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
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.
20 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 48min
Jane Austen | Making The Small Things The Right Size | 1
Jane Austen's life was anything but mundane; it was filled with family drama, class tensions, and scandal. Discover her early challenges and personal relationships, including the mysterious destruction of her letters and their impact on her legacy. Explore how familial financial struggles influenced her writing and shaped her characters. Delve into Austen's literary beginnings, her humorous critiques of society, and how she captured life in the landed gentry amidst wider historical events. Expect surprising insights that reveal Austen's critical mind.
Dec 4, 2025 • 49min
Kellogg | Snap, Crackle, Pop | 2
Discover the bizarre world of John Harvey Kellogg, who turned a failing health institute into a luxury wellness retreat obsessed with bland food and extreme health practices. Delve into his controversial anti-masturbation crusade and innovative dietary experiments that accidentally spawned the cereal industry. Unravel the contradictions in his life, from eugenics beliefs to unconsummated marriage, and critique the lasting impact of sugary cereals on modern diets. It's a wild tale of health, ideology, and marketing genius!
Dec 2, 2025 • 46min
Kellogg | From The End Of The World To Wellness | 1
Discover the fascinating and bizarre origins of Kellogg's breakfast empire, rooted in 19th-century apocalyptic beliefs and anti-masturbation campaigns. The hosts delve into the Kellogg brothers' unique health philosophies influenced by their Seventh-day Adventist background. Learn how their childhood experiences shaped their views on diet and wellness. Explore the intriguing connection between societal norms, sexuality, and food, setting the stage for Kellogg's journey into a global health revolution.
11 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 45min
The Rise of the Nazis | How Disease and Religion Paved the Way for Evil | 2
The devastating effects of postwar crises in Germany set the stage for Hitler's rise. Hyperinflation, political extremism, and a pandemic propelled social chaos. Discover how Hitler's early charisma and failed coup shifted public perception. Economic instability during the Great Depression boosted Nazi support, while propaganda reinforced their grip on power. Surprising research connects pandemic deaths to increased Nazi votes, revealing the complex interplay of disease and religion in shaping a catastrophic legacy.
12 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 47min
The Rise of the Nazis | How Disaster Lead to Catastrophe | 1
Explore how post-WWI chaos and social shocks allowed marginal movements to gain traction in Germany. The discussion highlights the stark contrast between jubilant Allied celebrations and the despair of a starving German population. Delve into the aftermath of the Versailles Treaty and its humiliating terms, which fueled national resentment. Witness the rise of the Weimar Republic amidst political instability and hyperinflation's devastating effects, while cultural vibrancy thrived in the shadows of crisis.
