Mungo Park Did Not Discover Anything

The Dirty Lie Podcast

On The Dirty Lie Podcast, join hosts Adesuwa and TMT as they delve into the life and voyages of Mungo Park, famed Scottish explorer known for his exploration of the River Niger. They discuss and critique the romanticized connotation of the term 'explorer' and highlight its ties to colonial intrusions.

Taking a deep dive into Park's famous account from his book "Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa," the hosts analyze the long-standing impact of colonial misinformation like his claim of a non-existent "Mountains of Kong."

The podcast also brings up recent controversies and pop culture incidents, adding a light-hearted touch to the intense historical discourse. Join in this journey as we work together to uncover the true tales of Mungo Park.

The podcast discusses Park's inherited wealth which aided his exploration ambition, contrasting his parent's hope of him becoming a minister. The tale of Park's first journey to Africa’s interior in 1794, braving climate, diseases, and language barriers to discover more about African societies and their rich cultures, sheds light on his personal tenacity and curiosity.

Aside from recounting Park's journey, the podcast also underscores the equal humanity and respect Park attributed to African people and their cultures in his renowned book - "Travels in the Interior of Africa."

The narrative then delves into the darker aspects of these explorations: their role in resource extraction, neo-colonialism, and neo-slavery prevalent in countries around the world today. The podcast ends on a thought-provoking note, highlighting the need to question ethnocentric views while recognizing the existing connected global societies before European explorations.