We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

Episoade

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  Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore: Artists of Resistance 07.08.2025 34min

  In this episode, our two amateur historians explore the remarkable lives of Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore – a fearless duo of artists, lovers, and resistance fighters. From surrealist self-portraits to daring acts of defiance against the Nazis, we uncover how these creative rebels used art as a weapon and identity as a statement. Expect fascinating stories, a touch of humour, and plenty of admiration for these unforgettable pioneers.
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  The Emu Wars 04.08.2025 28min

  In this episode, two amateur historians dive beak-first into one of the most bizarre chapters of Australian history: the Great Emu War of 1932. Yes, it really happened—and yes, the emus won. With plenty of laughs, questionable military strategy, and some surprisingly serious takeaways, we unpack how a bunch of oversized birds outwitted the Australian army. Perfect for fans of weird history, casual banter, and the kind of story that makes you say, “Wait, what?!”
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  The Darien Scheme 20.06.2025 25min

  In this episode, our two amateur historians wade into the wild and wonderfully doomed world of the Darien Scheme – Scotland’s bold (and very expensive) attempt to set up a colony in Panama in the late 1690s. Expect tropical dreams, financial disasters, and a healthy dose of hindsight-fuelled head-shaking, as they unravel how an entire nation's future was almost sunk in the swampy heat of Central America. Grab your compass and your bug spray – this one's a bumpy ride!
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  West Auckland F.C. and the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy 16.06.2025 22min

  In this episode, two amateur historians explore the incredible true story of West Auckland F.C. A team of miners who defied the odds to win the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, often dubbed the first unofficial World Cup. With their trademark mix of curiosity and humour, they uncover how a humble Northern football club ended up representing England and beating some of Europe’s finest, all on a shoestring budget and a whole lot of grit.
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  There'll Never Be Another Max Miller 14.08.2026 17min

  In this solo episode, James explores the life and career of Max Miller, one of Britain’s most famous comedians and entertainers.Known as the “Cheeky Chappie,” Miller became a star of music hall and variety theatre, with a style that made him a household name across Britain. James looks at his rise to fame, his influence on British comedy, and the legacy he left behind.
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  The History of the Falkland Islands Part 2 | The Falklands War 31.07.2026 37min

  In Part 2 of our Falkland Islands series, Sarah and James discuss the events of the 1982 Falklands War.We explore how the conflict unfolded, the military campaign, and the experiences of those involved, as well as the lasting impact the war had on the Falkland Islands, the United Kingdom, and Argentina.Join us as we conclude the story of one of the most significant conflicts in modern British history.
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  The History of the Falkland Islands Part 1 | Discovery, Settlement and Sovereignty 24.07.2026 24min

  In Part 1 of this two-part series, Sarah and James explore the early history of the Falkland Islands.From the first European sightings and competing territorial claims to settlement and life on the islands, we trace the events that shaped the Falklands long before the conflict of 1982.Join us as we examine the people, politics, and history behind one of the world's most disputed island groups.
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  The Escape from Stalag Luft III | The True Story Behind The Great Escape 17.07.2026 26min

  In this episode, Sarah and James explore the remarkable story of the escape from Stalag Luft III, one of the most famous prisoner-of-war camps of the Second World War.Home to captured Allied airmen, the camp became the setting for an extraordinary escape plan involving months of secret preparation, ingenuity, and determination. We discuss how the tunnels were built, the challenges faced by the prisoners, and the lasting legacy of an event that inspired one of the most famous wartime stories ever told.Join us as we uncover the true history behind one of the greatest escape attempts of the Second World War.
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  The 1976 Heatwave | Britain's Legendary Summer 03.07.2026 30min

  In this episode, Sarah and James look back at the unforgettable British heatwave of 1976—a summer remembered for blazing sunshine, drought, standpipes, and record-breaking temperatures.But was it really Britain's hottest summer?We explore the science behind the heatwave, the impact it had on everyday life, and why it has remained one of the most talked-about summers in British history. From water shortages and struggling agriculture to long sunny days and lasting memories, we discuss how the extraordinary weather affected people across the UK.Join us as we revisit one of the most iconic summers in modern British history.
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  Shadow Over Hammersmith | The Unsolved Murders That Haunted 1960s London 26.06.2026 33min

  Viewer discretion is advised.In this episode, Sarah and James explore the disturbing story behind Shadow Over Hammersmith — a series of murders that cast a shadow over West London during the 1960s.As fear spread through the community, investigators faced a complex and troubling case that would leave a lasting mark on the area. Together, we examine the events, the people involved, and the wider social backdrop of London at the time.Join us as we discuss a dark chapter in the history of Hammersmith and explore a case that continues to intrigue decades later.
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  Ernest Shackleton | The Greatest Survival Story Ever Told 05.06.2026 1h 6min

  In this episode, Sarah and James explore the extraordinary story of explorer Ernest Shackleton and the doomed Endurance expedition.After their ship became trapped and eventually crushed by Antarctic ice, Shackleton and his crew found themselves stranded in one of the most hostile environments on Earth. What followed was an astonishing tale of endurance, leadership, determination, and survival against seemingly impossible odds.Join us as we discuss one of the greatest survival stories in history and the remarkable journey that made Shackleton a legend.
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  The Invention of Television | From Victorian Science to Modern TV 29.05.2026 36min

  In this episode, Sarah and James explore the fascinating story behind the invention of television.From early Victorian scientific experiments and strange mechanical devices to the breakthrough ideas that eventually changed the world, we trace the long journey that led to modern TV.Along the way, we look at the inventors, discoveries, and technological leaps that transformed television from an impossible idea into one of the defining inventions of the modern age.
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  History’s Weirdest Trends (And Why They Actually Made Sense) 22.05.2026 33min

  In this episode, Sarah and James explore some of the strangest trends in history — from garden hermits and tulip mania to miasma theory and the fear of “bad air”.But rather than simply laughing at the past, we look at the reasoning behind these ideas and why they actually made sense to the people living at the time.Because history’s strangest trends often reveal something much deeper about how people understood the world around them.
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  The 1855 Clown Riots | One of Canada’s Strangest Riots 16.05.2026 16min

  In this episode, Sarah and James explore the strange true story of the in Toronto.What started as a fight 'over a hat' soon escalated into violence, unrest, and large-scale disorder involving rival groups, firefighters, and angry crowds.But beneath the bizarre name lies a fascinating glimpse into life in 19th century Canada — a world shaped by rivalry, public spectacle, and tensions that could quickly spill into chaos.Join us as we unpack one of the strangest public disturbances in Canadian history.
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  Made in Basildon: What It Means to Be 14th Generation 01.05.2026 27min

  In this episode of Made in Basildon, we do something a little different as we turn the focus onto co-host James.James is a 14th generation Basildon resident, with family roots in the area stretching back centuries. In this conversation, we explore what that really means, from family history and identity to how Basildon has changed over time.It’s a personal and reflective look at what it means to be deeply connected to one place—and how that shapes the way you see it today.
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  Made in Basildon: Three Generations, One Town 24.04.2026 1h 19min

  In this episode of Made in Basildon, we bring together three people from different generations to share their experiences of growing up in the same town.We ask people from a Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial background the same questions to see how their answers compare.From changing communities to shifting lifestyles, it’s a conversation that explores how Basildon has evolved—and what’s stayed the same.
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  The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich | Australia’s Strangest Aviation Mystery 17.04.2026 24min

  In this episode, we explore the mysterious disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich, who vanished over the coast of Australia in 1978 during a routine flight.Midway through his journey, Valentich reported an unknown aircraft following him—before all contact was suddenly lost.What happened that night? Mechanical failure, disorientation… or something far stranger?We take a calm, grounded look at the evidence, the theories, and one of aviation’s most enduring unsolved cases.Sometimes the most unsettling mysteries are the ones with just enough detail to feel real… but never enough to explain them.
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  Made in Basildon: The Silent Generation (Life in Basildon in the 1940s–60s) 06.04.2026 34min

  What was Basildon really like back in the day?In this episode of Made in Basildon, we chat with two residents in their 80s who have spent their entire lives in the town. From early memories to how things have changed, this is a fascinating glimpse into Basildon through the eyes of the Silent Generation.With special thanks to Geraldine Evans and Ken Porter.
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  The Morris Oxford: A Very British Family Car 13.03.2026 38min

  In this episode, Sarah takes the lead as she and co-host James explore the story of one of Britain’s most dependable family cars — the Morris Oxford.Often overshadowed by its smaller sibling, the Morris Minor, the Oxford quietly played a huge role in everyday British life throughout the mid-20th century. From the early post-war models to the later Farina-styled versions, it was the sensible saloon that families relied on — sturdy, practical, and unmistakably British.Sarah digs into the history behind the car, its development through the decades, and how it became such a familiar sight on Britain’s roads. Along the way she and James chat about who drove them, what they were like to live with, and why the Oxford still holds a special place in classic car history today.As usual, it’s two amateur historians having a relaxed conversation — part history, part curiosity, and occasionally slightly off track.
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  The Mystery of Black Shuck | English Folklore 27.02.2026 35min

  In this episode, we take a wander into the legend of Black Shuck, the mysterious phantom black dog said to haunt East Anglia.We chat about the famous storm of 1577, the stories from Bungay and Blythburgh, and how one particularly dramatic church incident helped cement The Shuck firmly into local legend.Was it mass hysteria? A storm-born story? Or just a very large dog with unfortunate timing?As always, this is a relaxed dive into history and folklore — curious, thoughtful, and just a little bit spooky.