In part one, Ludwig II reluctantly became king when his father died. But instead of leading his country, he poured his money and time into the operas of Richard Wagner. Now, members of the king’s own government are plotting his demise. But this only makes Ludwig dive deeper into his next flight of fantasy: building giant castles. As the bills rack up, so doe ... Show More
Jul 13
Listen Now: Dan Taberski’s Manifesto
Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, follow Dan Taberski (Hysterical, 9/12, Missing Richard Simmons) as he sets off on his most complicated quest yet: to reclaim the manifesto and write his own. Dan attempts to rescue the manifesto as a form from the sweaty clutches of cyni ... Show More
8m 1s
Apr 2
Mistresses: Mary Boleyn | 100
Before Anne Boleyn, there was Mary. And her scandalous affair with King Henry VIII offers a whole new perspec:ve on “divorced, beheaded, died”. We dig into the story of the hidden Boleyn sister, including how she got caught up in a messy slut-shaming rumour that would come to def ... Show More
45m 29s
Jun 2024
Pride Month: Ludwig II of Bavaria
The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Death of Ludwig II of Bavaria Katy and Nathan are back with a Pride Month special, and it's all about Ludwig II of Bavaria - the 'Swan King'. This dude was all about the arts, built some seriously extra castles, and had a personal life that was.. ... Show More
57m 15s
Sep 2024
Ludwig II: The Only Real King of the 19th Century
Outside of Germany, King Ludwig II is relatively unknown. And, yet, he is one of history’s most tragic and romantic kings. He was a gay icon and a ruler who eschewed public appearances for turn inward into a fantasy realm of his own making. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac ... Show More
47m 39s
Apr 2024
Season 4 | 9. Blood Money
Edward I puts his plan of a united Britain into motion, building some of the most magnificent castles the world had ever seen. These castles could secure his legacy, but they are eye-wateringly expensive. Edward’s debts, alongside a near-death experience, sends him and Mediaeval ... Show More
30m 25s
Aug 2020
The Red Paint on Leopold II
<p>Leopold II, King of the Belgians, was a man obsessed with the profits that came with colonization. Using smokescreens of charities and shell corporations, he claimed a private landholding 76x larger than his own nation, and unleashed decades of horror on the land's inhabitants ... Show More
43m 9s
Aug 2022
Ring of Power Pt. 1: The Rhinegold
Before there was Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, there was Richard Wagner’s The Ring of Nibelung. Infused with ancient Norse and Germanic myths, the composer’s epic opera cycle deals in power, corruption, and uncontrollable destruction. At its center is a ring forged from the en ... Show More
52m 18s