Cozy History

Austin and Sam are back at it after a short break (we tried to join the military but quit when we learned that ancient calvary tactics were no longer in use). Austin delivers a stunning account of Alexander's epic rise and fall. The fellas dive into ancient warfare tactics and equipment, the importance of sexual diplomacy, and ask a question: Could we pay the troops in Blue Chew? Enjoy! Cover Art: Mosaic of Alexander fighting at the battle of Issus

Austin and Sam tackle one of their most difficult topics yet; The Irish Potato Famine. Almost everyone thinks that they know this sad story, but only Austin can leads us through this complex whirlwind of Irish history and British colonialism. How did it all start? Did they really only eat potatoes? Just how bad were the British? (really bad). They also touch on medieval feast days and the amazing solidarity of marginalized peoples. Shoutout to the Choctaw Nation!

Austin and Sam dive into the fascinating life of "the last viking" Harald Hardrada. As a young man, he was forced from his homeland and left adrift in the ancient world. His military skill eventually led him to Constantinople and the Holy Land, where he gained wealth and prestige. Ultimately, his path led to England and the famous Battle of Stamford Bridge. It's hell of a journey. But don't worry, the lads also discuss going back in time to kill Hitler and making a podcast for babies. Is that what this is now? Enjoy.

Austin and Sam celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party! But don't let the name fool you, this isn't about fancy gatherings with nice tea and those little triangular sandwiches. This episode features an in-depth look at the early days of the American independence movement. Samuel Adams! John Adams! (second cousins!) Also featuring British taxation, the Sons of Liberty, and a little ship named The Beaver. They also ask one important question... Just how much copper is in Paul Revere's house? Enjoy!

Who doesn't love Christmas? The beautiful lights, the great times with friends and family, and the absolute devastation of trench warfare! Sam and Austin have brought you a present: The Christmas Truce of WWI. This episode includes the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the unifying power of drinking beers with the lads, and the importance of notes from your mom. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Inspired by "Florida Man" headlines, Austin leads us on a mystical journey through the mists of time. From the tectonic level, to Pangea (did it really exist?), to Francis Drake and the election of Abraham Lincoln. Florida's reputation as a crazy and lawless land of opportunity is well deserved. Thanks for listening!

Austin and Sam talk about the original Covid-19. You thought staying inside was horrible? Wait until you hear about plague doctors, bursting pustules, and shrieking flagellants. Trust us, the black plague was even worse than you think. It also has a surprisingly long history, from the Bible to the 1900s. This is an in-depth episode, full of disgusting facts and jokes about those disgusting facts. Austin really delivered the goods on this one. Enjoy! Episode Art: The Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut

The UAW is on strike! As the United Auto Workers continue to put pressure on automakers, Austin and Sam are here to make sure that you know exactly what is going on. All the way from the early beginnings of the UAW to the developments that we're seeing right now! They also touch on Henry Ford's secret army, building tanks during WWII, the election of Shawn Fain, and so much more. Enjoy! (Cover photo: UAW members from Louisville, KY)

Some people love them, some hate them. The latter group makes no sense to us. Join Austin and Sam as they explore the mind-blowing history of a superfood: pickles. Used by Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and even our boys overseas in WWII. They also discuss the new drug "monkey dust" and speculate on Captain America's relationship to the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy! Cover photo: "An American Pickle", starring Seth Rogan. (2020)

Guns, gambling, and gangsters. The mafia has captured public attention for many years (Shoutout Pauly Walnuts), but Austin and Sam found out the real history of Italian organized crime. From the Black Hand to John Gotti, they discuss the rise and fall of the greatest criminal organization that the world has ever seen. Cover Photo: Meyer Lansky, 1958.

It's a 4th of July special episode! Austin and Sam discuss one of the most famous wartime operations in the history of the world. Discover the behind the scenes politics and spy-work that made it possible, how and why Eisenhower became Supreme Allied Commander, and how a bunch of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Balloons saved the world.

Fist fights, Mormons, Fried Chicken? Austin and Sam dive into the crazy life of Colonel Harlan Sanders. Yes, the KFC guy. But there's so much more to this story than a secret blend of herbs and spices. We discuss stolen valor, being a fake lawyer, and the benefits of taking test. Finally, we discover that Mormon polygamists actually invented the bucket of chicken. Enjoy!

Austin and Sam meet up to discuss one of the most important scientific discoveries of the modern age... the development of the atomic bomb. They discuss the Manhattan Project and the scientists who worked to develop the bomb. They also consider the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, secret Soviet spies, and what would happen if we gave dogs the nuclear codes. Enjoy!

Inspired by a WWII vet that Sam met in Kroger, this episode explores the Pacific Theater of WWII. The USS Pensacola saw action in almost every sea battle, dealing with Japanese air attacks on a regular basis. The boys discuss the staggering costs of war, both during the conflict and at home. It is a truly amazing story of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. They finish the episode with a visit to Bikini Atoll aka Bikini Bottom. (Shoutout to Squidward)

Austin leads the discussion as we examine the interesting life (and death) of Amelia Earhart. Groundbreaking female pilot, early feminist, and all around badass lady. We also dive into silent film pornos, evil 1920’s newspapermen, and the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Finally, we ask a penetrating question... was the pope involved in her death? Enjoy!

This one is amazing. Violent, funny, and action-packed. Basically a Fast and Furious movie, but one of the good ones like Tokyo Drift. John Brown was an abolitionist, willing to use violence to destroy slavery. As you may know, this didn't necessarily go as planned... Listen to the episode to learn the whole story! We talk about broadswords, Roddy Ricch, and discover that John Brown was the original Forrest Gump.

This is a MUST LISTEN! Austin and Sam return from a brief hiatus to bring you their best episode yet. Follow along with the boys as they discuss this amazing man and the times that shaped him. Ultimately, despite the orgies and the alcohol, he was misunderstood. This a complicated but amazing story. Enjoy!

Austin and Sam dive into the curious life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He's most famous for creating Sherlock Holmes, but the boys uncover connections to Harry Houdini, magical fairies, and the Zodiac Killer (They never caught him, he's still out there). Using the powers of deduction, the boys work to solve the case. Only one mystery remains... who stole Austin's longboard? Enjoy!

Think you already know everything about Genghis Khan? Austin and Sam might just surprise you. This episode is full of surprising stories, political intrigue, and ancient warfare. Finally, they discuss the Genghis Grill restaurant phenomena. This episode is dedicated to the dads who stepped up!

Merry Christmas from the Cozy History Podcast! Austin and Sam fight through the cold, snow, and hangovers to bring you a holiday spectacle like no other. Where else can you hear discussions on Roman orgies, corrupt politicians, and Santa's sex life? So settle in, grab a drink, and get cozy.