#1091 - Daniele Bolelli
NaN minutesEpisode #1091
Daniele Bolelli is an Italian author, professor, and martial artist. His podcast is called “History on Fire," and his most recent book “Not Afraid” is available on Amazon (
Episodes with Daniele Bolelli
Watch the full episode of #1091 - Daniele Bolelli.
Episode Timestamps
Daniel Leibolelli and the Horrors of History: Understanding Human Nature
- Daniel Leibolelli humorously contrasts his podcast style with traditional formats, using a unique accent.
- Discusses the labor-intensive research behind creating engaging historical narratives.
- Highlights the paradox of human behavior, exploring how ordinary people can commit horrific acts in the right context.
Silas Sol: The Hero Against Massacres at Sankrik and My Lai
- Compares the Sankrik massacre of Cheyenne civilians in the 1860s to the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War.
- Focuses on Silas Sol, an officer who resisted orders during the Cheyenne massacre, ultimately getting murdered for his bravery.
- Explores the broader implications of individual choice in the face of mass atrocities and the legacy of such acts.
Coyote Encounters: My Mom and the Stalking Coyote with Biologist Justin Brown
- A personal account of a tense moment involving a coyote stalking a young girl and her small dog.
- Insights from biologist Justin Brown about urban coyotes, including their surprising resilience and living conditions in places like downtown LA.
- Warning about the dangers coyotes pose to small pets and the unexpected wildlife interactions in suburban areas.
Tribal Warfare and Adoption: Insights on Native American Culture and Human Nature
- Discussion on the duality of Native American culture, highlighting both kindness and brutality in tribal dynamics.
- Mention of historical perspectives, including adoption practices among Native Americans and how they treated outsiders.
- Reflection on human nature and tribalism, questioning why some individuals choose violence while others seek community.
The Marymount Settlement: A Tale of Early American Hippies vs Puritans
- The Marymount settlement, contrasting the Puritans, embraced a free-spirited lifestyle with drunken festivities alongside native tribes.
- Faced with competition for new settlers, the Puritans eventually shut down Marymount to preserve their strict values.
- This chapter highlights the consequences of differing ideologies in early American settlements and the need for self-defense.
Dan Carlin's Perspective on Leadership and Human Nature
- Dan Carlin discusses how celebrity and power can lead to abusive leadership dynamics in isolated groups.
- He contrasts true leadership with dictatorial approaches, advocating for subtlety and care in guiding others.
- The allure of dogmatic leaders reflects deep-seated human tendencies to seek clear answers in a complex world.
The Mongols' Archery Skills: Riding and Shooting like Legends
- Discussion on the history and mechanics of recurve and compound bows.
- Description of Mongol warriors' ability to shoot arrows while riding horses at full gallop.
- Recommendation of a documentary series about the Mongols that depicts their incredible archery skills.
Caravaggio: The Gangster Artist Who Challenged the Church
- Analysis of Caravaggio's life as an artist and a street gangster during the late 15th to early 16th centuries.
- Examination of his controversial use of models, including prostitutes, for religious figures like the Virgin Mary.
- Discussion on the societal views of nudity in art during Caravaggio's time and his lasting impact on artistic expression.
Jamie and the Mythical 'Legs Covered' Legend: A Satirical Reflection on Americana
- Discussion on the origins of the myth that furniture legs were covered to hide women's legs.
- Jamie references an 1839 satire by an Englishman critiquing American customs.
- The conversation touches on societal repression of sexuality and its historical parallels.
The Dangers of Water and Alcohol in History: Jamie’s Take on Health Practices
- Exploration of why wine was historically consumed over water due to disease prevention.
- Reference to the perils of drinking unfiltered water, including the risks of 'beaver fever'.
- The conversation contrasts American and Italian cultural attitudes toward alcohol consumption.
Joe Rogan Discusses Alcohol's Impact on Inhibition and Doubt with Alan Watts Insights
- Rogan explores the dual nature of alcohol as a social lubricant that enhances communication but also removes doubt, leading to reckless behavior.
- He references Alan Watts' concept of the 'wisdom of insecurity,' advocating for a balanced approach to taking stances and being open to change.
- Rogan emphasizes the importance of doubt, suggesting that those who are overly confident may lack awareness of potential risks.
Rogan's MMA Fighter Girlfriend: A Look into Mindset Before Conflicts
- Rogan shares personal anecdotes about his girlfriend, who is an MMA fighter, highlighting her unconventional calmness before competitions.
- He reflects on his own experiences with fear and preparedness in Taekwondo, pointing out the contrast in how fighters manage nerves.
- The discussion shifts to the peculiar moments of connection and coincidence in life, suggesting a mysterious universal thread linking us all.
The Catastrophic Eruption of Mount Toba and Human Survival: Insights from Evolutionary History
- Discusses the super volcano of Mount Toba in Indonesia, which erupted 70,000 years ago, leading to a significant decline in human population.
- Explores the notion that the global population dwindled from 100,000 to just 10,000 individuals post-eruption, emphasizing the survival of a small group in Africa.
- Considers the implications of such historical events on modern human behavior, culture, and the choices that define humanity.
Brett Weinstein at Evergreen State College: A Controversial Discourse on Social Justice and Freedom
- Examines the controversial 'Day of Absence' event at Evergreen State College, which prompted a backlash and violent responses from students.
- Highlights Brett Weinstein's defense of proper discourse and backlash against enforced racial segregation during the event.
- Questions the narrative surrounding political correctness in academia and how media portrayal can distort real occurrences on college campuses.
Joe Rogan and the Dangers of Totalitarianism: A Deep Dive into Human Nature
- Rogan emphasizes that totalitarianism is a universal threat, regardless of ideological affiliations.
- He critiques the tendency of partisans to ignore their own side's totalitarian actions while denouncing others.
- Discussions include the role of mob mentality in ideological allegiance, highlighting events like Charlottesville as examples of groupthink.
The Unique Challenges of Modern Technology: Insights from Joe Rogan's Historical Perspective
- Rogan notes the unprecedented pace of technological change in the last 150 years compared to previous human history.
- Concerns arise about the potential for artificial intelligence to develop in ways that overlook established cultural values.
- The conversation delves into near-catastrophes related to nuclear weapons, illustrating the precariousness of global security and innovation.
Vasily Arkhipov's Decision: The Cold War's Unsung Hero
- Vasily Arkhipov, a Soviet naval officer, chose not to retaliate against a mistaken alert of an impending nuclear attack.
- His decisive action potentially prevented a nuclear war during a critical moment in the 1980s.
- Reflection on humanity's irresponsible use of advanced technologies likened to a toddler with a gun.
The Risks of Futuristic Technology: From Brain Uploading to Space Travel
- Discussion about a controversial mind uploading service that is deadly for patients.
- Exploration of how the race to colonize Mars includes individuals willing to risk their lives.
- Critique of modern society's blind confidence in technology amidst acknowledging inevitable mortality.
Children's Musical Preferences: Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and the Parent-Child Dynamic
- A humorous moment is shared about a toddler who prefers Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' over typical children's songs.
- Discussion about the speaker's parenting choices in exposing their child to quality music, like Jimi Hendrix, instead of nursery rhymes.
- A realization of possible 'irreparable damage' as the speaker's daughter compares movies to classics like 'Conan the Barbarian'.
Screenwriting Dreams: Robert E. Howard's 'Conan' and Amazon's Future Adaptations
- The speaker shares their experiences in screenwriting and discusses the challenges of capturing Robert E. Howard's original 'Conan' stories in adaptations.
- Debate over Jason Momoa's portrayal of Conan, considered to be the most fitting yet criticizing the script quality of recent adaptations.
- Speculation about an upcoming Amazon series based on 'Conan' and the potential missteps in its production.
Netflix's Dominance and the Challenges of Streaming Wars: Insights from Joe Rogan
- Discussion about the evolution of Netflix from DVD rentals to streaming services.
- Mention of other streaming competitors like Amazon Prime, highlighting their investments in original content.
- Joe Rogan reflects on the impact of streaming on content availability and the changing landscape of comedy specials.
Innovations in Education: Joe Rogan's Ventures into Online Learning and Martial Arts History
- Rogan discusses the potential of online education, emphasizing its accessibility and growing legitimacy.
- Anecdotes about Rogan's teaching experiences at UCLA and his approach to teaching martial arts.
- The conversation delves into cultural dynamics in education, particularly in ethnic studies and how expertise is perceived.
The Evolution of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Kano's Global Vision
- Kano, a sickly child who loved jujitsu, helped transform it into a respected sport rather than a street fighting technique.
- Japan's martial arts like judo evolved from samurai origins to become more educational and structured modern practices.
- Kano's inclusive philosophy promoted judo globally, even teaching President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905.
The Strenuous Life of Theodore Roosevelt: From Boxing to a Bullet
- Roosevelt emphasized tough physical activities like boxing and wrestling to counteract societal pampering.
- He famously delivered a speech even after being shot in the chest, exemplifying his motto about resilience.
- Roosevelt's life stories illustrate how his adventurous spirit shaped American ideals during the early 1900s.
Jack Johnson's Historic Fight: Breaking Racial Barriers in 1910
- Jack Johnson, a black boxer, faced undefeated white champion Jim Jeffries in a historic match on July 4, 1910.
- Despite the racism of the era, Johnson's victory sparked riots in 25 states and left dozens dead.
- Johnson's persona included challenges to racial norms, as he lived openly with white women and flaunted his success.
The Legacy of Jack Johnson and the Struggles of Early Racial Integration
- Jack Johnson's success as a black heavyweight champion highlighted the racial tensions and violence in early 20th-century America.
- The backlash against his victories included public outcry and threats of violence against black individuals post-fight.
- Johnson's life and actions challenged societal norms, paving the way for future discussions on race and sports.
Crazy Horse, Turtle Hearts and the Depths of Human Hypocrisy
- Discussion of a wild past experience involving Crazy Horse and eating raw turtle hearts.
- A controversial schoolteacher in Iowa faced suspension for feeding a puppy to a snapping turtle in class.
- Exploration of human hypocrisy through historical contexts, comparing past and present views on ethics and morality.
Danielli Balei Explores the Evolution of Morality in History
- Conversation about the human brain's ability to justify actions that were once considered normal, like slavery.
- Insight into societal changes and how the average person's beliefs shift over time.
- Danielli Balei promotes his podcast 'History on Fire', emphasizing the exploration of historical truths.