What's the History?
125 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsAn informal but informative trip through all things historical, What's the History is a good craic podcast brought to you by Claire Cotter and Fi Barry, two history teachers who want you to learn and laugh. So grab a cup of tea and settle in as we bring you along with us on a tour of the grim, the great and the ghastly.
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Episodes
A Very French Disaster and a Very French Haunting.
October 21, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBThis week Fi shares an account of a fireworks disaster and Claire discusses the Moberly-Jourdain Incident which is a little creepy. Bon Appetite!
Eunuchs and Celebrity Beefs
October 07, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBWe are finally back! We missed you so much. Today's episode is as chaotic as ever, with discussions of castration, cults, Vin Diesel and there is singing, of course. Please come back to us. Also Fi is engaged, huzzah!
Human Sacrifices and North Korean Brainwashing
April 30, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBToday, Claire tells us about some frankly GRIM ritual sacrifices throughout history and Fi tells us the truly gripping story of Kim Hyon-hui. And yes, there are Facebook memories.
Human Sacrifices and North Korean
April 30, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBToday, Claire tells us about some frankly GRIM ritual sacrifices throughout history and Fi tells us the truly gripping story of Kim Hyon-hui. And yes, there are Facebook memories.
Bernie Made Off With Some Money and Dennis the Menace and Other Crazy Coincidences
April 23, 2023 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBHi there! We are back with a super fun episode. We lament the passing of the First Dog of Ireland and Fi talks us through Bernie Madoff, the mad lad. Claire shares some truly CRAZY historical coincidences. Enjoy!
History Jesus and The Circus
April 14, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBWe are finally back! We have missed you so much :( Today, Claire tells us all about the historicity of the one and only Jesus Christ and Fi talks us through the history of the circus and a very tragic event that we laugh really inappropriately at and feel really really bad about. We are sorry for who we are. Also, check out Claire's new website for school notes- https://mscotterclass.com Welcome to Season 2 frens :)
Parachuting Beavers and Extinct Nightmares
January 22, 2023 17:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBEpisode 62 is here and we're back and ready to tell you all about beavers dropping out of the skies and extinct creepy creatures. We also dish out some more cringey Facebook memories to enlighten your day and make you feel better about yourself. It's a public service!
The Children's Blizzard of 1888 and Inbred Royals
December 18, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBWe managed to stick to our schedule which means we have a lovely long episode for you all! We share HORRIFIC Facebook memories #RunRompPlay. Fi cools us all down with a pretty sad tale of an old-timey blizzard and Claire talks about jaws and Joanna the Mad...and the worst husband there ever was. Enjoy frens.
Hi, It's Me; I Have ADHD and The Attica Prison Riot
December 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 53.1 MBEpisode 60 is in the house. We're back! We have missed you so much! In this week's ep, we explain our absence and encourage you to keep both hands on the steering wheel. This week, Claire dives into the topic of ADHD where she shares her own personal experiences of living with ADHD, as well as its research history which dates back to the 1700s. Fi tells you all about the Attica Prison Riot, which helped change the views regarding prisoner rights in America.
Halloween H2Whoa!
October 30, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBEpisode 59 of What's The History? is now available on Spotify and Applepodcasts. It's Halloween time! In this weeks episode Claire and Fi celebrate Halloween by confronting some Facebook memories, diving into Loftus Hall and learning about some very scary ghost ladies. Claire also discusses the story of the headless horseman. They also discuss some demon facts and look into a horrifying children's film that depicts Satan himself.
Nazi Eugenics & Hans Asperger and Court Jesters
October 16, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBWe are back! Claire talks about the Nazi racial policy, in particular the mass murder of disabled children. It is a very tough listen but it's important that they are never forgotten. Fi tells us about the history of court jesters. Listen out for Roland the Farter. It's a bit of levity in an otherwise difficult episode but we tried to make you all giggle at the end with our discussion of Halloween movies. Enjoy and like, subscribe, share x
Murder, Mutiny and Barney The Dinosaur
October 02, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBThis week on 'What's The History?', Fi tells us all about the Batavia disaster. (Basically the ship trip of your nightmares). Claire introduces us to Barney the Dinosaur and all the different ways society absolutely hated him. Just check out Jihad.net!
'The Black Death' and the Bat-Ship Insane 'Willie D'
September 25, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBHello History Buffs! Claire is here to infect your minds with knowledge of the Plague. She could have worded that better. Fi shares the best maritime story yet. If you think you're incompetent, meet the USS Willie D. Enjoy xx
The Corpse Who Attended His Own Trial and The Queen's Secret Cousins
September 18, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBHi there, hello there! This week, we have the chats (tm) and Fi tells us about Formosus, the Dope Pope who was dug up to stand trial. Claire tells us the sad story of the Queen's first cousins whom you've probably never heard of. Enjoy!
The Corpse Who Attended His Own Trial and The Queen's Secret Cousins
September 18, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBHi there, hello there! This week, we have the chats (tm) and Fi tells us about Formosus, the Dope Pope who was dug up to stand trial. Claire tells us the sad story of the Queen's first cousins whom you've probably never heard of. Enjoy!
The Queen Conundrum
September 09, 2022 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBWe are back and as spicy as ever. We talk very candidly about our reaction to Queen Elizabeth's death. We also discuss the case of the Transphobic Teacher. I told you it was spicy.
The Queen Conundrum
September 09, 2022 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBWe are back and as spicy as ever. We talk very candidly about our reaction to Queen Elizabeth's death. We also discuss the case of the Transphobic Teacher. I told you it was spicy.
All About Cats
August 14, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBIt's an entire episode about cats. That's it. Too hot, can't type.
All About Cats
August 14, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBIt's an entire episode about cats. That's it. Too hot, can't type.
The Life of Poon and Awakenings
August 04, 2022 15:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBFi is back and she has another classic tale of survival at sea. It involves shark blood and terrible accents. Claire is here to depress and educate us all with tales of the Encephalitis Lethargica epidemic of the early 20th century. Enjoy!
The Life of Poon and Awakenings
August 04, 2022 15:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBFi is back and she has another classic tale of survival at sea. It involves shark blood and terrible accents. Claire is here to depress and educate us all with tales of the Encephalitis Lethargica epidemic of the early 20th century. Enjoy!
It's Our Birthday
August 03, 2022 14:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBWhat's the History is officially one year old! We will have a normal episode for you all real soon but today, I (Claire) took some time to say thank you, have a little chat with you all and tell you the story of the Hunt family from Kilkelly, Mayo, Ireland. There is an absolutely beautiful folk song written by American songwriter Peter Jones based on letters sent to America following the Great Famine and I attempt to sing it. Let's pretend it's 5 am at an Irish wedding and we won't leave the...
The Mystery of the Lost Roanoke Colony and the 7 Time Lightning Survivor
July 24, 2022 18:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBWE ARE BACK!!! We absolutely loved recording this episode and had such a laugh. Claire tells the creepy story of the lost Roanoke Colony of 1590 and Fi tells us about Roy, a park ranger whose luck is definitely worse than yours.
The Mystery of the Lost Roanoke Colony and the 7 Time Lightning Survivor
July 24, 2022 18:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBWE ARE BACK!!! We absolutely loved recording this episode and had such a laugh. Claire tells the creepy story of the lost Roanoke Colony of 1590 and Fi tells us about Roy, a park ranger whose luck is definitely worse than yours.
90s/00s Nostalgia Bonanza
July 10, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBIt is our 50th episode and what better way to celebrate than to discuss all things nineties and naughties. We talk school, books, toys, music and TV with a bit of miscellany thrown in. It's like a warm bath in the sink. uTthjpZAErXEUgK6tL7s
90s/00s Nostalgia Bonanza
July 10, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBIt is our 50th episode and what better way to celebrate than to discuss all things nineties and naughties. We talk school, books, toys, music and TV with a bit of miscellany thrown in. It's like a warm bath in the sink. uTthjpZAErXEUgK6tL7s
More Pirate Badassery and The Amish
July 03, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBWe are back! Fi tells us all about Jeanne de Clisson who sailed her revenge ship which she called.. 'My Revenge.' We love her. Claire discussed the Amish community in the US as well as Ireland's small Amish-Mennonite community. We also talk about carpet sweepers, call cards and cassette because of course we do.
More Pirate Badassery and The Amish
July 03, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBWe are back! Fi tells us all about Jeanne de Clisson who sailed her revenge ship which she called.. 'My Revenge.' We love her. Claire discussed the Amish community in the US as well as Ireland's small Amish-Mennonite community. We also talk about carpet sweepers, call cards and cassette because of course we do.
GUBU and The Man in the Iron Mask
June 19, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBHello frennns. This week, Claire has perhaps the most BONKERS story ever told on the pod. It is amazing. It is the story of a man, his dickie bow, a double murder and the Attorney General. Fi talks us through the mystery of The Man in the Iron Mask and it is so much fun. We loved this one.
GUBU and The Man in the Iron Mask
June 19, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBHello frennns. This week, Claire has perhaps the most BONKERS story ever told on the pod. It is amazing. It is the story of a man, his dickie bow, a double murder and the Attorney General. Fi talks us through the mystery of The Man in the Iron Mask and it is so much fun. We loved this one.
The Mitchelstown Man Who Was Buried Alive and Leaving Cert Poetry
June 12, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MBThere are no words to describe how chaotic this episode is but we will try: -Fi tells us an AMAZING story about a local man who aimed to break a world record. He puts all other mad lads to shame. -Claire gives you all nightmares by reminding you of your Leaving Cert poets. But actually, they're super lovely and fun. Trigger warning if you've lost someone close to you because so many of the poems are about death, grief and memory. -Luke Kelly sings -We talk about B*Witched and Fi gets so ...
The Mitchelstown Man Who Was Buried Alive and Leaving Cert Poetry
June 12, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MBThere are no words to describe how chaotic this episode is but we will try: -Fi tells us an AMAZING story about a local man who aimed to break a world record. He puts all other mad lads to shame. -Claire gives you all nightmares by reminding you of your Leaving Cert poets. But actually, they're super lovely and fun. Trigger warning if you've lost someone close to you because so many of the poems are about death, grief and memory. -Luke Kelly sings -We talk about B*Witched and Fi gets so ...
The Hill Abduction and Nellie the Lonely Orphan Girl
June 05, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBWe've gone full History Channel and talked about alien abductions. But like, in the context of the Cold War. Claire tells us all about the alleged abduction of Betty and Barney Hill and Fi shares the great story of Nellie Bly, all-round feminist bad-ass. Happy listening!
The Hill Abduction and Nellie the Lonely Orphan Girl
June 05, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBWe've gone full History Channel and talked about alien abductions. But like, in the context of the Cold War. Claire tells us all about the alleged abduction of Betty and Barney Hill and Fi shares the great story of Nellie Bly, all-round feminist bad-ass. Happy listening!
A 33,000 ft Fall Survivor and Mona Lisa, Last Supper Chats
May 29, 2022 15:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBWe are back and we are GIDDY. Fi tells us the story of an absolute BOSS survivor. We giggle inappropriately and we are sorry. Claire fangirls over Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. We missed you, let's never fight again.
A 33,000 ft Fall Survivor and Mona Lisa, Last Supper Chats
May 29, 2022 15:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBWe are back and we are GIDDY. Fi tells us the story of an absolute BOSS survivor. We giggle inappropriately and we are sorry. Claire fangirls over Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. We missed you, let's never fight again.
Memento Mori, Miscellany and Colditz
May 14, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBIt's Claire's birthdaaaaaay! She is here to share some fun and weird historical facts, have a laugh and cause general chaos. Fi tells us all about Colditz Prison and there is bonus Johnny Logan in honour of Claire's birth. We love you.
Memento Mori, Miscellany and Colditz
May 14, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBIt's Claire's birthdaaaaaay! She is here to share some fun and weird historical facts, have a laugh and cause general chaos. Fi tells us all about Colditz Prison and there is bonus Johnny Logan in honour of Claire's birth. We love you.
A Historical Crime Bonanza
May 08, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBThis week's episode is a long one but we promise it's super interesting! Fi tells the story of one of the most famous robberies in American history and we discuss whether snitches should in fact get stitches. Claire discusses some famous fugitives who simply disappeared: Lord Lucan, DB Cooper, The Bloody Benders, Black Bart and a 13th century Irish witch you definitely didn't want to marry. MAJOR trigger warning for Claire's piece- mentions of suicide, murder and violence. We really en...
A Historical Crime Bonanza
May 08, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBThis week's episode is a long one but we promise it's super interesting! Fi tells the story of one of the most famous robberies in American history and we discuss whether snitches should in fact get stitches. Claire discusses some famous fugitives who simply disappeared: Lord Lucan, DB Cooper, The Bloody Benders, Black Bart and a 13th century Irish witch you definitely didn't want to marry. MAJOR trigger warning for Claire's piece- mentions of suicide, murder and violence. We really en...
A Few Snippets
May 02, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBA few snippets of some of our favourite moments for your listening pleasure ❤️
A Few Snippets
May 02, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBA few snippets of some of our favourite moments for your listening pleasure ❤️
Diana, Princess of Wales and Andrew Jackson's Duel
May 01, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBThe title makes it sound like they dueled each other but they probably didn't. Claire talks us through the life and death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Fi details a duel between Andrew Jackson and someone who was not Charles Dickens. Fi drops an F-bomb that we didn't edit out due to a popular vote (and you can barely hear it anyway). Claire snorts. There is singing. Honestly, there is everything. There is all of it.
Diana, Princess of Wales and Andrew Jackson's Duel
May 01, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBThe title makes it sound like they dueled each other but they probably didn't. Claire talks us through the life and death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Fi details a duel between Andrew Jackson and someone who was not Charles Dickens. Fi drops an F-bomb that we didn't edit out due to a popular vote (and you can barely hear it anyway). Claire snorts. There is singing. Honestly, there is everything. There is all of it.
A Story of Survival and Snap Decisions and Trans History
April 24, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBHello there listeners! This week, Claire opens up about her mental health struggles. We know this is a history podcast so if you want to skip the personal stuff, skip forward to 20.00. Fi tells a riveting story about two friends on a dangerous mountaineering expedition where one of them has to make a pretty tough decision. Claire spreads her pagan-Marxist-woke agenda by discussing a history of gender fluidity. We enjoyed this one and we thank you so much for tuning in.
A Story of Survival and Snap Decisions and Trans History
April 24, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBHello there listeners! This week, Claire opens up about her mental health struggles. We know this is a history podcast so if you want to skip the personal stuff, skip forward to 20.00. Fi tells a riveting story about two friends on a dangerous mountaineering expedition where one of them has to make a pretty tough decision. Claire spreads her pagan-Marxist-woke agenda by discussing a history of gender fluidity. We enjoyed this one and we thank you so much for tuning in.
The Montreal Screwjob and Turk the Talking Chess Robot
April 17, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBHello and thank you so much for tuning in! This week, Claire talks about the most controversial incident in wrestling history: The Montreal Screwjob. Even if wrestling isn't your bag, this story is guaranteed to shock and entertain you. Fi tells us all about The Turk, a chess playing automaton. He just wants to be loved. And play chess.
The Montreal Screwjob and Turk the Talking Chess Robot
April 17, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBHello and thank you so much for tuning in! This week, Claire talks about the most controversial incident in wrestling history: The Montreal Screwjob. Even if wrestling isn't your bag, this story is guaranteed to shock and entertain you. Fi tells us all about The Turk, a chess playing automaton. He just wants to be loved. And play chess.
Pearl Hart, Gunslinger and OG Hollywood Tea
April 10, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBWe are BACK! This week's episode is A LOT but hey...if you're still listening, you clearly like it so technically, TECHNICALLY, this is your fault. Fi tells us all about the time she found a shark. Oh, and she talks about Pearl Hart, a gunslinger from the Old West with just the purdiest name. Claire talks about some absolute beauties of Hollywood and their fairly chaotic personal lives. And yes, we ate Luigis.
Pearl Hart, Gunslinger and OG Hollywood Tea
April 10, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBWe are BACK! This week's episode is A LOT but hey...if you're still listening, you clearly like it so technically, TECHNICALLY, this is your fault. Fi tells us all about the time she found a shark. Oh, and she talks about Pearl Hart, a gunslinger from the Old West with just the purdiest name. Claire talks about some absolute beauties of Hollywood and their fairly chaotic personal lives. And yes, we ate Luigis.