Hostile History

David Borys / Curiouscast

Since the dawn of time humanity has been at war. Conflict in one form or another has been part of our existence since we first walked the earth.

While conflict and armed rebellion have evolved to look very differently over the centuries, if it feels like we’ve been here before it's because we have.

Join military historian David Borys who has spent his entire career studying armed conflict as he brings together some of the brightest minds to take you inside the world's most defining conflicts and rebellions. From Genghis Khan, and the Crusades to Vietnam and the war in Iran. If you want to understand the world today you need to go back because history doesn't just repeat itself, it echoes.

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21 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

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Today · 30 sec
Announcement: Hostile History and World War Two
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Wednesday · 30 min
The Birth, Death and Rebirth of Captain America
On this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by pop culture historian Robert Weiner as they look at how the Second World War birthed one of the world’s most famous superheroes. They explore how the war provided clear villains for Captain America and his sidekick Bucky in the form of the Axis powers, but in the aftermath of the war, Captain America suddenly found himself on rocky ground as the world changed. New villains emerged and old animosities were forgotten. Captain America had to change with it or perish. Guest: Robert Weiner Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E11
September 23 · 38 min
Beyond the Panels: Comic Books and the World Wars
On this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by historian Cord Scott to explore how the world wars became a catalyst for the mass production of comic books. While the First World War saw their introduction as comic strips, the success of these ‘strips’ resulted in a comic book boom in the inter-war period. Superheroes like Batman and Superman were the result, making their debut in the late 1930s. When the Second World War broke out comic books were mobilized for the war effort. Even before the United States entered the war superheroes like Captain America were already gracing the pages of comic books both in the United States and all over the world. Guest: Cord Scott Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E11
September 23 · 47 min
Dissent in the Barracks: Queer Voices in the GI Underground
On this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by historian Travis Salley as they explore how, during the Vietnam War, the GI underground press became more than a voice of dissent...it became a lifeline. These underground newspapers, created by service personnel, created rare spaces where queer service members could find community, share experiences, challenge discrimination, and connect with others. This then coalesced into a broader activist movement that challenged racism and the war itself, revealing a hidden history of identity and resistance deep within the U.S. military. Guest: Travis Salley Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 16 · 16 min
Commit to the Myth – Nazi War Crimes and the Problem of Guilt
On this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by historian and drag queen Karla Marx as they dive deep into the reasons that the myth of the clean Wehrmacht became so powerful in the years after the war. The war became both a landscape for righteousness by those who fought against the Nazi’s but also a vehicle by which morality and ideology could be judged and justified. As a post-war Germany sought to rebuild itself and as a post-war United States sought to defend the values of democracy the way the war was remembered and discussed became crucial to both national and international objectives. Guest: Karla Marx @karla.marx1917 Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E10
September 9 · 41 min
Innocent Until Proven Guilty: The Myth of the Clean Wehrmacht
How much of the German army’s conduct during the Second World War can really be separated from Nazi Germany’s crimes? In this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by historian Waitman Beorn to examine one of the most persistent myths surrounding the Second World War: the idea that the German armed forces were largely honourable and professional, while responsibility for Nazi atrocities rested almost exclusively with the SS. Why did the myth emerge after the war, and why did it prove so enduring? What did the Wehrmacht actually know, do, and tolerate? And what happens when we separate the image of the professional soldier from the reality of the war he was fighting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 2 · 15 min
Unpacked – Hannah Snell
The Woman Who Went to War Show Notes: Hannah Snell was an 18th-century English woman who defied every expectation, disguising herself as a man to join the British military. She fought in brutal battles, survived multiple wounds while hiding her identity, and returned home to reveal one of history's most astonishing stories of courage, endurance, and reinvention. Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 26 · 46 min
Women at War: Europe’s forgotten fighters
History remembers the generals, the kings, and the men who marched beneath national flags. But buried are other stories of support systems and networks that included spies, resistance fighters, smugglers, and revolutionaries. Women, who stepped into battle while the world tried to erase them from it. In this episode, we are joined by Margaret Hunt, emeritus from Uppsala University in Sweden, as we travel Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries to tear down misconceptions and uncover the forgotten story of Europe’s women at war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 19 · 31 min
Star Wars:Unpacked – In a Galaxy Not So Far Away
On this episode of Hostile History, David Borys is joined by broadcaster, comic writer, and lifelong Star Wars fan Fred Kennedy to explore how George Lucas's space opera evolved from a simple adventure story into one of the most influential cultural phenomena in modern history. Along the way, they discuss how the franchise has reflected our world and the generations of fans who have made it their own. Whether you're a Jedi Master, a scruffy-looking nerf herder, or someone who simply loves great stories, this is a deep dive into the saga that changed pop culture forever. May the Force be with you. Guest: Fred Kennedy (@fearless_fred) Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E8
August 12 · 50 min
Star Wars and Modern Warfare
When George Lucas created Star Wars, he imagined a space fantasy filled with laser swords, galactic empires, and battles between good and evil. But beneath the aliens and starships was something far more grounded and shaped by real-world war, political paranoia, insurgencies, and the machinery of modern conflict. In this episode, we investigate the surprisingly direct connection between Star Wars and modern warfare. From the jungles of Vietnam to the rise of authoritarian governments, from drone warfare to insurgent tactics, we explore how one of the most beloved franchises in history mirrors the way empires actually rise, fight, and collapse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 5 · 11 min
Unpacked – Baldwin IV - The Man Behind the Silver Mask
How closely did Hollywood capture the remarkable life of Baldwin IV, the leper king of Jerusalem? Separating fact from fiction, this exploration examines his leadership, military skill, political challenges, and the dramatic liberties taken by Kingdom of Heaven, revealing the complex and important historical figure behind the cinematic legend. Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E7
July 29 · 40 min
The Crusades
The Crusades are often remembered as a holy war between Christianity and Islam with images of armored knights marching east beneath blood-red crosses, driven by faith, glory, and the promise of salvation. In this episode I’m joined by historian Niall Christie, as we travel back to the Holy Land between the 11th and 13th centuries to try and to help me understand what exactly happened during this time because nearly a thousand years later, the echoes of the Crusades still shape politics, religion, and cultural memory across the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 22 · 35 min
Unpacked – The Odyssey – From Fable to Film
Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey released in July 2026 made much ado about casting and approach to Homer’s epic. In this episode David chats with author and host of the podcast Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby Liv Albert about one of the oldest surviving works of literature. Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Liv Albert https://www.mythsbaby.com/books-by-liv-albert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E6
July 15 · 42 min
Democracy: From the ashes of Athenian wars
Democracy is often treated like humanity’s greatest political achievement. A system built on freedom, equality, and the voice of the people. But its origins were anything but peaceful. Democracy was born in chaos, shaped by violence, and war. In this episode, we travel back with historian Jennifer Roberts from the City College of New York and the City University of New York Graduate Center to ancient Athens, where the world’s first experiment with democracy emerged. Long before modern elections and constitutions, Athens was a city teetering between tyranny, aristocratic power, economic crisis, and constant warfare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 8 · 9 min
Unpacked – The Hitlerian Conspiracies
Did Adolf Hitler really die in his Berlin bunker? Explore the enduring conspiracy theories, alleged sightings, Soviet secrecy, and the historical evidence separating fact from fiction surrounding Hitler's death. Contact: Instagram: @canyonentertainment Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostilehistory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 1 · 46 min
Hitler's DNA
For decades, Adolf Hitler sold the world a fantasy of racial purity . A myth so powerful it fueled one of history’s darkest regimes. In this episode, we dive into the strange and controversial story behind Hitler’s DNA. From modern genetic testing and explosive media headlines, we unravel how scientists, journalists, and historians are trying to answer a question that still fascinates the world: who was Hitler? We are joined by geneticist Professor Turi King and historian Dr. Alex J Kay, to help us understand what happens when modern genetics asks questions history can’t answer?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E4
June 17 · 32 min
Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part Four: Axis and Allies
In the final part of our series, we follow Iran beyond its borders and examine how the Islamic Republic built a powerful network of allies, militias, and proxy movements across the Middle East. Emerging from the trauma of the Iran–Iraq War and decades of isolation, Iran’s leadership developed a new strategy for survival: project influence without direct confrontation. Instead of relying solely on conventional military power, Tehran cultivated alliances with armed groups and political movements across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, and Yemen. Once again we're joined by historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science as we conclude our journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E3
June 3 · 41 min
Iran: Oil, Power and Protest – Part Three: The Ayatollah’s Iran
In Part 3 of our four-part series, we explore what happened after the revolution and how Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini transformed Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic Republic that would reshape politics across the Middle East because once the monarchy fell, the battle over Iran’s future had only just begun. Hostile History is once again joined by historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science as we continue our journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E1
May 20 · 44 min
Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part One: In the Shadow of the Shah.
In the first episode of this four part series, we travel back in time to Iran to chart how a modern monarchy which was armed, wealthy, and globally backed lost control with the help of historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E2
May 20 · 34 min
Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part Two: The Road to Revolution
In Part Two of our four-part series on modern Iran, we move from the oil boom years of the 1970s to the collapse of the Shah’s regime and the birth of the Islamic Republic. Fueled by soaring oil prices, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi appeared stronger than ever. Tehran was transforming into a modern global capital, the military was expanding at breakneck speed, and Iran had become one of America’s most important allies in the Middle East. But beneath the surface, anger was building. Historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science joins Hostile History as we travel back in time to chart what happened after the monarchy lost control and revolution set in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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