Around this time last year, three disenfranchised history students decided that the world needs something it has never seen before - a podcast! I know, what a completely original idea! In the time between then and now we've suffered through a horrendous take on the life and exploits of Napoleon courtesy of Ridley Scott, embarked on what will culminate in a fantastic five-part series that will cover the outbreak of and eventual culmination of the Irish Civil War researched by our very own Conor, cringed at the both horrific and hilarious ways humanity has tried to solve any and all medical problems courtesy of the amazing and incredibly warped mind of Hayley, and questioned just exactly how old is Arron and when will he ever do his episode on Napoleon.
Needless to say, it has been an incredible year and it's all thanks to the continued support of you - our loyal listeners. So this episode is just for you, where we answer your burning questions so you can get to know us better, how we view history, and give our takes on some of your historical questions. From how the podcast started, to how we contend with understanding historic figures in the modern day, and what exactly makes us so passionate about history.
This episode would be impossible without your continued support. Your constant engagement with the podcast, from just listening to each episode to leaving comments across our social media pages, is a constant source of inspiration for us. We have no intentions of slowing down or stopping any time soon and that's almost exclusively down to you. From Arron, Hayley, and Conor - we thank you all so much for allowing us to have this opportunity to speak about our passion with you.
And with all that said, we hope you enjoy this 3-hour episode! Strap in guys, it's a long one.
Chapters:
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(00:00) Intro
(14:50) #1: Why did you guys start a podcast?
(23:30) #2: What's each of your favourite episodes you've researched and recorded?
(31:31) #3: How did you guys meet?
(39:40) #4: Why do you guys call Arron old?
(46:32) #5: When will you allow Arron to do an episode on Napoleon and his campaigns?
(50:30) #6: I saw the fallout from the TikTok video on Ireland's need to defend its neutrality. Wanna talk about it?
(01:01:15) #7: Looking at the political events prior to both the First and Second World Wars, do you think we could be looking at a Third World War in the near future?
(01:08:42) #8: If you could have a deep conversation with any historical figure, who would it be?
(01:11:42) #9: If you could witness any historical event, what would it be?
(01:17:24) #10: Next year will be 160 years since the end of the American Civil War. How is there still disagreement over why it started - and to firmly cement it, why do you guys think it started? Was it slavery or was it state’s rights?
(01:28:36) #11: How in the modern day do you understand historic figures? And should I feel bad for liking historic figures despite their actions?
(01:37:55) #12: Who was the most influential figure of the 20th century?
(01:44:18) #13: Is there a way for Germany to have won WW2? I keep seeing alt-history scenarios and I just don’t believe them.
(01:49:34) #14: Are you guys going to do episodes on historical subjects that aren’t European or US history?
(01:53:50) #15: Q for Hayley - how much of the history of medicine is people stumbling on cures as opposed to actively looking for it?
(01:59:43) #16: Question for the guys - what got you into military history, especially since you guys in Ireland don’t have big military cultures?
(02:06:38) #17: Where would you recommend people visit for history in Ireland?
(02:16:00) #18: Q for everyone - how does war influence the progress of medical research?
(02:23:50) #19: With the recent election in the US, how does the current war in Ukraine look?
(02:33:36) #20: How worried should we be with “historians” like Darryl Cooper and people that listen to him?
(02:44:57) #21: What makes you so passionate about history?
