We Are History
Angela Barnes and John O'Farrell
The less-than-serious history podcast with stand up comedian Angela Barnes (The News Quiz, Mock The Week and Live at The Apollo) and writer John O'Farrell (An Utterly Impartial History of Britain, Things Can Only Get Better, Spitting Image). In each podcast our two history nerds discuss, explain and laugh at interesting and quirky episodes from the olden days, such as East German Nudism, Spy Pigeons or Vlad the Impaler. Angela and John’s in-depth knowledge of world history has been described as ‘laughable’ - and now they read the history books so that you don't have to. The We Are History podcast - not as world-changing as the Black Death, but slightly funnier.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 5, 2021 • 47min
The Abdication Crisis - 1936
Back in 1936 the newspapers were utterly scandalised by a British royal abandoning his stately duties to run off with a controversial divorced American. Hard to imagine today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 29, 2021 • 1h 5min
Operation Mincemeat - 1943
How a homeless Welsh alcoholic helped transform the fortunes of the British Army in the Second World War, despite already being dead. (Warning, podcast contains bad Churchill impressions.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 snips
Mar 21, 2021 • 49min
Prohibition
The 1920s alcohol ban led to unexpected chaos, turning ordinary citizens into criminals and igniting the rise of infamous gangsters. Cultural tensions from immigrant drinking traditions fueled resistance, while women's activism played a crucial role in temperance movements. The hosts delve into the rise of speakeasies and the creativity behind illegal drinking tactics, including bathtub gin and moonshine. Prohibition's impact on organized crime and subsequent social changes reveal fascinating lessons about regulation and public behavior.
11 snips
Mar 15, 2021 • 1h 8min
Zoo Wars
Explore the quirky competition between East and West Berlin's zoos during the Cold War! Animals like pandas and hippos became surprising propaganda tools in this political battle. Hear about the heroic efforts of Katerina Heinroth in wartime and how each zoo tried to outshine the other with star attractions. Discover the fascinating impact of the Berlin Wall on zoo diplomacy and the unforgettable panda coup of the 1980s. This is a captivating tale of how creatures became symbols of national pride!
Mar 8, 2021 • 39min
Lesbian Pirates!?
The incredible story of Ann Bonny and Mary Read, both illegitimate and raised as boys in the early 18th century, they brought terror to the Caribbean after meeting on a lesbian pirate website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 1, 2021 • 51min
The Aids Crisis
How the historical prejudice against homosexuals was given fresh impetus in the 1980s by a mysterious illness which seemed to target gay men. And John struggles to admit that the Tory minister did "a good thing". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 22, 2021 • 1h 8min
When Britain was a Republic 1649-60
Britain under Oliver Cromwell's Puritan dictatorship; no theatres, no Christmas and no music - so a tough old decade for Catholic panto stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 snips
Feb 15, 2021 • 45min
Celtic Britain v Roman Empire (away win)
Dive into the thrilling clash between the Celtic warriors and the Roman Empire in ancient Britain! Explore Julius Caesar's tumultuous early visits and the unique Celtic culture that baffled the Romans. Discover the strategic maneuverings of Emperor Claudius, including the dramatic Battle of the Medway and the iconic victory parade complete with elephants. Uncover Boudicca's fierce revolt and the subsequent Roman expansion into Scotland. Delve into the complexities of governance, Romanization, and the legacy left behind after the empire's withdrawal.
Feb 8, 2021 • 58min
The Big Stink - 1858
How the River Thames became one massive open sewer, forcing Parliament to close the windows and do something about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 28, 2020 • 59min
2020 (Thank God it's history)
For our last podcast of the year we attempt our own first draft of history; looking back at the year that has just been, when Covid-19 meant a complete change of behaviour for us all (except the people telling us to completely change our behaviour). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
