PodcastsHistoryHistory Dispatches

History Dispatches

Matt and McKinley Breen
History Dispatches
Latest episode

301 episodes

  • History Dispatches

    Hopewell Earthworks

    2026/04/24 | 18 mins.
    For several hundred years across the Ohio River Valley a civilization we know as the Hopewell Culture moved a lot of dirt. This dirt was moved into mounds and earthworks built with extreme precision and astounding size. This is the story of the Hopewell Earthworks.

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    Sources

    https://hopewellearthworks.org/

    https://www.nps.gov/hocu/learn/historyculture/hopewell-ceremonial-earthworks.htm

    History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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  • History Dispatches

    El Palo Alto

    2026/04/23 | 17 mins.
    In 1769, a Spanish explorer camped under a tall, distinctive redwood tree along the banks of the San Francisquito Creek. Little did he know that tree would go on to become a living landmark - and the namesake for the city that grew up around it. This is the story of El Palo Alto - the tree that would define a community.

    Sponsor

    Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

    Sources

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Palo_Alto

    http://famousredwoods.com/el_palo_alto/

    https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods-magazine/an-enduring-emblem/

    Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Evening_passenger_train_on_the_San_Francisco-San_Jose_railroad,_crossing_south_San_Francisquito_Creek.png

    History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

    Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • History Dispatches

    The Original Ponzi Scheme

    2026/04/22 | 21 mins.
    It takes a special art to get something named after you, positive or negative. Such is the case with the Ponzi scheme - one of the largest and most successful scams of all time. Charles Ponzi orchestrated this scam in the early 1920s, suckering thousands of people, and swindling $20 million. This is the story of the original Ponzi scheme.

    Sponsor

    Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

    Sources

    https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/law/ponzi-schemes

    https://www.deanmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Substantive-Consolidation-Issues-Arising-in-Ponzi-Scheme-Bankruptcy-Cases.pdf

    https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/behind-the-badge-case-histories-scams-and-schemes/ponzi-scheme

    Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ponzi1920.jpg

    History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

    Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • History Dispatches

    Indestructible Jack Lucas

    2026/04/21 | 13 mins.
    In 1942, 14-year old Jack Lucas lied about his age to join the Marines - even bribing a notary to attest he was 17. Tired of missing out on the action, he later abandoned his unit to join another marine detachment - which was bound for Iwo Jima. He then joined in the invasion of the island - and in the process - became the youngest Marine to ever receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. He did this by diving on two grenades to save the lives of his comrades - and - miraculously - survived. This is the story of indestructible Jack Lucas.

    Sponsor

    Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

    Sources

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacklyn_H._Lucas

    https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/incredible-story-jack-lucas-youngest-medal-honor-recipient-world-war-ii

    https://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday/badass-of-the-week-jacklyn-h-lucas.html

    Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucas_JH.jpg

    History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

    Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • History Dispatches

    The East German Hot Air Balloon Escape

    2026/04/20 | 19 mins.
    In September of 1979, two East German families escaped to the west using a very unconventional method - a hot air balloon. It was an escape that required failed prototypes, a near disaster, and raw gumption. This is the story of the East German Hot Air Balloon Escape.

    Sponsor

    Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

    Sources

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Germany_balloon_escape

    https://thewallmuseum.com/en/balloon-escape-from-the-gdr

    Popular Mechanics: Feb 1980; "The Freedom Balloon"

    History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

    Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About History Dispatches

History Dispatches is a daily history show hosted by father and son duo Matt and McKinley Breen. The show covers people, places, events and even objects from throughout history. While any topic is fair game, Matt and McKinley hold a soft spot for the offbeat and wacky stories that most people don’t know about.
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