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Shadows & Schemes

Shadows & Schemes

By: National Media Archive
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About this listen

 The untold stories of mystery, power, corruption, and hidden agendas.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. True Crime
Episodes
  • The Truth Behind the Spanish Inquisition

    The Truth Behind the Spanish Inquisition
    Aug 24 2025
    The Spanish Inquisition, infamous for torture and executions, targeted Jews, Muslims, heretics, and alleged witches from 1481 to 1834. While it did use torture and executions, the scale was smaller than often believed—about 1,300 death sentences from 87,000 trials. Its methods were more regulated than other European courts, and its dark reputation was amplified by anti-Spanish propaganda. Still, it was responsible for unjust deaths and mass expulsions, leaving a lasting legacy of fear and intolerance.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Decapitation: Consciousness, Execution, and Science

    Decapitation: Consciousness, Execution, and Science
    Aug 17 2025
    Exploring the history and science of decapitation, this episode examines whether consciousness persists after beheading. Historical anecdotes and modern studies suggest loss of awareness within seconds due to oxygen deprivation. Despite debates over humane execution methods and head transplants, evidence shows quick loss of consciousness post-decapitation. Today, decapitation is rare, mainly practiced in Saudi Arabia, and head transplants remain theoretical.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • The Antarctic Doctor Who Operated on Himself

    The Antarctic Doctor Who Operated on Himself
    Aug 10 2025
    In 1961, Soviet doctor Leonid Rogozov, stranded at a remote Antarctic base, developed acute appendicitis. With no way to evacuate and facing certain death if untreated, Rogozov performed a self-appendectomy, guiding two assistants and operating on himself in excruciating conditions. His survival led to stricter medical screening for polar explorers and inspired mandatory appendectomies for future isolated missions, including space travel.

    Join us on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to access additional resources and explore all topics covered by the National Media Archive:

    • Power & Influence
    • Luxury & Prestige
    • Wealth & Finance
    • Erotic Audio
    • Personal Growth & Achievement
    • Crime & Corruption (True Crime)
    • Knowledge & Ideas
    • History & Legacy
    • News, Culture & Society
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Exploration & Wonder
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
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