Brian's Spain Domain – Podcasts and Writings by Brian Murdock

SPANISH HISTORY 101 EP. 29: Carlos II, the “Bewitched”

Carlos II has taken a bad rap for centuries for being a weak, feeble, half-wit, and the unfortunate product of generations of intra-family marriages among the Habsburgs. Basically, a genetic mess. By extension, his reign often symbolized the decline of Spain’s role as a major power. More recent studies have begun to dispute that image, despite all the health issues he had to endure throughout his life. Far from being run by some inbred bumbling idiot, his reign had more to say for itself and was probably far more underrated than deserved. One thing is for sure, it would change Spain’s destiny forever. Listen and enjoy!

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A Brief History of Spanish Comics

The recent death of graphic artist Francisco Ibañez meant a farewell to the creator of one of Spain’s most legendary comics, Mortadelo & Filemón. It’s not the only strip, though. Spain has a long and rich history in graphic art stories and today we are going to take a quick look at some of what’s been done over the years. Listen and enjoy!

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LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE Ep. 14: Spanish Rosés

Rosé wine has been on the up and up over the past decade. Spain is one of the world’s biggest producers and exports more than any other country. Today’s episode tells about which Spanish regions specialize in rosados. Listen and enjoy!

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THE LATEST FROM SPAIN 6 (AUG 31)

Today’s episode looks at the current politcal situation in Spain as they different groups try to pool together enough votes to form a government. So far, there is little on the horizon. We provide an end-of-summer heat weather summary. Then we devote most of the episode to the historic Women’s World Cup victory by Spain’s national team, and historic controversy surrounding the “kiss” by Luis Rubiales and the ensuing debate raging in the country and even around the world.

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SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP28: Felipe III & IV

The 17th Century is a pivotal moment in Spanish history. Spain retains a position of near supremacy, but decline is on the way. King Felipe III and King Felipe IV prove themselves incapable of maintaining the momentum of Spain’s rise to stardom. They rely heavily on their personal favorite advisors known as “Validos” whose decisions and policies aren’t always in the best interest of the country, and they pay a heavy price for it. Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

Also, visit our YouTube channel and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BriansSpainDomain

THIS WEEK IN SPAIN 5 (Aug. 15)

It’s the middle of August summer holidays, and a long weekend for many as the country explodes with summertime fiestas on August 15 and the days leading up to it. All over the nation, towns party until dawn. We’ll also give a very brief update on the post-election situation and focus on a tribute to the late Federico Bahamontes, Spain’s first winner of the Tour de France, who just passed away at the age of 95. Enjoy!

LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE, ep. 13: Sherry Wine 3

Hello everyone! Today we wrap up our series on sherry and focus on the long and illustrious history of this wine, the fame it has enjoyed, the tougher times it has endured and how it stands today. This is a lengthy one, but necessary to help understand the complexity of this wine and its past. Enjoy!

This Week in Spain 4 (July 31, 2023)

This week we take a look at Spanish election results and aftermath. We’ll also talk a little about the heat as well as about the recent death of the legendary Spanish cartoonist, Francisco Ibáñez, creator of Martadelo and Filemón. Listen and enjoy!

Old Trees. A follow-up

A few months ago we talked about the recently planted “oldest” tree in the city of Madrid, a 600-year-old olive tree moved to the Retiro Park from a village outside the capital. We also discussed the oldest tree in the region of Madrid, a ancient yew tucked up in the mountains of Madrid. Looking to find out more, we investigated, searched and researched and discovered more about both as well as some answers to some questions we had. Listen and learn more! Enjoy!

SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP. 27. Felipe II

Felipe II (Philip II), probably most famous for his ambitious attempt to invade England with his Armada, is one of the most important rulers in the history of Spain if only because he led the country when it was basically at its height as a global power. We look at all the challenges he had to handle as he built a faraway residence in the mountains outside Madrid, El Escorial. Listen and learn more.