History's Devils

James Crossland

Who were the worst people in history? HISTORY'S DEVILS is a weekly deep-dive podcast that investigates the world's most infamous historical figures. Each episode explores the life, actions, and impact of a notorious person from history, examining the facts behind their reputation and the events that shaped their legacy. Hosted by Professor James Crossland, HISTORY'S DEVILS covers dictators, tyrants, war criminals, cult leaders, revolutionaries, con-artists, conspiracy theorists and other controversial historical figures, combining deep research with compelling storytelling to reveal the darker side of human history. Perfect for fans of dark history, history documentaries, historical biographies, and in-depth explorations of the people who changed the world for better - or for worse. All the devils are here. And we are ready to tell their stories.

  1. 4d ago

    The Gentleman Pirate with the Mid-Life Crisis: Stede Bonnet and the Golden Age of Piracy

    This week, James sets sail with Jamie Goodall (author of The Pirates of Chesapeake Bay and Pirates and Privateers) into one of the strangest true stories of the Golden Age of Piracy – the rise and fall of the so-called “Gentleman Pirate”, Stede Bonnet who abandoned wealth, status, and family for a life of crime at sea. Often described as a pirate driven by a midlife crisis, Bonnet’s journey from plantation owner in Barbados to notorious outlaw of the high seas is as chaotic as it is fascinating. Charting his brief but colourful career, we look at how Bonnet captained a ship despite his lack of sailing experience, his disastrous command decisions and his encounters with the notorious Captain Edward “Blackbeard” Teach. Along the way, we discuss where Bonnet fits in the wider tale of the legendary Nassau Republic, which dominated piracy in the Caribbean during the early 1700s. Check this one out if you enjoy pirate lore or have ever wished you could sail away with Blackbeard and wreak havoc on the high seas! Topics Covered in this episode: Stede Bonnet's origins in Barbados The War of Spanish Succession and the impact its ending had on piracy The Nassau "Pirate Republic" Why hiring a pirate crew and paying them a regular wage was a bad idea Stede Bonnet's career in piracy along the eastern American seaboard The way Stede Bonnet treated his crew and his style of captaincy The story of Blackbeard, AKA Edward Thatch The problems of Captain's Johnson's General History of the Pirates as a source How Blackbeard took over Bonnet's ship, the Revenge and the rivalry that developed between the two men The Act of Grace and how Blackbeard and Bonnet both sought a pardon for their crimes but then returned to Piracy The Battle of the Cape Fear River that lead to Bonnet's capture His escape from Charleston and re-capture Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard's deaths The ending of the Golden Age of Piracy Chapters 00:00 - The Gentleman Pirate Mystery 01:14 - Why Steed Bonnet Became a Pirate 03:44 - A Midlife Crisis at Sea 06:23 - Was Bonnet Losing His Mind? 09:22 - Early Success on the High Seas 12:49 - Nassau: Pirate Republic 15:03 - Meeting Blackbeard Changes Everything 20:32 - Blackbeard Takes Control 24:18 - The King's Pardon Arrives 27:47 - Can a Pirate Go Straight? 30:32 - One Last Voyage 36:49 - Trial, Execution, and Infamy 52:16 - The Legend of Steed Bonnet Follow Jamie on Threads and Instagram @L_Historienne and on Bluesky @Lhistorienn and check out her website here Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1 hr

  2. May 26

    The Truth About Satanism: Anton LaVey, the Church of Satan & America’s Moral Panic

    This week, James welcomes Mikki Brock (@historymikki) back onto the show to dive deep into the controversial world of Satanism and the cultural impact of the Church of Satan’s founder, Anton LaVey. This episode explores the origins of LaVey’s church and how his philosophy challenged traditional religion, focusing on libertarian personal freedom and the rejection of societal norms.  This episode also examines the wave of fear known as the Satanic Panic, which fuelled widespread misinformation about Satanism and the occult during the 1980s, persisting into the era of QAnon and Pizzagate. Finally, we look at how an unexpected consequence of the panic was the founding of the The Satanic Temple – a progressive advocacy group that promotes empathy, tolerance and other very non-evil things. For anyone into American cultural history, religious history and the occult or, if you’ve ever asked yourself the question: What is Satanism really about? This episode is for you! #satanism  Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1 hr

  3. May 19

    The First War on Terror? Irish Dynamiters and the Bombing of Victorian Britain

    Long before The Troubles, 7/7 and other modern terrorism, Britain faced a wave of bombings that shocked the Victorian world. Step into one of the most overlooked chapters of British history in this gripping episode on the "Dynamite War" of the 1880s - often described as the first “war on terror.”  Joined by Gillian O'Brien (author of The Darkness Echoing: Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion), James explains how Irish republican groups like the Clan Na Gael and Irish Republican Brotherhood carried out bombing campaigns in Britain, bringing political violence to the heart of the London. Learn how advances in explosives like dynamite - invented by Alfred Nobel of peace prize fame - changed the nature of asymmetrical warfare and terrorism, creating fear, media frenzy, and new policing tactics. We break down key events, targets, and the debates within the Irish independence movement over the morality of terrorism. This episode also examines how the British government responded with informers, spies and the development of the world's first bomb squad!  Perfect for listeners interested in history podcasts, Irish history, terrorism studies, political violence, and Victorian Britain, this episode provides deep insight into a forgotten conflict that helped shape modern ideas of terrorism and state response. Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1h 4m

  4. May 12

    The Legend of Billy The Kid: Murder, Myth and Reality in the Old West

    In this episode, James is joined by Jem Duducu (author of The History of the Western Movie) to tell the story of a teenage gunslinger who became a legendary figure wrapped in folklore, media exaggeration, and historical debate – Billy the Kid. Tracing the story of Billy’s criminal career and involvement in the Lincoln County War, we discuss how Hollywood films and pop culture transformed a young outlaw into a Wild West icon, generating the myth that he somehow survived his deadly encounter with the lawman Pat Garrett in 1881, and went on to live into the 1950s as a mysterious drifter and adventurer named Brushy Bill Roberts. This episode is perfect for fans of true crime, American history, film history and Wild West legends. Whether you're curious about outlaw myths, frontier justice, or the real story behind Billy the Kid, you’ll discover surprising facts, historical insights, and the truth behind the legend.   Check out Jem’s book – The History of the Western Movie Follow Jem @jemduducu Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1h 6m

  5. May 5

    The Carny & The Showman: How Donald Trump and Vince McMahon Conquered America, Pt.2

    In Part Two of this two-part History's Devils episode, James and Jayne finish the story of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon by explaining how the psychology of professional wrestling shaped Trump's two presidencies, and altered the way in which American politics operates.  Along the way, they discuss the similarities between alternative facts and Kayfabe (wrestling speak for "keeping it fake") and the connections between WWE and the MAGA movement, whilst pondering what a Vince McMahon presidency would look like?   Further Reading Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of AmericaThings to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon  00:00 - Introduction: Wrestling psychology in politics 02:15 - The concept of kayfabe and its significance 05:37 - Projecting success and inflating figures in rallies 08:11 - Trump’s manipulation of perceptions and alternate realities 13:08 - The use of promos, nickname attacks, and soundbites 17:14 - The rise of soundbite politics and social media dominance 21:26 - How Trump creates and blends realities with "alternative facts" 26:37 - The evolution of Trump's self-image and propaganda portraits 29:38 - The distortion of January 6th and the concept of political kayfabe 32:43 - The role of audience suspension of disbelief in support 36:31 - The spectacle ecosystem: rallies, chaos, and entertainment as political currency 40:37 - Pro wrestling, UFC, and the culture of machismo in Trump’s narrative 45:15 - The influence of WWE, political endorsements, and celebrity ties 50:07 - Hypothetical: Vince McMahon as a president and the wrestling of power 50:42 - Episode wrap-up and future reflections on political kayfabe Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    51 min

  6. Apr 28

    The Carny & The Showman: How Donald Trump and Vince McMahon Conquered America, Pt.1

    Summary Dive into one of the strangest and most revealing alliances in modern history as History’s Devils unpacks the decades-long relationship between Donald Trump and Vince McMahon. In Part One of this two-part series, James and Jayne trace a 40-year connection between the future U.S. president and the controversial boss of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From glitzy spectacle to behind-the-scenes scandal, they explore how ambition, media manipulation, and controversy fuelled both men’s rise to power. Along the way, the hosts introduce a provocative thesis: to truly understand Donald Trump, you must first understand professional wrestling. Is modern American politics more performance than policy? And did the world of scripted rivalries, crowd psychology, and larger-than-life personas help shape a presidency?   Further Reading Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of AmericaThings to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon  Chapters  00:00 - Welcome to History’s Devils: Exploring Modern Scoundrels 02:07 - The Multi-Dimensional Influence of WWE on Politics 04:02 - Trump and McMahon: Masters of Audience Suspension of Disbelief 09:20 - Vince McMahon’s Childhood and Persona: Power and Insecurity 15:19 - Wrestling Territories, Monopoly, and Ruthless Business Tactics 18:05 - The Birth of WrestleMania and Its Cultural Impact 22:15 - Scandals, Legal Troubles, and Teflon Resilience 28:13 - Trump’s Early Wrestling Ties and the 1980s ‘Greed is Good’ Era 31:49 - WrestleMania in Atlantic City: Branding Manipulation 36:27 - Trump’s Return to Wrestling in the 2000s and ‘The Apprentice’ 42:45 - Building the Trump Gimmick: From Wrestler to Reality TV Star 52:36 - The 2007 WrestleMania 23 and the ‘Battle of the Billionaires’ 59:55 - The Final Face-Off and Trump’s Iconic WWE Persona 62:09 - Wrestling, Politics, Power, and the Future Landscape  Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1h 3m

  7. Apr 21

    She Poisoned Everyone? The Story of Mary Ann Cotton, Serial Killer

    This week, James is taking a backseat and letting Paul Bavill (History Rage Podcast) dive into one of the most chilling true crime stories in British history – the poisonous rampage of Mary Ann Cotton. Widely believed to be Britain’s first female serial killer, Cotton was a seemingly ordinary Victorian who woman became known as the infamous “Black Widow,” accused of poisoning those closest to her for financial gain. Set against the grim backdrop of Victorian England, this episode examines the disturbing pattern of deaths that followed Mary Ann Cotton wherever she went, and how life insurance schemes may have motivated her crimes – leaving a legacy that the people of Britain still feel today.  A must listen episode for fans of true crime, serial killer stories and tales of Victorian depravation.   When you’re done listening to this, check out History Rage  Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    1h 5m
  8. The Queen's "Magician": Angels, Demons and the Occult World of John Dee

    Apr 14

    The Queen's "Magician": Angels, Demons and the Occult World of John Dee

    In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian, author and scholar of Satan, Mikki Brock to explore the extraordinary life of John Dee, the famed court magician of Elizabeth I. From occult practices and alchemy to conversations with angels - and possibly demons - this episode dives into Dee’s myth-making, confidence tricks, and his role in the intrigues of Queen Elizabeth's court. Discover how Dee’s influence extended from mystical experiments to shaping the idea of the British Empire. Perfect for listeners fascinated by true history, the Elizabethan era, magic and the occult, royal intrigue, and the hidden stories that shaped the modern world. 🎙️    Buy Mikki’s Book – https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526160904/  Follow Mikki on Instagram – @historymikki     Further Reading Benjamin Woolet, The Queen’s Conjurer: The Life and Magic of Dr John Dee (2002) Glynn Parry, The Arch-Conjuror of England: John Dee (2013)      Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Dee: The Man Behind the Mystique 02:35 John Dee's Early Life and Education 04:45 The Intersection of Mathematics and Magic 07:47 Navigating Political Turmoil: Dee's Context 11:59 Dee's Relationship with Queen Elizabeth I 16:01 Alchemy: The Quest for Gold 25:09 Exploration and the Search for Riches 29:55 The Vision of a British Empire 32:21 The Myth of the British Empire 33:26 Mathematics and Navigation 34:07 Mirrors, Kabbalah, and Angelic Communication 37:05 The Role of Edward Kelly 40:59 Adventures and Misadventures in Europe 44:56 The Decline of John Dee 48:47 Legacy and Impact of John Dee   Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #HistorysDevils #JamesCrossland #HistoryPodcast #Podcast #History #DarkHistory #HistoricalBiography #TrueHistory #HistoryDocumentary #Deepdive #Storytelling  History's Devils is a history podcast exploring the lives of murderers, charlatans, psychopaths, dictators, war criminals, tyrants, demagogues, revolutionaries, cult leaders, conquerors, fraudsters, and other controversial figures. History's Devils is hosted by James Crossland, professor of international history and author of: Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism...

    58 min
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About

Who were the worst people in history? HISTORY'S DEVILS is a weekly deep-dive podcast that investigates the world's most infamous historical figures. Each episode explores the life, actions, and impact of a notorious person from history, examining the facts behind their reputation and the events that shaped their legacy. Hosted by Professor James Crossland, HISTORY'S DEVILS covers dictators, tyrants, war criminals, cult leaders, revolutionaries, con-artists, conspiracy theorists and other controversial historical figures, combining deep research with compelling storytelling to reveal the darker side of human history. Perfect for fans of dark history, history documentaries, historical biographies, and in-depth explorations of the people who changed the world for better - or for worse. All the devils are here. And we are ready to tell their stories.

Information

  • Creator
    James Crossland
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 History's Devils
  • Show Website
    History's Devils

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