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 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.
9 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.
11 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.
Nov 20, 2025 • 40min
Greenland | The 51st State? | 2
Greenland's changing coat of arms ignites a conversation about its geopolitical significance. Trump's controversial interest in acquiring the island raises alarms in Denmark. The discussion explores Greenland's strategic value, including its resources and role in NATO. As global warming opens Arctic routes, military tensions rise with both Russia and NATO. The hosts ponder the implications if Greenland ever became a US state, highlighting local sentiments and Denmark's defense of its sovereignty. Ironies abound in this intricate geopolitical puzzle.
10 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Greenland | This Is Greenland | 1
Discover Greenland's unique position in global politics as it shifts from a misunderstood island to a geopolitical hotspot. The hosts delve into Viking colonization tactics, Denmark's colonial history, and the cultural implications of forced assimilation on the Inuit population. Hear about the renewed interest in Greenland driven by climate change and resource potential, along with a surprising past attempt by a former U.S. President to buy the island. This captivating exploration unveils the layers of history, identity, and power surrounding this colossal territory.
Nov 13, 2025 • 50min
Kwame Nkrumah | Rise and Fall | 4
Explore the captivating rise and fall of Kwame Nkrumah, Africa's first postcolonial leader. Delve into the tumultuous events following WWII that sparked Ghana's independence. Discover how women played a vital role in securing victory for the CPP. Unpack Nkrumah’s challenges, from economic dependency and a fiscal crisis to paranoia and repression amid Cold War tensions. Learn about his exile in Guinea and his lasting legacy in contemporary discussions on African sovereignty.
Nov 11, 2025 • 34min
Kwame Nkrumah | Pan Africanist | 3
Kwame Nkrumah's transformation from student to revolutionary in post-war London is a thrilling journey. Explore the vibrant activism at the West African Students Union and the struggles against racial discrimination fueling political passion. Discover Nkrumah's pivotal role in organizing the Fifth Pan-African Congress, uniting prominent leaders for independence. The podcast dives into the complexities of African socialism, the influence of Marxism, and the strategic alliances with the left in the fight against colonialism.
Nov 6, 2025 • 36min
Kwame Nkrumah | A Man Who Changed The World | 2
Dive into the transformative journey of Kwame Nkrumah as he navigates the struggles of Jim Crow America and finds inspiration to unite Africa against colonialism. Explore his vision for Pan-African unity and the impact of Italy's invasion of Ethiopia on his radicalization. Hear about his academic pursuits, encounters with racism, and the cultural clashes he faced. Nkrumah's debates on education and leadership form a crucial foundation for understanding his legacy in the fight for African identity and independence.
Nov 3, 2025 • 41min
Kwame Nkrumah | The Good Subject | 1
The podcast delves into the transformative life of Kwame Nkrumah, exploring his early years in a small Ghanaian village and the revolutionary ideas that shaped African freedom. Insights into his upbringing as an only child reveal influences that fueled his political drive. The discussion highlights the impact of colonial education on his worldview, alongside the racial ideologies that stoked his passion for independence. His mentorship and early activism are examined, along with his pioneering role in pan-African thought and the nascent nationalist movement.
