Best Settlement To Superpower Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 6 – A New World

7M ago

—

On the 12th of October 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World and forever altered the course of history. He had struggled long and hard to get where he did – for years he had been mocked by scholars, spurned by kings, and frustrated by the interminable turning of the gears of royal bureaucracy. At every step he experienced new di…

1
Discovering Russian composer, Valentia Serova, with Nicholas Ong 28:23

8M ago28:23

28:23

This podcast, hosted by Gaia Dratwinska, looks at Nicholas Ong’s research into the life and music of Russian composer, Valentia Serova (1846-1925), the creator of the first opera by a woman to be performed at the Bolshoi theatre in Moscow. Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Wonders of the human body with Dr Jo 26:28

8M ago26:28

26:28

In this episode, Iona Warne interviews Dr Jo, of Dr Jo Science, to investigate some surprising facts about the human body, as well as looking into how science can best be communicated to children. Facebook.com/DrJoScience Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Climate tracking and temperature scarves with Clare Wilkes 21:07

8M ago21:07

21:07

In this podcast, Soraya Shakibi talks to Clare Wilkes about her work with temperature scarves, exploring this unique blend of crafts and environmental consciousness. Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Vaccines (past, present and future) with Dr Brian Ferguson 25:35

8M ago25:35

25:35

In this episode, Catalina Taylor chats with Dr Brian Ferguson, an immunologist and Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Cambridge, about how vaccines work and why we need them. Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Talking nuclear fusion and fission with Atomic Academy 27:32

8M ago27:32

27:32

This episode sees Joanne Yau get to grips with the basics of nuclear energy, as well as taking a good look at their green potential. Featuring PhD researchers from the Nuclear Energy Futures CDT (Hannah Tipping, Martin Gillet, Will Thomas, Jason Lee and Parth Kulkarni). Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Uncovering the Bronze Age settlement, Must Farm, with Christopher Wakefield 26:41

8M ago26:41

26:41

In this podcast, Claire Watt talks to Chris Wakefield, one of the archaeologists working on Must Farm, a Bronze Age settlement near Peterborough which has been described as ‘Britain’s Pompei’. Produced by Claire Watt.By Cambridge Festival

1
Episode 5 – The Enterprise of the Indies

8M ago

—

Columbus has gained immortality for his discovery of the New World, but while many focus on his moment of greatest triumph, few notice the years of toil and frustration that led up to his celebrated voyage of 1492. A nameless mariner from Genoa, Columbus endured years of mockery and disappointment before he got the chance to set into motion his gre…

1
Episode 4 – Iberian Union

8M ago

—

Intrigue, civil war, exploration, and discovery – all that and more is included in this episode, which covers the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, the War of the Castilian Succession, and the separate paths taken by the Castilians and Portuguese during the latter half of the 15th century.By From Settlement to Superpower

1
Episode 3 – Henry the Navigator

10M ago

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The story of the Age of Discovery traditionally begins in 1415, when the Portuguese captured the Moroccan city of Ceuta in a stunning lightning assault. Among those who made their names that day was Prince Henry of Portugal, a young, brash, and zealous prince. Over the next 45 years his restless nature would place him at the vanguard of both glory …

1
Episode 2 – Isles of Fortune

11M ago

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While we are accustomed to associate the Age of Discovery with the New World and the Far East, the dawn of that age began with significantly less ambitious voyages down the coast of Africa. In this episode we go over the various voyages down the coast of Africa from antiquity through the dawn of the fifteenth century, culminating in Jean de Bethenc…

1
Episode 1 – Rivers of Gold

1y ago

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In this episode we talk a bit about the impetus for the birth of the age of exploration. The more famous impetus was the desire to open a direct sea route to India to compensate for the collapse of the Silk Road, but the earlier, and lesser-known impetus, was the desire to discover the fabled Rio de Oro, or River of Gold – the source of the fabled …

1
Chapter 1 – The Spanish Century

1y ago

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Introduction for our first chapter: The Spanish Century, covering 1492-1603.By From Settlement to Superpower

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Introduction

1y ago

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Welcome to From Settlement to SuperpowerBy From Settlement to Superpower

1
The Pain-defying Superpowers of Naked Mole-rats – with Ewan St John Smith 28:54

1+ y ago28:54

28:54

Why don’t naked mole-rats feel some kinds of pain and what does this mean for human medicine? Simone Eizagirre Barker talks to Ewan St John about his work studying pain and theextraordinary biology of naked mole-rats which is helping us learn about allsorts of human diseases and uncover potential cures or forms of symptommanagement. Find out more a…

1
The Herbarium and the Power of Plants — with Dr Lauren Gardiner and Dr Edwin Rose 56:43

1+ y ago56:43

56:43

What is a herbarium and why is it important? Gregory Miller visits Dr Lauren Gardiner and Dr Edwin Rose at the Cambridge University Herbarium to learn more about this fascinating library of plants, who collected them, and why they are so crucial to the study of more than just the natural world. Event link here: https://www.festival.cam.ac.uk/events…

1
The Future of Nuclear Power 44:07

1+ y ago44:07

44:07

How does nuclear energy work and is it the best way forward for powering out future? Beth King talks to Susannah Lea, Michael Salvini and Hugh Dorward, three members of theCDT PhD team behind the event ‘the Nuclear Energy Futures Fair: an Insight intothe Energy of Tomorrow.’ Event link here: https://www.festival.cam.ac.uk/events/nuclear-energy-futu…

1
Money and the Metaphors of Power – with Joe Cribb 44:59

1+ y ago44:59

44:59

When we say that money is power, what exactly do we mean? Anna Mahtani talks to numismatist and former curator of coins at the British MuseumJoe Cribb about the past and future of money. From ancient Chinese coins tocryptocurrencies, what does the study of money tell us about our world and whohas power within it? Music by Coby O'Brien Produced by R…

1
Who does Greek and Roman Antiquity Belong to? – with Prof Tim Whitmarsh 37:22

1+ y ago37:22

37:22

Who owns the past and does antiquity really ‘belong’ to anyone? Ella O’Loughlin speaks to Prof Tim Whitmarsh about an event at the Faculty of Classics which will discuss how the classical past is understood and who feels a sense of ownership over it. Find out more about the event here: https://www.festival.cam.ac.uk/events/past-tense-who-does-greek…

1
The Violent Power of Early England’s Female Saints – with Prof Rosalind Love 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

Why did a female saint rise from her tomb and slap a bellringer across the face? Ella O’Loughlin speaks to Prof Rosalind Love about her recent Cambridge Festival event on female saints and hears some of the vivid stories told about their unique kind of power. Music by Coby O'Brien Produced by Rebekah King…

1
Power, Paganism, and Christianity: Exploring Julian the Apostate 48:30

1+ y ago48:30

48:30

Who was the Roman Emperor who rejected Christianity? Amelia Platt speaks to Dr Lea Niccolai from the Faculty of Classics about her talk on Julian the Apostate, an emperor who was raised Christian but rejected the faith and returned to the worship of the Roman gods. Find out more at the Cambridge Festival 2023 https://www.festival.cam.ac.uk/events/l…

1
We Shall Not Cease From Exploration - The Poetry of Research 44:54

2y ago44:54

44:54

How can poetry explore and share academic research with the public? Rebekah King speaks with David Cain and researchers at the University of Cambridge about their participation in the Creative Encounters Words programme. Listen to researchers Dr Catherine Merrick (Senior Lecturer Pathology, Biological Sciences), accompanying music by Jonathan Winds…

1
Exploring the Deception Island Hut – with Elizabeth Lewis Williams 20:10

2y ago20:10

20:10

What was it like to live in a remote Antarctic hut and how has Story Machine recreated this? Kika Hendry speaks with Elizabeth Lewis Williams who is the writer in residence at British Antarctic Survey and has created the Deception Island Hut installation with Sam Ruddock and Story Machine. Keep listening for a snippet of the haunting audio soundsca…

1
The Logic of Religion – with Ryan Haecker 38:12

2y ago38:12

38:12

How can logic be used by both atheists and believers to address the questions of religion? Rebekah King talks to theologian, Ryan Haecker, about what theology means in the modern world, how it differs from philosophy, and what common ground people of different viewpoints might find in order to hold more constructive and insightful debates. Ryan’s t…

1
All the Sonnets of Shakespeare – with Paul Edmondson and Sir Stanley Wells 38:08

2y ago38:08

38:08

What exactly is a sonnet and what’s so special about those written by Shakespeare? Reuben J. Brown talks to Dr Paul Edmondson and Sir Stanley Wells about their new collection, All the Sonnets of Shakespeare, which they have previously spoken about at the Cambridge Festival. This discussion is a fantastic introduction to one of the most influential …

1
Fighting the Big Diseases at AstraZeneca and the Postdoctoral Challenge – with Lotte van Beek and Toby Gurran 28:39

2y ago28:39

28:39

How are young researchers helping AstraZeneca fight complex diseases? Rebekah King speaks with Lotte van Beek and Toby Gurran, about what it's like to be a researcher at AstraZeneca, and hears about the postdoctoral challenge, an opportunity which is aimed at young scientists finishing their PhD or MD. Find out more about the challenge here: www.as…

1
The Big Bang, Time Travel, and Black Holes – with Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes 52:25

2y ago52:25

52:25

Is time travel possible? What does a black hole actually do to light? What does ‘galactic cannibalism’ mean? Honour de Pledge speaks to Geraint Lewis and Luke Barnes, authors of ‘A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos’ and ‘The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang)’ about a tiny, simple, easily explainable top…

1
Imagining aliens – with Wallace Arthur 48:28

2y ago48:28

48:28

What will aliens look like if we find them? Could a planet be entirely purple? Do skeletons have to be made of bone? Rebekah King speaks to evolutionary biologist and science writer Wallace Arthur about his book ‘The Biological Universe, Life in the Milky Way and Beyond,’ which was published by the Cambridge University Press in 2020. This is a Camb…

1
There is No Planet B – with Mike Berners-Lee 44:47

2y ago44:47

44:47

What mindset should we have about the global climate crisis? Sophie Carlin speaks to expert in carbon footprinting, Mike Berners-Lee, about the new updated version of his book ‘There is No Planet B’ about climate change, cooperation, and the possibility of not only saving the world, but building a far better, brighter future for all. Music by Coby …

1
Body Image for Young People – with Charlotte Markey 34:44

2y ago34:44

34:44

How can young people improve their body image in an age of social media? Jesimiel Akinsuyi speaks to Charlotte Markey, author of both the ‘Body Image Book for Girls’ and the ‘Body Image Book for Boys,’ about her motivations for writing both books, what body image means, and how it is affected by social media. Music by Coby O’Brien Produced by Rebek…

1
Counter Speech and Online Harm – with Stefanie Ullmann 32:18

2y ago32:18

32:18

What is ‘counter speech’ and is it a more powerful alternative to censorship? Scarlett Croft talks to Stefanie Ullmann about her research into harmful online content and strategies for combatting prejudice and hate. Scarlett also asks about how automated systems like Siri and Alexa should be programmed to respond when spoken to in an aggressive or …

1
Recipes for Saving the Planet – with Dana Ellis Hunnes 43:18

2y ago43:18

43:18

What can students do to help the planet? Sophie Carlin speaks to nutritionist and climate change expert Dana Ellis Hunnes about her new book Recipes for Survival: What You Can Do to Live a Healthier and More Environmentally Friendly Life and gets the best advice for students who want to make a difference to the planet’s health. A big thank you to C…

1
Animals in Biomedical Research: Replacement, Refinement, Reduction - with Selina Ballantyne 31:52

2y ago31:52

31:52

Will we ever be able to stop using animals in the laboratory? This episode, Rebekah King talks to Selina Ballantyne about the ways in which animal testing is being replaced, refined, and reduced such that good science and good animal welfare can go hand in hand. Coby O'Brien - Music Produced by Rebekah King To find out more about the Festival, plea…

1
Episode 13 - A Voice Crying Out In the Wilderness 1:02:03

6y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In this episode, we discuss the remarkable life and career of Fray Bartolome de las Casas, Protector of the Indians. We also talk about the debate over the humanity of the Indians, a debate which roiled the intellectuals of Spain and beyond. With a clearer picture of Las Casas's life and the Dominican campaign for the amelioration of the Indians' p…

1
Episode 12 - What Goes Around, Comes Around 56:25

6y ago56:25

56:25

A meandering episode for a meandering expedition. This episode covers the expedition of Hernando de Soto, the next in our inglorious series of conquistadors who had tried and failed to tame the North American Continent. Basically, he and his expedition wandered for four years in circles through what is now the states of Florida, Georgia, South Caro…

1
Episode 11 - Cabeza de Vaca 56:18

6+ y ago56:18

56:18

In this episode we relate the tragic story of Panfilo de Narvaez's expedition to Florida and the horrible fate which overtook his men. We also discuss the remarkable survival of two characters connected with the expedition - Juan Ortiz, taken captive by the vindictive Ucita, Chief of Hirrihigua, as well as the far more famous Alvar Nunez Cabeza de …

1
Episode 10 - Spanish Scramble 46:51

6+ y ago46:51

46:51

In this episode, we explore the rivalries and jockeying of the Caribbean conquistadors, who each wished to take their own slice of territory on the mainland. We begin with Diego Velasquez and Francisco de Garay, whose explorations and claims became a serious threat to Ponce de Leon's hold on Florida. After detouring a bit to finish Garay's storylin…

1
Episode 9 - Into Bimini 53:28

6+ y ago53:28

53:28

We finally touch the soil of what is now the United States! In this episode we discuss Juan Ponce de Leon and his first voyage to Florida (1513). We also wade into the historical controversies whether or not Ponce de Leon actually discovered Florida and was he really searching for the Fountain of Youth? We also discuss the importance of his lesser …

1
Episode 8 - Broken Spears 1:03:08

6+ y ago1:03:08

1:03:08

After recuperating for a month in Tlaxcala, Cortes is ready to resume the offensive. He ravages Tepeaca and prepares his forces for the final assault on Tenochtitlan. When that assault comes, it spells the end of a once magnificent city."...And the giants greeted each other thus: 'Do not fall down, for whoever falls, falls forever.'"--- Support thi…

1
Episode 7 - Swan Song 1:14:08

6+ y ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Cortes splits his force to deal with Pamfilo de Narvaez, sent by Governor Velasquez to take over his expedition and hang him. He triumphs, only to receive word of an unfolding disaster back in Tenochtitlan. A Spanish atrocity had ocurred, and now the Aztecs were clamoring for vengeance. Montezuma dies, and the Spaniards are ejected from Tenochtilan…

1
Programming Announcement 2 0:51

6+ y ago0:51

0:51

It's a boy!!!! Expect minor delays; thank you in advance for your patience.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/support

1
Episode 6 - The Lion and the Eagle 51:06

6+ y ago51:06

51:06

Cortes heads over to Cholula, where an Aztec conspiracy leads to a bloodbath. Following this, Cortes moves on to Tenochtitlan itself, where he is received with great honors. It is not long before he takes Montezuma prisoner and has him swear fealty to Charles V. The Spanish accumulate a vast amount of treasure and all is well. Or so it seems...--- …

1
Episode 5 - Divide and Conquer 43:06

6+ y ago43:06

43:06

Cortes is quite a wily character. This episode, he breaks free of Velasquez's control, founds a city, liberates the Totonacs, defeats and then befriends the Tlaxcalans, and utterly mystifies Montezuma and the Aztecs. If you want to see how 4D chess is really played, just look at Cortes.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

1
Episode 4 - Children of Aztlan 51:37

6+ y ago51:37

51:37

In this episode we meet the Aztecs: who they were, what they believed, and how their society was ordered. We also introduce the man who will ultimately destroy that civilization, Hernan Cortes, and we explore the backdrop to his expedition to Mexico.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/supp…

1
Episode 3 - Horror in the Tropics 35:59

6+ y ago35:59

35:59

This episode takes a look at the Spanish conquest of the Carribean Islands, with a particular focus on the island of Hispaniola. We read a great deal of Las Casas, who chronicled the abject misery of the natives in his "A History of the Indies".--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/support…

1
Episode 2 - A New World 54:21

6+ y ago54:21

54:21

The Portuguese may have cornered the market on Africa, but they were about to get eclipsed in a big way by their neighbors to the east - the Spanish. This episode describes the story of the Castilian Atlantic, from 1402 through Columbus's discovery of the Americas.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-…

1
Episode 1 - Expanding Horizons 42:48

6+ y ago42:48

42:48

Portugal began the Age of Discovery with a century-long campaign to find a direct sea-route to India. In this episode we discuss the who, what, why, and when of this Portuguese contribution.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/support

1
Programming Announcement #1 6:16

6+ y ago6:16

6:16

A few brief announcements. First off, episodes will now be uploaded at a pace of 1 per every week and a half - two weeks. To compensate, episodes will be longer, more in depth, and recommended reading will be provided. Also, we will do away with the chapter system and go to a simple system of numbering the podcast. Also, a shoutout to Jamie Redfern…

1
Episode 0.7 - God blew, and they scattered 46:51

6+ y ago46:51

46:51

This is it! We're done our introductory podcasts! Today we talk about Elizabeth's war with Spain and the Irish. Next week we are on hiatus - and after that, we turn our attention to American colonization!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/support…

1
Episode 0.6 - I See and I Am Silent 40:18

6+ y ago40:18

40:18

Here we are - the long overdue penultimate introductory podcast! This episode, we cover the events of Queen Elizabeth I's early reign, from the Elizabethan Settlement to the execution of Mary, Queen of the Scots. The Armada is coming...--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/from-settlement-to-superpower/support…

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