Episode 201: The Art of Piracy

Our Flag Means Death is a hilarious anachronistic pirate comedy on HBO Max. But the backstory of its main characters is surprisingly real. I talk with pirate historian Jeremy Moss, Purdue professor Manushag Powell and Jamie Goodall, staff historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, about how the historical figure of Blackbeard used theatricality to become a media phenomenon, and why it was an easy transition for people to believe he was a fantasy character versed in the dark arts. And we look at whether the endearing portrayal of the bumbling “gentleman pirate” Stede Bonnet in Our Flag Means Death is leaving out a crucial aspect of his backstory.
The Art of Piracy transcript
MUSIC LIST
  • Art is for Everyone by Sono Sanctus
  • Careful it’s a Full Moon by Sono Sanctus
  • The Imps are Back by Sono Sanctus
  • Thread of Clouds by Sono Sanctus
  • Double Drift by Kevin MacLeod
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Episode 202: Guys and Dolls

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Episode 200: 200 Imaginary Worlds