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Half-Arsed History

Half-Arsed History

Riley Knight 693 Episodes Jul 8, 2026

Half-Arsed History is a weekly podcast that explores absurd and entertaining stories from history. Host Riley Knight uses his history degree to bring listeners twice-weekly episodes filled with strange and humorous tales from the past. The show also offers a book titled 'History's Strangest Deaths' and encourages listener interaction via email and Patreon.

Episodes

Week 28: The First Ascent of the Matterhorn Jul 8, 2026 24:17 This week in history we’ve got an iconic moment from the French revolution, we’ve got a famous historical duel, we’ve got someone trying to get to the North Pole in a balloon - and we’ve got the tale of the first expedition to summit the Matterhorn, and the tragedy that struck afterwards.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of
Episode 419: Mata Hari, the Seductress-Turned-Spy Jul 5, 2026 1:02:35 In this week's episode, meet Mata Hari, the internationally-renowned exotic dancer who became a spy for... someone... during the First World War. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region. Pre-order your copy from Booktopia or Readings:AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://
Week 27: Oxford University’s 500-Year Grudge Jul 1, 2026 23:41 This week in history we’ve got the origin of Independence Day, we’ve got a slightly-bungled assassination, we’ve got a bloke who used to surgically attach goat’s testicles to people - and we’ve got the grudge that the University of Oxford held for over 500 years without knowing why.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of Septem
Announcing: The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book Jul 1, 2026 9:46 The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region. Pre-order your copy from Booktopia or Readings:AU/NZ (affiliate link): https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9International: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472596/the-most-interesting-people-youve-never-heard-of--rile
Episode 418: The Stonewall Riots, the Origin of Pride Jun 28, 2026 50:09 In this week's episode, learn about the Stonewall Riots, which took place in the wake of a police raid on a NYC gay bar and catalysed the growing gay rights movement. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region. Pre-order your copy from Booktopia or Readings:AU/NZ
Week 26: The Tunguska Event Jun 24, 2026 29:09 This week in history we’ve got the battle that unified Japan, we’ve got the death of a famous detective, we’ve got the event that kicked off the First World War - and we’ve got the time a mysterious Siberian fireball left scientists baffled for decades.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and
Episode 417: The History of the FIFA World Cup - Part 3 Jun 21, 2026 1:07:58 In this week's episode, conclude the tour of World Cup history with the details of the tournaments from 1990 onwards - all the highlights and lowlights, including persistent issues surrounding bribery and corruption. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region. Pre-orde
Week 25: The Hand of God Jun 18, 2026 30:19 This week in history we’ve got decisive battles for the East India Company and for friend of the show Napoleon, we’ve got a river of burning whiskey flowing through Dublin, and we’ve got the infamous Hand of God, from the 1986 World Cup.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zeal
Episode 416: The History of the FIFA World Cup - Part 2 Jun 14, 2026 1:02:03 In this week's episode, continue to discover the story of the FIFA Men's World Cup, from the postwar return of the tournament in 1950, across years of development and controversy, to the end of the 1980s, as the modern event took shape. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zeal
Week 24: The 1955 Le Mans Disaster Jun 12, 2026 36:35 This week in history we’ve got the reason the Taj Mahal was built, we’ve got the debut of the world’s first bike, we’ve got the delivery of the Statue of Liberty - and we’ve got the story of the most infamously deadly motorsports disaster in history.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aote
Episode 415: The History of the FIFA World Cup - Part 1 Jun 11, 2026 51:05 In this week's episode, get across the early history of the FIFA Men's World Cup, from its forerunners and precursors to its early emergence and development. The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region. Pre-order your copy from Booktopia or Readings:AU/NZ (affiliat
Week 23: The Treaty of Tordesillas Jun 3, 2026 27:37 This week in history we’ve got an unlucky French astronomer, an absurd religious festival, and a riotous baseball game where beer was ten cents a cup - and we’ve got the history of a treaty that divided the world up between two European imperial powers.The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the 29th of September across the Australia and A

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