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Why we’re still mesmerized by the myth of Rasputin

Photographic portrait of Grigori Rasputin
Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty
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Universal Images Group Editorial
Grigori Rasputin (1869–1916).

In the century since Russia’s “Mad Monk” was poisoned, we've come to believe a lot of things: he was mystical, he was evil, he was the world’s greatest lover.

This hour: Rasputin — the all-too-human peasant who found his way to friendship with the Romanovs and the comical, absurd version that just won’t die.

GUESTS:

  • Douglas Smith: Historian and author of
  • Chris Roberson: Co-writer of the Hellboy comic

Join the conversation on and .

The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on , , , , or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode!

Colin McEnroe, Jonathan McNicol, Cat Pastor, Dylan Reyes, and Lily Tyson contributed to this show.

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Julia Pistell is a freelance producer for ǻ Radio, the host of the podcast 'Literary Disco,' and the Managing Director of Sea Tea Improv. She also worked on ǻ Radio's 'The Radius Project,' an exploration of history and culture in Hartford's neighborhoods.
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