Byzantium And The Crusades - The Second Age of the Crusaders Episode 1 “The Death of Saladin”

In this episode, we move onto what can be called the Second Age of the Crusaders, that is the period after the Third Crusade, when the Crusader states were weakened but still controlled the coast of Palestine. After Richard the Lionheart's departure from the Holy Land in 1192, it wasn't long before his great rival, Saladin, also died, an event that would reshape medieval Islam and the entire Middle East.

Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.

Curious City - What’s Up With All Those Billboard Ads For Lawyers?

Curious City took a road trip and counted almost a hundred billboard ads for lawyers along I-90/94 on the border between Illinois and Indiana. Audio producer Steven Jackson investigates why there’s so many of these billboards in this area, especially for personal injury attorneys. He shares insights from lawyers, marketers, and historians. (Features a cameo appearance from President Lyndon B. Johnson.)

Byzantium And The Crusades - The Third Crusade Episode 7 “Richard the Lionheart’s Last Battle”

In this episode, we hear how Richard the Lionheart was close to giving up on ever capturing Jerusalem. He had defeated Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf, but he knew that Saladin's army was still numerically superior to his, and that even if captured Jerusalem, it would be virtually impossible to hold it against the might of a united Islamic state that stretched from Aleppo to the Sudan. Yet Richard was both a gifted soldier and an adventurer, and he couldn't resist making one last throw of the dice.

Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.

Curious City - From Plastic Bags To Hot Potatoes: Hacks For Staying Warm This Winter

Chicago winters can be long and brutal. Curious City’s Monica Eng spoke with postal workers and other Chicagoans who spend a lot of time outdoors about how they dress for warmth during the winter. Also, we hear from a listener who asks what happens to the colorful landscaping along Michigan Avenue during the winter months.

Curious City - From Plastic Bags To Hot Potatoes: Hacks For Staying Warm This Winter

Chicago winters can be long and brutal. Curious City’s Monica Eng spoke with postal workers and other Chicagoans who spend a lot of time outdoors about how they dress for warmth during the winter. Also, we hear from a listener who asks what happens to the colorful landscaping along Michigan Avenue during the winter months.

Back Bar - One Sour, Two Sweet

Rum, Sugar, Lime, Water. The daiquiri seems simple, right? 

Europeans came to the Caribbean and rum followed. Shortly after that we get the “holy trinity” of tropical drinks - rum, sugar and lime. It’s such a simple concept but like the history of the Caribbean itself it gets much, much more complicated than that. Special guests this week are Jillian Vose, beverage director of Dead Rabbit in New York City and Professor Fred Smith of the College of William & Mary

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Please SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. Join us every two weeks as we talk about history's favorite drinks and how what we drink shapes history. To see what's coming next follow Greg on instagram @100ProofGreg. #drinkinghistory

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Byzantium And The Crusades - The Third Crusade Episode 6 “The Road to Jerusalem”

King Richard the Lionheart has won a great victory over Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf in 1191. The tide seems to have turned in the Crusaders' favour. The road to Jerusalem lies open. Or is it? Saladin's army has been defeated but not destroyed. The Crusaders remain divided in their loyalties between King Guy and Conrad of Montferrat, and between the English and French Kings. In this episode, we hear how the path ahead for King Richard was fraught with problems.

Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.

Curious City - Why You Should Skip Delivery Apps And Other Ways To Support Local Businesses

A listener wanted to know some practical things he could do to support struggling businesses. Monica Eng shares tips from industry experts on how to support small businesses like bookstores and music venues. She also talks with chef Beverly Kim about how female restaurateurs in Chicago have been supporting one another during the pandemic.

Byzantium And The Crusades - The Third Crusade Episode 5 “The Battle of Arsuf”

In this episode, the Kings of England and France arrive in the Holy Land. Richard the Lionheart leads the English while Philip II leads the French. Not only are the two men enemies but they find the surviving Crusaders are also divided between King Guy and Conrad of Montferrat. Yet for once, Islam is united against them, under the leadership of Saladin, the most gifted Islamic ruler for centuries. The scene is set for a conflict that will pass into legend, both in the Middle Ages and even still today, as one of the most heroic, brutal and surprising stories in history.

Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.