My wife and I are traveling to Venice next month. I wanted a better understanding of the historical context of Venice. This podcasts focused on Venice distill the rise of Venice from the 6th century up to present day in a captivating way. The use of the published historical record enhances this podcast. I look forward to listening to episodes on other parts of Italy soon.
I love the ease in which a great deal of history is explained. You can feel that the brothers have a love for the history they so beautifully teach the listeners. Bravo and thank you!
This is a really phenomenal labor of love on an important and not widely known chapter of European history. I’ve been listening as I travel around Italy and it really makes the places, the statues, and even the street names come alive. I love the detail it provides, but also the constant return to the “so what” of each development. You’ll come away from this podcast with a better sense of some of the major actors not just in Italy, but throughout Europe during this period. I can not recommend this podcast enough!
I’ve listened to the first 12 episodes so far. This podcast is phenomenal. Each episode is well thought out structurally ñ. I appreciate the recaps at the beginning of each episode and they key takeaways at the end of every episode. The tone and speaking pace suits me perfectly. In other history podcasts I often feel like the podcasters speak so slowly I sometimes start losing the thread of the story and have to adjust the playback speed. However, this podcast is perfect. I like that it doesn’t gloss over details. Some podcasts seem more like a bullet point history but this one focuses not only on key details - it goes more in depth, weaving a true and captivating story. I also am thankful that you didn’t feel the need to add in humorous elements to try to keep your audience entertained - I like that you believe in this story in itself and it’s own value and ability to keep the audience listening. I am enthralled by this podcast! I’ve been listening to many podcasts about Roman & Italian history (History of Byzantium, The History of Rome, A History of Italy, Roman Emperors: Totalus Rankium, History of the Papacy) but this is quickly becoming my favorite of the bunch!! Thank you so much for making this!
I was not impressed with this podcast at all. It’s not bad but it would have been quicker to read a text books and get more information out of it than this. Might be good for those who have no familiarity to Europe or its history, otherwise I would not recommend.
Great show, an exceptional characterization of the Italian (or most appropriately the coacervate of italian states) during the Risorgimento. It is a great opportunity to have such an unbiased view vis a vis the somewhat ‘doctored’ version that we (Italian) learned at school in the 60s( and likely still presently).
Our academic learning of the Risorgimento was affected by a huge dose of ‘mythology’ originating by the long sought objective to ‘make the Italians’ after the ‘making of Italy’.
Sadly the ‘cultural transformation ‘ to make the Italians is still largely unachieved after 150 year.
I recommend to all my fellow ‘compaesani’ that are fluent in English ( and to all folks interested in European history) to listen to this podcast.
It is both humbling, inspiring and eye opener.
Thank you both for creating such a jewel narration.
In “Talking History: The Italian Unification” the creators put significant and valuable effort into presenting a digestible, thorough and intriguing summary of the history of the Italian Unification. This has been particularly valuable to me as I try to consume all I can about Italy in preparation to live amongst these people.
Excellent work. But the last episode, the end of the endeavor, was never posted. If u like endings, this may disappoint. But the entire podcast is worth a listen.
So I confess I was charmed when Benjamin and Adam introduced themselves in the first episode as brothers doing their doctorates in theoretical chemistry. It drew me in (having a similar background myself) but I stayed because the topic is important and little known and the podcast turned out to be really well done. There was a ton of detail across a broad range of topics, and useful insights especially about important historical figures. The scholarship behind this must have been staggering to complete. Recommend checking it out, and, eager to see what the brothers do next (separately or together).
After learning briefly the key points of the Italian unification on Mike Duncan’s Revolutions podcast, I’m so excited to get further into this wonderfully made podcast on Risorgimento!
I stumbled upon this looking for a podcast about the French Revolution and Napoleon. I listened to those episodes first - which were great - and then stuck around to learn about the Italian Unification, a subject about which I knew nothing. I regularly listen to history podcasts and this may be the best one I've heard to date. Don't do what I did, start at the beginning instead. You won't be disappointed.
Who imagined that this subject matter was so complex? As an Italian American I am amazed at how often Italy was ruled by different powers. Thanks for the tremendous look into the history of this nation.
Just caught up with this podcast and it's heart wrenching to think about how long I'll have to wait to complete the story. I have a huge appreciation for these podcasters and their meticulous attention to detail -- your rigorous research is thoroughly appreciated. 👏
When it comes to Italian history podcasts, one can select amongst several options if interested in the history of Rome. This is the first podcast (I'm aware of) that focuses on this pivotal period in Italian history.
Great addition to the history podcasts out there. They're enthusiastic and thorough. As an American, I had no idea the transformation Italy has gone through. Moreover, they give listeners a great picture of Europe in the 19th century.
I am very impressed with this podcast. I was in the process of researching the Italian Unification and had read many of the books in their Bibliography- This was a great review and summary. So concise and clear. Hope the brothers don’t stop with just this subject !
One of the best written, best delivered history podcasts available. amazing stories with a great feel for character and a richness of detail to make any history fan happy. Well thought out, well researched, well delivered.
This is a very enjoyable hisotry podcast that sheds light at an unfamiliar story for major audiances. The history of Italian unifications is fascinating if not glorious. Benjamin and Adam do an amazing job with that story. Their research is amazing, this podcast could have been done in 10 episodes but their reserach and the background of the story they shares makes this is a richer podcasts. Benjamin and Adam thank you very much, looking forward to future projects when you wrap this story. A big fan from Saudi Arabia
Your ability to repeat yourselves over several episodes has allowed me to break my insomnia. Why do you do that? Is it lack of preparation so you reuse old material? Or do you think you audience is so stupid they cant remember what you talked about a week ago? The topic seems interesting it just seems that you do not do enough research to make it interesting. Also having other podcast people recommend your podcast only tells me that other people do not like your podcast either. Mike Duncan never has people recommend his podcast because he doesn't need to. The content speaks for itself. Also having a woman with an exposed breast as your cover demonstrates that you are not serious about your work. I was at a loss for words when my daughters asked why there was half naked woman on my history podcast. Have your map friend make a map of Italy. Just go to mike Duncan's podcast and copy the format. It's very simple: show up every week, provide historical interesting and humorous content, Repeat. Also did you lose a bet to your brother Adam? Why is he even in the title? He does some French history and then disappears? Next time have him write it and you read it
I listened for six months and 30+ episodes. It started great and had wonderful insights, but the bias the brothers have ruins the show over time.
Being snarky and stating your opinion does not make your point anymore valid than stating your opinion with gravitas. The final straw for me highlights this. Something to the effect of
No one cared about killing revolutionaries "fighting for liberty" but property right mastered (subtext: how terrible).
That's a judgement, not history. Stop cheering for the people you identify with (probably incorrectly) and tell the audience why things existed as they existed without the snarky black and white values you seem so found of.
I reviewed this early on, but it seems like it deserves an update. In short, it's great. It was great to start, and it's still great. If you've just found it, begin at the beginning.
Found you guys through the history of Rome and 12 Byzantine rulers. Great topic, please keep up the good work. Really like the Venetian stuff. I am also listening to Revolutions – French and this stuff all ties together nicely. Great listening for the work commute and long flights.
I just finished binge listening to Mike Duncan's History of Rome and found this . The Italian Unification has always been an interest of mine. Garibaldi in particular I've always thought of as one of the most interesting people of the 19th century. I'm binge listening to this and trying to catch up, but it looks like it's near the end. Thanks to the Ashwell brothers for producing this.
As the host of an amateur history podcast myself, I know how much work goes into this, and so I commend the Ashwell brothers on their efforts. Well researched, presented. Just excellent.
This is the 4th history podcast I’ve been following, and it's by far the best. I’m purposely taking it slowly to savour every word. Adam and Benjamin hit it on the nail in every episode: just the right amount of detail, a narrative style that is objective and serious but also tells a fascinating story. I love how they tag team, how they put the Italian story in the wider context of Europe, and how they provide regular summaries of the information to help us remember the key facts and events. Adam and Benjamin, you guys are amazing, and your grandfather would be proud. Keep up the great work!!
...not me evidently! I have been on a Talking History : The Italian Unification BENDER. I am on the edge of my seat so-to-speak and can’t wait for the next episode…
Benjamin and Adam do a fantastic job of giving overviews, details, inside info, and recaps of every episode. This helps all the detailed info really sink in. Thanks and looking forward to the next episodes.
This podcast was actually one of the first history podcasts I had ever listened too, but after a while of listening to others as well, I've come to appreciate this one even more! I love the fact that enough information is given to understand the whole story without the name of every single individual and every date being thrown in. I've enjoyed every episode so far and look forward to whatever topic that is pursued after this series is completed.
This is a well produced podcast. It's a very intense and complicated story that is done very well.
This is a story most non-Italian are not aware of.
Can't wait to hear the next episode
As a third generation IA I am keenly aware of slurs both intended an unintended on all things Italic. Ben and Adam, whose ancestry is not Italian, are remarkably careful to avoid any. Their knowledge of the Bel Paese is broad, their presentation interesting, and their enthusiasm infectious. Kudos, fratelli Ashwell.
Of course any Italian would heartily disagree with my title, but my point is that it is nice to see a history podcast exposing stories, at least to an American audience, that is rather unkown. I hope the success of The Italian Unification 1790-1870 inspires others to tell more of these stories that make up the great history of Western society.
I think Benjamin and Adam are doing a fine job explaining the events in an engaging manner that is informative and entertaining. Thirty shows into it and I get excited when I see a new one is ready for download! Good job boys!
Many listeners praise this podcast for its extensive detail. In another itself, the detail is fantastic. However, the podcasters have a tendency to go over such details repeatedly. And then again. And then once more, just to be sure. This is especially true with examples such as the geography of Italy and napoleons relationship with the Italian people. They either explicitly attempt to refresh the listeners memory, as though this were a classroom setting, or simply restate the same information from a plethora of different angles.
Partially due to this tendency, the podcast repeatedly backs up and goes over the same time periods over and over again. With all due respect to how influential a historical figure Napoleon was, the podcast devotes so much time to him that it would be not unreasonable to think this was a Napoleon podcast.
I very much enjoy the pace of this podcast. As a classicist, I know much about the Roman history of Italy, and while I've visited modern Italy, my knowledge of its unification was drawn solely from visits to the monument of Victor Emmanuel II in Rome. I've so enjoyed the episodes so far, and look forward to the ones yet to come!
The brothers take the vast amount of history and present it in an informative and entertaining way. Chronicling what it might be like to be a common man in one part of Italy to the great names of the italian unification. More importantly they are passionate about doing this and talking about the subject which makes it worth while to listen to.
Benjamin and Adam do an amazing job in creating this show. Not only is this the subject about the past, but it is a topic that continues to resonate today. The Italian unification raises important questions about the nature of nationalism and identity that can be applied to the whole of Europe in the 21st century as much as to the Italian states of the 19th. This is why the study of our past is so critical, because it tells us about today and tomorrow. Keep up the fanstastic work guys!
The Brothers Ashwell have put together an informative and insightful podcast that covers a topic of history that many, such as I, have no previous knowledge of. Their method and style of presentation is pleasing to both the ears and mind, and their coverage of important topics directly and indirectly related to the Italian Unification should be applauded, as it shows a great level of research and dedication and helps listeners become more aware of all the aspects of what went in to creating Italy, as well as what goes in to creating a nation-state more generally.
New listeners of the podcast can look forward to learning about a variety of topics in history (such as the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars) as well as issues in historical perspectives, such as the Great Man Theory, and get as wide a perspective possible from a podcast on the complexities and intricacies of the making of an Italian state. This is certainly a listen worth the while.
A fantastically written and researched podcast. Ben and Adam do a great job utilizing the podcast format's strengths and improving on its weaknesses. For example, they paint vivid "mind maps" that do a great job of helping me visualize the various states of Italy. Also, they often pause the narrative to review and recap what they've been discussing, which is very helpful.
It is clear they do intensive and focused research, providing both the detail of Italy's story and the context of the world that story took place in.
Even if you don't find the story of Italian unification particularly exciting, I urge you to give this podcast a try as it is simply one of the best-researched and most academic history podcasts out there. Great job guys!
This is a fantastic podcast. So detailed, you can tell how much research must go in the topic. The material though is covered in a slow and understandable manner. It reminds me of how a good teacher teaches a class. I am enjoying every episode and this has become my favorite history podcast
Fascinating to listen to. As an Italian tour guide, and spending a lot of time on the trails with clients, I find your information incredibly helpful.
Steve F.
Enjoying it. You guys are well spoken and you seem to be doing some good research. I like that your pronunciation is good and you sound confident. I look forward to a full blown Venice series also.
