Best Bulgarian History Podcasts (2025)

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230 The September Uprising 27:39

2h ago27:39

27:39

The Comintern's orders are clear. The Bulgarian Communist Party is to mount an uprising to overthrow the newly installed fascist regime of Alexander Tsankov. But do they have any chance of success?Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You …

1
133: The Second Bulgarian Empire: Part Two: Ivan Asen II 35:19

3h ago35:19

35:19

Send us a text In our second episode covering the revival period of the Bulgarian Empire, we find out what happened to the man who replaced the dreaded Roman Slayer, and how a banished Prince gathered the aid of the Kievan Russ and came back with a vengeance, to rid the realm of his usurper cousin and deal a brutal blow to the Despotate of Epirus. …

1
673a Visiting Antarctica; The Journeys of Trees; Italy's Northern Lakes 52:00

4h ago52:00

52:00

A travel writer shares how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then a reporter focused on climate change and conservation explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive the planet's rising temperatures. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes o…

1
789 Easter in Greece; Pillars of Europe; Easter in Andalucía 52:00

7d ago52:00

52:00

Learn about the customs that Greeks observe as Orthodox Easter draws near. Then contemplate the massive undertaking of building a cathedral centuries ago and how these monuments to faith and devotion helped shape their locales. And get acquainted with southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances, which fill the streets of Andalucía in the we…

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The Falcon Lake Incident - Polish Man in the Woods - 179 1:57:33

9d ago1:57:33

1:57:33

This week, two partial Poles make fun of the Polish people as we tell the legendary story of Stefan Michalak. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast --- Falcon Lake inciden…

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788 Spain by Train; Foreign Correspondent; The Lines on Our Maps 52:00

11d ago52:00

52:00

Hear from tour guides about Spain's robust high-speed rail network and all the places it can take you. Then hit the road vicariously with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof for a taste of life as a foreign correspondent. And take a closer look at the surprising and fascinating ways in which borders have shaped our world. For more in…

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132: The Empire in Nicaea: Part Two: The Seeds of Hellenism 46:24

14d ago46:24

46:24

Send us a text As we return to the Empire in Nicaea, we follow the reign of Emperor John Vatatzes. After rebuilding the Byzantine Navy, he launched an invasion of Thrace and expanded Nicaea into Europe. While John spent most of his reign on the battlefield, his son Theodore grew up in the Empire in exile. Because of his prolific writing, we have an…

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787 Twenty Years; The Vanishing Point; Martin Sheen's Travels 52:00

18d ago52:00

52:00

Rick marks 20 years of his radio show by revisiting some memorable guests and what they've taught us about travel. Then author Paul Theroux celebrates his 84th birthday as he contemplates the passage of time in his new short-story collection, "The Vanishing Point." And actor Martin Sheen describes how his experiences filming overseas have come to i…

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The Hammersmith Ghost - Deja Vu - 178 1:06:54

23d ago1:06:54

1:06:54

This week, Brandon makes John experience some baffling Deja Vu. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Hammersmith Ghost murder case - Wikipedia Hammersmith Ghost:…

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696a For the Love of Guidebooks; The Gulf; Greatest Art in Europe 52:00

25d ago52:00

52:00

Europe brims with world-class art, and we contemplate some of the continent's truly outstanding paintings, sculptures, and historic edifices. Then we learn about the historic and ecological importance of the Gulf of Mexico from a professor in neighboring Florida. And we consider the humble guidebook and what its pages can tell us, both in the momen…

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229 The Agrarian Regime in Retrospect 35:54

27d ago35:54

35:54

How did the seemingly dominant Agrarian regime of Alexander Stamboliiski collapse so quickly and what can the successes, failures, and contradictions tell us about the regime and the country that created it?Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporti…

1
131: The Despotate of Epirus: Part Two: Theodore Komnenos Doukas 33:26

27d ago33:26

33:26

Send us a text This is our second episode on the Despotate of Epirus, and after covering the amazing foundation of the state by Michael Komnenos Doukas, everyone thought the state would simply dissolve after its founder was assassinated. But, with the arrival of his Half-Brother, the despotate grew to greater heights. Theodore built up the power of…

1
228 The Long-Awaited Blow 22:57

1M ago22:57

22:57

After years of waiting for the right moment to strike, the enemies of Stamboliiski's agrarian regime finally make their move.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/228-l…

1
786 Greek Passions; In Love with the Louvre; Balkan Discoveries 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

A tour guide from Greece delves into the importance of food, family, and traditions in his homeland. Then a Francophile offers advice on how to take on the vast collection of the world's largest — and arguably greatest — museum. And guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt shares discoveries from his travels in the Balkans, an affordable and rewarding a…

1
The Man From Taured - The Man Who Needed an Editor - 177 1:12:11

1M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

This week, we learn that lousy editing will cause people to move across dimensions. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- The Man from Taured - Skeptoid Japanese …

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785 Irish Legacy of W. B. Yeats; 1960s Ireland; Touring Northern Ireland 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

Two countrymen explore Ireland's reverence for their national poet, W. B. Yeats. Then a Dublin journalist shares what it was like to grow up amid the turbulent societal changes in his city during the 1960s and '70s. And a guide from Belfast tells us why an Emerald Isle itinerary should include a visit to Northern Ireland. For more information on Tr…

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130: John of Brienne: Part Two: The Fifth Crusade 40:50

1M ago40:50

40:50

Send us a text In our second episode of John of Brienne, the King of Jerusalem, we follow him on his adventures to Egypt. The Austrians and the Military Orders have followed him to the city of Damietta. This city, at the mouth of the Delta, was the key to gaining a foothold in the Delta Nile. Once the crusaders had control of Cairo, the entire Ayyu…

1
625a Snowdonia; Outposts; Natural Slovenia 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Delve into the remote outposts and refuges across the globe where travelers have stopped along the course of their adventures. Then hear about the highest views in Wales — and how to reach them — and learn about the country's slate mining heritage. And from Alps to caves, vineyards to beehives, catch the buzz of the natural wonders on display in Sl…

1
Wisconsin Grab Bag: Mineral Point Vampire and Ridgeway Ghost - Tree Drunks - 176 1:19:47

2M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

This week, Brandon read his copy out of order. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Wisconsin State Journal Mineral Point Vampire - The Capital Times Urban Plain…

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784 Rhineland Karneval; WMF 2025 Watch List; Top Alaska Experiences 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Look at what's behind Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations around the world by learning about the festive season's origins and customs in Germany's Rhineland. Then hear what's been added to the World Monuments Fund's latest "watch list" of endangered cultural sites around the world. And get recommendations for must-see experiences in Alaska, along …

1
129: John of Brienne: Part One: The King of Jerusalem 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

Send us a text We always love to slow down and go into greater detail whenever we find an interesting character from history. Well, this is one of those times. John of Brienne went from being a small-time lord in France to the King of Jerusalem, to the leader of the 5th Crusade, and ended up as the Emperor of the Latin Crusader Empire in Constantin…

1
783 British Pubs; Why I Love Brittany; Custodians of Wonder 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Two English tour guides explain what Brits mean by a "rough and ready" pub and how to find some of the UK's best pub grub. Then a father-and-son tour-guiding duo invite us to fall in love with their favorite corner of France. And BBC journalist Eliot Stein shares insights from his travels in search of the world's oldest disappearing traditions, giv…

1
227 A Brilliant Triumph 34:21

2M ago34:21

34:21

Fresh off the Agrarian victory in Veliko Tarnovo, Stamboliiski notches yet more victories for his government. But will such a brilliant triumph be enough to ensure victory when the final showdown comes between the Agrarians and their many enemies?Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see …

1
226 Blood on the Streets 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

Violence escalates as opposition to Stamboliiski's agrarian regime coalesces, leading to a showdown in Bulgaria's medieval capital.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post…

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Leonora Piper - The White Crow - 175 2:00:29

2M ago2:00:29

2:00:29

This week John covers the "world's most tested medium," and questions the validity of those tests. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Ghost Hunters: William Ja…

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395b Monet's Passion; The French House; Marrying Into Italy 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Listen in as an artist who helped restore Monet's gardens explains why the French painter first created these colorful gardens at his house outside Paris. Then hear how renovating a house on an island off the coast of Brittany can feed your wild side. And find out what happens when you marry an Italian…and your new in-laws live next door. Plus, an …

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128: The Latin Empire: Part Two: Henry of Flanders 47:05

2M ago47:05

47:05

Send us a text Once it became clear that Baldwin was dead, his brother was crowned Emperor. Henry had a much more successful reign than his predecessor... that being said, there were many challenges facing the Latin Crusader Empire. When they first took Constantinople, they were the strongest military force in the region, but as time progressed, th…

1
782 Prague vs. Budapest; What's New in Lisbon 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

This week we explore three of the most charming — and most popular — of Europe's Old World cities: Two tour guides get cheeky as they make the case for which of their own hometowns — Prague or Budapest — offer the best experiences for visitors with limited time in central Europe. And expert locals catch us up on changes afoot in Lisbon, offering st…

1
The Tsarichina Hole - Wet Cold Bulgarian Winter - 174 2:12:07

3M ago2:12:07

2:12:07

This week Brandon channels John as he talks about psychics channelling aliens. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Operation Sunray | Hunting the Entity in the …

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781 Potsdam; Emperor of Rome; On the Hippie Trail 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

We hear why the city of Potsdam — home to elegant Prussian palaces and parklands, all in quick reach of central Berlin — is worth a day's visit. Then we get a sense of what life was really like for the emperors of ancient Rome, with the help of classicist Mary Beard. And we travel back to 1978 with Rick and his longtime buddy Gene Openshaw as they …

1
127: The Latin Empire: Part One: Partitioning of Byzantium 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

Send us a text After spending six episodes covering the events happening in the Roman renegade states, we finally get to see what happened inside the walls of Constantinople. The 4th Crusaders had to elect an Emperor... the first Latin emperor in over 700 years. The choice was narrowed down between two leaders, Baldwin of Flanders and Boniface of M…

1
225 A Drop in the Ocean 31:01

3M ago31:01

31:01

Stamboliiski learns the unexpected value of curroption, outplays his international rivals, and finally manages to eliminate a direct threat to his regime.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You can find images for this episode at: www.bg…

1
602a How Berlin Remembers; Turkish Delights; Travel to Bhutan 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Two German tour guides let us in on the back story behind Berlin's most memorable monuments to their country's turbulent history. Then two Turks tuck into a discussion of the traditional Turkish street eats, comfort foods, and desserts they recommend for a tasty visit to Istanbul. And an American who met — then married — a local artist in Bhutan sh…

1
224 Knife Sharpening 32:14

3M ago32:14

32:14

As the Stamboliiski government struggles with reparations, the Bulgarian church, the VMRO, Yugoslavia, and more, its enemies all appear to be sharpening their knives.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You can find images for this episod…

1
780 Miami Getaway; Scottish Icons; Robert Burns Night 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Travel Channel host Oneika Raymond recommends her favorite Miami neighborhoods to explore on a sunny getaway. Then friends from Scotland discuss the uniquely Scottish cultural icons that reinforce the small nation's strong sense of identity. And just in time for Burns Night, Perthshire-based troubadour Jim Malcolm explains what Robert Burns' poetry…

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126: The Empire of Trebizond: Part One: The Black Sea Empire 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

Send us a text After Alexios and David Komnenos succeeded in creating the largest and richest of the three Byzantine Successor states, their luck started to turn. Overconfidence, civil war, and an embarrassing hostage situation crippled any ambition of the Komnenos brothers to conquer the Capital city... Constantinople. However, the Empire of Trebi…

1
Podcast Update + Q&A 20:23

3M ago20:23

20:23

Just an update about a few things as well as answering questions submitted by Patreon patrons.By Eric Halsey

1
779 Bristol; Barcelona; Bruges 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Consider three distinctly different styles of historic European cities as we hear how Bristol has transformed itself from an industrial and maritime powerhouse into a creative center for the southwest of England — and how it rewards visitors who set aside at least a day for this city just a half-hour from well-touristed Bath. Then learn from a loca…

1
Jiangshi, Chinese Hopping Vampires - Tummy Troubles - 173 2:00:42

4M ago2:00:42

2:00:42

This week, John takes a trip back to China and proves someone can be immersed in a new language for practically a month and learn nothing. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopedi…

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778 Pura Vida; Morocco's Best Cities; More Travel Pursuits 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

The author of a guidebook to Costa Rica discusses what the phrase "pura vida" conveys amid the tropical abundance of her adopted Central American eco-paradise. Then a Morocco expert and fellow guidebook writer recommends the best cities for immersing yourself in the Old World atmosphere of Morocco's intimate, car-free medina neighborhoods. And fell…

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125: The Kingdom of Georgia: Part One: Queen Tamar 42:34

4M ago42:34

42:34

Send us a text To tell the story of the third successor state that popped up after the Sack of Constantinople, The Empire of Trebizond, we must take a deep dive into the History of the Kingdom of Georgia. The reason for this is that the Kingdom of Georgia, under their leader Queen Tamar, financed and organized the two grandchildren of Andronicus in…

1
223 Enemies Foreign and Domestic 30:52

4M ago30:52

30:52

As the Stamboliiski regime continues implementing its political program at home and abroad, opposition steadily grows in both places.Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us.You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/po…

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777 History of the Snowman; Visiting the Vatican; Champagne; Edinburgh New Year's 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

The "world's leading snowman expert" joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what Frosty and his ilk have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed into the world's tiniest country, while sharing tips…

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222 Building the ‘Model Agricultural State’ 35:47

4M ago35:47

35:47

The Agrarians make a push to gain a majority in the National Assembly, but even before that election they begin to implement their major reform program to reshape Bulgaria into a 'Model Agricultural State.'Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supportin…

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Lake Worth Monster - Tire Discus Discourse - 172 1:46:36

4M ago1:46:36

1:46:36

This week we get to the bottom of the real mystery and provide a recommendation to scout masters. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Goatman’s Summer of Celebr…

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698a Ready for Christmas Near and Far; Wassailing 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Rick gathers some old friends to hear about their childhood Christmases in Spain, Italy, and New Mexico. Then he brings in more friends to describe what you're likely to find this time of year in Austria, Australia, Japan…and Antarctica. Plus, a Brit from Bath explains how the English tradition of wassailing developed as a way to guarantee a good a…

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124: The Second Bulgarian Empire: Part One: The Roman Slayer 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

Send us a text In this episode, we move a little north of Constantinople to Bulgaria. During the years of turmoil at the Capital, the Bulgarians rebelled against Isaac Angelov and broke away, forming the Second Bulgarian Empire. At first, it didn't look too promising, but then the third crusade happened, which bought the Bulgarians more time and fr…

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776 Bulgarian Christmas; What's New in Istanbul; Eight Flavors in the Pantry 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Old World traditions — fasting, feasting, incense, and song — make Bulgaria's Christmas season special, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites us to imagine it with him. Then an Istanbul guide updates us on the latest big news in Turkey's cultural capital, and a culinary historian inspires us to peruse our spice racks as she discusses the often s…

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America's Legally Haunted House - Dutchussy - 171 2:05:04

4M ago2:05:04

2:05:04

This week, we open talking about praxis, and John reads a bunch of legal documents. Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cryptopediamerch Discord: https://discord.gg/AWpen8aYQG Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=14015340 YouTube (Videos have [questionable] captions!): http://youtube.cryptopediacast.com/ --- Rosie O'Donnell Show June 1999 Pt 3 Our …

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775 Reopening Notre-Dame; Rue des Martyrs; Other Religions 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Ken Follett, author of a monumental series of novels based in medieval Europe, celebrates the much anticipated — and hotly debated — reopening of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after its devastating fire. Also, the New York Times' former Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino tells us what makes her own Paris neighborhood feel like home. And a…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Bulgarian History Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen