Shows
Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresYoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the Beatles": Part 2Yoko Ono has long been cast in the shadow of John Lennon—or worse, blamed for breaking up The Beatles. But the truth is far more powerful. In this episode, we dive into Yoko’s groundbreaking solo art career, her fearless activism, and the decades of backlash she endured as a woman, an outsider, and a visionary. From participatory art and peace towers to the biscuit incident and Get Back reappraisals, we unravel the myths and celebrate the legacy of a cultural icon who turned pain into purpose and never stopped creating.Tell us your thoughts! Do you...2025-07-191h 22Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresTrailer for “Ambivalent Offenders”History is rarely black and white—and neither are the people who shape it. *Ambivalent Offenders* explores the lives of controversial historical figures who “live in the grey.” Hosted by twin sisters Jamie and Erin, along with frequent guest co-host Matt, the show blends rich historical research with approachable, conversational storytelling. No lectures—just layered context and a healthy dose of curiosity and fun.Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have...2025-07-0501 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresGeorge Villiers: Part 3In Part 3 of our series, we wrap up the glamorous, chaotic life of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, a man who somehow managed to fail upwards until the very, bitter end. From his attempts at diplomacy (Cardinal Richelieu has now entered the chat) to his ill-fated military campaigns, George had a knack for turning everything that he touched into a spectacular mess. Discover how his bromance with (Baby) Charles I led to political chaos, why Parliament aimed to impeach him (twice!), and how his short life ended abruptly at the end of a knife. Tell us your t...2025-07-011h 59Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresYoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the Beatles": Part 1Was Yoko Ono really the reason the Beatles broke up… or is there a lot more to the story? (Spoiler: there is.)In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Ambivalent Offenders, we explore the real Yoko Ono — far beyond the tired headlines and fan theories. From her childhood in wartime Japan to her bold entry into the avant-garde New York art world, Yoko was already a creative force before she ever met John Lennon.We trace:Her rise as a solo artist and perf...2025-06-301h 15Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresGeorge Villiers: Part 2We continue the story of the ultimate Favorite, history’s greatest boy toy—George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Stick around for the disguises (fake mustaches!), Cardinal Richelieu popping up like a movie villain, and a dirty joke that had be censored (don’t worry, we kept some of it). There’s even a dash of true crime, because is it even a podcast without that?Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show web...2025-06-251h 43
Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures"Just Throw Away the Key" Episode 1: Jails, Prisons, & Custody Levels, Oh My!Available now wherever you listen to podcasts! Please subscribe to follow for future episodes! This is episode one of "Just Throw Away the Key, the Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination," the podcast where we talk about what happens after the true crime story ends because there's so much left about what comes next, things that impact you and I in ways we sometimes are blind to one thing being funding. Prisons cost money to run for food officers, power heating programming, and often don't get the public attention n...2025-06-1524 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresNEW PODCAST TRAILER (HOSTED BY JAMIE)! "Just Throw Away the Key: The Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination"This is the trailer for my (Jamie typing here) podcast, "Just Throw Away the Key: The Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination."Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email that we can read!) or have a recommendation for a historical figure, please contact us at ambivalent...2025-06-1503 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresGeorge Villiers, Favourite to King James I: Part 1We are tackling the action-packed and brief life of George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, who became the powerful favorite and lover of King James I of England. He’s also the George in the new show “Mary & George.” In Part 1, we cover George's early life, how he found himself dangled in front of a king (thanks to his mother and the Queen), and all the complexities of being a favorite. Spoiler alert: it's a lot more paper-pushing than you'd expect. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the sho...2025-06-061h 34Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMary Todd Lincoln: Part 3We conclude our series on Mary Todd Lincoln, covering her life post-assassination, her insanity trial, the betrayal of her eldest son, and how she spent her final years. Expect a rant (or two!) about Robert Lincoln, everybody’s least favorite Lincoln child. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email tha...2025-05-151h 51Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMary Todd Lincoln: Part 2We continue Mary Todd Lincoln’s story as she enters the White House, diving into her controversial tenure as First Lady, her exploration of spiritualism, and the assassination that turned her world—and the nation—upside down. Will Erin make it through the pod without crying? Spoiler: absolutely not. But at least we got to roast a (dead) senator and his muttonchops before the overwhelming sadness.Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If y...2025-05-071h 42Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMary Todd Lincoln: Part 1Mary Todd Lincoln has the distinction of being one of the least popular First Ladies of the United States, even as her husband tops the lists of greatest Presidents. Their marriage has been the topic of entire books and careers. Mary has been called crazy, a spendthrift, certainly not the intellectual equal of her husband. Listen to part 1 of our series on Mary Todd Lincoln to hear about her early life in Lexington Kentucky, the courtship and marriage to an up and coming attorney named Abraham Lincoln (he probably won't be important), and the first of many losses that...2025-04-252h 41Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresPresident Lincoln's Assassination and AftermathWe are marking the 160th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865. As we prepare to release our upcoming series on Mary Todd Lincoln, we are going to go forward in her story and talk about the assassination and its aftermath. Explore with us the details of the plot, the events of the day, and what Lincoln's body has gone through after his death (spoiler alert: it is a lot--more than you would expect a body to go through!).Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the sh...2025-04-1457 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresTonya Harding, Figure Skating’s Most Controversial StarGrab your ice skates—we are going back to the ‘90s to talk all about Tonya Harding! Harding survived her bad childhood to become a rising (and controversial) star in the figure skating world...until the scandal broke that put her in the pantheon of “Bad Women" and ruined whatever was left of her reputation. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we...2025-04-011h 32Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresAndrew Carnegie and the Robber BaronsThe original oligarchs of America are on trial this week. Grab your monocle and best suit as we head back to the Gilded Age to meet Andrew Carnegie and his gang of fellow robber barons…and spend not an insignificant time discussing HBO’s “The Gilded Age.” Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice mem...2025-03-241h 32Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMark Antony: Part 3We have arrived at the end of Mark Antony's story...and his life. Join Erin and guest co-host, Matt, as we discuss his relationship with Cleopatra, the final showdown with Octavian, and how it went so horribly, inescapably wrong. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email that we can r...2025-03-111h 51Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMark Antony: Part 2Join Erin and guest co-host, Matt, as we continue on in the life of Mark Antony, as he navigates life as Julius Caesar's faithful deputy, the horrific aftermath of the Ides of March, and feuding with a teen. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email that we can read!) o...2025-03-031h 38Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresMark Antony, Roman politician & lover of Cleopatra: Part 1Mark Antony--Shakespearean hero, Roman bad boy, lieutenant to Julius Caesar, and a man whose death often overshadows his life. With guest co-host, Matt, we begin our series with discussions of the very egalitarian Roman Senate (just kidding!), the Roman Republic, Antony's debauched early life (man loved a short tunic), and his time at Caesar's side. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures t...2025-02-251h 27Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresDueling Villains Judgement EpisodeWe conclude our first Dueling Villains series with the judgement on John Brown and Aaron Burr. Matt fills in for Jamie and helps us break down the flaws and the greatness of two of history's most enigmatic (and frustrating!) figures. Brown or Burr, who is the greater villain in our history?Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered...2025-02-1240 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresAlice Perrers (20 minute Preview from Patreon Episode!)NOTE: We always have a 7 day free trial for our Patreon memberships so this could be the perfect time to check that out! Hello listeners! We've been dealing with illness, job changes, issues with our editing program, and the usual chaos of life that has pushed us behind schedule. We just wrapped a full episode for our Patrons on Patreon to make up for January's mini-episodes there and thought we'd give you a little preview in case you want to join us! This is about Alice Perrers, King Edward III's infamous mistress. Many rumors have...2025-02-0324 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresAaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 2)Follow the rest of Aaron Burr's story, as he vies for the presidency in the Election of 1800, enters that infamous duel with longtime rival/future musical star Alexander Hamilton, and finds himself dabbling in some *light* treason. Emperor Aaron I has a nice ring to it, does it not?Sources: The Great American Rascal: the Turbulent Life of Aaron Burr by Noel GersonTell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website ...2025-01-091h 32Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresAaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 1)We are covering Aaron Burr (SIR!) as the second half of our "Dueling Villains" series. In this episode, we cover Burr's early life, the American Revolution and his role in it, as well as his political life up until the election of 1800. There's babies attending college, cougars, and absolutely insane attempts at staying neutral in between! We also pitch Timothee Chalamet the role of a lifetime. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website 2024-12-181h 18Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresBONUS: Bleeding Kansas (with Erin & Matt!)We spoke about Bleeding Kansas briefly in the previous episode on John Brown, but we have invited back Husband of the Pod, Erin's husband, Matt, to explain more of what was happening in Kansas during the lead up to the Civil War. St. Louis baseball supremacy and Chicago Deep Dish references abound! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have c...2024-12-1147 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresJohn Brown, America’s “Good” Terrorist? (Dueling Villains series)Listen to our first installment of our new Dueling Villains series! We will be covering John Brown, an American enigma. Terrorist, martyr, mad man--or a little bit of each? We will talk about Brown's early life, his move to Bleeding Kansas, and the raid at Harper's Ferry that would lead to his demise. Next time, in our second part of the series, we will cover Aaron Burr (of "Hamilton" fame!) and judge the two against each other. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram P...2024-12-101h 10Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresWolf Hall Episode 1 DiscussionWith the new season of Wolf Hall airing in the U.K. now and coming to the United States in March, we have begun our own rewatch series of the first season. Follow along with us as we continue through the first season and sharing our comments/historical analysis/eternal love for Mark Rylance. You can join our Patreon for free to join the chats that we will have after each episode!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (o...2024-11-231h 07Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresFemale Villains v.s. Male VillainsFYI I (Jamie) had to re-record a few lines so apologies if they stand out too much! Before we jump into our dueling offenders series, we wanted to do something a little different and discuss how questionable female historical figures are viewed and treated versus their male counterparts. Listen as we have an informal conversation on this very important topic about historical discourse and why we should even care today. As always, feel free to share your opinions as well!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!S...2024-11-191h 02Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresCaterina Sforza: Part 3In our final episode on the Tigress of Forli, Caterina Sforza, we will conclude the rest of Caterina's exciting life--more assassinations, more himbos, the first appearance of syphilis, and plenty of female rage follows! Oh, and Cesare Borgia makes his long awaited appearance like a horror movie villain. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a...2024-11-091h 23Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresCaterina Sforza: Part 2We pick up Caterina Sforza's story as she finally launches into action, taking castles and fortresses, outwitting cardinals and bishops, and earning that nickname of the Tigress of Forli. Expect assasinations, daring deeds, more pregnancies than we care to think about, and pulp (unfortunately, not orange juice pulp)...it is a wild ride!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we...2024-10-291h 06Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresCaterina Sforza, the Rise of the Tigress of Forli: Part 1Caterina Sforza is often overshadowed by the men who she came into contact with as they comprised some of the Italy's most infamous dynasties: the Medicis and the Borgias. While there is much to commend her on being a real warrior female leader in the Italian renaissance, a female powerhouse -- after all her nickname is the Tigress of Forli -- Caterina's legacy is marred by instances of violence that shocked even her contemporaries. Listen to the first part of Caterina's story as we explore her early life and first marriage, and stay tuned for part 2, which will finish...2024-10-161h 01Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresJohn LennonAnother week and another ambivalent offender...this time Jamie tackles another one from the music world (thanks to our Patreon fans & their votes!) and from one of the most recognizable bands of all time--John Lennon. From his traumatic childhood to his battles with mental health to his tumultuous relationships with romantic partners (as well as his son Julian), follow along to hear our examination of John's life---from early losses, to Beatlemania, domestic abuse (trigger warning is mentioned there), demands for peace, and so much more. And yes, of course a Yoko episode will be forthcoming :)Stay...2024-10-101h 38Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresEmperor ClaudiusThe Roman Emperor Claudius was as unlikely an emperor as they come (from inside the imperial family that is). Learn about his unexpected rise, his...complicated...marital history, and if we can truly call him one of the "good" Emperors.Remember, you can access FREE content on our Patreon this month by going to our patreon page linked below and joining as a free member!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support...2024-10-011h 30Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures🔒 Patreon Only: Casting Attractive Men as Questionable/Bad People & Consuming True Crime MediaSubscriber-only episodeErin and I have a little more informal discussion about the recent trend of casting attractive men (looking at you Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron) to play questionable figures, as well as the worst of the worst, serial killers. We also touch upon true crime media in general.Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a...2024-09-2741 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresP.T. Barnum: the Greatest Fraudster or Showman?Come one, come all, to learn about the man who has been nicknamed the Greatest Showman and created the Greatest Show on Earth. In this one-parter, you'll learn about P.T. Barnum's dark start (understatement) in show business and his journey from museum owner to starting a circus.Stick around at the end to hear a trailer for "Door Key" history podcast! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If y...2024-09-231h 02Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresWernher Von Braun: Part 2Listen to the conclusion of Wernher Von Braun's story as he arrives in America, works for NASA, launches the first manned mission to the moon, and does something with Spice Flight (you will need to listen to get the reference there!). Hear our judgements on the man sometimes called history's most controversial figure. Main Source: Von Braun: Dreamer of Space, Engineer of WarTell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website I...2024-09-191h 51Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresOperation Paperclip Mini-sodeWe have a very special guest joining the pod today to discuss Operation Paperclip. Erin's husband, Matt, history teacher extraordinaire, gives us the basics on Operation Paperclip, why it was called that, and its long-lasting legacy. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email that we can read!) or have a...2024-09-0932 minAmbivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable FiguresWernher Von Braun, Nazi Rocket Scientist to NASA Pioneer: Part 1"Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun,A man whose allegianceIs ruled by expedience." 🎶 “Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun, A man whose allegiance is ruled by expedience…” – Tom LehrerIn this first installment of our deep dive into Wernher von Braun, we finally tackle one of the most controversial figures in modern history — a man who helped launch humanity into space… but got his start building weapons for the Nazis.This episode explores von Braun’s early life...2024-09-061h 18