Let's Learn About...
220 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsLet’s Learn About… is a fun, educational, general knowledge podcast that teaches you things you probably didn't need to know, but we're going to teach them to you anyway!
Each episode, we’ll learn about a new topic and then share some resources if you want to learn more. Some of our favourite topics are history, mythology, film & TV, and space. We also have a monthly series all about D&D.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#39 - The Salem Witch Trials (Spooky Month #3)
October 19, 2020 16:00 - 50 minutes - 30.4 MBIn the third episode of Spooky Month, Charlotte talks about the most famous witch hunt in history: the Salem Witch Trials. Learn about what happened that fateful year in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as some of the ways witches would be put on trial. Find the full notes for this episode, including where you can learn more about this topic, at learnaboutpod.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @learnaboutpod. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#38 - Cursed Films: Hollywood's Notoriously Cursed Film Productions (with Bethan Hilton) (Spooky Month #2)
October 12, 2020 16:00 - 49 minutes - 31.8 MBFor our second Spooky Month episode, we're joined by Charlotte's good friend Bethan, who tells us all about a selection of cursed films: films that are known as being cursed because of multiple mysteries and strange deaths that are linked to them. Bethan discusses: The Omen The Exorcist The Poltergeist franchise Rebel Without a Cause Atuk Find the full notes for this episode, including where you can learn more about this topic, at learnaboutpod.com. You can also follow us on Inst...
#37 - The History of Halloween (Spooky Month #1)
October 05, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25 MBIn this episode, we're kicking off Spooky Month! And we can't kick off the season of pumpkin spice and Hocus Pocus without talking about the festival that surrounds it all – Halloween. Ellie teaches us about the origins of Halloween and why we celebrate it the way we do. Find the full show notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. ------- Music attribution: Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4133-nightmare-machine License: http://creati...
#36 - Hansel and Gretel: the True Story That Inspired the Grimm Tale
September 28, 2020 19:56 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBCharlotte dives into the story of Hansel and Gretel — but more so, the true story that inspired the tale (and many other dark fairy tales that were written all over the world). In this episode, you have a treat in store: I do a reading of the full story of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm, and to make it more atmospheric, we've got sound effects! Grab a drink, maybe some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy! Find the full show notes at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon...
#35 - Deadly Makeup: (Literally) Toxic Beauty Trends Throughout History
September 21, 2020 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.8 MBWould you smear lead or arsenic on your face, ingest radiation, or sit under an X-ray machine for 20 hours all in the name of beauty? That's what people throughout history did! Ellie talks about some of history's most deadly makeup trends, from the horrifying origin of false eyelashes to the cages women wore on their heads to stop vermin being attracted to their lard-filled hair. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. And if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please ...
#34 - Lizzie Borden: America's Most Notorious Murder Trial of the 19th Century (with Llinos Owen)
September 07, 2020 09:15 - 52 minutes - 32.1 MBWe're joined by our first ever guest, and we're diving into a subject we haven't covered on the podcast before: true crime! Llinos joins us to talk about Lizzie Borden, an American woman who was accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother. However, she was declared not guilty, and the case was never officially solved. Thanks so much to Llinos for joining us - if you want to be a guest and teach us something, get in touch on our website! You can find the full notes for this ep...
#33 - Norse Mythology: the Weird Children of Loki Laufeyson
August 31, 2020 16:00 - 34 minutes - 24.6 MBWhile we might think of Loki as a major villain of Norse mythology, it is actually Loki’s children that are some of the most terrifying and interesting creatures in the Viking stories. In this episode, we learn about them! Let us know if you want us to cover more Norse mythology by getting in touch with us on our website, or we're @learnaboutpod on Twitter and Instagram. Find the full show notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#32 - Common Inventions We Use Today: Their Weird & Wonderful Origin Stories
August 24, 2020 18:12 - 38 minutes - 29.4 MBHow did things we see every day come to be? Charlotte discusses the origin stories of some common inventions we use a lot today, including t-shirts, general anaesthetic, chewing gum, and the Slinky. Find the full notes and list of resources for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#31 - Time Travel Stories that "Prove" a Glitch in the Matrix
August 17, 2020 19:06 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThis episode focuses on weird time travel stories that potentially "prove" a glitch in the Matrix. Whether you're a cynic (like Charlotte) or a believer (like Ellie), listen to this episode and let us know what you think! Find the full notes and resources for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#30 - The Schuyler Sisters: How Accurate is Their Portrayal in the Musical 'Hamilton'?
August 10, 2020 11:12 - 53 minutes - 39.4 MBHamilton has taken the world by storm over the past few years, and as we love to focus on powerful women in this podcast, we learn about the Schuyler sisters and what their lives were actually like historically, compared to their portrayal in the show. Learn more about this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#29 - Corporal Wojtek: the Bear Who Fought in World War II
August 03, 2020 16:00 - 29 minutes - 22.3 MBIn another interesting war story (listen to episode #3 for an incredible story about the Great Emu War of Australia, 1932), we learn about Corporal Wojtek, a bear—yes, a bear—who served alongside the Polish army in World War II. Learn more about this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#28 - Come From Away: the Real-Life Event & the Incredible True Story of Beverly Bass
July 27, 2020 14:43 - 33 minutes - 25.1 MBCharlotte's here to talk about 2 things she loves: musical theatre, and inspirational women. Learn about the real-life event that inspired by international hit musical Come From Away, and the incredible life of pilot Beverly Bass, whose plane was diverted to Gander in Newfoundland, Canada in the wake of 9/11. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#27 - Solo Travel Tips: Flights, Costs, and Advice for People Who Want to Travel Alone
July 20, 2020 21:32 - 42 minutes - 30.3 MBEllie, who spent a year travelling in Australia, New Zealand and Los Angeles, shares some tips and advice for those who are considering doing it too. Whether it's a year-long excursion or a short city break, listen to this episode for tips on reducing costs, organising your trip, making the most of your time while you're away, and more. Find the full notes & more for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#26 - MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing): the Toxic & Immoral Business Model
July 13, 2020 11:17 - 40 minutes - 29.9 MBWhat is multi-level marketing? Charlotte discusses MLMs, how they follow such a toxic and immoral business model that only 1% of people make a living from, and some examples including Arbonne, Team Beachbody, and LuLaRoe. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#26 - Multi-Level Marketing: the Toxic & Scammy Business Model
July 13, 2020 11:17 - 40 minutes - 29.9 MBWhat is multi-level marketing? Charlotte discusses MLMs, how they follow such a toxic and immoral business model that only 1% of people make a living from, and some examples including Arbonne, Team Beachbody, and LuLaRoe. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#25 - Nellie Bly: the American Feminist Who Transformed Investigative Journalism
July 06, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 17.5 MBIn another episode about an amazing woman in history, Ellie talks about Nellie Bly: an American 19th century feminist who transformed the face of investigative journalism by infiltrating a New York asylum in order to get her dream job as a journalist. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#24 - Titan: Saturn's Most Incredible Moon
June 29, 2020 20:30 - 24 minutes - 17.8 MBCharlotte gets her space nerd on again in this episode: she talks about Titan, the second-largest moon in the solar system, belonging to her favourite planet Saturn. Why is this the best moon? Because in 6 billion years, we might be able to live on it! Find the notes for this episode and all the others at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#23 - Representation in Marvel: 5 Diverse Characters in the Marvel Comics
June 22, 2020 09:56 - 30 minutes - 21.7 MBDiversity and inclusion is always an important topic, but it's especially relevant right now. This month has been huge for the Black Lives Matter movement, and it's also Pride month! In this episode, Ellie showcases 5 diverse characters in the Marvel comics, including a queer Latinx woman, a kickass Muslim teenager, and a proud LGBTQ+ couple. Note: We're both big allies of the Black Lives Matter movement. We record these episodes far in advance, and it just so happens that this episode see...
#22 - Titanic: the Event vs. the Film & the Story of Violet Jessop
June 10, 2020 10:10 - 39 minutes - 28.9 MBCharlotte compares the events of the Titanic in real life to the famous film adaptation by James Cameron. She also talks about some slightly strange films inspired by the Titanic (including animated talking animals), and the incredible story of Violet Jessop, a Titanic steward who became known as Miss Unsinkable. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#22 - Titanic: the Event vs. the Film + the Story of Violet Jessop
June 10, 2020 10:10 - 39 minutes - 28.9 MBCharlotte compares the events of the Titanic in real life to the famous film adaptation by James Cameron. She also talks about some slightly strange films inspired by the Titanic (including animated talking animals), and the incredible story of Violet Jessop, a Titanic steward who became known as Miss Unsinkable. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#21 - Cinderella: the Original Dark Tale
May 25, 2020 11:13 - 36 minutes - 26.2 MBHave you listened to our episode about the original dark tale of Rapunzel? In this episode, we follow up on this episode by talking about the original tale of Cinderella. It's definitely a heck of a lot darker than the Disney version! Find the notes for this episode and all the others at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#21 - Cinderella: the original dark tale (Dark Disney #2)
May 25, 2020 11:13 - 36 minutes - 26.2 MBHave you listened to our episode about the original dark tale of Rapunzel? In this episode, we follow up on this episode by talking about the original tale of Cinderella. It's definitely a heck of a lot darker than the Disney version! Find the notes for this episode and all the others at learnaboutpod.com.
#20 - Special Milestone Episode: Get to Know Us + Tips on How to Start a Podcast
May 20, 2020 10:48 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBJoin us for a special extended episode as we reach our first milestone of 20 episodes! Get to know us, how this show came to be, and learn some tips on how to start your own podcast. Timestamps: 3:24 - Discussing Disney films 12:23 - Tips for working from home 16:27 - Animal Crossing 20:04 - Would you rather...? 38:08 - Answering questions from listeners + tips on how to start a podcast 1:02:28 - Podcasts we're listening to at the moment 1:10:41 - Fun facts submitted by listen...
#19 - Easter Traditions Around the World
April 27, 2020 19:43 - 30 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode (that is a bit late because Charlotte sucks at uploading them on time), Ellie talks about Easter traditions all around the world, including Spain, Germany, Australia, Italy, and more! Find the full show notes for this episode and more at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#18 - Weird & Archaic Laws Around the World (That Still Exist Today)
April 06, 2020 11:19 - 36 minutes - 26.5 MBCharlotte talks about all sorts and weird and wonderful laws that still exist today around the world. Most of them are so archaic and old that they surely can't still be policed, but technically, they are still in effect today! There are a ton of links and resources for this episode, so if you want to learn more, head to our website, learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#17 - Persephone: Queen of the Underworld & Greek Goddess of Spring
March 17, 2020 12:38 - 27 minutes - 19.8 MBWe're going back to Greek Mythology in this episode! Ellie teaches us about Persephone, who was abducted by Hades and became the queen of the underworld. Her story also caused her to be known as the goddess of the spring season. Find the notes for this episode and join our mailing list for updates at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#16 - The Academy Awards & Diversity in Film: Stats, the Moonlight/La La Land mixup, Parasite, Taika Waititi & More
March 09, 2020 16:23 - 49 minutes - 36.1 MBFilm nerds, this is for you! Charlotte and Ellie discuss the Academy Awards and (the lack of) diversity in film - not just in film awards, but in the film industry as a whole. We talk about declining Oscars viewing figures over the years, the dramatic Moonlight/La La Land mixup of 2017, Parasite, Taika Waititi, and more. You can find all of the notes for this episode and all the others at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#16 - The Academy Awards & Diversity in Film: stats, the Moonlight/La La Land mixup, Parasite, Taika Waititi & more
March 09, 2020 16:23 - 49 minutes - 36.1 MBFilm nerds, this is for you! Charlotte and Ellie discuss the Academy Awards and (the lack of) diversity in film - not just in film awards, but in the film industry as a whole. We talk about declining Oscars viewing figures over the years, the dramatic Moonlight/La La Land mixup of 2017, Parasite, Taika Waititi, and more. You can find all of the notes for this episode and all the others at learnaboutpod.com.
#15 - Constellation of Aquarius
March 02, 2020 09:21 - 22 minutes - 17.1 MBWe're flying back to space in this episode all about the Aquarius constellation! Ellie talks about its origins, related mythology, when you can see the constellation in the sky, and other fun facts. Find the full notes and list of resources at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#14 - Bobby Leach: the Niagara Falls daredevil who died a mundane death
February 24, 2020 10:45 - 20 minutes - 16.2 MBThis episode is a follow-up to episode 4, the story of Annie Edson Taylor, so we recommend listening to that first! In this episode, Charlotte talks about Bobby Leach, the second person to traverse the Niagara Falls in a barrel, and who died a surprisingly sad and mundane death after living a life of reckless adventure. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#14 - Bobby Leach: the Niagara Falls Daredevil Who Died a Mundane Death
February 24, 2020 10:45 - 20 minutes - 16.2 MBThis episode is a follow-up to episode 4, the story of Annie Edson Taylor, so we recommend listening to that first! In this episode, Charlotte talks about Bobby Leach, the second person to traverse the Niagara Falls in a barrel, and who died a surprisingly sad and mundane death after living a life of reckless adventure. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#13 - Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday): Why & How It's Celebrated Worldwide
February 17, 2020 19:02 - 31 minutes - 24.6 MB(Note: Apologies for some crackling in the audio of this episode.) It's Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday, as it should be correctly named) soon, so we learn all about why Pancake Day exists, some of the centuries-old traditions that still happen today, and the interesting and unique celebrations that happen in other countries all over the world. Find the full show notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#13 - Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday): why & how people celebrate it all over the world
February 17, 2020 19:02 - 31 minutes - 24.6 MB(Note: Apologies for some crackling in the audio of this episode.) It's Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday, as it should be correctly named) soon, so we learn all about why Pancake Day exists, some of the centuries-old traditions that still happen today, and the interesting and unique celebrations that happen in other countries all over the world. Find the full show notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#12 - The Mabinogion (Welsh Folklore) + the story of Branwen
February 10, 2020 17:00 - 27 minutes - 20.5 MB(Note: Apologies for some crackling in the audio of this episode.) Today, Charlotte talks about mythology that's a little closer to home: the Mabinogion, a famous collection of Celtic folklore that dates back to the 12th-13th Century. The stories are set in the world of giants and enchantments where royal families are at war, people transform into animals, and wizards craft a woman from flowers. Read the full notes for this episode here.
Ep. 12: The Mabinogion (Welsh Folklore)
February 10, 2020 17:00 - 27 minutes - 20.5 MB(Note: Apologies for some crackling in the audio of this episode.) Today, Charlotte talks about mythology that's a little closer to home: the Mabinogion, a famous collection of Celtic folklore that dates back to the 12th-13th Century. The stories are set in the world of giants and enchantments where royal families are at war, people transform into animals, and wizards craft a woman from flowers. Read the full notes for this episode here.
#12 - The Mabinogion (Welsh Folklore) + the Story of Branwen
February 10, 2020 17:00 - 27 minutes - 20.5 MB(Note: Apologies for some crackling in the audio of this episode.) Today, Charlotte talks about mythology that's a little closer to home: the Mabinogion, a famous collection of Celtic folklore that dates back to the 12th-13th Century. The stories are set in the world of giants and enchantments where royal families are at war, people transform into animals, and wizards craft a woman from flowers. Read the full notes for this episode here. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#11 - Anne Bonny: Pirate Queen of the Caribbean
January 27, 2020 11:47 - 26 minutes - 19.7 MBEllie tells the story of another amazing woman from history: Anne Bonny, pirate queen of the Caribbean, who refused to live the patriarchal life set out for her by her father, and instead, sailed the seas as a badass pirate in disguise. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
Ep. 11: Anne Bonny, Pirate Queen of the Caribbean
January 27, 2020 11:47 - 26 minutes - 19.7 MBEllie tells the story of another amazing woman from history: Anne Bonny, pirate queen of the Caribbean, who refused to live the patriarchal life set out for her by her father, and instead, sailed the seas as a badass pirate in disguise. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#10 - Rapunzel: the original dark tale by the Brothers Grimm
January 20, 2020 14:11 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBWe dive into a dark and grim (and Grimm) tale today: the original story of Rapunzel. We all know the famous story of the girl locked in the tower by her adoptive mother, and most of us have seen Disney's musical version - but today, Charlotte tells us the original story by Brothers Grimm. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#10 - Rapunzel: the Original Dark Tale
January 20, 2020 14:11 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBWe dive into a dark and grim (and Grimm) tale today: the original story of Rapunzel. We all know the famous story of the girl locked in the tower by her adoptive mother, and most of us have seen Disney's musical version - but today, Charlotte tells us the original story by Brothers Grimm. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#10 - Rapunzel: the original dark tale (Dark Disney #1)
January 20, 2020 14:11 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBWe dive into a dark and grim (and Grimm) tale today: the original story of Rapunzel. We all know the famous story of the girl locked in the tower by her adoptive mother, and most of us have seen Disney's musical version - but today, Charlotte tells us the original story by Brothers Grimm. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
Ep. 10: The Original Dark Tale of Rapunzel
January 20, 2020 14:11 - 24 minutes - 18.8 MBWe dive into a dark and grim (and Grimm) tale today: the original story of Rapunzel. We all know the famous story of the girl locked in the tower by her adoptive mother, and most of us have seen Disney's musical version - but today, Charlotte tells us the original story by Brothers Grimm. Find the full notes for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
Ep. 9: Weird Births of Greek Gods
January 13, 2020 10:52 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MBEllie teaches us about some strange births of Greek Gods: from sibling couples, Zeus birthing a fully-grown adult from his forehead, and another from inside his shin, we've got some weird and wonderful stories for you in this episode! Find the full notes for this episode and sign up for our mailing list at learnaboutpod.com.
#09 - Weird Births of Greek Gods
January 13, 2020 10:52 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MBEllie teaches us about some strange births of Greek Gods: from sibling couples, Zeus birthing a fully-grown adult from his forehead, and another from inside his shin, we've got some weird and wonderful stories for you in this episode! Find the full notes for this episode and sign up for our mailing list at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
Ep. 8: New Year's Resolutions
January 06, 2020 10:39 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MBIn the first episode of 2020 (and the decade!) Charlotte goes over some stats about New Year's resolutions, and shares 8 tips on how to make your goals more exciting, more attainable, and easier to achieve. See the full show notes at learnaboutpod.com.
#08 - New Year's Resolutions: why we set them & how to achieve them
January 06, 2020 10:39 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MBIn the first episode of 2020 (and the decade!) Charlotte goes over some stats about New Year's resolutions, and shares 8 tips on how to make your goals more exciting, more attainable, and easier to achieve. See the full show notes at learnaboutpod.com.
#08 - New Year's Resolutions: Why We Set Them & How to Achieve Them
January 06, 2020 10:39 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MBIn the first episode of 2020 (and the decade!) Charlotte goes over some stats about New Year's resolutions, and shares 8 tips on how to make your goals more exciting, more attainable, and easier to achieve. See the full show notes at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod
#07 - Krampus: the story of the Christmas demon
December 20, 2019 11:43 - 22 minutes - 18.8 MBIn another delightfully festive episode, Ellie takes the reigns and discusses the slightly darker, European tradition of Krampus, the Christmas demon. Don't be bad, kids, or you'll be whipped with birch sticks in the middle of the night... Find all the notes, resources and more for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
Ep. 7: Krampus
December 20, 2019 11:43 - 22 minutes - 18.8 MBIn another delightfully festive episode, Ellie takes the reigns and discusses the slightly darker, European tradition of Krampus, the Christmas demon. Don't be bad, kids, or you'll be whipped with birch sticks in the middle of the night... Find all the notes, resources and more for this episode at learnaboutpod.com.
#07 - Krampus: the Tradition of the Christmas Demon
December 20, 2019 11:43 - 22 minutes - 18.8 MBIn another delightfully festive episode, Ellie takes the reigns and discusses the slightly darker, European tradition of Krampus, the Christmas demon. Don't be bad, kids, or you'll be whipped with birch sticks in the middle of the night... Find all the notes, resources and more for this episode at learnaboutpod.com. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/learnaboutpod