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Any good podcasts / youtube videos about Spanish history?

Damien Reynolds

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I used to not care. I just wanted to walk.

Then I read "For Whom the Bell Tolls" while crossing the Pyrenees... I found that the historical/fictional perspective greatly enhanced the depth of my walks through the region that Hemingway described.

So now I am a little addicted. This last month (counting the days until I go back) I've been listening to a ton of podcasts about Spain and its history. I just type "Spain History" into my platform of choice and go.

I get a special thrill when a stream explains paramount events in the towns I have or will visit.

My next trip is through Andalusia and I love the stories of the back and forth between the different groups who have settled there. The Basque's fascinate me (I know, not Andalusia).

I am not so interested in Camino specific podcasts... unless they are historical rather than functional.

Anyone have a similar "addiction" and can point me to good ones?
 
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I like When in Spain from Paul Burge.

When in Spain

The podcast is all about Spain, covering topics such as culture, travel, lifestyle, work, special guests, and much more!
podcastai.com

Are you also interested in Spanish podcasts?
 
I like that one too! Nice blend of history and touristic stuff.

I am afraid I am only fluent in "Camino Spanish" so the Spanish language only things are kind of intimidating.
 
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Damien Reynolds said:
ok, tonight.
Click to expand...
Fair warning - the narration is a bit wooden, but the content is strong. You'll learn a lot about Spain in the middle ages.

later edit: my comment about the narration probably isn't fair. The narrator is reading a script, versus having a conversation with a podcast guest, so it's not surprising it sounds more "wooden" than a conversation would.
 
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I've heard good things about the "History of Spain" podcast. Looking at the episodes, there is lots of material on Andalusia.

Otherwise, for history that randomly links up with Spain - Dan Carlin's "Hardcore History" podcast is excellent IMHO. You never know when there will be a reference but I seem to remember unexpected stuff about Spain in "Punic Wars," "Celtic Holocaust," and "Thor's Angels." Very well-rounded research and story-telling, always presented with empathy and a good dose of humor.
 
Damien Reynolds said:
The Basque's fascinate me
Click to expand...
As pilgrimage is about being heart opened, being humble, respectful and trying to understand the lands and people you're crossing, there is a super well known novel book that describes an entire basque generation native to an area where basque is still commonly spoken, basque towns in the hills and valleys along Gipuzkoa historic province, also where camino vasco del interior passes trough from Irun to Zegama.
But this history could be perfectly translated to Baztan, to the Camino del Norte and all the lands where the basque speaking community is somehow strong

It is " The Accordionist's Son" by Bernardo Atxaga, the most international basque writer.
 
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So I listened last night to the first 4 (from older to more recent) with lowered expectations due to what you warned me about. Thank you. I am going to drive any friends met nuts with what I learned.
 
I found this Great Courses series to be very informative and interesting. I have listened through the 24 episodes (almost 12 hours) twice and still have it on my phone. It is available on Audible.com, where you can get a free or very cheap trial membership, and cancel later if you want.

The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad

Check out this great listen on Audible.ca. Spain has played a unique and essential role in Western civilization. To understand the unfolding of Spain's epic history is to come to terms with one of the West's great cultures, and to grasp its enduring presence and impact on the world stage. In the...
www.audible.ca
 
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