Best Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris Podcasts (2025)

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To Cuba or to Martyrdom - CW 297 34:22

Play Pause

6d ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of *The Cold War*, Cameron and Ray trace the strange, lucky, unlikely, often chaotic road that led Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and their small band of exiles from a rented farm outside Mexico City to the deck of the *Granma* in late 1956. The show follows their botched guerrilla training, their arrest by Mexican police, Che’s absolut…

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#142 – Fascism Goes Corporate 49:46

12d ago49:46

49:46

In this final instalment of the Fascism miniseries, Cameron and Ray trace how fascism didn’t die after 1945 but simply changed its wardrobe. Once openly discredited, fascist ideology went underground, hiding behind anti-communism, Catholic conservatism, Cold War geopolitics, and the language of “law and order.” The pair outline how the same structu…

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When Fidel Met Che - Cold War 296 42:00

9d ago42:00

42:00

In this episode, Fidel Castro steps out of prison in 1955 and straight into revolutionary planning. We trace his transformation from imprisoned dissident to a man preparing an armed insurrection in exile. We explore his belief in luck, conviction and humility, his frustrating attempt to re-enter Cuban politics, his move to Mexico, and his first ele…

1
History Will Absolve Me - CW 295 Preview 19:01

1M ago19:01

19:01

Fidel Castro’s first attempt to ignite revolution in Cuba ends in disaster — but also forges the legend. We follow the aftermath of the failed 1953 Moncada Barracks raid: the brutal reprisals, Fidel’s near-execution, the unlikely lieutenant who saves him, the public opinion shift as Batista’s regime overreaches, and Fidel’s transformation from fier…

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History Will Absolve Me - CW 295 46:00

1M ago46:00

46:00

Fidel Castro’s first attempt to ignite revolution in Cuba ends in disaster — but also forges the legend. We follow the aftermath of the failed 1953 Moncada Barracks raid: the brutal reprisals, Fidel’s near-execution, the unlikely lieutenant who saves him, the public opinion shift as Batista’s regime overreaches, and Fidel’s transformation from fier…

1
Gallienus: The Pragmatist Who Kept Rome Alive 1:14:32

1M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

The post Gallienus: The Pragmatist Who Kept Rome Alive appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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Renaissance #225 – Teenage Michelangelo: The Buff Baby Jesus and the Marble Prodigy (Michelangelo, part 3) 18:47

2M ago18:47

18:47

In this episode of The Renaissance Times (Episode 225), Cameron and Ray return to Florence to explore Michelangelo’s earliest surviving sculpture, Madonna of the Stairs (Madonna della Scala)—a marble relief carved when he was just fifteen. They marvel at his prodigious skill, discussing how this modest, unfinished piece already reveals his genius f…

1
#139 – Make Italy Great Again: The Birth of Fascism (Fascism #3)

2M ago

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In this episode of The Bullshit Filter, Cameron and Ray continue their deep dive into the history of fascism — tracing its emergence from the ashes of World War I to Mussolini’s rise in Italy. They unpack how the trauma of the war radicalised millions, creating fertile ground for authoritarian movements that promised strength, unity, and a return t…

1
Castro’s First Swing: The Moncada Misfire (preview) 27:36

2M ago27:36

27:36

By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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Castro’s First Swing: The Moncada Misfire - Cold War #294 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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Vespasian #7 – Birds, Betrayal, and the Birth of Christianity 33:23

2M ago33:23

33:23

By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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#138 – Fascism: The Remix of History’s Worst Ideas (Fascism part 2)

2M ago

—

In this second episode of our fascism series, Cameron and Ray trace the roots of fascism from the French Revolution through the 19th century and into the early 20th century. They explore how nationalism, the Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment, industrial upheaval, social Darwinism, Nietzsche’s philosophy, Bismarck’s realpolitik, futurism, and …

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Vespasian #6 – Bitumen, Blood, and Bias 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

The post Vespasian #6 – Bitumen, Blood, and Bias appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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CW #293 (preview) - Castro’s Crossroads 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

In this preview of Cold War #293, Cameron and Ray dig into the aftermath of Batista’s March 1952 coup in Cuba and how it shaped Fidel Castro’s early strategies. The conversation explores Castro’s proclamation denouncing the coup, his first failed attempts to rally the public, and why the Cuban people weren’t yet ready for revolution. We see how Cas…

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CW #293 - Castro’s Crossroads 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

In this episode of Cold War, Cameron and Ray dig into the aftermath of Batista’s March 1952 coup in Cuba and how it shaped Fidel Castro’s early strategies. The conversation explores Castro’s proclamation denouncing the coup, his first failed attempts to rally the public, and why the Cuban people weren’t yet ready for revolution. We see how Castro p…

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Renaissance #224 – Privilege, Paint, and Patronage (Michelangelo, part 2) 15:41

3M ago15:41

15:41

In this episode of Renaissance, Cameron and Ray continue their exploration of Michelangelo’s life and career, digging into the family connections, social structures, and cultural forces that shaped his rise. They trace Michelangelo’s privileged entry into the Medici circle, compare his fortunes to Leonardo da Vinci’s tougher climb, and dive into Fl…

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Vespasian #5 – Circumcision, Sabbath, and Salt 27:29

3M ago27:29

27:29

The post Vespasian #5 – Circumcision, Sabbath, and Salt appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

1
CW #292 Preview - Batista’s Bloodless Coup: Havana 1952 15:17

3M ago15:17

15:17

In this preview of episode of The Cold War, Cameron and Ray take us to Havana in 1952, when Fulgencio Batista staged a meticulously planned coup d’état. They walk through the midnight maneuvers at Camp Columbia, the arrest of generals, the swift control of communication hubs, and the apathy of the Cuban people after years of corruption. We see how …

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CW #292 - Batista’s Bloodless Coup: Havana 1952 34:01

3M ago34:01

34:01

In this episode of The Cold War, Cameron and Ray take us to Havana in 1952, when Fulgencio Batista staged a meticulously planned coup d’état. They walk through the midnight maneuvers at Camp Columbia, the arrest of generals, the swift control of communication hubs, and the apathy of the Cuban people after years of corruption. We see how Batista pos…

1
Renaissance #223 – Mickey The Angel (Michelangelo part 1) 18:26

3M ago18:26

18:26

Cameron and Ray dive into the life and legend of Michelangelo, kicking off what promises to be a long-running series on one of history’s most celebrated artists. Drawing on Vasari’s Lives of the Artists and contemporary sources, they explore Michelangelo’s early years, the mythology surrounding his divine protection, his family’s noble (and possibl…

1
#137 – What is Fascism? Part 1 18:32

3M ago18:32

18:32

In this first instalment of a new series on fascism, Cameron and Ray dig into what the word really means beyond the marching boots and fiery rallies of 20th-century Europe. They explore the difficulty of defining fascism, how it manifests differently across time and place, and why the term is often misused today. Drawing on historians like Robert P…

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CW #291 Free - The Lawyer for the Poor 24:04

4M ago24:04

24:04

In this episode, Cameron and Ray continue the story of Fidel Castro’s early years, charting his transformation from a fiery young activist entangled with street gangs into a determined reformer and aspiring politician. They explore how Castro navigated gang violence in Havana, his involvement with the nonviolent September 30th movement, his bold co…

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CW #291 - The Lawyer for the Poor 47:22

4M ago47:22

47:22

In this episode, Cameron and Ray continue the story of Fidel Castro’s early years, charting his transformation from a fiery young activist entangled with street gangs into a determined reformer and aspiring politician. They explore how Castro navigated gang violence in Havana, his involvement with the nonviolent September 30th movement, his bold co…

1
#136 – 20 Years of Napoleon and Friendship 1:16:05

4M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Sort of a “half bullshit filter” episode. Cameron reconnects with historian and longtime friend J. David Markham on the eve of his 80th birthday. They reflect on two decades of working together on the Napoleon podcast, swap family updates, and dive into Markham’s latest projects—including his forthcoming book _Simply Caesar_ and several Napoleonic …

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Vespasian #4 – Marc Hyden, author, “Emperor Titus” 1:18:12

4M ago1:18:12

1:18:12

The post Vespasian #4 – Marc Hyden, author, “Emperor Titus” appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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Renaissance #222 Thank Christ: The End of the First Crusade (The Crusades part 31) 30:50

4M ago30:50

30:50

In this final instalment of the First Crusade series, Cameron and Ray bring the long march to its bloody climax with the siege and fall of Jerusalem in 1099. They blend dark humour with historical detail as they recount the Crusaders’ desperate conditions, the political and religious fervour driving them, and the brutal reality of the conquest. Alo…

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CW 290 Free - The Making Of Fidel 18:40

4M ago18:40

18:40

Cameron and Ray pick up Fidel Castro’s story in 1948 as he returns from Colombia in the wake of the Bogotazo riots. We follow Castro through his early 20s as he campaigns for Eduardo Chibás, clashes with Havana police over accusations of corruption, and narrowly escapes being framed for murder. The conversation dives into the student-led bus fare p…

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CW 290 - The Making of Fidel 47:56

4M ago47:56

47:56

Cameron and Ray pick up Fidel Castro’s story in 1948 as he returns from Colombia in the wake of the Bogotazo riots. We follow Castro through his early 20s as he campaigns for Eduardo Chibás, clashes with Havana police over accusations of corruption, and narrowly escapes being framed for murder. The conversation dives into the student-led bus fare p…

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Renaissance #221 God Doesn’t Do Requests (The Crusades part 30) 16:24

4M ago16:24

16:24

In this penultimate episode of _The Renaissance_’s epic First Crusade arc, Cameron and Ray finally march the crusaders to the gates of Jerusalem — nearly three years and 2,000 miles after they first set off. Along the way, they tackle imperial betrayal, failed negotiations with the Fatimids, the crusaders’ worsening food and supply situation, and t…

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CW 289 Free - The Rise Of Fidel 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

In this episode, Cam and Ray kick off their deep dive into the life and legend of Fidel Castro. Picking up from the Batista coup of 1952, they trace Fidel’s early years—born illegitimate on his father’s sugar plantation, educated by Jesuits, and shaped by political violence. We follow Fidel through elite boarding schools, law school radicalisation,…

1
CW 289 - The Rise Of Fidel 53:39

4M ago53:39

53:39

In this episode, Cam and Ray kick off their deep dive into the life and legend of Fidel Castro. Picking up from the Batista coup of 1952, they trace Fidel’s early years—born illegitimate on his father’s sugar plantation, educated by Jesuits, and shaped by political violence. We follow Fidel through elite boarding schools, law school radicalisation,…

1
Vespasian #3 – The Sticky Wicket 31:42

5M ago31:42

31:42

The post Vespasian #3 – The Sticky Wicket appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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Renaissance #220 Valentine’s Day: Blood, Not Roses (The Crusades part 29) 21:41

5M ago21:41

21:41

In this wild, irreverent, and historically sharp episode of _Renaissance_, Cam and Ray tear into the chaotic early months of 1099. As Raymond of Toulouse and the other Crusader leaders fumble their way down the Levantine coast, we get siege fails, castle bluffs, and political drama worthy of a reality TV series. Cam debuts his AI-generated theme so…

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Vespasian #2 – Big Dick Imperium: Vespasian’s Real Power Brokers 21:35

5M ago21:35

21:35

The post Vespasian #2 – Big Dick Imperium: Vespasian’s Real Power Brokers appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

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CS 288 Preview - Seven Governments, One Puppetmaster 22:25

5M ago22:25

22:25

In this raucous and revelatory episode of The Cold War Podcast, Cameron and Ray finally reach the man of the hour: Fulgencio Batista. From humble military stenographer to kingmaker of a chaotic Cuba, Batista’s rise is traced through coups, constitutions, and crushing dissent. Cameron performs a blistering freestyle rap tribute to Ray (“Ray Bear Has…

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CW 288 Member - Seven Governments, One Puppetmaster 37:19

5M ago37:19

37:19

In this raucous and revelatory episode of The Cold War Podcast, Cameron and Ray finally reach the man of the hour: Fulgencio Batista. From humble military stenographer to kingmaker of a chaotic Cuba, Batista’s rise is traced through coups, constitutions, and crushing dissent. Cameron performs a blistering freestyle rap tribute to Ray (“Ray Bear Has…

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#135 – Unprovoked or Preemptive? Iran, the Media & Manufactured Consent 25:05

5M ago25:05

25:05

In this fiery and no-holds-barred episode, Cam and Ray dive into the geopolitics of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling out the hypocrisy and propagandistic media coverage that frames these attacks as “preemptive” rather than “unprovoked” — a word the media reserved exclusively for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They draw sharp historical p…

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Renaissance #219 – Jerusalem or Bust (The Crusades part 28) 18:32

5M ago18:32

18:32

In Episode 219 of The Renaissance Times, Cameron and Ray are diving deep into the next leg of the First Crusade. They follow Raymond of Toulouse as he reluctantly resumes the crusade toward Jerusalem, dealing with infighting, cannibalism fatigue, and logistical nightmares. The episode paints a vivid picture of political fragmentation within the Mus…

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Renaissance #218- Eat the Rich (aka the Turkish Prisoners) (The Crusades part 27) 20:13

6M ago20:13

20:13

In this darkly hilarious and horrifying episode, Cam and Ray dive deep into the Crusades—specifically the winter of 1098–1099—where starvation and power games took centre stage. The guys discuss Bohemond’s Machiavellian brilliance in manipulating both Muslims and fellow Crusaders, the siege of Ma’arrat al-Numan, and the desperate, documented acts o…

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Cold War #287 (free) 22:39

6M ago22:39

22:39

In this episode of the Cold War podcast, Cam and Ray continue their wild ride through Cuban history, focusing on the rise and fall of Gerardo “Macho Man” Machado, the proto-strongman president who turned Cuba into a playground for rich tourists—and a pressure cooker for everyone else. From political repression and violent union crackdowns to commun…

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Cold War #287 - The Fall of Macho Man Machado 58:28

6M ago58:28

58:28

In this episode of the Cold War podcast, Cam and Ray continue their wild ride through Cuban history, focusing on the rise and fall of Gerardo “Macho Man” Machado, the proto-strongman president who turned Cuba into a playground for rich tourists—and a pressure cooker for everyone else. From political repression and violent union crackdowns to commun…

1
Vespasian #1 – Welcome to Vespasian 22:01

6M ago22:01

22:01

The post Vespasian #1 – Welcome to Vespasian appeared first on Life Of The Caesars.By Cameron Reilly & Ray Harris

1
#134: Section 70302: The Quiet Coup 25:07

6M ago25:07

25:07

Cameron and Ray crack open the popcorn for a free-wheeling hour on the sudden Musk-Trump bromance breakup and the “one big beautiful bill” (HR 1). They riff on Roman triumvirates, oligarch knife-fights, and the sneaky Section 70302 that could neuter America’s courts overnight. Along the way they detour through the Byrd Rule, unleash dystopian what-…