Best Matt And Mckinley Breen Podcasts (2025)

1
The European Theater of World War II 22:12

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1h 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…

1
Bob Beamon 15:46

1h 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
Alcibiades 17:31

2d 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…

1
Beast of Gévaudan 23:04

5h 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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Burma-Shave 19:32

1d 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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Bleeding Kansas 21:19

5d 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…

1
The Great Sphinx of Giza 20:33

5d 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
Enron Scandal 22:51

6d 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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Trial of the Amistad 29:28

7d 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
Revolt on the Amistad 17:53

8d ago17:53

17:53

In 1839, 53 captives, mostly taken from modern day Sierra Leone, were being transported to a plantation in Cuba aboard the Amistad. Lead by Sengbe Pieh, the African revolted, and took command of the ship. They tried to bring the ship back to Africa, but would instead end up off the coast of Long Island - setting the stage for a dramatic trial that …

1
Battle of Teutoburg Forest 32:37

11d ago32:37

32:37

Over 2,000 years ago, through dense woods, fog and swamp, 20,000 Roman soldiers marched through Teutoburg Forest, Germania, on routine assignment. What followed was not only disaster for them, but marked a turn in the entire Roman empire. Through cunning and deception, the German leader, Arminius, led an ambush that slaughtered three entire legions…

1
Spice Islands 17:12

12d ago17:12

17:12

One of the most valuable - and most fought over - items in history - has been spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and mace. And no place has caused as much greed and desire as five small islands in the Far East. This is the story of the Spice Islands. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maluku_Islands https://lombokdiaries.substack.com/p/the-spice-isl…

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Gombe Chimp War 18:33

13d ago18:33

18:33

From 1974 through 1978, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in Tanzania, two small tribes engaged in ambush, beatings, murder, and cannibalism. By the end, every male in one tribe was dead, and the other tribe conquered their territory. It is a story that doesn't sound that unusual, except for the fact that the participants in this war were chimpanze…

1
Moina Michael: the Poppy Lady 12:37

14d ago12:37

12:37

In November of 1918, American educator Moina Michael was inspired by the battlefront-theme poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian John McCrae. The lines "In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row," moved her - and Michael vowed to wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. And that would b…

1
The Pepsi Navy 13:08

15d ago13:08

13:08

In 1989, the Soviet Union, under President Mikhail Gorbachev, wanted to ensure the soft drink Pepsi kept flowing to the empire. Unfortunately, the USSR lacked the money or goods to realistically trade with PepsiCo, so instead they swapped 17 submarines and three warships in exchange for the syrup. This, according to legend, made Pepsi the commander…

1
The Near Extinction of the Bison 19:02

18d ago19:02

19:02

When Europeans first came to North America, it is estimated that anywhere from 30-60 million bison roamed throughout he continent. And the great beast was the lifeblood of many of the Native American tribes. Yet within a few hundred years, the bison numbered barely 1000 - and the species was on the brink of extinction. This is the story of the near…

1
The Battle of Fishguard: The Last Invasion of Britain 15:04

25d ago15:04

15:04

In February of 1797, 1400 French troops landed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, as part of the War of the First Coalition. What was meant to stir up rebellion on the British Isles ended in complete disaster, with one Welsh woman single-handedly arresting a dozen of the Frenchmen. The invasion would last a total of three days, and mark the last the time Bri…

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The Cardiff Giant: Archeology's Greatest Hoax 11:19

26d ago11:19

11:19

In 1869, workers digging a well at a farm in Cardiff, New York, uncovered what appeared to be the body of an ancient, 10-foot-tall petrified man. The discovery was a world-wide sensation. However, within the year, the Cardiff Giant - as it was called - would be revealed as one of the greatest archeological hoaxes in history. Sources https://www.his…

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St. Albans Raid - The Civil War's Northern Most Battle 15:04

27d ago15:04

15:04

In October of 1864, the northernmost land battle of the American Civil War took place. Not in Pennsylvania, or New York, but in Vermont, just 18 miles from the Canadian border. 20 Confederate soldiers slipped south and proceeded to rob three banks in the small town of St. Albans, Vermont, before escaping back to the Great White North. Sources https…

1
Devils Tower 13:38

25d ago13:38

13:38

In Northwest Wyoming a vertical stone tower sprouts up a thousand feet out of the landscape. The site is so unique and so stunning - it is held as sacred by many Native American tribes, and would become the very first national monument in the United States. This is the story of Devils Tower. Sources https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm https://en.wik…

1
The 335 Year War 10:59

29d ago10:59

10:59

For 335 years the Netherlands - maybe - fought a long, protracted war against the Isles of Scilly, in the English Channel. It would drag on and on, costing a grand total of zero lives, and only ended when someone bothered to figure out if they were actually still at war. The is the story of the 335 Year War. Sources https://www.historic-uk.com/Hist…

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The All-Joking, All-Drunken Synod of Fools and Jesters 15:45

1M ago15:45

15:45

At the age of 18, Peter I of Russia - aka - Peter the Great - formed a social club to celebrate the fun things in life - especially drinking. This group would last until Peter’s death - 34 years later. However, the club would become more than just a drinking gang. It became a way to thumb one's nose at convention, the church and the establishment. …

1
The Accidental Discovery of Penicillin 14:09

27d ago14:09

14:09

In the summer of 1928 one of the happiest accidents in history occurred. Scottish Professor of Bacteriology Alexander Fleming returned from holiday to find bacteria samples had been left out, and one of them grew mold killing the bacteria. The mold was Penicillium Notatum, and it would save millions of lives. This is the story of the discovery of P…

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Siege of Fort Pulaski 16:50

28d ago16:50

16:50

In April of 1862, Union forces began the siege of Fort Pulaski - which guarded the port of Savannah. The fort was seen as impregnable - with walls more than 10 feet thick. But the Union had some new weapons to deploy - rifled cannons. 30 hours after opening fire - entire sections of Fort Pulaski were reduced to rubble - forcing the Confederate defe…

1
United States Camel Corps 16:02

1M ago16:02

16:02

In the mid 1850s the United State Army embarked on an unusual experiment - use camels to move troops and supplies throughout the southwestern deserts. Several dozen camels were purchased and they were led by some Greek pioneers, the leader of which was named Hadji Ali, or Hi Jolly. And though the US Camel Corps would be a failure, its story would n…

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Battle of New Orleans 30:24

1M ago30:24

30:24

On Jan. 8, 1815, 8,000 British regulars began an assault on the city of New Orleans. When the smoke cleared - literally - more than 2,000 British troops were dead or injured. American casualties were less and 100. It was the most devastating defeat for England in the War of 1812. This is the story of the Battle of New Orleans. Sources https://en.wi…

1
New Coke 15:50

1M ago15:50

15:50

In 1985 the Coca-Cola Company embarked on one of the worst product launches in history. They cast aside their iconic brand and taste in favor of chasing trends, and in the process disillusioned their most loyal customers. This is the story of New Coke. Sources https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history/new-coke-the-most-memorable-marketing-b…

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Fighting Jack Churchill 15:32

1M ago15:32

15:32

World War II gave us many unique characters. One of the most eccentric was British army officer Jack Churchill. What made him so interesting? Perhaps it was his penchant for carrying a bow and arrow while on patrol. Or maybe it was the Scottish broadsword he carried on commando raids. Or perhaps it was the bagpipes he played to rally his men. This …

1
Mike the Headless Chicken 12:30

1M ago12:30

12:30

In 1945 an ordinary chicken in Fruita, Colorado, was about to have an extraordinary day. His head was chopped off, but instead of dying, like most things do when decapitated, he survived for an astounding 18 months. He would go on a tour of the United States - generating thousands of dollars for his owners. This is the story of Mike the Headless Ch…

1
Mysterious Origins of the Newport Tower 16:11

1M ago16:11

16:11

In Newport, Rhode Island, a round stone tower sits atop a hill overlooking the city and waterfront. To many people, the intricately built tower has been as long as they can remember. And that leads us to the question of when exactly was the tower built. Was it by the early colonists? Or does it predate Europeans arriving in these waters? This is th…

1
History of Chess 14:22

1M ago14:22

14:22

One game that has stood the test of time more than most is Chess. On an 8x8 grid, and 32 figurines, the game has enraptured the minds of kings and peasants, generals and poets, for over a millennia. This is the story of the game of chess. Sources "The Immortal Game: A History of Chess" By David Shenk Image: By Alan Light - https://commons.wikimedia…

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Eddie Gaedel: The Smallest Player in Baseball History 16:41

1M ago16:41

16:41

On August 19, 1951, 26 year old Eddie Gaedel stepped up to plate during a major league baseball game. He would promptly take a walk on four straight pitches - then be replaced at first base by another player. Eddie Gaedel never played another game. The reason - he was only 3’7” tall. This is the story of Eddie Gaedel - the smallest person to ever p…

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Year of the Four Emperors 19:53

1M ago19:53

19:53

After the death of Emperor Nero and a century of stability, the Roman Empire was plunged into chaos. In the space of a single year four different men would hold the imperial throne, and tens of thousands of people would lose their lives. This is the story of the Year of the Four Emperors. Sources "The Year of the Four Emperors" by Kenneth Wellesley…

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Remember the Maine! 20:38

2M ago20:38

20:38

On Jan. 25, 1898, the American armored Cruiser the USS Maine sailed into Havana harbor. Three weeks later, an explosion ripped through the vessel - killing more than 250 sailors and marines. Although the cause of the explosion was unknown, it would be the catalyst for America’s intervention in Cuba - and war with Spain - leading to the battle cry, …

1
504 Protest 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

In April of 1978 over one hundred disability rights advocates occupied a federal building in San Francisco. Their goal was to force the Carter administration to fulfill a campaign promise. What followed turned into the longest occupation of a federal building in United States history. This is the story of the 504 Protest. Sources https://www.nps.go…

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The Great Zimbabwe 14:52

2M ago14:52

14:52

In southern Africa - in the nation of Zimbabwe - an unlikely sight appears in the south-eastern hills near Masvingo. It is the ruins of what was once a great city - including the largest stone structure in precolonial Southern Africa. When Europeans first saw the sprawling site - they speculated who built it. Was it the Phoenicians? Arabs? King Sol…

1
The Battle Over Parker Dam 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

On August 25, 1934, the Governor of Arizona, Benjamin Moeur, declared martial law, dispatching over 100 national guard troops to the site of an invasion. Not by a foreign power, but by California construction workers. It was a battle that made its way to the supreme court, and gave Arizona its own navy. This is the story of the battle over the Park…

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Discovery of the Venus de Milo 12:50

2M ago12:50

12:50

On April 8, 1820, on the Greek island of Milos, a farmer, Theodoros Kendrotas, uncovered the upper part of a marble statue while working in his field. A visiting French naval officer paid the farmer and his son to uncover the rest of the statue - and when they were done, they would behold one of the greatest works of art in history. This is the sto…

1
The History of Pad Thai 11:08

2M ago11:08

11:08

Pad Thai is one of the tastiest most iconic dishes of Thailand. And yet, it has a history that is less than a century old, and it involves floods, a military dictator, and the nation's attempt to spread their culture all over the world. This is the story of Pad Thai. Sources https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-surprising-reason-that-there-are-so-ma…

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Battle of Adwa 20:47

2M ago20:47

20:47

On March 1, 1896, near the town of Adwa, Ethiopia, the forces of the Kingdom of Italy - attempting to expand its colonial empire in the Horn of Africa - clashed with the Ethiopian army in the climatic battle of the First Italian-Ethiopian War. The result was one of the most stunning defeats of a European power in Africa - and left Ethiopia as one o…

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Mountain Meadows Massacre 20:14

2M ago20:14

20:14

In September of 1857 over 100 members of a wagon train were on their way to California. While in Utah they were ambushed and besieged by a combined force of Mormons and Paiute Natives. The end result would be the execution of 120 settlers, and a church-wide cover up. This is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Sources "The Mountain Meadows …

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CIA Attempts to Assassinate Fidel Castro 16:19

2M ago16:19

16:19

In 1959, rebels led by Fidel Castro took control of Cuba. Having a communist power just 90 miles from the border made American officials nervous. Very nervous. And thus the Central Intelligence Agency - the CIA - worked up a variety of plans to remove Castro - and - hopefully - bring about the downfall of his regime. Those plans took many wild turn…

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Battle of Bunker Hill 51:55

2M ago51:55

51:55

Following the start of the American Revolution at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the colonists took up arms, besieging the British army in Boston. The first real contest of arms would take place three month later at Bunker Hill. Despite making some rookie mistakes, they held their own. In this episode, we discuss the events of that day - with…

1
Ned Kelly: Australia's Most Notorious Outlaw 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

From 1878 to 1880 Ned Kelly and his gang terrorized the Australian Outback. Perpetrating numerous robberies and murders, and even capturing an entire town. And he did so, while clad in a suit of armor. This is the story of Ned Kelly. Sources "Ned Kelly, a Short Life" by Ian Jones Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_strange_apparition_N…

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1904 Olympic Marathon 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

The men's marathon at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis was one of the oddest moments in the sport’s history. Officials ran the race during the hottest part of the day and purposely limited the water the 32 participants could have. Men would ride in cars for the part of the race, get chased by wild dogs, become violently ill, and suffer halluci…

1
John Colter's Run 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

In 1809, one of America’s first mountain men - John Colter - was captured by hostile Blackfeet warriors. His companion was killed. But Colter - stripped naked and without any weapons - was given a chance to live. It was a cruel game pitting him against hundreds of armed Blackfeet. The only advantage he had was a few hundred yards lead. This is the …

1
The Mystery of the Tunguska Incident 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

In the early hours of June 30, 1908, a massive explosion devastated the Tunguska region of Siberia. Despite leveling thousands of square kilometers of forest, and locals describing it as artillery fire, the Tunguska event went unsolved for decades. And even today, speculation remains. This is the mystery of the Tunguska Incident. Sources https://ww…

1
Knights Templar 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

Everyone knows about the Knights Templar. And despite existing for less than 200 years, they are a part of a million stories, myths and legends. There are video games, movies, books, songs and so much more about the order. But all that aside - this is the real story of the Knights Templar. Sources https://www.livescience.com/knights-templar.html ht…

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Project Isabela: The Galapagos Goat War 16:00

2M ago16:00

16:00

The Galapagos Islands are some of the most incredible, but fragile, ecosystems in the world. Isolated for millions of years, the 1800s saw the introduction of goats, leading to extreme devastation. To combat this, in 1997, the ambitions Project Isabela was conceived. And the goal was simple - eradicate 140,000 goats on three separate islands. Sourc…

1
Assassination attempt of Teddy Roosevelt 19:19

2M ago19:19

19:19

On Oct. 14, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt departed his hotel in Milwaukee Wisconsin - on his way to a campaign speech. He got into an automobile, and as he gave a wave to the cheering crowd, a man stepped forward and shot Roosevelt in the chest. Despite a blood stained shirt and a bullet lodged in his chest, Roosevelt drove to the location of his campai…