The Latin American History Podcast aims to tell the story of Spanish and Portuguese America from its very beginnings up until the present day.  

Latin America’s history is home to some of the most exciting and unbelievable stories of adventure and exploration, and this podcast will tell these stories in all their glory. It will examine colonial society, slavery, and what life was like for the region’s inhabitants during this period. We will look at what caused the wars of independence, how they were won, and what Latin America looked like afterwards.

The region’s twentieth century history was marked by extremes – in political ideas, in levels of wealth, and in cultural expression. It was a time of guerrillas, dictators, death squads, powerful corporations, and turmoil. The cold war was played out in extreme here – although filtered through the legacy of colonialism and the region’s own unique heritage.

All this and more make Latin American history a fascinating story, and one worth telling. Join me on this podcast as I set about doing so.﻿

Today we look at the history of one of Latin America&#39;s lesser known UNESCO world heritage sites - the Quebrada de Humahuaca in northern Argentina. We give an overview of the region&#39;s long and fascinating history in preparation for an in-depth look at the unique features which have developed from that history and which make the area so culturally and historically vibrant. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Quebrada de Humahuaca - Part 1

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Today we look at the origins of the bandeirante phenomenon, including the social and economic features which created it and it&#39;s link to the city of Sao Paulo Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Bandeirantes - Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/2/7/0e79ada3-998c-42fb-8f17-9ac516118a2c_the_bandeirantes_-_part_1.mp3

We have devoted a great deal of time on this podcast to the conquistadors and the Spanish invasions of Latin America. Despite it&#39;s size and importance however, we have not looked much at how Brazil became Portuguese.In this episode we discuss the reasons for this and recap what history there has been to cover so far when it comes to Portuguese America. Most importantly, we introduce the bandeirantes - the people who did more than any other to expand Brazil&#39;s borders and create settlement beyond the narrow coastline by looking at what they were - and what they weren&#39;t. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Bandeirantes - Part 1

Today we engage with some anthropology, by trying to get our heads around how the Maya religion was - and still is - connected to the landscape. By discovering how natural features were ascribed with sacred importance, we also discover how that created connections to almost every other aspect of society - from the layout of cities to social hierarchy and even economics. By understanding how the Maya view geography as living, we can learn how everything they did was connected as part of one big whole in a way that is very different to our Western understanding of the world. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Sacred Landscapes of the Maya

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/5/4/9a89051d-332e-4a41-9d84-64062b5ce85b_joe_docherty_interview_-_full.mp3

Today we have a special interview episode with Joseph Doherty about his experiences living through the coup in Chile which brought Pinochet to power. Joseph not only experienced the atmosphere in the lead up to the seizure of power by the military, and the events of the coup itself, but he found himself personally caught up in crackdown which followed, being arrested and held in the national stadium by the junta. Joseph has published an account of his experiences and it is available here:https://www.amazon.com/CHILE-Embers-Past-Joseph-Doherty-ebook/dp/B0GSFPQGST Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Chile: Embers of the Past - An Interview with Joseph Doherty.

Today&#39;s special episode looks at the history of one small island across history and the many bizarre stories which have occurred there. Among other things, there are deadly prison breaks, mass poisonings and mysterious Japanese terrorist cults. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Ilha Anchieta

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In the final episode in this series we look at the legacy of the migrations from the British West Indies to Central America. We look at how many people stayed in Panama and why, as well as what life was like for them once the canal was finished. We also examine how they changed Central America and how Central America changed the country&#39;s which those who did go home returned to. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

West Indian Central America - Part 5

In the half of the story of Spanish Canada we look at the Nootka Crisis itself. How did this remote outpost cause an international incident which threatened to provoke a global crisis? What actually happened during the Nootka Crisis and Nootka Conventions? And what is the legacy of this story today? Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Santa Cruz de Nuca and Spanish Canada - Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/25/5/be625e06-0440-4c29-8381-16995e537702_west_indian_central_america_-_part_4.mp3

Once the French canal project had collapsed, it was time for the Americans to step in. This meant the final wave of migration from the West Indies, but this time the experience of the work would be very different. In this episode we will look at the society built in the canal zone alongside the canal itself, it&#39;s strict hierarchies, it&#39;s military-style routines, and how it almost eliminated mosquito-borne disease across the width of Panama as a side project. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

West Indian Central America - Part 4

Spain&#39;s most northern outpost was short-lived, but it played an oversized role in world affairs. Not only does its story provide an interesting insight into Spain&#39;s relationship with the vast areas it claimed in North America, but it also opens a window onto the last decades of imperial power and the rise of the rivals that replaced it.In this episode we provide the context to this story by looking at Spain&#39;s activities on the western coast of North America, as well as those of other powers. We also introduce the indigenous characters who will play a role in this story, and tell the stories of the British merchants who struck out on their own to challenge Spain&#39;s claims in the north. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Santa Cruz de Nuca and Spanish Canada - Part 1

In the second and final part of the story of the conquest of Chiapas we look at the two rival expeditions which set off from Mexico and Guatemala and see which one would succeed. We also look at how the patterns set during this conquest era would endure and ponder how much of the character of the state today is a legacy of this time. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Conquest of Chiapas - Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/8/13/d56c8694-9f4b-4cc6-8e35-84fe6788c8bb_west_indian_panama_-_part_3.mp3

Today we look at the next two waves of West Indian migration to Central America. The end point of the first was Costa Rica, where a new industry was emerging. The second was back in Panama and it was inspired by the first, little known, French attempt to build a canal there. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

West Indian Central America - Part 3

Today we begin looking at the story of Spain&#39;s conquest of the Southernmost Mexican state - Chiapas. We set the scene by looking at why it took a little longer for the Spanish to bring it under their control and outlining what makes it such an interesting place. Then we tell the story of their first attempt to conquer it. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The Conquest of Chiapas - Part 1

In this second episode of this mini-series we move into the theoretical part of the discussion and look at how these hurricanes changed - or at least modified - Cuba&#39;s path in many different ways, as well as trying to pull apart these effects from already occurring trend. We look at how they may have been responsible for the creation of Cuba&#39;s most famous exports, how they changed the geography of the nation&#39;s economy and population, how external international relations were affected and we make a comparison with the pandemic which we all lived through to help us think about how large disruptive events can impact the direction of a society. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How Hurricanes shaped 19th Century Cuba - Part 2

In his book Winds of Change Louis Perez argues that a succession of 3 major hurricanes in six years had a major impact on Cuban history, beyond simply requiring a rebuild of existing physical and social structures. This episode is the first of two which examines this topic, and how it allows us to think about whether disasters can change the course of history or act as impetuses for already occurring trends. Today we talk about the experience of being in hurricanes and then look at the damage these specific ones cause. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

How Hurricanes shaped 19th Century Cuba - Part 1

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/5/9/0bb52bb1-a47d-45a8-bcb9-71f11055695a_west_indian_panama_-_part_2.mp3

Today we look at the first wave of migration from the West Indies to Central America. Instigated by the construction of railway, this arduous work saw extremely high death rates among the imported labour force, and a collection of lawless towns grew up alongside the route of the track. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

West Indian Central America - Part 2

In the last episode of our look at the 2006 Oaxaca uprising, we walk chronologically through the major events that occurred during the course of the occupation. These include the seizing of TV and radio stations, an alternative Guelaguetza festival and the death of an American journalist. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The 2006 Oaxaca Uprising - Part 3

Having examined the origins of the occupation of Oaxaca last episode, today we turn our attention to what life was like living within it. We look at the political structures which were established to govern this radically egalitarian experiment, and how these structures had roots in both left-wing ideas and indigenous traditions. We also look at how the inevitable conflict with the state manifested itself, and how it included everything from competitive graffiti and occupations of public buildings to the building of barricades and allegations of covert death squads. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The 2006 Oaxaca Uprising - Part 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/10/19/8/cf9d0e69-db55-4c1e-9ebc-7438a03c064e_west_indian_central_america_-_part_1.mp3

Today we start a new series looking at the wave of migration that saw people from the English speaking Caribbean moving to Central America 100-150 years ago. Many parts of the coastline of Costa Rica and Panama still have large populations of English speakers, and the legacy of this movement can be found everywhere from the Panama Canal to Reggaeton. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

West Indian Central America - Part One

Apologies for the lateness of this episode! I thought I had uploaded it, and have only just noticed that I hadn&#39;t.In 2006, the city of Oaxaca was the scene of a remarkable political event. For months, a significant proportion of its population controlled the city centre - seizing control of it from the police and government, and organising the running of this new de facto state according to radical egalitarian ideas. In the first episode of this mini-series, we look at the context for these events - how corruption had alienated many in Oaxaca, and how a teacher&#39;s strike turned into a much bigger event. Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-latin-american-history-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The 2006 Oaxaca Uprising

extra episodes for friends of the  podcast