Best Polymath Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 111 - Crashing Out as a Polymath 1:33:22

13h ago1:33:22

1:33:22

So, Tim hit record for Ep 111 and just let his brain spill out. We're talking identity crises right out the gate, the weird science of music and reality, and the frustrating life of a "polymath" who knows a bit about everything (and isn't afraid to say it). He covers old business wins, why self-help gurus piss him off, the illusion of separation, a…

1
Triple Crowns and Grand Slams 15:40

1h ago15:40

15:40

Many different sports have a concept of a triple crown or a grand slam. What it is defined as differs from sport to sport, but what they all have in common is that achieving a triple crown or a grand slam is considered to be the pinnacle of the game. In some sports, the triple crown or grand slam has achieved a legendary status, and in others, the …

1
Agnes Waterhouse and the Birth of England’s Witch Trials 9:27

19h ago9:27

9:27

In 1566, Agnes Waterhouse became one of the first woman executed for witchcraft in England. Accused of killing her neighbor with the help of a talking cat named Sathan, her trial marked the beginning of a dark chapter in English history. In this episode, we explore the haunting story of Agnes, the rise of witchcraft laws under Elizabeth I, and how …

1
A Brief History of Australia 15:47

1h ago15:47

15:47

Australia is a unique country. By area, it's huge. By population, however, it is dwarfed by smaller countries such as Nepal, Ghana, Yemen, and the United Kingdom. By modern standards, the nation is quite young, yet it has a history that goes back further than almost any other country. …and there is also the thing with the criminals. Learn more abou…

1
When Exactly Did the Roman Empire Fall? (Encore) 14:15

3d ago14:15

14:15

The Roman Empire was one of the greatest empires in the ancient world. It left us a host of languages based on Latin, as well as many cultural institutions which still exist. While the Roman Empire is gone, when exactly did it cease to exist? Learn more about exactly when the Roman Empire fell and if such a thing even makes sense on this episode of…

1
The Isles of Scilly and the 350-Year War 15:10

1d ago15:10

15:10

Located off the tip of Cornwall, England, lies a small group of islands known as the Isles of Scilly. If you’ve never heard of the Isles of Scilly before, you probably just chuckled when you heard the name. If you have heard of them, you know that they comprise the extreme southwest point of the United Kingdom and are the warmest part of the countr…

1
Portraying Power: Anthonis Mor at the Court of Mary I 1:06:40

5d ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Dr. Peter Stiffell joins guest host Dr. Emma for a fascinating discussion on the work of Anthonis Mor at the court of Queen Mary I. Together, they explore the rich symbolism in his portraits and compare them to other images produced in his workshop. -- Are you looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to my Patreon page! Love to Read? Che…

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Questions and Answers: Volume 30 14:54

2d ago14:54

14:54

You have questions and I have answers. Sponsors Mint Mobile Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Stitch Fix Go to stitchfix.com/everywhere to have a stylist help you look your best Tourist Office of Spain Plan your next adventure at Spai…

1
The Bahamas 17:08

3d ago17:08

17:08

Located just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Florida, is the nation of the Bahamas. It is a large archipelago of islands covering over 5000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas are a unique country both historically and geologically. It has a landscape unlike any other in the world, and it has been at the forefront of the European colon…

1
Thomas Wolsey: From Butcher's Son to Cardinal 36:16

7d ago36:16

36:16

Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Alison Weir to dive into the fascinating life of Thomas Wolsey. If you’ve ever thought Wolsey was boring, this episode will change your mind! Alison and I explore the twists and turns of his life, her research process, and share a lively conversation about all things Tudor. Find The Cardinal on Amazon -- Are you l…

1
Numbers Stations (Encore) 14:13

4d ago14:13

14:13

If you ever stay up at night scanning through frequencies on shortwave radio, there is a good chance you might come across something very odd and kind of creepy. You will find a station that is nothing but a disembodied voice reading off a seemingly random string of numbers. There is often an identifying sound or song which is played on a regular b…

1
Origins of the Internet 17:36

5d ago17:36

17:36

If you are listening to my words right now, then you are obviously an internet user. The internet has arguably been the most transformative technology of the last fifty years. But it wasn’t developed overnight or all at once. It was a gradual process to solve specific problems, and no one knew at the time that it would become the basis of a global …

1
How Empress Theodora and Lola Montez Redefined Power 19:21

8d ago19:21

19:21

Separated by centuries but united by boldness, Empress Theodora and Lola Montez shattered societal expectations to transform scandal into power. In this episode, we explore how each woman defied the odds, using wit, ambition, and sheer will to rise above the roles society tried to force upon them. Their stories remind us that sometimes, the most un…

1
The Battle of Vicksburg 16:25

6d ago16:25

16:25

The most famous battles of the US Civil War all occurred in the eastern theater, such as Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, and Bull Run. However, one of the most important battles, from both a strategic and tactical standpoint, took place in the west. It was one of the most brilliant led battles of the entire conflict, and it vaulted into prominence a …

1
The History of Banks and Banking 17:14

7d ago17:14

17:14

One of the biggest and most important industries in the world is banking. Banks are large, control an enormous amount of money, and are often the most influential economic institutions in most countries. Yet, banks are not a modern invention. Banks, in one form or another, have been around for thousands of years and have evolved into the modern ins…

1
Calendar Reform 16:38

10d ago16:38

16:38

Our calendar and system of keeping time are rather unique. It isn’t nice and tidy like the metric system. It is a collection of odd time units, leap years, and rotating calendars. As such, many people throughout history have thought that they could do better. So they have made proposals for changing our calendar, some of which would be very differe…

1
The Midwife's Tale: Pregnancy and Birth in Tudor England 43:31

11d ago43:31

43:31

Today, I’m joined by trained midwife and author Brigitte Barnard for a fascinating deep dive into pregnancy and childbirth in Tudor England. We’ll explore the realities faced by women of the time—and you won’t want to miss Brigitte’s theory on what really caused Jane Seymour’s death. Spoiler: it’s not childbed fever! Find book on Amazon: https://ww…

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Sherman’s March to the Sea (Encore) 14:12

12d ago14:12

14:12

Just one week after President Abraham Lincoln was re-elected in November 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman set out to execute one of the most audacious plans of the US Civil War. His plan involved violating several central tenets of warfare, which had been established for thousands of years, yet in the process, he helped bring the war to…

1
Sede Vacante and The Process of Papal Succession 15:54

13d ago15:54

15:54

After the death or resignation of a pope, but before the election of a new pope, there is a period of time at the Vatican known as Sede Vacante. The Sede Vacante doesn’t last very long, and it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does occur, it is a very busy time. This period has its own coat of arms and highly regimented series of events that h…

1
The Daughters of Eleanor of Aquitaine 59:29

13d ago59:29

59:29

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Sharon Bennett Connolly as we turn our attention to the often-overlooked daughters of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. While their sons have long dominated the spotlight, it’s high time we gave their remarkable daughters the recognition they deserve! Sharon's Books on Amazon: https://ww…

1
The Medici Family and Renaissance Florence 17:34

13d ago17:34

17:34

One of the greatest periods of social and technological change in world history was the Renaissance. At the heart of the Renaissance was the city-state of Florence. It was the home to some of the world’s greatest artists and thinkers. At the heart of Florence was a family that ran the city for several centuries. They became fabulously wealthy and s…

1
The Battle of Marathon (Encore) 13:57

15d ago13:57

13:57

In the year 490 BC, one of the most pivotal battles in world history took place. Just north of the City of Athens, Persian and Greek forces clashed in what was to be the first Persian attempt to invade Greece. Despite being seriously outnumbered, the Greeks managed to win a decisive victory that had long-lasting ramifications. Learn more about the …

1
Global Reserve Currencies and the Triffin Dilemma 15:18

15d ago15:18

15:18

Today, approximately 160 currencies are used worldwide. Some countries share the same currency, while others use the currency of another country. However, not all currencies are equal. One currency always tends to become the dominant currency in international affairs, known as the global reserve currency. There are benefits for the country that iss…

1
Biological Taxonomy and the Tree of Life 17:02

17d ago17:02

17:02

All living things on the planet Earth, from microbes to whales, can be categorized into a single hierarchical system. This system has been developed over the last 300 years. Layers have been added, and there have been debates as to what creatures should go where. However, it has proved an incredibly useful way to understand how all life is connecte…

1
The Search for Life Outside the Solar System 16:47

18d ago16:47

16:47

In 1995, the first planet outside our solar system was discovered. Since then, with improved techniques and tools, over 5,000 exoplanets have been confirmed, and another 10,000 candidates are awaiting confirmation. With some of these exoplanets, astronomers can actually study their atmospheres and search for signs of life. Learn more about the sear…

1
John Dee: Tudor Polymath 48:07

19d ago48:07

48:07

Today, we dive into the extraordinary life of John Dee — mathematician, astrologer, alchemist, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. A true Renaissance polymath, Dee’s mind spanned the scientific and the mystical, from celestial navigation to conversations with angels. But was he a genius ahead of his time or a man lost in the shadowy spaces between sc…

1
Rare Earth Elements (Encore) 11:27

18d ago11:27

11:27

Modern society is completely dependent on a set of technologies that include computer chips, fiber optic cables, lasers, video screens, electric motors, and batteries. All of those things are dependent on a small category of chemicals called rare earth elements. Their importance in technology has made them a focal point of international trade and p…

1
Ep. 110 - Meaning Between The Voids 1:11:18

18d ago1:11:18

1:11:18

In this milestone 110th episode, Tim Weichselbaum takes a reflective break from his usual content format to look back on the podcast's journey over the past 3+ years. He shares his personal experience with sobriety and how quitting alcohol has transformed both his social interactions and creative process. The episode explores how alcohol previously…

1
The History of Wire 16:39

19d ago16:39

16:39

The modern world runs on metal wires. These thin metal strands literally circle the globe and are responsible for much of the world’s electrical power and communications. It is something so basic that most people never bother to stop and think about how wires are made. It turns out wire has been made for thousands of years, although its uses have c…

1
Fashion, Portraits, and Power: Anna of Denmark 56:04

20d ago56:04

56:04

Today, Dr. Jemma Field returns to join Dr. Emma and me for a fascinating discussion about Anna of Denmark—her fashion, her portraits, and the influence she wielded at the Stuart court. -- Visit: Yale Center for British Art https://britishart.yale.edu/ -- Looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynas…

1
The Occupation and Liberation of Paris 16:09

20d ago16:09

16:09

Of all the cities that experienced the Second World War, one of the most interesting stories is that of Paris. Paris was not the scene of major fighting like Warsaw, which was all but destroyed. It was occupied for over four years, during which time it saw acts of resistance and collaboration. When the city was liberated after the invasion of Norma…

1
Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium: The Other Precious Metals 16:32

22d ago16:32

16:32

When I say precious metals, most of you probably immediately think of gold and silver. Historically, they have indeed been precious metals. However, they are not the only ones. There are elemental metals that are rarer and more expensive than gold. They have important industrial uses….and in some cases, they are much more expensive. Learn more abou…

1
Echoes of Justice: The Silent Power of Dido Elizabeth Belle and Sophia Singh 16:59

23d ago16:59

16:59

This episode explores the remarkable stories of Dido Elizabeth Belle and Sophia Duleep Singh—two women of royal lineage who challenged the expectations of their time. From Dido's unique position in Georgian England to Sophia’s activism in the suffragette movement, we uncover how they used their voices to fight for justice, identity, and equality in…

1
Operation Barbarossa (Encore) 15:56

22d ago15:56

15:56

On June 22, 1941, German forces crossed into the Soviet Union. It was, and remains, the largest military operation in human history. The force that the Germans assembled for the invasion was staggering, consisting of over 3 million men. However, the decision to go to war with the Soviets and break the alliance Germany had with them has puzzled hist…

1
All About Fiji 17:36

23d ago17:36

17:36

Located in the South Pacific is the nation of Fiji. Fiji is an archipelago of 330 islands located about 1,100 nautical miles north of New Zealand. It is a unique mix of Pacific cultures with both Melanesian and Polynesian influences, with a dash of Indian influence as well. Given its size and population, it is also one of the most important countri…

1
The Ancient World Isn’t Done With Us (Live) 16:01

25d ago16:01

16:01

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Sponsors Mint Mobile Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Stitch Fix Go to stitchfix.com/everywhere to have a stylist help you look your best Tourist Office of Spain Plan your next a…

1
Harold Godwinson: The Last Anglo-Saxon King 47:26

26d ago47:26

47:26

In this episode, we journey back in time—long before the Tudors—to the final days of the Anglo-Saxon era and the dawn of the medieval age with William the Conqueror's invasion. Who were these men, and how did they shape the course of history? -- Paula's Website: https://www.threadstothepast.com/ Book shop mentioned: https://www.eastgrinsteadbooksho…

1
The Greatest Nobel Prize Snubs 16:10

25d ago16:10

16:10

As of the recording of this episode, 1,012 people have been awarded Nobel Prizes across every category. This episode is not about any of them. This episode is about the people who didn’t win a Nobel Prize but arguably should have. Whether they were the victims of personal petty politics, geopolitics, or sexism, there have been many people who were …

1
A History of Lead (Encore) 14:27

26d ago14:27

14:27

Sometime around eight to nine thousand years ago, ancient people in Asia Minor found a very dull grey metal that turned out to be easy to manipulate when it was heated. For thousands of years, it was used for a variety of purposes, including as a food additive. 4 With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, even more uses were found for this uniqu…

1
Misjudged Monarch: Queen Mary I of England 1:11:39

28d ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Whenever I have the opportunity to debunk myths or bring to light the real history I am in my happy place. Dr. Johanna Strong joined me to look at Mary I in a way that we don't always see her - she was so much more than her "Bloody Mary" moniker! Today we discuss some of the injustices against her, her part in John Foxes Act and Monuments, the role…

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