Tales for Wales

Tales for Wales

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Tales for Wales is an inaccurate Welsh history lesson brought to you by two boozy mates. New episodes every Sunday.

Jack & Franks

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    • Feb 26, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 252 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Tales for Wales

    Throwback Thursday: Ynys y Barry - Barry Island with Crysau Ti

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 8:25


    We're travelling through the past once more, this time with a cheeky plus 1 who just so happens to make the finest garbs in all of Cymru. Listen to the full episode here and be sure to check out the top tier merch over at Crysau Ti.

    throwback thursdays cymru barry island ynys barry barry
    Dial Achos Gwenllian: Sign The Petition

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 17:09


    As a couple of chancers that aspire to sit on our arses, drink beer and chat rubbish for a living we know full well the value of taking it easy. But every once in a while there comes a time when you have to act and in this case it's as easy as filling in a form. Click this link and fill in the petition so we can give one of Wales' fiercest princesses the statue she deserves.

    163. Wales in the Crimean War

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 43:14


    Wales has known more than it's fair share of warfare and while images of bows and blades might come to mind when you picture Cymru on the field of battle, we've also been in a fair few scraps that were equally as bloody but much more modern. Hit play and listen to the part that the Welsh played in the Crimean War.The Patreon is poppin' off so why don't you pop over there and place yourself amongst its members.

    Throwback Thursday: A History of Alcohol in Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 10:54


    If there's one thing we like on this podcast it's the litres upon litres of beer we get to drink while making it. We like it so much we did a whole episode on how much Wales liked it's golden brews throughout history and this clip is but a brief snippet of that delicious knowledge. Find out just how much the Welsh have enjoyed sinking a few jars across the ages by listening to the full episode here.

    162. Wales and The Black Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 47:30


    If you're a plague enthusiast you'd probably agree that The Black Death is one of, if not the biggest hitter. But how did Wales fare when 40% of the worlds population was being decimated by disease we hear you ask? Hit play and find out you morbid buggers. You can get some extra episodes and content, mostly more cheerful than plague talk, on our Patreon. Check it out.

    Throwback Thursday: Lord Rhys Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 6:14


    In part 2 of our Lord Rhys-a-thon we cover the latter half of his life and deeds and to honour these here's a clip of us nattering about Only Fools and Horses and weird mates from uni. Enjoy. Listen to the full whack here and be amazed at Lord Rhys, the absolute Don of Deheubarth.

    161. Anarawd ap Rhodri & The Battle of Conwy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 31:16


    Another day another historic Welsh leader dragged into the light of the present for you darlings to enjoy. Hit play and hear all about a bad boy from Gwynedd that kept Cymru out of the greedy hands of Mercians and Vikings alike. Check out our Patreon for all the extra content you could want, longer, drunker and uncut.

    Throwback Thursday: Lord Rhys Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 6:01


    Harken back to another episode of the past discussing one of Deheubarths finest, but first wet your appetite on this clip where we discuss the many positives of Guiness.Check out the full eppy here.

    160. The Battle of Llandeilo Fawr

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 29:15


    It's been a while since we've given you a rundown of one of Wales' great scraps so we thought we'd jump back into battle mode and give you all the juicy details of a time when Cymru laid the smackdown on the invading English. Don't fight the urge, lay down your weapons and check out our Patreon for all your bonus content needs.

    Throwback Thursday: Wales in the USA - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 8:14


    This week we're heading back to a simpler time, before what we're sure will be known as a pivotal election in America's history. Hit play and listen to how we predicted it would go and how it stacks up compared to the shit show you poor sods in the USA actually got. Full episode here if you want to drown out the noise and listen to some America/Cymru connections.

    159. Welsh Mythology: Lludd & Llefelys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 49:04


    Gather round the fire dear listeners for another tale of gods and magic all the way from our Celtic ancestors but with the sexy, modern twist this podcast is so renowned for.Hit play and hear about a magical Britain, devilish plagues and two kings who were smart AF. Fancy more gems from history? And/or us just talking drunken nonsense? Head over to our Patreon and you might even bag yourself some extra perks.

    head britain af celtic welsh mythology lludd llefelys
    Throwback Thursday: Wales in the USA - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 8:31


    Today we look back on an episode we did about the links between Cymru and the wonderful USA but this particular but of content was recorded during a period in our life we like to call "the catty bitch phase". Have a listen to this clip and you'll see what we mean. If you do fancy listening to part one of the ep and all the wonderful links to our colonial cousins that go with it, check it out here.

    158. Wales, The Welsh & The American Civil War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 46:47


    We're back with another Welsh/American connection and strap in folks because this one's hot enough to set off your musket. Hit play and hear all about the part Wales and the Welsh had to play in the bloodiest war ever to be held on American soil. Just when you think we can't soldier on anymore, we find the grit to give you more content over on our Patreon. Check it out here.

    Throwback Thursday: Barti Ddu and his Royal Fortune(s)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 4:18


    Just like a pirate going back for their buried treasure we're digging up some gold we left behind long ago to deliver you another story about the most dapper cut throat to ever sail the seas. But before we give you the good stuff, have a listen to yet another attempt at giving a listener a new nickname.Full episode here, my loves.

    157. Welsh in the Wild West - American Cowboys with Welsh Roots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2026 27:50


    As green and pleasant as Cymru is, some home grown Welshies decided to venture out to countries with a little less rain from time to time and it turns out a healthy dose of these adventurous lot wound up in the good old U S of A.Hit play and listen to us reel of a few famous and infamous names from the frontier that can trace their lineage back to the land of the dragon.Join our Patreon posse and claim the prize of extra content without the hassle of staging a train robbery.

    Throwback Thursday: John Jones - The Welsh Houdini

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 9:57


    With the last of the Christmas magic swiftly being sapped away by the return of the mundane rhythm of life we thought we'd remind you of a bit of Welsh magic in the form of a cunning escape artist.Of course the clip isn't about the subject matter, you know us better than that by now. But you can listen to us cover all inclusive holiday's and praying on the flight home then listen to the full whack here.

    156. Illiam Dhone & The Manx Rebellion of 1651

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 32:44


    For our first proper episode of the year we thought we'd treat you to something a little further afield than what we'd usually cover and tell you the tale of one of our Celtic cousins across the sea. Hit play and hear all about a guy who puts the Man in the Isle of Man from the hosts that put the Isle in 'if you're waiting for the subject it usually takes us a whISLE'.Our Patreon episodes are always popping, pals so take a peek over there and pay the price that suits you for those extra portions of content.

    Throwback Thursday: Murray Humphreys AKA The Hump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 5:44


    First throwback of the new year and we're starting strong with one of Wales' most criminally inclined exports. Hear all about this Cambrian bad boy in the full eppy here.

    155. Dungeons and Dragons but Welsh

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 54:51


    We know that you all think of us as hunky alphas but occasionally we like to dabble with being stone cold virgins and what better way to express this than playing dungeons and dragons with a Welsh theme (shut up it's cool now). Click here to get the accompanying imagery to better bring the D&D world to life.

    Turn Back the Clock for Christmas: Christmas in Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 50:01


    This week's throwback lands firmly on Jesu Grist's birthday and as a gift to both him and you we're re-releasing a a full length golden oldie all about the festivities in Wales at this time of year. So whether you'd prefer the sound of two drunks over spending time with your own family or you're the most die hard of die hard listeners, glug back a Christmas beer and listen to the traditions of a Cymru past.

    154. Slavery in Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 38:20


    We can harp on about how good Wales is and was all the live long day but in the interest of balance we occasionally like to cover some of the not so glamorous aspects of Cymru's past and what better time to get super serious than Christmas?Hit play and have a listen to how Wales and the wider world of the time couldn't even be bothered to pay a minimum wage. Get around our Patreon for some extra content, merch discounts and a super secret exclusive episode coming to you this yuletide season.

    Throwback Thursday: Dr Cymraeg Prescribes: Ynys Môn - Anglesey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 7:17


    Cast your brains upstream of the river that is time and listen back to when we had one of the great Cymro join us to chat about Ynys Môn.Unlike a regular doctor this guy is one you can't wait to see, give the full episode a listen here.

    153. The Waterguard

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 25:58


    Join us this yuletide season for a low stakes, low effort episode coming straight to you from one of the best boozers in Cardiff Bay. Topic selection will be scattered and borderline chaotic as usual but will range from the history of the pub to typical experiences growing up in Wales. Give the gift of Christmas cheer this year by gifting someone a free month or two on our Patreon. Or gift it yourself and be even merrier for it.

    Throwback Thursday: Adrian Street - The Exotic One

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 6:56


    This week's throwback is to one of our all time favourites and for once the clip is actually about the subject in question so listen for that if nothing else. Hit play and listen to a hero of modern Wales who battered a particularly awful human back in the day and looked bloody fabulous while doing it. Full episode here, we highly recommend it.

    152. Henry Tudor - The Son of Prophecy with Nathen Amin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 56:04


    As you all know we're dedicated to bringing you the utmost accuracy when it comes to tales of the past and how better to do that than brining on a proper history head who's written books and everything. Join us and our guest, Nathen Amin, to discuss one of the biggest names in the history game, Henry Tudor AKA Harri Tudur AKA Big Hazza AKA H from Steps. Check out the mega brain that is Nathan on his Insta and improve your intelligence by giving his Substack a read.

    Throwback Thursday: Welsh True Crime - The Red Bandits of Mawddwy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 8:21


    This throwback clip includes a reference to our other throwback clips for a lovely bit of throwback-ception as well as a delicate and nuanced discussion about the beauty industry. As usual if you want the actual meat and potatoes of history check out the full episode here my loves.

    151. Pembroke Castle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 21:27


    Part two of our Pembroke road trip focuses on our stroll through the castle walls of the towns biggest fortified structure and then a very on brand debrief at the pub about how touching old stone walls gives us those warm fuzzy feelings. Hit play and get well jelly that we got to peruse history and the local tavern and you didn't. P.S. one of our mics died towards the end, the battle with tech is a never ending one. Join our Patreon if you want to hear the final, much more unhinged episode of our trip.

    Throwback Thursday: Ystrad Clud a'r Hen Ogledd - Strathclyde and The Old North

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 6:23


    The old North was a cousin land to our dear Cymru and home to our Cumbric allies of old. I wonder if they would have enjoyed Ludlow as much as us or the visiting tourists?Full episode is on offer to all who want the full experience.

    150. Pembroke Town

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 28:23


    We've only gone and been on another road trip and as usual it was filled with a castle to touch and countless pints to drink. Hit play as we struggle through a hangover to give you a run down of Pembroke town and a taster of all its history has to offer. We've got an exclusive extra Pembroke based episode on our Patreon and we had more pints before recording that one so sign up and check it out.

    Throwback Thursday: Summer Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 14:14


    In the depths of winter it's sometimes hard to remember that we were all once sweet children of the summer but luckily we put out a low effort clip each week from old episodes and this one happens to be from when the sun was shining brightly. Enjoy little cherubs. Full episode here.

    149. The Great Slate Strike of Penrhyn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 40:01


    Riots and strikes went hand in hand with Wales during the industrial age and while some are well known, other actions have slipped under the radar for the most part, even when they're the biggest labour dispute in UK history. Hit play and listen to the reasons behind almost 3000 slate miners dropping tools and ditching work for 3 years way back in 1900. Unlike the miners of old you don't have to dig deep to find valuable nuggets of content, just join the Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: We Are Not Alone - UFO sightings with Jake Abanos

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 6:11


    The truth is out there and you can find it with us by listening to the full episode showcased on today's throwback. If you'd prefer to just listen to 3 tipsy lads talk about what they're drinking though, that's on offer too. Full episode right here for the real truth seekers.

    148. The Devil's Threeway: Wales, Harold Godwinson and Wlliiam the Conquerer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2025 47:04


    We all know about Hastings Direct, the prestige insurance company. But did you know it gets its name from a battle in 1066 that was kind of a big deal?The Norman conquest of England is taught in schools all over the UK, but what was going down in Cymru town when the kings of England, Norway and Normandy were duking it out? Hot play and find out you scallies.Jump on our Patreon if you want bonus content, surveys, extra titbits and the deep appreciation of the Tales for Wales hosts.

    Throwback Thursday: Abdulrahim Abby Farah

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 7:50


    It's Thursday and this is a throwback. You know the drill. The subject is actually pretty interesting but the clip is of the nonsense we talk about before the actual meat of the subject because we're just so effing zany like that. Full episode with the whacky riffs and the content of substance can be found right here.

    147. Porthcawl - Coney Beach Pleasure Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025 35:37


    How could we cover Oakwood without shining a little light on it's Easterly cousin, Coney Beach. Just as many fun memories and just as many not so fun disasters, injuries and lapses in health and safety.Hit play and listen to the rise and fall of Porthcawl's crown jewel. RIP. Our Patreon could be described as a theme park of the podcasting world, but like an Oakwood after dark version that's cool and sexy. Join up and see what all the fuss is about.

    Harken Back for Halloween: The Demon of Cerrigydrudion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 26:58


    Calan Gaeaf, Samhain, Halloween, whatever you call it we all know it as the night for spooky celebrations, terrifying tricks and sickly sweet treats. This year we thought we'd double up on episodes to celebrate all hallows eve and rerelease one form the archives about a particularly chilling tale from a village in Conwy. It's not a TRICK, you really can get extra TREATS on the Tales for Wales Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: The Race Riots of 1919

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 7:37


    Croeso nol and welcome back dear listeners. Hop on the history bus and travel back with us once more to an episode of old. What more could signal an episode about literal race riots than a clip of us having wedding chat?Full episode here for the die hards.

    146. Halloween Special: Cardiff Infirmary and the Creepiest Corners of Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 48:01


    Hit play if you dare for all manner of spooky tales lie within this weeks episode as we give you a rundown of all the places in Wales to avoid when the veil between worlds runs thinnest. Don't TRICK yourself this Halloween, TREAT yourself to some extra content on the Tales for Wales Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: The Llanelli Riots

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 11:30


    The Llanelli riots were one of many working class uprisings in Wales that would come to shape the landscape of labour for generations. Anyway, here's a clip of us talking about alcohol (shock) and playing a silly tiktok game.

    Rerelease: Make Wales Great Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 65:46


    A while back we put the world to rights by drunkenly going through all the things we would change to make Wales the country we know it can be. With the very important Caerphilly by-election on the horizon and the Senedd elections coming next year, we thought we'd give our two pence worth all over again.

    145. Barry Castle

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 28:20


    This week we're chatting about a saucy little castle from our old stomping ground that's a unique blend of luxury manor house and hardened battle fort. Hit play and come with us once again to explore an often overlooked jewel from the treasure trove that is Cymru. Yes we're going to link the Patreon again, no we're not sorry. Join up for some extra giblets of content you rascals.

    144. Patreon Preview: A Welsh Horror Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 28:24


    This week you're tipsy hosts are off on holiday to sample a foreign culture by consuming ungodly amounts of pints ar the poolside. As a treat while we're away, why not press play and listen to one of our premium patreon episodes, raw and uncensored like a Welsh mum after too many gins.Join and unlock a treasure trove of the bad boys as well as some tasty extra perks.

    Throwback Thursday: Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 4:52


    Check out the full episode for the entire expose on who REALLY discovered America, but to wet your appetites hears us chatting about all the lovely folks around the globe that tune in to listen to our ramblings. Is it true a Welshman discovered the good old USA? Listen here and make up your own minds.

    143. Rowland Lee - The Hanging Bishop

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 30:08


    We often cover the bad boys of Welsh history on this podcast but every once in a while we shed some light on some boys that were actually pretty bloody bad. Settle down dear listener and listen to us fill your noggins with the tale of one bishop that really deserved a bashing. Bless the father, Tales for Wales merch and extra content is but a click away.

    Throwback Thursday: Chartists and Newport Rising

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 8:52


    We've taking another dip in the soothing pool of history chaps and chappesses and this week we're touching on an event where one of your hosts was faced with a choice of doing what was right and what was easy...Full episode here as usual, check it out it's a good one.

    142. St Bleddian/St Lupus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 29:13


    There's plenty of saints that associated with the Wales of old and outside the big hitters you'd probably never hear of them or their divine deeds. That's where two plucky Welsh lads with some mics off of Amazon come in. Hit play and listen to the story and deeds of St Bleddian, the Christian with stones big enough to stop Attila the Hun in his tracks. A thousand blessings and gifts upon those who join the Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: Wales in Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 5:15


    Fancy a moan about the hardships of modern working? Well apparently so did we when we recorded this episode. Hear the full whinge here along with a rundown of Wales in the world of gaming.

    141. The Great Speeches of Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 35:07


    Wales is the historic home of great bards and it's a proud tradition that we continue as a nation to this day. The Welsh are so good at delivering a speech that we insist on slurring ours through drink at any opportunity. Come with us now and listen to some hand selected orators and our post-speech analysis that we're 100% qualified to give. Come all ye faithful and see the hidden world of the Tales for Wales Patreon for more episodes and exclusive perks for the true believers.

    Throwback Thursday: Llywelyn Bren

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 9:48


    Every throwback is a unique mixed bag as you all know. What will you get? Some random riffs? Drunken opinions? Or the thing we love most after Wales and History, slagging off The Rock?For the actual history portion of the episode as well as more nonsense, click here.

    140. Owain Fradwr - Owain the Traitor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 32:07


    We love to wax lyrical about the heroes of our beloved Cymru here on the pod but what about the dirty and rotten scoundrels of the olden days? Hit play and listen to a tale about a lowly lord with high ambitions and a penchant for stabbing his best Welsh buds in the back.Join us on the Patreon for more history and more mindless drunk riffs.

    Throwback Thursday. Iolo Morgannwg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 6:53


    This week we're giving you a slice of the episode discussing infamous teller of porkie pies, Iolo Morgannwg but the whole segment is just us talking rubbish as usual. Full episode here if you want it sweet babes.

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