
Legacy
From Wondery and Goalhanger Podcasts, 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.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.
Latest episodes

9 snips
May 21, 2025 • 44min
Stalin | The Stain of Stalin | 4
Dive into the chilling world of Stalin's reign, where paranoia and terror shaped everyday life. Discover how his oppressive strategies created a culture of fear, leaving a tangled legacy after his death. Explore the chaotic power struggles that followed, including Khrushchev's bold denunciation and the ongoing impact on modern Russia. Examine the paradox of Stalin's contributions versus the human rights abuses. Unravel the psychological tactics leaders still use to maintain power while questioning why such figures still hold sway in society.

24 snips
May 14, 2025 • 44min
Stalin | Fighting Hitler | 3
Dive into Stalin's tumultuous leadership during World War II, as he grapples with the shock of Hitler's betrayal and the chaos that ensues. Discover the extraordinary patriotism that galvanizes the Soviet people amidst brutality. Explore the personal toll on Stalin, including the tragedy of his son, and the harsh decisions he faced. Unravel the staggering loss of life in the Soviet Union and its implications for modern geopolitics. Finally, witness the birth of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain, reshaping global alliances.

May 11, 2025 • 10min
Listen Now: Oh What A Time...
Join hilarious hosts as they navigate the treacherous waters of maritime history, sharing outrageous tales of Vikings and pirates. Discover their personal fears of the sea, juxtaposed with the romanticized allure of pirate life. Laugh along while they unveil the legacy of Welsh pirates and the bizarre life of Bartholomew Roberts, a pirate with a flair for fashion. With a blend of humor and historical intrigue, this journey questions whether the past was truly as dreadful as it sounds.

26 snips
May 7, 2025 • 43min
Stalin | The Terror | 2
Delve into the shadowy rise of Stalin, starting from his unpopularity to becoming Lenin's right hand. Witness the fierce power struggles with Trotsky and the ruthless tactics used for consolidation. Hear chilling accounts of the human cost brought by collectivization and Stalin's oppressive rule, particularly the devastating Holodomor famine. Explore the unsettling alliance between Stalin and Hitler, a miscalculation that would have dire implications as World War II loomed on the horizon.

18 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 43min
Stalin | The Georgian Bandit | 1
Delve into the tumultuous early life of Joseph Stalin, shaped by a violent childhood and the challenges of growing up in Georgia. Witness his transformation from a seminary student to a fervent revolutionary, driven by personal tragedies and a burning desire for power. Explore the complexities of his dual identity as both a poet and a dictator, and consider the psychological allure of authoritarian figures. This engaging narrative uncovers the solitude and ambition that propelled Stalin during Russia's revolutionary upheaval.

Apr 28, 2025 • 6min
Listen Now: Death County, PA
Lamont Jones embarks on a gripping journey after his cousin's mysterious death at Dauphin County Prison. He uncovers unsettling truths that challenge the official story of natural causes. As he probes deeper, he confronts a reality TV coroner and an array of powerful figures, all hiding secrets. This investigation exposes a shocking pattern of corruption within the prison system, shedding light on the silenced voices of its inmates.

9 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 48min
Freud | Goodnight Vienna | 4
After his beloved daughter, Anna, is taken by the Gestapo, Freud is finally persuaded to leave Vienna. He arrives in England to a rapturous welcome and starts seeing patients. Tragically though, his illness catches up with him and he dies just before WWII breaks out. How do we evaluate the legacy of the man who took us inside our own heads? Are his ideas still relevant? Psychoanalysts and Freud experts, Dr Susie Orbach and Professor Brett Kahr, join the discussion.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 47min
Freud | Battle of The Egos | 3
In this fascinating discussion, Brett Carr, a psychoanalyst and esteemed Freud scholar, navigates the turbulent relationship between Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Carr highlights the ideological rifts that became apparent during Freud's rise to fame and examines the controversial cases that shaped psychoanalysis. The conversation also delves into the psychological impacts of World War I on Freud, particularly his evolving theories and personal struggles, all while the ominous shadow of the Nazis loomed over Vienna.

9 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 46min
Freud | A Meeting Of Minds | 2
Brett Karp, Honorary Director of Research at the Freud Museum and a notable Freud scholar, dives deep into Sigmund Freud's revolutionary yet controversial impact on psychology. They discuss the struggles Freud faced in gaining recognition, particularly the backlash to his theories on sexuality. Karp explores the tensions between Freud and Carl Jung, highlighting their complex relationship filled with collaboration and rivalry. Insights into Freud's personal life, including his family's influence and his initial dismissals, paint a vivid picture of his legacy.

27 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 49min
Freud | Mommy's Boy | 1
Dive into the complexities of Sigmund Freud’s theories, from the Oedipus complex to the ego and id. Discover how his childhood shaped his groundbreaking views on the subconscious and human behavior. Explore Freud's tumultuous personal life, including his struggles with cocaine and financial woes. Hear about his empathetic patient treatment and the ethical dilemmas he faced. Finally, witness his bold approach to discussing sexuality, transforming the dialogue in medical literature.