Half-Arsed History
Riley Knight
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Half-Arsed History is a weekly podcast that explores absurd and entertaining stories from history. Host Riley Knight uses his history degree to bring listeners twice-weekly episodes filled with strange and humorous tales from the past. The show also offers a book titled 'History's Strangest Deaths' and encourages listener interaction via email and Patreon.
Episodes
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Week 40: The Siege of Leiden 27.10.2026 24mThis week in history we’ve got the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar, we’ve got a full-scale riot caused by cheese, we’ve got the birth of the unsinkable stewardess - and we’ve got a Dutch city rescued by pirates surfing across farmland.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 435: The Book Tour 2026 - Chapter Readings 25.10.2026 1h 2mIn this week's episode, get across four of the chapters taken from the new book, The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of: Tarrare, William Buckley, Unaarrimin, and Countess Black Agnes Dunbar. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 39: The First Black Friday 20.10.2026 30mThis week in history we’ve got the battle that ended the Viking Age, we’ve got the second circumnavigation of the Earth, we’ve got the discovery of the first antibiotic - and we’ve got the financial crisis that gave us the term “Black Friday”.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 434: The Book Tour 2026 - LIVE in Perth 19.10.2026 53mIn this week's episode, learn more about what went into the creation of The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, while enjoying some truly first-rate gear making fun of Perth. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 433: The Book Tour 2026 - LIVE in Adelaide 11.10.2026 47mIn this week's episode, get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, as well as a bunch of really excellent gags about Adelaide. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 38: The Straw Hat Riot 08.10.2026 22mThis week in history we’ve got the very first circumnavigation, we’ve got the establishment of a weird neutral country, we’ve got the publication of a beloved children’s book - and we’ve got a week-long New York City riot kicked off by people wearing straw hats.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 429: The Viking Age - Part 4: Society 04.10.2026 1h 5mIn this week's episode, explore the everyday lives of the Vikings, learning about how their society was organised, what they wore, what they ate, what they did for fun, and how their religion changed over time. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Second Book Available Now & Live Show Tickets Running Out 29.09.2026 4mHalf-Arsed History's second book, The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, is available now at all good bookshops (and probably some bad ones, too). Alternatively, you can snag your copy at one of the upcoming live shows, but don't delay in securing your tickets - some shows are running low. Head to halfarsedhistory.net to book!The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 37: The Execution of “Martin Guerre” 27.09.2026 25mThis week in history we’ve got a a turning point in an ancient war, we’ve got a turning point in evolutionary biology, we’ve got a turning point in very stupid decision-making - and we’ve got an intriguing tale of fraud and deception, with a man executed for claiming to be someone he wasn’t.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 428: The Viking Age - Part 3: Expansion 25.09.2026 51mIn this week's episode, learn all about the far-reaching regions to which the Vikings expanded, including Ireland, Iceland, Central and Eastern Europe, and beyond. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 36: The End of the Western Roman Empire 23.09.2026 24mThis week in history we’ve got a battle that defined the history of ancient Rome, we’ve got a famous abolitionist breaking his chains, we’ve got the extinction of an Australian marsupial - and we’ve got the event that marked the downfall of the Western Roman Empire after years of declineThe Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 427: The Viking Age - Part 2: Conquest 22.09.2026 1h 1mIn this week's episode, continue discovering the story of the Viking Age, including learning why Vikings transitioned from raiding to conquest and settlement, and the consequent establishment of the Danelaw and Normandy. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 35: The Origin of Stockholm Syndrome 18.09.2026 28mThis week in history we’ve got London destroyed by a fire, we’ve got the shortest war in history, we’ve got an Olympic marathon won by a bloke in a car - and we’ve got the interesting but somewhat dubious psychological origin of the term Stockholm Syndrome.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 426: The Viking Age - Part 1: Raids 17.09.2026 56mIn this week's episode, begin an exploration of the Viking Age, beginning with its origins by getting into how and why Norse raiders spread across the seas from Scandinavia, looting and pillaging as they went.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Update: Brisbane and Maroochydore Tickets, Date Change, Sorry for Lack of Episodes 10.09.2026 3mHalf-Arsed History is going on tour yet again - this time across the entire country - to celebrate the release of The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of!For the first time, as part of this tour I'm coming to both Perth and Adelaide, in addition to shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and at home on the Sunshine Coast.Sydney - 6:00pm 6th October at Dymocks City Store, tickets $12*: https://events.humanitix.com/riley-knightBrisbane - 6:00pm 7th October at Brisbane Square Library: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/meet-riley-knight-brisbane-square-library-tickets-1999006004772Adelaide - 6:00pm 9th October at North Adelaide Library, tickets free: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1641949*DATE CHANGE* Maroochydore - 6:00pm 13th October at Harry Hartog: https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-riley-knight-after-hours-q-and-a-book-signingMelbourne - 6:00pm 14th October at Robinson's Bookshop, The Glen, tickets free: https://www.simpletix.com/e/riley-knight-tickets-289831Melbourne - 6:30pm 15th October at North Fitzroy Library, tickets $15**: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1635329Perth - 6:00pm 16th October at City of Vincent Library, tickets free: https://events.humanitix.com/the-most-interesting-people-you-have-never-heard-of-with-riley-knightBrisbane - 10:00am 21st October at Capalaba Library, tickets free: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Libraries/Whats-on-at-your-library?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D206622862Due to time constraints at the venues, these shows will be a little shorter than last year's - a quick chat, a chapter, a Q&A, then some time for signings.Copies of the book will be available for purchase at each show, and I'll be more than happy to sign it and take a quick snap with you if you'd like. Can't wait to see you there!*Ticket price includes light refreshments.**Ticket price includes a welcome drink.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 34: Edmond Halley Observes His Comet 04.09.2026 23mThis week in history we’ve got an ancient volcanic eruption, we’ve got a prime minister being devoured, we’ve got a mysterious gas cloud killing thousands - and we’ve got Edmond Halley discovering something important about the famous comet that still bears his name today.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Tickets for the 2026 Book Tour are now available! 02.09.2026 11mHalf-Arsed History is going on tour yet again - this time across the entire country - to celebrate the release of The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of!For the first time, as part of this tour I'm coming to both Perth and Adelaide, in addition to shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and at home on the Sunshine Coast.Maroochydore - 6:00pm 2nd October at Harry Hartog: Tickets available soonSydney - 6:00pm 6th October at Dymocks City Store, tickets $12*: https://events.humanitix.com/riley-knightBrisbane - 6:00pm 7th October at Brisbane Square Library: Tickets available soonAdelaide - 6:00pm 9th October at North Adelaide Library, tickets free: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1641949Melbourne - 6:00pm 14th October at Robinson's Bookshop, The Glen, tickets free: https://www.simpletix.com/e/riley-knight-tickets-289831Melbourne - 6:30pm 15th October at North Fitzroy Library, tickets $15**: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1635329Perth - 6:00pm 16th October at City of Vincent Library, tickets free: https://events.humanitix.com/the-most-interesting-people-you-have-never-heard-of-with-riley-knightBrisbane - 10:00am 21st October at Capalaba Library, tickets free: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Libraries/Whats-on-at-your-library?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D206622862Due to time constraints at the venues, these shows will be a little shorter than last year's - a quick chat, a chapter, a Q&A, then some time for signings.Copies of the book will be available for purchase at each show, and I'll be more than happy to sign it and take a quick snap with you if you'd like. Can't wait to see you there!*Ticket price includes light refreshments.**Ticket price includes a welcome drink.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 425: The Capture of the USS Chesapeake 28.08.2026 52mIn this week's episode, learn all about the capture of the USS Chesapeake, a fascinating duel that took place between two frigates during the War of 1812.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Week 33: The Bermuda Gunpowder Heist 26.08.2026 26mThis week in history we’ve got the birth of a great friend of the show, we’ve got a marvel of modern engineering, we’ve got armies mobilising to cut down a tree - and we’ve got an audacious heist of gunpowder which was instrumental to the American Revolution.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Episode 424: Vincent van Gogh, the Tortured Artist 24.08.2026 1hIn this week's episode, meet Vincent van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter whose colourful and vivid paintings stood in sharp contrast to his difficult and troubled life. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, is available now! Order your copy - AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--riley-knight--2026--9781761472596 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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