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This is the story of the world's most valuable sunken treasure galleon - the San José - lost off the coast of Colombia in 1708. "Neptune's Gold: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire" recounts the events surrounding the sinking of the vessel - and then 300+ years of searching to find the $1 billion in gold and silver that was lost in the wreck. This includes a cast of characters as colorful as they are mysterious - including Cuban-American shipwreck fanatic Roger Dooley. In this episode we interview author Julian Sancton (who also wrote the amazing "Madhouse at…

The Explorers Podcast

by Matt Breen · English · History

The Explorers Podcast is about the greatest explorers and explorations in history.

More from The Explorers Podcast

  1. 20 May 2026 · 39 min

    Heinrich Barth - Part 3 - Into the heart of Central Africa

    In part 3 of our series, Heinrich Barth, traveling alone, becomes to first European to visit the legendary city of Agadez. He then journeys into the heart of Central Africa, going to the cities of Katsina, Kano, and Kukawa. But war will rage throughout the kingdom of Bornu, and a year of hard living will claim one of the members of the expedition. 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…

  2. 12 May 2026 · 36 min

    Heinrich Barth - Part 2 - Across the Sahara

    In part 2 of our series, Heinrich Barth sets out from Tripoli in an attempt to cross the deadly Sahara desert. He will find ancient ruins and mysterious artifacts; face deadly desert bandits, sandstorms, and an unforgiving sacred mountain that will nearly claim his life. 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…

  3. 28 Apr 2026 · 35 min

    Heinrich Barth - Part 1 - Africa Calls

    In part one of our series, German explorer Heinrich Barth cuts his teeth learning from some of the great scientists of the age - including the famed Alexander von Humboldt. He survives (barely) an attack by bandits in Northern Africa and conducts a journey through frontiers of three continents, before setting out on an epic expedition that will lead him across the Sahara Desert and into heart of unknown Africa. It is the start of a journey that will last five years and cover more than 10,000 miles. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at…

  4. 7 Apr 2026 · 31 min

    Juan Ponce de León - Part 2 - Explorer

    Ponce de León's goes from conquistador to explorer in the second part of our series. This time, he conducts two expeditions of exploration in search of the island of Beniny - which turns out to be Florida. We also talk about Ponce de León's connection to the Fountain of Youth. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 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…

  5. 31 Mar 2026 · 32 min

    Juan Ponce de León - Part 1 - Conquistador

    In part one of our story, we look at Ponce de León's life as a conquistador - including his part in the subjugation of Hispaniola, then his exploration, conquest, and settlement of Puerto Rico, and finally his preparations to find the mysterious island of Beniny - aka - Florida. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 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…

  6. 17 Mar 2026 · 33 min

    Semyon Dezhnev and the exploration of Siberia

    In 1648, a Russian expedition with seven boats and 90 men set out on the Arctic Ocean – above Siberia – to find rich lands to the east. The expedition would – in time – be led by Semyon Dezhnev – a Cossack. The Russians would be nearly killed due to storms, starvation, disease and hostile natives. But Dezhnev would survive – and go on to the first European to pass through the Bering Strait. He then spent 14 years exploring the northeast of Siberia – opening up the region for the Russian Empire. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at…

  7. E267 · 6 Oct 2026 · 35 min

    Walter Raleigh - Part 6 - Plots, treason and executions

    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

  8. E266 · 29 Sep 2026 · 33 min

    Walter Raleigh - Part 5 - The sacking of Cadiz - and two more Spanish Armadas

    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…

  9. E265 · 9 Sep 2026 · 37 min

    Walter Raleigh - Part 4 - The Search for El Dorado

    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…

  10. E264 · 31 Aug 2026 · 39 min

    Walter Raleigh - Part 3 - War with Spain, the fate of the Roanoke Colony, and secret marriages

    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

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