Curious Characters

In the forgotten tomes of the 12th century there lays a story so unbelievable that it remains hidden from obvious sight. Whilst England became the seat of Plantagenet power, several hundred miles away in Aquitaine a 12 year old girl was cementing her claim as one of the most ruthless and influential leaders in Europe, defining herself as a future queen of France and eventually,  ruler of England.  Eleanor Duchess of Aquitaine and mother of Richard "The Lion Heart" not only forged her own unique and curious path to power leading armies, foiling kidnappers and murdering enemies, but she dared to do this in an age when women were expected to be silent.  Join Curious Characters as we rejoice in one fearless woman's amazing life, setting her apart from the norm.www.trickycider.com  for wonderful cider! jamiescurious@gmail.com  Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In early 2009 a team of US marines were sent to an outpost in Helmand province Afghanistan. The soldiers had no idea but they were about to spend sixty days atop a terrifying desert monolith experiencing  unexplainable paranormal activity. The story of Outpost Rock quickly became infamous and the 8 Marines would go on to believe that they were cursed.  Join Curious Characters for this spooky bonus episode as we discuss the tale of  people in a conflict zone with no time to make up ghost stories.(Mature episode - contains war, general scary content and terrible accents with sound effects!) www.trickcider.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In 1953 Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood on top of the worlds highest peak, Mt Everest. Their achievement may have set them free from the shadow of the mountain but another shadow would forever loom over their accomplishment, this came in the form of George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine, two climbers who nearly 30 years before had dared to tread Everests icy lifeless slopes. In 1924 Mallory and Irvine had been seen in close proximity to the summit before clouds obscured the view of on-lookers, did these men hold a secret that could change history forever. Join  Curious Characters as we explore the life of mountaineer, student of history and war hero George Herbert Leigh-Mallory a man who risked everything to attain the summit. www.trickcider.com    Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In the early 1960s the body of a young woman was found inside the wall of a rural English pub, this episode dives into a series of strange events that happened in the building whilst the host, Jamie, worked there. In this true story Jamie inadvertently found himself involved in one of the most terrifying events of his life and a well documented haunting.  Join Curious Characters as we try to explain the horrific story of the crying woman in the wall.  www.trickycider.comjamie@curiouscharacterspodcast.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

The life of serial killer Dr Harold Shipman, a man who murdered 250 people through his career as a medical professional. Shipman destroyed not only the reputation of the NHS and trust in the medical community, he was also one of the most prolific serial killers in history. How did he get away with murder for so long? Join me as we gaze horrified, into the life and death of this medical monster.(mature content)sponsor - www.trickcider.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

After far too long away from the microphone, Curious Characters returns with Caligula! A look at the life of one of ancient Romes most hated and tyrannical rulers. This is a man who murdered his way to the throne and lost his mind with power. Caligula went from being a beloved and pitied victim of oppression, to one of the most hated figures in history in just a few months. Murder, madness and a healthy dose of incest, makes Caligula not just curious but curiously evil.  (This episode contains mature themes and violence)  season sponsor -www.trickycider.com Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Throughout history women  have always been horrifically persecuted but it was under the rule of king James the first of England and Scotland that awful events escalated further. Join Curious Characters as we investigate the life of a king who was arguably more obsessed with witches, devils and a loathing of women than any other in history. Under James more women were killed for witchcraft in Scotland alone than by any other ruler in all of Europe. Why was James so crazy about killing huge numbers of women in the 1590's ?www.trickycider.comwww.curiouscharacterspodcast.com    Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

An interview with guitar master and globally watched director POM (Andrew Crawford). Pom's music has been heard all over the world and his short indie films for digital media, have been watched by over half a billion people. He is notoriously private and often requests no credit on his work.  What makes an artist like him tick? In this interview we look at his curious life and what drives his art. From his new album with Grey Man Strategy to his screen writing and artistic work, Pom fills the interview with truly amazing live music and some ruddy fun conversation.  You wont have heard Spanish guitar like this before!www.pom-guitarist.comwww.graymanstrategy.comwww.trickcider.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Rasputin is one of the most curious humans in history. Born a Siberian peasant he rose to become an advisor to the Russian royal court. Rasputin claimed to have magical powers including the power to heal and speak to the dead. Join me for episode 1 season 2 of Curious Characters as we look at the life and strange death of this truly curious man.www.curiouscharacterspodcast.comPom's websiteTricky Cider Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Bonus Episode An interview with Torquay museum director Basil Greenwood. Here we discuss the Devon explorer Percy Fawcett from Episode 20. We chat about what kind of man he was and what might have happened to him and his son in the jungles of South America. Torquay museum hold the archive on Fawcett, giving them access to all kinds of in-depth information. If you have not listened to Episode 20 its worth going back and doing so, to get some idea of the man we are speaking about.This recording may require more volume than others depending on your set up.  Fund the museum by clicking hereSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Season One concludes with this, episode twenty. Lt Col Percy Fawcett "Lost In The Amazon".Fawcett was an explorer of ultra high calibre, the only man who could survive the harsh central Amazon rainforest. Percy Fawcett discovered many new species and brought back wonders to Victorian British scientists and geographers. He shone in Word War I as a soldier of skill and courage, before finally returning the the amazon with his son Jack, aged 22, to seek out a long lost city made of gold. Jack and Percy were never seen again and the theories surrounding there disappearance are pretty wild. Join us for the last episode of season one as we jump into the life of a man so brave, he once shot a 68ft anaconda with a pistol at close range.     Season Two starts in a few weeks!www.curioucharacterspodcast.comwww.trickycider.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Musashi Miyamoto defeated over 60 men in fights and duels. His two sword method is considered the pinnacle of Samurai swordsmanship and his philosophical book on fighting is second to none. Join us for episode 19 of Curious Characters as we venture into the life of this incredible 16th century warrior from Japan.www.curiouscharacterspodcast.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Queen Boudica is one of the few historical rebel heroes to rise up against the might of the Roman Empire. Around the year 60AD her tribe the Iceni, led a rebellion in response to the savagery and inhuman treatment of the indigenous British people known as the Celts. Often overlooked by history, Boudica may well have been one of the greatest rebel generals of all time. Join us for part two of our first ever two part episode, as we journey into the life of this incredible curious Celtic queen.Curious Characters Podcast Episode 17 Boudica (Part Two)www.curiouscharacterspodcast.comwww.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukwww.pom-guitarist.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Queen Boudica is one of the few historical rebel heroes to rise up against the might of the Roman Empire. Around the year 60AD her tribe the Iceni, led a rebellion in response to the savagery and inhuman treatment of the indigenous British people known as the Celts. Often overlooked by history, Boudica may well have been one of the greatest rebel generals of all time. Join us for part one of our first two part episode, as we journey into the life of this incredible curious Celtic queen.Curious Characters Podcast Episode 17 Boudica (Part One)www.curiouscharacterspodcast.comwww.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukwww.pom-guitarist.com    Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

France in the 15th century was a savage war zone, the once mighty kingdom lay broken and alone subjected to a constant attack from the english and treacherous Burgundy forces. One peasant teenage girl would rise up and crush the nations oppressors, with the might of faith and determination. A hero born out of the ashes of French patriotism, destined to die alone and betrayed, forever to be remembered as one of the greatest women to have walked this earth. Join us for episode 16 of season 1 as we glimpse the life of Joan of Arc "Maid Of Orleans" .www.curiouscharacterspodcast.comwww.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukmusic link -The Evening of Departure by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In the 1700s the high seas were pillaged by a menace. Blackbeard would steal millions in gold and silver. His violent, fear inducing actions would spark a legend that out lived his brief two year pirate career. Blackbeard went from Royal Navy privateer to full blown criminal, pardoned by a U.S. governor and friend of rebels, the infamous Blackbeard stands out as one of the most curious individuals who ever lived. Join us for Episode 15 of Curious Characters as we swashbuckle our way through the life of this criminal legend. www.curiouscharcterspodcast.comwww.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/curiocharactersSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Helen Duncan was one of the last people to be convicted under the witchcraft act in the 1940s. A notorious clairvoyant and spiritual medium Helen was said to be able to manifest ghosts and speak to the dead. Her ability to create ectoplasm is still a great debate amongst skeptics and followers alike. Helen not only gave information she seemingly could not know but also accidentally divulged state secrets in a seance that caught the attention of the British government. Episode 14 of Curious Characters seeks to give a little more clarity on this spooky individual. www.brookwell.co.ukwww.trickycider.comLink for curious characters facebook page   Link for curious characters buzzsprout Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Robert Falcon Scott was a hero of Antarctic exploration, one of the finest explorers to grace our world, Scott would make the ultimate sacrifice in order to achieve his goals. A bastion of grit and courage, Scott would pave the way for people like Ranulph Fiennes and Ernest Shackleton to explore the white wilderness of Antarctica. Episode 13 is an attempt to lift the veil on his glorious final Terra Nova Expedition and give insights into his life. Scott would die in the cold wilderness with his compatriots, but his determination would forever live on in his awe inspiring legacy.www.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukwww.curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.com    Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

World War 2 was a brutal period of global history and it contained lots of courageous individuals but perhaps none more so than Mad Jack Churchill, this British soldier would storm beaches with a sword and kill enemy troops with a longbow. Famed for his bagpipes and fearless leadership, Mad Jack would redefine bravery in an era of heroes. Join us for Episode 12 of Curious Characters as we investigate the life of a modern warrior legend.  www.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In 1937 Amelia Earhart would go missing attempting to set a new world record circumnavigating the globe by aircraft. Earhart was one of the greatest aviators of her age and set multiple records for endurance flying, speed and altitude. She was the first woman passenger to cross the North Atlantic, the first female pilot to solo cross the Atlantic and the first woman to fly from Hawaii to California. Admired by fellow pilots and adored by fans, Earhart would pay the ultimate price for adventure.www.trickycider.comwww.brookwell.co.ukwww.torquaymuseum.org     Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Thanks to Ivan Prince of Moscow, 16th Century Russia was a pretty scary place to be. Ivan "The Terrible" as he would affectionately go by, would define brutality and chaos for years to come. His reign would see secret police on the streets, the purging of an entire city within his own kingdom and of course, the murder of his son and heir by his own hand. Ivan wasn't just terrible he was outright evil. Join us for Episode 10 of Curious Characters as we investigate this barbaric villain from Russian history.(Warning: Episode contains references to torture, murder, and other upsetting things.)     https://curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.com/https://www.facebook.com/curiocharacters/https://www.trickycider.com/Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In the early 20th century a new force would rise up in the world of martial arts. Hélio Gracie and his brothers would found a new system of fighting that would take the world by storm, but how would they prove this new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system worked? Hélio Gracie is a man considered one of the founding fathers of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and a figured head of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but how did he become such a hero of martial arts, and at what cost? Join us for episode 9 of Curious Characters as we look at the development of a man who would fight for his position and define his family as the new top of the competitive fighting food chain. www.pom-guitarist.comwww.trickycider.com www.facebook.com/curiocharactersSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

The 1400s would play host to one of the most famous rulers of all time, a man who would come to symbolise all that was brutal and terrifying about the age; Vlad The Impaler. In this week's episode of Curious Characters we look at the real life inspiration behind the famous vampire Dracula and ask the question, what was the real Vlad like? A complex and vicious episode lifting the veil on a monster, leader and often forgotten ruler of Wallachia in his struggle to control a border land beset by war, politics and betrayal. Vlad is truly one of the most brutal, evil and curious figures to have ever stalked the kingdoms of Europe and the Middle East.(Warning: This episode contains references and descriptions of murder, torture and battlefield warfare)   www.torquaymuseum.orgwww.pom-guitarist.comwww.trickycider.com      Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Thomas-Alexandre Dumas went from being a slave in what is now Haiti to France's first black General. Dumas would command 35,000 men by age 32 and would defend the new French Republic often singlehandedly, earning him a historical comparison with Horatius Cocles the Saviour of Rome. A charismatic, good looking, fearless leader, Dumas represented all that France's new revolution hoped to embody. His son, Alexandre Dumas, would become a world famous author, his grandson a playwright and his great grandson an Olympic champion. Join us as we try to do justice to the life of a curious hero of modern freedom, a man so inspiring that his statue was destroyed by Nazis no doubt in fear he would command rebellion even beyond the grave.      www.pom-guitarist.com Our music guru !!!!!!www.torquaymuseum.org Support a great museum !!!!!!www.trickycider.com  click for great cider sent to your door   Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In the late 16th Century the kingdom of Hungary was cursed by a serial killer, Elizabeth Bathory. Allegedly this curious villain would torture and murder over 600 people, but what if she was innocent? Join Curious Characters as we journey into the complex, brutal life of one of histories most notorious monsters, there's something going on in the little Carpathian mountains, but it might not be all it seems.(Listener warning! does contain violence, references to torture and murder) https://www.facebook.com/curiocharactershttps://curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.com https://widecombeweddings.com/www.pom-gutarist.com Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Yukio Mishima was a Japanese author who has received global acclaim for his prize winning books. In 1970 he stormed a military compound leading his own right-wing nationalist private militia, hoping to destroy the government. A complex curious character, Mishima would take his troubled life and create wonderful literary art, all the time secretly wishing to regain the strength of his warrior ancestors. Join us on our 5th episode as we introduce the life of this fanatical, dangerous and incredibly gifted individual.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/curiocharacters/Music - https://www.graymanstrategy.com/Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Episode 4 explores the life of Gertrude Bell; 19th century born explorer, archeologist, linguist, photographer, author, mountaineer and world war one spy. Gertrude is a fascinating individual, standing out as one of the greatest scholars on the Middle East in her age. Often forgotten and overlooked, she is not as famous as her friend Laurence of Arabia. Bell should be considered a true Queen of the Desert. From walking 1800 miles under the hot sun to soloing uncharted mountains in the alps, Bell proves that with a great mindset and an open heart you can achieve anything.    Music - www.pom-guitar.comTorquay museum - www.torquaymuseum.orgOur site - https://curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.com Gertrude documentary and info -  http://lettersfrombaghdad.com/email - podcastcuriouscharacters@gmail.comSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Dubbed the “Wickedest Man in the World” and the “Beast 666”. Aleister Crowley is the most famous occult practitioner of all time. From mountaineering mayhem, mysterious societies, wild sexual antics, drug addiction and summoning demonic forces and angels, Crowley is a benchmark for curiousness. History has been cruel to this Christian preachers son, but does he deserve his dark reputation? This episode focuses on the stranger aspects of Crowley's life and looks into his curious history. If you are a fan of weird, occult, historical and curious fun, this episode is for you. The episode does contain sex and drug references so please be warned. Magic, history, biography, curious, Crowley, occult it's all here. Feel free to research him for yourself he is a massive subject! Our Website - https://curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.comOur Musician - www.pom-guitarist.co.ukOur Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/curiocharactersSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

In our second episode we look at Dutch modern marvel Wim Hof and The Wim Hof Method. Wim has set some amazing records showing that he can push his body to extremes, from running up freezing mountains in just a pair of shorts, to swimming under ice caps. Wim has been proven by science to be able to fight off illness using his method and teaches others to do the same. This guy is the real deal and amazingly curious, you can find out more at - https://www.wimhofmethod.com/  Our facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/curiocharacters/Our website - https://curiouscharacters.buzzsprout.com/Support the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)

Our first episode dives into the life of victorian explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton FRGS. Burton is a curious character almost forgotten by the modern public. He translated the Karma Sutra, Arabian Nights and other noted works. Burton was crucial in helping to find the source of the White Nile and contributed to the exploration of the world. A culturally compassionate man in an age of colonial rule, Burton, it could be argued was one of the few explorers to enjoy learning from other cultures and not just conquering them to claim them for Britain.    Links www.torquaymuseum.org Burton was born in Torquaywww.pom-guitarist.com  Music for the podcastwww.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/burton_sir_richard.shtml BBC history infoSupport the show (http://buymeacoff.ee/CurioCharacters)