Between now (7/28) and next Monday (8/1), I will answer questions you leave in the comments. Good questions will be pulled from the comments and posted here, along with their answers, and really good ones I will expand on in a Q&A podcast. Note: Well, it’s been less than a day and there are over 400 comments. Considering that I can’t seem to answer most questions in less than 500 words, this is going to take me a while. HOWEVER, I will get to them all. I’m dedicating all day today to answer questions, and will answer more during the UFC fights tomorrow evening. After that, I’ll spend an hour or two a day until I get through them all.
Man, I sure was surprised to learn that we are at pretty different ends of the political spectrum. Listened to all your older stuff and just assumed we voted about the same, then you tackled the news of the day, and I was a little lost at first. It was a more pleasant surprise than I woulda thought though, as I’m appreciative that you offer me some insight into the “other side.”
I’m likely the furthest left listener and supporter that you have. I’m neither proud nor ashamed of that. I’m glad we can have some diverging views in America. And it would take something big for me to stop listening to your outstanding historical explorations, and your thoughtful analysis of current events.
In that vein, are there any contemporary, left-leaning academics that you find offering value to the overall discussion, particularly in current events. You are frequently mentioned alongside Dan Carlin, and that’s certainly a fair comparison when it comes to the quality of y’all’s work. He’s really pretty centrist overall, but hearing your thoughts on his Common Sense series would be interesting considering how frequently y’all are compared. But definitely curious if there are other historians or journalists or academics who are squarely left that you...respect?
You may have already given this info out before, but a recap or summation of your own bio would be good to hear. Where you grew up, what you did, how you grew an interest in deep dives of history etc.
Darryl, are you OK? The subject matter that you cover on Martyr Made is frequently dark and often deals with the very worst of man's inhumanity toward man. I can't imagine that the many hours you spend steeped in this stuff during your research leaves your heart light and full of joy. Do you have things/people in your life that provide balance?
Darryl, as I've been following you over the last couple years, it seems as though you are at your best when you are going against or at least providing more nuance to the the popular understanding of a topic or situation such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israeli-Palestinian situation, etc. What are some other historical misconceptions that you feel that we may have as Americans or people living in the modern age?
Any interest in diving into the Balkan's? Specifically the history of the Serbo-Croatian conflict starting back with the great Serbian migrations in the 1600's and taking it through the breakup of modern day Yugoslavia and the ensuing war that redefined the borders of the countries today. Think it would be a fascinating topic to cover over a couple podcasts.
I'm biased as I'm half Serb, half Croat. Thanks for all the knowledge!
I believe you said that you worked on the DOD for 20+ years. Then at the beginning of the "Thoughts on Ukraine" podcast you said "For one thing, I don't like war. I'm over that stage in my life," followed by a quote from anti-war activist Scott Horton (later doing an interview with him). I would be very curious to hear about the mental journey you took regarding your position on war.
Can we just settle the Nazi/Alt-right thing? I've been following you for years now, and you're a hard guy to pin down belief wise. To be clear I like that about you, you seem complex. What "left wing" beliefs do you hold? What "right wing" beliefs do you hold? Why oh why did you start your controversial interview series in decline of the west with a white nationalist? and why didn't you continue with the rest of the planned guests? I'm perfectly capable of separating the art from the artist but it helps to know what potential filter the art might be coming through. Thank you for introducing me to blood meridian BTW. Cheers
What happened to Whose America? I thought you had a great thing going discussing the labor issues, then you started jumping around on topics. Did I miss Whose America somehow? Don't get me wrong it's all great stuff, just wondering what happened.
What does US balkanization look like? How does a "civil war" look? Who fights who? What does the military do with all its different components (active, reserve, national guard)? If anything.
You gave me a shot of self-awareness when you mentioned telling your wife a story that digressed into an ever-deepening back story that becomes necessary when explaining a complex topic (especially one you’re interested in and have researched exhaustively).
Given this, personally relatable, aspect of deep diving while researching topics for your shows, my question is related to the cynicism that is an inescapable byproduct of such in-depth study.
How do you reconcile things like lifelong patriotism, pride in service to the US, and reverence for founding fathers/documents, when as the truth becomes more apparent, you find out that much of the principals we hold are more of a veneer on an increasingly corrupt political system?
I find myself questioning my service in Iraq & Afghanistan in light of recent events like the disastrous withdrawal and the Freudian slip from former President Bush, that remove all doubt that these wars were based on lies. If ignorance is bliss, then what is our personal and moral responsibility of knowing the truth, and what actions can we take to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again in an escalating geopolitical climate?
Man, I sure was surprised to learn that we are at pretty different ends of the political spectrum. Listened to all your older stuff and just assumed we voted about the same, then you tackled the news of the day, and I was a little lost at first. It was a more pleasant surprise than I woulda thought though, as I’m appreciative that you offer me some insight into the “other side.”
I’m likely the furthest left listener and supporter that you have. I’m neither proud nor ashamed of that. I’m glad we can have some diverging views in America. And it would take something big for me to stop listening to your outstanding historical explorations, and your thoughtful analysis of current events.
In that vein, are there any contemporary, left-leaning academics that you find offering value to the overall discussion, particularly in current events. You are frequently mentioned alongside Dan Carlin, and that’s certainly a fair comparison when it comes to the quality of y’all’s work. He’s really pretty centrist overall, but hearing your thoughts on his Common Sense series would be interesting considering how frequently y’all are compared. But definitely curious if there are other historians or journalists or academics who are squarely left that you...respect?
Thanks man, and thanks for what you do.
You may have already given this info out before, but a recap or summation of your own bio would be good to hear. Where you grew up, what you did, how you grew an interest in deep dives of history etc.
What is your recommendation of “10 Books Must Read”?
If possible, I have two questions for you
Who is your favorite Saint in Christian history (with the parameters to pre 1054 great schism as to be fair to any Orthodox/Catholics) and why?
As an adult, what drew you back towards Christian life and the faith? I'm always interested in this one as people's stories are always fascinating.
Darryl, are you OK? The subject matter that you cover on Martyr Made is frequently dark and often deals with the very worst of man's inhumanity toward man. I can't imagine that the many hours you spend steeped in this stuff during your research leaves your heart light and full of joy. Do you have things/people in your life that provide balance?
Darryl, as I've been following you over the last couple years, it seems as though you are at your best when you are going against or at least providing more nuance to the the popular understanding of a topic or situation such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israeli-Palestinian situation, etc. What are some other historical misconceptions that you feel that we may have as Americans or people living in the modern age?
Any interest in diving into the Balkan's? Specifically the history of the Serbo-Croatian conflict starting back with the great Serbian migrations in the 1600's and taking it through the breakup of modern day Yugoslavia and the ensuing war that redefined the borders of the countries today. Think it would be a fascinating topic to cover over a couple podcasts.
I'm biased as I'm half Serb, half Croat. Thanks for all the knowledge!
What do you think would be the most viable, nonviolent method of rolling back the federal governments power over the next 50 years?
I believe you said that you worked on the DOD for 20+ years. Then at the beginning of the "Thoughts on Ukraine" podcast you said "For one thing, I don't like war. I'm over that stage in my life," followed by a quote from anti-war activist Scott Horton (later doing an interview with him). I would be very curious to hear about the mental journey you took regarding your position on war.
Can we just settle the Nazi/Alt-right thing? I've been following you for years now, and you're a hard guy to pin down belief wise. To be clear I like that about you, you seem complex. What "left wing" beliefs do you hold? What "right wing" beliefs do you hold? Why oh why did you start your controversial interview series in decline of the west with a white nationalist? and why didn't you continue with the rest of the planned guests? I'm perfectly capable of separating the art from the artist but it helps to know what potential filter the art might be coming through. Thank you for introducing me to blood meridian BTW. Cheers
Charcoal or propane?
What was the most consequential act of the 20th century in your opinion?
What happened to Whose America? I thought you had a great thing going discussing the labor issues, then you started jumping around on topics. Did I miss Whose America somehow? Don't get me wrong it's all great stuff, just wondering what happened.
What does US balkanization look like? How does a "civil war" look? Who fights who? What does the military do with all its different components (active, reserve, national guard)? If anything.
What is something substantial that you've changed your mind about recently?
You gave me a shot of self-awareness when you mentioned telling your wife a story that digressed into an ever-deepening back story that becomes necessary when explaining a complex topic (especially one you’re interested in and have researched exhaustively).
Given this, personally relatable, aspect of deep diving while researching topics for your shows, my question is related to the cynicism that is an inescapable byproduct of such in-depth study.
How do you reconcile things like lifelong patriotism, pride in service to the US, and reverence for founding fathers/documents, when as the truth becomes more apparent, you find out that much of the principals we hold are more of a veneer on an increasingly corrupt political system?
I find myself questioning my service in Iraq & Afghanistan in light of recent events like the disastrous withdrawal and the Freudian slip from former President Bush, that remove all doubt that these wars were based on lies. If ignorance is bliss, then what is our personal and moral responsibility of knowing the truth, and what actions can we take to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again in an escalating geopolitical climate?