Category: SPAIN PODCASTS

Talkin’ Spain: The Treasure of Villena Heist

In late August a group of thieves broke into the muncipal Museum of Villena and in just four minutes made off with the stunning Treasure of Villena, one of the most impressive and important Bronze Age hoards in Europe, leaving the archeaological world in shock, as well as the residents of the town. The raid is just the latest in a streak of art robberies throughout Spain and the rest of Europe, and it has raised concerns as to what to do about it. Listen and learn more.

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

Talkin’ Spain: Spain’s first total eclipse in 114 years

(Image: National Astronomy Institute)

On Wednesday, August 12, the north of Spain will experience the country’s frist eclipse since 1912. The country is brimming with excitement. Listen and learn a little more about what’s to be expected. Enjoy!

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

The Day Madrid Was Struck by a Tornado

(Illustration depìcting the tornado in Madrid, published by the magazine “La Ilustración Católica”)

Most people associate tornadoes with the United States, and especially the Midwest and the South, and for good reason, but these extreme weather events are known to affect many parts of the world, including Spain. While they are generally uncommon and rarely are that strong or affect populated areas, on occasion they have cause great destruction. In 1886, an F3 tornado roared through Madrid, wreaking havoc, devastation and a large loss of life. The local population was totally unfamiliar with twisters and quite literally had no idea what hit them. The called it a cyclone or a hurricane at the time. Further research and investigation would reveal the shocking truth. Listen and learn more.

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

The Origin of the Spanish Expression “Quinta”

Saying someone is from your “quinta” is to say that they are basically the same age as you, and you hear it from time to time in Spain. The origin goes back to the 18th Century and the compulsory military service. Listen and learn more. And enjoy!

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

The Esquilache Riots

In 1766, the people of Madrid rose up against the authorities over a recent law banning long capes and wide-brimmed hats. The policy was the brainchild of King Carlos III’s Italian-born adviser, the Marquis of Esquilache. What was the beef? The justification of the order was the need for greater safety since the long garments could conceal weapons. But the locals reacted strongly to a foreigner minister telling them how to dress. But that wasn’t the only reason for the upsetment. Listen and learn more.

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

Women in Spanish History: Isabel Zendal

Isabel Zendal was a Spanish nurse who helped lead the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition (1803–1806). She cared for orphaned children who carried the smallpox vaccine across the ocean, helping bring life-saving immunization to Spanish colonies. She is considered the first nurse in an international humanitarian mission. Listen and learn more.

Become a part of the Spain Domain community. You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

Let’s Open a Bottle, Ep. 22: Monastrell Wine

The southeast of Spain is popular for its Mediterranean beach weather and attracts domestic and international tourism throughout the year. We are talking about the province of Alicante and especially the region of Murcia. Like most parts of Spain, winemaking is also carried out. In these parts the grape variety of choice is Monastrell, which also goes by the name Mourvedre and Mataro. It’s a powerful variety which can make meaty red wine. The three D:o.’s we are looking at today are Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas. Listen and learn more!

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button at www.brianmurdock.net or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

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

Bernardo de Gálvez: Hero of the American Revolution

PAINTING BY AUGUSTO FERRER-DALMAU

This past week, Americans celebrated the 4th of Jult and the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Many factors contributed to the colonists’ unlikely victory over the British, but one of the least known is the role the Spanish played, and, in particular, Bernardo de Gálvez (1746-1786). Gálvez was a tireless and brilliant tactician and strategist, and he led one of the most daring and successful military campaigns of the war. Just what did Gálvez do and how did he impact the war? Enjoy this new podcast from Brian’s Spain Domain and find out more.

https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain