In this episode of pplpod, we tackle the massive life of Peter I, the first Emperor of Russia who stood a reported 6 feet 8 inches tall and physically reshaped his nation. We explore how Peter transformed Russia from a traditional tsardom into a major European power through a blend of radical reform, scientific curiosity, and sheer brute force.

Join us as we discuss:

• The Grand Embassy: Peter’s legendary 18-month "incognito" tour of Western Europe, where he worked as a carpenter in Dutch shipyards, visited the Royal Mint in London, and recruited foreign experts to modernize Russia.

• The Cultural Revolution: How Peter forced Russian nobles to shave their beards (or pay a tax), adopt European clothing, and switch to the Julian calendar.

• The Window to the West: T ...