Season 2: In the Shadows
History may be written for the heroes, but it was shaped in the shadows. This season on Rogue History, explore all things cloak-and-dagger: secret agents, espionage and … a fashionable Civil War spy balloon made from silk? Join host Joel Cook as we unmask the rogues who shaped history while hiding in plain sight.
How The Aztec Empire Was Built By Spies
A network of traveling merchant-spies were essential to the expansion of the Aztec Empire.
How The Aztec Empire Was Built By Spies
The Secret Group That Planned Insurrection Against Slavery
The largest enslaved insurrection in US history was planned for 1856– and then called off.
The Secret Group That Planned Insurrection Against Slavery
These Hidden Figures Cracked an Impossible Soviet Code
A group of women mathematicians uncovered Soviet spies– but received none of the credit.
These Hidden Figures Cracked an Impossible Soviet Code
The Misunderstood Legacy of Ninjas
Ninjas are famous in popular culture, but behind the stereotypes lie a legendary history.
The Misunderstood Legacy of Ninjas
This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War
Chevalier d’Eon was a spy, fencer, and gender identity trailblazer who blackmailed a King.
This Gender Nonconforming Secret Agent Almost Caused a War
How A Spanish Chicken Farmer Tricked Hitler
“I wanted to start a personal war with Hitler. And I wanted to fight with my imagination.”
How A Spanish Chicken Farmer Tricked Hitler
Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community
This musician spied on Black socialists then criticized the government for being racist.
Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community
Spy Balloons Have A Longer, Weirder History Than You Think
A year into the Civil War, the Union Army unveiled their secret weapon: spy balloons.
Spy Balloons Have A Longer, Weirder History Than You Think
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