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Episode 5: The Calling

The Calling

Season 4 Episode 5
53:05
When Whales Could Walk

When Whales Could Walk

Season 51 Episode 1
53:31
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Rogue History

These Hidden Figures Cracked an Impossible Soviet Code

Season 2 Episode 6

In the 1940’s, the US government had a mission: find Soviet spies that had infiltrated their nuclear program. To do that, they needed to find a way to decode Soviet messages, notorious for being “unbreakable.” So they turned to the Venona Project. This group of talented mathematicians, consisting largely of women, went on to expose spies in nearly every agency in the federal government.

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How The Aztec Empire Was Built By Spies
7:43
A network of traveling merchant-spies were essential to the expansion of the Aztec Empire.
The Secret Group That Planned Insurrection Against Slavery
7:37
The largest enslaved insurrection in US history was planned for 1856– and then called off.
The Misunderstood Legacy of Ninjas
10:06
Ninjas are famous in popular culture, but behind the stereotypes lie a legendary history.
This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War
11:02
Chevalier d’Eon was a spy, fencer, and gender identity trailblazer who blackmailed a King.
How A Spanish Chicken Farmer Tricked Hitler
9:27
“I wanted to start a personal war with Hitler. And I wanted to fight with my imagination.”
Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community
9:09
This musician spied on Black socialists then criticized the government for being racist.
Spy Balloons Have A Longer, Weirder History Than You Think
10:17
A year into the Civil War, the Union Army unveiled their secret weapon: spy balloons.
The Truth About Hunting for Pirate Treasure
9:50
One pirate’s tale of buried treasure led to generations of treasure hunting.
The Obscure History of Japanese Sea Lords
9:29
Sea Lords were as vital to medieval Japan as samurai, so why were they called “pirates?”
Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?
9:12
Though often overlooked, the Barbary pirates played a huge role in U.S. and world history.
Why Did Pirates Eat That? (feat. Tasting History)
9:22
When fresh food ran out, pirates found creative ways to survive long weeks at sea.
Did Pirates Really Sing Sea Shanties? It’s Complicated
8:36
This is what pirate music actually sounded like.
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