Histories of the Unexpected

This is the THIRD in this special series of Histories of the Unexpected Episodes geared towards homeschooling, as the United Kingdom and much of the globe enters into lockdown, schools close, and the world begins a period of isolation and educated online and at home. Over the next few weeks, we will endeavour to record a series of history podcast episodes catering for kids, parents and teachers, w...

This is the SECOND in what promises to be a special series of Histories of the Unexpected Episodes geared towards homeschooling, as the United Kingdom and much of the globe enters into lockdown, schools close, and the world begins a period of isolation and educated online and at home. Over the next few weeks, we will endeavour to record a series of history podcast episodes catering for kids, paren...

This is the first in what promises to be a special series of Histories of the Unexpected Episodes geared towards homeschooling, as the United Kingdom and much of the globe enters into lockdown, schools close, and the world begins a period of isolation and educated online and at home. Over the next few weeks, we will endeavour to record a series of history podcast episodes catering for kids, parent...

Join the award winning Histories of the Unexpected team as Sam and James turn their minds to the history of ANGER! It's all about Captain Cook, running amok, understanding anger, harnessing it, taking your anger out on art and other iconoclasm, boxing, suffragettes, and the most astonishingly rude letter you will ever have heard (or read) ever - and it's from the sixteenth century! And as always w...

Sam and James tackle the Unexpected history of contagion in this impromptu brain explosion recorded in the car! (so apologies for not ideal sound quality). It's all about catching infection in bags, infectious ideas, crazes, modern tech, fear, panic, experts, the Dance Macabre, and conspiracy! Timely and fascinating - it's one of the best episodes yet.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Sam and James continue their unexpected history of Darwin inspired by their visit to the Darwin archives at Shrewsbury School. Part 2 includes a fascinating interview with the archivist responsible for the MIND BLOWING library! It's all about rivalry and intermarriage, doodling, smells, and teeny tiny books! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join James and Sam as they explore the unexpected history of Darwin! Inspired by a trip to Shrewsbury School (which Darwin attended) and a peek at their Darwin collection and astonishing library, we discover that Darwin's history is actually all about chopping boards, desks, childhood obsession, rivalry, cousins, apologies and mistakes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's one of the best episodes ever! The amazing history of brothers and sisters - or the absence of them...Brother Sam and Brother James spend some time talking about the history of planks (what!!!) before cracking on with SIBLINGS! They're all about religion, William and Harry (and many other Royals), sibling rivalry, press manipulation, fake news, changing family relationships, loyalty, codes, h...

Sam and James go back to the question of DEATH so much is there to explore! It's all about pickaxes, toads, wizards, witches, the Garter Principle King of Arms (great title), Elizabeth I's funeral procession, silk, false teeth, control, wardship, BODYSNATCHING, death as a business... It's a cracker of an episode even if we say so ourselves and it will haunt you forever. We hope...And it's much mor...

Join the Histories of the Unexpected team for a mad ramble through the history of...death. It's a creepy one alright. And you'll never think about death the same way ever again. Guaranteed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Willis and James Daybell take on the UNEXPECTED history of TRUTH and LIES! It's all about the FBI, printing in Renaissance Italy, fake news, surveillance technologies, and Hollywood actress Jean Seberg, ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Willis and James Daybell take on the UNEXPECTED history of CLOTHING! It's all about social control, death, recycling and mending, nationalism, Venice, knights and maidens, the Crown Jewels, ostriches, Thomas Wolsey, and the rediscovery of a long lost dress that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth I of England! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Willis and James Daybell are inspired by the new film Judy and Punch to explore the fascinating history of puppets! They're all about noses, propaganda, domestic violence, totalitarian rule, mischief, squeaking, industrialisation and disease. Who knew?!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Bonfire Night, Sam Willis and James Daybell explore the unexpected history of fire. It's all about communicating with fire, propaganda, speeches, hunting, exploring, Captain Cook, arrows, burning barrels, heresy, greed, Zoroastrianism, the rise of Islam, eternal flames, paisley, Dante's Inferno, treachery and Julius Caesar! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Halloween and Bonfire Night, Sam and James discuss the unexpected history of blood and bones: it's all about prehistoric axes, mass graves, Viking armies, Tudor surgery, bear baiting, blood sports, how much it costs to make a human being, Ottomans, Italy, and eating human bone powder. So that's cannibalism too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and James explore the UNEXPECTED history of the Spanish Armada. It's all about collapsed expectation, flags, spies (as always), threat, fire, people not doing the right jobs, seasickness and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, James interviews Miss Walsingham herself, Nadine Akkerman from Leiden University on her new book about seventeenth-century female spies, 'Invisible Agents'! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Sam explain how you can think about the history of spies...it's all about honey, codes, eggs and invisibility! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam spends a happy hour talking to the scientist Adam Rutherford about humans! The history of humans is all about - masks, ties, make-up, sea-otters, penguins, and whales playing the violin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Sam explain how you can think about the history of humans...it's all about behaviour, art, hands, animals, hats...you'll never think about yourself in the same way ever again...GUARANTEED. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James and Sam take time out before their show at Dartington Hall to explore its UNEXPECTED history: It's all about the history of wild swimming, accidents, hiding, subversion and the Knights Templar! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and James explore the extraordinary history of executions! It's all about judgement and seagulls - and obviously pirates and highwaymen, And cannibals. And fattening. And the law. And wheels and entrails. And encouragement. And speeches. And smiles, propaganda, entertainment and...the self. And poor old Lady Jane Grey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and James take time out from preparing their live show at Beaminster to visit the local museum and discuss their latest discoveries. Beaminster? Well it's all about pronunciation, community, witches, punishment and, of course...deer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and James continue their Unexpected History of Cricket with an interview of Vic Marks, England and Somerset spin bowler, author, journalist and legend of the BBC Test Match Special commentary team. It's all about cowmen, photos, memory, language and entertainers.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and James discuss the unexpected history of the Nazis. They're all about, motherhood, shame, medals, public speaking, architecture and cars....who knew? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.