Idiots Talk History: Recent Episodes
Idiots Talk History
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.
This is our last episode as we have now left our homes to go travelling for a while. For the last time, Lorna does a report. It's on Frida Kahlo, covering some little known facts about the Mexican artist and her relationship with Leon Trotsky.
We start by struggling to say the word preparatory in true Idiots style and it doesn't get much better from there.
We just want to say a big thank you for listening to us ramble on for 80 episodes!!
As we have discussed on the pod you are able to keep up with our adventures on our new podcast On The Move. The preview is now available on all podcast apps, and the episodes will follow soon. The Instagram is also @onthemovepod so keep an eye out for our adventure pictures!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Matt tells the crazy story of Mark Hofmann, the forger who really had it out for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the 1980's Hofmann made a fortune through his forgeries and counterfeiting. Then it all went wrong.
Elsewhere we discuss how Jesus would invite disciples to the Last Supper and Lorna rants about teachers looking for deeper meanings in the colour blue.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Matt reports on the film director that many regard as the greatest ever. Orson Welles led a fascinating life, working in radio, theatre and film. The work he never managed to complete is equally fascinating, from ambitious adaptations to passion projects.
Also this week Lorna gets Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile and 8 Mile a little confused. None of which, you may have noticed, were directed by Welles.
Make sure to look out for our new podcast On the Move, coming to a podcast app near you very soon.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna tells the origins of Paris Fashion, and the designers that have made it the capital of the fashion world. It’s a fascinating story and one of our longest episodes in quite a while!
Matt gets side-tracked constantly by Rocha John Rocha and Twiggy.
Make sure to look out for our new podcast On the Move, coming to a podcast app near you very soon.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Matt is back with a report on French Queen Marie Antoinette. He tells the story of her role in the French Palaces entertainment, her unpopularity and her death. It's fascinating.
There are a few blunders this week, which we hope you will enjoy despite Matt suggesting they will be cut out. Lorna also gets confused between Marie and Maria multiple times and then gets distracted by dauphinoise potatoes. We're sure you're going to love this one!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna struggles with her podcast report, but it's actually fascinating, all about the rise in popularity of mountaineering. There are a lot of peak names, but we brush over them, but you can find them on the Twitter so keep your eyes pealed. There are some interesting tales, including the creation of the Alpine Club and the women of the Golden Age.
Matt struggles with his guessing this week and he tells of our own recent walking experience on New Years Day, when we were very unprepared for a walk/climb with friends.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Happy New Year!
This week Dan returns to the podcast to do a report, and brings with him the longest introduction anyone has ever heard. After all the rambling he finally gets on with this week’s topic: The World Land Speed Record. Dan condenses a fascinating 100 year history into just half an hour.
Elsewhere, Matt continues his streak of amazing guesses but because he’s so good there is a lot of uproar and controversy. Meanwhile, Lorna doesn’t quite understand what water speed means, getting all confused about cars driving across water.
Oh, and there is a weird appendix where Dan talks about Danish words.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Lorna reports on the origins of Boxing Day as well as a quite amazing set of Boxing Day Football Fixtures from 1963. We chat a lot of nonsense this week. Matt shows off his magnificent guessing skills, and we end up just bragging quite a bit about our sporting achievements.
Thanks for listening in 2018!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This is our very special Christmas episode! Matt reports on the creepiest of Christmas traditions: Krampus. Meanwhile, Lorna just really wants to do a Christmas jigsaw. We get distracted a lot this week, and get lost on a number of tangents, just like your least favourite uncle after a few eggnogs. We try and name some famous duos and even treat you to our wonderful Christmas tunes. It’s also probably our longest outro ever, so apologies to your ears for that.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna tells us all about the incredible Beryl Burton. In the mid-20th century Burton blew away all competition establishing herself as the greatest racing cyclist of her generation.
In this episode, we get side-tracked early discussing old names (Barry is dying out, and Myrtle should never return). We also realise very quickly how little we actually know about cycling.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Over a couple of months late in 1888, Jack the Ripper terrorised Whitechapel in London, murdering 5 (or possibly 6) victims. This week Matt counts down the top suspects of the Ripper Case. Some could have done it, others definitely not, but we delve deep into the case, including looking at one suspect who said “I am Jack the…” before he died.
We also struggle with some very basic math and argue the reality of shortening the name John to Jack. As always check out our social medias below.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week's episode is a crazy one, focusing on Ken Kesey and The Merry Pranksters. Matt reports on Ken and his group of friends who were experimenting with LSD and bought a bus in 1964 to travel across the USA. Inspired by the Beat Generation and prior to the psychedelic generation of the later 1960s this group were just trying to create a life and future for themselves. It's a fascinating story which has been documented in film and books, which we mention on the pod.
We also end up with new nicknames; Matt Magnificent and Lorna Barely Visible.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna talks us through the scramble for gold on America's west coast in the late 1840s. Thousands of Americans headed west to try their luck at striking gold.
We discuss the main players, as well as the impact of immigration, the big winners of the rush, and even a new Californian delicacy. As always we are full of half remembered facts and anecdotes. Enjoy!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
It has been 100 years since the end of the First World War, so this week Lorna reports on a little known aspect of life on the frontline. We speak about the role of carrier pigeons and other animals during the battles of WWI.
It’s an unusual topic, with pigeons named President Wilson and Cher Ami, and even a pig on a ship.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
The report this week focuses on Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie and a truly hidden story from history. We all know the world-famous board game Monopoly, but do we really know the story behind it? The official story is a rags to riches story: Charles Darrow, unemployed and out of money, dreamt up the unique game that went on to be a mega hit. In reality, a fascinating woman named Lizzie Magie had a major part to play in the story 30 years earlier. This is the story of Monopoly!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Happy Halloween! This week we have a real treat for you, with an episode focused on the origins of Halloween. Specifically Lorna discusses the ancient Celtic Samhain Festival which marked the end of Summer and the harvest, and marked the beginning of Winter. At the time boundaries between this world and the underworld became thin and therefore Celts would protect themselves from Demons and Fairies.
Later we learn some very interesting Halloween facts, and in particular Matt is shocked by the size of the world’s largest pumpkin. He also makes a very bold claim that he would be able to beat a world record, so listen out for that! We also promote Netflix multiple times, this is not intentional but the shows we mention are definitely worth a watch. Keep an eye out on our social media for a lot of information from this weeks episode and also some pictures from our Halloween celebrations!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
We're back this week with another episode on a pioneering woman. This week it's Mary Anning, an avid fossil collector, who lived in the 19th century. She was a revolutionary woman in palaeontology, and was the first to discover three huge dinosaurs. Her findings are truly fascinating! Listen out for Matt's terrible jokes which are back this episode, and also Lorna getting all of her words mixed up.
To finish we also discuss some significant archaeological finds in history, very interesting stuff!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week the focus is on pioneering women of early cinema. Many female visionaries have been overlooked in the history books, including the two at the centre of our podcast today. Matt reports on the incredible Mabel Normand, an early comedy genius. She is accredited with many firsts in the history of cinema, and was a major force in comedy in Hollywood at the start of the twentieth century. Lorna then reports on Alice Guy-Blaché, the first female director, who really paved the path for so many incredible talents after her. She created over 700 films, and like Normand, Guy-Blaché destroyed the barriers placed in front of her, leaving an incredible legacy.
Mabel Normand will be featured in the BFI’s Comedy Genius season of events. More information can be found here: https://www.bfi.org.uk/comedy-genius
A film about Guy-Blaché (Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché) is currently playing at the London Film Festival. See more information here: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
We turn our attention to two very different stories this week. Both however are linked via a common thread: humans’ interactions with animals.
Lorna tells the tale of Old Tom, the orca who actually helped hunters catch whales in the port of Eden, Australia. Matt then reports on the so-called Wolfman of Sierra Morena. A young boy left in the wild to fend for himself, found himself befriended by wolves and snakes.
As always we spout a whole host of nonsense intermittently. A main task for this week was creating fitting nicknames.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Lorna reports on the fascinating tale of the 220 year search for a treasure buried deep beneath the dirt of Oak Island. The tiny peanut-shaped isle off the shore of Nova Scotia has become the home to one of the great unsolved mysteries of our time. It’s a story that includes an American President, a French Queen, the Holy Grail and even a Secret Society! And as usual, we think we’ve solved it!
We Google a lot today which is always the sign of a professional episode!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
In the first of a series of episodes focused on mysteries, Matt reports on the Lost Colony of Roanoke. British settlers in North America disappeared in the late sixteenth century, leaving no trace of their settlement behind. For the past 400 years historians have tried to deduce what happened to the colony, and yet the answer remains elusive. Matt and Lorna finally figure it out! (They don’t.)
There’s a lot of getting distracted this week, from Sir Walter Rally-Car to mentions of Cluedo murders, and a couple of Matt’s terrible jokes for good measure.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week we focus on two Civil Wars that took place in Asia. Firstly, Lorna talks us through the Genpei War of the 12th Century. In late-Heian period Japan, two clans, the Taira and the Minamoto, fought for power.
And second, Matt reports on the Secret War. During the Vietnam War, the US was secretly involved in a war in neighbouring Laos too. The impact of this war was devastating to the people of Laos, and is still felt today. The USA’s involvement in Laos would stay a secret for over twenty years.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week we take a look at space! (Look out a window it’s there!) Matt focuses on the Space Race between the USA and the Soviet Union. Over the course of twenty years the two superpowers battled over dominance of space, leading to a ton of new and impressive firsts. We look at the First Space Station, the Salyut 1, as well as the tragic Soviet mission, Soyuz 11. We finish with some fascinating pre-launch cosmonaut traditions!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
We follow on from last week with another dissection of famous photographs and the stories behind them.
Lorna reports on the unique image of Salvador Dali known as Dali Atomicus which has inspired millions of people to jump in photos (perhaps not). The photographer Philippe Halsman behind the image also had a fascinating life!
Then Matt reports on the Migrant Mother, one of the most powerful images of the twentieth century. The photo of a mother and her children living in Depression-era America became a symbol of the hardship of the American people in the 1930s. We also have quite a serious conversation for once! This time about the motivations behind documentary photography and filmmaking.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week we report on two of the most famous photos of all time. Matt delves into the story behind a photo of the Revolutionary Che Guevara. Photographer Alberto Korda saw little reward for his now iconic shot of Che throughout much of his life. The photo is now recognised the world over and we discuss how the constant reproduction of the image may have meant the message is now lost.
Lorna reports on Tank Man. Captured by at least five different photographers, Tank Man depicts a brave man who put his life on the line by confronting a line of tanks in China in 1989.
Look out for a follow up episode next week as we discuss more of the stories behind famous photos!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Lorna reports on the lives of four of the first female Disney artists. They had a significant influence on the early Disney films impacting the course of the company’s history. Matt weaves in fascinating facts about the history of the Disney World Theme Park. Elsewhere we try to figure out where the best place is to put a bin in a theme park.
Check out our new Facebook page and Instagram to keep up to date with all our news and exciting updates. The links are below!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Facebook: @IdiotsTalkHistory Instagram: @IdiotsTalkHistory
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
The focus this week is on two pioneers of running. Both Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb took part in the Boston Marathon in the 1960s changing the future of women’s long distance running forever. In between reports, Lorna provides us with a whole bunch of fascinating facts about the history of running.
Matt also shares his story about getting sunburnt during a race, whilst Lorna talks about how she swims at the same pace at all times to the exasperation of her parents.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
It's the first episode of the second year of Idiots Talk History! And with that anniversary we have decided to make use of a new beginning. Now instead of a long report on a single topic, we will each report on a topic linked by a key word.
This first episode focuses on Presidents.
Lorna is up first, reporting on Edith Wilson. Many believe that when her husband President Woodrow Wilson fell ill, Edith took charge of the White House and the country, becoming the unofficial first female President of the USA.
Matt chooses to focus on Cuba, where Fidel Castro was first Prime Minister then President. Castro survived an alleged 634 attempts on his life by various outside forces (mainly the CIA), and Matt rattles off some of the most ridiculous.
There's talk of hated secretaries, molluscs and even Guinness World Records this week!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Matt reports this week on two pioneers of early aviation history. First up is Otto Lilienthal, a man who popularised the art of flight through 2000 tests. As these were watched by the masses he became known as the Glider King. Soon after a man named Franz Reichelt decided he was going to create a new, safer parachute. His subsequent trials and errors ensured his name as a mainstay in history books forever more. He was the famous Flying Tailor.
Elsewhere, Lorna gives us a lesson on the film series Madagascar as we get waylaid.
This is a new start for the Idiots, as we move into Year 2 of Idiots Talk History!!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
The video of Otto Lilienthal flying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLuIiwmu3OE
In 1966 Paddy Roy Bates and his family took to an old army fort in the middle of the North Sea, and the next year decided to declare it as a nation, called the Principality of Sealand. This is a challenge for Matt who constantly mixes it up with Seaworld, however this has nothing to do with the marine parks and instead Sealand has a history you won’t believe.
Whilst discussing Sealand’s bizarre history Matt also has a personal connection to a member of Sealand’s football team. And we finish by looking into becoming a lord and lady of Sealand.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
It’s our 50th birthday this week!! To celebrate Matt brings us a fantastic report on a moment from history 50 years ago. The focus is on Paris in 1968 and its period of civil unrest. Listen out for Matt’s attempts at French when reciting a famous saying of the time and also his bad ‘bless you’ joke.
Also another exciting moment this week is Matt’s Movie History corner, a development from previous movie corners when we learn about the closing of the Cannes Film Festival!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week its Lorna’s turn to report, and she focuses on James Holman, who at the time of his death was arguably the most travelled man in the world. He zig zagged across the globe, all this despite the fact that he went blind early in his life. James Holman also went on to write travel books, and as a result we attempt to shorten the name of his first novel (it was such a long one!).
A seamless edit in the middle of the episode hides a McDonald’s trip and some car issues. And finally, in Lorna’s movie corner we discuss James Holman the New Zealand director.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Matt reports this week on the poet and author of the first novel, Murasaki Shikibu. She lived in 10th Century Japan, and today she holds an incredible legacy. Lorna makes some very poor guesses early on, and we work out what our surnames would have been. And as always, another episode, another existential crisis for Lorna.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Lorna tells us all about our hometown, Oldham, in WWII. It was struck by the Last Flying Bomb of the war and was also home to the Prisoner of War Camp named Glen Mill. There are personal stories about the POW's and their interaction with locals. Lorna wrote her dissertation on the topic and is full of interesting titbits! Elsewhere, Matt creates his own new segments to various degrees of success.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Lorna reports on the author Zelda Fitzgerald, an iconic figure of the Roaring Twenties in America and in Europe. Not only did she write but she also painted and was an accomplished ballet dancer.
Zelda was one half of the first celebrity couple, with her partner being Lost Generation writer, and author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald. To say the two had a turbulent relationship would be an understatement. Famously Scott stole writing from Zelda’s diaries for his own works!
For once Matt actually knows a bit about the topic and almost ruins the whole story at the start! There’s also talk of Zelda as a feminist revolutionary, Lorna reveals her favourite celebrity couple and Matt worries about the hygiene levels of the 1920s.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Lorna begins by detailing in quick fashion her disastrous day. Then Matt jumps in to his tragedy-ridden report on the Kennedy Family Curse. Throughout the 20th Century numerous members of the famous family died in horrific ways. Also this week, Lorna worryingly wants to become the first member of the 23 Club, and your hosts realise a shared love of spelling bees. There's also an impromptu game of "Curse or No Curse?"
For this week’s Big Question Matt runs through some out-there conspiracy theories about the assassination of JFK. Thanks for listening!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna reports on 3 incredible peace walks that took place in the second half of the twentieth century. It encompasses the creation of the peace symbol, and two men giving teabags to world leaders on the brink of nuclear war. There’s other important developments too as Matt learns (and is immediately disgusted by) what crimped hair is, and we use Siri to try to learn how to say antipathy. As usual Matt side-tracks the episode multiple times. this week with his talk of English counties and wrestling’s biggest event, Wrestlemania.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
Matt fills us in on the life and times of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Credited as the man who modernised Russia, Peter won a few wars, rebuilt the government structure and founded the future capital St Petersburg. He also really really hated long beards. Elsewhere we name our own cities, talk Disney princesses and create our own days of the week (Happy Florgsday everybody!)
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week Lorna talks us through the Japanese invasion of China in 1937 and the subsequent war. We also delve into the life of the spy Bianca Tam who had her own fascinating tale in the midst of it all. Elsewhere, we get our Abyssinian and Manchurian Crises mixed up a bit and Lorna has a revelation live on air about the realities of war. We also have a go at a live version of the Big Question theme song and there’s even a Little Question thrown in too.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy
This week our report focuses on the deeply unpleasant tale of the Golden State Killer from the 70s and 80s, which has actually been in the news very recently. Be warned it gets quite icky! As usual, we get immediately distracted and fly off topic. Who knew the nicknames of American states could be so confusing? In fact we get distracted by a hell of a lot at the start of this episode, especially Lorna’s dad’s age. Check out our social media as we keep you up to date on this ongoing case!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This week's episode is the final installment in our WWII rebels trilogy. Hailed as a Soviet hero, Zina Portnova took part in an underground movement fighting against Nazis during the war.
Hear about how Innes and Matt would not be willing to hand out propaganda leaflets because they used to be paperboys and let's be honest it's not worth it. Also Lorna compares resistance fighters to Dumbeldore's Army which is an interesting point of view. And there's talk of whales attacking U-Boats, beach volleyball and treacle in today's Big Question.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
It’s a report from Lorna this time all about a lady called Catherine Lawler or Kate Webster, depending on how she was feeling, or as Innes likes to call her ‘Webbo’. Matt isn’t sure about her and as well as his terrible impression of her Irish accent she ends up on his Bad Gal’s list.
The report ends with a twist bringing it all the way to 2011, resulting in a strange big question conversation. Classic!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Is this the worst intro we’ve ever done? Potentially. Innes talks us through the bizarre cases of the Swiss invading their neighbours Liechtenstein. Over a period of 22 years the Swiss somehow invaded the poor Liechtensteiners three times! Also, Switzerland isn’t next to Belgium just for the record. Apologies for the in-depth discussion about our pronunciations of different Indian takeaway foods.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Innes takes over the introduction this week and naturally it’s a bit of a mess. Matt reports on an unbelievable true story of two pen pals, one a brutal dictator and one a young American girl from Michigan. It’s a bit of a controversial topic amongst the hosts. Also, whenever Matt reports he always seems to mess up his words and this week is no different. Listen out for pandemonium, George Brush and resign.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Lorna runs us through the unexpected and fascinating tale of lipstick in WWII. We get surprisingly deep on this episode. Idiots Talk History gets real!! Don't worry though, as talk soon turns to a crisis where animals gain the ability to speak and try to overthrow humans.
If you'd like to buy any of our new lipsticks or Matt's patriotic bath bombs, get in touch below.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
The returning Innes ruins the introduction this week but then goes on to give us a terrific report on Hadrian’s Wall. There’s a lot of chatting this week, a lot of catching up and a lot of talking over each other, and for this we apologise but we haven’t seen each other in a while. We also go off on a number tangents, including a long discussion about British children’s TV shows and Matt and Lorna do a play by play of a classic moment from Big Brother. Another treat this week is Lorna’s creation of a new spin off, Idiots Talk Geography.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Seagulls! Dogs! Pots and Pans! There’s so much background noise this week! Sorry! Matt gets so many facts wrong this week! His biggest blunders include those relating to Oliver Cromwell, America and apothecaries. Talk about Idiots Talking History are we right?!
This episode there’s a bit of smiling at a dog, talk of panto’s and a classic case of confusion when Lorna doesn’t know what a highwayman is. There is a lot of frustration at today’s tale and in the Big Question Lorna tries to frame Matt!
But all in all we promise this is a fascinating report!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Lorna returns with the story of the Race to the South Pole that took place in 1911/12. We focus in on Lawrence Oates, a member of Captain Scott’s British expedition crew. There is a bit of rambling about tortoises and bananas at the start, for which Matt apologises. Get past that and it’s an absolute cracker of an episode though!
There’s also the added bonus of Matt doing some tasty food puns. And there is a moment when we try and do maths but we just can’t. It’s been a long time since we were in school.
Finally, the audio cut out at a certain point and we had to re-record so apologies for that as well.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Our special guest Dan reports this week on the occupation of Denmark by the Nazis during the Second World War. A cheery topic to start the year! Dan turns this week’s episode into a competition between the hosts, including some challenges which are completely dreadful for an audio format. Visit our Twitter profile to see the map of Denmark we were all staring at for about five minutes.
This episode also shows why Innes and Lorna call Matt “Sore Loser Singleton”. If anyone can actually count how many points we all got that would be greatly useful (this is Matt asking by the way).
Oh there’s also a tangent about Thomas the Tank Engine for a while too. And there’s a discussion about a few local pubs which is very niche.
As well as all this, the bizarre song from the end of Episode 21 is finally explained!! Dan thinks it could be “really good or really awful”. I think we now know which it is…
(If you hear any shuffling throughout the episode it’s the four of us sneaking chocolates. It’s the Holidays after all.)
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This week we are joined by Dan for a very special Christmas report. Matt walks us through famous historical events that took place on Christmas day. Sit back and take in this condensed history of Christmas from 1066-1968! In classic Innes fashion, it takes him twenty minutes to realise it’s in chronological order. And by the end of the report Matt has almost lost the function to speak properly. The highlights (or lowlights depending on your view) include our wonderful rendition of Silent Night in Austrian!
Stick around after the music at the end for two little special additions you will love! Or hate. Most probably hate. The second will be explained in next week’s episode!
Thanks for listening.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This episode Agent Yellowtop (Lorna) reports on the mysterious Agent 355, a spy for the American Revolutionaries during the War of Independence. There’s a lot of names this week so bear with us. Also this week Matt has a Christmas fact for you all to share over your dinner on December 25th! Oh and Lorna can’t pronounce George Washington!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This is what we are all about: shining some new light on a well-known topic. We’d guess everyone knows about big fat Henry and his six wives, but did you know he wrote a book about Catholicism and once had a 32 inch waist?! Listen on to Innes’ report and learn all of these anecdotes and more! In a first for the podcast, Matt uses his extensive knowledge of wrestling to explain the weight of King Henry, we all bring down the mood by naming our worst way to die, and Lorna defends Henry, but it’s not enough to save him from Matt’s world famous Bad Blokes list.
Also apologies again for the poor audio quality on this episode.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This episode Lorna talks us through the life and achievements of the amazing Amy Johnson. There’s also a wonderful impromptu duet by Matt and Innes that cannot be missed. It may hurt your ears though, we apologise. Also in our Big Question segment, Matt has the most convoluted plan for his great flying adventure which requires two coins and a globe.
We have colds so expect some sneezing!!
Thanks for listening!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Back in November 1934 twenty year old Everett Ruess left the small town of Escalante to venture into the desert and was never seen again. For over 80 years people have been obsessed with the disappearance of this romantic adventurer. This week Matt, Innes and Lorna finally discover the truth!* It’s an episode full of speculation! Innes and Lorna are convinced Everett’s two donkeys, Cecil and Dave, ate him, which may or may not be true. Also, Innes comes up with his own theory… which is a theory that Matt has literally just said.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
*Not confirmed.
Innes makes us guess what the topic is this week, and even when it’s revealed, Lorna still doesn’t quite get it. It’s Lego in case you were wondering. Innes claims it’s his most factual report ever (!) but he mixes up dates quite a lot, so you can decide for yourself. There’s also Matt getting too eager about Duplo and our first ever Big Challenge (check it out on twitter)!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
With Innes away (unreliable), Lorna pitches in with a report about the Spanish Civil War. There’s everything you’d expect from such a topic (Franco, bombings, brutality), but also some things you might not. Like a bar named Bad Joe's and a big question about eating lizards.
Matt also creates a new favourite segment: the Bad Blokes List.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
When the mysterious family, The Benders, turned up in Labette County, things started to get strange, and people started to go missing. This week Matt tells their tale. We’re so professional none of us could nail the intro so we have to settle for Innes’ disastrous attempt. There’s also talk about the pitfalls of modern art (how sophisticated!) and we begin naming places in England that begin with L. For the second week running we found out some people just don’t know what a souvenir is. And we can promise you this, you’ve never heard a podcast that talks so much about tarpaulin.
Hi to Carl from Jamaica, thanks for listening.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Lorna has chosen a topic which apparently everyone already knows about except her! But the show must go on! So this week we delve into the grisly tale of the murdering, bodysnatching, all round bad guys who went by the names Burke and Hare. Also, get ready to learn all about the art of the dreadful souvenir. And the gang even have a few of their own stories too.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This week we travel back to the 9th century with Innes, who talks us through the life and times of Ziryab. A man responsible for a ton of innovations that you know about today! There’s also a rant about the popular process of instagramming your meal, and Lorna adds being a gastronomical expert to her CV. Our big question is a cracker this week, and Matt absolutely bottles it.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Ooooooh. It’s almost Halloween and so Matt (trick or) treats the gang to a handful of spoooookkkky stories! He tells the terrifying tales of the Werewolf trials in 16th and 17th century Europe. It turns out Innes and Lorna are werewolves whilst Matt is a snitch who can’t pronounce the name Thiess for the life of him. Plus after the super-duper success of Innes’ musical talents, Matt tries to keep up and fails spectacularly with his own Werewolf inspired ukulele tune.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This episode Lorna tells the story of the clairvoyant Cheiro who read the palms of many famous people. She also really struggles to pronounce Cheiro and about a dozen other words this episode which is really just super professional. Was he genuine or just a con man? You decide! Get ready for some great anecdotes too like Lorna meeting a real life fortune teller and Matt crying when he googled the year he was going to die!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
It’s Innes’ turn this week and he delves into the mystery behind the Easter Island heads, armed with bad puns and quite a lot of actual facts for him! Why did they make giant heads? How did they move them? All these fascinating questions are answered in this very podcast! Also there’s a lot of talk about giant rats this episode which I guess is fun. We’ve got our new favourite segment too: The Big Question! Enjoy!
It feels like I have to write disclaimers every week now. We don’t own any rights to the Night at the Museum video we used.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Matt reports this week on the fascinating story of the hero Leif Tronstad and a group of Norwegian saboteurs who took on Hitler. Our boy Matt struggles with the science side of the tale but we forgive him because it’s a history podcast after all! A phone call interrupted this episode, and we had to cut 10 minutes of fabulous gossiping out! If you can spot the cut we’ll send you a free box of Krave! And of course as always we round out the episode by asking the Big Question: Would we have coped in the freezing wilderness? Definitely not Matt. And Lorna’s optimism would’ve grated on Innes no doubt.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
Lorna talks us through the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and the subsequent Papal Bull Inter caetera and the Treaty of Tordesillas. That’s a lot to get through in fifty minutes! As well as all that historical goodness for your bellies, we’ve got a couple of added treats for you: Matt makes the same (edit: unfunny) joke three times. We realise none of us quite understand Mexican food. And put simply, Lorna asks us to guess too many dates.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This week’s story really does have everything: Pirates! Prostitution! China! Drama! Tragedy! Twists! And Lorna has a really good hearty laugh at Innes’ face (it is a funny face). If that’s not enough to get you on board we have special guest Dan, who has a real degree in something real, so that’s a selling point I guess. Pure Speculation (everybody’s favourite!) comes into play as per usual when Innes fails to understand his own story.
Disclaimer – We are not promoting any of the products mentioned on this episode – GU desserts, Krave, badassoftheweek.com; although all are great (maybe?).
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This week we travel back to Ancient Egypt for a report from Matt. He talks us through Ramses II’s famous Battle of Kadesh. Did he win, lose, draw? Find out! If you stopped reading there: he drew. Or lost I guess. Or won? I’m not sure. Ancient times means BC/BCE by the way. Wow dates are so confusing aren’t they?! Who knew?! We also let Innes do the end of episode plugs this week which was a wonderful car crash, much like this episode description in fact. Enjoy!
Find our real plugs below!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
It’s Lorna’s turn to teach us something this week and she’s chosen WWII tragedy, Operation Tiger. To try and lighten the mood, the group chat about their own dreadful boating experiences and Matt continuously gets confused by Devon and Dover. And as always, important historical questions are answered such as: What role would we have had in the D-Day landings? And why is Innes choosing a pedalo as his mode of transport?!
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This week Innes grabs his axe and a handful of unreliable poems to tell us the tale of Viking Eric Bloodaxe. When facts fail us we once more lean on our favourite historical technique: Pure Speculation! Don’t worry we address the most vital of questions: Which one of us would’ve fared best in a Viking village? If we had to invade Norway today which (obscure) celebrities would we take with us? And finally, what would our own personal Valhalla look like?
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
This episode we travel back to 17th Century Europe and catch up with Louis XIV and his Palace of Versailles. Matt leads us through the statues, the Hall of Mirrors and even the daily routine of the notoriously vain king. We then try to create our own famous quotes to adorn our own imaginary palaces, and get particularly stuck on one of Innes’ about pugs, pubs and beds.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson
In this episode Lorna takes us back to 1955 and the incredibly brave tale of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Innes gets in on the action with his own story about a spitting man and a baby on a Glaswegian bus and we all get a little confused by parents calling their children their own name.
Twitter: @IdiotHistoryPod
Email: IdiotHistoryPod@gmail.com
Individual Twitters: @MattSingleton17 @lornabarryy @InnesJackson