Fin vs History

Tom Gilbey, a wine expert and author of 'Thirsty', joins the discussion to unravel the amusing and rich history of wine. He shares quirky insights about the origins of beverages in the New World and the early Spanish colonizers. The conversation dives into the growth of Mexico's wine scene and the hilariously pretentious world of wine tasting. The ties between French and English wine cultures are humorously critiqued, alongside tales of prison-made wine and the legendary status of champagne. Expect laughs and historical nuggets!

Discover the wild origins of wine, from goat orgies to ancient rituals! Explore how Dionysus, the god of wine, transformed chaotic celebrations into structured storytelling. Enjoy humorous takes on grooming experiences and the cultural significance of ancient winemaking. Delve into the clash between ancient revelry and modern religious views on alcohol, alongside candid discussions about awkward firsts. Join the playful banter as they connect history with today’s drinking culture, making the past as entertaining as ever.

The podcast dives into Lenin's shocking rise to power and the chaotic fall of the Romanovs, highlighting the absurd realities of the Russian Revolution. With humor, they discuss everything from trivial misunderstandings causing major power shifts to a darkly comedic portrayal of the Romanov family's final moments. Food and drink become a playful backdrop for reflections on history, while a 15-hour meeting ignites a pivotal armed revolt. Through hilarity and tragedy, they capture the turbulent essence of this transformative era.

Discover the bizarre world of 1917 Russia with a blend of humor and history. The paradox of a women's march leading to change is explored alongside the grim realities of hunger and turmoil. The narrative dives into the comedic chaos surrounding key figures like Tsar Nicholas II and Trotsky, alongside insights about bread's cultural significance and the complexities of the Cossacks. From the Romanovs' house arrest to Lenin's dramatic return, each chapter reveals how absurdity and leadership shaped a revolution, all peppered with witty anecdotes.

Dive into the chaotic world of the 1917 Russian Revolution, where Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin are humorously critiqued as the worst party guests ever. Discover how social unrest fueled a seismic shift in history and the absurdity of revolutionary committees. Explore the dramatic ideological rift between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks, alongside the hilarious dynamics of key figures. From Lenin's intense writing sessions to Stalin's rise to power, this conversation cleverly balances light-hearted banter with a critical look at their legacies.

Discover the quirky life of Rasputin, a man loved by women and loathed by men, as he navigates the absurdities of the Russian court. Giggle at modern analogies, like gender reveal parties, while exploring the Romanov family's anxieties over their heir. Absurd rituals and eccentricity take center stage, revealing the bizarre intersections of religion and society. Delve into Rasputin's chaotic influence during the early 20th-century power struggles, culminating in a hilariously dark retelling of his almost-mythical assassination.

Dive into a hilariously insightful exploration of the Russian Revolution and its surreal historical figures. Enjoy witty critiques of leaders like Ivan the Terrible and Nicholas II, alongside absurd anecdotes about Russian identity and culture. Discover the Viking roots of Russia and how they shaped contemporary narratives, while reflecting on the absurdities of monarchy. The blend of humor with serious themes unveils the complexities of Russian society and its historical trauma, making for an entertaining yet thought-provoking discussion.

The hosts dive into the Wright brothers' quirky early flight attempts, contrasting them with today's high-tech aviation. They humorously explore how Victorian innovations gave way to modern AI, revealing cultural shifts in technology. A spotlight on World War I highlights hilarious moments in aerial combat and the revolutionary Fokker Eindecker. Amelia Earhart's daring legacy gets a playful critique while examining gender perceptions in aviation. Finally, they journey through the evolution of air travel from the glamour of the jet set to today's budget airlines.

Dive into a unique twist on comedy as the special humorously tackles socio-political issues, including Holocaust denial. Experience how satire links absurd beliefs to historical events, prompting a thoughtful reflection on extreme ideologies. The laughter isn't just for laughs—it's a call to consider the real implications behind these extremes.

Humans have always dreamed of flying, often in bizarre ways, like dressing as owls! The conversation humorously explores absurd historical attempts at flight, including hot air balloons carrying animals. The narrative highlights the Wright brothers' groundbreaking work, juxtaposed with more flamboyant inventors. It weaves in dark humor and captivating anecdotes about early aviation mishaps, including a disastrous jump, blending the mundane with the extraordinary in the quest for the skies.