We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History | Podcast in RSS.com

We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

di Sarah Smith & James Nason

Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore: Artists of Resistance

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.

The Emu Wars

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?!”

The Darien Scheme

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!

West Auckland F.C. and the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy

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.

Ernest Shackleton | The Greatest Survival Story Ever Told

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.

The Invention of Television | From Victorian Science to Modern TV

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.

History’s Weirdest Trends (And Why They Actually Made Sense)

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.

The 1855 Clown Riots | One of Canada’s Strangest Riots

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.

Made in Basildon: What It Means to Be 14th Generation

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.

Made in Basildon: Three Generations, One Town

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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