Best Heian Podcasts (2024)

1
A Tale of Three Shogunates -- BONUS 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

After the Boshin War, the Shogunate as a form of government would cease to exist. In this episode we examine the three different warrior governments that ruled over Japan over nearly seven centuries and see what they did well, where they struggled, and why such a form of government ultimately failed. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Cr…

1
The Evolution of the Samurai -- BONUS 20:53

2M ago20:53

20:53

In this bonus episode, we trace the origins of the samurai and their subsequent evolution to the heights of political power. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!…

1
The Three Outstanding Heroes -- BONUS 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

Three samurai are credited with significant contributions to the success of the Meiji Revolution and in this episode we explore their backgrounds and experiences during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, a…

1
The Boshin War 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Tensions between the Bakufu and the freshly-energized Loyalists came to a head when a shogunate army was refused entry to Kyoto - then promptly fired upon. The ensuing Boshin War was largely one-sided, with Loyalists gaining repeated victories due to superior arms, tactics, and numbers. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now…

1
Bakumatsu, Part 3: The Last Shogun 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Things appeared grim for Choshu Domain after their defeat to western forces at the Battle of Shimonoseki. In a few short years, however, their fortunes would be completely reversed and the Bakufu would find itself politically besieged. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, …

1
Bakumatsu, Part 2: Blood in the Streets 30:15

3M ago30:15

30:15

After the assassination of Ii Naosuke, political violence became a new norm. The Shogunate was deeply troubled when a rebellion began in its own backyard of northern Kanto, in Mito Domain. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other…

1
Bakumatsu, Part 1: The Ansei Purge 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

After the national humiliation and subsequent economic turmoil caused by opening Japan to more foreign trade, the Bakufu desperately tried to regain a position of national authority. This culminated in the Ansei Purge initiated by the chief elder Ii Naosuke. However, the shogunate's tough actions would bring significant unexpected consequences. Sup…

1
The Black Ships 23:53

3M ago23:53

23:53

In 1853, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry from the United States of America forced Japan to become open to foreign trade. How did he succeed where so many others had failed? Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platfo…

1
Pillars of Resistance 24:32

3M ago24:32

24:32

Throughout the 1840s, various groups sought to find solutions to repeated violations of sakoku and questioned the ability of the shogunate to practically defend the country if there was an actual invasion. Many came to very different conclusions. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barne…

1
The Joseon Renaissance 24:51

3M ago24:51

24:51

Throughout the 1700s, after a series of political purges and national instability, the Joseon kingdom experienced a cultural flowering. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!…

1
When Empires Collide 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

As the Qing Dynasty continued to decline in the wake of mass rebellions and longstanding insurgencies, a conflict with the British East India Trade Company would evolve into the disastrous Opium Wars. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, an…

1
The Golden Age of the Qing Dynasty 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

The reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong represented a time of increasing expansion, stabilizing, and solidifying for China in the 1700s. However, some of the tendencies of the Qing Dynasty would ultimately sow the seeds for its own destruction. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at …

1
Kinjiru 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

The Sakoku isolation policies were meant to keep the Japanese government insulated from dangerous foreign influence. However, its tendency toward restriction and xenophobia could not be easily balanced with the Bakufu's desire to continue governing the nation. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at…

1
Let the Good Times Roll 24:50

4M ago24:50

24:50

After the expulsion of Matsudaira Sadanobu, the shogun was free to pursue the lavish lifestyle he had always dreamed of. Thanks to a buoyant economy, the rest of the nation joined him in conspicuous consumption. These good times, however, would eventually come to an end. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for p…

1
The Kansei Reforms 25:15

4M ago25:15

25:15

Newly anointed chief of the roju Matsudaira Sadanobu wanted to set Japan back on course after the devastating Great Tenmei Famine. However, some of his more restrictive policies would prove unpopular. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, an…

1
A Question of Influence 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

The forced isolation of the Edo Period was part of a larger strategy by the Bakufu to ensure the removal of any possible rivals. However, Japan greatly benefited from foreign import and foreign learning, in spite of the shogunate's insistence that the nation needed no such outside interference. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade,…

1
Cracks in the Foundation 26:27

4M ago26:27

26:27

The reigns of shoguns Tokugawa Ieshige and Tokugawa Ieharu caused further weakness in the Bakufu at a critical time. Rampant corruption was encouraged by one chief of the Roju named Tanuma Okitsugu. The Great Tenmei Famine, however, would bring all of his schemes crashing down. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now availabl…

1
The Cult of Tokugawa Ieyasu -- BONUS 19:03

6M ago19:03

19:03

All three of Japan's unifiers attempted to merge secular strength with spiritual authority, with varying degrees of success. After his death, however, Tokugawa Ieyasu would continue to be venerated by future shoguns as a shining avatar of Buddha watching over the nation from the heavens. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is no…

1
To Rome and Back, the Journey of Hasekura Tsunenaga -- BONUS 17:42

7M ago17:42

17:42

Near the beginning of the Edo Period, a samurai from Sendai Domain in Tohoku took a globe-spanning journey which took him across two oceans and included Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, and the Philippines. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org,…

1
The Life and Times of Miyamoto Musashi -- BONUS 21:52

7M ago21:52

21:52

While some Ronin chose to lay aside their swords and take up artisinal crafts, some found new purpose in teaching the way of the warrior to the next generation. Miyamoto Musashi embodied the twilight of the Sengoku samurai in walking the path of dueling, teaching, creating, and ultimately leaving a legacy of strategy, tactics, and wisdom. Support t…

1
Artists of the Early Edo Period -- BONUS 18:22

7M ago18:22

18:22

In this episode, we discuss the founder of Kabuki theatre Izumo Okuni, playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon, legendary sculptor Hidari Jingoro, poet Matsuo Basho, and the birth of Ukiyo-e painting. Here is a link to a short film about Hidari Jingoro (CONTENT WARNING: EPIC STOP-MOTION VIOLENCE): https://youtu.be/DpefYPLH67A?si=qpVZHtEncVs9WnPT Support th…

1
Yoshimune's Gambit 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

After the brief reigns of Tokugawa Ienobu and his young son Ietsugu, the Bakufu selected a new shogun from the Kii Branch of the Tokugawa Clan. Tokugawa Yoshimune inherited a national government in the midst of multiple crises and introduced the Kyoho Reforms to try and set the ship of state back on its proper course. Support the Show. My latest no…

1
The Pax Edo 29:18

7M ago29:18

29:18

The Early Edo Period was a time of newfound stability for the formerly chaotic Japanese archipelago. Although the samurai were the official ruling class of the nation, however, in many ways they were not the principle beneficiaries of the new national status quo. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order…

1
The Righteous Reign of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi 25:21

7M ago25:21

25:21

The tenure of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi was marked by a fervent support of Neo-Confucian reforms, some of which were extremely radical and some of which were downright wacky. It was during his reign that the events surrounding the tale of the forty-seven ronin occurred. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-orde…

1
Tumult and Turnover in Joseon 31:20

8M ago31:20

31:20

The Kings of Joseon were faced with many difficult decisions throughout the 1600s as their nation faced Manchurian invasion, internal military coups, and a tumultuously factional political class. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and man…

1
The Rise of the Qing Dynasty 26:00

8M ago26:00

26:00

As the Ming Dynasty faced utter collapse in the face of famines, plagues, and peasant rebellions, the Qing Dynasty of Manchuria would surge and, eventually, take its place as the ruling dynasty of China. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org,…

1
The Fall of the Ming Dynasty 26:04

8M ago26:04

26:04

Under pressure from outside and within, the Ming Dynasty of China gradually lost control after a series of famines, plagues, and peasant rebellions. By the early 1600s, however, the Later Jin Dynasty began to take charge after unifying Manchuria and soon set its sights on claiming the Mandate of Heaven for themselves. Support the Show. My latest no…

1
Iemitsu's Marvelous Machine 27:37

8M ago27:37

27:37

The reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu proved to be a stabilizing force in Japanese politics, as he defined the duties of the various office-holders throughout the Bakufu which helped make the Edo Shogunate the longest-lasting samurai government in Japanese history. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Am…

1
A State of Emergency 28:58

9M ago28:58

28:58

The reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu was marked by a general trend toward increasing the shogunate's power through self-perpetuating bureaucracy. His son Ietsuna's reign would prove to be a test of the Bakufu's machinery. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bo…

1
The Shimabara Rebellion 26:44

9M ago26:44

26:44

As the Bakufu continued to persecute Christianity, and certain daimyo continued taxing their subjects at punitive rates, a rebellion broke out in Kyushu in 1637 which would prove to be the end of any remaining tolerance the Shogunate had for foreign elements in Japan. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-…

1
The Siege of Osaka 33:25

9M ago33:25

33:25

When conflict erupted at last between Toyotomi Hideyori and Tokugawa Ieyasu, the resulting battles would decide the political future of Japan for hundreds of years to come. However, in spite of the reduction they had experienced at the Shogun's hands, the Toyotomi Clan was still able to raise significant numbers of troops. Support the Show. My late…

1
Tokugawa Ieyasu's Big Move 34:07

9M ago34:07

34:07

Shortly after the foundation of the new shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu gradually makes his fortified city Edo into the new unofficial political capital of Japan. He needed to proceed carefully, however, to avoid offending the powerful daimyo who still supported young Toyotomi Hideyori. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now avai…

1
The Sacred and the Profane 15:39

11M ago15:39

15:39

Throughout Japanese history, there were people called "Nonhumans" who specialized in removing spiritual pollution. While their descendants would face discrimination during the Edo Period, in this episode we explore their origins and discuss why they became segregated and oppressed. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now avai…

1
The One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu -- BONUS 22:45

11M ago22:45

22:45

In this special bonus episode, we follow the career of Date Masamune, a daimyo from Tohoku who consolidated power in the north and became one of the most feared warriors and battle leaders in the nation during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble…

1
To Osaka and Beyond 25:53

11M ago25:53

25:53

After the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu continued carefully and gradually accumulating his own power and was named Seii-tai-shogun in 1603. This episode also features the adventures of William Adams, the first Englishman to come to Japan. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barne…

1
The Battle of Sekigahara 31:13

11M ago31:13

31:13

Ishida Mitsunari gathered the various factions that composed his Western Army, hoping to face off against Tokugawa Ieyasu in Mikawa Province. Ieyasu had other plans, however, and confronted Mitsunari in Mino Province instead. The battle that ensued was legendary, and the winner would gain control over the entire nation. Support the Show. My latest …

1
A Game of Succession 25:16

11M ago25:16

25:16

After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Go-Tairo, or Council of Five Elders, would contend with one another over how best to interpret and execute the Taiko's final commands. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online pla…

1
The Imjin War, Part 4: Stalemate and Withdrawal 29:25

12M ago29:25

29:25

After a few years of uneasy ceasefire, the fighting resumes between the Japanese and the Koreans and their Ming allies. After a massive setback when the new-and-improved Japanese Navy nearly annihilates the Korean fleet at Chilcheollyang, Admiral Yi Sun-sin would once more bring his martial prowess to bear against his foes on the high seas with stu…

1
The Imjin War, Part 3: Scorched Earth 24:15

12M ago24:15

24:15

The Imjin War takes on a new dimension as fully-equipped armies from the Ming Dynasty arrive to take on the Japanese invasion. What began as an easy conquest for Toyotomi Hideyoshi soon became an intractable quagmire and gradually settled into a stalemate. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Ama…

1
The Imjin War, Part 2: Hideyoshi's Crusade 26:21

12M ago26:21

26:21

As the 1592 invasion of Korea continued, the Japanese armies enjoyed a rapid sequence of victories on land, dominating the peninsula in sieges and battles. Their quick success would soon become a liability, however, when the superior Joseon Navy started sinking supply ships and overcoming Japanese battle fleets. Support the Show. My latest novel, "…

1
The Imjin War, Part 1: A Storm From The East 26:05

12M ago26:05

26:05

In 1592, the armies of Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea, engaging in wanton slaughter, merciless plundering, and surprisingly rapid success. Because the Joseon Kingdom was almost completely unprepared for this incursion, they would need to rely on the aid of Ming China to win back control of the peninsula. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califi…

1
Kanto and Tohoku 26:26

12M ago26:26

26:26

After campaigning in Shikoku and Kyushu, the only remaining regions still just outside of Hideyoshi's grasp were Kanto and Tohoku, who would both soon be brought into line. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platform…

1
The Pax Hideyoshi 28:02

12M ago28:02

28:02

In this episode we explore the many social and economic innovations spearheaded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his time at the nation's helm. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!…

1
Shikoku and Kyushu 27:24

1y ago27:24

27:24

The islands of Shikoku and Kyushu were both in the process of their own unification when Hideyoshi brought his armies to bear against their major powers and forced their submission. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online…

1
The Battle of Komaki-Nagakute 25:18

1y ago25:18

25:18

Hashiba Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu face off in Owari Province with massive armies to determine who would be the official protector of Nobunaga's rightful heir. Although it appeared that a massive, dramatic battle was imminent, the months-long standoff turned into a stalemate in which neither side could gain a significant advantage. Support the S…

1
Nobunaga's Mantle 24:47

1y ago24:47

24:47

Now that his retainers had successfully avenged his betrayal, one of them would manage to seize power now that the great daimyo was gone. However, the question of who would take up Nobunaga's Mantle would ultimately be decided on the battlefield. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barne…

1
Avenging Nobunaga 24:35

1y ago24:35

24:35

In the wake of Oda Nobunaga's death, Hashiba Hideyoshi rushed to finalize a truce with the Mori Clan before racing back to Kansai with his army to face off against the forces of Akechi Mitsuhide. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and man…

1
The Betrayal at Honno-ji 31:50

1y ago31:50

31:50

By 1582, Oda Nobunaga's efforts at unification were gaining momentum as he increasingly consolidated power for himself. Just when it appeared that he couldn't be stopped, he was betrayed by a subordinate and assassinated. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Bo…

1
The Pax Nobunaga 25:56

1y ago25:56

25:56

Oda Nobunaga became the most politically powerful daimyo in all of Japan by the early 1580s. In this episode, we explore his governance, economic management, and personal style. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online pla…

1
Triumph at Nagashino, Disaster at Tedorigawa 28:44

1y ago28:44

28:44

Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu team up against their mutual enemy the Takeda Clan and Nobunaga wins one of the most decisive victories of his entire career. When facing off against the Uesugi Clan two years later, however, Nobunaga surprisingly lost a battle against a smaller army. Support the Show. My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now av…

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