J.R.R. Tolkien | A Discussion about Optimism
Join us as we discuss heroism through the eyes of J.R.R. Tolkien, how he incorporated heroism into stories, and how history influenced his view of heroes in fiction and real life. Listen also as we answer your questions about Tolkien, his writing, his influences, and the Rings of Power.
17 Okt 202245min
J.R.R. Tolkien | Optimism
Familiar to millions as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien believed that myths used stories of heroes to inspire generations of readers. He began his writing career with a children’s book, and when his publisher asked for a sequel, Tolkien had to give it some thought. For much of his life, he had lamented the fact that much of English mythology had been destroyed by invading armies or imported from abroad. (For example, the most famous English myth, that of King Arthur, was a blend of Scottish and French stories.) On putting pen to paper for the first time on his magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien began to craft an alternate mythology for his homeland that would tell heroic tales that, he believed, were lacking in modern Britain. Join us as we teach you about heroism through the eyes of J.R.R. Tolkien, how he incorporated heroism into stories, and how history influenced his view of heroes in fiction and real life.
10 Okt 202212min
Heroes | A Discussion about Season Six
Join us as we discuss the three short stories of heroes and learn what you can expect this season as we show you the people, places, and events in history that have contributed to the good we see in our world today.
3 Okt 202226min
Heroes | Welcome to Season Six of 15-Minute History!
Welcome to season six of 15-Minute History! Listen as we tell you three short stories of heroes. This season is about the people, places, and events in history that have contributed to the good we see in our world today. It is about showing the progression of the lives of those who came before and gaining insight into their motivations for taking action for the good of us all. It is about those who became a light in the dark, those who felt fear but still acted, and those who pushed past the confines of the moment to do that which we can take strength from today. It is about the person who might seem particularly ordinary, who, put into a situation where conviction trumps convenience, decides that action takes priority over words. This season is about heroes.
26 Sep 202215min
End of an Era | A Discussion on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II with Special Guest Dr. Dominic Selwood
We are pleased and excited to welcome back Dr. Dominic Selwood to discuss the passing of Queen Elizabeth, her legacy, and the probable changes to the monarchy as a result. Dr. Selwood also provides historical context for the ceremony, the coming coronation of King Charles III, and explains the true power of the crown in Great Britain. We hope you enjoy every moment as Dr. Selwood provides his authoritative take on this monumental current event. Read more about British history through Dr. Selwood's new book, "Anatomy of a Nation: A History of British Identity in 50 Documents", where he conducts a lively study of, and musings around, 50 documents – spanning 950,000 years of British history – which reads almost like a thriller as we follow the twists and turns of the country’s tumultuous fate. "Anatomy of a Nation" is available wherever books are sold. Dominic Selwood is a historian, journalist and barrister. He is a bestselling author and novelist, and a frequent contributor to national newspapers, radio and TV including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Spectator, The Catholic Herald, Sky News, and the BBC. He has a doctorate in history from the University of Oxford and a masters from the Sorbonne. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served as an officer in the British Army. He lives in London with his family.
19 Sep 202246min
In War and Peace | The House of Windsor (REDUX)
In this redux episode, we detail the rich history of the English royal family, the House of Windsor.
12 Sep 202216min
In Memoriam | A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
The 15-Minute History team remembers Queen Elizabeth II.
9 Sep 20223min
The Bravest of the Brave War Correspondents (Part Two) | Special Interview with Ray Boomhower on Richard Tregaskis
Join us for part two of our interview with Ray Boomhower about his book, Richard Tregaskis: Reporting under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam. In this special discussion, Mr. Boomhower explains why Tregaskis felt compelled to go to the front, the reasons he felt the burden to tell the story of the soldier in combat, how he saw reporting change during Korea and Vietnam, and more. Ray E. Boomhower is a senior editor at the Indiana Historical Society Press, where he edits the popular history magazine Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. A former newspaper reporter, Boomhower has written extensively on World War II media history, including biographies of such noted war correspondents as Scripps-Howard columnist Ernie Pyle and Time magazine reporter Robert L. Sherrod. Boomhower has also published biographies of fighter ace Alex Vraciu, war photographer John A. Bushemi, Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom, long-form journalist, and political speechwriter John Bartlow Martin. Richard Tregaskis: Reporting under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam is available wherever books are sold.
22 Aug 202232min
