Best HHE Media Podcasts (2024)

1
Botany in Costa Rica during 1603-1868 CE 1:04:20

30m ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Pete and Ryan have a root around Costa Rica to discover the wonder of plants. Discover the world’s most dangerous tree. Trek to the volcanic home of the ancient and mighty Kapok. And find out why some folk in Costa Rica might expect someone to spit in their beer! Chapters: 00:00 Intro! 01:47 Orientation to Costa Rica! 14:35 History of Costa Rica! 2…

1
THE VERDICT: Sculpture in The Netherlands during 1001-2000CE 30:32

25d ago30:32

30:32

The court is in session, and the judge is all agape at the latest episode of the HHE Podcast. Will the additional facts about strange statues, William of Orange, and a monument to a controversial bloodhound make him giggle with glee or go wild with iconoclastic fury? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:14 First Impressions + St…

1
Sculpture in The Netherlands during 1001-2000CE 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

We're off to the Netherlands to learn about sculpture! Discover the statue the anarchists loved, find out how Dutch pharmacists lured customers with wooden heads. Plus, meet Barry! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Orientation to The Netherlands! 08:47 History of The Netherlands! 17:38 Groovy Statue! 26:12 Gaperss! 38:34 Barry! 49:27 Derzolation! 51:26 O…

1
THE VERDICT: Magic in Burundi during WW2 34:58

1M ago34:58

34:58

It's verdict time for the magic in Burundi episode. Did Pete and Ryan pull a good grade out of the hat? Or has the elusive A-grade done a disappearing act? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:30 First Impressions! 05:18 Killer Crocodiles! 12:33 Burundi Blocks! 17:17 Dr. Jason Fader! 22:23 Magic Wands! 26:00 The Verdict! 29:23 O…

1
Magic in Burundi during WWII 58:42

2M ago58:42

58:42

This week Pete and Ryan head to central Africa to uncover tales of magic in Burundi. Find out why you shouldn’t go swimming in Burundi, and why going for a jog might cause a run-in with the police. Meet the doctor whose wartime mercy mission to Africa saved countless lives. And discover the sound of the sacred drums of Burundi which might, when you…

1
THE VERDICT: EURO 24 SPECIAL: Hot in Scotland during 1976 vs Clothing in Poland during 2008 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

The final whistle may have blown on the HHE Euros 2024 special, but now the lads face a post-match debrief from the gaffer - Judge Paul Dersley. Will revealing all about pitch-invading streakers make the Judge happy? Can further facts about the Fuhrer's sister play to their advantage? Or will the final score sound as bad as the Egyptian Military Ba…

1
EURO 24 SPECIAL: Hot in Scotland during 1976 vs Clothing in Poland during 2008 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

In this Euros special it’s a game of two halves as Pete and Ryan take to the podcast pitch to talk football! Discover the desert in Poland and learn about their least likely fan, plus find out what it takes to be a kit provider to the national team! And learn how 15 minutes of football was all it took to make Scottish sporting history! Chapters: 00…

1
THE VERDICT: Painting in Oman during 2007-2009 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

After the critical acclaim for Pete and Ryan's dive into the vibrant world of Painting in Oman from 2007-2009, it's time for the ultimate showdown! Can facts about Omani painters, ancient rock art, and enviable long weekends sway the ever-discerning Judge, or will they be left with nothing but paint on their faces? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! C…

1
Painting in Oman during 2007-2009 1:03:21

3M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Ryan and Pete head to the Middle East to draw up an episode on Painting in Oman during 2007 to 2009. We meet a pair of painters who talk about their artistic journeys to the area, and uncover the ancient graffiti that goes back thousands of years but also features some modern topics that might surprise you! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:56 Orientation t…

1
THE VERDICT: Bigger than an Elephant in London during 509-27 BCE 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

Pete and Ryan’s episode on Larger than an Elephant in Iron Age London is in the dock. Featuring the world’s most famous pachyderm, elephants on waterskis, and the advantages of re-gifting your elephant. Can you handle all this and more massive mammal moments? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:34 First Impressions & Jumbo! 11:…

1
Bigger than an Elephant in London during 509-27 BCE 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

Pete and Ryan join forces to discover things Bigger than an Elephant in London during 509 to 27 BCE. Find out why a drunken elephant is best avoided. Learn to build your own hill-fort using bits of animals. And discover the bigger-than-an-elephant-sized boat that turned the tide of British history. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:14 Orientation to London!…

1
THE VERDICT: Peace in Africa during the Jurassic 32:31

3M ago32:31

32:31

In this after-show episode it’s judgement day for Pete's attempt to find peas in Africa during the Jurassic! Featuring a disco dinosaur, some debatable nostrils and fossilised faeces, will the Judge find primordial pee and a pod of PEA FACTS enough to gain his approval? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:35 First Impressions &…

1
Peace in Africa during the Jurassic 50:12

4M ago50:12

50:12

Pete takes Ryan to Africa during the Jurassic in search of peace, but will he find it? Learn how to tell the time on a molecular clock, discover the lizard-mammal that wasn’t, and find out why paleantologists can’t stop looking at the legs of one particular gigantic dinosaur. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:28 Orientation to Africa! 10:14 History of Afric…

1
THE VERDICT: Mind the Gap in Oceania during 1644-1912 CE 35:09

4M ago35:09

35:09

Judge Dersley grabs his gavel to pass verdict on Ryan's episode on Oceania! Featuring the transit of Venus, a globetrotting goat, and the shocking truth about not-Captain Cook, will Ryan mind the gap or fall foul of the Judge? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:40 First Impressions & Sealed Orders! 12:12 Tupaia and the English…

1
Mind the Gap in Oceania during 1644-1912 CE 1:03:39

4M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

Ryan takes Pete to Oceania to discover the topic of ‘Mind the Gap’. Hear the heartwarming tale of the train platform with a voice from beyond the grave, find out how Captain Cook narrowly avoided disaster thanks to a diplomatic local, and discover how some gaps are sacred. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:38 Orientation to Oceania! 11:12 History of Oceania…

1
THE VERDICT: Nutrition in China during 100-200 CE 34:54

4M ago34:54

34:54

The Judge decides the fate of Pete’s episode on Nutrition in China during 100 to 200CE. Will it be certified fresh or a rotten tomato? Also featuring jujube, jojoba and century eggs. Plus find out once and for all, can you eat a panda? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:41 First Impressions! 05:12 Panda Meat! 13:20 Jujube or J…

1
Nutrition in China during 100-200 CE 58:36

5M ago58:36

58:36

Pete and Ryan travel to Han Dynasty China to discover nutrition during 100 to 200 CE. Featuring a pioneering Empress whose humility took her to the top, a Chinese super-fruit, and a peek into one ancient physician’s golden cabinet. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:52 Orientation to China! 17:00 History of China! 28:46 The Humble Courtesan! 38:24 A Secret S…

1
THE VERDICT: Hotspots in the Sun during 1957-1975 36:20

5M ago36:20

36:20

In this after-sun episode of HHE, Judge Dersley slaps on some lotion and steps onto Super Paradise beach to reveal his innermost thoughts about Ryan's episode on hotspots on the Sun during the space age. Will physics-talk enflame his inner-core? Will the story of Petro the pelican make him sit up on his sunbed? Will tales of Larry Lamb tickle the J…

1
Hotspots on the Sun during 1957-1975 1:06:41

5M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

It’s hot stuff this week as Ryan takes Pete to discover Hotspots on the Sun during 1957 to 1975. We learn how hot the sun is (hint - very), the hot stuff that breathed new life into a national newspaper, and reminisce about one teenager’s summer of love on a sun-drenched island. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:53 Orientation to the Sun! 09:06 History of t…

1
THE VERDICT: Mindfulness in the Duniverse during 200 BG TO 10,191 AG 35:49

5M ago35:49

35:49

In this after-show episode, a grumpy Judge Dersley braces himself to deliver a verdict on an episode he was initially reluctant to even grade! But will an awe-inspiring discussion about the speed of sandworms and chilling tales of the Mongolian death worm warm the Judge’s resolve? Will the marvels of Eidetic Memory and the shocking revelation of li…

1
Mindfulness in the Duniverse during 200 BG TO 10,191 AG 1:03:35

6M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Dust off your gom jabbar and join Pete as he whisks Ryan on a whirlwind tour of the Duniverse in this special episode inspired by the release of Dune: Part Two - now out in cinemas across the planet! In this giant sandworm of an episode, amidst the chaos of intergalactic battles and political intrigue, Pete tries to find Ryan a moment of zen on the…

1
THE VERDICT: Snacks in Uganda during 1990-2000 CE 35:16

6M ago35:16

35:16

In this after-show episode, Judge Dersley delves into Ryan and Pete's exploration of 'Snacks in Uganda during the 1990s', examining everything from the beloved Rolex to the tale of biscuit mogul Mohammed Hamid, and even the unexpected link between Uganda and Gandhi's ashes. As the duo await the judge's final assessment of their culinary deep dive, …

1
Snacks in Uganda during 1990-2000 CE 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

In an Out Of Office special, Ryan and Pete discover the delights of snacks in Uganda in the 1990s. Learn about the dictator who liked to have people for dinner, the entrepreneur who built a business out of biscuits and discover the signature snack of Uganda that gave its name to a whole region. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:54 Orientation to Uganda 09:5…

1
THE VERDICT: Knitting in Scandinavia during 1500-1600CE 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

The Judge has no time for woolly thinking this week as he assesses Ryan's episode on knitting in Scandinavia during the 16th century. In this after-show episode, you’ll learn the cultural, historical and mineral value of your bones and meet a man named Themistocles Gluck. But what will Judge Dersley make of it all? Find out now on… THE VERDICT! Cha…

1
Knitting in Scandinavia during 1500-1600CE 1:07:40

6M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

Ryan takes Pete to Scandinavia, home of the Vikings, to discover knitting in the 16th century! Discover the hotly-contested origins of the art. Wonder at the warmth and workability of wool. And learn about the marvellous mitten that changed knitting history! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:12 Orientation to Scandinavia 13:38 History of Scandinavia 21:46 W…

1
THE VERDICT: Latin in Bahrain during 1939-1945 28:57

7M ago28:57

28:57

The judge is back for more in ’24 - and to kick off the new year, he’s assessing Pete’s episode on ‘Latin in Bahrain during 1939-1945’! In this after-show critique, you’ll learn more about the art of pearl cultivation, delight in the dubious latin names given to flora and fauna, and take a tour through some of the greatest forgeries of history. But…

1
Latin in Bahrain during 1939-1945 1:00:07

7M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Pete and Ryan head off to the Persian Gulf to discover Latin in Bahrain during 1930 to 1945. Find out how the British tried to win the hearts and minds of the people of Bahrain, learn about the lawsuit between rival nations that relied on a set of forged documents, and indulge in spot of birdwatching. Veni, Vidi, Podcasti. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:…

1
Bugablue in HHE Podcast during 2020-2024 32:00

7M ago32:00

32:00

Pete and Ryan kick off 2024 by accidentally releasing a special episode. What's it about? Listen and find out, or else you might get the Blues. Oh, that's spoiled it, still, tune in anyway. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:18 Bugablue 10:04 The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” 22:35 The US Army Blues 29:30 Outro Links: https://www.youtube.com/@usarmyband Pres…

1
End Of The Year Quiz! (2023) 32:27

8M ago32:27

32:27

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time for the End of the Year Quiz! There’s everything to play for this year – pride, bragging rights, honour. No actual prizes though. Judge Dersley once-again occupies the quizmaster’s chair as Pete and Ryan go head-to-head in an unmissable display of world knowledge, podcast memory and shameless cheating. Chapters: …

1
Jingle Bells in Türkiye during 1400-1600 CE 1:06:06

8M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

What’s that noise? Its jingle bells, in Turkey, during 1400 to 1600CE. In this episode Ryan talks Turkey including Christmas turkeys, turkeys in space and how to fertilise your turkey. Also we share the story of Jingle Bells and enjoy a history of bell-making in the Ottoman empire. Merry Christmas everyone! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:06 Orientation t…

1
Podvent Calendar Episode: 24 Festive Things in Türkiye during 1400-1600 CE 1:06:03

8M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

It's a Podvent Special! What's that, you ask? Listen and find out. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:49 Brief Orientation & History of Türkiye 03:40 Door One: Cheer 05:15 Door Two: Goodwill 06:25 Door Three: Three Kings 08:14 Door Four: Wrapping Paper 09:46 Door Five: Ornaments 12:21 Door Six: Vixen 15:04 Door Seven: Scrooge 17:38 Door Eight: Wise men 20:47…

1
THE VERDICT: Coal in Wales during 1920-1930 34:33

9M ago34:33

34:33

The Judge rules on whether Pete’s presentation of coal in Wales was a hit or the pits. Plus, find out about the pioneering female miners of South Wales, discover why you might hear Welsh spoken in Argentina and relive the hard, hard life of a celebrity pit pony. But has Pete done enough for a great grade? Find out now on… THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:…

1
Coal in Wales during 1920-1930 CE 1:02:28

9M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Pete takes Ryan to the Welsh valleys to discover the history of coal mining. Learn everything you need to get started on your new career underground. Discover the miner-turned-author who literally wrote the book on the subject. And find out why an American singing legend singing ‘Old Man River’ meant so much to the people of South Wales. Dig it! Ch…

1
THE VERDICT: Faith in the Kamchatka Peninsula during 1450-1750 CE 33:37

9M ago33:37

33:37

Ryan has a deep belief that Judge Dersely will hold him in high esteem for his episode on Faith in the Kamchatka Peninsula during 1450-1750. Will some additional material about the Russian military’s continued presence in Kamchatka, a myth from the Koryak tribe about their tricksome raven deity, and an account of the first explorer to Kamchatka, he…

1
Faith in the Kamchatka Peninsula during 1450-1750 CE 59:10

9M ago59:10

59:10

Journey through time and faith in this week's episode of HHE Podcast, where we delve into the spiritual landscape of the Kamchatka Peninsula from 1450-1750. Join Pete and Ryan as they explore the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices in this remote and rugged land. Uncover the mysteries of the native peoples' spiritual connection to nature. Then m…

1
THE VERDICT: Martial Arts in the Philippines during 1927-1937 & 1946-1950 CE 34:39

9M ago34:39

34:39

Pete’s Manila episode is in the dock. Did Judge Dersley find Philippine martial arts a fun-filled foray into facts? Or did he not stick with it? Plus discover the story of the beer-based basketball team and learn about fighting cocks on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:38 First Impressions 08:24 Mega Manilla! 12:14 San Miguel Beermen! 17:40…

1
Martial Arts in the Philippines during 1927-1937 & 1946-1950 CE 1:02:32

10M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

This week Pete enters the HHE Podcast dojo to discover Martial Arts in the Philippines during the period of the Chinese Civil War. Discover the fast and furious fighters of Eskrima, learn about the rough-and-ready origins of their art and the sometimes-fatal fights that came with it, and find out how today’s art is a rather more civilised affair. C…

1
THE VERDICT: The Living Dead in Paris during 1800-1900 CE 31:59

10M ago31:59

31:59

The crypt cracks open. The Judge rises, hungering for justice from beyond the grave. Will Ryan satisfy his thirst with twisted tales of Herman the Zombie and Madame Bobine's living nightmare? Or will the Judge demand more morbid secrets of 19th century Paris? The Verdict will soon be revealed on this night... of THE LIVING DEAD! Chapters: 00:00 Int…

1
The Living Dead in Paris during 1800-1900 CE 1:01:46

10M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Embrace the eerie as we venture into a special Halloween episode of HHE Podcast. Join Ryan as he transports you to 19th-century Paris, where you'll discover the chilling mystery of people who think they are dead, endure the tragic tale of a man lost in a bone-filled maze, and step into a theatre made infamous for its blood-curdling on-stage horrors…

1
THE VERDICT: Plumbing in the Himalayas during 1950-1960 CE 32:53

10M ago32:53

32:53

The abominable Dersley straps on his crampons to survey the Himalaya episode. Including: Indian sacred baths, a mountain-conquering goose, and of course, plenty of Yeti! But is it enough to sway the Judge? Find out now on... THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:50 First Impressions 05:38 Yetis! 11:26 Pete Got It Wrong! 13:17 Geese! 17:03 Yeti Movi…

1
Plumbing in the Himalayas during 1950-1960 CE 1:02:31

11M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

We’re climbing to the top of the world and visiting the Himalayas to discover plumbing. Find out what to do with the little spade in a Tibetan toilet. Learn the story of the hidden hero of the first successful Everest expedition. And discover one naughty Lama’s remarkable secret. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:44 Orientation to the Himalayas 17:16 Histor…

1
THE VERDICT: Out of Office: Negotiation in Lebanon during 1984 33:46

11M ago33:46

33:46

The Judge peers over his glasses at our Lebanon episode. Discover the proud history of the Cedars of Lebanon, the wide world of the Weirs and play along with the HHE Podcast-exclusive Ronald Reagan quiz. All this and more on… THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:41 First Thoughts & The Future 08:58 The Cedar Tree 13:27 Weirs 17:08 Ronald Reagan or…

1
Out of Office: Negotiation in Lebanon during 1984 54:56

11M ago54:56

54:56

Pete and Ryan are taking a break from regularly Derzolated episodes, so in this one-off 'Out Of Office' special, they've been assigned 'Negotiation in Lebanon during 1984'. Discover the human cost of tough government and find out how violence may not be the answer after all! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Orientation to Lebanon 07:58 History of Lebano…

1
THE VERDICT: Carte Blanche in Guadeloupe during 2010-2015 32:37

11M ago32:37

32:37

Guadeloupe comes under the Judge's glare this week. Discover the museum of failure, a beach full of bones, and find out if Ryan finally gets the grade he deserves. All this and more on… THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:52 Slavery Museums 07:14 The Council of Europe Museum Prize 13:28 Skeleton Beach 16:39 Luc Reinette 23:41 The Verdict 28:49 Ou…

1
Carte Blanche in Guadeloupe during 2010-2015 1:01:21

12M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Set sail for the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe in which we learn the less-than-sweet story of sugar, and discover the ups and downs of developing a modern marvel to memorialise those who suffered. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Orientation to Guadeloupe 13:28 History of Guadeloupe 21:01 Carte Blanche 26:42 The Idea 34:23 The Location 45:25 The Design…

1
THE VERDICT: Between a rock and a hard place in the Tropic of Cancer during 800-900CE 31:07

12M ago31:07

31:07

Pete's Tropic of Cancer episode is up before Judge Dersley this episode. Is salt really a rock? Can you visit a place that's an imaginary line? And just how sweary is Henry Miller’s book? Find out now on… THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:26 The Tropic of Cancer 06:22 The Tropic of Taurus & Cancer 13:48 Movies 19:11 Is Rock-Salt a Rock & Salt M…

1
Between a rock and a hard place in the Tropic of Cancer during 800-900CE 54:31

12M ago54:31

54:31

Pete takes on a round-the-world challenge and finds himself between a rock and a hard place on the Tropic of Cancer. We discover the surprising product that rated alongside gold in value on the trans-Saharan trade routes and we meet a pair of travelling historians whose journeys took them from Africa to China. Also, learn how a failed rebellion can…

1
THE VERDICT: Communism in Antarctica during the Triassic 32:18

1y ago32:18

32:18

Ryan's Antarctic episode is under the gavel. Did his expert guest impress? What sights can you see in the Antarctic? Where can you find pemmican in space? And what is an expert's view on the likely survival of humanity itself? Find out now on… THE VERDICT! Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:59 More on Pemmican 07:52 McMurdo Station 12:36 The first people to …

1
Communism in Antarctica during the Triassic 1:10:05

1y ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Finally, Ryan tackles Communism in Antarctica during the Triassic. Find out what it takes to dig in the polar extremes and meet the bulldog-walrus-pig-lizard that lived there millions of years ago. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:28 Orientation to Antarctica 14:16: History of Antarctica 20:44 What is Communism & The Triassic 30:32 Professor Roger Smith 33…

1
THE VERDICT: Adding Insult to Injury in Yorkshire during the 1500’s 35:33

1y ago35:33

35:33

Special guest-host Jim Coulson is in the dock awaiting judgement from Judge Dersley. Will his Yorkshire Day episode prove sufficiently factual and entertaining, or will the Judge deem it worthy of the worms of Ilkley Moor? Containing facts and trivia unable to fit into the main episode, found out about the King of the Ferrets, how Goddard killed so…

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