In 1780, a successful businessman and local leader became the unlikely leader of a violent rebellion within the sprawling Spanish Empire. Tupac Amaru II -- as he became known -- had Incan roots, a Spanish education, and was a devout Roman Catholic. But, despite having the standing and connections to freely mingle within all levels of society, he was not blind to the injustices affecting so many native Peruvians.

In this episode I speak with Professor Chuck Walker of the University of California Davis, a subject matter expert whose work includes the award winning "Witness the Age of Revolution: The Odyssey of Juan Bautista Tupac Amaru." We discuss, Tupac, the surprising role fierce woman warriors including his wife had in the conflict, the reasons behind the uprising, and its lasting legacy.

Guest Bio: Prof. Charles Walker

Professional Links: Prof. Charles Walker

Selected Works:

Walker, C. Tu ausencia ha sido causa para todo esto: Cartas de amor y guerra. Túpac Amaru / Micaela Bastidas / Tomasa Tito Condemayta, Penguin PERU, 2024

Walker, C. Ensayos Cusqueños: Política, Sociedad y Disidencia desde Túpac Amaru. Cusco, Centro Bartolomé de Las Casas, 2024.

Walker, C., & Liz Clarke, Witness to the Age of Revolution: The Odyssey of Juan Bautista Tupac Amaru. Oxford University Press, 2020. Translated into Spanish and English.

Walker, C. & Carlos Aguirre, Alberto Flores Galindo: Utopía, historia y revolución. La Siniestra Ensayos, 2020. English edition: Brill, Dec. 2024.

Walker, C., & Aguirre, C. (Eds.), The Lima Reader, Durham: Duke University Press, 2017.

Walker, C. (2014) The Tupac Amaru Rebellion, Harvard University Press

Music & Sound from Pixabay

In the late 18th century in Scotland, a vagabond gained attention with a story of kidnapping, slavery, war, and immersion into native American culture. Peter Williamson became a sensation in the British Isles, but how much of his story was true? In this episode, I explore the bizarre tale of Peter Williamson. I separate fact from fiction and reveal the unlikely aspects of his story that proved to be true.

Music provided by The Conrads

Sound Effects from Pixabay.

Imagine one day waking up and being told to forget everything you had learned in school. Discovering that key industries in the economy had been eliminated. Learning that culture and history had been reset to year zero. And, worst of all learning that you and your friends and family were to be killed or sent to concentration camps.

This is the horrific reality Dr. Sara Pol-Lim was faced with as a young girl in 1970s Cambodia. The regime of the time -- a Marxist inspired junta named the Khmer Rouge created what they viewed as a utopia but the civilized world recognized as a dystopia. What followed was the Cambodian genocide which cost the lives of millions.

But what happens to those who survive such horrors? How do they move forward? How can they carry on and rebuild their loves in the shadow of unimaginable horror?

In her powerful new book "Coming to Terms with Historical Trauma: A Memoir," Sara bravely shares her story. It is a book that is both tragic and inspiring. In this episode, I speak with Sara about her story, her trauma, and what lessons we as a society can learn from such terrible events.

Sara Pol-Lim's book is available from all major retailers including:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Dr. Pol-Lim honors include:

• “Woman of Distinction” Award from Assembly Member Patrick O’Donnell in 2015.
• Trail Blazer for Outstanding Leadership by 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrew 2014.
• Outstanding Leadership Award by the United States House of Representatives Congressman Alan Lowenthal 2014.
• 4th District Woman of the Year 2013 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
• Woman of Distinction 2012 by the Honorable Roderick Wright of the 25th Senatorial District.
• Hands Across the District Medal from the Assembly Member Warren Furutani 2012
• Outstanding Cambodian Leader given by Cambodian Town 2012.
• Selected as “Grand Marshall of the Cambodian New Year Parade 2011.
• The Gene Lentzner’s “Human Relations” Award 2010 given by the California Conference for Equality and Justice, Long Beach.
• Selected as “Grand Marshall” of the Long Beach Martin Luther King Parade 2010.
• Woman Who Makes a Difference by the Long Beach NAACP 2009.
• Community Leader Award by Mentoring A Touch from Above in 2009.
• Extraordinary Woman Award by Voter Education & Research Action and presenting by Assemblyman Mervyn M. Dymally in 2008.