The host of the podcast History Nerds United decided to create his website with the same name out of spite. Brendan Dowd has had a long irritation with online bookstores. Particularly, he dislikes the review section for history texts. As a fan of the genre, it annoys him that there are only a few reader comments on each publication. Many provide only useless insights, like "rated one star because the ebook was missing a page."

So in his infinite arrogance and lack of shame (in his words), Dowd set out to create a review website. It focused on nonfiction. There, he provided his own feedback on history books. He also talked about TV shows based on past narratives and true crime. As he was running this blog, another idea came to mind. Dowd wondered what would happen if he'd email his favorite authors to ask if they'd like to talk to him. Turns out, much to his surprise, that history writers are generous with their time. That even goes for dorks with a website that only their mother reads (again, his words). That's how the podcast History Nerds United came to be.

Dowd's passion for past events is evident in every episode. He is always enthusiastic when talking to authors, and has a lot of knowledge to contribute. That affection might come from his father, who is, to no one's surprise, a history teacher. But it can also relate to the fact that Dowd is an Army veteran who served in Iraq. Whatever the reason, his eagerness is as charming as it is contiguous.

As for the guests on History Nerds United, they are as compelling as the host. Dowd interviews anyone from Pulitzer Prize winners to shark experts and memoir writers. Guests include Vanity Fair writer Maureen Ryan and baseball broadcaster Jack Curry. New episodes of the podcast come out every Wednesday.