Iszi’s Blog
Gertie The Dinosaur
What’s the point of studying dinosaurs?! How a dinosaur obsession lead to The Lion King!
A Sore-footed success
Were all composers white men with powdered wigs? The shocking truth is no, of course they weren't. Iszi speaks to Elizabeth de Brito of The Daffodil Perspective about the most famous of the non-male and non - white composers, Florence Price.
Cry Hard With A Vision
I had to leave a lot out of this podcast, including her failings in the brewing industry (due to a lazy horse). But I hope you will get a sense of a woman of great courage, who wouldn't be out of place on Dr Phil. I present Margery Kempe!
Sarah Baartman's body
I recorded this interview with Laura Snowling several years ago but found the story incredibly sad and troubling so decided against putting it out. However, I think this was cowardly and it is a REALLY thought provoking tale.
Maggotty Headed
He was a shiftless person, roving and maggotty-headed, and sometimes a little better than crazed. And being exceedingly credulous would stuff his many letters with fooleries and misinformations which sometimes would guide him into paths of error.' - Anthony Wood on John Aubrey 31st August 1667
The Favourite
A BECHDEL CAST Z LIST DEAD LIST MASHUP BONUS EPISODE! Iszi, Jamie and Caitlin analyze the film THE FAVOURITE for its historical and feminist credentials. Olivia Colman gets put through the microscope.
A Very British Spiderman
No violence: all charm. This podcast isn't about Marvel, but it is of a man who marvels at the smallest and least understood creatures.
This Pig Is GUILTY
History is full of criminals, and some are not human. Here is a tale of animals of the past, some guilty, some innocent all judged by the LAW.
The Serial Killer at No. 45
Iszi takes a walk to the house of the most prolific serial killer in the the UK. How one woman murdered over 400 by hand.
Woe to the conquered
How Rome was saved by geese - a (drunken) interview with author of Barbarians: Dr Stephen Kershaw
Troy Story
Did Amazon warriors really cut off one boob so they could fight better? Was Achilles a hero or a sulky narcissist? Natalie Haynes and Iszi chat about Gods, Castration, Amazons and REVENGE.
The Donald Trump Of Ancient Greece
A narcissist populist politician whose only motivation was winning... no, not that one.
Real Men
What would you sacrifice for your career? Many people lose relationships, invest fortunes, time with their families… but few people lose their entire identity. The question I grapple with is whether James Barry was a symptom of the strict victorian society or possibly the most accomplished transman in History.
Rejuvenate!
Was Otto Overbeck an abject failure? A brilliant polymath? A Quack? An Abuser? Iszi and James Stark explore the curious career of a bizarre creature with an electric personality.
Laying Cable
Imagine having the middle name “Orange”… This isn't an episode about eating more fruit and fibre, it is about fibre optics’ predecessor. The telegraph and how it is bloody difficult sending messages across the planet. Shouting might not work, but it is easier.
Pouring Bees On Vikings
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And what could be more festive than Tom Holland talking about overcoming their pagan occupiers by clever use of marrying enemy Earls, raising a kick-arse nephew and stealing a corpse in the name of patriotism.
Her Name Wasn't Lola
She's Irish, Spanish, American and Mistress to the King of Bavaria married 3 times, Dancer, actress, lecturer, author and murderer? Iszi thinks so. Doug Segal isn't so sure.