Best Austin Bono Podcasts (2024)

1
Ernest Shackleton, 69 dogs and a cat called Mrs Chippy 35:43

2y ago35:43

35:43

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! Today marks the very last episode of We’re Not F***ing Historians. Thank you so, so much for listening to the show, it’s been great craic! We couldn’t – and wouldn’t – have done it without you. Now listen in to find out how Shane and Hazel would react to being stranded in the Antarctic. Missed any of our episodes? There’s…

1
When Austin Powers tried to steal the crown jewels 35:08

2y ago35:08

35:08

Hazel tells Shane all about the extraordinary life of Colonel Thomas Blood, the infamous con-artist who after botching a kidnapping took the next logical step: attempted the only known heist of the Crown Jewels. Cue lots of innuendos. Also, do all populist leaders have fat heads? And did Boy George cause the Great Fire of London? Want us to cover a…

1
Michael Fry: Family trees, strange ancestors and rumours about Shane’s da 32:00

2y ago32:00

32:00

Welcome to our very first guest episode of the pod! Shane and Hazel welcome comedian and everyone’s favourite one-man Indie band Michael Fry to the show! Having worked at Ancestry in a previous life, he’s here to give us a history lesson about his own family tree, including one particularly odd ancestor. Plus, Michael reveals some of the weirdest r…

1
The DeLorean: Northern Ireland’s Supercar 34:58

2y ago34:58

34:58

Never mind it could only do 0-60mph in 10 seconds and its creator was caught in an FBI drugs sting operation. The DeLorean – Doc’s DeLorean in Back to the Future - was built in Northern Ireland! Shane tells Hazel the story behind one of the worst and yet most iconic sports cars ever built and how on earth the eccentric John DeLorean was persuaded t…

1
The Children of Lir: “Something about swans mate” 34:12

2y ago34:12

34:12

The Children of Lir is one of Ireland’s most famous myths. What people don’t know is that Mick Hucknall is one of its main characters. Hazel and Shane ‘the Bone Man’ Todd also find out about Dermot O’Leary’s needle, what woodlice and Mick have in common and the animal Shane would most like to be. Want to suggest an episode topic? Drop an email to h…

1
The Coleraine tailor who saved George Washington's life 36:21

2y ago36:21

36:21

Best friend to Alexander Hamilton, spy for George Washington, and the Gok Wan of 1770s New York – Hercules Mulligan was quite the character. We find out all about the tailor from Coleraine who shaped the course of American history and, if Shane has anything to do with it, is about to quadruple Liam Neeson’s career earnings. Plus, Hazel is sentenced…

1
Australia’s Robin Hood 35:35

2y ago35:35

35:35

This week, we’re heading Down Under for a truly mad tale suggested to us by listener Georgia in Melbourne! Ned Kelly is one of Australia’s most infamous criminals – and one of its greatest anti-heroes. Hazel tells Shane all about the Kelly family's path from rural Ireland to even more rural Australia in a story featuring thieving, scrapping and an …

1
William Brown and The Undateables: how an Irishman founded Argentina 33:50

2y ago33:50

33:50

Ahoy! Shane and Hazel are back on the high seas this week for one of our most extraordinary tales yet. In the early 19th century, an expat from Foxford put together a wee navy in Buenos Aires. In doing so, he would change the course of South American history forever. Guillermo Brown was born. ¡Bueno! Are you an Irish expat in Argentina? Drop an ema…

1
A Global History of St Patrick’s Day 33:39

2y ago33:39

33:39

We’re jetting all over the place on today’s episode! From Chicago to Dublin, Montserrat to New York’s East Side, Hazel tells Shane all about the history of Paddy’s Day celebrations and relive some of their own. Plus, some heartwarming advice for Lent and a listener shares a strange annual tradition… Let us know how you celebrated St Patrick’s Day a…

1
Cú Chulainn and history’s first cockblock 35:05

2y ago35:05

35:05

Shane and Hazel return to the studio for a whopper: it’s the story of Shane’s fellow beardless Ulsterman, Cu Chulainn! You know him as one of the most celebrated figures in Irish folklore – we know him as a failed contestant on Take Me Out. Plus, we wonder how many snooker tables there are in prison and come across a shocking new twist in our hunt …

1
Wilde times 36:11

2+ y ago36:11

36:11

Novelist Hazel Hayes takes pamphlet fan Shane Todd through the chaotic life and times of one of Ireland's most celebrated writers: Oscar Wilde. Plus, Shane makes his feelings known about poetry and an archaeologist gets in touch. EMAILS: we're recording a St Patrick's Day special, so send us your favourite Paddy's Day stories to hello@nothistorians…

1
The Irish King you’re probably related to 38:00

2+ y ago38:00

38:00

In fifth century Ireland, reality television reached its peak. Shane 'The Most Famous' Todd walks Hazel 'Neighbour to Damien Dempsey' Hayes through the story of Niall of the Nine Hostages, who took over Ireland and invaded Europe after clinching an incredibly intense edition of "Ireland’s Next Top High King". Oh, and Niall also has the most descend…

1
The not so sexy origins of Valentine’s Day 35:43

2+ y ago35:43

35:43

Sick of all that lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day smush? Fear not, Hazel and Shane are here with a friendly reminder that February 14 is actually the anniversary of some bloke getting beheaded! Hazel tells Shane about the life of St Valentine, who may or may not have made some banging mixtapes, and how he came to settle in an unlikely city of love: Dubl…

1
Prehistoric Ireland and the Toddballs vs the Hazelnuts 29:50

2+ y ago29:50

29:50

Today, we’re throwing it all the way back to prehistoric Ireland and Shane has some seismic revelations in store for Hazel. What were the first humans on Ireland like? What did they get up to? And what exactly can the pod offer in exchange for some ancient bear bones? Send us bear bones to hello@nothistorians.com! You can also email us with stories…

1
Bram Stoker and a blood-sucking supernatural dwarf 26:39

2+ y ago26:39

26:39

Darlings! This week, Hazel tells Shane all about Bram Stoker: thespy-type, writer, part-time slacker and the creator of Dracula no less! Born in Clontarf, we find out why his mother’s terrible choice of bedtime stories and some of Ireland’s weirdest folk tales inspired one of the most famous novels of all time. Plus, Shane learns about blood-lettin…

1
When pirates stole an Irish village! 32:19

2+ y ago32:19

32:19

Shane tells the extraordinary story of Baltimore, a sleepy village in County Cork which in 1631 was whisked away by pirates in the dead of night. Everyone was taken apart from two villagers. Hazel and Shane ask the important questions: how many people were sleeping without any pyjamas on that night? Why did anyone bother to live near the coast back…

1
The origins of Leprechauns, feat. elf orgies 31:46

2+ y ago31:46

31:46

This week, Shane and Hazel are broadcasting remote to bring you the episode we’ve all been waiting for: it’s the history of the leprechaun! They reflect on of their (weird) depictions in pop culture, Shane reveals one very odd wish he would ask for if he caught one of the pesky troublemakers, and there’s discussion about some recent sightings which…

1
When Vikings ruled Dublin 28:15

2+ y ago28:15

28:15

Remember those pesky, sexy Vikings who took down Brian Boru? They're back on the pod and they're pillaging more monasteries than ever before. Hazel explains why for Ireland the Vikings were like that mate that constantly crashes on your sofa, clarifies that they did not build a 10th century Aldi, and reintroduces us to alpha Soup Dragon Sigtrygg Si…

1
The Titanic 30:48

2+ y ago30:48

30:48

Shane tells the true story of Belfast's tragic export, the RMS Titanic. Featuring myth-busting, dodgy maths and *a lot* of soapy lube. Get a load of our brand new shiny inbox: hello@nothistorians.com! Email us with stories you’d like us to cover, your favourite trivia, or anything you’d like to add to previous episodes! ***Please take the time to r…

1
Queen Maeve and a lethal piece of cheese 35:03

2+ y ago35:03

35:03

Meet Queen Maeve: Irish folklore's most fearsome and bloodthirsty warrior, who waged war on Ulster just to get hold of a cow. And trust us, that's not even the strangest part of today's tale! Along the way, we discover what Shane looks for in a husband and there's a pact to join an ancient Irish folk festival. Get a load of our brand new shiny inbo…

1
A proper Irish Christmas 31:00

2+ y ago31:00

31:00

It's the last school day before Christmas, so Hazel and Shane crack open the board games and go wild. They share their memories of Christmas at home and Shane reveals he is the anti-Santa. Plus, they reflect on one very Irish custom and a few of the Emerald Isle's festive connections: it turns out Santa is buried in County Kilkenny! Get a load of o…

1
The day Ireland’s aristocracy vanished 34:43

2+ y ago34:43

34:43

We explore one of the great mysteries of Irish history, which saw the cream of Irish Catholic society VANISH in a matter of hours. In 1607, the heat was on Ireland’s Catholic leaders, with rumours that the British were ready to dispose of them for their treachery. So, what did they do? Stay and fight for their followers? Not exactly. Shane tells Ha…

1
The History of Guinness 32:11

2+ y ago32:11

32:11

Guinness might not actually be Irish. And we don't want to alarm anyone, but the Irish don't even drink most of it. Today, Hazel shares the story of Arthur Guinness and busts a few myths about the malty beverage. Plus, we discover Shane's love for Hen Party cocktails and there's an alarming revelation about Hazel's family history. Find us on social…

1
Anne Bonny: the Irish pirate who ruled the Caribbean 26:35

2+ y ago26:35

26:35

Anne Bonny isn’t your typical 18th century Cork girl. Born out of wedlock, she pursued a life of sex, arson – a lot of arson – and ruthless pillaging that briefly made her one of the most infamous pirates in the Caribbean, all while she was dressed as a man. Today, Shane reveals her origin story. Things are about to get VERY sexy. Find us on social…

1
Dermot MacMurrough: the Irishman who invaded Ireland 33:34

2+ y ago33:34

33:34

Rewind 852 years and you’ll find no English in Ireland, not even a single Wetherspoons. But then along came a deposed Irish king called Dermot who wanted his land back and it all went pear-shaped. Hazel tells Shane how English rule in Ireland all began – from Strongbow and badass Aoife, to the King of Gossip – and we wonder what would have happened…

1
A love letter to Rathlin Island 33:02

2+ y ago33:02

33:02

Today, Shane whisks Hazel away to his second favourite island in the world. They discuss their treasured holiday spots across the Emerald Isle before diving into the storied past of Northern Ireland’s finest hidden gem: Rathlin Island. Featuring Robert the Bruce, the ghost of Richard Branson and an incredibly unsatisfactory puffin tour, there’s fun…

1
Typhoid Mary 30:26

2+ y ago30:26

30:26

Hazel takes Shane on our first trip across the pond! We’re learning about one of Northern Ireland’s most… impactful exports. This is the story of Mary Mallon: cook, part-time nightclub bouncer, and the infamous patient zero of New York’s typhoid epidemic. When in the Big Apple, eh? Plus, Shane brings out some startling revelations about his own hyg…

1
Finn McCool vs Diego Maradona 28:29

2+ y ago28:29

28:29

Shane teaches Hazel all about the legendary Irish giant Finn McCool and the key role he played in "building" The Giant’s Causeway, due to his rivalry with the Scottish giant, Benandonner. Not to be confused with a certain Argentinian footballer, unbeknownst to a certain someone. We’re releasing new shows every Tuesday! Keep your eyes peeled, your e…

1
The Kim Kardashian of County Mayo 34:05

2+ y ago34:05

34:05

This week, Hazel is behind the lectern to tell Shane all about Grace O’Malley, the woman from the west coast of Ireland who became a fearsome ruler of the high seas in the 1500s and a dab hand at divorce settlements. We’re releasing new shows every Tuesday! Keep your eyes peeled, your ears pinned back, and your Guinesses chilled and subscribe now s…

1
The Last High King of Ireland, Brian 27:28

2+ y ago27:28

27:28

Welcome back to We’re Not F***ing Historians, your alternative guide to Irish history! This week, Brian Boru and his stag do roll into town. Brian was one of Ireland’s most successful and unifying monarchs. But it didn’t end well. Shane and Hazel talk about Brian's pub crawl of death, Bono's performance at his coronation, and how he saved Ireland f…

1
The Real St Patrick 32:43

2+ y ago32:43

32:43

Welcome to the first episode of We’re Not F***ing Historians, your alternative guide to Irish history! Today, Hazel Hayes and Shane Todd find out about the Emerald Isle’s greatest export. Every March, people drink bars dry all over the world to mark St Patrick’s day. But what was the bloke actually like? Expect loads of myth-busters, a very horny g…

1
Welcome to We're Not F***ing Historians! 2:22

2+ y ago2:22

2:22

Thank you for listening to the We're Not F***ing Historians trailer. Look out for our first episode on Tuesday 12th October, which features the OG of Irish history, St Patrick! Turns out everything we know about him was a lie. Subscribe now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Austin Bono Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
We're Not F***ing Historians

Stak

1
Ernest Shackleton, 69 dogs and a cat called Mrs Chippy 35:43

1
When Austin Powers tried to steal the crown jewels 35:08

1
Michael Fry: Family trees, strange ancestors and rumours about Shane’s da 32:00

1
The DeLorean: Northern Ireland’s Supercar 34:58

1
The Children of Lir: “Something about swans mate” 34:12

1
The Coleraine tailor who saved George Washington's life 36:21

1
Australia’s Robin Hood 35:35

1
William Brown and The Undateables: how an Irishman founded Argentina 33:50

1
A Global History of St Patrick’s Day 33:39

1
Cú Chulainn and history’s first cockblock 35:05

1
Wilde times 36:11

1
The Irish King you’re probably related to 38:00

1
The not so sexy origins of Valentine’s Day 35:43

1
Prehistoric Ireland and the Toddballs vs the Hazelnuts 29:50

1
Bram Stoker and a blood-sucking supernatural dwarf 26:39

1
When pirates stole an Irish village! 32:19

1
The origins of Leprechauns, feat. elf orgies 31:46

1
When Vikings ruled Dublin 28:15

1
The Titanic 30:48

1
Queen Maeve and a lethal piece of cheese 35:03

1
A proper Irish Christmas 31:00

1
The day Ireland’s aristocracy vanished 34:43

1
The History of Guinness 32:11

1
Anne Bonny: the Irish pirate who ruled the Caribbean 26:35

1
Dermot MacMurrough: the Irishman who invaded Ireland 33:34

1
A love letter to Rathlin Island 33:02

1
Typhoid Mary 30:26

1
Finn McCool vs Diego Maradona 28:29

1
The Kim Kardashian of County Mayo 34:05

1
The Last High King of Ireland, Brian 27:28

1
The Real St Patrick 32:43

1
Welcome to We're Not F***ing Historians! 2:22

Quick Reference Guide