Episodes
Episode 8: Eden to Ashes
Feb. 16, 2021
In this episode, we venture into the tragic story of the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée on the island of Martinique. Consul, Thomas Prentis and his family were among the 30,000 victims of this natural disaster.
Episode 7: Selah in Jerusalem
Jan. 26, 2021
We go to Jerusalem to find out more about Selah Merrill, the longest-serving consul there before 1948.
Bonus Mini-Episode 1: Yeah, That Poinsett
Dec. 21, 2020
In this bonus holiday episode, we explore the consular life of Joel Roberts Poinsett, everyone's favorite holiday historical figure.
Episode 6: Making a Good First Empression
Dec. 15, 2020
Within a year of the end of the American Revolution, the United States sent a ship to China, where the government hoped Americans could start a robust (and lucrative) trade.
Episode 5: Uncertain Waters in Zanzibar
Nov. 24, 2020
In this episode, we learn about Richard Waters who served as the first consul from the United States to Zanzibar.
Episode 4B: A Webb of Connections, Part 2
Nov. 4, 2020
In this episode we continue our story of Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb from his decision to resign as an American consul to his inauguration as an honorary consul-general for the Ottoman Empire!
Episode 4A: A Webb of Connections, Part 1
Nov. 3, 2020
In this episode we meet Alexander Russell Webb, U.S. consul to Manila in the Philippines turned Muslim missionary to America.
Episode 3: Havana Hard Time as Consul
Oct. 13, 2020
In this episode, we travel to Havana, Cuba to meet the consul Nicholas Trist, as he struggles between the dilemma of morals and money.
Bonus Episode 1: What is a consul, anyway?
Oct. 7, 2020
In this bonus episode, we delve into questions like "What is a consul?" "How do you get a job as a consul?" and other things. Listen to this if you feel adrift when listening to our regular episodes!
Episode 2: An Impressive Consul in Liverpool
Sept. 22, 2020
In this episode, we meet Liverpool consul James Maury, whose job included helping American sailors who had been shipwrecked, were out of work--or were kidnapped by the British navy!
Episode 1: Burroughing into Mexico
Sept. 1, 2020
In this episode, we travel to Vera Cruz, Mexico, to learn about how American consuls helped American businessmen assert their rights in contradiction of Mexican law.
Consolation Prize: Trailer
Aug. 6, 2020
Consolation Prize is a podcast about the history of the United States in the world through the eyes of its consuls.