Popcorn History

Ancient Rome - Gangsters & Love Affairs (Part II)

Find out how a trio of populists used intimidation (and a bucket of poop, literally) to bulldoze the Senate. And at last, the answers to your steamiest questions about Queen Cleopatra. It didn't end well for any of these people - except one. For more reads and views, Detz and Dice recommend: - Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra - Robert Harris' Cicero trilogy - Tom Holland's Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roma Republic - BBC's Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator - Adrian Goldsworthy's Antony and Cleopatra - BBC Civilisations: Rise and Fall (Egypt series) - and of course, the iconic Carry on Cleo film...in all its infamy.

Ancient Rome - The Caesars and Cleo (Part I)

Why did Julius Caesar get bumped off, and why did Canada name a cocktail after him? Detz & Dice offer you bread and circuses: the gangsters of the Senate, expansion of the Empire, and how some naughty Romans cheated the government. Coming soon: Part II with some surprises about Cleopatra.

"Totally Radical" - what terrorist groups have in common

1960s Europe. Student riots, IRA in-fighting, bank robberiesa la Robin Hood. Even in the Basque Country, terrific wine took a backseat to the freedom fighters. What was all the fuss about, and why did they all decide to be Revolutionary Roommates in Libya? There are some bits about Palestine, which had quite a different vibe then. Scotland’s Lockerbie bombing also features. It’s not our funniest episode (understandably) but be assured it’s not a downer. You’ll even learn some new acronyms and how to mispronounce them.   For the readers and movie lovers: * Munich, The Baader-Meinhof Complex, Patriot Games,The Reader, Day of the Jackal (and sure, Forrest Gump) * War Without End by Christopher Dobson & RonaldPayne * Blood and Rage by Michael Burley * Books forthcoming in 2026: The Revolutionists (JasonBurke) and The Red Brigades (John Foot)

The Ottoman Empire - did it strike back?

What do the Ottomans have to do with furniture, the invention of ice cream, or the piercing blue eyes of Peter O'Toole? Detz breaks it all down (1800s onward) with plenty of interruptions from Dice. Spoiler alert - there was also an OttoWoman empire! And listen to the end for book recommendations (if you like reading about history too).

The Italian Unification: Espresso vs. Bourbon (with special guest)

Ever wondered why the Pope has his own Vatican passport? This one features Detz Senior, aka Mark Detzler. The pater familias is an excellent storyteller who steeped himself in Italian history when he was living there. In this thrilling, romantic account of the 19th Century Risorgimento we discover the role Garibaldi played in making Italy a nation - and learn why all sorts of other nations got caught up in his fandom. We also find out which is the best gelato. So grab your red shirt and poncho, it's time to make Italy. Music recommendation: 'Va Pensiero' from Verdi's Nabucco (our guest explains why)