Badass of the Week

King Minos: The Tyrant of the Labyrinth

In today's episode Ben and Pat step into the mythic halls of power as we unravel the legend of King Minos of Crete, the ruler with a legacy steeped in both glory and terror. Known for his connection to the infamous Minotaur and the labyrinth, Minos’s reign was marked by cunning, ambition, and iron-fisted control over the Mediterranean. In this episode, we'll dive into the myths and realities surrounding Minos, exploring how he shaped Crete into a dominant force and became a central figure in one of history’s most iconic legends. Discover the truth behind the king who ruled not just a kingdom, but the darkest corners of mythology

Alva Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca: Epic Survival

In today's episode Ben and Pat are joined by author and podcast host Erik Slader from Epik Fails of History to talk about Alva Nuñe Cabeza De Vaca, a Spanish explorer who defied all odds to survive a harrowing trek across the Americas. Shipwrecked, enslaved, and wandering through unknown lands, Cabeza de Vaca's tale is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and unyielding determination. From enduring brutal hardships to becoming a healer and diplomat among indigenous tribes, his journey redefined what it meant to be an explorer. 

Eddie "Firestorm" Loder

In today's episode, Ben and Pat are joined by Matt the host of the Late Night History podcast to chat about one of Boston's Bravest, Eddie Loder, a firefighter who made some of the most daring rescues in Fire Fighting history. 

Eugene James Bullard: The Black Swallow of Death

In today's episode, Ben is joined by Brandon Fibbs to tell the story of Eugene James Bullard, an unsung American war hero who was one of the first African American Military Pilots who flew for France in WWI, and then fought the Germans again in WWII. 
 
 

Captain James Macrae: The Buccaneer's Bane

In today's episode Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs tell the story of Captain James Macrae, a blue-collar ship captain for the British East India Company who managed to fight off two ships full of bloodthirsty pirates and lived to tell the tale. 

Jim Thorpe: Path Lit By Great Flash of Lightning

In today's episode, and in honor of the Olympics, historian Ben Thompson and producer Andrew Jacobs talk about possibly the greatest athlete of all time - Wa-Tho-Huk - AKA Jim Thorpe. Thorpe, a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma not only dominated multiple Olympic events with scant experience in them, but put professional football on the map. 

Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri: The Iron Sheik

In today's episode Ben Thompson and guest Dr. Brad Balukjian step into the ring with the Iron Sheik, the larger-than-life wrestling icon who captivated audiences with his unmatched charisma and fierce persona. In this hard-hitting episode we delve into the incredible journey of Khosrow Vaziri, from his early days in Iran to becoming the Iron Sheik, a wrestling legend and pop culture phenomenon. Explore his rise to fame, his legendary rivalries, and the indomitable spirit that made him a household name. Get ready for a no-holds-barred look at the Iron Sheik’s legacy of one of wrestling’s most unforgettable characters.

The Night Witches

You've seen TV shows like Masters of Air and movies like Memphis Belle. Incredible stories of American boys fighting Nazis for dominance of the skies in WWII. But what you haven't heard of is the Soviet 588th Night Bomber Regiment... an all women bomber squadron that flew under the cover of darkness in bare-bones plywood biplanes that dropped more than 23,000 tons of bombs on Nazi targets. Join Ben Thompson and Brandon Fibbs in today's episode to hear more!

The Bulgar Slayer

In today's episode Ben and Pat dive into Basil II also known as The Bulgar Slayer a super hardcore dude from Byzantine history who took on Krum the Horrible.  No this is not a Conan the Barbarian movie. This is real life and just goes to show we need way better nicknames for our leaders these days. 

Edith Garrud + Mary Church Terrell: Fist Fighting for the right to vote

On today's episode Ben and Pat dive into the stories of two very different women: Edith Garrud and Mary Church Terrell. They both fought valiantly for civil rights and women's suffrage, but only one them did so with jiu jitsu!