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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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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The Compendium #2 - Who Owns the Narrative?
Dec 1000:37:01Tap to summarizeThere's a lot to love in this episode. That is, if you love discussions about nationalism, slavery, and pre-Civil War politics. Notes: Impending Crisis by David Potter Apostles of Disunion by Charles Dew Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson
Transcribe →9: Barry Strauss - What Happens When a Small Nation Defies an Empire?
Nov 2501:03:05Tap to summarizeHistorian Barry Strauss joins me to talk about his new book, Jews Vs Rome! We also look at some of the greatest commanders in history, what they did well and what they struggled with, as well as why YOU should read history. Support the show (and join the book club) on Substack
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#11 - Alexander the Great’s Blueprint for Empire
Oct 2901:28:49Tap to summarizeDid Alexander beat Darius because he was a better field commander, or because he was a greater gravitational force? Josh wonders if perhaps his secret weapon was something a bit more mundane? Support the show on Substack
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#10 - The Sound of Distant Guns II
Oct 1303:27:35Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a 90-day war goes longer than 90 days? You get a soupy melange of nerves, avarice, and confusion. Nobody at the time is equipped to deal with it, least of all the men in charge. Support the show on Substack Check out the Distant Guns series Bibliography
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