Hot History

Hello Divas! Today we're back looking at the most expensive party in history, both in the literal dollar bills sense AND the fact this single event led a dynasty to lose everything. This is the 1971 Iranian celebration for 2,500 years of Persian rule, and if you think your wedding or even a Great Gatsby level event is worthy of the name 'party', then think again! From new highways to purpose built cities, on demand forests and over 12,000 bottles of Whiskey, this invitation packed a serious punch, and the guest list ... well let's just say not even that first Tarte brand trip could compete! But what did the guests and the Iranians themselves actually think of this three day extravaganza? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish and producer Jamie Rose for their work pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hi guys! Today we're back with part 2 of our HOT TAKE episode on whether we have the right to destroy history.In this episode we're going to look at our last 2 historical sources: Exhibits, including Hitlers Entartete Kunst & the President's House Exhibition, as well as Art/Sculpture, ranging from Mao's cultural reforms to the Bamiyan Buddhas AND the most written about example, statues of slavers/colonisers. Thanks so much for following along and contributing to this deep dive, it means the world!If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hi guys! Today we're back with a HOT TAKE episode to unpack the big question we've been asking the last couple of weeks: Do we have a right to destroy history?In this first part of the series we're going to look at 2 kinds of historical sources: Buildings, including the Berghof & Winter Palace, and Documents, including Mein Kampf & Queen Victoria's diaries! Make sure to head on over and watch part 2 where we will cover exhibits and art/sculpture very soon!If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello Divas! Today we're back to unpack the myth, the legend and the facts about the Lost City of Atlantis! According to the Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was said to have been blessed by Poseidon, god of the sea, becoming home to his demi god offspring, who turned the 'fertile plain' into the greatest civilisation that ever lived. With expertise in metallurgy, craftsmanship, commerce, agriculture and maritime trade, at a time where the rest of the world lived in small nomadic communities, the story of Atlantis has been met with great scepticism. BUT what if Plato was talking about another island entirely? A real place where the history, archeology and geology all line up - Bronze Age Crete. I can't wait to unpack this one with you all! If you'd like to read the Timaeus and Critias yourself, then the translations I used are linked.If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello Divas! Today we're back with the story of Kiki Preston, the gilded age nepo baby whose life spanned from the streets of Paris to the plains of Africa and the sidewalks of New York City to the drawing room at Buckingham Palace, with her infamous moniker surmising a life that was steeped in equal parts drama, deceit, dukes and drugs! But what does this nickname do to her historical legacy? Is it the full picture? And just how much of her history is shaped by the monarchical powers at be? Let's find out together!If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie xPlease take care while listening with the sensitive themes mentioned at the top and should you require assistance please use the below:In Australia, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 0477 131 114 (lifeline) or 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue).In the USA,  support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 (⁠988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠) or texting HOME to 741741 for the ⁠Crisis Text Line⁠.In the UK, support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111  (NHS) or  ⁠116 123⁠  (Samaritans)

Hello you! Today we're chatting about Lynnewood Hall, the 110 room gilded age mansion with double the footprint of the White House! Built for the Widener family, it was meant to be a haven for art and culture, but its hopes sank to the depths with the RMS Titanic when both the Widener heirs died on board. Sold to the church for a seminary, the homes contents full of french art, italian mantles, chinese urns and persian rugs, were auctioned until nothing remained. Year by year, it fell further into disrepair until it was totally abandoned. Now saved by the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation this great dame gets a second chance, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!You can follow LHPF on Instagram, and watch some of the walk throughs here and here . If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Happy Friday! Today we are talking about the most successful pirate in history, and I don't mean Jack Sparrow or Blackbeard - I'm talking about Ching Shih, the former sex worker turned pirate queen who controlled the South China Sea to such an extent the Qing dynasty paid her to retire! As an Asian woman she defies all the pirate stereotypes toted by historians and western sources alike, and had one hell of a career both on the sea and land!If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

You guys have been asking for him, so today we are spending a full hour (and a bit) on Ra Ra Rasputin! From a Siberian village to the centre of imperial Russia, how did the ‘mad monk' bring the 300 year old house of Romanov crumbling down? We cover it all from horse whispering to sex sects, pesky rumours to miraculous events and of course, assassinations and 12 inch penises! If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello you! Today we are chatting about the 1903 Romanov Ball aka, the last great royal ball in Europe! Thrown in celebration of 290 years of Romanov rule, the entire Russian court was sent back to the 17th century, dripped in gold and gems, posing for photos with their friends and most of all, blissfully ignoring the rumbling discontent outside the palace gates! Listen now to find out all the deets on the evening(s) and how the ball helped bring about the Romanovs final days!If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

The finale of Ryan Murphy's cult historical fiction 'Love Story' was divisive and jam packed from the explosive scenes between Caroline & Ann Bessette to that plane scene! In this episode, we unpack the finale plus my thoughts on the series as a whole, while looking at the ethics of fictionalised historical dramas like 'Love Story' to try and answer the question on everyone's lips: how long after someone's dead is it okay to profit from the tragedy?If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Ainslie x

Hello and welcome back to Hot History! I am so thrilled to FINALLY be covering the real history behind JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the wake of Love Story's final episode. From their careers, dealings with the media, inner circles and tragic passing, we're getting to know each of these 90's icons outside the silver screen.Make sure to tune in on Monday for my full review of Love Story too!If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Alrightttt … this episode of Hot History is by order of the Peaky Fooking Blinders! Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is on Netflix tonight, so we're covering exactly who the real Peaky Blinders were! We start by looking at the Industrial Revolutions impact on Birmingham and the origins of the Victorian street gangs, before covering some of the real figures and events in the TV series. From Billy Kimber to Diana Mitford and of course, Alfie Solomon's, we get down and dirty with the big wigs of Steven Knights story!We're also doing some light myth busting (sorry) about some of the series key Shelbyisms and so much more!If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello guys! Today we're talking about what exactly happened to the 'stuff' of queens, emperors, dictators and criminals after it all comes crushing down!From Marie Antoinette's jewels to the Romanov family's Faberge Eggs and the Kaiser's palaces and art post exile, we look at what happened to the collections of these royal dynasty's when it all comes crashing down! PLUS we're looking at Hitlers personal will and the royalties from his book, before ending with the fate of Jeffrey Epstein's million dollar property portfolio! If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hi guys! Today we're locking in for a chat on the diamond necklace affair, the event which according to Napoleon Bonaparte is the event "the Queen's death must be dated from". It's a tale of blackmarket dealers, forged signatures, parading prostitutes, and it ended with Marie Antoinette being blamed for it all!We cover how Marie developed her reputation as 'Madame Deficit,' the scheme behind the diamond necklace affair, the fallout, the role of propaganda in verifying myths and the disastrous effects of the affair for Marie and the Bourbon dynasty.If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello you, welcome back to Hot History! Today's ep looks at the secret Parisian order of monastic knights who guard what some believe to be Jesus's crown of thorns!We will look at:1. Origin of this order2. Origin of this crown from Jerusalem to Paris3. Role of the order today & the Notre Dame fire4. Authenticating the crownPLUS we look at the difference between normal archaeological artifacts and religious relics, and how to authenticate them in the modern day (or not)!If you like this episode, feel free to share it with your friends or leave us a review. Make sure to tune in next week for our episode on the scandalous diamond necklace which lost Marie Antoinette her head!If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x

Hello you, welcome back to Hot History! I'm so excited for our 1st HOT TAKE episode and today, we're looking at WHY we're obsessed with the Nazis. So many of you sent in your take and I've loved deeping this big Q with you guys.Here are the 4 key reasons WHY based on what you sent in:1. Morbid Curiosity2. Nazi Showmanship3. Awful sense of awe4. Time & Scope5. Rise in right wing authoritarianismPLUS we look at when our obsession goes from curiosity (safe) to glorification (danger) and how to be aware of what motivates your consumption.Next week we're looking at the mysterious order of Parisian knights dating back to the crusades who guard Jesus' crown of thorns - or do they??If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and of course, right here!Please take care while listening with the sensitive themes mentioned at the top and should you require assistance please use the below:In Australia, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 0477 131 114 (lifeline) or 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue).In the USA,  support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or texting HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.In the UK, support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111  (NHS) or  116 123  (Samaritans)

Hello you, welcome back to Hot History! I'm so excited to chat about the Brontë sisters today and my god we're DEEPING it! From their education, family dynamic, life on the moors, time in Brussels, publications and untimely deaths, we're looking at each sister and their works in total. PLUS to my greatest shock and surprise, the fact that Haworth is also home to the iconic op shop in Wild Child!! Next week will also be our first ‘hot take' episode and the question is: Why are we so obsessed with the Nazis. If you have a hot take on this, I want to hear it so please email me at hello@hothistory.com!If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠ and of course, right here!Till next week, Ainslie x

Hello you! Welcome back to the new and improved Hot History Podcast! I am so excited for all things hot AND all things history in 2026!Today I'm giving you some of my top recommendations across TV, Film, Books, Podcasts, Substacks, Creators and YouTube so you can start Feb filled to the brim with content. Plus, of course, if you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!If you'd like to submit a hot take or ask us a question you can do so at hello@hothistory.com!See you next Friday x

Today I'm joined by Cass of Hollywoodland Photos to deep dive into the life of Judy Garland. Child prodigy, star of the Wizard of Oz and victim to the Hollywood studio system, her life is a mish mash of terrific highs and terrifying lows which ultimately took her life.

Okay team we're splitting this episode between the Ancient Egyptian New Kingdom and Cairo in the 1920s as we look at the life of King Tut and the man who discovered his famous tomb - Mr Howard Carter!

The golden girl of the gilded age, we are talking about the IRL inspo for Bertha Russell - Mrs Alva Vanderbilt. She was a southern heiress turned new money social climber who rose to the top, married her ex husbands BFF and shocked all when she emerged as one of America's leading suffragette's. This one is truly scandalous!

The big mommy of Europe, we're talking about the one and only female Habsburg ruler, Maria Theresa. Mother of Marie Antoinette, fighter for compulsory education, patron of the arts and all around master of statescraft there is a reason she goes down in history as one of the 18th centuries biggest baddies!

The real family behind the Sound of Music, we're digging into the history behind the 1965 blockbuster film on location in Salzburg Austria!

Okay guys today we are scratching the surface (no pun intended) on the terracotta warriors, the massive subterranean army built to protect the first emperor of China - Qin Shi Huang! Discovered in 1974 by Chinese farmers while digging a well, this is the story of how one of history's greatest archaeological discoveries was made AND how it changed the game forever!

A story that spans 36 years, from orphanage to the silver screen and perhaps even the White House... Today, we cover the woman, the legend, the pop culture phoenix: Miss Marilyn Monroe, aka Norma Jeane Mortenson.Warning:This episode of Hot History contains themes which some viewers may find distressing, including but not limited to eating disorders, mental illness and sexual assault. Please take care when listening, and seek out the resources below should you need.Lifeline: 13 11 14HELP: 1800 737 732Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Symbol of luxury, speed and ... disaster! This week, we break down the world's first supersonic passenger aircraft, which played host to everyone from Phil Collins to Princess Diana.

Is Louis 14th the ultimate Narc? How much did it cost to build the complex at Versailles? And how many heirs should be called Louis before it's banned? We unpack the 'sun king's' life from childhood to it's gangrenous end!

Today, May 30th, marks 594 years since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake at only 19 years old. But who was she? Heretic? Warrior? Martyr? Victim? We break it all down in today's episode!

Hello Hello! Today we are looking at the very first femme fatale - Margaretha Zelle aka Mata Hari. Mother, turned Exotic dancer, turned businesswoman, turned Spy, who is Mata Hari and how did she meet her grisly end? Tune in and find out!

What's romantic about an American stockbroker?!?!? We deep dive into the lives of Jackie Kennedy's reclusive Aunt and cousin, 'Big' & 'Little' Edie. Former socialites and heiresses, this is a riches-to-rags story set against the backdrop of their crumbling mansion on the coast of East Hamptons, 'Grey Gardens'.

We are BACK for Season 2 of the Hot History Podcast, so strap in because it's big! Today we break down the lives and lies of Russia's last Imperial Family - the Romanovs. With enough twists & turns to be a George R.R Martin sell-out, this is a story of deception, mystics, riches, genetic diseases and pretenders all wrapped up in an estimated $55 Billion package!

Today we get down and dirty with French Queen Marie Antoinette who is famous for her love of shoes, massive hair and letting her people eat cake. But was she really as frivolous as history remembers, or is she too a victim of historical fallacy? We will find out!

Today we are getting down and dirty with the original G.O.A.T, Alexander. Unpacking his rise to power, the expansion of his empire, his relationship with his male lover and more we answer the question of who Alexander was and whether he was, in fact, great.

It's that time again! We get down and dirty with the man who puts the terror in terrible! We look at everything from his 8 wives, fits of rage, and the rise of the Romanov family, plus course his mentions in pop culture.

Today we are getting down and dirty with the OG Hot Girl and leader of the 19th century's 'tight lacer' crew - Empress Sisi. Covering her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph, obsessive beauty routine, Odyssey of travels, and more, we look for the real Sisi amidst the fogs of mystery surrounding her.

Get in the festive spirit with some of my favourite Historical Christmas traditions from Austria to Japan! Have a blessed and happy Holiday season xx

Today we get down & dirty with King Henry the 8th and his six sorry wives! Covering everything from the start to the end of the Tudor dynasty, we will unearth one of the most dynamic periods in English history while getting all the tea on the infamous king and his assortment of unfortunate Queens!

Today we deep dive into the life of Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Looking at her relationship with Charles, the wider royal family, her motherhood, charitable works, and of course her tragic death we see the long-lasting legacy of one of the UK's most mourned public figures. TW: this episode references eating disorders and self-harm which some listeners may find disturbing.

Today we deep dive into the life and death of the 35th President of the USA, John F Kennedy. So famous that he is remembered by 3 letters, JFK has as many myths, legends, and conspiracies as Area 51, and we look at them all including his efforts in WW2, family life, civil rights work, and even his supposed affair with Marilyn Monroe.

Let's get down and dirty with Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his toxic relationship with his one true love, Josephine. Looking at his rise and fall, we debunk some myths, look at his problematic love language AND representations in pop culture.

Welcome back to Hot History! Today we're deep-diving into the life and legend of Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt. Covering topics from her famous love affairs, education, death and references in pop cultre, we're discerning the myth from the facts!

Hey Hot History Club, today we're deep diving into the epic rise and fall of Roman General turned Dictator, Julius Caesar. We're covering it all, including connecting the dots to find out what Caesar has to do with salads, pirates, Brits & Bob Dylan!

Hello Hot History Crew, I am so excited to announce the launch of 'Hot History' where we dive into the things in history that you probably should know, but don't. We're going to be getting down & dirty with history's heavy hitters, covering everything from victory to treachery and of course, all the scandal!