Best Matt Breen Podcasts (2025)

1
History of Zombies 18:25

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1d ago18:25

18:25

We celebrate today - Halloween - by diving into the history of the zombie. From Haitian voodoo folklore, to one of the cornerstones of horror movies, serious and silly alike, this is the history of zombies. Sources "The undead in culture and science," by Nugent C, Berdine G, Nugent K. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/12/13/250844800/zoi…

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Singer Songwriter Eamon Brady 55:07

2d ago55:07

55:07

Send us a text In this addition of the Podcast, Kevin sits down with Eamon Brady — a gifted singer-songwriter, producer, sideman, and lecturer — to talk about his musical journey and the stories behind his upcoming debut album, Half-Light. Eamon opens up about what it means to balance creativity with collaboration, how teaching shapes his songwriti…

1
Gimli Glider 19:59

2d ago19:59

19:59

On July 23, 1983, Air Canada Flight 143 was in route from Montreal to Edmonton when the plane - astonishingly - ran out of fuel midway through the flight. The crew would thus have to glide the Boeing 767 - and their 61 passengers - from an altitude of 41,000 feet - to an emergency landing at an old Air Force base in Manitoba - which had recently be…

1
Eradication of the Screwworm Fly 20:05

3d ago20:05

20:05

For decades the New World screwworm fly devastated agriculture across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At least until the 1950s when a strange combination of radiation, and releasing billions of the very fly they sought to eradicate into the wild. And today, the screwworm has all but disappeared from North A…

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The Vivaldi Brothers and the first attempt to sail from Europe to India via the Cape Route 25:02

5d ago25:02

25:02

In 1291, two Genoese brothers, Vandino and Ugolino Vivaldi, led the first known attempt to sail from Europe to India by going around the southern tip of Africa. The attempt - which failed - would generate rumors and speculation for hundreds of years. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers…

1
Establishment of Liberia 19:05

4d ago19:05

19:05

In 1847, a group of former slaves from the Americas established the nation of Liberia on the west coast of Africa. Many people hailed the move as an option for other blacks in the Americas. And while that sounds all well and good, it would be a much more complex and divisive effort. This is the story of the establishment of Liberia. Sources "https:…

1
Erfurt Latrine disaster 13:15

5d ago13:15

13:15

On a summer day in 1184 a large group of nobles and clergy were gathered in Erfurt, modern day Germany, debating control over the city. The event was being presided over by the son of the Holy Roman Emperor. All was normal until the floor gave way and dozens of people fell into the cesspit below the castle. 60 people died, many drowning in human wa…

1
Oleg Gordievsky - MI6's most valuable Cold War Spy 44:57

9d ago44:57

44:57

In 1983, the Kremlin became convinced NATO was preparing to strike first with nuclear weapons. However, British Intelligence had a man inside London’s Soviet Embassy who discovered just how dangerously close the world was to nuclear war. His warnings to MI6 and Washington may be the only reason the Cold War didn’t go hot. This is the story of Oleg …

1
HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 5 – A conversation with Hubert Sagnières 50:30

10d ago50:30

50:30

As a follow up to the Investigator series, we interviewed Hubert Sagnières - the author of "For Glory, Not Gold." We talk about a wide range of topics, including the Investigator, exploration in general, his inspirations, and plans for the future. It is a nice way to wrap up our series. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using c…

1
St. Guinefort the Greyhound 15:11

9d ago15:11

15:11

In the Middle Ages a cult emerged based up around a dog - a greyhound - named Guinefort. The dog had saved the life of a baby from poisonous snake - but had then been killed by the baby’s father - a knight - who thought the dog had attacked his child. The local people would embrace the heroics of the animal - and proclaim him a saint. This is the s…

1
Tarrare - the World's Hungriest Man 16:02

11d ago16:02

16:02

Around 1772, in Lyon, France, a man who today is known only as Tarrare was born with an absolutely insatiable appetite. He would eat garbage, live cats, dead bodies, and even allegedly a toddler. He was a medical marvel that became a street performer, and even got noticed by the French army for the potential to be a spy. This is the story of Tarrar…

1
Rosie Ruiz and the Boston Marathon Fraud 17:57

11d ago17:57

17:57

On April 21, 1980, Rosie Ruiz stunned the world by winning the women’s crown at the Boston Marathon with a record time. The only problem was she had actually only run about one mile of the race - making it one of the great frauds in sports history. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_Ruiz https://www.thisisjogon.com/videos/this-is-the-templ…

1
Julius Caesar and the Pirates 14:08

12d ago14:08

14:08

While a young man and on his way to college none other than Julius Caesar's ship was attacked by pirates. He was captured for ransom. But rather than a normal experience, he treated his captors like his servants, and told them exactly what he was going to do to them when he was freed. And in true Caesar fashion, he did exactly that. Sources https:/…

1
Battle of Mers-el-Kébir 23:32

15d ago23:32

23:32

On July 3, 1940, British forces attacked French ships at the naval base at Mers-el-Kébir on the coast of Algeria. The attack was part of a British plan to neutralize French ships to prevent them from falling into German hands after the Allied defeat in the Battle of France. The British attack killed nearly 1,300 French servicemen, and sank and dama…

1
Beautiful Jim Key 20:00

17d ago20:00

20:00

Beautiful Jim Key was no ordinary horse. This remarkable creature could preform tricks, do basic math, recognize written words, and even write names. And he did this with the help of his trainer and friend - Doctor William Key - a former slave, self-taught veterinarian, and animal rights activist. This is the story of Beautiful Jim Key, the world's…

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Grace Hopper 17:07

18d ago17:07

17:07

Grace Hopper was a trailblazer. An American mathematician, she would go on to be known for her contributions to computer programming, software development, and the design and implementation of programming languages. She enjoyed a long and influential career in the computer industry - as well as the United States navy - rising to the rank of rear ad…

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Cottingley Fairies 17:53

19d ago17:53

17:53

In the summer of 1917 two girls would photograph the remarkable. Proof of fairies, dancing in the beautiful Cottingley Beck in England. The photos were so convincing that they became a national sensation, convincing the millions that they were indeed proof of the magical. And it took half a century for the truth to come out. This is the story of th…

1
Chiefs, Bucs, and Drake Maye Are Big Winners. Plus, Danny Kanell on Penn State’s Overreaction, Indiana’s Biggest Win, and the SEC’s Problem. 2:00:02

19d ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big proble…

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Bloody Monday 15:02

20d ago15:02

15:02

On August 6, 1855, in Louisville, Kentucky, a bitter rivalry between the Democrats and the Nativist Know-Nothing Party erupted in a series of riots. Protestant mobs attacked Irish and German Catholic neighborhoods - leaving 22 people dead, dozens injured, and more than 100 homes and businesses torched and looted. This is the story of Bloody Monday.…

1
Prime-Time Giants! NBA GM Survey Thoughts. Plus: Jeff Darlington on Baker’s Career Turnaround, Shanahan Love, and Belichick’s future. 2:01:27

22d ago2:01:27

2:01:27

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, th…

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Big Booms - Compilation 47:59

23d ago47:59

47:59

Three tales of historic explosions including the Tunguska Incident, the 1883 Eruption of Krakatoa, and the Halifax Explosion. Have a blast checking these out. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Krakatoa_eruption_lithograph.jpg History Dis…

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Pest Control - Compilation 47:11

24d ago47:11

47:11

Three stories of humanity's attempts to reign in animals. This includes the Great Emu War, the Alberta Rat Campaign, and Project Isabela. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-rat-on-green-grass-12964769/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwav…

1
The Giannis-Knicks Flirtation. Plus, Jeff Passan on Judge Saving the Yankees, More MLB Playoffs, and Life Advice! 1:43:36

24d ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater a…

1
Tales from Ancient Egypt - Compilation 51:00

25d ago51:00

51:00

Three stories from Ancient Egypt, including the Library of Alexandria, the Lost Army of Cambyses, and the Rosetta Stone. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatche…

1
HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 4 – The Passage Conquered 33:36

25d ago33:36

33:36

By Matt Breen

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Athenian Adventures - Compilation 1:02:36

26d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

By Matt and McKinley Breen

1
Broncos or Pats for the Best Win? Plus, the Best Coach Right Now and the Team Misery Index With Mike Sando and Ryen’s First CFB Top 12 Playoff Rankings! 1:45:06

26d ago1:45:06

1:45:06

By The Ringer

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Historic Heists - Compilation 49:51

27d ago49:51

49:51

Three episodes featuring audacious robberies. This includes the Great Maple Syrup Heists, the Theft of the Mona Lisa, and the Heist of the Irish Crown Jewels. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interest…

1
Yanks Pack Up the Sox, the Strange 4-0 Eagles, and Fixing the Ravens With Kevin Clark. Plus, Is Kyle Shanahan a $30M coach? 1:22:12

30d ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming…

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The European Theater of World War II 22:12

30d ago22:12

22:12

The largest, deadliest conflict in human history is World War II. Claiming tens of millions of lives it is a story unlike any other. Listen as we delve into the overview of this most awesome conflict, and journey through the European theater of the war. Sources https://wwiifoundation.org/timeline-of-wwii/ https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/a…

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Bob Beamon 15:46

1M ago15:46

15:46

On October 18, 1968, at the summer Olympics in Mexico City, American long jumper Bob Beamon leaped into history - literally. On his first attempt, Beamon would not only set a world record in the long jump - he would obliterate it - in one of the most astounding moments in sports history. This is the story of Bob Beamon and his record setting long j…

1
Talkin’ Baseball! Plus, Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the Field? And the Top CFB Stadiums With Fox’s Chris Fallica. 1:33:48

1M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out wit…

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Alcibiades 17:31

1M ago17:31

17:31

In the second half of the fifth century BC, the Athenian general and statesmen, Alcibiades, would lead an absolutely incredible life. He acted as a key advisor for Athens, their rival Sparta, and both cities exiled him. All while kicking up scandals, and loving every second of it. This is the story of Alcibiades. Sources "The Life of Alcibiades" by…

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Beast of Gévaudan 23:04

1M ago23:04

23:04

From 1764-1767 a monster terrorized the province of Gévaudan in south central France. It’s believed that 113 people were killed - many with their throats ripped out - by the mysterious creature. It is a mystery that still haunts the region to this day. This is the story of the Beast of Gévaudan. Sources https://www.geriwalton.com/the-beast-of-gevau…

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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 3 – Across the Passage 37:51

1M ago37:51

37:51

The HMS Investigator fights to survive two winters at Mercy Bay as the physical and mental health of the crew slowly starts to deteriorate. A desperate journey over the ice is planned - but the crew are saved by the arrival of men from the east - from the HMS Resolute. Enter to win a copy of "For Glory, Not Gold: Expeditions Through Arctic Lands 18…

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The Packers' Worst Loss, the Chiefs' Best Win, and a Tough Jalen Hurts Convo With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Same Old Penn State? 1:53:19

1M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, …

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Burma-Shave 19:32

1M ago19:32

19:32

For decades the roadsides of America were dotted with curious red signs. Always appearing in a sequence of four or five, and usually with a witty or clever saying, they became synonymous with American motoring culture, and an icon of mid-century American highways. This is the story of the Burma-Shave signs. Sources https://www.backwoodshome.com/fee…

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Actor Tom Pelphrey Talks ‘Task’, Being a Giants Fan and Throwing Out a First Pitch. Plus Some 'TNF', Texans, and Cam Ward Thoughts. 1:36:05

1M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fa…

1
Bleeding Kansas 21:19

1M ago21:19

21:19

While the American Civil War would answer the question of slavery once and for all, its bloody overture would take place five years earlier, when the territory of Kansas would go to war with itself to determine if it should be a free or slave state. It was a brutal guerrilla conflict that would claim dozens of lives. This is the story of Bleeding K…

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The Great Sphinx of Giza 20:33

1M ago20:33

20:33

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity - and nearly every person has heard about it - and seen it. But what is the history of the Sphinx? When was it built? And why? This is the story of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sphinx_of_Giza https://www.history.com/articles/the-sphinx…

1
Dart and Caleb Outlooks, and the Disappointing 2026 QB Class With Coach Quincy Avery. Plus, Ryder Cup Talk With Michael Kim 1:40:41

1M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France,…

1
Enron Scandal 22:51

1M ago22:51

22:51

For more than a decade, the energy company Enron was at the top of the food chain. Named Forbes most innovative company six years in a row, it had a stock price of nearly a hundred dollars a share. The company was raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in profit. Or so everyone thought. Then, in late 2001, the entire house of cards came crashing…

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HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 2 – The Parry Channel and Mercy Bay 34:46

1M ago34:46

34:46

In part 2 of our series, the HMS Investigator explores the areas around Banks Island and Victoria Island, before sailing into the Parry Channel - the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage. They will end the year at Mercy Bay - a place the ship will never leave. Enter to win a copy of "For Glory, Not Gold: Expeditions Through Arctic Lands 1818-1…

1
Trial of the Amistad 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

53 Africans - taken illegally from their homes - revolted on a ship - the Amistad - bound for a slave plantation in Cuba. But taking control of the ship did not mean they were free. They ended up on the shores Long Island, and what followed were legal proceedings that would determine the life - or death - of these men. This is the story of the Tria…

1
Are the Eagles the New Chiefs? And Herbert Defenders, Stand Up! Plus, Todd McShay on Improved Indiana, Scary Miami, and More. 1:21:49

1M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even …