Podcast Episodes

Episode 139: The History of the Toilet

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn the history of the humble toilet, and hear how it has developed over the years from a rudimentary necessity to something that has bolstered both public he…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Episode 138: The Order of Assassins

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the true story of the Order of Assassins, also known as the Nizari Ismaili, as they pursued their political and religious goals with fanatically loyal,…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Episode 137: Alexander Selkirk, the Real-World Crusoe

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Alexander Selkirk, a castaway whose incredible tale was one of the real-life inspirations for the famous novel Robinson Crusoe.

Hosted on Acas…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Episode 136: King Ludwig II, the Fairytale King

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, uncover the tale of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was responsible for securing a great cultural legacy for his kingdom - including the construction of the magn…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Episode 135: The History of Football

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the history of football, from its origins as an anarchic, violent game played by hundreds to the many various codes that have developed over the years.…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Episode 134: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Grandmother of Europe

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the richest and most powerful women in mediaeval Europe, and learn how she helped to shape the history of both En…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Episode 133: The First-Term Achievements of Every Single US President

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, test the claim made earlier this week that the outgoing US presidency represents the "greatest first term ever" by examining every single first term of every si…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Episode 132: History’s Shortest Reigns

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the rulers throughout history that had the shortest reigns - although not all of them are accepted, even the disputed ones make for some great stories.…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Episode 131: The Mongol Invasions of Japan

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, hear the tale of the Mongol Invasions of Japan, and the unlikely way in which the invasions ultimately failed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i…

Published on 5 years ago

Episode 130: The Historic Origins of Popular Sayings

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, discover the origins of four commonly-used modern sayings: "beyond the pale", "fiddling while Rome burns", "red herring", and "hoist with his own petard".

Hoste…

Published on 5 years ago