We're Not Experts - Two Amateurs Muddle Through History

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.

Made in Basildon: Three Generations, One Town

In this episode of Made in Basildon, we bring together three people from different generations to share their experiences of growing up in the same town. We ask people from a Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial background the same questions to see how their answers compare. From changing communities to shifting lifestyles, it’s a conversation that explores how Basildon has evolved—and what’s stayed the same.

The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich | Australia’s Strangest Aviation Mystery

In this episode, we explore the mysterious disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich, who vanished over the coast of Australia in 1978 during a routine flight. Midway through his journey, Valentich reported an unknown aircraft following him—before all contact was suddenly lost. What happened that night? Mechanical failure, disorientation… or something far stranger? We take a calm, grounded look at the evidence, the theories, and one of aviation’s most enduring unsolved cases. Sometimes the most unsettling mysteries are the ones with just enough detail to feel real… but never enough to explain them.