In light of current events, I decided to release an interview I completed last year with Professor Serhii Plohky discussing his book: The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine. We talk about the early history of Kyiv, the Cossacks, the differences between ethnic Ukrainians and Russians, and even talked about what the future for Ukraine might be if Putin continued his aggressions, which, clearly, he has. Ukrainian history is complicated and, in this difficult time, it is important to remember its history is certainly not the same as Russia's history. 

If you are interested in the book you can buy a copy HERE.

This is an example of the types of bonus author interviews available on my Patrons' Feed. If you are interested in supporting the show, check out the site HERE. 

Want to support the show for free? Try an Audible Free Trial and the show gets five bucks. Not bad.

Last time, Rodrigo Borgia climbed the ladder up the Papal Curia. In this episode, he outmaneuvers his opponents and manages to secure the unthinkable: the throne of St. Peter. Borgia takes the name Alexander VI and immediately begins setting forth his vision for a Borgia Italy.

Sources:

The Borgias: Power and Fortune

The Borgias: The Hidden History

The Borgias and Their Enemies

Become a PATRON and support the show.

Decided to have fun with this one. Rather than do the same old author interview, I sit down with author Scott Rank and conduct my first ever Presidential Draft. We take turns each of us drafting a United States President and justifying our reasons. If you like United States History and certainly US Presidents. You will enjoy the show.

Happy Presidents Day!

Full Disclosure: The audio did not come out perfect on this one. 

Books by Scott Rank:

History's 9 Most Insane Rulers

The Age of Illumination: Science Technology and Reason in the Middle Ages

Want to enjoy Audible for free and support the show? Click HERE for a free trial.

The Borgias is a name infamous for treachery, naked ambition, and depravity. But how did a relatively unknown Cardinal from Spain manage to will his way to becoming Pope Alexander VI? Today, we begin the story of the Borgia family and watch Rodrigo Borgia climb the ladder of the Curia, positioning himself for that final step.

Sources:

The Borgias: Power and Fortune

The Borgias: The Hidden History

The Borgias and Their Enemies

Become a PATRON and support the show.

Check out the WEBSITE for more content.

In this episode, we cover the first several Renaissance Popes. The Avignon Papacy did plenty of damage to the reputation of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. But, unfortunately, those Renaissance Popes who came afterward did not help the situation. 

Check out our website for more: www.westerncivpodcast.com

Become a Patron today and support the show: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Jason Voiovich and talk about his most recent book: "Marketer in Chief". In this unique American history, Jason explains how each United States President sold the idea of America. We talk about Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. 

Buy the book here: <iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=westerncivpod-20&marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&placement=B094YK7XCQ&asins=B094YK7XCQ&linkId=457aeb3912939b6ac22d6d064de07ddf&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff"> </iframe>

Consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcast