I really enjoy the podcasts, Damon is a fountain of knowledge on the subject, he reminds me of my own Japanese arts teacher who had a similar depth of knowledge after many years in Japan. One thing i will say is that there is alot of 'opinion' in the history coming from Damon (as is to be expected). He is absolutely spot on with alot of it of course, but is also drawing conclusions along paths that are impossible to know.
But I suppose it's our most controversial episode
One thing i wonder is, what makes you think the information is Controversial? Has anyone refuted it?
I think maybe as someone new to the history of these arts you may have been suprised, but for pretty much everyone i know who has researched the styles there was nothing shocking in there. It certainly wasnt to me and i sent the episode to well known Aikido researcher and blogger Christopher Li who i have a little contact with, and he said it wasn't controvertial either.
Takedas history and life is documented in a number of places, Ellis Amdurs book is one source, but i would also recommend the many articles on Aikido Journal. Stan Pranin is perhaps the greatest Aikido Researcher and he delved very deeply into the history of Daito Ryu.
Keep up the good work mate. Really looking forward to the series on Chinese MA.