S6E24 Vikings in the East: Martyn Whittock on the Ancient Roots of Putin’s Holy War

Today’s episode connects ancient Viking history to today’s global headlines. 

This is my seventh conversation with historian and political commentator Martyn Whittock—this time we dive into his brand-new book, “Vikings in the East: From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin.”

Martyn joins us from Bath, UK, where he’s been tracking the strange but powerful ways history is being used—and misused—in modern politics. We explore how Viking warriors, Norse myths, and the baptism of Vladimir the Great in 988 C.E. are showing up in Putin’s speeches and statues… and even in his justification for war. 

We’ll ask: Is Russia the “true” heir of Western values? What’s the story behind that giant Vladimir statue in Moscow? And why does ancient Kyiv play such a central role in today’s geopolitical storm?

We also turn our lens on the U.S.—trade wars, tariffs, Bitcoin, Christian nationalism, and wild predictions about our political future.

Anyone who is thoughtful and just a little bit skeptical about the stories we hear will want to join us for this insightful, instructive exploration of history.    

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