Best Xerx Podcasts (2024)

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Scepter and Sword: Chronicles of Darius the Great and Xerxes 19:01

4h ago19:01

19:01

Darius I (550–486 BCE) and his son Xerxes I (circa 518–465 BCE) were two of the most influential rulers of the Achaemenid Empire, overseeing its golden age and significant expansions. Each made lasting contributions that shaped Persia's governance, culture, and influence, though their reigns also marked the empire's early encounters with limitation…

1
Episode 654: Jake Xerxes Fussell 1:07:51

4d ago1:07:51

1:07:51

On today's episode, I talk to musician Jake Xerxes Fussell. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Jake is the son of folklorist Fred Fussell, and as a teenager began playing and studying with elder musicians in the Chattahoochee Valley, apprenticing with Piedmont blues legend Precious Bryant, with whom he toured and recorded. In 2015, Jake released hi…

1
Brothers Divided: The Tragic Tale of Caracalla and Geta from Gladiator II 9:02

2h ago9:02

9:02

The story of Caracalla and Geta, sons of Emperor Septimius Severus, is a tragic tale of rivalry, betrayal, and murder that deeply impacted Roman history. Born into the powerful Severan dynasty, Caracalla (Lucius Septimius Bassianus) and Geta (Publius Septimius Geta) were raised as heirs to the throne. However, their personalities clashed early on: …

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Episode 655: Fred Thomas 1:20:28

4h ago1:20:28

1:20:28

On today's episode, I talk to musician Fred Thomas. Originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Fred started playing music as a teenager, and in 1994 founded the math rock band Chore. The band broke up two years later, and he joined the brilliant His Name Is Alive, and in 1999 started the well-known indie rock band Saturday Looks Good to Me. They would re…

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Twilight of the Norse Gods: An Exploration of Ragnarok 12:36

1h ago12:36

12:36

The Norse myth of Ragnarok tells of an inevitable end comprising events that culminate in cosmic destruction and, ultimately, renewal. Unlike other mythologies with ambiguous apocalyptic themes, Ragnarok is seen as unalterable fate—a reflection of Viking beliefs in life’s cyclical nature, influenced by the harsh realities of their world. This myth …

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Transmissions :: Phosphorescent 1:07:29

5m ago1:07:29

1:07:29

We’ve reached the end of the road for this season—season 9 concludes with this episode, a conversation with Matthew Houck, the leader of the avant-country band Phosphorescent. In April, Phosphorescent released Revelator, the band’s ninth album. It’s their debut for Verve Records, after a string of well-received albums on Dead Oceans. Joined by coll…

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Billions of Butts 33:45

12h ago33:45

33:45

If you have never heard of DUDE Wipes, you soon will - they are everywhere! Follow Susanna as she lands at the doorstep of a supernova, charged with building out their category management practice.By Studio Xerxes

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The Wondrous Inca Pyramids: An Archaeological and Cultural Examination 17:49

1h ago17:49

17:49

The Inca Empire, one of the most expansive pre-Columbian civilizations, is renowned for its architectural achievements, including unique pyramid structures that served religious, administrative, and astronomical purposes. Unlike the centralized pyramids of Mesoamerica, Inca pyramids varied widely, reflecting their adaptation to different regions an…

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Roman Gladiators: Social, Cultural, and Historical Perspectives 13:37

3h ago13:37

13:37

Gladiatorial games were central to Roman culture, reflecting societal values and hierarchies. Originally part of funeral rites, the games became a celebrated public spectacle by the 3rd century BCE in arenas like the Colosseum. Gladiators, often slaves or captives, participated under diverse motivations, mirroring Rome’s social dynamics and ideals …

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Agamemnon: The Legacy of Mycenaean Power in Ancient Greek Myth and History 18:26

1d ago18:26

18:26

Agamemnon, a prominent king in Greek mythology and a central figure in the Trojan War, is remembered as both a powerful leader and a tragic character. His story, spanning from Homer’s Iliad to Aeschylus's Oresteia, illustrates the complex themes of leadership, family loyalty, sacrifice, and revenge that define Greek mythological tradition. As the k…

1
The Nile River and Its Profound Influence on Ancient Egyptian Civilization 14:29

1d ago14:29

14:29

The Nile River, extending over 6,650 kilometers, profoundly shaped ancient Egypt, providing essential resources for a civilization that thrived for more than 3,000 years. This paper explores the Nile’s multifaceted impact on Egypt, emphasizing its contributions to agriculture, economy, religion, and social structure. The annual inundation of the Ni…

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Castles in the Middle Ages: Fortresses of Power, Defense, and Society 17:04

2h ago17:04

17:04

Medieval castles, emerging around the 9th century, were initially built as wooden motte-and-bailey structures in response to the fragmentation and instability of feudal Europe after the Carolingian Empire's decline. These early castles, featuring a keep on a raised earth mound (motte) and an enclosed courtyard (bailey), served as rapid, easily cons…

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The Hunnic Invasions and the Fall of the Western Roman Empire 14:38

4d ago14:38

14:38

The Hunnic invasions, particularly under Attila the Hun, significantly contributed to the decline and eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Emerging from the Central Asian steppes, the Huns’ advanced mobility, archery skills, and fierce tactics made them a formidable force that challenged Rome’s traditional defenses. By displacing other tr…

1
The Viking Influence on Early Russian Society: A Historical Analysis of Norse Expansion, Travel, and Warfare 14:45

20h ago14:45

14:45

The Viking Age (circa 793–1066 CE) saw Norse expansion reach as far as modern-day Russia, where they significantly influenced the cultural, political, and military landscape. Vikings, known in the East as Varangians, traveled the extensive river networks of Eastern Europe, including the Dnieper and Volga, establishing vital trade links between the …

1
Transmissions :: Pat Irwin (Suss, The B52s) 1:09:05

1d ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Welcome to the penultimate episode of our ninth season, featuring Pat Irwin of Suss. You may remember him from last year’s Suss talk, with his bandmates Jonathan Gregg and Bob Holmes, but he’s back for a solo talk this time, which allowed us to dig into his wild life in music, from his time in the the late ‘70s New York No Wave scene with The Raybe…

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Persepolis: The Jewel of the Persian Empire 17:58

2d ago17:58

17:58

Persepolis: The Jewel of the Persian Empire - Summary Persepolis, established in 518 BCE by Darius the Great, served as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire and a symbol of Persian grandeur, located in present-day Iran. Darius and his successors, including Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I, constructed Persepolis over decades to be a center for …

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The Roman Veterans: Life in the Roman Army under Pompey the Great 17:20

3d ago17:20

17:20

The Roman army during the late Republic, especially under Pompey the Great, was a powerful force that expanded Rome’s influence. Life for a Roman soldier in Pompey’s campaigns involved rigorous training, modest pay, difficult deployments, a strict hierarchy, and the hope of rewards after service. Training and Discipline: Roman soldiers endured inte…

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The Ancient Origins of King Arthur: Historical, Literary, and Cultural Foundations 19:08

4d ago19:08

19:08

The legend of King Arthur is an intricate blend of history, folklore, and myth that has evolved significantly from its ancient origins. While the popular image of Arthur as a noble king leading the Knights of the Round Table has medieval roots, the basis of his legend can be traced back to ancient Britain, influenced by Roman military traditions, C…

1
Persephone’s Descent and Return: An Ancient Greek Tale of Life, Death, and Renewal 8:33

5d ago8:33

8:33

The myth of Hades and Persephone is a deeply symbolic tale of love, loss, and the cycles of life and death. Persephone, daughter of Demeter, goddess of harvest, was the embodiment of spring, cherished by her mother and beloved by all. She spent her days in innocence, roaming meadows and nurturing flowers. Hades, the god of the Underworld, saw Perse…

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Rise of the Scythians in the Eurasian Steppe: Culture, Warfare, and Influence in Ukraine 21:32

14d ago21:32

21:32

The Iron Age marked an era of profound transformation in the Eurasian steppe, driven by the emergence of the Scythians, a powerful nomadic culture renowned for their martial expertise and unique cultural identity. Originating around the 9th century BCE, the Scythians expanded their control over vast territories stretching from the Black Sea to the …

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Episode 653: John Pham 1:16:18

6d ago1:16:18

1:16:18

On today's episode, I talk to cartoonist John Pham. Born in Saigon, John's family immigrated to the US towards the end of the Vietnam War. In the year 2000, John received a self publishing grant from the Xeric Foundation for his comic Epoxy, and later in the aughts, Fantagraphics published his books Sublife vol. 1 and 2, the latter of which was nom…

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The Maya Empire: Guardians of Time, Knowledge, and the Cosmos 14:53

7d ago14:53

14:53

The Maya civilization, originating around 2000 BCE, thrived in the Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, reaching its height during the Classic Period (250–900 CE). Rather than a unified empire, the Maya were an interconnected network of city-states, each with its own ruler and governance structure. These city-states shared a cultural…

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A Winning Combination At Wells 51:54

8d ago51:54

51:54

Renee Balliet is a passionate insights leader for over fifteen years, having worked on brands, innovation, product development, and retail. She has made her mark at Wells by building a team of Consumer, Sensory, and Shopper Insights from the ground up. Melanie Saffell spent her career in data and CPG in various roles including Channel Marketing, Cl…

1
Hadrian’s Wall: A Monument of Roman Britain 9:40

13d ago9:40

9:40

Hadrian’s Wall: A Monument of Roman Britain Hadrian’s Wall is a prominent remnant of the Roman Empire in Britain, symbolizing Rome’s northernmost frontier and showcasing its engineering prowess. Built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign (117–138 AD), the wall stretched across northern England from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth. Its primary purpose …

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Transmissions :: Real Estate 1:01:21

16d ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Welcome back to Transmissions, we’re so glad to have you tuned into this show. This week, a talk taped earlier this summer with Martin Courtney of Real Estate. Real Estate has been releasing great albums since the late 2000s. This year, they released their sixth LP, called Daniel. Produced in Nashville by Daniel Tashian, who produced Kacy Musgraves…

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Ptolemy I Soter: The First Greek Pharaoh of Egypt 14:40

9d ago14:40

14:40

Ptolemy I Soter, one of the most significant figures of the Hellenistic period, was a key player in the conquests of Alexander the Great and the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. His reign marked the beginning of a unique fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures, a blend that would last for nearly 300 years. His rise to power, political strat…

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Alexander the Great: Conqueror, Visionary, and Architect of an Empire 21:36

10d ago21:36

21:36

Abstract Alexander the Great, one of the most renowned figures in history, built one of the largest empires in the ancient world. This summary examines his early life, military conquests, and the enduring legacy of his empire, which spanned three continents and blended Greek and Eastern cultures. 1. Introduction Alexander III of Macedon, known as A…

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Anubis: The Jackal-headed Guardian of the Dead in Ancient Egyptian Religion 16:24

11d ago16:24

16:24

Anubis, one of ancient Egypt's most significant deities, is associated with death, mummification, and the afterlife. Often depicted as a jackal or jackal-headed man, Anubis symbolized protection of graves and the safe passage of souls into the afterlife. His black head symbolized both mummified flesh and the fertile Nile soil, representing death an…

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Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar: The Life and Legacy of El Cid Campeador 13:05

12d ago13:05

13:05

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as El Cid Campeador, is a legendary figure in Spanish history, renowned for his role in the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. Born in the 11th century in Vivar, near Burgos, in the Kingdom of Castile, he came from a minor noble family connected to the Castilian monarchy. Rodrigo's early life was sha…

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Roanoke: The Unsolved Mystery of America’s Lost Colony with Elena Perez 7:45

13d ago7:45

7:45

The mystery of the Roanoke Colony, also known as the "Lost Colony," remains one of the most captivating and unsolved puzzles in American history. Established in 1587, Roanoke was the first English settlement in the New World, located on Roanoke Island in what is now North Carolina. Led by John White, the colony comprised about 115 settlers, includi…

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The First Viking Raid at Lindisfarne Priory: A Turning Point in English History 16:06

13d ago16:06

16:06

The Viking raid on Lindisfarne Priory in 793 CE is widely regarded as the start of the Viking Age, a period of Scandinavian incursions, exploration, and eventual settlement that transformed the British Isles. To understand its significance, one must consider the Viking society and the state of Anglo-Saxon England before the attack. Before the raid,…

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Episode 652: Tsunami 1:14:11

14d ago1:14:11

1:14:11

On today's episode, I talk to musicians Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson of the band Tsunami. Tsunami formed in Arlington, VA in late 1990, when Jenny and Kristin were housemates at Arlington, Virginia’s legendary punk-activist Positive Force house. Over the next seven years, Tsunami wrote and recorded prolifically, releasing three full-length albu…

1
The Lost Connection: How Ancient Cultures Viewed the Stars 13:01

14d ago13:01

13:01

In today's world, much of the night sky has been obscured by light pollution. The bright glow of cities has dimmed the stars, making them a distant memory for many. Where ancient peoples once relied on the stars for guidance, explanation, and wonder, modern society often sees them as little more than a backdrop. This disconnection from the stars ma…

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Perseus: The Heroic Conqueror of Myth and Legend in Ancient Greek Culture 17:41

15d ago17:41

17:41

Perseus: The Heroic Conqueror of Myth and Legend in Ancient Greek Culture Perseus is one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology, known for his daring exploits, particularly slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda. His tale intertwines elements of divine intervention, courage, and moral justice, reflecting key themes in Greek culture and bel…

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Transmissions :: Rosali and David Nance 1:55:21

16d ago1:55:21

1:55:21

This week on the show, a double-header. First, Rosali Middleman, and then, her bandmate, collaborator, and the leader of Mowed Sound, David Nance. Together, they both play on Rosali’s fantastic 2024 album, Bite Down. Reviewing it for Aquarium Drunkard, Brent Sirota writes, “A great summer album needs hooks and choruses, big barroom rave-ups and ble…

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The First Seven Kings of Rome: Lives, Lessons, and Succession 16:20

16d ago16:20

16:20

The history of Rome’s first seven kings, though shrouded in legend, offers significant insights into the city’s early development and transition from monarchy to a republic. These rulers established foundational political, military, and religious institutions that shaped Roman society. Romulus (753–717 BCE): The legendary founder of Rome, Romulus, …

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Marco Polo: The Journey of a Lifetime 16:15

17d ago16:15

16:15

Marco Polo: The Journey of a Lifetime Born in 1254 in Venice, Marco Polo came from a family of merchants dealing in luxury goods like silk and spices. His father, Niccolò, and uncle, Maffeo, were experienced traders who had traveled deep into Asia before Marco joined them. At 17, Marco set off on an expedition with them in 1271, aiming to reach the…

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Rostam: The Legendary Hero of Persia and the Shahnameh 15:20

22d ago15:20

15:20

Rostam, the central hero of Ferdowsi's epic Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), is a symbol of Persian heroism, loyalty, and strength. This article explores Rostam's origins, his key achievements, and the significance of the myth in shaping Persian cultural identity. Rostam’s Origins Born to Zal, a wise ruler of Zabulistan, and Rudaba, a princess with c…

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The Spanish Conquest - Hernan Cortez and the Fall of the Aztec Empire 29:46

19d ago29:46

29:46

The Spanish conquistadors were key figures in the expansion of European power into the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries, symbolizing both the violence and ambition of this period. Emerging from Spain’s lower nobility, these soldiers and explorers sought wealth, land, and prestige in the New World. The Reconquista, culminating in 1492 wit…

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The Viking Gods: An Exploration of Norse Gods and Mythology 23:09

25d ago23:09

23:09

This scholarly exploration of Norse mythology focuses on the main gods in the Viking pantheon and their significance in shaping Viking culture, rituals, and worldview. Norse mythology features a complex pantheon of gods, each embodying different virtues and vices, and playing critical roles in the cosmos. The article highlights four central gods: O…

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The Greek Gods - A Journey through the Greek Pantheon 14:43

21d ago14:43

14:43

The Greek pantheon is a collection of deities whose myths and stories have shaped human culture for millennia. Rooted in Greek religion, these gods embody emotions, natural elements, and cosmic principles. The pantheon’s origins trace back to Chaos, the primordial void, from which deities like Gaia and Uranus emerged, leading to the birth of the Ti…

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Genghis Khan: The Rise of a Conqueror and the Making of the Mongol Empire 18:11

22d ago18:11

18:11

Genghis Khan, born as Temüjin in 1162 on the Mongolian steppes, is remembered as one of history's most feared and powerful leaders. From humble beginnings, he rose to unify the Mongol tribes, building the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from China to Eastern Europe. His military brilliance, combined with organizational reforms and …

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