Legacy
Original Legacy Productions
Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the rep they deserve. Should Nina Simone’s role in the civil rights movement be more celebrated than it is? When you find out what Picasso got up to in his studio, can you still admire his art? Was Napoleon a hero or a tyrant - or both? (And, while we’re at it, was he even short?) Legacy is the show that looks at big lives from the perspective of now – and doesn’t always like what it sees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2026 • 37min
Encore: Gorbachev | The Man Who Lost an Empire | 4
Explore the tumultuous era of Gorbachev's leadership during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Delve into the events of the 1991 coup, the rise of Boris Yeltsin, and the struggles with nationalism that unraveled the empire. Discover Gorbachev's surprising public image, notably through a Pizza Hut ad, and his complex relationship with Putin. Finally, reflect on Gorbachev's legacy and the lessons it holds for today as Russia grapples with its past.
Jan 8, 2026 • 39min
Encore: Gorbachev | Meltdown | 3
The Chernobyl disaster of 1986 sends shockwaves through Europe and Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership. It exposes Soviet secrecy and incompetence, forcing Gorbachev to confront a crumbling system. Rivalries between Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin intensify, revealing competing visions for reform. As independence movements surge, the fall of the Berlin Wall marks a pivotal moment. The discussion delves into the consequences of Gorbachev's decisions and whether his reluctance to use force was wise or mistaken.
Jan 6, 2026 • 38min
Encore: Gorbachev | Shutting Down the Cold War | 2
Gorbachev steps onto the world stage determined to avert nuclear war, forging an unexpected bond with Reagan. The podcast dives into the unforgettable 1980s nuclear anxiety and the fallout from Reagan's 'evil empire' speech. Key moments like the Geneva Summit showcase how personal relationships can reshape diplomacy. Despite near-agreements in Reykjavik, challenges remained, yet they ignited hope for nuclear reductions and environmental diplomacy. The episode explores the complexities of Cold War dynamics through a captivating blend of history and personal stories.
Jan 1, 2026 • 39min
Encore: Gorbachev | The Boy from Stavropol | 1
Explore the tumultuous early life of Gorbachev, shaped by Stalin's terror and World War II trauma. Discover how his rise through the Communist Party led to transformative reforms like Perestroika and Glasnost. Delve into the mixed reactions to his leadership, from Western praise to domestic backlash. The discussion reveals his struggle with economic reforms, anti-alcohol campaigns, and the complexities of a command economy. Witness how his diplomatic relationship with Ronald Reagan altered his global standing.
Dec 30, 2025 • 43min
Encore: Charles Dickens | The Final Curtain | 4
Delve into the scandalous life of Charles Dickens as he juggles fame, love, and public disapproval. Discover the dramatic fallout from his separation from his wife and his infamous near-fatal train crash. Explore his passionate connection to Paris and its influence on his works, alongside a deep dive into the darker themes of "Great Expectations". Uncover the tension between celebrity and privacy as Dickens' health declines amid a whirlwind of public readings. Reflect on his legacy that continues to shape literature today.
Dec 25, 2025 • 51min
Encore: Charles Dickens | A Very Dickens Christmas | 3
Explore the captivating rise of Charles Dickens as he becomes an international celebrity with A Christmas Carol. Delve into his philanthropic pursuits, including Urania Cottage for homeless women. Discover the societal pressures and personal tensions within his marriage, particularly influenced by the actress Nellie Ternan. The podcast highlights how Dickens influenced Christmas traditions and critiques Victorian societal issues in Bleak House, all while battling financial pressures and public scrutiny.
Dec 23, 2025 • 48min
Encore: Charles Dickens | Dickensmania | 2
From the rise of 'Dickensmania' to the heartbreak of personal loss, this exploration dives deep into Charles Dickens' life. Discover how his serialized stories captivated readers and shaped his unique narrative style. The public reaction to emotional scenes, like Nell's death, reveals Dickens' investment in his characters. Delve into his complex views on society, race, and reform as well as his philanthropic ventures. Finally, learn about the inspiration behind 'A Christmas Carol' and the legendary author’s enduring legacy.
10 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 47min
Encore: Charles Dickens | Hard Times | 1
Explore the tumultuous childhood of a young Charles Dickens, shaped by his father's debts and struggles. The hosts dive into Dickens' transformative experiences in London's gritty streets and the profound impact of his early work at a blacking warehouse. Discover how these formative moments fueled his literary ambitions and influenced his storytelling. From humble beginnings to the pen name 'Boz,' Dickens captured the essence of Victorian life, weaving tales that reflected class disparities and personal resilience.
9 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 34min
Jane Austen | Feat. Marlon James | It's Jane Austen's World And We're Living In It | 3
Marlon James, a Booker Prize-winning novelist, joins the hosts to delve into Jane Austen's profound impact on literature. He discusses Austen's keen insight into human nature and her critique of societal norms, particularly regarding women's financial realities. Marlon explores the hidden shadows of slavery in Austen's work and critiques the passivity of Mr. Bennet. He also shares how colonial education shaped his love for Austen's novels and imagines writing from a Black woman's perspective in Austen's world. Adaptations and Austen's lasting influence on modern writers are also celebrated.
11 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 50min
Jane Austen | Proud Or Prejudiced |2
Peter and Afua delve into Jane Austen's sharp critique of class and gender, revealing the radicalism behind her seemingly polite narratives. They discuss the absence of working-class voices and the societal pressures of Austen's era, including her near-marriage proposal. The hosts explore how Austen prioritized love over security, reflecting her perspectives amid rampant revolution. With insights into race, the complexities of her novels, and her lasting legacy, they ponder if Austen's works hold political significance or are merely trivial.
