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.

The Escape from Stalag Luft III | The True Story Behind The Great Escape

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.

The 1976 Heatwave | Britain's Legendary Summer

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.

Shadow Over Hammersmith | The Unsolved Murders That Haunted 1960s London

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.

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.

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