What's the History?: Recent Episodes
Claire Cotter
An informal but informative trip through all things historical, What's the History is a good craic podcast brought to you by Claire Cotter and Fi Barry, two history teachers who want you to learn and laugh. So grab a cup of tea and settle in as we bring you along with us on a tour of the grim, the great and the ghastly.
This week Fi shares an account of a fireworks disaster and Claire discusses the Moberly-Jourdain Incident which is a little creepy. Bon Appetite!
We are finally back! We missed you so much. Today's episode is as chaotic as ever, with discussions of castration, cults, Vin Diesel and there is singing, of course. Please come back to us. Also Fi is engaged, huzzah!
Today, Claire tells us about some frankly GRIM ritual sacrifices throughout history and Fi tells us the truly gripping story of Kim Hyon-hui. And yes, there are Facebook memories.
Hi there! We are back with a super fun episode. We lament the passing of the First Dog of Ireland and Fi talks us through Bernie Madoff, the mad lad. Claire shares some truly CRAZY historical coincidences. Enjoy!
We are finally back! We have missed you so much :( Today, Claire tells us all about the historicity of the one and only Jesus Christ and Fi talks us through the history of the circus and a very tragic event that we laugh really inappropriately at and feel really really bad about. We are sorry for who we are. Also, check out Claire's new website for school notes- https://mscotterclass.com
Welcome to Season 2 frens :)
Episode 62 is here and we're back and ready to tell you all about beavers dropping out of the skies and extinct creepy creatures. We also dish out some more cringey Facebook memories to enlighten your day and make you feel better about yourself. It's a public service!
We managed to stick to our schedule which means we have a lovely long episode for you all! We share HORRIFIC Facebook memories #RunRompPlay. Fi cools us all down with a pretty sad tale of an old-timey blizzard and Claire talks about jaws and Joanna the Mad...and the worst husband there ever was. Enjoy frens.
Episode 60 is in the house. We're back! We have missed you so much! In this week's ep, we explain our absence and encourage you to keep both hands on the steering wheel.
This week, Claire dives into the topic of ADHD where she shares her own personal experiences of living with ADHD, as well as its research history which dates back to the 1700s. Fi tells you all about the Attica Prison Riot, which helped change the views regarding prisoner rights in America.
Episode 59 of What's The History? is now available on Spotify and Applepodcasts. It's Halloween time!
In this weeks episode Claire and Fi celebrate Halloween by confronting some Facebook memories, diving into Loftus Hall and learning about some very scary ghost ladies. Claire also discusses the story of the headless horseman. They also discuss some demon facts and look into a horrifying children's film that depicts Satan himself.
We are back! Claire talks about the Nazi racial policy, in particular the mass murder of disabled children. It is a very tough listen but it's important that they are never forgotten. Fi tells us about the history of court jesters. Listen out for Roland the Farter. It's a bit of levity in an otherwise difficult episode but we tried to make you all giggle at the end with our discussion of Halloween movies. Enjoy and like, subscribe, share x
This week on 'What's The History?', Fi tells us all about the Batavia disaster. (Basically the ship trip of your nightmares). Claire introduces us to Barney the Dinosaur and all the different ways society absolutely hated him. Just check out Jihad.net!
Hello History Buffs! Claire is here to infect your minds with knowledge of the Plague. She could have worded that better. Fi shares the best maritime story yet. If you think you're incompetent, meet the USS Willie D. Enjoy xx
Hi there, hello there! This week, we have the chats (tm) and Fi tells us about Formosus, the Dope Pope who was dug up to stand trial. Claire tells us the sad story of the Queen's first cousins whom you've probably never heard of. Enjoy!
We are back and as spicy as ever. We talk very candidly about our reaction to Queen Elizabeth's death. We also discuss the case of the Transphobic Teacher. I told you it was spicy.
Fi is back and she has another classic tale of survival at sea. It involves shark blood and terrible accents. Claire is here to depress and educate us all with tales of the Encephalitis Lethargica epidemic of the early 20th century. Enjoy!
What's the History is officially one year old! We will have a normal episode for you all real soon but today, I (Claire) took some time to say thank you, have a little chat with you all and tell you the story of the Hunt family from Kilkelly, Mayo, Ireland. There is an absolutely beautiful folk song written by American songwriter Peter Jones based on letters sent to America following the Great Famine and I attempt to sing it. Let's pretend it's 5 am at an Irish wedding and we won't leave the Resident's Bar.
You can vote for our podcast in the Listener's Choice category at the Irish Podcast Awards by visiting this link: https://www.theirishpodcastawards.ie/vote/
You can hear a much better version of the Kilkelly song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRHQAtKbRTk
You can access the original letters here: https:https://www.irishcentral.com/news/homepage/the-moving-letters-of-a-family-to-their-son-in-america-after-the-famine#:~:text=These%20were%20a%20series%20of,by%20local%20schoolmaster%20Pat%20McNamara.
WE ARE BACK!!! We absolutely loved recording this episode and had such a laugh. Claire tells the creepy story of the lost Roanoke Colony of 1590 and Fi tells us about Roy, a park ranger whose luck is definitely worse than yours.
It is our 50th episode and what better way to celebrate than to discuss all things nineties and naughties. We talk school, books, toys, music and TV with a bit of miscellany thrown in. It's like a warm bath in the sink.
We are back! Fi tells us all about Jeanne de Clisson who sailed her revenge ship which she called.. 'My Revenge.' We love her.
Claire discussed the Amish community in the US as well as Ireland's small Amish-Mennonite community.
We also talk about carpet sweepers, call cards and cassette because of course we do.
Hello frennns. This week, Claire has perhaps the most BONKERS story ever told on the pod. It is amazing. It is the story of a man, his dickie bow, a double murder and the Attorney General. Fi talks us through the mystery of The Man in the Iron Mask and it is so much fun. We loved this one.
There are no words to describe how chaotic this episode is but we will try:
-Fi tells us an AMAZING story about a local man who aimed to break a world record. He puts all other mad lads to shame.
-Claire gives you all nightmares by reminding you of your Leaving Cert poets. But actually, they're super lovely and fun. Trigger warning if you've lost someone close to you because so many of the poems are about death, grief and memory.
-Luke Kelly sings
-We talk about B*Witched and Fi gets so excited that she farts. We decided not to edit it out because we're all about being real.
We've gone full History Channel and talked about alien abductions. But like, in the context of the Cold War. Claire tells us all about the alleged abduction of Betty and Barney Hill and Fi shares the great story of Nellie Bly, all-round feminist bad-ass. Happy listening!
We are back and we are GIDDY. Fi tells us the story of an absolute BOSS survivor. We giggle inappropriately and we are sorry. Claire fangirls over Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. We missed you, let's never fight again.
It's Claire's birthdaaaaaay! She is here to share some fun and weird historical facts, have a laugh and cause general chaos. Fi tells us all about Colditz Prison and there is bonus Johnny Logan in honour of Claire's birth. We love you.
This week's episode is a long one but we promise it's super interesting!
Fi tells the story of one of the most famous robberies in American history and we discuss whether snitches should in fact get stitches.
Claire discusses some famous fugitives who simply disappeared: Lord Lucan, DB Cooper, The Bloody Benders, Black Bart and a 13th century Irish witch you definitely didn't want to marry. MAJOR trigger warning for Claire's piece- mentions of suicide, murder and violence.
We really enjoyed this one and as always, thank you so much for tuning in!
The title makes it sound like they dueled each other but they probably didn't. Claire talks us through the life and death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Fi details a duel between Andrew Jackson and someone who was not Charles Dickens.
Fi drops an F-bomb that we didn't edit out due to a popular vote (and you can barely hear it anyway). Claire snorts. There is singing. Honestly, there is everything. There is all of it.
Hello there listeners! This week, Claire opens up about her mental health struggles. We know this is a history podcast so if you want to skip the personal stuff, skip forward to 20.00.
Fi tells a riveting story about two friends on a dangerous mountaineering expedition where one of them has to make a pretty tough decision. Claire spreads her pagan-Marxist-woke agenda by discussing a history of gender fluidity.
We enjoyed this one and we thank you so much for tuning in.
Hello and thank you so much for tuning in! This week, Claire talks about the most controversial incident in wrestling history: The Montreal Screwjob. Even if wrestling isn't your bag, this story is guaranteed to shock and entertain you. Fi tells us all about The Turk, a chess playing automaton. He just wants to be loved. And play chess.
We are BACK! This week's episode is A LOT but hey...if you're still listening, you clearly like it so technically, TECHNICALLY, this is your fault.
Fi tells us all about the time she found a shark. Oh, and she talks about Pearl Hart, a gunslinger from the Old West with just the purdiest name.
Claire talks about some absolute beauties of Hollywood and their fairly chaotic personal lives. And yes, we ate Luigis.
Hi! We hope you enjoy our new and improved sound so you can enjoy our singing in crispy audio format. Claire traumatises us all with fairy tales or as Fi has dubbed them, 'Clairey Tales'. Fi is begging me to write 'Can Genghis Kick It? Yes he Khan' and I can't say no...so here we are.
We have ANOTHER episode for you because we missed you so much. Fi recounts the tragic tale of the Hindenburg Disaster and Claire talks about Lizzie Borden, the most dodgy person ever acquitted of murder with the possible exception of someone else we wont name because we don't want to be sued, oj? Sorry, that was a typo.
A few things: we hadn't seen each other in a while and we had just watched Shrek the Musical. Claire talks about Saint Patrick and plays Music Box Dancer and Fi tells us all about the shambolic 1904 Olympic marathon. It's a bonkers episode but you're still here, sooo...
(Return of the Claire). In this week’s episode, our girl Claire returns to the podcast where she discusses the assassination of American President Abraham Lincoln, while simultaneously diving into some (seriously freaky) astonishing facts that occurred around the build up to his death. Let’s just say, there are a lot of people with a lot of ‘links’ involved. Fi discusses the Great Leap Forward that decimated China in the 1960s. More like the Great Leap Backwards, but we’ll have enough of that Mao.
This week's episode covers the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the history of NATO, the EU and the escalation of tensions. We also look at what it means for Ireland. Fi tells us about a terrible Ivan.
We fit a lot in today. We spoke about our love for Red Dead Redemption 2, Wikipedia and... Santana. Fi spoke about a steamboat disaster from the 19th Century and Claire discussed the Milgram Experiment, held during the trial of captured Nazi, Adolf Eichmann.
This week, Claire chats about the Irish War of Independence, focusing on the actions of the infamous Black and Tan reinforcements. Fi tells us all about Mauro Prosperi, a marathon survivor with just... the best story. As always, we would appreciate a subscription on your platform of choice and a rating. You can follow is on whats_thehistory on Instagram to stay up to date with all our nonsense.
Ok, the title is clickbait. There are comets coming but it's fine. Fi tells us all about the 1910 arrival of Halley's Comet and the ensuing panic. Claire talks about Jack the Ripper and it is pretty gruesome but she really tried to leave out the worst of it because she loves you and doesn't want to give you bad dreams. It's still pretty rough. It's also loooong so we hope you can put up with us lol.
This week we have a special guest on the pod- Dave O' Connell, chemistry teacher extraordinaire is here to chat with us about Marie Curie. Claire recounts the events of Bloody Sunday, 1972 and Fi talks crap. Literally.
Hello everyonnnne!!!! Fi is back and is bringing some more Aussie drama, this time in the form of Ned Kelly, outlaw extraordinaire. Claire fangirls over Clodagh Finn, whose books she is currently reading which detail some truly amazing Irish women in history you've probably never heard of. It's giggly and chaotic and we only sing twice.
This week a solo Claire reads a short story by Irish literary giant, Frank O' Connor. The story is set during the Irish War of Independence where two English soldiers are held prisoner by the IRA. When the soldiers and their Irish minders start to bond, conflict arises over what to do with them.
Fi is absent for this episode but will return very soon. I missed her :(
We drank a lot of coffee. How much coffee is too much? This much. Seriously.
Claire talks about the North Sentinelese and why they need to be left alone. And also, they'll kill you. Fi tells us about the Dogger Bank Incident. Again, there are accents and again, we are sorry.
Happy New Year! In this episode, Fi tells us the story of Ilya Ivanov, a mad scientist altogether. What would you call a chimp human hybrid? I don't think anything can beat 'bonobro' to be honest.
Claire talks about movies. Lots of movies. Some historically accurate, some not so much. Enjoy everyone and don't forget to rate us pretty please.
In this week's episode, Claire tells the story of a Finnish soldier who took so much meth amphetamine that... well, listen and you'll see. Fi tells us about a South Korean actress who was brought to Kim Jong Il's attention and that's never a good thing.
Fi tells us all about Belfast's Sheila the elephant, who survived WWII. Claire talks us through the marriages of Henry VII. There are some pretty dramtic breakups. Merry Histmas! We love you. As a friend xxx
It's pretty self-explanatory. Claire watched 'The Last Samurai' lately so she talks all things Samurai. With added Ninjas. Fi tells us about Robert Liston, surgeon not so extraordinaire.
Fi tells us about another failed expedition that included camels, Chinese gongs and bad accents. Claire recounts the tale of the Chicago Eight. We love you all.
Claire goes a bit off the wall this week and tells us about the time a swimming rabbit attacked Jimmy Carter among other wild historical moments and Fi regales us with the story of Rasputin, possibly more of an OG mad lad than all of Claire's mad lads combined. We also have a filthy Mozart-composed round for you to enjoy. It's a crazy one!
In today's episode, Fi tells us the story of Sultan Ibrahim and Claire talks us through the nuances of Hiberno-English. We had so much funnnnn.
It's a space-themed episode! Claire talks us through The Drake Equation, The Rare Earth Hypothesis, The Fermi Paradox and The Wow Signal and Fi tells the tragic story of the Challenger Disaster.
It's Fi's birthday and in honour of her, we have a truly great episode! Fi takes us through the wild story of Michael Rockefeller, possible cannibal victim. Claire discusses the time Superman beat the KKK.
Also, we have a new feature #Ackshually and new theme music. Enjoy x
Hello listeners! In this episode, Claire details the heartbreaking story of the Maamtrasna Murders and the execution of Myles Joyce, in what is considered on of the country's greatest miscarriages of justice. Fi talks about ouija boards and why they went from ouija to ouiNO.
In this bonus episode, Claire and Fi tell the true story of a spooky encounter that haunts them to this day.
In this brief bonus episode, Claire talks about why being historically conscious is now more important than ever and why, as educators, we have a real responsibility to do a good job.
We’ll both be back this weekend!
In this episode, Claire talks about vampires and the inspiration behind the most famous of all vampires, Dracula. Fi tells a frankly terrifying story that she called 'vanilla' and that made Claire ackshually get a little scared. So you know it's good.
Fi tells us the story of Sado, the craziest Prince you've probably never heard of. Claire takes us through the controversial assassination of JFK. Did Oswald act alone? Or was he part of a greater conspiracy? Enjoy!
We're sorry in advance for how scary this episode is... Claire talks about Leap Castle and its ghostly inhabitants and Fi tells the story of Bloody Mackenzie who is just about as scary as he sounds. Enjoy!
Episode 13 is witch episode!
Hello everyone! How are you? This week, Fi tells us all about the Concorde. Remember Concorde?! Claire takes us through the Salem Witch Trials with added Irish Fairy Murder. It's a bumper episode for spooky season.
If you guys think you know someone who would like this episode, please share. Remember to subscribe, rate and chat to us on Instagram at whats_thehistory
Mwah!
In a beautiful moment of synchronicity, our stories complement each other better than ketchup and chips. Claire tells the rather disturbing story of HH Holmes, often regarded as America's first serial killer who built himself a murder castle. Fi talks us through the exploits of Elizabeth Holmes, fraudster extraordinaire. It's a bumper episode so grab a cuppa and enjoy! Remember to follow our Instagram at whats_thehistory
Thanks everyone!
We are back, we are caffeinated and we have stories! This week, Fi tells us about some pretty horrific historical jobs. Claire regales us with the exploits of Grace O' Malley, bad ass pirate Queen of the sixteenth century. Snuggle up and enjoy.
This week, Claire provides the historical context for the Irish Civil War with some local history thrown in for good measure. Fi describes some prehistoric creatures that will fuel your nightmares. Sorry. Listen for info on free merch and follow our new Instagram please.
We're baaaaack! This week, Fi tells us all about mad Mappae Mundi, medieval depictions of the earth with added monsters and Claire takes us through the legend and historicity of Robin Hood, with bonus Bryan Adams.
Hi listeners! It's been a busy week but we are back. Claire talks about the War of the Roses. Are you #TeamYork or #TeamLancaster? She also talks about the much maligned Richard III and whether historical assessments of him are fair. Fi shares the origins and true meanings of some not-so-nice nursery rhymes. Enjoy!
In this fun-filled episode, Fi tells us about the vengeance-filled exploits of Olga of Kiev, the OG Bride from KIll Bill but with, like, a lot more revenge. Claire fan-girls over the Voyager Space Probes and talks about Uranus. Cut out that giggling.
Helllloooo! This week, Claire tells us about the fate of Hitler's dog, Blondi and discusses how the descendants of high-ranking Nazis dealt with their fathers' legacies and Fi tells us about a medieval dancing plague that is absolutely not as fun as it sounds.
Warning: During Claire's story, there is mentions of suicide and child murder.
Welcome back! This week, Fi gives us a gripping account of Abe Lincoln's near-death experience (with accents). Claire is recovering from vax no 2 but shares some examples of historical graffiti with us, with added bad trip advisor reviews.
Welcome to episode 4! Claire pays tribute to one of history's greatest minds and tragedies, Alan Turing. Fi tells us about some chaotic ancient death sports, one of which is naked MMA. Please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a review. We love you.
Note: We wanted to give a good taste of what the podcast will be like going forward with a few episodes in week one, so now we will be continuing with one episode a week. Thank you all for the support 💜
In this episode, Claire regales us with tales of historical executions and executioners. It's a bit grim; you'll love it. Fi tells us about an Arctic expedition that was really poorly planned. Like, really poorly. Enjoy!
Welcome to episode 2! This time around, Fi shares the tale of a pirate with a very 'hearty' appetite and Claire tells us about some peculiar pets, including an eel with earrings. Yes, really.
Welcome to our very first episode! In this episode, Claire regales us with the alleged war-time activities of French fashion powerhouse Coco Chanel and Fi recounts the riveting tale of the Crafts, a couple who escaped their lives as slaves in the American South. Please subscribe and leave a rating and most of all, enjoy!
Note: The sound in our opening episode is not great (read: Claire put her mic on the wrong setting, silly rabbit) so apologies and it has been fixed in the successive episodes.