Revolutions – Final Episode: "Adieu Mes Amis"

Host: Mike Duncan
Release Date: December 25, 2022
Season: 12
Episode: Final Episode: "Adieu Mes Amis"

1. Introduction and the Birth of "Revolutions"

In the final episode of his twelfth season, Mike Duncan reflects on the journey of his acclaimed podcast, Revolutions. The episode opens with Duncan reminiscing about the inception of the show:

"[00:34] C: Hello and welcome to Revolutions the Final Episode. Adieu, mes amis. I published the first episode of the Revolutions podcast on September 15, 2013."

Duncan recounts how the concept originated during his graduate studies at the University of Texas, where he took a course on the Mexican Revolution. This academic interest sparked his ambition to create a podcast dedicated to exploring significant revolutions throughout history. Initially, Duncan intended to pursue a master's degree in public history but soon decided to pivot towards podcasting full-time:

"[00:34] C: I dropped out of grad school and we moved north in the spring of 2013. ... I decided that I should take a crack at podcasting full time."

This bold move was motivated by his passion for history and a strategic plan to sustain the podcast financially for a year, allowing him to focus entirely on developing Revolutions without the safety net of a traditional job.

2. Expansion Beyond Initial Plans

Duncan details how the podcast swiftly outgrew his initial plans. Originally envisioning a concise 15-episode series covering the English Revolution, Revolutions expanded dramatically in scope and depth:

"[07:26] D: That you yourself created?
[07:27] C: And I responded, nay, sir, I shall not live in this way."

He emphasizes the complexity and richness of revolutionary histories, which necessitated a more expansive narrative structure:

"[01:29] D: She took it.
[01:30] C: ...I knew that the threat of a sophomore slump loomed large after a successful debut."

Duncan's commitment to providing thorough and nuanced accounts led him to surpass his original episode count, ultimately producing 342 episodes totaling 190 hours of content. This expansion allowed him to delve deeper into each revolution, offering listeners comprehensive insights into the events, figures, and ideologies that shaped them.

3. Achieving Success and Recognition

The podcast's success mirrored Duncan's personal milestones. A pivotal moment occurred on September 28, 2015, when he simultaneously welcomed a new child and secured a publishing deal for his first book, The Storm Before the Storm:

"[09:33] C: ...two things happened. First, my daughter was born. ...about six hours after she was born, I got a call from Rachel saying, public affairs would like to buy your book now."

This achievement was a testament to Duncan's dedication and the growing influence of his work. Additionally, his exploration of the Haitian Revolution marked a significant shift in his understanding of interconnected global revolutions:

"[11:00] C: ...writing about Haiti is when I truly recognized the vast interconnectivity of all these revolutionary events."

Duncan highlights how Revolutions contributed to raising awareness about often-overlooked revolutions, particularly the Haitian Revolution, which had been marginalized in mainstream historical narratives.

4. Overcoming Challenges and Continued Growth

Duncan's journey was not without obstacles. Balancing podcasting with book writing and personal health issues tested his resilience. In late 2020 and early 2021, Duncan faced severe kidney problems, necessitating multiple surgeries and impacting his ability to produce content:

"[24:48] C: ...and I hit the road for a long overdue live book tour...
[24:50] D: ...recorded one episode in a hotel in Denver, another in a hotel in New Orleans..."

Despite these challenges, Duncan persevered, culminating in the successful release of his second book, Hero of Two Worlds, which debuted at number one on the Booksellers Association of America bestseller list:

"[21:36] D: Hero of Two Worlds came out. It was another great success, thanks to all of you out there."

His ability to navigate personal hardships while maintaining the quality and consistency of Revolutions underscored his unwavering commitment to his work and his audience.

5. Transitioning to Future Endeavors

As Revolutions reached its conclusion, Duncan looked ahead to new projects. He announced a collaborative podcast venture with historian Alexis Ko, focusing on discussions about history books:

"[32:00] D: ...we are going to team up to talk about history books. These things that are so near and dear to our hearts..."

This new endeavor, Duncan & Co., aims to provide a conversational platform for discussing both new and classic history literature, marking a shift from long-form narrative storytelling to a more interactive and exploratory format.

Duncan acknowledged Revolutions' profound impact on his life and career:

"[30:55] C: ...I love Revolutions very much. I love all of you very much. And so I will bid you now that fond and bittersweet adieu."

He expressed gratitude to his listeners and highlighted the importance of endings in allowing new stories to emerge, assuring his audience that their bond would continue beyond the podcast's closure.

6. Reflection and Farewell

In his heartfelt conclusion, Duncan reflected on the nine-year journey of Revolutions, emphasizing the personal and professional growth it facilitated. He encouraged listeners to support the podcast through donations, underscoring its significance in his life:

"[36:17] C: ...If you've enjoyed Revolutions and are going to miss Revolutions ... Maybe you want to drop a couple bucks in the tip jar on your way out the door."

Duncan's farewell was both poignant and optimistic, promising new beginnings while cherishing the memories and achievements of Revolutions:

"[36:18] D: ...This show has been my life for nine years. It means so much to me."
[37:16] C: ...I will bid you now that fond and bittersweet adieu. But I promise that we'll see each other on the other side."

Notable Quotes

• On Commitment to Depth:
  "[01:29] D: That you yourself created?
  [01:30] C: And I responded, nay, sir, I shall not live in this way."

• On Expanding Beyond Plans:
  "[07:26] D: It worked."

• On Transformative Stories:
  "[11:00] C: ...writing about Haiti is when I truly recognized the vast interconnectivity of all these revolutionary events."

• On Overcoming Adversity:
  "[24:48] C: ...I was bouncing in and out of French clinics and hospitals..."

• On Future Projects:
  "[32:00] D: ...we are going to team up to talk about history books."

• On Farewell:
  "[36:18] D: ...This show has been my life for nine years. It means so much to me."

Conclusion

Mike Duncan's final episode of Revolutions serves as a comprehensive memoir of his podcasting journey, encapsulating the passion, challenges, and triumphs that defined nine transformative years. As he bids farewell to his listeners, Duncan leaves behind a legacy of meticulously researched and engaging historical narratives, while eagerly anticipating new ventures that continue to celebrate and dissect the rich tapestry of history.