I love how the host strikes a healthy balance between properly explaining the issue at hand and injecting a slight amount of modern humor and reference. But he’s not silly and he doesn’t waste the audience’s time with irrelevant tangents. I really really love this podcast. Favorite episodes were in the series about the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

I can say the host has a gift Amazing story teller and has a knack for picking such interesting topics I’m of South Asian origin and a history buff and the host gets my nod of approval as he’s made riveting episodes on the region

Great podcast! The only reason it isn’t a five star review is because you cited the prophet Muhammad’s wife Ayesha as being 12 years old upon marriage when she was in fact 6 years old. I’m not sure if it was political correctness or an honest mistake but nonetheless you are an amazing story teller!

I can’t express in words how much I like this podcast.

I wasn’t going to leave a review, but after reading the negative reviews, felt like I should. This is a great podcast. I appreciate the amount of research that must go into these. I can’t imagine the amount of reading that goes into a two hour podcast. Plus I like how the narrator gives me a chuckle occasionally. Keep up the good work and don’t pay too much attention to the negative reviews. Those are the same folks who leave negative reviews everywhere they go.

My favorite history podcast I’ve ever listened to. I’ve already got two other people into it by asking them to listen to the first 10 minutes of episode 1.

I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this, I kind of happened upon it. The storytelling and context is excellent. I only wish there were more episodes!

Zach Cornwell is a brilliant storyteller, a diligent student of history, and a masterful steward of historical information. It is exceedingly rare to find one of these qualities in a single narrator. To find all three is so rare that it is entirely unexpected. In particular, Conflicted's six-part series on the partition of India in 1947 is nothing short of brilliant. There are innumberable versions of this story and tying them together seemed, at least to me, to be an imposible task and an exercise in futility. The enduring stories of Partition seemed too incongruent, murky, and charged for anyone to even try to recount something resembling the truth. Zach was able to do just that. And he somehow did it in a cohesive and compelling narrative. I would venture to say that most, if not all, people from the Indian subcontinent, ascribe to a narrow and reductive narrative around Partition. Most of us are unconscious of this narrative. As a Pakistani whose parents and grandparents made the journey from India to Pakistan during Partition, I know this was the case for me. I was skeptical that anyone would be able to add much to my understanding of Partition. Conflicted's detailed, balanced, unbiased, engaging, and most importantly humanized accounts of Partition helped me make sense of a topic which was both existential and almost completed closed off. Zach covered everything from relevant historical context, character development, affects of Partition on world order, personal on-the-ground narratives, to historical ramifications. Zach even helped to stave off an impending existential crisis for this circumspect Pakistani. Bravo!

1.) THE SHOW: All history is interesting – to a point. the most modish we learn in primary school. From there, replications of the “lesson”rudiments throughout our life. It may come up in discussion, faceted into an allegory, made into a media sensation. • So we see a mention of the event and blow it off, as having been familiarized with the event we confirm our bias that the crux is known and we stray away from further perspicacity or research, as it’s been played out, known, and now uninteresting. 2.) THE HOST: No human is able to be objective despite what is expected of those in public eye. Instead of editorializing, the story is transparent. There is no sensationalism, no dwelling on over explaining, no subversive tones or remarks. • It’s a host with a clear agenda telling the historical events most of us “know” while adding a spectrum of insight, from historical & regional culture/customs, to the amalgamation of topical current events, etc. • The host does not assume the audience is dumb, or quick to trigger, however, for the ignorant and the morally conscious, he so eloquently adds slight context to help everyone keep up, and recognize injustices without taking time away from the actual purpose of the show.

Zach Cornwell makes modern history accessible with an engaging and even-handed delivery. The subject matter he chooses brings context to the political and cultural events that are unfolding around us every day. Maybe the most important podcast for people like me that have heard these topics referenced but don’t actually know what happened or why. Thanks, Zach! I get so excited every time a new episode drops!

My entire perspective towards understanding the world of today has completely evolved directly thanks to this podcast. Rather than the classic, "the good guys & the bad guys" approach, this podcast gives context from different angles. Allowing us to empathize, understand, and learn so much about the human experience & how we are all more similar, than we are different.

I’ve enjoy listening makes you want more and more knowledge. Thank you for time and effort. A modern spin on great history. Looking forward to learning more.

This show gives Bowery Boys vibes… if you like that, you will also like this.

This podcast is nothing short of incredible. There are a ton of well-researched history podcasts out there, but this one carefully steps back to talk about why we should care and how we can relate to the info today. A lot of those moments have helped me to put the stories into context. I also think the topic selection is great - I probably would never have sought out a podcast about the weekend or about Kinsey, but I was riveted every minute of those episodes. This podcaster has a real talent for storytelling, and I jump at every new episode!!

Blown away by the episodes I’ve listen too. Zach does an awesome job at breaking down these pivotal events in history. I love that for all the topics we get the macro and the micro as I really love learning about these events within the greater context of the entire world and the little nuanced details that make the events unique. You WILL come out a mini expert on these topics from listening to these episodes. Zach thank you for your due diligence and putting the amount of time, thought and effort into your research and writing. This podcast is truly a gift for a history fan like myself!

I don’t understand how this isn’t one of the most popular podcasts out there, it is so good. The writing and story telling is incredible, the topics are always fascinating and the production is great. I never get tired of it, I just wish there were more episodes! Keep it up!

History has never been my forte, I got tangled with the what’s, who and when and grew confused and disinterested until now. What an engaging way to learn history, I’m really loving it. I listened to an episode and some weeks later I listen to it again when I’m driving or working because they are so good, so well explained, such depth. I even plan to get my children to listen to some of them. Best history lessons ever!

This podcast is so thorough, in depth, and accessible. Fantastic story telling and in depth research- absolutely love it and highly recommend.

Unbiased honest look at historical subjects delivered in a clear thought provoking way. I put this podcast in the same class as hardcore history, although the topics are different it’s the same quality

Like someone else pointed out, good content but so many quotations that the narrator calls out. And while he says "quote" on the front end, he drops the consonants stops and says "en-quo". It's not the worst thing, but when you hear "en-quo" a couple times a minute for over an hour, it's distracting.

This is an excellent podcast. I just finished the episodes about the Yom Kippur and Six Day wars. They offer a detailed history that helps frame the current war. I can’t wait to dive into more podcasts from the Conflicted archives.

I second everything jessicamillercreative said. I’ve always been interested in history but almost always find my thoughts starting to wander whether I’m listening to a history podcast or a lecture, watching a documentary, or reading a history book. I don’t know if it’s the sheer amount of information or the delivery. But these episodes really are captivating, even if it’s on a subject I wasn’t previously interested in, thanks to the skillful storytelling with the perfect amount of wry humor. I had to listen to the Gulf War episodes back-to-back. Excellent work.

I was never able to follow or connect with history class in school. It always felt like an abstract jumble of names and dates. As an adult I’ve decided to crack the subject back open and give it a fair shot. I have tried listening to several history podcasts and while there are many great ones out there, none keep me engaged the way Conflicted has. Not only has this podcast made history interesting and relatable to me, it is hands down my favorite podcast! Zack’s research, narrative framing, and insights are just so incredibly engaging and poignant. I love that he doesn’t shy away from criticizing or sympathizing with any historical figures, no matter how revered or notorious they’re regarded in the modern day. I absolutely love being able to connect with history and Zack is 100% to thank for that. I listened to all 6 installments on the partition of India and was legitimately interested the whole time… like what?! How does he do it! I am DYING for more episodes— I can’t wait! Keep doing exactly what you’re doing. Thank you for making history accessible to people like me 🙏

I love the story but the quote/end quote is killing me. I would prefer to hear the story with an occasional quote not one every 30 seconds. I’m not even sure you have to say quote when you say who said it….

Thrilled to have found such a smart, entertaining, educational, fascinating history podcast! Love the bibilography in the week’s show notes, too — I’ve ordered a ton of books as a result!

Great story teller, well researched material. Definitely one of the best historical podcasts out there.

The narrative feels quite polished and the information is solid. Really enjoying this podcast so far. The series on Partition is a masterpiece and a great starting point for new listeners like myself.

The episode on the My Lai Massacre is an excellent blend of “Vietnam War Context 101” and logically approaches possible reasons for massacres like My Lai in an unbiased manner. The writing is also polished and efficient. Beautiful work.

He sounds like a somewhat prissy high school kid and writes like a high school wiseguy. Whjat interests him most about Edwina Mountbattern is her sex life. I was put off by his dismissal of the British Raj as a "succubus" and "a jackboot on the throat of India" -- you don't have to be a fan of colonialism to find that simplistic -- and was puzzled at how, just a minute or two after having described Nehru as "an only child," he casually quoted Nehru's sister.

Conflicted is compelling without being sensationalist; concise without losing depth; intelligent without dumbing anything down. And it’s all presented with a humility and respect for the human cost that often goes along with the topics at hand. Zach is a master at his craft!

If you are at all interested in The Troubles, avoid this episode. This host knows just enough to be grossly uninformed (as opposed to entirely ignorant). Milk toast disclaimers on descrimination lead into talk of the Roman Legions then jumps a millinea to the potato famine (bypassing the "Glorious Revolution" entirely), before landing on the brothers Finucane as an example of young men driven by discrimination into the arms of the IRA. The notion that any discussion of the Finucane sirname should start (let alone end) with the brothers who volunteered is (unintentionally) offensive psudeo history. Starting in such a way is to irreparably poison the jury, no matter how and when Pat's legacy later rejoins the discussion. Same again for the "notorious" (the host's word) Martin McGuiness who, at 40 minutes in, is literally the only other name mentioned in a two-hour dissertation about a thirty year conflict. I can't imagine how badly this host butchered the Palestinian-Isreali episode, but I know I wont be finding out. I've no qualms with biased or even purposely offensive host (of which this host is neither), but for the love of God, be competent.

I have been glued, during The India Partition. I am on the current story , and would like to make a recommendation. Don’t use this story about Abortion! I know women have suffered and are still suffering in other countries, but Bodily autonomy applies to ones body. It does not apply to someone else’s body, be it in or out of the womb.

A ton of information presented perfectly. I’m working my way through all of the installments, fast. I’m telling everyone about this!

This podcast is very well done. Informative but not dry. Excellent story telling and narration.

very well researched, highly informative podcast. the host is also a good story teller in a way, it’s not a dry retelling of facts but rather very engaging podcast.

As a fan of Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, I am very impressed with this podcast. The narration is superb and the analysis interesting. Thanks for making these historical moments so enjoyable and easy to learn about.

Truly blown away by the quality of this podcast! So engaging and informative. Highly, highly recommend.

Would love to learn from you about Russia/Ukraine conflict. My family comes from L’Viv but back when it was part of the Kingdom of Galicia, then it was Austria Hungary, then Poland. Is that Galicia the same as Galicia Spain?

08/19/2022– I found you after researching the new podcast The Partition. And wowsers, THANK YOU for adding to my already MD JD education! How did I miss how Pakistan came to be?!

Excellent writing, research and presentation. A fantastic podcast not just for history buffs. Highly recommended. A true gem!

I look at life through an entirely different lens and see this complex world in a whole new way. Zach Cornwall brilliantly tells a story without interjecting opinion. He beautifully lets history unfold in front of the listener to the point of being able to almost visualize what he is conveying. Simply the best history podcast I’ve ever heard bar none.

I just finished the 4 episodes of Ghosts In The Mountains, about the history of Afghanistan. I’m so impressed by the depth of his research and knowledge, and how he artfully narrates it. It’s all like a beautiful but deeply tragic story. I can’t wait to listen to more episodes. Thank you for putting time and effort and creating something wonderful.

This podcast is amazing. I love how the host and his team do a very thorough research and carefully piece together the narrative. Never dull and full of the amazing details. Also it’s just very easy to listen to. Big fan ❤️

Great podcast

I’m a history buff and this is the best podcast I have found. With Covid I started listening more often and this one brings information I did not know. But the best part is the narrator who is clear and concise, like he’s sitting right next to me, with an appealing voice and an amazing and interesting story to tell. I can’t wait for the next episode!

I have never been one to listen to history topics for fun but the way this podcast is perfectly done keeps me interested the whole way through. Can’t wait for the new episodes to arrive! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the absolute best podcast that I have ever listened to.It is clearly well researched, and beautifully presented. It is also clear and easy to understand

Discovered the podcast through the Kill Yamamoto episodes. Honestly have to say it’s one of the most intriguing podcasts I follow and even manages to draw my interest for subjects I’d otherwise say I have no interest at all in. Key is the superb writing, the clear, thorough but enjoyable explanations and also a neutrality that is not utterly devoid of a personal point of view, but one that always aims to paint both sides as fairly as possible.

Happened to come across "The good guys" podcast and enjoyed it so much I binged the rest of the series in a week! Even with topics that I thought I wouldn't be very interested in, I found myself completely immersed. Zach does an incredible job researching and narrating each story and has honestly made an impact on my life. I eagerly await new episodes and can't wait to see what topics come next!

I just started listening but I’ve heard enough to say that this is a real hidden gem. It covers a wide variety of historical events, figures and topics, all of which are very interesting, told in an absorbing fashion. I highly recommend this to those with an interest in history.