Episodes
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Alexander Mackenzie - Part 1 - Early life, the fur trade, and the Mackenzie River Expedition
In the first part of our series on Scottish Explorer Alexander Mackenzie we take a look at his early life including his move from Scotland to America. We follow Mackenzie as he becomes a part of the fur trading industry in Canada - which will eventually lead to his first expedition of exploration…
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Walter Raleigh - Addendum - Three stories from History Dispatches
This episode contains three episodes from my other podcast - History Dispatches - related to Raleigh. They are not essential to the Raleigh series - but lots of fun. This includes the following: The Glorious Defeat of the Revenge Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot Did Shakespeare Write…
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Walter Raleigh - Part 8 - The Fight of His Life
In the wake of his disastrous Guyana venture, Raleigh faces a return to the Tower of London - or even worse - the gallows. Should he flee England? Or stay and face his accusers? In the final episode of our series, we chronicle Raleigh's final, and deadliest challenge. We then wrap by taking a…
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Walter Raleigh - Part 7 - 13 years in the Tower, and back to Guyana
In part 7 of our series, Raleigh will spend 13 years in the Tower of London, only to be released to make a return to Guyana to - again - search for the legendary city of El Dorado. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in...
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Walter Raleigh - Part 6 - Plots, treason and executions
In Part 6, Essex goes off the rails and plots seizing the throne. Then the death of Elizabeth sends Raleigh's fortunes into a downward spiral that will lead to charges of treason. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in...
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Walter Raleigh - Part 5 - The sacking of Cadiz - and two more Spanish Armadas
The war with Spain continues. Raleigh is badly injured in the attack and sacking of Cadiz, and King Philip organizes not just one new armada - but two - to try and finally overthrow Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Robert Devereux - the Earl of Essex - gets bolder and more powerful. Sponsors: Quince. The...
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Walter Raleigh - Part 4 - The Search for El Dorado
On the outs with the queen, Raleigh makes a huge gamble by organizing an expedition to find the legendary El Dorado in Guyana (aka Guiana). In this episode we cover Raleigh's expedition that he hopes will make him a fortune - and get him back into the good graces of Elizabeth. Sponsors: Quince.…
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Exploring an Explorers Podcast Tour
Find out about a potential Explorers Podcast tour. And help us craft the perfect expedition for the explorer nerd in all of us. Take the survey: https://explorerspodcast.com/tour/
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Walter Raleigh - Part 3 - War with Spain, the fate of the Roanoke Colony, and secret marriages
In part 3 of our series, we spend a lot of time talking about the continuing war with Spain - including the famous Spanish Armada. We also detail the fate of the Roanoke Colony, and discuss the fallout with Queen Elizabeth over Raleigh's secret marriage. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is...
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Walter Raleigh - Part 2 - Virginia Colony and the growing Spanish threat
In part 2 of our series, Raleigh rises up at the court of Queen Elizabeth. He also begins series of expeditions to North America - to try and establish the first permanent English settlement in the New World. While all that happens, the military might of King Phillip and Spain looms on the…
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Walter Raleigh - Part 1 - soldier, privateer, and courtier
Walter Raleigh would be one of the most recognizable person of the Elizabethan era. He was a soldier, explorer, adventurer, writer, poet and favorite of Queen Elizabeth. In part one of our story, we look at his humble beginnings, including his time as a solder in France and Ireland, a stint as a...
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Stephen Bishop and the Exploration of Mammoth Cave
In the mid-1800s, Stephen Bishop - a slave - would emerge as one of the greatest cavers in history due to his explorations of Mammoth Cave - the world's most extensive cave system. Despite his status as an enslaved person, he became famous in his lifetime as a daring, fearless, intelligent, and...
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Heinrich Barth - Part 7 - Journey home and later years
In the final part of our series, Barth crosses the Sahara a second time - this on his way home - ending his epic 5+ year journey through Central Africa. We then look at Barth's efforts to find recognition amongst his peers - as well as put together his massive book on his travels. Sponsors…
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Heinrich Barth - Part 6 - Sheikh Ahmad al-Bakkay al-Kunti and Timbuktu
Barth has reached the legendary city of Timbuktu. But now he is trapped - as local rulers set out to capture - or kill - the Christian who has dared to come to their lands. But Barth forms a unique friendship with Sheikh Ahmad al-Bakkay al-Kunti - who protects our explorer. Then, after nearly…
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Heinrich Barth - Part 5 - The long road to Timbuktu
After the death of his fellow scientist, Heinrich Barth - now alone - heads off on his most audacious journey yet - a 1,500 miles trek across war-torn Central Africa to the legendary city of Timbuktu. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network…
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Heinrich Barth - Part 4 - Kingdoms of Africa
In part 4 of our series, Heinrich Barth travels throughout central Africa, visiting the kingdoms of Adamawa, Bagirmi, Mandara and Musgu - many never before visited by a white man. He will ride with notorious Arab bandits, see devastating slave raids, discover the secrets of a great river, and...
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Heinrich Barth - Part 3 - Into the heart of Central Africa
In part 3 of our series, Heinrich Barth, traveling alone, becomes to first European to visit the legendary city of Agadez. He then journeys into the heart of Central Africa, going to the cities of Katsina, Kano, and Kukawa. But war will rage throughout the kingdom of Bornu, and a year of hard...
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Heinrich Barth - Part 2 - Across the Sahara
In part 2 of our series, Heinrich Barth sets out from Tripoli in an attempt to cross the deadly Sahara desert. He will find ancient ruins and mysterious artifacts; face deadly desert bandits, sandstorms, and an unforgiving sacred mountain that will nearly claim his life. Sponsors: Quince. The...
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Heinrich Barth - Part 1 - Africa Calls
In part one of our series, German explorer Heinrich Barth cuts his teeth learning from some of the great scientists of the age - including the famed Alexander von Humboldt. He survives (barely) an attack by bandits in Northern Africa and conducts a journey through frontiers of three continents,...
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Neptune's Fortune - An interview with author Julian Sancton
This is the story of the world's most valuable sunken treasure galleon - the San José - lost off the coast of Colombia in 1708. "Neptune's Gold: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire" recounts the events surrounding the sinking of the vessel - and then 300+ years of...
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Juan Ponce de León - Part 2 - Explorer
Ponce de León's goes from conquistador to explorer in the second part of our series. This time, he conducts two expeditions of exploration in search of the island of Beniny - which turns out to be Florida. We also talk about Ponce de León's connection to the Fountain of Youth. Sponsors: Quince....
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Juan Ponce de León - Part 1 - Conquistador
In part one of our story, we look at Ponce de León's life as a conquistador - including his part in the subjugation of Hispaniola, then his exploration, conquest, and settlement of Puerto Rico, and finally his preparations to find the mysterious island of Beniny - aka - Florida. Sponsors: Quince....
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Semyon Dezhnev and the exploration of Siberia
In 1648, a Russian expedition with seven boats and 90 men set out on the Arctic Ocean – above Siberia – to find rich lands to the east. The expedition would – in time – be led by Semyon Dezhnev – a Cossack. The Russians would be nearly killed due to storms, starvation, disease and hostile…
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Monet Izabeth - the first American woman to ski solo, and unsupported, to the South Pole
In January of 2026, Monet Izabeth completed a 57-day expedition in Antarctica, becoming the first American woman to ski solo, and unsupported, to the South Pole. In this episode, we interview her, and find out about her journey to not only reach the South Pole - but all the challenges leading up…
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 7 - The Terra Nova Expedition - The Journey Home
In the final part in our series, Scott and his team set off for their base - disappointed at being beaten to the South Pole by Roald Amundsen and the Norwegians. The result will be a tragedy of epic proportions. We will wrap up by discussing Scott's legacy - and how it had evolved over the last…
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 6 - The Terra Nova Expedition - Race to the Pole
Scott sets out for the South Pole in November of 1911 - trying to attempting the Norwegian team under Roald Amundsen. Sponsors: Quince. Factor. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave...
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 5 - The Terra Nova Expedition
Scott slowly prepares for a return to Antarctica - but rivals abound - including the Americans, Swedes, Japanese, Germans and French. But the greatest challenger - Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen - is unknown until the last minute - setting up a dramatic race for the South Pole. Sponsors…
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 4 - The Discovery Expedition and Fame
Scott makes a record-setting excursion through the Transantarctic Mountains to cap off his historic Discovery expedition. He then returns to Great Britain a national hero. But as others - including Ernest Shackleton - make noise about making a go at the South Pole, Scott begins to plot his own...
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 3 - The Discovery Expedition - Farthest South
In this episode, Scott - along with Dr. Edward Wilson and Ernest Shackleton - sets out across the Great Ice Barrier to make a farthest south record - and possibly reach the South Pole. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in...
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 2 - The Discovery Expedition
In part 2 of our series, Scott leads the Discovery to Antarctica. The expedition will explore the area around McMurdo Sound, as well as the Great Ice Barrier. There will be adventures and discoveries as well. Then, in the winter of 1902, Scott will plan an journey into the continent's interior -...
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Robert Falcon Scott - Part 1
In part 1 of our series, we look at the early life of Robert Falcon Scott - including his naval career. We also discuss the state of exploration regarding Antarctica - the last unexplored continent in the world. We then go through Scott's appointment - through the influence of Sir Clements…
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The Polynesians
Around 1,000 AD, the Polynesians spread across the South Pacific like the tentacles of an octopus. Without metal or modern navigational tools, they sailed across thousands of miles of open ocean to find and colonize hundreds of islands, including Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, Easter Island...
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Nero's Nile Expedition
In 61 AD, Roman Emperor Nero ordered an expedition up the Nile River - to explore the unknown lands to the south - and attempt to find the source of the mysterious river. This is the story of that expedition. Sponsors: Quince. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network:...
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The Vivaldi Brothers and the first attempt to sail from Europe to India via the Cape Route
In 1291, two Genoese brothers, Vandino and Ugolino Vivaldi, led the first known attempt to sail from Europe to India by going around the southern tip of Africa. The attempt - which failed - would generate rumors and speculation for hundreds of years. Sponsors: Quince. Visit...
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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 5 – A conversation with Hubert Sagnières
As a follow up to the Investigator series, we interviewed Hubert Sagnières - the author of "For Glory, Not Gold." We talk about a wide range of topics, including the Investigator, exploration in general, his inspirations, and plans for the future. It is a nice way to wrap up our series. Sponsors:...
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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 4 – The Passage Conquered
Captain Robert McClure and the men of the Investigator work to complete their crossing of the Northwest Passage - albeit via three ships and two sledge journeys. Plus we look at the aftermath of the expedition - and its legacy. Sponsors: Quince. Visit https://rexmd.com/explorers and get up to 95%...
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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 3 – Across the Passage
The HMS Investigator fights to survive two winters at Mercy Bay as the physical and mental health of the crew slowly starts to deteriorate. A desperate journey over the ice is planned - but the crew are saved by the arrival of men from the east - from the HMS Resolute. Enter to win a copy of "For...
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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 2 – The Parry Channel and Mercy Bay
In part 2 of our series, the HMS Investigator explores the areas around Banks Island and Victoria Island, before sailing into the Parry Channel - the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage. They will end the year at Mercy Bay - a place the ship will never leave. Enter to win a copy of "For...
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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 1 – Into the Arctic
In part 1 of our series, we look at the history of the search for the Northwest Passage, and the Lost Franklin Expedition. We then follow Captain Robert McClure as he leads the Investigator into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in 1850. Enter to win a copy of "For Glory, Not Gold: Expeditions...
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Jim Bridger - Part 6 - Powder River Expedition, Red Cloud's War, and final years
In the final episode in our series on Bridger, we take the mountain man on his final western adventures - the Powder River Expedition, and Red Cloud's War. We then wrap up by talking about the final years of Bridger's life, and his legacy. Sponsors: Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first…
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Jim Bridger - Part 5 - The Utah War, Raynolds Expedition, Bridger Trail and the Telegraph
This episode covers some of the most dramatic changes of the west in Jim Bridger's life. This includes the Utah War, the coming of the telegraph, and several expeditions of exploration, including the establishment of the Bridger Trail to the goldfields of Montana. Sponsors: Get an exclusive 15%...
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Jim Bridger - Part 4 - Brigham Young, the Mormons, and various expeditions
In this episode, we detail the growing conflict between Brigham Young and the United States government - and the effect it had on Bridger. We will also talk about Bridger's time as a guide for several expeditions - including his work with an American survey team heading into the mountains around...
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Jim Bridger - Part 3 - Go West!
In part 3 of our series, the 1840s will feature waves of people coming west - including settlers, miners and Mormons. Bridger will build that will later become a part of the Oregon Trail, and become a guide for those looking to forge new routes through the mountains. Sponsors: Get an exclusive…
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Jim Bridger - Part 2 - King of the Mountain Men
In part 2 of our series, we talk about the adventures Bridger had in his years as a trapper (1825-1840). We will also look at some of the people he encountered, and the places he visited. We will also discuss the changing fur industry, and how the west evolved during these years. Sponsors: Get an...
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Jim Bridger - Part 1 - Early Years and the Great Salt Lake
We talk about the early years of Bridger's life, including his path on becoming a veteran trapper and mountain man. This episode also includes Bridger's reaching of the Great Salt Lake - him being the first white man to ever reach the lake. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media...
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Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 8
In the final chapter of our saga we focus on another civil war in Peru - this between Gonzalo Pizarro and the Spanish Crown. We then detail the end of the Inca Empire. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers...
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Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 7
The Spanish continue to explore Peru and the lands beyond, while unhappy supporters of the late Diego de Almagro plot their revenge. It will mark a bloody end for many of our drama's characters. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in...
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Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 6
The rivalry comes to a head between Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro at the Battle of Las Salinas. Meanwhile, the ever pesky Inca under Manco continue to be a thorn in the side of the Spanish, resulting in multiple campaigns to Vitcos and Vilcabamba. The Explorers Podcast is part of the...
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Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 5
The siege of Cusco continues while an army of 50,000 bears down on Francisco Pizarro in Lima. Meanwhile, Manco Inca is forced to make a major decision when Diego de Almagro makes his long awaited return from his failed campaign in Chile. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network:...
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Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 4
In part 4 of our series, Diego de Almagro heads south on his own expedition of conquest. Meanwhile, the treatment of the Inca people at the hands of the Spanish drives the young emperor, Manco, to plot rebellion - which leads to the Siege of Cusco. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave…
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