Podcast
Josh Johnson’s Compendium
Hosted by Josh Johnson · EN
Compendium is Josh Johnson’s exploration of the past, but through a new lens.
In the tradition of long-form podcasting giants like Dan Carlin and Danielle Bolleli, Josh explores history you may not have learned in school.
In the tradition of long-form podcasting giants like Dan Carlin and Danielle Bolleli, Josh explores history you may not have learned in school.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Can You Become Well-Read? w/ Rebecca Schinsky & Jeff O'Neal
5d ago01:04:57Tap to summarizeJeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky from BookRiot join me to talk about books, the different avenues a reading journey can take, their favorite "bridge books", and what they can't wait to read next! Check out Zero to Well Read Timestamps: 1:04 - Can you become well read? 6:15 - How to assess books 17:04 - What is literary fiction? 23:09 - Side quests? 26:14 - What was the book that made you a reader? 31:30 - "Bridge Books" 34:17 - Reading as a muscle 36:04 - Tips for reading better 48:05 - "Finding" great authors 51:04 - The common books that get people into reading 55:01 - Cheat codes for finding new books that you're excited to read 1:00:00 - The books that Rebecca & Jeff want to read, but haven't
Transcribe →19: Don Hollway - The Coolest Viking You've Never Heard of
2w ago00:46:42Tap to summarizeDon Hollway is back! This time, we're talking about Olaf Tryggvason and his new book: Hammer of the Gods. Grab a copy of Don's book here Support the show on Patreon Subscribe to the FREE Newsletter
Transcribe →17: Tony Vanderhoef - Social Media, Partisanism, Executive Power, & How to Bridge the Divide
Apr 601:03:50Tap to summarizeTony Vanderhoef is a Law student at Florida State and has also gained a following on Instagram, making short-form content in the political space. He approaches American politics from a constitutional perspective, and instead of trying to rally a base and divide, he aims to bridge the divide. Follow Tony here Join the Book Club Subscribe to my newsletter
Transcribe →16: I'm Thankful | Solo Episode
Mar 3000:22:25Tap to summarizeIt's just Josh in this one, and he's rambling about writing, reading, and cool things that have happened.
Transcribe →15: Bob Crawford - America's Founding Son
Mar 200:54:16Tap to summarizeToday I'm joined by Bob Crawford to talk about his new book, America's Founding Son; what he describes as a digestible history of John Quincy Adams. Adams is a fascinating historical character, and Bob and I talk about why he was a unique president, what made him polarizing, and how he "stood in the gap" in his own time. Pre-order America's Founding Son here Subscribe to my newsletter
Transcribe →14: John Garrison Marks - Investigating George Washington's Legacy
Feb 1600:55:32Tap to summarizeI'm joined by historian John Garrison Marks to talk about his forthcoming book, Thy Will Be Done, which examines George Washington's complicated legacy and how it's been used in myriad political arguments throughout American history. Preorder Thy Will Be Done here
Transcribe →13: Building the Ultimate 'Guy Book' + Gateway Literary Books
Jan 2000:34:01Tap to summarizeJosh tries to build the ultimate 'Guy book' based on his Instagram habits. Also, he makes fun of old Bantam dime novels, because ads in books is hilarious. PLUS the books you should read if you want to get into literary fiction! Join the book club: https://www.patreon.com/c/JoshReadsBooks Timestamps: 0:00 - What I've Been Reading 4:39 - Building the ultimate Dude Book 20:10 - Gateway Books
Transcribe →12: 5 Books People Lie About Reading, 'Basic' Books, & Neo-Confederates
Jan 1400:44:19Tap to summarizeJosh dissects which books are truly read and which are just for show. Find out what he thinks about popular titles like "Fahrenheit 451," "Dune," and "Lonesome Dove," and stick around for the Q&A that reveals the quirks of being a book influencer. Also, because he can't help himself, thoughts about the Civil War. Join the book club: https://www.patreon.com/c/JoshReadsBooks Timestamps: 0:00 - What I've been reading 8:50 - "Pretending I read it" list 21:09 - Mailbag
Transcribe →11: Write Like Cormac McCarthy in 21 Minutes
Jan 800:21:26Tap to summarizeSubscribe to the newsletter: https://compendiumshow.substack.com/ You might think writing like Cormac McCarthy is impossible. He may seem unapproachable or unreachable. But there are a few practical 'structural' techniques he uses in his writing that we can emulate.
Transcribe →10: John Gaddis - Grand Strategy for Dummies
Dec 2901:02:32Tap to summarizeThe practice of strategy today is a history-adjacent discipline, but it is one that history informs and one that shapes history. John Gaddis is one of the United States' foremost strategy thinkers, and he joins me on the show to talk about Venezuela, the war in Ukraine, how democracies and autocracies differ with regard to strategy, and much more. Support the show (and listen early) on Substack
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