x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

A Cast of Pods

Welcome to “A Cast of Pods”. , the podcast where Users and GPT Agents investigate a wide range of sources. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and contributing new sources to expand our exploration of history, past and present. Through unique perspectives, we uncover biases, narratives, and key themes across time—from ancient accounts to modern media—offering fresh insights into how information is shaped and consumed.

society & culture

All Episodes

00:16:10

Episode 134: Funeral Customs and Beliefs

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/07

This podcast dives into an excerpt from Bertram Puckle's Funeral Customs, which examines historical burial practices across various cultures and religions. Puckle traces the evolution of funeral rituals, including coffin styles, grave goods, and mourning customs, highlighting the often superstitious origins of many traditions. The text contrasts ancient beliefs about the afterlife with modern practices, and critiques the commercialization of death. Finally, the author discusses the changing

en-us

00:33:14

Episode 133: California Coastal National Monument....

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/07

President Obama's Proclamation 7264 significantly expanded the California Coastal National Monument. Six new areas, including Trinidad Head and Piedras Blancas, were added to protect their historical, cultural, and scientific value. These areas boast diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life, and hold significant meaning for Native American tribes. The proclamation ensures these resources are preserved for future generations while acknowledging existing rights and

en-us

00:13:34

Episode 132: The Forgotten Prehistory of Euro-African...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/06

Multiple research papers by Arnaiz-Villena et al. propose a "Saharo-Canarian Circle" of prehistoric culture, challenging conventional views of Mediterranean origins. Genetic and archaeological evidence suggests significant cultural and population exchange between North Africa, Iberia, and the Canary Islands, predating established timelines. This interaction, linked to Saharan desertification, influenced the development of languages and writing systems across the Mediterranean, impacting Classical

en-us

00:13:54

Episode 131: A Collision of Worlds-The Spaniard...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/06

David M. Carballo's Collision of Worlds offers a deep history of the fall of Aztec Mexico and the creation of New Spain. The book uses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological evidence with written accounts from both Spanish and indigenous sources to explore the encounter between these two civilizations. Carballo examines the long histories of both Mesoamerica and Iberia, highlighting their respective cultural, political, and technological developments leading up to the conquest. The

en-us

00:34:15

Episode 130: Witchcraft in England

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/06

Wallace Notestein's A History of Witchcraft in England (1911) examines the evolution of witchcraft accusations and trials in England from 1558 to 1718. The book traces how beliefs about witchcraft changed over time, moving from simpler notions of spellcasting to more elaborate theories of pacts with the Devil and demonic influence. Notestein details the legal proceedings, exploring the roles of both secular and ecclesiastical courts in prosecuting alleged witches. He also analyzes the social and

en-us

00:19:05

Episode 129: The Stanford Prison Experiment - A...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/06

The following podcast is on the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE), a 1971 psychology study examining the impact of situational variables on behavior. The experiment involved simulating a prison environment with student participants assigned roles as guards or prisoners, resulting in unexpectedly brutal treatment of the prisoners by guards. The SPE has been highly influential but also significantly criticized for its methodology, ethical concerns, and questionable validity, with some claiming the

en-us

00:18:34

Episode 128: The Saga of Eric the Red

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/04

This text is an 1880 English translation of Eiríks saga rauða (The Saga of Erik the Red), an Icelandic saga. The saga recounts the lineage of Erik the Red, leading up to his discovery and naming of Greenland. It details Erik's conflicts, banishment from Iceland, and subsequent colonization efforts. Further chapters chronicle the voyages and adventures of Erik's son Leif Erikson and others to Vinland (likely North America), including encounters with indigenous peoples. Finally, the saga concludes

en-us

00:19:10

Episode 127: The Saga of the Greenlanders

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/04

Grœnlendinga saga recounts the Norse exploration and settlement of Greenland, beginning with Erik the Red's exile and subsequent discovery of the land. The saga details the voyages of Bjarne Herjulfsson, who sighted North American landmasses, and Leif Erikson, who explored and named Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Further chapters chronicle the explorations and misfortunes of Thorvald, Thorstein, and Freydis Erikson in Vinland. Finally, the saga concludes with Thorfinn Karlsefni's voyage to

en-us

00:17:52

Episode 126: Following the Vikings: A Journey Through...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/04

This Smithsonian Magazine article details the historical voyages of Vikings, tracing their expansion from Norway to North America. The text highlights key settlement sites, including the Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and L'Anse aux Meadows in Canada, providing details about each location's historical significance and what remains to be seen today. It contrasts the Vikings' image as violent raiders with their pursuit of new lands for settlement and farming. The piece encourages

en-us

00:14:44

Episode 125: From the Sea to the Stars: Ancient...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/04

This Podcast explores the largely unknown history of Philippine maritime and scientific achievements. Timothy Dimacali's work examines archaeological, genetic, and linguistic evidence suggesting ancient Filipinos were skilled seafarers who migrated across the Pacific, potentially influencing cultures as far as Polynesia and Easter Island. The thesis highlights the discovery of ancient tools and human remains, advanced boat-building technology (balangays), and a unique system of timekeeping and

en-us

00:14:20

Episode 124: Joel Greenberg, Andrew McCabe, and a...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/04

First source idetails the criminal case of Joel Greenberg, a wealthy Florida tax collector, whose crimes included sex trafficking and stalking, ultimately leading to the investigation of Congressman Matt Gaetz. Second, it explores Gaetz's claim of being extorted by a former Department of Justice official, allegedly to cover up the sex trafficking allegations. Third, the podcast connects this case to a long-running, seemingly unsuccessful CIA operation to rescue a kidnapped FBI agent from Iran,

en-us

00:13:09

Episode 123 : Vulnerable Narcissism-12 Key Signs

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/03

This article from Verywell Mind discusses vulnerable narcissism, a subtype of narcissistic personality disorder characterized by insecurity, low self-esteem, and hypersensitivity to criticism, despite outward displays of grandiosity. The article details twelve signs of vulnerable narcissism, including difficulty handling criticism, a need for constant praise, and manipulative tendencies. It also explores the causes, potential childhood origins, and strategies for dealing with vulnerable narcissists,

en-us

00:12:42

Episode 122: Money vs. Love: Prioritizing Life in...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/02

This article from Consulting Success cautions business owners against prioritizing money over family. The author argues that neglecting loved ones for professional success leads to regret, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. He advocates for creating a lifestyle that allows for both professional fulfillment and meaningful personal relationships, suggesting that true success encompasses both. The piece uses anecdotes and reader comments to illustrate the potential pitfalls of

en-us

00:14:57

Episode 121: NPD-Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/02

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): SummaryNarcissism exists on a spectrum from healthy self-worth to pathological traits. While exaggerated narcissism can cause interpersonal challenges, it does not always indicate a disorder. Pathological narcissism involves fluctuating self-esteem and difficulties regulating emotions such as anger, shame, and envy. NPD, a more severe manifestation, significantly impacts relationships, work, and well-being.Understanding NPD:NPD arises from genetic and

en-us

00:15:51

Episode 120: Archer Aviation

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/02

The following podcast was done using provided texts that detail Archer Aviation's progress in developing and commercializing its electric aircraft, the Midnight. Announcements cover manufacturing facility completion, FAA certification advancements, and significant commercial partnerships in the UAE and Japan. The company also highlights its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and outlines its whistleblower and anti-corruption policies. Financial results and future

en-us

00:11:57

Episode 119: Evicted: The Politics of Disaster relief...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/01

Buncombe County, North Carolina officials forcibly evicted homeless individuals from Amish-built tiny homes, citing code violations related to plumbing and electricity. The homes, built to provide a safer alternative to shelters, were considered a temporary solution by advocates, who argue the evictions prioritize bureaucracy over human needs. County officials, however, maintain the structures were unsafe due to lacking proper utilities. This action highlights the conflict between enforcing

en-us

00:22:08

Episode 118: Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/12/01

The Book of Ceremonial Magic is a book by English occultist Arthur Edward Waite, first published in 1913. Subtitled, 'The Secret Tradition in Goëtia, including the rites and mysteries of Goëtic theurgy, sorcery and infernal necromancy', this book explores the procedures of all of the famous Grimoires, including the Key of Solomon, the Grimorium Verum, the apocryphal Fourth Book of Cornelius Agrippa, and, the Black Pullet. It includes the rituals of ceremonial magic, the literature, the rituals of

en-us

00:21:05

Episode 117: Ayahuasca: A Comprehensive Guide

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/11/29

This Podcast provides a comprehensive guide to ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew with psychedelic properties. It details the plant's history, cultural significance, and preparation, including a step-by-step brewing process. The text also covers safety precautions, legal considerations, and the importance of intention-setting and post-ceremony integration. Furthermore, it addresses potential risks and offers answers to frequently asked questions.

en-us

00:20:03

Episode 116: The Grand Grimoire, The Red Dragon, The...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/11/28

The Grand Grimoire, a grimoire (a type of magical instruction manual), details instructions for conjuring spirits, particularly Lucifer, and performing various magical operations. The text outlines elaborate rituals, including sacrifices and the creation of magical tools like a “fulminating rod,” to achieve desired outcomes such as acquiring wealth or gaining knowledge. Specific invocations and prayers are provided, along with instructions for making pacts with spirits and ensuring their obedience

en-us

00:18:18

Episode 115: Smallpox, Inoculation, and the American...

A Cast of Pods ·

2024/11/28

This article from the U.S. National Park Service details the devastating impact of smallpox during the American Revolutionary War. It traces the history of smallpox inoculation, beginning with its controversial introduction to Boston in 1721 by figures like Cotton Mather and Zabdiel Boylston, and explains its eventual widespread adoption, culminating in George Washington's mandatory inoculation program for the Continental Army in 1777. The article highlights the significant role inoculation played

en-us

318 results

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger