A weekly history based podcast where we discuss lesser known moments from the past, or shine a new light on famous events, in our own distinctive British way.
Episodes
May 9, 2018
May 9, 2018
51 min
This week Innes tells us all about the Dance Plague which swept across Europe. It made people burst into uncontrollable dance for days on end!
We float a ton of theories about the dancing, which range from the unlikely (it’s a ploy to get off work for a week) to the plausible (it’s all about them toxins).
In the Big Question we discuss which popular dance we would choose to break out if we were infected with the plague.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
May 2, 2018
May 2, 2018
42 min
Lorna reports on the fascinating tale of a slave called Benkos Bioho who escaped captivity in late 16th century Colombia. He and other escaped slaves founded a city that still stands today. These outlaw slaves would braid maps into their hair to help others escape.
We also go off topic talking about the potential of seeds growing into people’s heads, and what fictional place we would want a map to.
This week it’s revealed where guinea pigs originated from too!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Apr 25, 2018
Apr 25, 2018
58 min
There’s a lot to take in this week as Matt reports on the life and death of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly.
Innes starts the episode as he means to go on by saying “Sneezelize on air”.
There’s a nice rendition of a Buddy Holly song and we debate the decision making of the young singer in proposing five hours into a first date.
There’s also talk of some dreadful bus journeys and Innes gets angry at Matt for his tendency to report on topics filled with death!
We all come to the unfortunate realisation that we have faces for podcasting.
Check on Twitter for a link to the Big Bopper’s song Chantilly Lace.
Also Innes basically shouts down the microphone to promote the twitter and email so cover your ears!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Apr 18, 2018
Apr 18, 2018
45 min
Innes this week tells the story of American long jumper Bob Beamon and his Olympic journey. In discussing Olympic victory we all have a good brag about our own insignificant achievements.
Also, Lorna learns she would make a great Premier League football centre-back, and Innes gets all confused about hunting and shooting sports.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Apr 11, 2018
Apr 11, 2018
58 min
This week Lorna focuses on the origins of feminism after Mexico’s revolution in Yucatan, mainly focusing on Elvia and Felipe Carillo Puerto. There are a lot of Spanish names this week so it’s a bit complicated. Also apologies as we had a lot of problems with the audio, and you may only hear Innes and Dan coming through your left earphone. We’re working on it.
As usual there’s a good mix of facts along with some random nonsense. We deliver some hard truths to Dan about his old age, Innes talks about the “Gunplowder plot” and there’s a lengthy discussion about the Kong family of Mario Brothers fame.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Apr 4, 2018
Apr 4, 2018
49 min
As this week was a bit of a rush, Matt gives you a little background before the music hits. Then we dive right into a very unpleasant story about the Beat generation. The focus is on the relationship between Lucien Carr and David Kammerer. What transpired has been called the moment that ignited the Beat Generation and it inspired some of the 20th century’s most famous pieces of fiction.
Listen out for Innes’s misunderstanding of names and discussions about David Cameron and Jack Anorak. It’s a bit of a dark topic this week, but don’t worry the mood is lightened through the discussion of our PE lessons.
Also this week Innes’ album came out, so check out ‘I’ve Gone In At The Deep End’ by Innes Jackson on Spotify and beyond.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Mar 28, 2018
Mar 28, 2018
56 min
Innes returns this week with a report on one of his favourite things: vegetables.
Lorna has an update on her relationship to James Barry and Innes tells us about his burn.
Also Innes has some interesting diet tips and your hosts take part in an impromptu pub quiz. Play along!
Finally, be scared of pigs, they’ll eat ya.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Mar 21, 2018
Mar 21, 2018
39 min
Special guest Faye Barry joins Lorna Barry this week and there’s a report on Doctor Barry! So many Barry’s!
In other news, Matt gets very distracted by giant tortoises and we learn an interesting fact about a South African President.
In the Big Question Faye has some great advice for those visiting New York.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Mar 14, 2018
Mar 14, 2018
42 min
This week, after a bit of a false start when he thought he was doing a report on the Black Dahlia, Matt tells us all about the tragic life and death of Peg Entwistle. It’s quite a sombre episode this week so not really a barrel of laughs, but still interesting stuff!
In other news, Lorna is really into knitting at the moment and won’t shut up about it so that makes an appearance this week too. In terms of the Big Question, Lorna gives a really sincere answer, but naturally Matt just wants to inspire people to snap chopsticks…
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Mar 7, 2018
Mar 7, 2018
51 min
Sometime around 120AD the Ninth Legion of the Roman Army disappeared without a trace. What happened to the Legion? Were they ambushed? Did they migrate? Who knows, but we give it a good go this week as Lorna reports on the mystery.
It’s not all smooth sailing though as Lorna stumbles over her big reveal of the podcast topic and gets confused about an eagle, but at least she still manages to make herself laugh. (I’d be surprised if anyone loves Merry Madagascar more than her).
Matt also gives the most convoluted answer to this week’s Big Question.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson