly, M. Butterfly, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (Drama Desk nomination), Get- ting Away with Murder, Fools, Love Letters, and the 2013 Pippin revival. He appeared off-Broadway in Counsellor-at-Law (2005 Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics’ Circle and Drama League nominations), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Urban Blight, Cabaret Verboten, and Morning’s at Seven. Regionally: Wicked in LA, and the international tour of the Pippin revival. He starred in the TV series, “Family” (Emmy nomination), and “Crazy Like A Fox,” and over 300 episodes. Films include “Being the Ricardos,” “Hello, I Must Be Going,” “21 Grams,” “Red Dragon,” “The Boys from Brazil,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Daniel, Zachariah,” and “Get- ting Straight.” He directed the world premiere of A. R. Gurney’s The Old Boy, and Counsellor-at-Law, Company, Brigadoon, Macbeth, The Three Sisters, Phantasie, Nightingale, The Rivals, A Little Night Music, Guys and Dolls, Into The Woods, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and The Rover. He composes film and TV music (“Jeremiah Johnson,” “The Candidate.” “The Dollmaker,” “China Beach,” among others), hosted two classical music radio programs, played keyboards in a rock band, and has re- corded over 200 audiobooks, most numerously Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series of Los Angeles crime novels.   RICHARD HELLESEN (Playwright) is the author of numerous plays and musicals for adult and young audiences. His work has been seen at the Denver Center, South Coast Repertory, Los Angeles Repertory Company, Sacramento Theatre Company, Geva, Florida Stage, Gretna Theatre, Sundance Children’s Theatre, Imagination Stage, People’s Light & Theatre, City Theatre in Miami, B Street Theatre, and Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC, where he is an Associate Artist. He has received playwriting awards from the National Theatre Conference, the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, and PEN USA-West; his two-dozen short plays include five finalists for the Actors Theatre of Louisville Heideman Award. A member of the Dramatists Guild, he has twice been Playwright-in-Residence at the William Inge Center for the Arts in Kansas.   PETER ELLENSTEIN (Director) is Producing Artistic Director of the New Los Angeles Repertory Company. He is a multi-award-winning director, producer, new play midwife, and educator, whose work has been seen all over the country. For thirteen years, Peter was Artistic Director of the William Inge Center for the Arts in Kansas, served sev- en years as Producing Director of the original Los Angeles Repertory Company, for whom he direct- ed the LA Premiere of Assassins, Odets’ Rocket to the Moon, and many other acclaimed productions. He was Interim Artistic Director of both the Gretna Theatre in Pennsylvania, and the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre at the University of Miami in Florida. Peter has a decades long artistic relationship with Richard Hellesen and has directed the premieres of many of Richard Hellesen’s plays.

Karen Slade rockets to the top echelon of our favorite guests as she joins Alex & Bryan for an extended discussion of the 1970 Kent State shootings, the 60s, moral responsibility for immoral government acts, and the extreme danger of governments aligning opposing armed forces in close proximity. Timely? Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Karen Slade – IMDb President’s Commission on Campus Unrest – Wikipedia The Household Cavalry Museum is a living Museum in the heart of Horse Guards, Whitehall, London. | The Household Cavalry Museum Jeffrey Pelt: It would be well for your government to consider that having your ships and ours, your aircraft and ours, in such proximity… is inherently DANGEROUS. Wars have begun that way, Mr. Ambassador. (quotes.net) “Law & Order” Ramparts (TV Episode 1999) – IMDb

Alex and Bryan celebrate the 50th Episode of the Hidden History Happy Hour with behind-the-scenes discussion of your favorite episodes and, as you requested, tell a true crime story. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://mindprobe.show/ Benjamin Franklin Quote: “It is better to let 100 criminals go free than to imprison 1 innocent man.” (quotefancy.com) A Note on a Modern Spanish Lottery Scam – Beware! Hertford Literary Festival Links to the stories we mentioned: John-Baptiste Bernadotte (Lessons From History, v1, p1) Live in London Episode Pilot Episode Grizzly Goings On (Al Packer – Denver Live Episode) Calcutta Light Horse The Sea Wolves (1980) – IMDb The Book of Morman Musical The Gregory Peck Story Bryan Forgot to Tell: According to Robert Mitchum, during the filming of the final fight scene between him and Gregory Peck, Peck once accidentally punched him for real. Mitchum, knowing that Peck didn’t mean to and ever the professional, refused to break character and continued filming the scene. However, upon entering his trailer, Mitchum said that he “literally collapsed” due to the impact of the punch and said that he felt it for days afterwards. Mitchum said, “I don’t feel sorry for anyone dumb enough who picks a fight with him (Peck).”

Alex is Back for a very special episode where the guys talk about Alex’s Grandfather’s WW2 heroics, along with leadership tales of Eisenhower and General Jim “Chaos” Mattis. Check out our show notes for a treasured Deane family keepsake and another opportunity to get Lessons From History and More Lessons From History. Father’s Day is coming soon! Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Divine Science: Finding Reason at the Heart of Faith https://www.hightimber.com/ Photo of Alex’s grandfather’s wings and his letter: It says: Dear Alex, These wings are the wings of the Army Air Corps (of which the Glider Pilot Regiment were part.) I was awarded these wings in July 1943 and wore them to 1) go to France on D Day (actually the night before of the 5th / 6th June 1944g 2) go to Arnhem in September 1944 3) to prisoner of war camp in October 1944 4) then back to England in June 1945 So they are 45 years old in July of this year – I have kept them all this time, so I hope you will also keep them.  Love Grandad. 

With Alex on assignment, Bryan and Ancient Aliens Physicist Michael Dennin discuss all manner of…well, you’ll just have to watch. #ancientaliens #ufo #history Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Noted physicist says string theory suggests we’re all living in God’s matrix Fascinating Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gear Based Technology podcast “Divine Science: Finding Reason at the Heart of Faith” Michael Dennin’s Website: https://www.denninmichael.com/ Michael’s Twitter and Linkedin: @denninmichael

A good time was had by all as Alex, Bryan & H4Fans record a LIVE episode in the wonderful High Timber restaurant in London. Learn of the amazing adventure of Apollo 16, the Girl Who Fell From the Sky (hat tip to @SilverAlso), hear Bryan‘s “shi’y, Bri’ish” accent (hat tip to Spirited), and watch the guys enjoy a LOT of Alex’s wedding vino. And please disregard Bryan’s repeated reference to Episode 48 as this is actually Episode 47. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History High Timber Restaurant Palantir The Girl Who Fell From the Sky

A multimedia extravaganza this week as fan favorite (and our first-ever guest) perform their new spoken-word/musical version of Lucy Sutton’s story. And hear Bryan’s take, as a former CIA officer, on the recent Chinese Spy Balloon incident and Alex’s thoughts on the politics of it all. Remember: Join us in London 23 February. Cheers. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Bending the Arc of History | Terrence Franklin | TEDxDavenport Hidden History Happy Hour LIVE in London! on Feb 23 at 8:15 PM GMT

With gratitude for Germany in joining the US and UK in support of Ukraine with tanks, we even the score from last week with a US Navy ship that almost altered history by accident. Seriously, folks, you can’t make this up. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History Hidden History Happy Hour LIVE in London! on Feb 23 at 8:15 PM GMT

Alex & Bryan, continuing the return to their boozy roots, tell two stories from the “phony war” before World War II, including a remarkable feat of destruction from air to sea (and not by the enemy). And why Democracies will win the existential struggle of our time. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

In honor of today’s terrific tale of Ernest Hemingway’s lesser-known brother from More Lessons of History, the guys debunk a Hemingway drinking myth and introduce fans to a Hemingway-favorite cocktail mix. On a serious note, Alex and Bryan touch on the causes of suicide and the modern availability of resources to get help for depression and other mental illness (see show notes for a few). And, of course, Pirates. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History https://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/12/9/9880450/hemingway-mojito-havana-myth Gregorio’s Rx 1 1/2 ounces Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum 1 ounce honey syrup (made from a ratio of 1:1 water to honey) 1 ounce lime juice 4 mint leaves Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Add sparkling water to shaker. Swirl and pour into drink. Garnish with a mint sprig. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/index.html https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

Bryan and guest co-host Nir Yarden tell Alex’s Ronald Reagan story and talk leadership and decisiveness – and have a guffaw or two (laughing with Alex not at him). Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Maurice Flitcroft enters the 1976 golf Open, and posts a score that will never be beaten. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Bryan and special guest host Nir Yarden discuss Bryan’s recent trip to the Middle East, including a new, true tale of “The Ghosts of Amona” and debate Middle East peace, Russia/Ulraine, and other issues of grave importance, such as whether Die Hard actually is the best Christmas movie. . For more Nir Yarden, check out Hidden History Happy Hour Episode 22, here: https://www.hiddenhistoryhappyhour.com/2022/06/26/the-greatest-escape-youve-never-heard-of/ Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Alex tells the story of Simon Murray, the Englishman who ran away to join the French Foreign Legion when he didn’t get the girl – and was part of the putative coup against de Gaulle. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

For their second holiday, hidden history happy hour, Alex and Bryan, tell of a rollicking, rugby reunion, George Washington’s horses, and…finally – pirates! Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

Alex returns to the chair and tells the saddest story across all of his work, but it does have a hero. And a zany, remarkable but true Fútbol story to boot. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them More Lessons From History

As we anxiously await Alex Deane’s Return to the Hidden History Happy Hour, fan favorite Myke Cole returns to provide an actual historian’s assessment of Alex’s Lessons From History Chapter 19 about one of the most heroic veterans of the British military service in the Peninsular War. And Myke and Bryan reminisce about their shared CBS TV experience (at least as long as Bryan can remember the thread of the conversation). Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them Pre-Order Link to More Lessons From History Myke Cole’s Website The Bronze Lie Battle of Albuera Painting https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=B1lLwga3&id=E6688214741E3DFFAD711761A69E0B1D2DD6959C&thid=OIP.B1lLwga36sN2kI8UBbma5wHaEn&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.britishbattles.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2020%2f05%2f57th-atAlbuera-1024×639.jpg&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.07594bc206b7eac376908f1405b99ae7%3frik%3dnJXWLR0LnqZhFw%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=639&expw=1024&q=wikipedia+french+painting+battle+die+hards&simid=607993895908548160&FORM=IRPRST&ck=A67390E2C11401ECAF51F57EFE6D9EB7&selectedIndex=4&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0 Paul Rudd on Venti: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?&pc=ATCO&ptag=ATCOS2J3CNA3&q=paul+rudd+venti&ru=%2fsearch%3fFORM%3dOCWG01%26PC%3dATCO%26PTAG%3dATCOS2J3CNA3%26q%3dpaul%2520rudd%2520venti&view=detail&mmscn=vwrc&mid=9DC777864FE627C986909DC777864FE627C98690&form=VDQVAP&rvsmid=8AFD205166E79463E74D8AFD205166E79463E74D&ajaxhist=0 Space Pants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpmqMnngRk

Bryan and Special Guest Co-Host Myke Cole discuss the decisive pre-Battle of Hastings. And an update on Bryan’s Not-Yet-Read Book Club October 2022 selection. Back to the show’s roots, Bryan’s storytelling becomes affected by his enjoyment of bourbon. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them Pre-Order Link to More Lessons From History Myke Cole’s Website The Bronze Lie https://heritagedistilling.com/collections/whiskeys/products/1st-special-forces-group-whiskey-7th-edition-2022-release https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi

Alex tells the story of the Duumvirate, Gough Whitlam’s groundbreaking Labor government of 1972 – and then tells some rude jokes. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them Pre-Order Link to More Lessons From History

Two new H4 features in a long – but well-worth-it – episode as the guys provide a sober(ish) assessment of the current nuclear war risks in Ukraine. Lightening up the mood, they talk “Creative Differences” – a cross-Atlantic theater spat which ended in casualties and ½ a sheep being flung onstage. Alex and Bryan also share a dramatic reading illustrating why it’s not a good idea to put troops on the streets of a democracy to conduct law-and-order. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them Pre-Order Link to More Lessons From History https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6340730/ https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/333/10 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11294211/Happy-birthday-Mr-President-Zelensky-aide-mocks-Vladimir-Putin-Marilyn-Monroe-rendition.html https://russiavsworld.org/a-list-of-oligarchs-and-putin-critics-found-dead-since-ukraine-war/ https://nypost.com/2020/06/11/seattle-police-chief-leaving-the-precinct-was-not-my-decision/

Two stories in this episode, in which Alex is flying solo. First, a cautionary tale from the Punic Wars about ignoring irrationality, and paying attention to chickens. Second, a pub quiz question with a story about daddy issues attached. Sources: Lessons From History: Hidden heroes and villains of the past, and what we can learn from them Pre-Order Link to More Lessons From History