History Hack

Why in times of national crisis is the consumer told the the patriotic thing to do is go shopping! How has this philosophy evolved over time? And did the British people invest themselves in this concept? Serena Dyer joins us to explain all!

Nghia Mai joins us to talk all about French colonialism in Vietnam.

David Davies rejoins us to give us a comprehensive breakdown on the seminal events of the Spanish Armada in 1588. 

Courtesan does not equal shady sex-worker in Indian history. Katherine Schofield joins us to talk all about this aspect of asian history stretching back centuries, with reference to some particularly outstanding women. 

The fabulous Nicolai Eberholst joins us to begin a comprehensive account of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Great War. In this episode, we talk about the years preceding the outbreak, the opening engagements in 1914 and a whole, bloody mess that spread into the beginning of 1915.

Gabby Storey joins us to compare and contrast Queen Matilda and Eleanor of Aquitaine, two giants of medieval Queenship. 

Cambridge University's Tim Whitmarsh joins us for a fascinating talk on Ancient Greek identity. How do you define who was Greek and who wasn't? How did citizenship work? How did they view themselves? And how did they see others, such as the Romans? 

Continuing on our quest to cover the war in the Pacific comprehensively, Richard Frank joins us to talk about one of the most infamous days in America's history. 

Brace yourselves for more nonsense. This week we pay "shag, marry, kill" and find out that Alex's road-trip buddy needs the concept explained to him in great detail... 

Historian and professional storyteller Owen Staton returns after his victorious retelling of the Battle of Hastings in The Mary Rose to talk about the Welsh and folklore. Then sit yourself down with a drink and prepare to be entertained...