#146 Jesters (Part 2)

#146 Jesters (Part 2)

Author: Pop! Pop! November 4, 2025 Duration: 26:22

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


This week we’re going back in time to look at that most curious of careers: jesters! We’ve got the earliest professional farters, we’ve got Harlequins and we’ll see what jesters were up to in Ancient Rome.


Plus we have a quick bit on the history of the mattress. And if you’ve got anything else to contribute, you know what to do: hello@ohwhatatime.com


And in huge news, Oh What A Time is now on Patreon! From content you’ve never heard before to the incredible Oh What A Time chat group, there’s so much more OWAT to be enjoyed!


On our Patreon you’ll now find:

•The full archive of bonus episodes

•Brand new bonus episodes each month

•OWAT subscriber group chats

•Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show

•PLUS ad-free episodes earlier than everyone else


Join us at 👉 patreon.com/ohwhatatime


And as a special thank you for joining, use the code CUSTARD for 25% off your first month.


You can also follow us on: 

X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod

And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod


Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice?

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


Chris, Elis and Tom x


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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...
Podcast Episodes
#138 Alexander the Great (Part 9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
We explore how Alexander’s story echoes through time. In history, his empire shapes Rome, Egypt, and the borders of knowledge itself.Also - is it just us or were 80s and 90s playground not quite up to today’s health and…
#137 Alexander the Great (Part 8) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:57
In the Indus Valley, Alexander pushes into modern-day Pakistan and India, defeating warrior queens and kings before his men call time at the edge of the known world. Then, the long road home — a deadly desert march, poli…
#136 Alexander the Great (Part 7) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
We’re chasing Alexander into Central Asia, where Darius meets a grim fate and local satraps learn the cost of betrayal.And what did people do in the pre-freezer age? The mind boggles. But if you’ve had something in your…
#135 Alexander the Great (Part 6) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
Egypt rolls out the red carpet, hailing him as Pharaoh and even a living god. Finally, the titanic Battle of Gaugamela sees Alexander smash Darius’ massive army and claim the Persian Empire for himself.If you fancy a bun…
#134 Alexander the Great (Part 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:18
It’s Alexander vs. Darius in a showdown for the ages. First, the Battle of Issus turns the Persian king into a fugitive and Alexander into master of the Levant.Elsewhere, we’re discussing terrible marketing strategies in…
#86 In the Navy (Free subscriber episode!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:21
As a special summer treat in amongst our Alexander The Great mini-series, we thought we'd drop a subscriber episode onto the feed.This episode was made available for subscribers on new year's eve 2024 and in it, Tom Crai…
#133 Alexander the Great (Part 4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
Next, Alexander stamps his authority on Greece — crushing Thebes, securing the Balkans, and claiming Achilles as his role model. We end with the first clash with Persia at the River Granicus, as Alexander announces himse…
#132 Alexander the Great (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
We’re diving into palace intrigue, starting with the assassination of Philip II at a wedding that makes Game of Thrones look tame.Also, Tom has an idea for glasses innovation that sounds suspiciously like the glasses Dut…
#131 Alexander the Great (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
We explore the young prince’s elite education under Aristotle, featuring wild horses, epic poetry, and geography lessons that fuelled global conquest. Finally, we take a look at the puzzle of Alexander’s early life — whe…
#130 Alexander the Great (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:22
It’s time to set the stage for one of history’s biggest names. We meet Alexander’s parents: Olympias (possibly sleeping with gods) and Philip II (definitely sleeping with everyone else).Plus, is everything in Alexander t…