In episode ten of the new season of Pieces of History, we turn our attention to the ancient and intricate world of heraldry. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Paul Fox, whose fascinating journey from a career in medicine to heraldic and genealogical scholarship sheds light on the enduring power of symbols, identity, and tradition.

Together, we explore the rich history of heraldry - from its medieval origins on the battlefield to its ceremonial and genealogical significance today. Dr. Fox unpacks the core elements of heraldic design, including the shield, crest, banner, badge, and supporters, explaining how each has evolved over centuries and what they represent.

We also reflect on how public interest in heraldry is shifting in the modern age and discuss how new audiences are engaging with these historic emblems. For listeners curious to learn more, Dr. Fox offers thoughtful guidance on where to begin their own exploration of heraldry.

What do these ancient symbols reveal about the people and societies that created them? And why do they still matter today? Join us as we uncover The Art of Heraldry.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Dr. Paul Fox:

https://www.drpaulfoxfsa.com/

The Art of Heraldry

Episode nine of the new season of Pieces of History uncovers the rich and often haunting history of Ireland’s graveyards. In this episode, we explore Friar’s Bush Graveyard, one of Belfast’s oldest burial sites, and its deep connections to the city’s past.

Joining me are Dr Deirdre Nic an tSionnaigh and John Bradbury from Cairde na Cille, a group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Ireland’s graveyards. Together, we delve into the key moments that have defined Friar’s Bush - from its ancient origins and ties to the penal era to its role during the devastating cholera epidemics. We’ll also uncover the stories of notable individuals buried there and examine how this site serves as a vital link to Belfast’s history.

What secrets lie beneath the headstones? And how does this graveyard reflect the broader history of Ireland and its people? In this episode, we reveal the remarkable stories, key events, and enduring significance of Friar’s Bush Graveyard.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Cairde na Cille:

https://cairdenacille.org/

Friar's Bush Graveyard

Episode eight of the new season of Pieces of History explores the fascinating intersection of investigative journalism and the mysteries of reincarnation. Award-winning journalist and author Tom Shroder joins me to discuss Old Souls, his compelling book that follows the groundbreaking research of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a pioneer in the study of past-life memories.

We’ll dive into Tom’s career in journalism, his firsthand experiences traveling to Lebanon and India to investigate extraordinary case studies, and the children whose detailed recollections of past lives defy explanation. What drew Tom to this subject? How did his journalistic approach shape his perspective on reincarnation? And what do these cases reveal about the nature of consciousness and identity?

Join us as we uncover the remarkable stories at the heart of Old Souls and examine the enduring question - could we have lived before?

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Old Souls:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Old-Souls-Scientific-Search-Proof/dp/068485192X



Old Souls

Episode seven of the new season of Pieces of History takes us into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Ireland, where revolution, political upheaval, and shifting ideologies shaped the nation’s future. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of General Eoin O’Duffy - one of Ireland’s most controversial figures.

Joining me is historian Jack Traynor, author of General Eoin O’Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand. Together, we explore O’Duffy’s rise from his role in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War to his tenure as the first Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. We also examine his leadership of the Blueshirts, his embrace of fascist politics, and the broader European influences on his ideology.

From revolutionary hero to political pariah, O’Duffy’s legacy remains divisive. In this episode, we uncover the complexities of his character, the turbulent era that shaped him, and how his actions reflected both Ireland’s struggles and the wider political currents of the 1930s.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand

https://www.amazon.co.uk/General-Eoin-ODuffy-Political-Firebrand/dp/1476693269

Eoin O'Duffy and the Blueshirts: Ireland’s Fascist Gamble

Episode six of the new season of Pieces of History takes us beneath the waves, where archaeology and history converge to uncover lost stories of the transatlantic slave trade. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Slave Wrecks Project, an international effort to locate and study shipwrecks tied to the global slave trade.

Joining me is Dr. Steve Lubkemann, maritime archaeologist and one of the project’s founding members. We’ll delve into how the Slave Wrecks Project began, the cutting-edge methodologies used to find and analyse these wrecks, and what these discoveries reveal about the millions of lives affected by the slave trade. From underwater surveys to the challenges of working in politically and environmentally complex regions, this episode uncovers how archaeology is reshaping our understanding of one of history’s darkest chapters.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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The Slave Wrecks Project:

https://slavewrecksproject.org/

Slave Wrecks Project

Episode five of the new season of Pieces of History takes us deep into the heart of Ireland, where oral history preserves a powerful narrative of resistance, sacrifice, and memory. In this episode, we uncover the tragic story of the Scariff Martyrs - four young Irishmen executed by British forces in 1920 during the War of Independence.

Joining me is historian and award-winning Oral Historian Tomás Mac Conmara, whose work has safeguarded the voices and experiences of those who lived through Ireland’s revolutionary past. We’ll explore not just the brutal events in Scariff but also the enduring role of oral tradition in keeping their legacy alive. From accounts passed down through generations to gripping stories of heroism and loss, this episode reveals the deep connections between history and myth in Ireland’s struggle for freedom.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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The Scariff Martyrs: War, Murder and Memory in East Clare

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scariff-Martyrs-Murder-Memory-Clare/dp/1781177252

Irish Oral History and the Scariff Martyrs

Episode four of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the vast landscapes of Central Asia, as we explore the history, politics, and culture of Kazakhstan with journalist Joanna Lillis.

In this episode, we’ll trace Kazakhstan’s journey from its Soviet past to its present-day identity as a modern nation. We’ll examine the country’s political landscape, the impact of independence, and the cultural forces that continue to shape its society.

Joanna Lillis, a Kazakhstan-based journalist and author of Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan, brings her deep expertise and firsthand experience to the discussion. Having lived and reported in the region for decades, she offers valuable insights into Kazakhstan’s transformation and the challenges it faces today.

Join me as we delve into the rich and complex story of Kazakhstan.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Shadows-Joanna-Lillis/dp/1784538612

Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan

Episode three of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of “The Death Match” – Start vs Flakelf.

In this episode, we’ll explore the rich history of Ukraine, from its early origins to its cultural and political evolution. We’ll dive into the development of football in the country, tracing its growth and the rise of Dynamo Kiev as a dominant force. Finally, we’ll uncover the gripping story of the match between Start and Flakelf, examining the events leading up to it, the intense game itself, and the consequences that followed.

Join me as we uncover the remarkable history of Ukrainian football and the powerful story behind one of its most infamous matches.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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The Death Match: Start vs Flakelf 

Episode two of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of Alamut Castle.

In this episode, we’ll journey to the dramatic setting of this legendary stronghold, exploring its strategic location and uncovering the purpose behind its creation. We'll investigate who established and utilised Alamut, with a focus on the enigmatic Order of the Assassins and their intriguing history. Finally, we’ll trace the castle’s rise and eventual downfall, uncovering the layers of mystery and power that surround it.

Join me as I bring this remarkable chapter of history to life, revealing the significance of Alamut Castle and the legacy it left behind.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Alamut Castle

Welcome back to Pieces of History! After a four-year hiatus, the podcast that brings you captivating tales from the past is making its long-awaited return. This season, I’m diving back into the events, people, and stories that shaped our world - both the famous and forgotten.

Kicking off our new series is a spine-tingling episode on the Trinity Street Ghost, a chilling tale that captured the imagination of Northern Ireland in the 1930s. In today’s episode, we’ll uncover the mystery of this ghostly legend, exploring its historical context, the cultural attitudes toward hauntings, and the enduring power of such tales to spark wonder and curiosity.

Join me as I unravel the threads of history, one fascinating story at a time.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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The Trinity Street Ghost

A podcast that delves into some renowned and lesser-known events throughout history.