Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi

For a decade the Basmachi frustrated the Soviets, popping up where they were least expected, and preventing them from establishing total control in the region. However, by 1926, the Basmachi were on their last leg. Hiding in northern Afghanistan, they faced a choice of one final assault or fading away into obscurity. Join my Patreon … Continue reading Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi

Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States

It is our third anniversary! Help us celebrate by joining my relaunched Patreon and enjoy the chaos that is me, someone with undiagnosed ADHD, try to maintain a podcast that focuses on one conflict at a time. Join My Patreon Stop Cop City The Balance of Power in Central Asia by the End of 1923 … Continue reading Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States

15 Holiday Gift Ideas for History and/or Book Lovers

The holidays are here and you haven’t bought a present yet for your history and/or book lover! No judgment-I haven’t gone holiday shopping either. But my own frantic panic inspired me to put together this list of 15 books about Central Asia for that special history or book lover in your life. Fiction Central Asian … Continue reading 15 Holiday Gift Ideas for History and/or Book Lovers

Overview of Pamela Toler’s Lecture on Women Warriors

A few weeks ago, I went to the Pritzker Military Museum and Library to attend Pamela Toler’s lecture on her new book Women Warriors: An Unexpected History. Toler is a well-known historian who studies the often over looked aspects of history such as women contributions and noncombatants contributions during war. Her book focuses on women … Continue reading Overview of Pamela Toler’s Lecture on Women Warriors

Two Giants of the Civil Rights Movement

Saturday was the Women's March and today is MLK Day, making me reflect on the Civil Rights movement and social change in general. MLK represents many different things to so many people and I think everything we project on him can sometimes obscure the man and the many people around him, who fought just as hard and sacrificed just as much. And I think that was MLK's greatest gift and legacy-empowering, not only a nation, but each and every individual who came in contact with him to fight for justice and for what's right. Today, I want to write about two such people, two women who I deeply admire and can't help but be inspired by: Dorothy Height and Fannie Lou Hamer. Hopefully, this way I can pay my respects to the Women's March and MLK's and the Civil Rights Movement's legacy.

5 Notorious Historical Figures with Supernatural Connections

Since it is Halloween, I thought it would be fun to write a post about the five notorious historical figures who have either inspired supernatural creatures or were confused for supernatural creatures. 6. Bela Kiss-the Vampire of Cinkola Bela Kiss was a Hungarian soldier who fought during WWI, a serial killer, and-possibly-a vampire. A man … Continue reading 5 Notorious Historical Figures with Supernatural Connections

Why We Need Another Movie on the Battle of Britain

As a history buff, I was ecstatic when Darkest Hour came out. Gary Oldman’s performance brought life into Winston Churchill again and the cinematography and editing provided the adrenaline and fear needed when dealing with a foe like the Nazis. However, the ending left me wanting it to continue and include the Battle of Britain. … Continue reading Why We Need Another Movie on the Battle of Britain