Best Justinian Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 254: Linux Episode 1:17:15

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5h ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Who let these two clowns run an episode. We talk about our Beautiful AI Future, Matt getting sucked into Wrath of the Righteous, and Norris confirming that even decades later Life Is (still) Strange. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Matt Emery Music by David Beebe…

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John Irving 47:02

2d ago47:02

47:02

Host Jason Blitman sits down with literary icon John Irving to discuss his latest novel, Queen Esther. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on the story behind Irving’s first tattoo, what it truly means to be an ally, where he finds optimism in uncertain times, and the deeply personal experiences that continue to shape his writing—plus plenty mo…

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REPOST - Little Women – Amy’s Adventures with Aunt March 41:30

3d ago41:30

41:30

Hi friends. A nasty bug has been doing the rounds in my family and hit me just as it was leaving, so I don’t have the voice to be doing any recording. I’m taking this as a sign from the universe and taking a short break, so I will drop some fun readings from this year to enjoy over the holidays. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, see you i…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 85: Belisarius (Part 4) 53:21

6d ago53:21

53:21

The day is March 12th of 538AD, and General Belisarius has just accomplished the impossible. Not only did he survive a year long siege behind Rome’s Aurelian Walls, hopelessly outnumbered 20-1 by a Goth horde, but he sent that Goth horde scurrying north, shamed and afraid. Now Belisarius runs the table, sweep north with his small, elite cavalry, re…

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 126 "Eirene: The Monstrous Empress of Byzantium?" 24:53

5d ago24:53

24:53

In this episode, we’ll hear about one of the most chilling rulers of Byzantium – the empress Eirene. She was Byzantium’s only empress to take on the reins of government in a sole capacity. Her reign is controversial because she took sole power only after she’d killed the reigning emperor by gouging out his eyes. And the emperor in question was her …

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Ep 253: White Boy's Machine 1:24:23

6d ago1:24:23

1:24:23

This week the gang solves the video game industry, talk on the Game Awards a bit, and invent the perfect Dating Game. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Jack Shirai, David Beebe Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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The Book Club Menu feat. The Defined Dish & Ariel Sullivan (Conform) 37:39

9d ago37:39

37:39

In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Alex Snodgrass (aka The Defined Dish) to talk all things book club menus—how to plan them, why they matter, and how food can deepen the reading experience. Using Alex’s recent book club gathering for Conform as a case study, the conversation expands to include Conform author Ariel Sullivan, who joi…

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The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish - Part 07 - REPOST 37:53

11d ago37:53

37:53

Hi Friends. Apologies, I've been so busy with work the last few weeks I've been struggling to keep up with recording. Last week was a struggle and this week was just nothappening, but I don't want to leave you sleepless. Here's something from earlier this year. In this strange story we pick up with the Duchess and the Empress building worlds with t…

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Ep 252: Cloud Strife, INCEL First Class 1:23:17

13d ago1:23:17

1:23:17

A hero for some. This week we're talking about cute choo-choo Lego, running a small antique shop, and our distrust of the French. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Mike Parker, Steph Fan, David Beebe Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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Dwayne Betts (Freedom Reads) 38:34

16d ago38:34

38:34

Host Jason Blitman sits down with Reginald Dwayne Betts—poet, lawyer, and founder of Freedom Reads—for an intimate conversation about transforming America's prison system one library at a time. In an extraordinary turn of events, Dwayne receives a live call from Jermaine, a friend currently incarcerated at Lawrenceville Correctional Facility. Jerma…

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Part 09 40:08

18d ago40:08

40:08

For this week’s bedtime story we return once again to the adventures of Lizzie Bennet as she visits her friend Charlotte as the new bride of Mr Collins. She gets to know Lady Catherine a bit better and Mr Darcy comes to visit, but things are getting strange. Does he have feelings for her? Find Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen https://www.gutenber…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 84: Belisarius (Part 3) 43:55

20d ago43:55

43:55

Rome is under siege! With a force of some five thousand Roman soldiers, Belisarius is put under siege by a >100k man Goth force under King Vitiges. But despite overwhelming odds, Belisarius finds opportunities to keep his enemy uncomfortable. And as the winter sets in, with the audacious sallies from the Aurelian Walls that he leads in person, Beli…

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 125 "The Forgotten Heroes of Byzantium" 24:10

20d ago24:10

24:10

In the first half of the eighth century, Byzantium stemmed the Arab advance into Europe. Critical to this achievement were two emperors: Leo III and Constantine V. In this episode, I explain why I think these two men were heroes of the Dark Ages who changed history. And their lack of visibility is explained by a conspiracy against them which echoes…

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Ep 251: Game of the Month: Hades 2 1:13:50

21d ago1:13:50

1:13:50

God DAMN these gods are horny. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Matt Emery, Mike Parker, Steph Fan, David Beebe Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attacks 1995 – Part 1 2:05:57

23d ago2:05:57

2:05:57

On March 20th, 1995, the Tokyo subway system was flooded with sarin nerve gas in a coordinated terrorist attack by the religious cult Aum Shinrikyō. Led by the charismatic new-age guru, Shoko Asahara, the well-funded and technologically ambitious Aum organization manufactured and deployed chemical weapons in an attempt to bring about the end of the…

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32: Listen to Patrick's New History Podcast, Past Lives 19:56

24d ago19:56

19:56

Patrick has a new history podcast, Past Lives! It's all about the experiences of real, everyday people throughout the human past, people just like you. Listen to the first full episode, "On Historical Storytelling," right here, and then go subscribe to the Past Lives feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast platform of choice. Past Lives is…

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[Re-Release] Gregory Maguire (Wicked) feat. Eric Williams and Eden Espinosa 1:33:31

23d ago1:33:31

1:33:31

In this re-release special episode, host Jason Blitman dives into the world of Wicked. Joined by legendary author Gregory Maguire, Guest Gay Reader is comedian and host of That’s a Gay Ass Podcast, Eric Williams, and Gays Reading’s first Guest Gay Icon, Broadway powerhouse Eden Espinosa. Highlights include: 📖 The legacy of this iconic story 🎭 Insid…

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Woman's Work in Music by Arthur Elson – Part 07 37:55

25d ago37:55

37:55

I don’t know why I dropped this book over a year ago, maybe it was all the French names? So apologies in advance about the pronunciations as you get ready for sleep and we pick up learning about significant French women who were composers in the 19th century. We then move on to the USA and learn of the many notable female composers there. Find Woma…

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Ep 250: Turns Out You Can Go Back 1:07:51

29d ago1:07:51

1:07:51

This week we're talking about cool little puzzles we like to play on our various devices. And also emulating the classics. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Matt Emery, David Beebe Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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Justinian Huang (Lucky Seed) feat. Lukas Gage, Guest Gay Reader 1:03:51

1M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

In this Thanksgiving week episode, host Jason Blitman talks to brand-new-dad Justinian Huang about his paper baby, Lucky Seed. Conversation highlights: 👻 hungry ghosts and superstitions 🤳🏼 social media and millennials 🦃 tips for navigating family during Thanksgiving Guest Gay Reader™️ this week is White Lotus and Overcompensating favorite--and avid…

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Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David P. Todd – Part 09 39:04

1M ago39:04

39:04

This week as you prepare to sleep, I will tell you all about the moon. Learn about how eclipses work and what it was believed the surface of our celestial neighbour was like in the 1920s. Find Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by David P. Todd https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39142 Supporting Sleepy Time Tales If you would like to suppo…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 83: Belsarius (Part 2) 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Belisarius has accomplished the heretofore impossible, with a small force of his handpicked and trained elite troops he has defeated the Vandals and returned Africa to the Romans after a hundred years. After receiving the greatest honor in the ancient Roman world, a proper triumph, the first in five hundred years, the Emperor Justinian sends his fa…

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 124 "Byzantium: The Empire That Refused To Die" 21:46

1M ago21:46

21:46

In this episode we turn east to consider Byzantium. We last spoke about the eastern Romans, or the Byzantines, in episode 113 when I described the emperor Leo III’s victory in the winter of 717/718 over an immense Umayyad army and navy intent on taking Constantinople. This was a pivotal moment in history. Few people at the time would have expected …

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Ep 249: Game Awards Nominations? In This Economy!? 1:27:10

1M ago1:27:10

1:27:10

At this time of year, At this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within Geoff Keighley's mind. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Steph Fan, Mike Parker, David Beebe Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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Olivia Laing (The Silver Book) feat. Michael "Dancing Blue Shirt Guy" Galyean, Guest Gay Reader 1:07:49

1M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Host Jason Blitman sits down with author Olivia Laing (The Lonely City) to talk about their new book, The Silver Book. In this conversation, they dive into: 🎥 making art and Italian cinema 🏳️‍🌈 the role queerness plays throughout Laing’s work 🗣️ how identity becomes a negotiation with—and around—fakeness Plus, this week’s Guest Gay Reader™️ is Mich…

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Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini – Part 05 38:30

1M ago38:30

38:30

For this week’s sleepy story we pick up with Bellarion well into the mysterious plot. He finds out what the plot is about, and learns something shocking. Find Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68411 Supporting Sleepy Time Tales If you would like to support my work and help keep the podcast available and for…

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December Book Club: Erin O. White (Like Family) 31:07

1M ago31:07

31:07

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Erin O. White about her book LIKE FAMILY, the December Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. LIKE FAMILY — a warm, big-hearted debut about the beautiful, messy, complicated ways we love one another. Set in a picturesque town in upstate New York, the novel follows three int…

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Ep 248: If The World Ends, I Want To Be Able To Play All The Dragon Quest Games 1:29:51

1M ago1:29:51

1:29:51

Which is an understandable request. This week, the gang talks about software emulation, Microsoft kinda just giving up, how much Super Mario World rules, Arc Raiders, and how AI is gonna kill us all. Also you (yes you) should play Strange Antiquities. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Jack Shirai, …

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Gráinne O'Hare (Thirst Trap) feat. Brian Schaefer, Guest Gay Reader 1:10:34

2M ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Host Jason Blitman talks to award-winning Irish writer Gráinne O'Hare about her debut novel, Thirst Trap. Conversation highlights include: ❤️‍🔥 icks on dates 🙃 drunk alter egos 🧡 Taylor Swift 👯‍♀️ long friendships Next up is Guest Gay Reader™️ Brian Schaefer who talks about what he's been reading (hint: it's NOT books!), the book club he has with h…

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Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson 46:39

2M ago46:39

46:39

In this week’s sleepy story we finish off Ralph Waldo Emerson’s musings on nature and humanity’s place in the world. It’s a relaxing meditation that I’m sure will lead to restful dreams. Find Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29433 Supporting Sleepy Time Tales If you would like to support my work and help keep the podca…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 82: Belisarius (Part 1) 1:07:49

2M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Belisarius. Just one name required, in the realm of other one-named immortals, like 'Jordan', 'Ali', 'Caesar', and so on. But this guy is a one-named mystery, worshipped in the ancient world, forgotten today. When we meet him in this episode, he is not let legend, simply a Thracian boy that makes his way to Constantinople, enters Justinian's bodygu…

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 123 "The Holy Roman Empire" 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

The final political legacy of the Roman Empire in western Europe was the Holy Roman Empire. Amazingly, this curious political institution lasted until Napoleon abolished it in 1806. In the eighteenth century, the French political philosopher Voltaire famously described it as neither Holy nor Roman nor an Empire. He may have been right in his own ag…

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Ep 247: Game of the Month: Look Outside 1:17:26

2M ago1:17:26

1:17:26

Who's that out my window screaming at me to look out side. I will never look outside. This week we're talking Look Outside, the result of mixing Earthbound, Junji Ito, and Charles Barkley Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Mike Parker, Steph Fan, Matt Emery Music by David Be…

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Aja Gabel (Lightbreakers) feat. Anthony Delaney, Guest Gay Reader 1:05:42

2M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Host Jason Blitman is joined by Aja Gabel to talk about her first novel in nearly a decade, Lightbreakers. Conversation highlights include: ✍🏻 the death of handwriting 🧪 science vs art 💭 what memory means to us Jason's then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Anthony Delaney who shares a giant stack of books he's reading as well as shares about his new bo…

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Anne of Green Gables – 05 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

Tonight’s story to help you sleep is our return to Anne of Green Gables. In this Anne is facing the fallout of her temper tantrum from previously. After she apologises she’s off to church for the first time where her impulsive nature seems kept in check, until Marilla hear some news. Find Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery https://www.gutenbe…

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Ep 246: Give Me A Horror Movie For The Freaks 1:13:57

2M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

A real greasy grabber. This week the gang is about baseball, we're about Hades 2, and we're about horror movies. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Mike Parker, Steph Fan, Matt Emery Music by David BeebeBy Hopped-Up 64

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Catherine Newman (Wreck) feat. Rachel Runya Katz, Guest Gay Reader 1:19:00

2M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Host Jason Blitman sits down with returning Gays Reading guest Catherine Newman (Sandwich) to talk about her new book, Wreck. Conversation highlights include: 🤧 Ailments, of course. 😵‍💫 Anxiety, of course. 💻 The Portal, you understand. 🥳 But also a lot of fun stuff, too. Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️ Rachel Runya Katz to hear about wha…

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Fall Asleep to the Fall of an Empire: Justinian & Belisarius 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

Bed time non-fiction this week sees us return to the Dark Ages and the reign of Justinian. Follow the African and Italian campaigns of the General Belisarius and find yourself falling asleep as Justinian’s reign ends and we learn of the bankruptcy of the remains of the Empire. Find The Dark Ages, 476-918 by Charles Oman https://www.gutenberg.org/eb…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 81: The Cabinet 1:05:00

2M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

The Emperor Justinian had the grandest of grand dreams, but he could not achieve them alone. The resurrection of the Western Empire was such an exceptionally ambitious objective, it would not just take a great emperor, it would take the most extraordinary team that Rome had ever assembled to pull it off. It just so happens that Justinian had built …

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 122 "The Vikings" 25:57

2M ago25:57

25:57

The Vikings transformed European history, impacted the worlds of both Byzantium and the Abbasid Caliphate, and even, some 500 years before Christopher Columbus, discovered North America. In this episode, I want to look at how and why the Viking diaspora first began, before moving to their initial impact on the world outside Scandinavia, especially …

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Ep 245: I'm Not A Video Game Idiot 1:11:25

2M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

He's not! People need to stop saying it! This week, there's some Blue Jays talk, some Look Outside talk, and some Hades 2 talk. We also discuss video game difficulty and the heated race that is the Hopped-Up Fantasy Critic competition. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, Mike Parker, Steph Fan, Matt …

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Tom Ryan (We Had a Hunch) feat. Kim Chi, Guest Gay Reader 1:13:09

2M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

Host Jason Blitman talks to bestselling author Tom Ryan about his latest adult mystery, We Had A Hunch. Highlights include: 🕵🏻‍♂️ a love of mysteries ✍🏻 how Tom taught himself to write 🎤 a question that Tom calls "Barbara Walters level journalism" Jason is then joined by Guest Gay Reader™️, RuPaul's Drag Race superstar, Kim Chi about what she's bee…

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The Last Man by Mary Shelley, Part 08 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

This week’s sleepy story is from a lesser known Mary Shelly classic. Sleep will come as you learn about the history of Raymond’s friend Evadne. Unfortunately he is keeping secrets from his wife, so things start to go wrong. But I’m confident you won’t be awake when the story goes bad Find The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley https://www.gute…

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What Are You Reading? with Mark and Scott Hoying 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

Prepare to grow your already overflowing TBR (sorry, not sorry!) with our new series What Are You Reading?. In this episode, host Jason Blitman sits down with Pentatonix and Dancing with the Stars' Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying to chat about the books that they've been reading recently and about their new children's book, Fa La La Family. Scott Hoyi…

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Ep 244: Justinian Mindset 1:16:22

2M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

Gregorian Grind. This week we talk about Look Outside, Hades 2, dubstep, rap history, Taylor Swift, dumb guys trying to sound like smart guys, and a bunch of horror films. Also, come chill with us at our discord: bit.ly/hoppedupdiscord Hosts: Chris Norris, David Beebe, Matt Emery Music by David Beebe…

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November Book Club: Victoria Redel (I Am You) 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Victoria Redel about her book I AM YOU, the November Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora. I AM YOU subverts the idea of a 17th-century historical novel — it’s intimate, modern, and deeply queer in the way it explores gender, art, and identity. The characters feel so alive…

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Megha Majumdar (A Guardian and a Thief) feat. Brandon Taylor, Guest Gay Reader 1:20:52

2M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

Host Jason Blitman talks with Megha Majumdar about her acclaimed second novel, A Guardian and a Thief—recently nominated for the Kirkus Prize and shortlisted for the National Book Award. Conversation highlights include: 🐢 fables and folktales 🦬 interpretations of cave art 🤔 moral quandaries 🎶 concerts and music taste Jason is then joined by Guest G…

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Silk and Islam 1:15:29

2M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Justinian catches a big break after a certain textile secret gets out, while Belisarius' reputation undergoes a brief revamp. A succession competition heats up and another great love story emerges, as we say goodbye to Procopius and this cast of characters in order to introduce the Middle Ages and, in many respects, Europe as we know it. All 12 of …

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Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney, Part 06 37:57

3M ago37:57

37:57

Starting for some reason with learning about the educational system in the town of Rugby this week’s sleepy story continues the railway journey around Britain. We then take the train from Coventry to Birmingham and learn about that city’s industrial history, but sleep will come to you very soon. Find Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney https://www.g…

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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 80: Justinian I (Part 1 - The Rise) 1:14:36

3M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

A fresh faced boy from war torn Tauresium finds himself in Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire, adopted son of a swineherd, making his way in the world, powered by what might just be the most audacious of all dreams. RESTORATION!By Matteo & Matthew Storm