Celya AB

Join historian Olivette Otele, a distinguished expert on slavery and colonial history, alongside comedian Celya AB, known for her sharp wit. They dive into the captivating life of Alexandre Dumas, the mastermind behind 'The Three Musketeers.' Discover how his mixed heritage influenced his writing and shaped his identity in 19th-century France. From his romantic escapades and dramatic political entanglements to his prolific literary output and struggles with financial instability, Dumas's life is a blend of humor, adventure, and historical intrigue.

Comedian Celya AB joins Russell Kane to dissect the complex legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They humorously navigate his romantic writings and battlefield genius while grappling with the 'tiny tyrant' myth. The panel debates his military innovations at Austerlitz, his obsessive micromanagement, and the cultural control he exerted, including fashion policing. Ultimately, they weigh the costs of his ambition against his strategic brilliance, leaving listeners questioning if Napoleon is a genius, a tyrant, or a mix of both.

French-Algerian stand-up Celya AB talks about her solo show at Edinburgh Fringe, technical challenges of a live show, cat communication, learning languages, preferences for sparkling water, poppadom scams at an Indian restaurant, steak sizes based on face measurements, noodle preferences, cocktails in Birmingham, deconstructed food, and the sponsor of the podcast.