Neptune's Fortune - An interview with author Julian Sancton

The Explorers Podcast

Matt Breen

History, Education, Society & Culture

4.9 • 1.7K Ratings

🗓️ 21 April 2026

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This is the story of the world's most valuable sunken treasure galleon - the San José - lost off the coast of Colombia in 1708. "Neptune's Gold: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire" recounts the events surrounding the sinking of the vessel - and then 300+ years of searching to find the $1 billion in gold and silver that was lost in the wreck. This includes a cast of characters as colorful as they are mysterious - including Cuban-American shipwreck fanatic Roger Dooley. In this episode we interview author Julian Sancton (who also wrote the amazing "Madhouse at the End of the Earth") who talks about the book, the people involved, the legacy of Spanish gold and silver, and the future of the treasure. Learn more about Neptune's Fortune: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723956/neptunes-fortune-by-julian-sancton/ Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.
0:04.8	Hear that.
0:05.8	It's your big McDonald's hunger calling.
0:08.0	And that's not just any kind of hunger.
0:09.7	It's the kind that calls for the big arch.
0:12.1	Stack with juicy beef, cheddar cheese and that big arch sauce.
0:15.4	Oh, and don't forget those crispy onions.
0:18.0	Hungry?
0:18.6	You are now.
0:21.3	Serve from 11 a.m.
0:22.3	subject to availability.
0:23.4	Price and participation may vary.
0:24.8	Everybody shush!
0:26.1	William Shatner has something to say.
0:28.0	Cat and Jethro, box of oddities.
0:30.8	The show is examined weird things.
0:33.5	What do you do when the woman you love dies?
0:37.4	Well, of course you dig her up and you live with her.
0:39.5	Aw.
0:40.1	That is really mysterious.
0:42.5	The strange, the bizarre, the unexpected.
0:46.5	Cat and Jethro, Box of Oddities.
	...

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