Breaking Bard: The Forgotten History Podcast

In this week's episode Kaine Francesco is joined by Egyptologist and filmmaker Curtis Ryan Woodside. The two Ancient Egypt fans discuss Woodside's new documentary on Nefertari, a chance meeting with a cast member of The Mummy, why Egyptians worshipped cats AND Kaine gets Curtis to play Snog, Marry, Kill with some famous Pharaohs. Watch 'Nefertari' for free here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dea1hCH5J3k&t=642s as well as the YouTube version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxY5OqGz8ncyuZmlvG7CMkQ/ 🎧 Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts.  

Dino-obsessed Lewis Miles babbles on some more about his favourite giant lizards before testing Kaine on his spy skills – they also bring up the age-old conundrum of what would you prefer between a cat/dog, a cow, a block of cheese and a dinosaur in this week's Mini Bard!! Mini Bard is the short-form companion to Breaking Bard, where we dive a little deeper and wander a little further into the stories that tantalise our guests. Researched, hosted and edited by Kaine Francesco Pieri Guest Lewis Miles Watch it on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxY5OqGz8ncyuZmlvG7CMkQ/ 🎧 Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts

In the early 20th century, one aristocrat led a double life few could have imagined. Baron Franz Nopcsa was a groundbreaking paleontologist who transformed how we understand dinosaurs—but he was also a spy, adventurer, and a murderer. In this episode, Kaine Francesco is joined by Lewis Miles to uncover the strange and controversial life of Nopcsa. From fossil discoveries in Transylvania to political intrigue across Europe, they explore a story shaped by brilliance, secrecy, and ultimately tragedy. Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube and Instagram to get the full story.

Kaine Francesco is joined again by Maeve Sally to debrief after the spellbinding episode on Australia's most infamous witch Rosaleen Norton. Maeve reveals what question she would ask Rosaleen and toasts her favourite moment of the episode. We also delve into what makes a story in her eyes as well as chat about our favourite things we're watching at the moment.  Mini Bard is the short-form companion to Breaking Bard, where we dive a little deeper and wander a little further into the stories that tantalise our guests. Researched, hosted and edited by Kaine Francesco Pieri Guest Maeve Rose Sally Watch it on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxY5OqGz8ncyuZmlvG7CMkQ/ 🎧 Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts

In mid-20th century Sydney, one woman became the focus of scandal, fascination, and fear. Branded the “Witch of Kings Cross,” Rosaleen Norton was an artist, occultist, and outspoken challenger of social norms whose work brought her into direct conflict with police, the press, and the moral boundaries of her time. In this episode, Kaine Francesco is joined by Maeve Sally to explore Norton’s extraordinary life and legacy. From her arrest for “obscene” artwork to her unapologetic embrace of magic, sexuality, and the occult, they unpack the myths and realities surrounding one of Australia’s most controversial cultural figures.   Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe on YouTube and Instagram to get the full story.

In this Mini Bard, Kaine and Lewis reflect on the story of New Orlean's Upstairs Inferno and toast their favourite bit of the main episode. For some levity, Lewis shares some positive queer news before the pair go on tangents about AI slop. Expect laughter and a few tipsy detours. Mini Bard is the short-form companion to Breaking Bard, where we dive a little deeper and wander a little further into the stories that tantalise our guests. Researched, hosted and edited by Kaine Francesco Pieri Guest Lewis Miles Watch it on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxY5OqGz8ncyuZmlvG7CMkQ/ 🎧 Listen to Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts

On June 24, 1973, a fire tore through the Upstairs Lounge in New Orleans. Within minutes, 32 people were dead — making it one of the deadliest attacks on the LGBT+ community in U.S. history. And yet, outside of queer memory, it has been largely forgotten. In this episode, Kaine Francesco and Lewis Miles explore the story of the Upstairs Inferno: the working-class gay bar that became the site of a devastating arson attack, the lives of the people who gathered there for community and refuge, and the shocking indifference that followed. From hostile media coverage to churches refusing funeral services for the victims, the aftermath revealed as much about 1970s America as the tragedy itself. Nearly fifty years before the Pulse nightclub shooting, the Upstairs Lounge fire exposed the vulnerability — and resilience — of queer communities fighting to exist in the open. This is the story of one of the worst, and most overlooked, LGBT+ massacres in modern history.

In the first Mini Bard, Kaine and Lewis unpack the story of Alexander von Humboldt beyond the main episode. From the legendary Dicke Marie tree to queer love stories and unexpected historical tangents, they explore the fascinating world surrounding Humboldt’s life and legacy. Along the way, Lewis shares some of his favourite stories growing up, and the two imagine what question they would ask Humboldt if they could travel back in time. Expect curiosity, conversation, and a few historical detours. Mini Bard is the short-form companion to Breaking Bard, where we dive a little deeper and wander a little further into the stories that tantalise our guests. Researched, hosted and edited by Kaine Francesco Pieri Guest Lewis Miles 🎧 Listen to the full Breaking Bard wherever you get your podcasts.

Before Darwin, before climate science, before the word “ecology” even existed — there was Alexander von Humboldt. In this episode, Kaine Francesco and Lewis Miles unpack the life of the Prussian polymath who climbed volcanoes, mapped jungles, and saw nature as a living web. From his queer-coded friendships to his radical vision of interconnected ecosystems, Humboldt’s story is one of curiosity, rebellion, and scientific revolution.

Today's episode is extra special because I am joined by not one... two... but three of my best friends who I've known since I was a teenager! We have the return of Marvelous Maeve Sally and welcome Ellie Wilson and Megan (Meggylove) Reynolds! This episode was a bit of an impromptu, Breaking Bard 'on tour' last minute decision and took place while we were all on holiday visiting Maeve and her boyfriend Quentin's new house (and being reunited with my cat Elton) in the French countryside of the Périgord. The story itself was suggested by my friend Constance Michel, thank you so much Consti! I hope you all enjoy learning about the life of Marie-Angélique Leblanc, a.k.a The 'Wild' Girl of Champagne, and about the 18th, 19th century obsession for stories of 'feral' children that would inspire the likes of Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book, or Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan.  The truth behind these stories is a much sadder, less fantastical reality of child neglect and a closed-minded, colonialist society. Please let me know what you thought about this episode by rating and commenting and sharing with friends! Or email me at [email protected]. Cheers, Kaine x

The story of Barbara Blake-Hannah, Britain's first Black female TV reporter is more recent than our last few episodes and for many reasons that makes the bad parts of it even worse. Racism is a terrible but very present thing, especially within former colonialist countries such as Great Britain or the United States. Thank you to Fayruz Rajpar, a fellow journalist and beautiful friend who suggested I cover this story, to all my sources and to the wonderful Kemi Rogers who absolutely smashed her first guest appearance on Breaking Bard. Listen to Bryan Knight's in-depth conversation with Barbara herself on his YouTube channel.  Contains quotes of racism and discrimination, please listen at your discretion.

Happy Pride month to all my siblings, this episode is for everyone but especially the queer community. At the time I write this there is not one openly gay Hollywood leading actor. In 2022. This week I tell the story of a brave and dashing silent movie actor from the 20th century who broke boundaries becoming America's first gay leading actor, only to be forced to make a decision between living his authentic life and his career. Journey with me, Kaine Francesco, and our most special guest Maeve Sally as we dive into the story of William Haines, Hollywood's forgotten gay heartthrob.

Being on one of the world's most famous sinking ships is already pretty bad luck.... but nearly losing your life on three of them?! Join Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally as they embark on the nautical adventures of Miss Unsinkable: Violet Jessop.

How would you feel if your hard work was mistaken for your father's for hundreds of years? Join host Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally as they embark on a journey to the 17th century in order to set the record straight for history's forgotten baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. A contrasting and dramatic story of talent, trials and torture which gives insight on the place of women in the art world.

Have you ever heard of the musical term 'Exotica'? Ever climbed Machu Picchu or hit a high C?  Join Kaine and Maeve in this second episode of Breaking Bard where they uncover the forgotten musical talent of Exotica singer Yma Sumac. 

Did you know the most "successful" pirate in history was a woman from China? Join Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally in this swashbuckling first episode as they venture into the dizzying but forgotten story of Madame Ching Shih the Pirate Queen.