3 great podcast episodes for Memorial Day (and beyond)
It's Memorial Day, and so you probably have a bunch of plans already in place. That might include a long drive to a relative's house or a few hours in the fishing boat. Need something to listen to in your downtime? Fire up a podcast. If you don't already have some favorites, though, finding the right thing to listen to is daunting. Save yourself time and check out one of these great episodes instead.
Death Throes of the Republic
Memorial Day is known for grilling burgers and heading out into nature, largely due to its federal holiday status and its position at the beginning of summer. It is, though, a day for recognizing deceased armed forces members, and it's hard not to think about the politics surrounding that.
What better time, then, to brush up on one of the world's former superpowers, Rome, its political system, and its eventual fall? Check out Dan Carlin's "Hardcore History: Death Throes of the Republic I." If you like what you hear, prepare yourself: Carlin added five more episodes after it, forming a six-part series you can grab from his website for $9.99 USD.
Art Bell and the Area 51 Caller
If Memorial Day has you amped up for government-related podcasts but you prefer something a little more spooky and conspiratorial, check out this classic episode of Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell from September 11, 1997. Some unnamed individual called in proclaiming conspiratorial, fearful narratives about Area 51 and its supposed existence, the government's involvement, and more. Months later, a man called back claiming to be the Area 51 caller, saying that it was all a hoax. Neither he nor anyone else, though, had an explanation for why the original broadcast had been knocked out mid-call.
Yes, yes, it's technically not a podcast episode. We're using the term loosely.
If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say, SAY IT IN ALL CAPS
Not so interested in government and military podcasts? Here's one about the good ol' Internet. We've all dealt with trolls, some more than others, and it can be very disheartening at times. Ever wonder what would happen if you confronted those trolls? About why they act the way they do? If so, this episode of This American Life from the podcast's archives is a must-listen. You can find it here.
Do you have a favorite podcast episode? Share it in the comments!