#109 Collapse (Part 2)

#109 Collapse (Part 2)

Author: Pop! Pop! April 29, 2025 Duration: 24:57

This is Part 2! For Part 1, check the feed!


This week we’re taking a look at the moments in history when things went to pot. Come with us to see Louis Napoleon’s self-coup in mid-19th century France, the frequent dynastic collapses in China, plus: how the Ottoman Empire bit the dust.


And why exactly did people look so old and knackered in the past; was everyone on a tough old paper round? Or something else? We don’t have the answers, but if you have theory, do send it on: hello@ohwhatatime.com


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Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk).


Chris, Elis and Tom x


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Ever wondered if people in the 18th century had worse holidays than you do, or if being a child in Victorian times was genuinely as grim as it sounds? That’s the kind of territory explored in Oh What A Time..., a podcast where history is less about dusty dates and more about the bizarre, often terrible, human experiences across the ages. Each episode, comedians Elis James and Tom Craine join award-winning podcaster Chris Scull to take a deep, funny dive into a new theme-whether it’s marriage, life at sea, or countless other facets of existence. They sift through the strangest and most surprising stories from our collective past, all while trying to settle a central, burning query: just how awful was it back then? The tone is conversational and packed with curiosity, blending genuine historical insight with the hosts’ comedic perspectives. You’ll find yourself learning about the peculiar realities of daily life in different eras, all delivered with a warmth and humor that makes the past feel immediately relevant. This isn’t a lecture; it’s a lively discussion between friends who are equally fascinated and horrified by what they uncover. For anyone who enjoys a good story, a laugh, and a fresh take on the people who came before us, this podcast offers a consistently entertaining and oddly comforting look at the shared struggles and absurdities of human history.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Oh What A Time...
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