In this fascinating episode, we dive into a groundbreaking theory that links the devastating loss of life in the Americas during European colonization to a global climate shift. Before colonization, around 60 million indigenous people lived across the Americas, building complex societies. But when disease, violence, and displacement wiped out much of the population, vast areas of farmland were abandoned and reclaimed by forests. This massive reforestation may have contributed to a cooling period known as the Little Ice Age. We explore how human actions, even centuries ago, could have such a lasting impact on the Earth’s climate, offering a fresh perspective on history, colonization, and today's climate crisis.

In this episode, we explore the rich and complex history of pre-Columbian North America, challenging the old narrative that it was an "empty" land before European arrival. We'll dive into the lives of the dynamic Algonquian and Iroquoian peoples of the Northeast, the impressive Mississippian mound builders, and the master architects of the Pueblo in the Southwest—societies that flourished for centuries. Along the way, we'll highlight figures like Chief Tascalusa and examine the rise and fall of powerful civilizations. We also look at the profound impact of European exploration, from the fur trade to the devastating spread of disease.

Join us as we uncover the hidden stories of North America's past, recognizing the resilience and influence of pre-Columbian cultures—legacies that continue to shape our world today.