How It Began: A History of the Modern World
Published by: Brad Harris, Historian of Science & Technology
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Reviews for How It Began: A History of the Modern World
A fresh look at historical themes
I was lucky enough to have a good history education and am still a fan of history books. So I was surprised and delighted to find that Brad Harris had a new perspective on themes I thought I understood. Especially, satisfying is his disdain for political correctness in the pursuit of truth. This is not some nutcase who reinterprets events to fit a political agenda. This is a genuinely smart guy who studied the facts and came up with explanations that make one reexamine one’s beliefs. My favorite example is the episode on the history of coffee!I have one criticism. In fact, Brad has already recognized and replied to it: I would have preferred more detail to justify some of the arguments. Take my favorite episode mentioned above. He skips over a towering figure (Shakespeare) that seems to counter his argument.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsMore Cowbell, I mean more Context!!
I enjoyed Context immensely! After each episode I would engage with my children and discuss whatever the topic du jour was and I would sound like the smartest guy on earth to them! They looked at me funny cause they knew that wasn’t true...Anyhoo this podcast however wasn’t up to that caliber. Context was in the same category as Dan Carlin and that is such a compliment. This was more like a mediocre National Geographic show, too much information and not enough distillation, and the background soundtrack was super gratuitous, annoying even. Your style with Context was like a perfect Socratic Seminar, this was like a 8th grade substitute teacher movie filler. Sorry if that’s harsh but the disparity between the two is chasmic. Please do more in the vein of Context. I promise to support you in every way I can(I left a 5 star review and will go back to listen to how to support you in others ways mentioned). You do rock and are so necessary for this moment in history. Thank you.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsMore Cowbell, I mean more Context!!
I enjoyed Context immensely! After each episode I would engage with my children and discuss whatever the topic du jour was and I would sound like the smartest guy on earth to them! They looked at me funny cause they knew that wasn’t true...Anyhoo this podcast however wasn’t up to that caliber. Context was in the same category as Dan Carlin and that is such a compliment. This was more like a mediocre National Geographic show, too much information and not enough distillation, and the background soundtrack was super gratuitous, annoying even. Your style with Context was like a perfect Socratic Seminar, this was like a 8th grade substitute teacher movie filler. Sorry if that’s harsh but the disparity between the two is chasmic. Please do more in the vein of Context. I promise to support you in every way I can(I left a 5 star review and will go back to listen to how to support you in others ways mentioned). You do rock and are so necessary for this moment in history. Thank you.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsWhere did you go Ben?
One of my favorite podcasts! Hope we can enjoy some new episodes soon. Hope all is well!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsEducational Adventure
If you’re looking for a solid, high production value, educational podcast with music and adventure, then look no further. Brad delves into the greatest aspects of humanity and does a superb job!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsHistorically grounded and highly entertaining!
I’m studying for a masters in history and philosophy of science now, and I can attest to the quality of his analysis. The production quality is strong with great writing, narrating, and music. The wolf episode even got me tearing up!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsGood storytelling
I like the way he describes his topics it helps me visualize more of the information and I feel like it helps me retain more. He makes it enjoyable to learn!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsIt's not Shakespeare
Interesting content. But Brad's delivery is over the top. The dramatic (and often too loud) background music, the histrionic voice and inflection, the choice of words that make it seem more like a reading of an academic paper... Tone it down a bit and be more conversational, please.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsUnbelievably addicting!!
Much like the history of coffee presented in Season 2, this podcast is very addictive. Harris takes commonplace items and concepts with which we have become overly familiar and makes their history both entertaining and educational. I am blown away with the production value put into this show.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsWow!
This is one of the best podcast that I have ever listened to. It is informative and entertaining. The quality is outstanding. I learned an incredible amount of history in just this one episode. I’m blown away. You are a treasure!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsSimply amazing!!!
I can’t believe this material is free! This show has changed my daily routine and I found it accidentally. I can see the world with much more clarity now. You are awesome!!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsOMG!!
This is the best podcast I have ever found it is amazingly done! If you like history or want to know how things started this is the podcast for you.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsHow it Began
The very best history of science podcast I have found so far. Deeply thought provoking and exceptional production values. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsEnjoyable History
Listened to the first two podcasts. Brad does a terrific job of providing bits of history with a story-like presentation. I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the story.Mike in Auburn, California.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsWhen Season 3?
Many feel that the way science is taught is dry, stale, and bland. This teaches not just science, but how we got there. This offers much needed context to all the technological things we take for granted today.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsThis Podcast is Fantastic Hope it Starts Again
A comprihensive history of technology. Learned a lot, hope for more.
Reviewed on Apple Podcasts