Legacy
Original Legacy Productions
Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the rep they deserve. Should Nina Simone’s role in the civil rights movement be more celebrated than it is? When you find out what Picasso got up to in his studio, can you still admire his art? Was Napoleon a hero or a tyrant - or both? (And, while we’re at it, was he even short?) Legacy is the show that looks at big lives from the perspective of now – and doesn’t always like what it sees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 16, 2025 • 41min
The Humble Potato | The Famine and the Frontier | 2
Legacy is back with Part 2 of The Humble Potato. How a miracle crop turned to misery — fuelling famine, exile, and the fight for Irish independence.Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more.legacy.supportingcast.fmStay connected with Legacy:Instagram: @originallegacypodcastTikTok: @legacy_productionsExplore more from Peter and Afua — essays, sources, and ideas: Substack: peterfrankopan.substack.com | afuahirsch.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 46min
The Humble Potato | The Root Of Empires | 1
Discover the surprising history of the potato, a humble root that built empires and transformed economies. The hosts explore its Andean origins, diverse cultivation practices, and cultural significance. Learn how potatoes became entwined with European attitudes, from dismissal to essential food. They discuss the crop's nutritional advantages and its role in population growth and urbanization. Intriguingly, the conversation also touches on how this staple influenced gender roles and social reforms, hinting at the darker aspects of its legacy to come.
11 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 41min
Joan of Arc | The Birth of a Saint | 4
Joan of Arc's tragic fate is explored, revealing her unyielding spirit even as she faced execution. The emotional weight of her martyrdom and its impact on witnesses is vividly portrayed. Despite attempts to diminish her legacy, her story transformed into one of faith and courage. The complex dynamics of her relationship with authority, especially King Charles, highlight her lasting influence on France. Joan’s canonization and her role as a symbol of empowerment for women are also discussed, showcasing her remarkable place in history.
10 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 47min
Joan of Arc | Trial by Fire | 3
Joan of Arc faces disappointment as her march on Paris fails. Determined to drive the English out, she returns to battle but is captured during a fierce fight at Compiègne. The podcast recounts her harrowing captivity and the psychological trauma she endures. As she stands trial, Joan defies a hostile court, clinging to her faith despite relentless interrogation. The discussion highlights the social implications of her gender and the political motives behind her condemnation, preserving her legacy for future generations.
9 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 46min
Joan of Arc | The Girl Who Made a King | 2
Joan of Arc's journey takes a dramatic turn as she successfully liberates Orléans and stands by Charles for his crowning. Her bold leadership inspires French troops in the turbulent Hundred Years' War. The spiritual implications of royal rituals are examined, alongside Joans's ambitious march on Paris amidst rising tensions. As she faces the chaotic challenges of battle and societal pressures, her unwavering courage shines through. The narrative highlights her transformation from military savior to a divine crusader, uniting France against the English threat.
18 snips
May 28, 2025 • 48min
Joan of Arc | The Maid of Orleans | 1
Explore the extraordinary journey of a young girl who claimed to hear the voices of saints, urging her to save France. Delve into the complexities of her life as she defies societal norms and battles against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War. Discover how her divine visions inspired her to unite a fractured nation and lead her people to victory at the Siege of Orléans. Unravel the legacy of a fierce warrior who changed history, challenging gender roles and igniting hope in tumultuous times.
33 snips
May 21, 2025 • 44min
Stalin | The Stain of Stalin | 4
Dive into the chilling world of Stalin's reign, where paranoia and terror shaped everyday life. Discover how his oppressive strategies created a culture of fear, leaving a tangled legacy after his death. Explore the chaotic power struggles that followed, including Khrushchev's bold denunciation and the ongoing impact on modern Russia. Examine the paradox of Stalin's contributions versus the human rights abuses. Unravel the psychological tactics leaders still use to maintain power while questioning why such figures still hold sway in society.
46 snips
May 14, 2025 • 44min
Stalin | Fighting Hitler | 3
Dive into Stalin's tumultuous leadership during World War II, as he grapples with the shock of Hitler's betrayal and the chaos that ensues. Discover the extraordinary patriotism that galvanizes the Soviet people amidst brutality. Explore the personal toll on Stalin, including the tragedy of his son, and the harsh decisions he faced. Unravel the staggering loss of life in the Soviet Union and its implications for modern geopolitics. Finally, witness the birth of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain, reshaping global alliances.
54 snips
May 7, 2025 • 43min
Stalin | The Terror | 2
Delve into the shadowy rise of Stalin, starting from his unpopularity to becoming Lenin's right hand. Witness the fierce power struggles with Trotsky and the ruthless tactics used for consolidation. Hear chilling accounts of the human cost brought by collectivization and Stalin's oppressive rule, particularly the devastating Holodomor famine. Explore the unsettling alliance between Stalin and Hitler, a miscalculation that would have dire implications as World War II loomed on the horizon.
36 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 43min
Stalin | The Georgian Bandit | 1
Delve into the tumultuous early life of Joseph Stalin, shaped by a violent childhood and the challenges of growing up in Georgia. Witness his transformation from a seminary student to a fervent revolutionary, driven by personal tragedies and a burning desire for power. Explore the complexities of his dual identity as both a poet and a dictator, and consider the psychological allure of authoritarian figures. This engaging narrative uncovers the solitude and ambition that propelled Stalin during Russia's revolutionary upheaval.
