Today In History with The Retrospectors

General John J. Pershing’s mission to capture the guerrilla leader Pancho Villa in Mexico was quietly withdrawn on 28th January, 1917Initiated in response to Villa's cross-border raid on Columbus, New Mexico, the mission was ordered by President Woodrow Wilson but proved embarrassing and ineffective for the U.S, Army, with Villa remarking that Pershing ‘came in like an eagle, but left like a wet chicken’.In this episode, The Retrospectors track Villa’s career from highway thief to general in the revolutionary army; discover his unusual approach to finding a spouse; and reveal what happened to his head after he was assassinated… Further Reading:• ‘General Pershing's Mexican Expedition to capture Pancho Villa predates his World War I career’ (National Museum of American History, 2016): https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/general-pershings-mexican-expedition-capture-pancho-villa-predates-his-world-war-i• ‘Pancho Villa’s Last Gasp’ (Texas Monthly, 1983): https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/pancho-villas-last-gasp/• ‘UNITED STATES VS. MEXICO - THE PURSUIT OF PANCHO VILLA’ (Historic Films Stock Footage, 1916): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byL6QIDRY6oLove the show? Support us! Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY… … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content. Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie PeartCopyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Modern art was controversially celebrated on 27th January, 1687, when Charles Perrault read his poem ‘The Century of Louis The Great’ at the Académie Française - railing against the prevailing wisdom that believed literature should follow the strict classical templates laid down by the likes of Homer and Aristotle.The subsequent debate between rival factions of ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’ intellectuals raged for more than five years, and became known as ‘the quarrel’. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly ask how much of Perrault’s argument was actually to do with kissing Louis XIV’s arse; explain what Aesop had to do with the gardens at the Palace of Versailles; and wonder if the Ancients would have approved of Agatha Christie… Further Reading:• ‘The Battle of the Books: History and Literature in the Augustan Age’ by Joseph M. Levine (Cornell University Press, 1991): https://bit.ly/32GeA9V• ‘Charles Perrault, a multifaceted man’ (breteuil.fr): https://www.breteuil.fr/en/charles-perrault-a-multifaceted-man/• ‘Charles Perrault INVENTED fairy tales Cinderella Mother Goose Little Red Riding Hood Sleeping Beauty’ (Timeline, 2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGOJHaE6oULove the show? Support us! Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY… … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content. Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️Go to proton.me/todayinhistory to receive a 38% discount on Proton Mail The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie PeartCopyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry VIII is typically remembered as he was at the end of his life - weighing in at a colossal 28 stone, with ulcerated legs, failing eyesight and an explosive temper. But, prior to the jousting accident he suffered 24th January, 1536, history had recorded him as merry, affable and physically attractive.Jousting was his favourite sport, but after being knocked off his horse and falling unconscious for two hours, he appears to have become increasingly erratic, irritable and cruel - not least to his wife Anne Boleyn and her four famous successors.In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly suggest why the identity of Henry’s jousting opponent was not recorded; explain why the Vatican were really quite excited by Henry’s head injury; and ask whether the King’s demeanour really did change significantly, or whether he was ALWAYS a bit of a jerk… Further Reading:• ‘The jousting accident that turned Henry VIII into a tyrant’ (The Independent, 2009): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-jousting-accident-that-turned-henry-viii-into-a-tyrant-1670421.html• ‘Henry VIII: ‘brain injury caused by jousting to blame for erratic behaviour and possible impotence'’ (HistoryExtra, 2016): https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/henry-viii-brain-injury-caused-by-jousting-to-blame-for-erratic-behaviour-and-possible-impotence/• ‘Full Metal Jousting - The Biggest Hits’ (The History Channel, 2012): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWVZgp-eQG8Love the show? Support us! Join  🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS🌴to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY… … Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content. Join now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show ❤️Go to proton.me/todayinhistory to receive a 38% discount on Proton Mail The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first induction ceremony of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, held on January 23, 1986, marked a historic moment, despite its low-key nature. It aimed to recognize the unsung heroes of rock while addressing racial injustices. The choice of Cleveland as its location adds a layer of intrigue, influenced by local support and iconic figures. Controversies regarding gender representation highlight ongoing issues within the Hall, while Axl Rose's memorable refusal to participate sparks discussion about the personal dynamics of rock legends.

The fascinating origins of the Swiss Guards reveal their roots as elite mercenaries in the 16th century. They were once the fierce defenders of the Pope, renowned for their battle strategies and deadly precision. The podcast traces their evolution into today's ceremonial role, juxtaposed with Switzerland's neutrality. Quirky recruitment criteria add a humorous twist, covering everything from height to religious beliefs. Discover how these colorful figures transitioned from warriors to icons of Vatican tradition.

Dive into the fascinating journey of the DeLorean DMC-12, a car marketed as a luxury icon but plagued by performance woes. Discover how John DeLorean's ambition led him from the spotlight to a $24 million cocaine conspiracy. Learn about the misguided production efforts in Northern Ireland, where untrained workers and corporate deception reign supreme. The DeLorean's unexpected fame in 'Back to the Future' almost took a different route with a Mustang, adding a quirky twist to this automotive saga.

In a jaw-dropping concert moment in 1982, a rock star famously bit the head off a bat, sparking chaos and laughter among fans. This wasn't his first outrageous stunt; he had previously bitten the head off a dove at a press launch. The podcast dives into the clever marketing behind these shocking antics, driven by his ingenious wife. They also discuss how an infamous chicken incident at another iconic concert reshaped rules for live performances, leaving a lasting impact on the rock scene.

We all know you’re here because you - like us, are a bona fide history nerd, so here's a little something from the producers of this podcast; a brand new series of Conflict Of Interest with the Imperial War Museum. We think you're going to love itHow have artists, filmmakers and photographers shaped our understanding of wars and conflict? Journalist and writer Helen Lewis explores the recently-opened Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries at Imperial War Museum, London.From No Man's Land to mushroom clouds, Helen discovers the people that have interpreted over a hundred years of conflict, in this specially-curated tour by James Bulgin, Head of Public History at IWM.They are joined by Suzanne Plunkett, Reuters' Chief Photographer for the UK and Ireland, and a photojournalist for almost 30 years - and someone who can give us a first hand account of what it’s like to be capturing a seismic event in the moment.Objects Discussed:Paul Nash, The Menin Road, 1919John Armstrong, Pro Patria, 1938 War Pictorial News No. 21Mushroom Cloud over Nagasaki, 1945Suzanne Plunkett, People Covered in Dust and Debris New York, 11 September 2001 - © AP (IWM DC 123993)© AP (IWM DC 124023)Narrator:  James Taylor. Producer: Matt Hill at Rethink Audio, with support from Eleanor Head, Daniel BenChorin, and the IWM Institute team at Imperial War Museums Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rocky debut of Richard Sheridan's 'The Rivals' is a tale of initial disaster followed by swift improvisation. Critics panned it, and even the audience threw fruit! After eleven days of rewrites, the play reopened to acclaim. Discover the significance of Mrs. Malaprop's malapropisms and how they transformed comedic writing. Dive into Sheridan's colorful life and his sharp wit that captivated audiences. This blend of chaos and humor illustrates theater's unpredictable charm.

Discover the fascinating life of Miguel de Cervantes, who, after a tumultuous career, became the author of the iconic 'Don Quixote' at 57. Explore how Cervantes' innovative writing changed literature forever and the surprising influence of a fake sequel that reignited interest in his characters. Dive into the novel’s humorous reception in Britain and how it still resonates today. The hosts even draw amusing parallels between Don Quixote and modern pop culture like Shrek, showcasing the timeless appeal of this literary masterpiece.