Heroes and Howlers
Heroes and Howlers
A quizzical look at some of history’s quirkiest moments and unpredictable people. Mikey Robins, celebrated Australian comedian, and Paul Wilson, Oxford Historian and author, take you on a raucous tour across many of the strangest turning points in history. This series celebrates the unsung heroes of history and puts the boot into the howlers. It revels in the characters, the cock ups, and the biz…Social links:
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The Arctic (Northwest Passage)
Oh!" said Pooh again. "What is the North Pole?" "It's just a thing you discover," said Christopher Robin, not being quite sure himself. A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh Paul and Mikey take the road north to balance out the series, stopping off to seek a route through the fabled NorthWest Passage o…
24:46
North America’s First Nations (Klondike Gold Rush)
“Every human longs for peace and love.” Hiawatha Separating ‘Fact’ from ‘Fiction’ is the constant challenge of an historian. None more so than the early history of North America’s First Nations peoples. Research relies heavily on oral traditions handed down from generation to generation but that h…
21:39
April Fools (April 1st)
"If every fool wore a crown, we should all be Kings." Welsh Proverb Everybody’s favourite day of the year - well, certainly Paul and Mikey’s. But some of the stories behind the pranks and foolishness might surprise you. Just what is a Scottish gowk? And why should we hunt it? Get in touch, follo…
16:59
Mata Khivi (Sikhism)
“The world is a drama, staged in a dream.” Guru Nanak Mata Khivi and the tradition of serving free communal meals (Langar) changed the face of Sikhism for ever. It has grown to become one of the most cherished institutions all over the world. Get in touch, follow Heroes & Howlers and find them e…
22:48
The Birth of a Nation (Ku Klux Klan)
“I would travel down to hell and wrestle a film away from the devil if it was necessary.” Werner Herzog But if that film was Birth of a Nation, Werner, you can just leave it there. In this episode Paul and Mikey look at how one film single-handedly resurrected the KKK. Then take a sideways glance …
17:06
Festive Special (2022)
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” Winston Churchill It's that time of year again! The halls are decked with holly and there’s a big tree blocking Martin Place. Listen in on the last of this Season’s episodes to get you in the Festive Spirit. Bottoms Up! Get in touch…
23:25
Festive Special (2021)
"England was merry England, when Old Christmas brought his sports again. 'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale; ‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft could cheer, The poor man's heart through half the year." Walter Scott - Marmion Paul and Mikey are unwrapping pr…
19:22
End Of Year Special
The boys have had a bumper year, and with the 'Giving Season' upon us they're delivering their final treats. When did a 'cab' become a 'taxi'? Who really was that 'Third man'? And which Hero had the worst Howler of a school report card? Get in touch, follow Heroes & Howlers and find them everywhe…
22:34
Pasifika!
In this episode Paul and Mikey chat to academic and Theatresports legend Professor Jioji Ravulo. It’s a fascinating look into the history of sexual and gender diversity in communities across the Pacific, as well as a discussion about the arrival of and the repercussions brought about by those pesk…
25:02
Extra Helpings 3 (Series 9 episodes 9-11)
New Guests. New Heroes. New Howlers. All of which have inspired Mikey and Paul to do a deep dive into more 'stories behind the story'. Sir Francis Drake, Lord Byron, Quack Doctors, and the North-West Passage - which side of the ledger will this lot fall?' Get in touch, follow Heroes & Howlers and …
29:27