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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    • Apr 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 165 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Tales for Wales

    Throwback Thursday: The Tylwyth Teg - Fairies and Magical Residents of Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 8:49


    Wales is home to many a mythological creature but in this throwback clip we discuss the rarest of them all. The notorious Pig-Heart-Boy. If you want to hear more about the crazy creatures of Cymru, look no further than the full eppy, my friends.

    121. Llywelyn Fawr/Llywelyn the Great Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 42:52


    Get ready for Llywelyn Fawr part 2: Electric Boogaloo, baby because this hunk of Welsh leadership is coming at you faster than the Cymry of old could loose an arrow. Hit play and listen to the life, the love and the bloodshed that made up the latter half of this big time boys epic reign. Extra treats for the greedy listeners amongst you can be found on our socials and our Patreon here, as well as merch for those who only dress in their historically themed best.

    Throwback Thursday: Welsh Mythology 3 Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 5:24


    Today is a look back at one of our many Welsh myth focused episodes so to tee you up of course, we have a clip of us slagging off one of Wales' greatest exports with a dash of Peep Show references. Enjoy. Full episode here if you fancy getting your myths on.

    120. Llywelyn Fawr/Llywelyn the Great Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 49:22


    Hold on to your butts boios because the top dog we're discussing today is one of the all time, pound for pound champs of the fair nation that is Cymru. Give that little play button a tickle and listen to us tell a tale of battle, diplomacy and leadership that (FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME) deserves a Braveheart style movie adaptation.Llywelyn Fawr had his head screwed on and we're pretty sure he'd be dressed in the finest Tales for Wales merch if he were about today. He'd at very least be gobbling up our extra content so do right by the boy and do the same.

    Throwback Thursday: Tiger Bay

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 6:56


    You know the drill by now. It's Thursday, it's a throwback and what better to throwback to than the old stomping ground of one Dame Shirley Bassey. Full ep here ya tarts.

    119. Chepstow Castle: A Tales for Wales Road Trip

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 38:37


    We're on the road again as your lovable, drunken roving historians and we've got the idea of retaking Chepstow Castle for the Welsh firmly planted in our noggins. Hit play and listen to us muse about everything from our personal medieval fantasies. the action seen by the eponymous stronghold and as always, copious riffs. Like Welsh history so much you want it slapped all over your attire? You're in luck. Click here for a bit of merch and/or some extra goodies from yours truly.

    Throwback Thursday: The Battle of St. Fagans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 7:11


    Travel upstream, against the flow of time once more and listen to us talking rubbish before the subject matter as you've surely become accustomed to by now. Full episode here about a big old bust up with primitive boomsticks.

    118. The Great Emu War

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 27:29


    Man vs nature has been a recurring theme through history as well as the premise for some pretty sick movies. But it's rare that we humans have taken such a spanking from the flora and fauna of the earth as when we lost a war to some boggle eyed flightless birds. Hit play and find out just how bad we fumbled it. Extra content and even some merch, all just a click away.

    Throwback Thursday: Welsh Facts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 11:49


    This week we're throwing it back to an episode every boozy trivia enthusiast would hate to miss. Give us a listen and drown your drinking comrades in Welsh based factoids. Full episode here if you get greedy for knowledge.

    117. Gruffudd ap Cynan: The Quadruple King of Gwynedd

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 48:19


    The rulers of Wales are a dime a dozen but it's the grafters, scrappers and underdogs that we always love the most and the hero of this particular episode ticks the box on all three fronts. Hit play and listen to us muse about a man who's had more goes on the throne than your mum's had on OnlyFans. More morsels of content, more snippets on socials and more patter on Patreon are just a click away.

    Throwback Thursday: Cornwall/Kernow

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 4:42


    Croeso, wolcom and welcome to another serving from the past, this weeks selection is from when we discussed our brethren from the South, the Kernewek/Cornish.Check out the full episode if you fancy learning about the Celtic connection between us and some extra little snippets about Kernow/Cornwall itself.

    116. Castell Carreg Cennen/Carreg Cennen Castle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 29:26


    Come join us dear listener for a little chat about something synonymous with Wales, the humble Castle. This week we're harping on about a particularly cliffy property with stunning South Walian Views and a built in water source. Although we're not besieging you we would beseech you to have a look at our extra content on Patreon, have a chin wag with us on socials or look the dogs bollocks in our lovely merch.

    Throwback Thursday: The Invasion of Fishguard

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 6:33


    This is a throwback to one of our fave episodes because it features big bad Jemima Nicholas and we urge you to enjoy it in it's fullest by clicking below. To wet your appetite though, listen to us talking episode mistakes and taking on Russia. Hear about J Nik's in all her glory here.

    115. Wales at War with Luke Davies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 81:05


    Hot off the heels of our first WW2 episode we're back again to plunge into some new, Welsh themed events of what some might call the biggest scrap we ever did have. Hit play and join us as we discuss booze, battles and prison breaks all taking place under the rather large umbrella of WW2.We're joined this week by presenter, actor and master of lists, Luke Davies. Check out this dishy lad and his even dishier content here. If this eppy didn't fill you up grab some seconds over at our Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: The Laws of Hywel Dda

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 4:41


    We're delving back once more, this time to the man who goes gaga for codifying legal documents. Full episode here for you if you fancy it bois bach.

    114. The Welsh Resistance in WW2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 26:53


    Today we touch base on a subject rarely spoken of on this pod until now. it's finally time to tackle topics linked to the big kahuna of conflicts. Known to some as The Great War Part 2: War Harder but known by most as World War 2.Hit play and listen to us yap on about a lesser known front on which the Welsh fought the good fight.As always you can get your rations of extra content, social media nonsense and official Tales for Wales uniforms here.

    113. Patreon Preview: Tales for Wales Recommends...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 36:26


    Clever marketing plot for the Patreon? Or too careless with time to get a new episode out in time? Maybe we'll never find out. Have a sample of the content only the most dedicated of Welsh believers get to access as a belated Diwrnod Dewi Sant pressie for you all. Join the Patreon for more of this nonsense here you tarts.

    112. Boys Village - A Town Frozen in Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 38:18


    Today's episode is about a little village that time forgot, a once hopeful place now bogged down in tales of crime, hauntings, nuclear fallout and the occasional music video. Hit play and listen to us discuss the origins of this right cooky place and the mad tales associated with it. Come all ye faithful for social media shenanigans, Patreon extras and Welsh history themed garb awaits just a link away.

    Throwback Thursday: Tomorrow's History According to AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 5:22


    Way back when we asked our future digital overlords what they thought Wales would be like in the future and you know what, it was a bit of a laugh. So here it is again to drum up a few more of those downloads that we equate with love and self value. Enjoy. Listen to the full ramblings of a mad robot here, you won't be disappointed.

    A Saintly Second Pass: Dewi Sant/Saint David

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 33:43


    The day of Wales' patron saint is fast approaching and being as those Anglo-fascists next door won't let the good people of Cymru have a day off for it to get merry we thought the least we could do is have another go at educating the masses on the day's namesake. Hit play and revel in the miracles of the good Dewi Sant. Yes, one of them is another bastard healing spring. What's more saintly than buying merch, following us on socials or joining our insta?

    111. Welsh True Crime: Operation Seal Bay

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 42:00


    While the Welsh are known for their poetry, songs and national resilience, an often overlooked element of the nation is the gosh darn bloodhounds that fill up the ranks of rural police. Luckily, we're here to shed some light on this exact subject and talk about how small time law enforcement took down some big time, drug dealing crims. Merch, extra Patreon content and socials await you, just a click away.

    Throwback Thursday: Macsen Wledig/Magnus Maximus

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 4:47


    Come dear listeners, gather round for another tale of podcasts past. This time we've got a snippet from when we talked about the ancestor of many a Welsh king and Prince and subject of the banger that is Dafydd Iwan's Yma o Hyd. Listen to the full episode here because as usual the clip we've given you had zero to do with the episode title.

    110. Welsh True Crime with Wine and Crimes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 61:11


    We've got a right treat for you this week, we've combined a subtle hint of inept drunk Welsh historians with notes of genuine professionals in their field and baby, it is a potent brew.Hit play you slaggy bunch and listen to innuendos, horrific crime and tales of Newport Market. Get involved with Wine and Crime here, they're good people. And be top humans and follow them on their Insta.Or get involved with us more here in the form of merch, socials and Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: The Steeltown Murders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 9:04


    Today we dive back into the pool of time once more to revisit the first true crime episode we ever did do. If the taster, containing anecdotes of both Australia and Birmingham, primed you for a delve into a Welsh serial killer then click here for the full episode.

    109. The Making of the Mabiniogion Game with Stevan Anastasoff

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 64:59


    If Tales for Wales were a fish and you were looking to catch us, what might be the best bait? Well we'd say this weeks guest has created a very convincing lure by combining our love of gaming with out love of old Welsh mythology. Check out Tales of the Mabinogion on Steam here and don't forget to add it to your Wishlist, you little scamps.You can also join the mega brain behind this project on Discord here.Bonus Tales for Wales content, socials and our beautiful merch all available here.

    Throwback Thursday: Knowing Me Knowing You 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 14:22


    In the crosshairs of the past today we have one of the many episodes where we couldn't be bothered to research something proper so decided to talk about funny anecdotes from our own personal histories instead. If you want to hear the rest of the shenanigans then click this bad boy for the full eppy.

    108. Bill Frost - The First Man to Fly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 30:02


    The Welsh have often been the first to achieve great feats but thanks to the multiple shoe in's we've taken as a country over the years, news of these achievements tends not to travel far. Well kiss your mammies and thank your lucky stars because Tales for Wales is here to set the record straight. Whether it's discovering tarmac, America or how to sail upon the wind, you'll find the Cymry are always pushing the envelope. You can flaunt your Welsh history prowess as well as your podcast taste by grabbing some of our merch. We've got extra content on our socials and Patreon and all you spoilt buggers.

    Throwback Thursday: Captain Morgan and the Ruse of Lake Maracaibo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 3:56


    You know the drill by now. It's a Thursday. It's a throwback. It's Throwback Thursday. This week it's our second go talking about the infamous Captain Morgan and a cheeky fast one he pulled back in the day. Naturally the clip is just Jack talking about dumb dumbs at a Jack Whitehall concert.Full episode is here for you lovelies if you fancy it.

    Love Revisited: Santes Dwynwen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 42:01


    Saint Valentine. Done to death. Commercialised. Boring. The basic bitch of love saints if we've ever heard of one. Santes Dwynwen. Celtic princess. Animal lover. Doesn't make you wait until February to celebrate the big L. We know which patron saint of the heart has ours and we thought we'd give you all another chance to educate yourselves before the big day. Click here for all your merch, socials and extra Patreon content needs.

    107. The Mold Riots of 1869

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 31:33


    Working class riots and Wales, name a better duo am I right? But while the place in question shares a name with gone off bread, what's really rotten is the exploitation of Wales and her resources. Yeah that's right, a critique of capitalism using a bread analogy, God we are good. Speaking of capitalism, why don't you take part and buy our sick merch? Or just give us money for extra nuggets of content?

    Throwback Thursday (Friday): Welsh History Quiz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 6:32


    Better late than never, that's both a common saying and an excuse we're using for sending this one out 24 hours overdue. Give it a listen and enjoy a little snippet from our self imposed quiz.Full episode here for all you keenos.

    106. Harlech Castle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 44:00


    While the people of Wales can certainly be credited with spicing up the great nation's history, what is more synonymous with this green and pleasant land than a bloody good castle.And where better to start than with the banger of the 1830's that is "Men of Harlech" and the castle that inspired it. Come with us and hear why this diva of a fortress was worth singing about.Ever been called an unfashionable pig who doesn't flaunt enough Welshness? Well you can turn that around by buying our gorgeous merch. Or just check out our extra content you dogs.

    Throwback Thursday: Twm Siôn Cati - Fiend and Scoundrel of Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 6:20


    This week we're offering a snippet of one of our favourite episodes about a sly little bastard that seemed to be a genuine knob to all that encountered him, fair play to his PR team though. We strongly recommend you give the full episode a listen and you can do that here.

    105. The Return of Cambrian Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 26:45


    The Chronicler is back and this time he's answering our piercing questions interview style. It's the Frost/Nixon of Welsh history if literally all of the context was changed. If you haven't already, get around this guys YouTube channel and start feeding your noggins on his top quality content.From merch to more content, click here for all things Tales for Wales and start 2025 the way the Cymry of old would have wanted.

    Throwback Thursday: Gwenllian - Welsh Warrior Princess

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 10:33


    Even though we've once again clipped the most unrelated part of the episode (experiences from Glastonbury if you must know), we urge you to go listen to this one as Gwenllian is one of our faves. Gwenllian in all her glory can be found here.

    104. 2024 In Memoriam

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 75:18


    Where does the time go, eh? Another year fades to memory as the spry chick of another hatches from its temporal egg. As New Year fast approaches we thought we'd go over some of the more significant events that happened in Wales throughout 2024 A.D. and just for a laugh we thought we'd go off topic a lot as well. Looking for a new fashion sense to ring in 2025? One that says, "yeah, I'm a history podcast buff, deal with it"? Then boy do we have the merch for you. Can't get enough of our boyish Welsh charms? Get some more on our social and our Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: Boudica - Queen of the Celtic Revolt

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 7:50


    This week we're heading back to Boudica, baby. Leader of the biggest Celtic revolt in Britannia, we honour her now with tales of nasty old teachers we had in school. Full episode as always is a hoot and can be found here.

    103. The Tales for Wales Xmas Party with Jake Abanos

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 69:57


    Nadolig Llawen to all, sweet listeners. Join us in our revelry in these lazy days before Christmas and listen to some lesser known nibbles of Welsh Xmas history while you gear up for the big day. We've got knowledge, we've got laughs and enough booze to send Jesus to death for at least 3 days. It's too late to get our gorgeous merch for Xmas but perhaps you're in the market for a new years present?Hit up our socials and Patreon for bonus material relating to a certain soiled pint in this episode.

    Throwback Thursday: Caradog - The Celtic War Chief

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 7:50


    Cast yourselves back once again dear friends to some hijinks of a time gone by. This episode was all about a Celtic war chief that led the Silurian's to war against the invading Romans and of course the clip is about something equally as important, the drinking antics at Download Festival. Full episode here for all you keenos.

    102. The Pit of Ghosts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 36:52


    This week we're delving back into Wales' mining history, the disaster at the Morfa Colliery and how it earned its spooky name. Looking at your wardrobe and thinking "Gosh I wish I could announce to the world what podcasts I like through my fashion"? Check out our new merch and make yourself fabulous.Treat yourself to some extra bits this Xmas through our socials and our Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: Celtic Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 3:19


    We're looking back once more, this time it's to an Iron Age Wales and the Cymro that inhabited it. As a taster though, we've got this clip of us reading out one of our earlier and much harsher reviews.Full episode is but a click away.

    101. Madog ap Llywelyn - The Prince from Across the Border

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 39:17


    Ever heard of the Prince of Wales that wasn't born here? No, not that royal dink William, a proper prince and one of many leaders of a good and proper grassroots rebellion.Hit play and hear the tale of the Mad Dog Madog and how he was one of many Welshmen to stick it to Edward Longshanks. Get your merch here you scallies and be the finest dressed podcast fans this side of Offa's Dyke.Love listening to our dulcet tones? Sides splitting at our unique, razor sharp wit? Get more content on our socials and our Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: Princes of Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 7:49


    This week we look way back to the start of Season 3 of the pod where we went through a whistle stop tour of some lesser known, princely celebs of Welsh history. Naturally the clip we chose is our discovery of books and a friend of Franks' who's urine obsessed. Full episode here for fans new and old alike.

    100. Ynys y Barry - Barry Island with Crysau Ti

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 70:31


    Who better to tell you the history of a place than 3 homegrown, salt of the earth lads that grew up there? If you've come for route one, low effort Gavin & Stacey references then, pal, you're in the wrong place because this is an accurate intellectual convo only zone (apart from the intro music, that very much is Gavin & Stacey).Hit play and enlighten your mind and soul with stories straight from the jewel of Glamorgan.Crysau Ti would have been called a purveyor of quality garb back in the day, we just think his t shirts are sick. Check him out along with the new merch we've collab'd with him to make.Find our merch on his site here.Check out our Patreon as well for extra content and a sneaky discount on Wales most fashionable apparel.

    wales glamorgan barry island ynys barry barry
    Throwback Thursday: Looking Back at Tales for Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 11:57


    A throwback to a throwback. Lazy? Uninspired? Or pure genius? You be the judge. Full episode here for you weirdo's OBSESSED with the past.

    99. A History of Alcohol in Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 48:55


    It's finally here, the episode this podcast was made for. History, boozing and the timeless romance between them. From bragawd to spiced rum, hit play and listen to us gush about all the Welsh tipples that made this nation great. Crack a can and have a snoop on our socials or pour your favourite spirit and take a peek at our Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: King Arthur

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 9:28


    Today's expedition into the before harkens back to an episode we did about King Arthur, rightful ruler of the Britons but to keep with tradition our clip is about another topic entirely, the sweet nectar that is a lovely pint. To hear us swoon over booze some more and even talk about the designated subject matter, listen to the full shebang by clicking here.

    98. Lord Rhys - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 68:46


    Welcome back for part 2 of celebrating of the big dog of Deheubarth himself, featuring more scraps, more strategy and more big dick energy from the legend of a Lord.Hit play and hear us swoon over another Welsh hero being added to the great chronicle that is Tales for Wales.Chime in on our socials or our Patreon if you ever want an ounce of the kind of respect Big Rhys had.

    Throwback Thursday: Wales on Film Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 9:24


    Welcome back for part dos of the Wales on Film flashback. Hit play and listen to a snippet of passion about the Welsh connection in the film Zulu, complete with a clip of Men of Harlech to stoke a deep desire for battle. Listen to the full episode here you dogs of war.

    97. Lord Rhys - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 49:31


    Welcome back little cherubs for that sweet hit of history that only the Tales for Wales dealers can dish out. Today's eppy is the jumping off point into a bloke that was such a big time boio he even got a unique title to go with his lengthy list of escapades. So whether you're walking the dog, cooking your tea or staring, glassy eyed into the abyss, lend us your ears for the next 50 mins so we can LORD this great man's deeds over you.Lord 'elp ya if you don't join in with our socials and or Patreon.

    Throwback Thursday: Wales on Film Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 9:52


    In this snippet we discuss the things Jordan Peterson and Brendan Frasier have in common but if you like Wales, like movies and like hearing people discussing Wales in movies then listen to the full eppy here.

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