Join Margarette Lincoln, an author who explores women's historical beauty quests, and Ellie Cawthorne as they discuss 400 years of bizarre British beauty practices. Delve into the shocking use of toxic substances like lead and arsenic, and discover how societal pressures shaped women's extreme measures, including corsetry and insect-laden wigs. They also uncover the evolution of beauty standards from the Victorian era to today, revealing the relentless pursuit of youth and the significant impact on women's health and self-image.

Lizzie Rogers, a historian with a flair for cultural travel, teams up with Ellie Cawthorne, an expert guide, to take you back to the 18th-century Grand Tour. They explore must-see destinations, reveal how travelers navigated challenges like language barriers and uncomfortable mules, and share the scandalous tales of high society. Discover the fascinating duality of hedonistic pursuits and cultured experiences, as well as the impact of these journeys on both individuals and colonialism!

Sunil Amrith, an expert on historical environmental impacts, joins Ellie Cawthorne to explore fascinating intersections of human actions and ecological changes over the last 500 years. They discuss how major events like colonialism and war have contributed to environmental degradation. The conversation delves into the links between the transatlantic slave trade and land exploitation, as well as the devastating ecological costs of the World Wars. Finally, they address the critical lessons history can teach us in tackling today’s climate crisis.

Ellie Cawthorne, expert historian, discusses the suffragettes' radical actions in Edwardian Britain, including setting fire to politicians' homes and planting bombs. They delve into how these actions politicized women and transformed their self-perceptions.

Matthew Parker explores the British Empire on September 29, 1923. Discusses diverse perspectives, unexpected stories, and factors contributing to its decline. Explores impact of rise of Nazi Party on ideas about imperialism. Surprising findings challenge preconceptions about the British Empire. Reflects on release of book coinciding with reevaluation of Britain's past.