Here's how I'll explain Dan Carlin. If you're looking to be interested in the subject of history then this is one of the finest ways of doing so. He's not an actual historian in the simplest of terms, but rather a history tour guide who has a knack for quality storytelling. The sources he mentions are qualified and personally for me there's nothing preachy or biased in his discussion. His narrative hook does have tendencies of sensationalism but at the same time it's distinctly very interesting too. Logically as good as it gets to summarize it.In Hardcore History the very unconventional Dan Carlin takes his "Martian", outside-the-box way of thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This is a difficult-to-classify show that has a rather sharp edge. It's not for everyone. But the innovative style and approach has made "Dan Carlin's Hardcore History" a New Media hit.
Few things to note.
- These podcasts can be seriously long in length, almost like audiobooks in a sense. Nothing to be worried about though so don't shy away from history done in immersive detail.
- Dan releases stuff very slowly, few times in a year.
- He's been doing this since 2006.
- His old podcasts differ from the new podcasts in terms of length and production (sound effects in older ones).
Where to start?
Dan Carlin - Hardcore History Library
Highly recommended to check out the latest (free) podcasts in the HH library. They don't stay free always!
Personal recommendation: If you really want to understand the appeal of Hardcore History then go for - Hardcore History 48 - Prophets of Doom - Dan Carlin
The Prophets of Doom podcast is a one-off take on an insanely amazing story. It's chaotically mindblowing and will keep you hooked. If you do decide to listen to it then I recommend you also don't read anything about it. It's also free for now.Murderous millennial preachers and prophets take over the German city of Munster after Martin Luther unleashes a Pandora's Box of religious anarchy with the Protestant Reformation.
Further recommendations (including series):
- Ghosts of Ostfront (4 part series covering WW2's Eastern Front conflict between Germans and Soviets)
Possibly his most acclaimed series to date, and has a wonderful balance of his old and new style of production.
- Wrath of the Khans (5 part series on the Mongols legacy. It's free too for now!)
The Mongols. Enough said.
- Apache Tears
Dan's look back on one of the last Native American tribes to surrender to the US govt.
- Logical Insanity (BLITZ - a more discussion-based take)
Dan examines the issue of the morality of dropping the Atomic Bombs in the Second World War. Intriguing outlook on some of the specific nuances of WW2.
These are my personal picks, so other HH listeners should definitely share their recommendations too. I still have to go through many of the other series, especially Khans, Punics, etc. The extensive library covers a lot of different times and subjects in history, so check out what you're into: Dan Carlin's Hardcore History Archives - Dan Carlin
PS: Before this gets moved to some other section, I have permission of [MENTION=4177]NaNoW[/MENTION] to make the thread here.