Could Roman treasure be buried beneath Iceland’s volcanic crust? In this episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast, I’m joined by author and explorer-at-heart Dave Bartel as we dive headfirst into one of history’s most intriguing “what ifs.” Did Roman explorers really reach the icy edge of the world—and leave behind a trail of forgotten riches?

We blend archaeological fact with page-turning fiction, from scrolls unearthed in the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius to a hidden diamond cache that just might tie it all together. Whether you're a history buff, a storyteller, or just here for the wild ride, this episode peels back the layers of myth, mystery, and ancient ambition.

This is the basis for Dave's novel, Roman Ice.

When disgraced archaeologist Darwin Lacroix uncovers evidence of a lost Roman treasure buried beneath Iceland, his chance to redeem his family’s legacy ignites a deadly race against a ruthless cartel. With danger erupting from every direction—above and below—Darwin must outwit his rivals before the secret of Roman Ice is lost forever.

Read Roman Ice here

Takeaways:

• The discussion centers around the intriguing concept of whether Roman explorers may have ventured as far as Iceland, leaving treasures hidden beneath its volcanic soil.
• A significant topic of conversation is the ancient scroll discovered under Mount Vesuvius, which has real-world parallels in archaeological discoveries.
• The notion of diamonds in relation to Roman treasure is explored, revealing that while Romans were aware of diamonds, they did not particularly value them as treasures.
• Iceland's unique geological and historical context provides a compelling backdrop for the narrative of Roman treasure hunting in the novel.
• Dave and Luke share their experiences and inspirations, emphasizing the importance of intertwining factual history with imaginative storytelling for captivating narratives.
• There is a broader reflection on the significance of uncovering lost knowledge, particularly referencing the historical libraries of Timbuktu and their cultural importance.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

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A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast...

Was the sinking of the Titanic truly an accident—or the result of something far more sinister? This episode plunges into the deep waters of history’s most famous maritime disaster, examining theories that challenge the official story. Could the doomed ship have actually been the Titanic’s sister vessel, the Olympic, swapped in an elaborate insurance fraud? Did powerful men on board meet their end to clear the way for the creation of the Federal Reserve? What about the eerie legend of a cursed Egyptian mummy supposedly on board? And what about the discovery of the Titanic wreck in 1985—an expedition that was actually a cover-up for a secret Cold War mission.

Takeaways:

• The RMS Titanic, often deemed unsinkable, faced catastrophic failure on a moonless night.
• A small oversight, namely the lack of binoculars, contributed to the ship's tragic fate.
• The sinking of the Titanic has led to various conspiracy theories surrounding its legitimacy.
• Some theories suggest that the ship that sank was actually the Olympic, disguised as Titanic.
• The alleged connection of the Titanic disaster to the creation of the Federal Reserve reveals historical intrigue.
• The Titanic's discovery in 1985 was, according to some, a cover for a secret military operation.

The Titanic Deception

Some of the legends discussed here feature in my book, the Titanic Deception.

What if the Titanic never struck an iceberg?

April 15, 1912—the "unsinkable" ship goes down. But was it truly an accident?

In the present, a senator survives an assassination attempt, thanks to a small-town doctor—who now knows too much. Enter Eden Black. What begins as a rescue mission spirals into a deadly conspiracy tied to a relic hidden in the Titanic’s wreck. From the British Museum to the ocean’s depths, Eden must uncover the truth before history’s greatest cover-up claims more lives.

A pulse-pounding thriller in the Amazon #1 Bestselling Eden Black series.

Read the Titanic Deception here

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁...

What if everything you know about history is a lie?

What if entire civilizations have been erased, their achievements buried under layers of deception? Welcome to one of the most controversial and mind-bending mysteries in alternative history: The Legend of Tartaria—a lost empire that some believe stretched across continents, wielded advanced technology, and was deliberately erased from the history books. But why? And by who?

Guy Anderson is our guide to this fascinating mystery. An expert in hidden history, secret societies, and suppressed knowledge, he’s going to dive with us into one of the greatest mysteries of all time… The Lost Civilisation of Tartaria.

Check out Guy's book, Tesla & The Cabbage Patch Kids: The Fall of The Tartarian Empire & Reset of 1776.

Takeaways from this episode

• The concept of Tartaria challenges the established historical narrative, suggesting a lost civilization with advanced technologies.
• Guy Anderson discusses the implications of hidden histories and the potential motives behind their erasure from mainstream records.
• The discussion introduces the idea that the architectural similarities around the world may indicate a shared historical culture linked to Tartaria.
• Historical inquiry into Tartaria raises questions regarding the motivations of powerful families in concealing knowledge for financial gain.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next...

What if history got it wrong? Deep in the ruins of Cambodia’s Ta Prohm temple—where Tomb Raider was filmed—there’s a carving that defies explanation. It looks exactly like a stegosaurus… but it was carved centuries before modern paleontology even existed.

Coincidence? Misinterpretation? Or could this be proof that dinosaurs and humans once coexisted?

In this episode, we dive into one of archaeology’s most fascinating mysteries. From lost dinosaur survivors to ancient fossil discoveries, we explore shocking evidence from across the world—including prehistoric carvings in Peru, Mexico, and even England—that could turn everything you thought you knew about history on its head.

Skeptics scoff, scientists shake their heads, but after what I saw… well, you might just question everything.

Takeaways:

• The Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia features a carving resembling a stegosaurus, raising questions about the coexistence of dinosaurs and humans.
• Experts assert that the stegosaurus existed approximately 150 million years ago, creating a time paradox with the temple's 12th-century construction.
• Theories explaining the stegosaurus carving range from the survival of a small dinosaur population to the Khmer discovering and accurately depicting fossils.
• Other global artifacts, such as the Acambaro Figures and Ica Stones, suggest a historical connection between humans and dinosaurs, prompting further investigation into ancient knowledge.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at

Quetzalcoatl. Kolkan. The Feathered Serpent. No matter what name you use, this legendary figure has been at the heart of Mesoamerican mythology for centuries. But was it just a myth—or something more?

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the history, mystery, and symbolism of the Feathered Serpent. This isn’t just some ancient god that people used to worship—its story has been shaped, twisted, and used for political control over generations. The line between history and mythology? Yeah, it’s pretty blurry.

And I’ve got the perfect guest to help me unpack it all—Steven Moore, an adventurer and author whose travels and research bring this legend to life. Together, we’ll explore how the Feathered Serpent has influenced everything from cultural identity to adventure storytelling today.

So what do you think? Was Quetzalcoatl a misunderstood deity? A tool for rulers to maintain power? Or something even stranger? Let’s find out.

Takeaways:

• The Feathered Serpent, known as Quetzalcoatl, embodies a rich tapestry of myth and legend across Mesoamerican cultures.
• Quetzalcoatl's symbolism transcends individual civilizations, acting as a powerful unifying figure among them.
• The notion of cultural assimilation suggests that earlier deities were adapted by conquering cultures for political control.
• The importance of firsthand experiences in writing is emphasized as it fosters authenticity and depth in storytelling.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast. 🏆🎙

The Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull is one of the most mysterious, controversial and down right weird artifacts of all time. The inspiration behind the Indiana Jones movie, it was discovered in 1924 by a young woman called Anna Mitchell-Hedges.

She claims to have discovered this bizarre, almost impossibly well-crafted crystal skull in the ruins of an ancient Mayan city called Lubaantun. Carved from a single piece of quartz, with a detachable jawbone, the object seemed way too advanced for the time period. Naturally, stories of its supernatural powers followed.

Anna swore the skull could glow, change temperature, and even predict major world events. Scientists, of course, weren’t buying it. But that didn’t stop her from spending her entire life defending its mystical reputation.

Join me as we dive into the history, the myths, and the ongoing debate around the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull. Let’s see if we can separate fact from fiction… or if the truth is even stranger than we thought.

Takeaways:

• The discovery of the Mitchell-Hedges skull in 1924 led to extraordinary claims about its supernatural powers.
• Anna Mitchell-Hedges experienced strange phenomena associated with the skull throughout her life, including mysterious lights and temperature changes (apparently!)
• Despite skepticism from the scientific community, Anna's conviction about the skull's powers remained unwavering until her death in 2007.
• The origins and craftsmanship of the crystal skull remain a mystery, intriguing both enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next...

A forgotten kingdom, an abandoned pyramid, and a stolen priceless artifact, it sounds like the setting for an electrifying adventure – and it is – but what we’re talking about today is the true story of Cambodia’s modern history.

Caleb Andrew joins me. He’s an author, lawyer, and world traveler whose archaeological thrillers bring hidden histories to life. Growing up in Cambodia and living across Botswana, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, he weaves his global experiences into pulse-pounding adventures—like The Koh Ker Conspiracy, which we’re talking about today.

Takeaways:

• The intricate history of Cambodia, and its evolution over decades.
• Artifact smuggling and its historical implications in Cambodia.
• We discuss the transformative experiences of living in Cambodia and how it shapes their writing.
• Why is Cambodia's rich history often overshadowed by more prominent ancient cultures like Greece and Egypt?

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast. 🏆🎙

Come with us as we explore the haunting legend of an ancient Egyptian princess who is said to wander the tunnels of the London Underground.

We delve into the historical context surrounding this phenomenon, tracing its origins back to the 1920s, coinciding with the public's fascination with Egyptian artifacts following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.

As we navigate through the unsettling accounts of sightings and eerie sounds reported over the decades, we explore the possibility that this spectral figure may be the spirit of Amun Ra, forever seeking her way home.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast. 🏆🎙

Takeaways:

• Late night travelers at Holborn Station often report eerie sensations and strange sounds.
• Historical events, such as the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, fueled supernatural beliefs in London.
• Sightings of an ancient Egyptian princess in the tunnels have persisted for decades, captivating the public.
• The legend of Amun Ra suggests she roams the Underground, searching for her home in Egypt.
• The British Museum's Egyptian artifacts are believed to be protected by the ghost of Amun Ra.