We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

Ernest Shackleton | The Greatest Survival Story Ever Told

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.

The Invention of Television | From Victorian Science to Modern TV

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.

History’s Weirdest Trends (And Why They Actually Made Sense)

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.

The 1855 Clown Riots | One of Canada’s Strangest Riots

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.

Made in Basildon: What It Means to Be 14th Generation

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.