ThePodcastofDoom's podcast
The Podcast of Doom explores famous disasters and calamities throughout history.
Episode 8 - The Cultural Revolution

Stung by the enormous failure of the Great Leap Forward, Chairman Mao Zedong, discredited leader of Communist China, institutes a plan to regain his former popularity and erradicate his critics. The revolution's outward aim was to reinvigorate Marxist-Leninist ideology in the Chinese people. It's less publicized goal was to restore Mao's Cult of Personality--his unquestioned authority over the government and his adoration by the people. It resulted in the persecution of millions and the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

Direct download: Episode_8_-_The_Cultural_Revolution.mp3
Category:Social and Culture -- posted at: 12:59pm PDT
Comments[0]

Episode 7 - Elizabeth Bathory: The Blood Countess

Elizabeth Bathory, The Blood Countess, was a powerful member of the aristocracy in 16th century Hungary. Following the death of her husband, with the help of her servants, she began abducting local peasant girls. The abductees were taken to her castle where they were tortured and murdered. Although, she was investigated for murdering hundreds of people, she was never put on trial. Included in this podcast is an interview with Mark Hewitt, of the blog, Radians and Inches. Mark discusses what makes serial killers tick.

Direct download: Elizabeth_Bathory_The_Blood_Countess.mp3
Category:Social and Culture -- posted at: 7:56pm PDT
Comments[0]

For centuries, Londoners had grown accustomed to "Pea-Soupers," thick ground fog that made travel and often walking or bicycling difficult. Following the changes that accompanied the Industrial Revolution, Londoners had also grown accustomed to having a little bit of dust and smoke mixed in with their fog. What they got on a cold December week in 1952 was thicker and more fatal than any man-made disaster before or since.

Direct download: The_Great_Smog_of_London.mp3
Category:Social and Culture -- posted at: 9:43pm PDT
Comments[0]