52 episodes
Late Night History Late Night History
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- History
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4.9 • 28 Ratings
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The Late Night History podcast is hosted by writer and oral historian Matt Fratus. Join Matt in his quest to uncover history told through the unmatched experiences and unequaled expertise of his world-class guests. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
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Episode 48: Ben Thompson
Tonight's guest is Ben Thompson. Ben is an early, early OG of Internet humor writing. He founded the website Badass of the Week in 2004, which gained a loyal following of millions of monthly readers. Ben's style of mixing witty pop-culture references, crude humor, and F-bombs with tales of historical heroes made history fun. The style has become so popular that history and humor writers everywhere have replicated it. Yes, even Drunk History, which we get into the controversy covering that ordeal. In addition, Ben has written 10+ books about historical heroes. Today, he is the co-host of the iHeartRadio podcast Badass of the Week.
Check out Ben's Store where you can purchase his books and badass playing cards.
Other guests mentioned in the show:
Alex West (Episode 1)
Rob Garnett (Episode 2)
Ben Garwood (Episode 7)
RJ Thomas (Episode 26)
Ed Loder (Episode 28)
Ways to support the channel:
Late Night History Website — https://latenighthistorypodcast.com
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support -
The Origins of Navy SEAL Swagger
The Origins of Navy SEAL Swagger is a mini-episode featuring three previous podcast guests Alex West, Kirby Horrell, and RJ Thomas. In less than 10 minutes, we discuss the SEAL mentality and swagger that emerged in the Vietnam War and how those concept transcend the test of time.
Late Night History Website (http://www.latenighthistorypodcast.com)
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Ways to support the channel:
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support -
Episode 47: Kyle Buckett
Tonight's guest is my good friend and one of my mentors Kyle Buckett. Kyle, or "Buck," as I know him, served a career in the US Navy, most of which was as a Navy SEAL. Buck served with various west coast-based SEAL Teams, including as a plank owner — or founding member — of Special Activities One (now called Special Reconnaissance Team One), a unique intelligence unit that helped bring the SEALs' mission success rate from just 35% to over 96% in a four year period.
Episode 47 History Highlights:
1). US Navy before the SEALs and witnessing 9/11 while overseas.
2). BUD/S and class gifts.
3). SEAL Team 1 in Baghdad and helping stabilize Iraq to allow women to vote in the country’s first democratic election.
4). Plank owner of a unique military start-up and intelligence unit.
5). The various mission dynamics of different GWOT deployments to the Philippines and the Middle East.
6). Big picture strategy; plus a story about the cover of Time Magazine’s “What Happens if We Leave Afghanistan” featuring Afghan Bibi Aisha.
7). Village Stability Operations in Afghanistan.
8). Tactical leader of a major clearing operation that ended with divine intervention.
9). Behind-the-scenes insight and history about the military construction project to relocate the west coast-based SEAL Teams from Coronado to Imperial Beach.
Other guests referenced throughout the show:
Rob Garnett (Episode 2)
Annie Ferguson (Episode 4)
Rob Newson (Episode 35)
Buy Buck's book: Leadership is Overrated
Late Night History Website — https://latenighthistorypodcast.com
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Ways to support the channel:
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support -
Episode 46: Dan Cnossen
It’s an honor to welcome former Navy SEAL officer and Paralympic champion Dan Cnossen to the show.
Episode 46 History Highlights:
1). 80th anniversary of D-Day + Matt's experience at the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
2). Unique Naval Academy traditions.
3. Selection to become a US Navy SEAL officer + Mini BUD/S
4). BUD/S Class 242 and the awesome Gladiator helmet class gift. Medal of Honor recipient Ed Byers is a graduate of class 242.
5). Deployments with SEAL Team 1 to the Philippines, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
6). In September 2009, Dan was wounded in action after he stepped on an IED. He lost both of his legs above the knee. Dan tells us about the mission.
7). 3-time Paralympian and 7x Paralympic medalist (2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze).
8). One More Wave, Dan's love for surfing, and what surf therapy means to him.
9). The Mountain Seed Foundation, which empowers US and Ukrainian veterans impacted by war through nature-based activities and community.
Late Night History Website — https://latenighthistorypodcast.com
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Ways to support the channel:
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support -
Episode 45: John Norman (Part 2)
Ret. FDNY Chief of Special Operations Command John Norman returns for Part 2.
Episode 45 (Part 2) History Highlights:
1). The USAir Flight 5050 plane crash on Sept. 20, 1989.
2). History and mentors at Rescue 1.
3). Y2K Task Force and wargaming for future disasters or critical incidents.
4). John's perspective before, during, and in the immediate aftermath 9/11.
5). John's insider perspective towards the impact 9/11 had on the FDNY.
6). Rebuilding Special Operations Command after 9/11 because about 1/3 of the 450 members were killed.
7). Lessons learned from 9/11.
8). John's career until retirement in 2007 + advice for the young bucks looking to become great firefighters themselves.
Follow John on Instagram: @chiefnormanfdny
Buy John's book: Working With Giants
Late Night History Website!
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Ways to support the channel:
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support -
Episode 45: John Norman (Part 1)
Tonight’s guest is Ret. FDNY Chief of Special Operations Command John Norman.
John has more than 50 years of experience with the fire service. He is also the author of the riveting memoir “Working With Giants,” which is about his life, as well as the mentors he served alongside. John’s book is a reminder that the people that we try to emulate or aspire to become didn’t get to where they are today by themselves. They had mentors, coaches, and leaders in their lives that supported and guided their potential into greatness.
Episode 45 (Part 1) History Highlights:
1. Family lineage of US military service in World War II as well as within the fire service.
2. Mentors at Inwood Fire Department (NY) and the meaning behind "sucking nails out of the floorboards."
3. History of Engine 290 in Brooklyn and its legendary reputation as one of the busiest fire companies in the world.
4. An in-depth discussion covering the history of Rescue Companies within the FDNY.
5. Peer-to-peer mentoring at Rescue 3
6. Tools and equipment of the job including entry tools, the Lyle gun, and lifesaving ropes.
7. Legendary reputation of Rescue 2 and the so-called War Years.
8. Mentors at Rescue 2, including Ray Downey, then a captain, who pioneered the formation of the 28 Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces strategically emplaced around the country to respond to catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks. (Can listen Ray's son, Joe, who later became FDNY's Chief of SOC on Episode 10).
Follow John on Instagram: @chiefnormanfdny
Late Night History Website!
This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history
Ways to support the channel:
Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support
Customer Reviews
A masterclass in storytelling with an authentic history flavor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're tired of scrolling through an endless barrage of the same old podcasts, The Late Night History podcast is a breath of fresh, historically insightful air. In a landscape where educational content can often be dry and academic to the point of being unlistenable, this podcast defies the odds, combining impeccable research with entertaining delivery in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
What sets The Late Night History podcast apart from the crowd is its knack for presenting stories that are both captivating and historically significant. The episodes, being short, pack an impressive punch; they are like historical espresso shots that wake you up to the richness of the past. They manage to condense complex topics into digestible narratives without ever diluting the facts or skimping on context. In a word, it's fascinating.
Matt Fratus as a host is engaging and does a fantastic job of bringing history to life with their wit, enthusiasm, and authentic curiosity. Each episode feels like you're sitting down for a chat with a knowledgeable friend, rather than being lectured at by a stuffy professor. They have this uncanny ability to dive into topics that you never thought you'd find interesting, and leave you eagerly Googling for more information as soon as the episode ends.
It's no wonder that there have been attempts by others to replicate the magic that The Late Night History podcast brings to the table. But alas, like historical events themselves, some things just can't be duplicated. Others may try to imitate, but this podcast remains peerless in its field, retaining an authenticity that is unmistakably unique.
If you've yet to experience the joy that is The Late Night History podcast, I'd highly recommend that you dive in. It's an enchanting blend of storytelling and fact, creating a deeply satisfying and enlightening experience that enriches your understanding of the world. The late nights you'll spend captivated by these history stories will be sleep well sacrificed.
Happy listening!
Target! Cease fire.
This hits a first round kill shot every single time! Short, concise, entertaining, interesting and easy to listen to, it’s perfect for the ADD history geek who is multitasking while listening! You rock!!
Great podcast!
Great mix of interesting topics, history and humor!