Condensed Histories

Jem looks into the Olmec Empire!

Jem talks about Remakes, and how old they really are!

On this week's episode Jem is talking about board games, and just how far back in time they go!

In this exciting episode of Condensed History, host Jem Duducu interviews Steve Foot from MegaBeast Games and Claire Marr, a DPhil student from Oxford University, about their new dinosaur board game called 'MegaBeast' launching on Kickstarter. The conversation highlights the game's scientific foundations, the collaboration between game design and paleontology, and interesting debates on dinosaur behavior and evidence. They also delve into the game's mechanics and inspirations, and answer fascinating questions about dinosaurs' behaviors, feathers, and evolutionary traits. Perfect for board game enthusiasts and dinosaur aficionados alike!00:00 Introduction to Condensed History's Podcast01:10 Meet Steve and Claire: The Minds Behind MegaBeasts03:10 The Science Behind the Game06:13 Creating Realistic Dinosaur Behaviors20:47 The Role of Feathers in Dinosaur Evolution27:34 The Evolution of Flight in Dinosaurs28:50 Game Mechanics and Dinosaur Encounters32:11 Scientific Accuracy and Time Periods in the Game33:54 Hypothetical Dinosaur Battle39:17 Fossil Discoveries and Behavioral Insights45:02 Kickstarter Campaign and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Condensed Histories, host Jem Duducu explores the long and fascinating history of wrestling, a sport that dates back thousands of years and has evolved into a major element of modern pop culture. From ancient cave paintings to the extravagant spectacle of WWE, learn how wrestling has shaped and been shaped by various cultures, including Greek, British, and Mexican traditions. Jem also delves into wrestling's unique influence on entertainment, its iconic characters, and its enduring popularity. Plus, discover who might win in a bizarre fight between a wrestler and a panda bear.00:00 Introduction to Wrestling History02:30 British Wrestling in the 1970s04:45 Wrestling Around the World: Mexico and America07:33 The Evolution of Wrestling Entertainment10:09 Golden Ages of Wrestling17:52 Wrestling in Pop Culture and Movies32:10 The Origins of Wrestling36:56 Modern Wrestling and Its Impact38:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Jem Duducu on Condensed Histories as he delves into Amor Towles' novel and its intriguing adaptation 'A Gentleman in Moscow.' Discover the connections to the Russian Revolution, the state of streaming entertainment, and the historical context, all inspired by a request from a listener. Explore the novel's unique premise, its TV adaptation starring Ewan McGregor, and comparisons to Soviet cinema, including the iconic 'Battleship Potemkin.' Learn about historical storytelling, the role of propaganda, and the impact of political shifts in Russia. Perfect for history buffs and fans of contemporary adaptations alike!00:00 Introduction and Listener Request01:32 Background of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'04:32 The Russian Revolution Context05:45 Ewan McGregor and Modern TV Trends09:51 Streaming Wars and Distribution Challenges20:16 Comparing 'A Gentleman in Moscow' to Soviet Cinema26:21 The Impact of the Russian Revolution39:53 Conclusion and Call to Action