We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

Sarah Smith & James Nason
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A laid back history podcast where we explore everything from ancient empires to awkward royal scandals. Each episode, we pick a topic, dig into the weird, wild, and sometimes world-changing details, and try to make sense of it all, without taking ourselves too seriously. Whether you’re a history newbie or just here for the strange facts, come and tune in!

  1. Josephine Baker: From Stage Sensation to Resistance Hero

    5D AGO

    Josephine Baker: From Stage Sensation to Resistance Hero

    In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Josephine Baker — a woman who defied expectation at every turn. Best known as a dazzling performer in 1920s Paris, Baker became one of the most famous entertainers in the world. But behind the glamour was a woman of extraordinary courage. During the Second World War, she worked with the French Resistance, using her celebrity status to gather intelligence against the Nazis. Later in life, she became a powerful voice in the American Civil Rights Movement, speaking alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and adopting twelve children from around the world in what she called her “Rainbow Tribe.” Join us as we discuss the artistry, bravery and enduring legacy of Josephine Baker — a true icon of the 20th century.

    36 min
  2. The History Bluff: Can They Spot the Lies?

    JAN 22

    The History Bluff: Can They Spot the Lies?

    In this episode Sarah serves up a buffet of bizarre, shocking, and downright unbelievable historical scenarios—and it’s up to James and special guest Richard to separate the truth from the tall tales. Can they spot the real history, or will they be duped by Sarah’s sneaky made-up facts? Tune in for laughs, surprises, and a playful dive into the weird side of history!

    1h 7m
  3. We Are the Robots: The Kraftwerk Story

    12/29/2025

    We Are the Robots: The Kraftwerk Story

    Hailing from the industrial heart of Düsseldorf, Kraftwerk are the undisputed godfathers of electronic music. Emerging in the early 1970s, founders Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider moved away from traditional rock to forge a revolutionary "musical language" using synthesisers, drum machines and vocoders. This podcast explores their journey from the experimental "Krautrock" scene to the creation of their iconic "Man-Machine" persona—a detached, robotic aesthetic that blurred the lines between humanity and technology. We delve into their classic era, featuring seminal albums like Autobahn, Trans-Europe Express, and The Man-Machine, which transformed modern sounds and remains a cornerstone of contemporary music.The influence of Kraftwerk is staggering, with their sonic blueprints laid down for everything from synth-pop and techno to hip-hop and house. We examine how their rhythmic innovations directly shaped the work of artists as diverse as David Bowie, Depeche Mode, and Afrika Bambaataa. From the hypnotic pulse of the German motorway to the digital frontier of Computer World, join us as we trace the legacy of these visionaries who didn't just embrace the future—they composed it. Whether you are a dedicated fan or a curious beginner, this episode is a fan's guide to the band that forever changed how we hear the world.

    30 min
  4. Am I Evil?:  A History of Heavy Metal

    12/22/2025

    Am I Evil?:  A History of Heavy Metal

    Join us as we explore James' own history of heavy metal, tracing the genre's life across five tumultuous decades. We dive into the genesis with Black Sabbath and the DIY spirit of the NWOBHM, before confronting the Grunge Challenge that inspired the groove of Pantera and the rise of Nu-Metal. We examine why metal's dark lyrical themes became the ultimate symbol of rebellion, dissect the high drama of Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford's departures and returns from Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and explore the global reach of bands like Rammstein. Finally, we look at how the loyal metal community, challenged by everything from moral panic to internal debates, endures as a powerful, defiant culture.

    1h 6m
  5. Real or Rubbish? Medieval Mayhem!

    12/15/2025

    Real or Rubbish? Medieval Mayhem!

    Step into the Middle Ages — where the facts are strange, the stories are stranger, and Sarah is armed with a list of medieval oddities designed to confuse her co-host entirely. In this episode, our two amateur historians play Medieval True or False, featuring bizarre real events, convincing fakes, and enough chaos to make a monk swear. Can James tell genuine medieval history from the stuff that's completely made up? Expect laughter, ridiculous guesses, and a surprising amount of actual history hiding in the madness.

    56 min
  6. When London Disappeared: The Great Smog of 1952

    12/01/2025

    When London Disappeared: The Great Smog of 1952

    Join two amateur historians; Sarah and James, as we take a misty stroll back to one of London’s strangest and deadliest weeks — the Great Smog of 1952. What started as an ordinary cold December quickly turned into a city-wide blackout of soot, smoke, coal fumes, and confusion. We chat through how the smog formed, why it got so bad, what daily life looked like when you could barely see your own feet, and how the disaster eventually pushed Britain toward cleaner air. A grim chapter in history, told with warmth, curiosity, and just enough humour to keep the fog from getting too heavy. This episode is dedicated to Sarah's great aunt Rose as well as the many other thousands of people who died as a result of the Great Smog.

    39 min
  7. Secrets Beneath the Waves: The Fate of HMS E22

    11/24/2025

    Secrets Beneath the Waves: The Fate of HMS E22

    Join our two amateur historians as they dive into the remarkable — and often overlooked — story of HMS E22, a British E-class submarine with a brief but dramatic role in the First World War. From the experimental aircraft-launching trials she took part in, to the tragic mission that led to her sinking in 1916, this episode explores the innovative ideas, strategic risks, and human stories behind one of the Royal Navy’s lesser-known vessels. Expect thoughtful history, accessible storytelling, and a look at how wartime ingenuity shaped the submarines of the future. Perfect for listeners who enjoy hidden maritime history and tales from beneath the waves.

    33 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    The Great British Chill: A History of Keeping Warm

    Before the thermostat, there was the hearth — and a lot of shivering. In this episode, two amateur historians chat about how people in Britain kept warm before central heating: from layers of wool and roaring fires to bed warmers and questionable “heat hacks.” Grab a blanket and a cuppa as we explore the cosy (and not-so-cosy) side of history.

    1 hr
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About

A laid back history podcast where we explore everything from ancient empires to awkward royal scandals. Each episode, we pick a topic, dig into the weird, wild, and sometimes world-changing details, and try to make sense of it all, without taking ourselves too seriously. Whether you’re a history newbie or just here for the strange facts, come and tune in!

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