Today’s episode is part 2 of the Fall of the Aztec Empire!

We left off as Cortés and his men were fresh off their decisive victory over the Tabascan warriors. Tensions were rising as he received stunning gifts from Montezuma—gifts meant to bribe the Spaniards into staying away from Tenochtitlán and to leave Mexico altogether. But Cortés had no intention of backing off and insisted on meeting face-to-face with Montezuma, while Montezuma was beginning to fear that Cortés might just be the returning god Quetzalcoatl.

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The boys are back and here to stay! In this episode, we begin our series on Hernán Cortés's 1519 expedition to Mexico, highlighting his arrival on the Yucatan Peninsula, his encounter with the sophisticated Aztec Empire, and the eventual clash between Spanish and Aztec civilizations. The episode delves into Montezuma's rule, Aztec society, and the brutal conflict that marked the fall of Tenochtitlán.

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Ever wondered how nine seasoned hikers could meet their end in the Ural Mountains under circumstances so strange they'd give a Yeti chills? In this episode we tell a tale that's kept armchair sleuths and conspiracy theorists at the edge of their seats for decades. Cling to your parkas as we recount the haunting Dyatlov Pass Incident and dissect the bewildering evidence left in the snow, from the hikers' unexplained injuries to the whispers of a Soviet cover-up. Bring your skepticism and your curiosity; you'll need them both.

We'll navigate the theories that have snowballed since that fateful night in 1959, scrutinizing everything from the mysterious lights in the sky to the macabre state of the bodies discovered. As we sift through chilling journal entries and autopsy reports, we'll consider whether the explanation lies in an avalanche, the hands of Soviet forces, or perhaps something more otherworldly.

Was it a terrifying natural phenomenon that sent these hikers to their untimely deaths, or are the threads of a darker narrative woven into the fabric of this Soviet-era mystery? Grab a drink and settle in; this is one history lesson that promises no easy answers, just the thrill of the chase in the coldest case you'll ever encounter.

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In the heart of winter, a season steeped in tradition, two distinct figures emerge to shape the spirit of Christmas. One is the embodiment of kindness and generosity, a saint whose legacy spans centuries — St. Nicholas. The other, a darker counterpart, lurking in the shadows of folklore with a menacing presence — Krampus. We will explore the fascinating journey of St. Nicholas, from his early life of charity to the evolution into the beloved figure of Santa Claus. And as we unravel the benevolence of St. Nicholas, we will also delve into the eerie folklore surrounding Krampus, highlighting the contrasting elements that coexist in the Christmas narrative, while ending the episode with some fun Krampus creepy pastas from the interweb!

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In today's episode we dive into the legendary Zulu king - Shaka Zulu. We cover the rise and fall of a leader who forever changed the African continent. We will uncover the riveting life of Shaka Zulu, his innovative military strategies, and the darker side of his reign.

We'll challenge the narrative surrounding Shaka, diving into the controversial accounts of his rule - exploring his power struggles, his eventual downfall, and the potential misrepresentation of his reign. We'll shine a light on the devastating effects of his rule, known as the Mfecane, which resulted in the death of up to two million people. We also take a closer look at Shaka's significant influence on African development, dissecting his complex legacy and the role he played in shaping the continent.

This is a compelling tale of power, conquest, and tragedy. We'll be raising a toast to history as we share laughs, insights, and the fascinating realities of Shaka Zulu's reign. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and prepare to be transported into the extraordinary world of Shaka Zulu.

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In today’s episode we will be discussing Lady Jane Grey, The Nine Days’ Queen! Lady Jane Grey was a noblewoman who briefly became queen of England for just nine days in July 1553. Born into a prominent aristocratic family with ties to the royal Tudor lineage, she was highly educated, known for her intelligence, and had a strong Protestant upbringing.

Her unexpected ascent to the throne came amidst a succession crisis following the death of King Edward VI, who named her as his heir in an attempt to prevent his Catholic half-sister, Mary I, from taking power due to their religious beliefs. Jane's reign was swiftly challenged by Mary I, and she was eventually deposed and later executed at a very young age, becoming known as the "Nine Days' Queen."

Documentary source - Lady Jane Grey (England's Forgotten Queen) | History Documentary | Reel Truth History

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Take a load off this week with a little thimble of whiskey

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In today’s episode, we will be discussing The Battle of the Alamo! The Battle of the Alamo was a legendary clash during the Texas Revolution. In 1836, a small Texan garrison, led by figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, held the fortified Alamo mission against a massive Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. The Texans, vastly outnumbered, fought valiantly for thirteen days. Despite their bravery and fierce resistance, they were ultimately overwhelmed on March 6th, 1836. The fall of the Alamo became a symbol of heroic sacrifice and sparked a fire for Texan independence. The defenders' determination and courage against insurmountable odds left an indelible mark on American history, rallying others to join the cause for freedom.

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