This could’ve been better without the dramatisation. Instantly patronising.

Love both presenters and topics. Well done!

… through a coarse and tiresome political ideology. And thus it is no longer what some of us understand as ‘history’. No thanks.

Not enough detail to the history and too much of Afua’s student politics nonsense. Utterly predictable! Like a dull evening in the students union.

The reality of who Picasso was I think is essential to understanding the painting. I don’t think we should shy away from it. Obviously he was a bit of a narcissist. I think to become such a great painter and publicist it’s probably an essential ingredient. One thing I do feel is he’s a bit overinflated. I remember seeing a painting of his in Bond Street in the early 80’s. It was for 30 thousand and a pink portrait. I thought it was a bit dull.

I’m a fan of both authors so I was really excited to listen to this. As with all things regarding white history, people don’t like to hear the truth and ignorance is high.

If you really care to unlearn some of the bits about your history that’s uncomfortable then give it a listen and ignore the bias comments.

It’s a tough corner of the podcast world, this. You’re up against TRIH which does brilliant funny stuff with charismatic presenters who have a legendary rapport. For example the TRIH mini series on Young Napoleon was the best (and funniest) podcast set ever.

This podcast is okay because it gives me information I didn’t know. But Gawd it’s awful having to sit through the process! It’s like listening to two smug sixth-formers doing a presentation to the board of governors. It’s over-scripted and even the “ad libbed” bits are over-rehearsed.

Oh and STOP with the awful Mills and Boon type

“dramatisations”!! They make me SCARLET with embarrassment for you. Horrid writing, delivered like someone reading a story to children (patronize the audience whydoncha); tacky sound effects- omg they are truly, utterly terrible. CRINGE.

Loving this pod. A balanced look at historical figures which is not afraid to ask the awkward questions about ‘heroes’ ‘stars’ or ‘role models’

Afua and Peter are a great team.

The one on Cecil Rhodes was particularly eye opening.

I love this pod series 👍

Was initially hesitant after reading such negative reviews - which transpired to be totally without foundation- Absolutely adored the Napoleon & Picasso series, beautifully narrated & easily absorbed - I recommended this pod to my friends & their grandkids listened & enjoyed it too! - this is the sign of great teaching - imparting knowledge joyfully without relying on the pompous tropes so beloved of lofty academics sitting in their ivory towers. Art, history & knowledge is for Everyone not just the privileged of Academia. Brilliant podcast -

Episode 4 Napoleon. Afua says that 40,000 Africans enslaved by the British were buried in a mass grave on St Helena. Her own newspaper The Guardian notes that the number was estimated at 5000 and that these were slaves rescued by the Royal Navy when it set about abolishing the slave trade. Freed slaves were housed in relief camps on St Helena but subsequently died from illness. Although there were slaves on St Helena they numbered in the hundreds.

Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan have no qualms about how many get slaughtered to further revolutionary movements. Frankopan calls the various Terrors of the French Revolution a “dodgy time.” Hirsch describes with glee the exhilaration Napoleon felt in blowing Frenchmen to pieces because they had opposing views. With relish it’s said “This is the thing about Napoleon, he doesn’t have a psychological commitment to human rights.” Is that not a flaw in his character then?

The podcasters indulge themselves in Occidentalism with Hirsch proclaiming: “what is different about the European empires is that they have lofty ideals, but impose their freedom by taking away the freedom of others.” The pod doesn’t actually seek to explore how different is this from other cultures? When non-European empires deprived people of their freedom, did they feel any better for their overlords nationality? What’s the legacy of Chinese imperialism for the Tibetans or Uygers? Didn’t the Oyo espouse any lofty ideals? Were the shackles worn by the millions enslaved by Arab slavers less chaffing than European designs? The pod examines Cecil Rhodes, but not the legacy of the East African slave trade; which wasn’t conducted by Europeans.

The gentleman presenter has odd intonation and sounds like he’s AI. The robots are taking over!

I love the fact that these two are looking back at great names in history and assessing their impact of the world. Factual, relevant and with two experts at the helm. I love it!

High quality podcast with a great duo who bring different perspectives and insights.

Really enjoyed these first few episodes and learnt a lot about Napoleon I wasn’t aware of.

Such a fascinating and interesting view on Napoleon. I had no idea he tried to reintroduce slavery in Caribbean! Both historians are great but I particularly enjoyed Afua’s opinions. Fantastic. I cannot wait to listen to 2nd series!

Afua hirsch is so burdened with political and social bias the show is already hamstrung. Someone who grew up in a gilded cage but likes to undermine society for own gain. Incredibly boring.

I couldn’t listen to this due to the childish sound effects. Such a shame.

Haven’t had chance to listen to any of them yet, but apparently the pace is nice. Looking forward!

Introducing Napoleon as famous guy, big name put me right off before we even got started

Listening to the first episode, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this show - as the format was so unfamiliar. But having listened to the entire first series, I would highly recommend this: great combination of storytelling and really insightful discussion. The hosts are brilliant as well.

I listened to the preview segment and there were issues with the left right stereo balance.

Nicely paced, accessible and informative. Editing is highly professional and content delivers appropriate depth. Narrators are top notch. Thank you. In a crowded field this one is a star.

This is so fun! Experimental and different with the storytelling element, but also stuffed full of interesting information. Love the hosts too.

The first episode can be a bit draining as you’re keen for the story and understanding of history to start stick with it, because after you listen to the first episode, it becomes more riveting with in-depth understanding of Napoleon.

Why have to spoiled what could have been a great podcast with all this stupid sound effects🙁🙁🙁. 20 mins was enough! Love you Afua, but can abide unnecessary sound effects.

An awesome, fresh take on those who we reminisce about most.

I love the discussion, but also the scrolling back through time, to the events as they happen, it makes me as the listener, feel like I’m really there🥰