We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Sarah and James explore the early history of the Falkland Islands.From the first European sightings and competing territorial claims to settlement and life on the islands, we trace the events that shaped the Falklands long before the conflict of 1982.Join us as we examine the people, politics, and history behind one of the world's most disputed island groups.

In this episode, Sarah and James explore the remarkable story of the escape from Stalag Luft III, one of the most famous prisoner-of-war camps of the Second World War.Home to captured Allied airmen, the camp became the setting for an extraordinary escape plan involving months of secret preparation, ingenuity, and determination. We discuss how the tunnels were built, the challenges faced by the prisoners, and the lasting legacy of an event that inspired one of the most famous wartime stories ever told.Join us as we uncover the true history behind one of the greatest escape attempts of the Second World War.

In this episode, Sarah and James look back at the unforgettable British heatwave of 1976—a summer remembered for blazing sunshine, drought, standpipes, and record-breaking temperatures.But was it really Britain's hottest summer?We explore the science behind the heatwave, the impact it had on everyday life, and why it has remained one of the most talked-about summers in British history. From water shortages and struggling agriculture to long sunny days and lasting memories, we discuss how the extraordinary weather affected people across the UK.Join us as we revisit one of the most iconic summers in modern British history.

Viewer discretion is advised.In this episode, Sarah and James explore the disturbing story behind Shadow Over Hammersmith — a series of murders that cast a shadow over West London during the 1960s.As fear spread through the community, investigators faced a complex and troubling case that would leave a lasting mark on the area. Together, we examine the events, the people involved, and the wider social backdrop of London at the time.Join us as we discuss a dark chapter in the history of Hammersmith and explore a case that continues to intrigue decades later.

In this episode, Sarah and James explore the extraordinary story of explorer Ernest Shackleton and the doomed Endurance expedition.After their ship became trapped and eventually crushed by Antarctic ice, Shackleton and his crew found themselves stranded in one of the most hostile environments on Earth. What followed was an astonishing tale of endurance, leadership, determination, and survival against seemingly impossible odds.Join us as we discuss one of the greatest survival stories in history and the remarkable journey that made Shackleton a legend.

In this episode, Sarah and James explore the fascinating story behind the invention of television.From early Victorian scientific experiments and strange mechanical devices to the breakthrough ideas that eventually changed the world, we trace the long journey that led to modern TV.Along the way, we look at the inventors, discoveries, and technological leaps that transformed television from an impossible idea into one of the defining inventions of the modern age.

In this episode, Sarah and James explore some of the strangest trends in history — from garden hermits and tulip mania to miasma theory and the fear of “bad air”.But rather than simply laughing at the past, we look at the reasoning behind these ideas and why they actually made sense to the people living at the time.Because history’s strangest trends often reveal something much deeper about how people understood the world around them.

In this episode, Sarah and James explore the strange true story of the in Toronto.What started as a fight 'over a hat' soon escalated into violence, unrest, and large-scale disorder involving rival groups, firefighters, and angry crowds.But beneath the bizarre name lies a fascinating glimpse into life in 19th century Canada — a world shaped by rivalry, public spectacle, and tensions that could quickly spill into chaos.Join us as we unpack one of the strangest public disturbances in Canadian history.

In this episode of Made in Basildon, we do something a little different as we turn the focus onto co-host James.James is a 14th generation Basildon resident, with family roots in the area stretching back centuries. In this conversation, we explore what that really means, from family history and identity to how Basildon has changed over time.It’s a personal and reflective look at what it means to be deeply connected to one place—and how that shapes the way you see it today.