Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors
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Curious, funny, surprising daily history - with Olly Mann (Answer Me This!), Rebecca Messina (The Week Unwrapped) and Arion McNicoll (The Chaser's The Final Edition). BEST DAILY SHOW (British Podcast Awards Nominee, 2026). From the invention of the Game Boy to the Mancunian beer-poisoning of 1900, from Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain to America's Nazi summer schools... each day we uncover an unexpected story for the ages. In just ten minutes! Get early access and ad-free listening at Patreon.com/Retrospectors or subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

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  1. 22h ago

    The Temple of Reason

    The French government introduced a new State religion on 10th November, 1793: the ‘Cult of Reason’, which attempted to reflect the anti-clerical attitudes of the French Revolution.  But - as with the new secular calendar that reset the year to zero and gave democratic names to the months - the general public did not take to their local Church becoming a ‘Temple of Reason’, and most of the men involved in propagating the idea were ultimately executed. The worship of reason was personified by living women in Roman dresses, who were met with ridicule, and a mishmash of Greek and Roman-inspired ceremonies that struggled to define their purpose, often resembling confused and peculiar public exhibitions rather than a cohesive religious doctrine.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider Robespierre's replacement religion, the "Cult of the Supreme Being"; explain how Napoleon's rise marked the end of both cults; and reveal how the Temples of Reason provided one truly enduring legacy: cremation… Further Reading: • ‘The Cult of Reason’ (BBC History Magazine, 2015): https://www.pressreader.com/uk/bbc-history-magazine/20151008/281698318658789 • ‘The Notre Dame Cathedral Was Nearly Destroyed By French Revolutionary Mobs’ (HISTORY, 2019): https://www.history.com/news/notre-dame-fire-french-revolution ‘When Atheists Persecuted Christians - The Cult of Reason’ (Theopedia, 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWOUmO7Lpd4 Love the show? Support us!  Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…  … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.  Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2023. #1700s #Religion #France Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Temple of Reason

  2. 1d ago

    The Fugitive Who Killed His Family

    John Emil List murdered his mother, wife and three children in a methodical massacre on November 9th, 1971. Then he left their bodies in the ballroom of their sprawling 19-room mansion, parked his car at the international airport and fled for Denver. Astonishingly, he remained on the run for EIGHTEEN YEARS. Remarkably, in a 1989 edition of America’s Most Wanted, a forensic sculptor created an accurate bust showing what List might look like after nearly two decades on the run, and a viewer recognised him as her neighbour, “Robert Clark”, in Virginia. When confronted, List maintained his fake identity for months, even signing extradition papers under his assumed identity, but his fingerprints finally exposed the truth… In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly review List’s defence at his trial, in which he blamed financial strain, his wife’s alcoholism, and the ‘evil’ he believed was creeping into his home; consider the similarities between List’s appalling crimes and the later Amityville killings; and reveal how he’d paused his spree to calmly munch a sandwich… CONTENT WARNING: murder, child murder, domestic violence. Further Reading: • ‘John List Killed His Family, Then Vanished For 18 Years’ (All That’s Interesting, 2024): https://allthatsinteresting.com/john-list • ‘Forensics Case: Picturing John List’ (For Dummies, 2016): https://www.dummies.com/article/academics-the-arts/science/forensics/forensics-case-picturing-john-list-138138/ • ‘CBS News, NY’ (1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szdTEkC-ZfA Love the show? Support us!  Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…  … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.  Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. #Crime #70s #Macabre #Christian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Fugitive Who Killed His Family

  3. 2d ago · Subscribers Only

    Early Access: Bring Me The Ear of John Paul Getty

    A severed human ear arrived in the post at Rome’s Il Messaggero newspaper, with a ransom note for John Paul Getty III, grandson of oil billionaire J. Paul Getty, on 8th November, 1973. Paul, a teenage wild child who had once joked about staging his own kidnapping, had been snatched from the streets of Rome by the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta that July, but his notoriously stingy grandfather refused to pay the $17 million demanded, arguing it would put his 14 other grandchildren at risk.  The ear, held up for three weeks by an Italian postal strike, finally convinced the family the threat was real - though Grandad would only chip in as much of the reduced ransom as his accountants said he could write off against tax. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly discover the undercover “tourists” snapping holiday photos at the ransom handover; learn what Paul heard on his captors’ radio that made him wonder if he was already dead; and reveal the interest rate J. Paul Getty charged his own son to get his grandson back… Further Reading: • ‘J. Paul Getty III: Exclusive 1974 Interview with Kidnapped Oil Heir’ (Rolling Stone, 1974): https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/j-paul-getty-iii-exclusive-1974-interview-with-kidnapped-oil-heir-120637/ • ‘The True Story of the Kidnapping Behind All the Money in the World’ (TIME, 2017): https://time.com/5068192/getty-kidnapping-history/ • ‘Italy: The Getty Kidnap’ (AP Archive, 1973): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mblRl8K3rw Thanks so much for supporting the show! We massively appreciate it. The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.  Edit producer: Amanda Whittington. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. #70s #Crime #Shocking #Italy

    Early Access: Bring Me The Ear of John Paul Getty

  4. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    Arion Has A Book Out!

    Arion has written a book! The Final Edition is a satirical newspaper-style book based on the premise that most of the news stories breaking this week could in fact have been published several decades ago – and will still ring true several decades from now. In this special episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly look at some of the headlines featured in the book that feel like they have been with us throughout history, from “Cover-up covered up with fresh cover-up” to “Superpower now opposed to armed group in war-torn country it previously armed”, and from “Historical commission finds past was ‘complex’, involving good things and also quite a lot of atrocities” to “Local authorities unprepared for seasonal change that occurs every year”. Along the way, they discuss why Arion decided to make a newspaper that never goes out of date; examine how history itself inspired the book; and ask the important question: if the news is always repeating itself, why do we still have to read it? The Final Edition is on sale here: • The Final Edition: https://thefinaledition.net • Or from The Chaser: https://chasershop.com/products/the-final-edition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. 4d ago

    Catherine The Dead

    Catherine the Great of Russia died on 6th November, 1796 - but, contrary to rumours which still persist to this day, the event did not involve an intimate act with a horse. In reality, she collapsed in her washroom, fell into a coma, and died in bed.  Born as Princess Sophie in Prussia, she was groomed for marriage, and eventually wed Peter, who would become Tsar of Russia. Detesting him from the start, she seized her chance to overthrow and replace him, and, once in power, didn’t just rule, but reshaped Russia. A passionate advocate for the Enlightenment, she pursued extensive reforms in education, agriculture, and military strategies, as well as territorial expansions into Crimea, Belarus, and Lithuania. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider how criticism and jealousy of Catherine’s rule grew alongside her power and influence; unpick the reality of her seemingly colourful love life; and reveal how the gifts bestowed upon her ‘friends with benefits’ included jewellery, serfs, and, er, Poland… Further Reading: • ’Why Catherine the Great's Enemies Portrayed Her as a Sex Fiend’ (HISTORY, 2023): https://www.history.com/news/catherine-the-great-enemies-sex-myths • ’Catherine The Great: True Story Of Her Rule, Husband, Affairs & Children’ (HistoryExtra, ) https://www.historyextra.com/period/early-modern/catherine-great-empress-russia-did-she-murder-her-husband-tsar-peter-helen-mirren-sky-atlantic/ • ‘Catherine The Great’ (HBO, 2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsjxeQpmTlM We'll be back on Monday - unless you join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴, where we give you ad-free listening AND a full-length Sunday episode every week!Plus, weekly bonus content, unlock over 70 bonus bits, and support our independent podcast. Join now via Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Thanks!The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2024. #1700s #Politics #Women #Russia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Catherine The Dead

  6. 5d ago

    The Men Who Stole Monopoly

    Arion, Rebecca and Olly unearth the origins of iconic board-game Monopoly, marketed across the United States by Parker Brothers on 5th November, 1935. Its roots lay in a game designed by Quaker feminist Lizzie Magie in 1902, intended to illustrate the theories of political economist Henry George. Her concept, called "The Landlord's Game," intended to demonstrate the unfairness of the land system. But, though home-made versions spread across the States, the game was only picked up for official distribution after being spotted by entrepreneur Charles Darrow in Atlantic City. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal how little Magie was financially compensated, despite having a patent on the game; explain why the London version of the board has been played in more territories than the Atlantic City version; and consider the merits of spin-offs Gayopoly, Drinkopoly, and even the ‘Love Actually’ version… Further Reading: • ‘Lizzie Magie invented Monopoly, so why haven’t we heard of her?’ (The Guardian, 2015): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/10/lizzie-magie-invented-monopoly-landlords-game • ‘The Game of Monopoly is Patented’ (Library of Congress, 2010): https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/december/game-of-monopoly-patent#:~:text=Charles%20B.,Parker%20Brothers%20bought%20the%20game • ‘The surprising history behind the board game "Monopoly"’ (CBS, 2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz5H0cg2uXs Love the show? Support us!  Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…  … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.  Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2023. #1900s #Games #Women #US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Men Who Stole Monopoly

  7. 6d ago

    Harry Potter Goes To Hollywood

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first big-screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series, had its premiere in London's Leicester Square on November 4th, 2001. Among the glittering guest list were Sting, Cliff Richard, and the Duchess of York, but Baby Spice spoke for all of us when she told reporters “I don’t know what to expect, but I'm really excited!” In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explore why Warner Bros was so nervous about bringing Harry Potter to the big screen; look into how Steven Spielberg imagined the film when he was briefly attached to the project; and discuss how Daniel Radcliffe was given the title role ahead of 60,000 other boys who had auditioned for it…   Further Reading: • ‘Charmed 'Harry Potter' Is Poised to Set New Records’ (The New York Times, 2001): https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/23/movies/charmed-harry-potter-is-poised-to-set-new-records.html?searchResultPosition=164  • ‘Chris Columbus Interview: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary’ (Screen Rant, 2021): https://screenrant.com/harry-potter-20th-anniversary-chris-columbus-interview/  • ‘From the archives: The Chatterley trial’ (Spectator, 2010): https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/from-the-archives-the-chatterley-trial  • ‘The Original Harry Potter ScreenTests that Started it all - Daniel Radcliffe’ (No1 Potterhead, 2000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WqhS5o52T4  Love the show? Support us!  Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…  … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.  Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2022. #2000s #Film #Arts #UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Harry Potter Goes To Hollywood

  8. Nov 3

    Muhammad Ali and the Hail of Toothbrushes

    In a quirky blend of sports, public health, and self-promotion, boxing legend Muhammad Ali took on an unusual opponent at the Washington Monument on 3rd November, 1979: ‘Mr. Tooth Decay’. The demonstration, promoted by Don King, culminated with Ali knocking down Decay in the sixth round, prompting the crowd of children to celebrate by tossing toothbrushes. It was part of an extended dental health campaign that included Ali’s bizarre LP, "Muhammad Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay," featuring Frank Sinatra and released in 1976.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca, and Olly dare each other to listen to the album in full; consider how Ali transitioned his public personality away from his stand against the Vietnam War and embrace of Islam; and seek out the even lesser-known sequel, "Dope! The Dope King's Last Stand", featuring a guest appearance from no less than President Jimmy Carter… Further Reading: • ‘Ali Still The Most in 6 Rounds With Tooth Decay’ (The Washington Post, 1979): https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1979/11/04/ali-still-the-most-in-6-rounds-with-tooth-decay/9700895a-6014-4a38-b2f4-5dfe2ff1cf3f/ • ‘Remembering Muhammad Ali’s Trippy, Anti-Cavity Kids’ Record’ (Rolling Stone, 2016): https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/remembering-muhammad-alis-trippy-anti-cavity-kids-record-64027/ • ‘Ali and His Gang Fight Mr. Tooth Decay’ (St. John's Fruit And Vegetable Co, 1976): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiNbm9o8zU Love the show? Support us!  Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY…  … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.  Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2023. #1970s #Health #Sport #Black #US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Muhammad Ali and the Hail of Toothbrushes
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Curious, funny, surprising daily history - with Olly Mann (Answer Me This!), Rebecca Messina (The Week Unwrapped) and Arion McNicoll (The Chaser's The Final Edition). BEST DAILY SHOW (British Podcast Awards Nominee, 2026). From the invention of the Game Boy to the Mancunian beer-poisoning of 1900, from Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain to America's Nazi summer schools... each day we uncover an unexpected story for the ages. In just ten minutes! Get early access and ad-free listening at Patreon.com/Retrospectors or subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

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