Living History

we have ceased to see the purpose

Nickelodeon shows like Nicky Ricky Dicky and Dawn, iCarly, Drake & Josh, The Thundermans, Victorious, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Henry Danger and Disney shows like Good Luck Charlie, Wizards of Waverly Place, Jessie, Liv & Maddie, That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, and Lizzy Mcguire gave very different message and morals about parenting than older shows like Father Knows Be...

You were more shaped by your generation than your parents. Parents’ influence matters less than you think—backed by 40 years of twin adoption studies. Happiness, intelligence, success and values are more impacted by being a zoomer or a boomer. No Millennials allowed.

Living History Episode 24: Thomas Hobbes

In Casey Simpson's Living History episode on John Locke, the focus is on Locke's role as a pivotal Enlightenment thinker and the "father of liberalism." The episode explores his ideas of the social contract, natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and the concept of government by consent, which influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence. It highlights Locke's empiricism, particularly h...

In the Living History episode featuring Oliver Cromwell, we explored his rise from modest gentry to Lord Protector of England. The episode delved into his pivotal role in the English Civil War, leading the Parliamentarians to victory against the Royalists. It highlighted his controversial rule, marked by military campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, and his complex legacy as both a revolutionary and...

In this episode of Casey Simpson's Living History podcast, King Charles I, the 17th-century monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland, is the featured guest. The conversation explores Charles I’s reign, emphasizing his commitment to the divine right of kings, which fueled tensions with Parliament and ignited the English Civil War. Charles discusses his Personal Rule, the Bishops’ Wars, and the esc...

In the Living History episode, host Casey Simpson interviews Charles Darwin, who vividly recounts his transformative voyage on the HMS Beagle. Darwin shares his awe at discovering diverse species in the Galapagos, leading to his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. Through engaging storytelling, he reflects on the challenges of publishing On the Origin of Species and its impact...

Howard Hughes’ remarkable life as an aviator, filmmaker, and billionaire. They discuss his aviation triumphs, including the Spruce Goose, and his Hollywood influence through RKO Pictures. Hughes shares insights into his private struggles with germophobia and his high-profile relationships. The episode paints a vivid picture of a complex 20th-century figure.

On Living History, Casey Simpson interviews Sir Isaac Newton, exploring how his Christian faith fueled his scientific discoveries, including gravity and optics. Newton critiques Freud’s view of religion as an illusion, defends reason against atheism, and addresses modern skepticism. He shares personal struggles with solitude and a 1693 breakdown, emphasizing faith’s role in his resilience. Newton...

Sigmund Freud is the guest, discussing his groundbreaking psychoanalytic theories. Casey explores Freud's concepts of the unconscious, id, ego, and superego, and their impact on modern psychology. Freud shares insights into his Vienna practice and controversial ideas on dreams and sexuality. The conversation highlights Freud's enduring influence on understanding human behavior.

Nietzsche’s key ideas, like the will to power (a drive for self-overcoming and creativity) and the Übermensch (an individual who transcends conventional morality to create their own values). The episode delves into Nietzsche’s life, marked by ill health, intellectual brilliance, and a mental breakdown in 1889, after which Elisabeth took control of his unpublished works.

In Casey Simpson's Living History podcast, Thomas Paine recounts his journey from Thetford’s hardships to igniting the American Revolution with Common Sense. He fiercely rebuts Edmund Burke’s caution, defending the French Revolution and individual rights in Rights of Man. Facing prison, betrayal, and scorn, Paine’s unyielding belief in liberty and reason shapes his legacy. He urges 2025 listeners...

Marian Tupy, founder of humanprogress.org , discussed the historical context of guilds in Europe and their eventual abolition by Napoleon. Tupy argued that guilds were a form of self-help and protection of intellectual property, but also served to limit competition and stifle innovation. Napoleon's conquests and the spread of the French Revolution's ideas led to the modernization of Europe, includ...

In this Living History episode, Casey Simpson interviews Edmund Burke, exploring his 18th-century life and philosophy. Burke reflects on Ireland’s Penal Laws, the American and French Revolutions, and critics like Paine and Wollstonecraft. He offers timeless wisdom for 2025, urging prudence and respect for tradition. The episode weaves Burke’s insights into a compelling narrative of duty and order.

Bryan Caplan takes us through his new book Build, Baby, Build and a bit of his work from the Myth of the Rational Voter, to Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids and The Case for Open Borders.

Mark Twain tells us about life on the Mississippi, and a treasure tale that suspiciously resembles the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He mentions his hometown of Hannibal and his famous quotes.

Humphrey Bogart, the iconic star of classic Hollywood. They discuss "living history," with Bogart sharing tales of his gritty film noir days and the raw authenticity of his era's storytelling. Contrast this with today’s digital, fast-paced entertainment world, sparking a lively debate on how history shapes art.

Thomas Jefferson discusses his role as the third U.S. President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He reflects on his complex legacy, addressing his Enlightenment ideals of liberty and self-governance while confronting the contradiction of owning over 600 enslaved people, including his relationship with Sally Hemings. Jefferson shares insights into his vision for America, emp...

Hank Williams, the country music legend reflects on his rise to fame in the late 1940s, and his raw, emotional songwriting. He discusses how hits like "Lovesick Blues" brought him to the Grand Ole Opry, despite personal struggles with alcohol and health that shadowed his career.

John D. Rockefeller’s legacy spans Standard Oil’s affordable kerosene and America’s industrial growth through gasoline and jobs. His philanthropy, driven by faith, poured millions into education, shaping the University of Chicago and the modern school system. Despite the “Robber Baron” tag, he focused on purpose and efficiency, leaving a paradoxical imprint of wealth and generosity.

Napoleon Bonaparte speaks about his victories at the battles of Borodino, austerlitz, and defeats at waterloo and trafalgar. Emperor of France for many years he had a turbulent relationship with his wives Josephine and Marie Louise.

7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson tell us about the battle of New Orleans, the nullification crisis, his vice-president John C. Calhoun, and his rivals John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay.

Walt Disney talks about the hard times in his life, killing his mom, his childhood, his company with his brother Roy Disney, and the founding of Disneyland plus the story of the first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Meet William Shakespeare. We discuss his plays Othello, Hamlet, King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, along with his personal life and his marriage to Anne Hathaway.