Episode 261 · The Explorers Podcast
Stephen Bishop and the Exploration of Mammoth Cave
21 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Episode 261 · The Explorers Podcast
21 Jul 2026 · 32 min
In the mid-1800s, Stephen Bishop - a slave - would emerge as one of the greatest cavers in history due to his explorations of Mammoth Cave - the world's most extensive cave system. Despite his status as an enslaved person, he became famous in his lifetime as a daring, fearless, intelligent, and engaging guide and explorer. This is a single-episode topic. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us…
by Matt Breen · English · History
The Explorers Podcast is about the greatest explorers and explorations in history.
E264 · 31 Aug 2026 · 39 min
In part 3 of our series, we spend a lot of time talking about the continuing war with Spain - including the famous Spanish Armada. We also detail the fate of the Roanoke Colony, and discuss the fallout with Queen Elizabeth over Raleigh's secret marriage. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
E26 · 18 Aug 2026 · 36 min
In part 2 of our series, Raleigh rises up at the court of Queen Elizabeth. He also begins series of expeditions to North America - to try and establish the first permanent English settlement in the New World. While all that happens, the military might of King Phillip and Spain looms on the horizon. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad…
E262 · 11 Aug 2026 · 34 min
Walter Raleigh would be one of the most recognizable person of the Elizabethan era. He was a soldier, explorer, adventurer, writer, poet and favorite of Queen Elizabeth. In part one of our story, we look at his humble beginnings, including his time as a solder in France and Ireland, a stint as a privateer, and finally a fixture in the cutthroat world of Queen Elizabeth's court. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the…
7 Jul 2026 · 39 min
In the final part of our series, Barth crosses the Sahara a second time - this on his way home - ending his epic 5+ year journey through Central Africa. We then look at Barth's efforts to find recognition amongst his peers - as well as put together his massive book on his travels. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
25 Jun 2026 · 37 min
Barth has reached the legendary city of Timbuktu. But now he is trapped - as local rulers set out to capture - or kill - the Christian who has dared to come to their lands. But Barth forms a unique friendship with Sheikh Ahmad al-Bakkay al-Kunti - who protects our explorer. Then, after nearly nine months - he finally will set off for Bornu - only to find that everyone believes him to be dead. Thus, to get home, he must march 1,500 miles through hostile lands with no money or supplies, and fighting increasingly debilitating illnesses. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by…
16 Jun 2026 · 37 min
After the death of his fellow scientist, Heinrich Barth - now alone - heads off on his most audacious journey yet - a 1,500 miles trek across war-torn Central Africa to the legendary city of Timbuktu. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
E267 · 6 Oct 2026 · 35 min
In Part 6, Essex goes off the rails and plots seizing the throne. Then the death of Elizabeth sends Raleigh's fortunes into a downward spiral that will lead to charges of treason. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
E266 · 29 Sep 2026 · 33 min
The war with Spain continues. Raleigh is badly injured in the attack and sacking of Cadiz, and King Philip organizes not just one new armada - but two - to try and finally overthrow Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Robert Devereux - the Earl of Essex - gets bolder and more powerful. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
E265 · 9 Sep 2026 · 37 min
On the outs with the queen, Raleigh makes a huge gamble by organizing an expedition to find the legendary El Dorado in Guyana (aka Guiana). In this episode we cover Raleigh's expedition that he hopes will make him a fortune - and get him back into the good graces of Elizabeth. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
5 Jun 2026 · 38 min
In part 4 of our series, Heinrich Barth travels throughout central Africa, visiting the kingdoms of Adamawa, Bagirmi, Mandara and Musgu - many never before visited by a white man. He will ride with notorious Arab bandits, see devastating slave raids, discover the secrets of a great river, and escape death on numerous occasions. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at…