Pieces of History

Episode seven of the new season of Pieces of History takes us into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Ireland, where revolution, political upheaval, and shifting ideologies shaped the nation's future. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of General Eoin O'Duffy - one of Ireland's most controversial figures. Joining me is historian Jack Traynor, author of General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand. Together, we explore O'Duffy's rise from his role in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War to his tenure as the first Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. We also examine his leadership of the Blueshirts, his embrace of fascist politics, and the broader European influences on his ideology. From revolutionary hero to political pariah, O'Duffy's legacy remains divisive. In this episode, we uncover the complexities of his character, the turbulent era that shaped him, and how his actions reflected both Ireland's struggles and the wider political currents of the 1930s. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand https://www.amazon.co.uk/General-Eoin-ODuffy-Political-Firebrand/dp/1476693269

Episode six of the new season of Pieces of History takes us beneath the waves, where archaeology and history converge to uncover lost stories of the transatlantic slave trade. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Slave Wrecks Project, an international effort to locate and study shipwrecks tied to the global slave trade. Joining me is Dr. Steve Lubkemann, maritime archaeologist and one of the project's founding members. We'll delve into how the Slave Wrecks Project began, the cutting-edge methodologies used to find and analyse these wrecks, and what these discoveries reveal about the millions of lives affected by the slave trade. From underwater surveys to the challenges of working in politically and environmentally complex regions, this episode uncovers how archaeology is reshaping our understanding of one of history's darkest chapters. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod The Slave Wrecks Project: https://slavewrecksproject.org/

Episode five of the new season of Pieces of History takes us deep into the heart of Ireland, where oral history preserves a powerful narrative of resistance, sacrifice, and memory. In this episode, we uncover the tragic story of the Scariff Martyrs - four young Irishmen executed by British forces in 1920 during the War of Independence. Joining me is historian and award-winning Oral Historian Tomás Mac Conmara, whose work has safeguarded the voices and experiences of those who lived through Ireland's revolutionary past. We'll explore not just the brutal events in Scariff but also the enduring role of oral tradition in keeping their legacy alive. From accounts passed down through generations to gripping stories of heroism and loss, this episode reveals the deep connections between history and myth in Ireland's struggle for freedom. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod The Scariff Martyrs: War, Murder and Memory in East Clare https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scariff-Martyrs-Murder-Memory-Clare/dp/1781177252

Episode four of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the vast landscapes of Central Asia, as we explore the history, politics, and culture of Kazakhstan with journalist Joanna Lillis. In this episode, we'll trace Kazakhstan's journey from its Soviet past to its present-day identity as a modern nation. We'll examine the country's political landscape, the impact of independence, and the cultural forces that continue to shape its society. Joanna Lillis, a Kazakhstan-based journalist and author of Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan, brings her deep expertise and firsthand experience to the discussion. Having lived and reported in the region for decades, she offers valuable insights into Kazakhstan's transformation and the challenges it faces today. Join me as we delve into the rich and complex story of Kazakhstan. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Shadows-Joanna-Lillis/dp/1784538612

Episode three of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of "The Death Match" – Start vs Flakelf. In this episode, we'll explore the rich history of Ukraine, from its early origins to its cultural and political evolution. We'll dive into the development of football in the country, tracing its growth and the rise of Dynamo Kiev as a dominant force. Finally, we'll uncover the gripping story of the match between Start and Flakelf, examining the events leading up to it, the intense game itself, and the consequences that followed. Join me as we uncover the remarkable history of Ukrainian football and the powerful story behind one of its most infamous matches. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @pieceofhistorypod