Boring History for Sleep
Velvet
Welcome to Boring History to Sleep — the only show where falling asleep in the middle is not only allowed… it’s encouraged. Each episode takes you on a slow, uneventful stroll through the most yawn-worthy corners of the past: treaties nobody remembers, kings who ruled for three weeks, and revolutions that never really got started. Delivered in the softest, most sleep-inducing voice we could find, this show is like warm milk with a side of ancient trivia. Perfect for insomniacs, history nerds, and anyone who thinks a Roman tax policy discussion sounds like a lullaby.
Lay back, close your eyes
Lay back, close your eyes
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 2, 2026 • 3h 57min
Boring History For Sleep | What It Was Really Like to Be a Victorian Brothel Worker 🕯️🏚️
Explore the hidden struggles of Victorian brothel workers, revealing a life of poverty behind the façade of respectability. Discover Agnes’s daily rituals, from her cramped lodgings to meticulous preparations for clients. Understand the balance of survival and danger, enforced by strict house rules and medical screenings. Delve into the emotional toll of their work and the camaraderie formed in close quarters. This narrative shines a light on forgotten lives, showcasing resilience amidst a society that turned a blind eye.
Jan 1, 2026 • 3h 56min
Boring History For Sleep | The Entire History of Marie Antoinette 👑🕯️ (Myth, Luxury & a Lasting Legacy)
Explore the glamorous yet tumultuous life of Marie Antoinette, the misunderstood queen surrounded by scandal. Delve into her lavish upbringing, political marriage, and the pressures of royal duty. Discover how extravagant spending and fierce court rivalry fueled public backlash. From the infamous diamond necklace scandal to the realities of peasant life, learn how she became a symbol of excess. Journey through her complex legacy marked by tragedy and isolation in Petit Trianon, revealing the woman behind the myth.
Dec 31, 2025 • 3h 56min
Boring History For Sleep | Why You Wouldn’t Last a Day in Ancient Greece 🏺💀
Ancient Greece was less glamorous than it sounds. Daily life was a grind, marked by backbreaking labor and oppressive social norms. Hygiene was questionable, and most struggled just to fetch water. Food was monotonous, with barley maza as a staple for many. Women faced legal restrictions while slaves directly supported the economy. Medical practices were rudimentary and often harmful. Overall, a day in ancient Greece could be a relentless battle for survival, far from the idealized version painted by history.
Dec 30, 2025 • 3h 55min
Boring History For Sleep | The Unwritten Winter Rules of Victorian Society 🕯️🏠
Victorian winters were not only cold but packed with strict social rules! From the hierarchy of seating around fireplaces to the elaborate dressing routines, comfort took a backseat to manners. Breakfast was governed by etiquette, while letter writing became a battle against frozen ink. Outdoor excursions had their own hazards, with muddy streets and carriage rides posing risks to reputation. Discover how tea service acted as a social technology and the spectacle of frost fairs, where even on ice, unspoken rules ruled the day!
Dec 29, 2025 • 3h 53min
Boring History For Sleep | The Filthy Truth Behind Royal Gossip 👑🧼🚫
Explore the filthy truths behind royal gossip. Discover the unglamorous hygiene habits of monarchs, from those who avoided baths to courts infested with lice. Journey through scandals like Edward VIII's relationship with Wallis Simpson and his Nazi ties. Dive into George IV's secret marriage and Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Uncover the sensational court battles of Delphine Boel against her royal father. This captivating discussion reveals how corruption and scandal have shaped royals throughout history.
Dec 28, 2025 • 3h 55min
Boring History For Sleep | Who the Ninja Really Were 🥷🕯️ (And What They Actually Did)
Discover the surprising reality of ninjas as spies and survival experts in feudal Japan, not the magical assassins you might expect. Explore the geography of Iga that shaped their emergence, and learn about the intriguing demand created by samurai codes. Delve into the training methods that combined physical skills with spiritual practices, and the tactical innovations involving animals and tools. Unravel the legacy of folklore versus history, and how these skilled covert operatives adapted to changing times and societal structures.
Dec 27, 2025 • 3h 55min
Boring History For Sleep | Inside George Washington’s Personal Life
Explore the lesser-known life of George Washington, revealing his disciplined nature and emotional restraint. Discover his unrequited love for Sally Fairfax and the pragmatic beginnings of his marriage to Martha. Delve into their daily rhythms at Mount Vernon, where mutual support shaped their bond. Unearth Washington's struggles with loss, his passion for horses, and the emotional labor Martha managed. The tension between his role as a slaveholder and his ideals adds complexity to his legacy and the serene life he cultivated.
Dec 26, 2025 • 3h 59min
Boring History For Sleep | The Celts 🕯️⚔️ Europe’s Mysterious Dark Age Masters & Their Lost Treasures
Delve into the enigmatic world of the Celts, ancient rulers of Europe shrouded in mystery. Discover their vibrant languages that survived despite oppression. Explore their rich oral traditions preserved by monks and hear about the social structure, including powerful women and skilled bards. Uncover the wealth hidden in Celtic graves and their fascinating warfare tactics. Marvel at their intricate art and material culture that connects us to their vibrant past. It’s a journey through time, where legends and history intertwine.
Dec 25, 2025 • 3h 50min
Boring History For Sleep | How Victorian Junk Food Destroyed Millions of Lives 🍬💀
Victorian Britain was captivated by cheap, sugary treats, oblivious to the dangers lurking within. Candies were often filled with toxic additives, while bread was bulked up with chalk and other harmful fillers. The systemic issues in food production led to widespread health crises, including a notorious poisoning tragedy. As consumers faced malnutrition from industrial diets, the moral dilemmas of bakers and vendors came to light. Activism against these practices sparked eventual reforms, showcasing the power of grassroots movements in food safety.
Dec 24, 2025 • 3h 52min
Boring History For Sleep | The Pirate Golden Age: Rum, Gold & Bad Decisions 🏴☠️🍺
🏴☠️🌊 Between the late 1600s and early 1700s, pirates briefly turned the oceans into lawless highways of ambition, desperation, and stolen gold. Life aboard a pirate ship promised freedom from kings and taxes—but delivered hunger, disease, violence, and a very short life expectancy.Close your eyes and drift across moonlit seas, creaking decks, and fading legends from the brief moment when pirates ruled the waves.👉 Boring History For Sleep | Rum, rebellion, and the quiet end of legends. 💤
