Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 2 “The History of Money Part 2: Salt-The Currency of Civilization.”

Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 7 “Unbelievable History: Dragons, Krakens and the Truth Behind Mythical Beasts.”

Episode 7 Title: Unbelievable History: Dragons, Krakens, and the Truth Behind Mythical Beasts Drop Date: July 14, 2026 Show Notes In this episode of Witness of the Times, Dr. Bruce Baker launches the second half of Season 4 with a fascinating exploration into what he calls unbelievable history — stories once dismissed as pure fantasy that may contain surprising elements of truth. From dragons and griffins to krakens and phoenixes, this episode examines how ancient people attempted to explain strange discoveries, fossil remains, and rarely seen animals long before modern science existed. Drawing from mythology, paleontology, archaeology, and history, Dr. Baker explores how misunderstood evidence often evolved into legendary creatures that still capture our imagination today. Among the myths examined: * The phoenix and how bird molting may have inspired stories of death and rebirth * Protoceratids fossils as the likely origin of the griffin legend * Dinosaur remains and the development of dragon myths across Asia * Giant squid and the Norse origins of the Kraken * The astonishing rediscovery of the coelacanth, a fish believed extinct for millions of years * The okapi, once dismissed as the mythical “African Unicorn” The episode also reflects on the scientific method itself, reminding listeners that human beings have always attempted to make sense of the unknown — and that many modern assumptions may someday prove incomplete as well. As the series on unbelievable history continues, Dr. Baker challenges us to reconsider the boundary between myth and reality, and to recognize that legends often begin with genuine attempts to explain the world. “The more we learn, the more we discover how wrong we once were — and perhaps how wrong we still are.” Credits Hosted by Mark Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker Music by Jorgen Halber Witness of the Times explores the people, places, and moments that shaped our world — often hidden in plain sight.  If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com [witnessofthetimes@gmail.com].  The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”

Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 6 “The History of Money Part 6: “Cryptocurrency and the future of Wealth.”

Episode 6 Title: The History of Money, Part VI: Cryptocurrency and the Future of Wealth Drop Date: July 7, 2026 Show Notes In the final installment of Season 4’s exploration into the history of money, Witness of the Times examines one of the newest and most controversial forms of currency ever created — cryptocurrency. From ancient coinage and salt trades to paper money and the global dominance of the U.S. dollar, Dr. Bruce Baker traces the long evolution of money before turning to Bitcoin, blockchain technology, and the rise of decentralized digital currency. In this episode, listeners will discover: * Why every form of currency ultimately depends on trust and acceptance * The strengths and weaknesses of government-backed fiat currency * How inflation and government instability erode the value of money * The collapse of historical currencies and failed monetary systems * The origins of Bitcoin and the mysterious figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto * How blockchain technology works as a decentralized digital ledger * Why cryptocurrency is considered resistant to counterfeiting * The risks associated with digital wallets, stolen keys, and irreversible transactions * The role of privacy and anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions * Why cryptocurrency has become attractive for both investors and criminal enterprises * The connection between the end of the gold standard and the rise of decentralized finance * The expiration of the petrodollar agreement and what it could mean for the future of global finance * The debate over cryptocurrency as both an investment and a storehouse of value Dr. Baker also explores the broader philosophical question underlying every monetary system: what truly gives money its value? Whether gold, paper currency, or cryptocurrency, every form of money ultimately survives only so long as people collectively agree to trust it. Blending history, economics, technology, and cultural commentary, this episode concludes the series by examining how digital currency may represent either the next great evolution of money — or simply the latest chapter in humanity’s long and complicated relationship with wealth. Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too.  If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com [witnessofthetimes@gmail.com].  The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”

Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 5 “Paper Currency and the Power of Trust.”

Episode 5 Title: The History of Money, Part V: Paper Currency and the Power of Trust Drop Date: June 30, 2026 Show Notes In Episode 5 of Season 4, Witness of the Times explores the fascinating rise of paper currency — the form of money that dominates the modern world. From ancient Chinese merchants exchanging receipts during the Tang Dynasty to the collapse of the gold standard in the 1970s, Dr. Bruce Baker traces the evolution of paper money from simple promissory notes into the backbone of the global economy. This episode examines how paper currency transformed trade by solving the limitations of barter and heavy coinage, while also introducing entirely new risks involving inflation, counterfeiting, government debt, and economic instability. In this episode, listeners will discover: * Why barter systems eventually gave way to currency * The three essential functions of money * How ancient Chinese merchants pioneered paper receipts and notes * The origins of bank notes, bills of credit, legal tender, and IOUs * Why paper currency has value despite lacking intrinsic worth * The history of counterfeiting and anti-forgery measures * Hyperinflation and the collapse of currencies * Confederate money and the dangers of failed governments * The Bretton Woods Agreement and the post–World War II financial order * The rise and fall of the gold standard * President Nixon’s 1971 decision ending dollar convertibility into gold * The creation of the petrodollar system * Inflation, fiat currency, and the modern banking system * Why most modern “money” exists only digitally rather than as physical cash Dr. Baker also explores the fragile but essential role of trust in every monetary system. Whether backed by gold, governments, or global trade agreements, paper currency ultimately depends upon confidence, stability, and collective belief. Blending economics, history, politics, and finance, this episode provides a compelling overview of how paper money reshaped civilization and became the dominant currency system of the modern age. Next time, the series concludes with one of the newest and most controversial forms of money ever created — cryptocurrency. Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too.  If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com [witnessofthetimes@gmail.com].  The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”

Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 4 “The History of Money Part 4: Animals, Currency, and the Price of Human Labor.”

Episode 4 Title: The History of Money, Part IV: Animals, Currency, and the Price of Human Labor Drop Date: June 23 Show Notes In Episode 4 of Season 4, Witness of the Times turns to perhaps the most difficult and controversial chapter in the history of money — the use of animals, animal products, and ultimately human beings as commodities of exchange. From buckskins and beaver pelts to shells, whale teeth, feathers, and livestock, societies throughout history assigned value to the animal world in ways that shaped trade, culture, and economic systems across the globe. But this episode also confronts the darker reality that nearly every major form of wealth creation in history was deeply intertwined with exploitation, forced labor, and slavery. In this episode, Dr. Bruce Baker explores: * The fur and pelt trade in North America, Russia, and Europe * The origins of the term buck as slang for the dollar * Beaver pelts as a standardized trading currency * Cowry shells, whale teeth, and feathers as mediums of exchange * The Mayan use of quetzal feathers as currency * Shell money and Depression-era clam shell scrip * The distinction between commodities, collectibles, and true currency * Inflation and scarcity in fur-based economies * The global history of slavery as a system of wealth creation * The Roman, Ottoman, African, Asian, and colonial slave trades * The connection between industrialization, colonialism, and forced labor * Abraham Lincoln’s reflections on slavery and justice * The continuing modern reality of human trafficking and slavery worldwide This episode also examines the uncomfortable truth that much of human economic history — from salt mines and plantations to spice routes and precious metals — was built upon the labor of enslaved or exploited people. Blending history, economics, ethics, and social commentary, Dr. Baker delivers one of the most sobering and thought-provoking episodes of the season. Next time, the series continues with the rise of paper money and the transformation of modern currency. Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too.  If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com [witnessofthetimes@gmail.com].  The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”

Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 3 “The History of Money Part 3: Spices, Trade and the First Global Economy.”

Episode 3 Title: The History of Money, Part III: Spices, Trade, and the First Global Economy Drop Date: June 16 Show Notes In Episode 3 of Season 4, Witness of the Times continues its exploration into the history of money by turning to one of the most influential trade systems ever created — the spice trade. Long before modern banking systems or global stock exchanges existed, spices helped create what may have been the world’s first truly global economy. From cinnamon and ginger to saffron, vanilla, pepper, and cardamom, these rare and valuable commodities transformed trade, fueled exploration, built empires, and reshaped the world. In this episode, Dr. Bruce Baker explores: * How spices became one of history’s earliest forms of wealth and currency * Ancient spice routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe * Why spices were once worth more than precious metals * The medicinal, culinary, and religious uses of spices * Arab traders, Venetian monopolies, and the rise of maritime exploration * Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, and the search for new trade routes * Colonialism, exploitation, and violence tied to the spice trade * The Dutch East India Company and the birth of multinational corporations * How sugar plantations and the slave trade became tied to global commerce * Tulip Mania and one of history’s first financial bubbles * Tobacco, tea bricks, cacao beans, coffee, and other plant-based currencies Dr. Baker also examines the darker side of wealth and trade, showing how greed, speculation, monopolies, and exploitation repeatedly emerge throughout the history of money. From saffron worth thousands of dollars per pound to tea bricks used as legal tender, this episode reveals how plants, flavor, and commerce helped shape global civilization and laid the groundwork for the modern economic world. Next time, the journey concludes with one final category of ancient currency — animals. Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too.  If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.  Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.  Send us your questions about the stories we profile.  You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com [witnessofthetimes@gmail.com].  The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker.  Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg.  Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”