Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures

Jamie & Erin Poljanac

Just like much of the past can’t be seen in black & white, neither can many of the people who lived there. So who are these people in the grey?They've been called many things-- villains, notorious, infamous, questionable moral character, offenders of many crimes or horrific incidents. But like most people, the truth lies in the grey--and our podcast sheds light on the historical facts and stories behind each person in a conversational, approachable style and then finally lets us (& you) decide...Where do we think they fall in history’s judgment? Have they been fairly or unfairly vilified in t...

Dueling Villains Judgement Episode

Dueling Villains Judgement Episode

We conclude our first Dueling Villains series with the judgement on John Brown and Aaron Burr. Matt fills in for Jamie and helps us break down the flaws and the greatness of two of history's most enigmatic (and frustrating!) figures. Brown or Burr, who is the greater villain in our history?Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that

Feb 12, • 40:16

Alice Perrers (20 minute Preview from Patreon Episode!)

Alice Perrers (20 minute Preview from Patreon Episode!)

NOTE: We always have a 7 day free trial for our Patreon memberships so this could be the perfect time to check that out! Hello listeners! We've been dealing with illness, job changes, issues with our editing program, and the usual chaos of life that has pushed us behind schedule. We just wrapped a full episode for our Patrons on Patreon to make up for January's mini-episodes there and thought we'd give you a little preview in case you want to join us! This is about Alice Perrers, King Edward III

Feb 3, • 24:33

Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 2)

Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 2)

Follow the rest of Aaron Burr's story, as he vies for the presidency in the Election of 1800, enters that infamous duel with longtime rival/future musical star Alexander Hamilton, and finds himself dabbling in some *light* treason. Emperor Aaron I has a nice ring to it, does it not?Sources: The Great American Rascal: the Turbulent Life of Aaron Burr by Noel GersonTell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon

Jan 9, • 1:32:21

Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 1)

Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 1)

We are covering Aaron Burr (SIR!) as the second half of our "Dueling Villains" series. In this episode, we cover Burr's early life, the American Revolution and his role in it, as well as his political life up until the election of 1800. There's babies attending college, cougars, and absolutely insane attempts at staying neutral in between! We also pitch Timothee Chalamet the role of a lifetime. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the sho

Dec 18, 2024 • 1:18:18

BONUS: Bleeding Kansas (with Erin & Matt!)

BONUS: Bleeding Kansas (with Erin & Matt!)

We spoke about Bleeding Kansas briefly in the previous episode on John Brown, but we have invited back Husband of the Pod, Erin's husband, Matt, to explain more of what was happening in Kansas during the lead up to the Civil War. St. Louis baseball supremacy and Chicago Deep Dish references abound! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of th

Dec 11, 2024 • 47:56

John Brown: Dueling Villains

John Brown: Dueling Villains

Listen to our first installment of our new Dueling Villains series! We will be covering John Brown, an American enigma. Terrorist, martyr, mad man--or a little bit of each? We will talk about Brown's early life, his move to Bleeding Kansas, and the raid at Harper's Ferry that would lead to his demise. Next time, in our second part of the series, we will cover Aaron Burr (of "Hamilton" fame!) and judge the two against each other. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our ta

Dec 10, 2024 • 1:10:29

Wolf Hall Episode 1 Discussion

Wolf Hall Episode 1 Discussion

With the new season of Wolf Hall airing in the U.K. now and coming to the United States in March, we have begun our own rewatch series of the first season. Follow along with us as we continue through the first season and sharing our comments/historical analysis/eternal love for Mark Rylance. You can join our Patreon for free to join the chats that we will have after each episode!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee

Nov 22, 2024 • 1:07:02

Female Villains v.s. Male Villains

Female Villains v.s. Male Villains

FYI I (Jamie) had to re-record a few lines so apologies if they stand out too much! Before we jump into our dueling offenders series, we wanted to do something a little different and discuss how questionable female historical figures are viewed and treated versus their male counterparts. Listen as we have an informal conversation on this very important topic about historical discourse and why we should even care today. As always, feel free to share your opinions as well!Tell us your thoughts! Do

Nov 19, 2024 • 1:02:20

Caterina Sforza: Part 3

Caterina Sforza: Part 3

In our final episode on the Tigress of Forli, Caterina Sforza, we will conclude the rest of Caterina's exciting life--more assassinations, more himbos, the first appearance of syphilis, and plenty of female rage follows! Oh, and Cesare Borgia makes his long awaited appearance like a horror movie villain.  Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Pod

Nov 8, 2024 • 1:23:50

Caterina Sforza: Part 2

Caterina Sforza: Part 2

We pick up Caterina Sforza's story as she finally launches into action, taking castles and fortresses, outwitting cardinals and bishops, and earning that nickname of the Tigress of Forli. Expect assasinations, daring deeds, more pregnancies than we care to think about, and pulp (unfortunately, not orange juice pulp)...it is a wild ride!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers

Oct 29, 2024 • 1:06:51

Caterina Sforza: Part 1

Caterina Sforza: Part 1

Caterina Sforza is often overshadowed by the men who she came into contact with as they comprised some of the Italy's most infamous dynasties: the Medicis and the Borgias. While there is much to commend her on being a real warrior female leader in the Italian renaissance, a female powerhouse -- after all her nickname is the Tigress of Forli -- Caterina's legacy is marred by instances of violence that shocked even her contemporaries. Listen to the first part of Caterina's story as

Oct 16, 2024 • 1:02:39

John Lennon

John Lennon

Another week and another ambivalent offender...this time Jamie tackles another one from the music world (thanks to our Patreon fans & their votes!) and from one of the most recognizable bands of all time--John Lennon. From his traumatic childhood to his battles with mental health to his tumultuous relationships with romantic partners (as well as his son Julian), follow along to hear our examination of John's life---from early losses, to Beatlemania, domestic abuse (trigger warning is me

Oct 10, 2024 • 1:39:03

Emperor Claudius

Emperor Claudius

The Roman Emperor Claudius was as unlikely an emperor as they come (from inside the imperial family that is). Learn about his unexpected rise, his...complicated...marital history, and if we can truly call him one of the "good" Emperors.Remember, you can access FREE content on our Patreon this month by going to our patreon page linked below and joining as a free member!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderer

Oct 1, 2024 • 1:30:47

🔒 Patreon Only: Casting Attractive Men as Questionable/Bad People & Consuming True Crime Media

🔒 Patreon Only: Casting Attractive Men as Questionable/Bad People & Consuming True Crime Media

Subscriber-only episodeErin and I have a little more informal discussion about the recent trend of casting attractive men (looking at you Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron) to play questionable figures, as well as the worst of the worst, serial killers. We also touch upon true crime media in general.Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spoti

Sep 27, 2024 • 42:35

P.T. Barnum

P.T. Barnum

Come one, come all, to learn about the man who has been nicknamed the Greatest Showman and created the Greatest Show on Earth. In this one-parter, you'll learn about P.T. Barnum's dark start (understatement) in show business and his journey from museum owner to starting a circus.Stick around at the end to hear a trailer for "Door Key" history podcast! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thie

Sep 23, 2024 • 1:03:04

Wernher Von Braun: Part 2

Wernher Von Braun: Part 2

Listen to the conclusion of Wernher Von Braun's story as he arrives in America, works for NASA, launches the first manned mission to the moon, and does something with Spice Flight (you will need to listen to get the reference there!). Hear our judgements on the man sometimes called history's most controversial figure. Main Source: Von Braun: Dreamer of Space, Engineer of WarTell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money lau

Sep 18, 2024 • 1:51:51

Operation Paperclip Mini-sode

Operation Paperclip Mini-sode

We have a very special guest joining the pod today to discuss Operation Paperclip. Erin's husband, Matt, history teacher extraordinaire, gives us the basics on Operation Paperclip, why it was called that, and its long-lasting legacy. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (o

Sep 8, 2024 • 32:56

Wernher Von Braun: Part 1

Wernher Von Braun: Part 1

"Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun,A man whose allegianceIs ruled by expedience." Finally, we are covering the man who is sometimes called the most controversial figure in history (those are fighting words!).This first episode on Wernher Von Braun explores Von Braun's early life and his wartime activities during WWII. V-2 rockets, German mustaches, at least three Space Camp references, and, of course, an always unwelcome Hitler cameo.For more on Von Braun, c

Sep 6, 2024 • 1:19:45

Bonnie Parker: Part 3 (Final)

Bonnie Parker: Part 3 (Final)

The conclusion to the Bonnie Parker saga...To quote Bonnie from her most famous poem:"They don’t think they’re tough or desperateThey know the law always winsThey’ve been shot at before, but they do not ignoreThat death is the wages of sin.Some day they’ll go down togetherAnd they’ll bury them side by sideTo few it’ll be grief, to the law a reliefBut it’s death for Bonnie and Clyde."Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to

Aug 23, 2024 • 1:13:56

Jane Boleyn: Part 2 (Final)

Jane Boleyn: Part 2 (Final)

Welcome back to part 2 of Jane Boleyn's story! The dust settles after Anne Boleyn and George Boleyn's executions...now Jane must figure out what the next part of her life will look like. Follow us as we chart Jane's unlikely return to court serving more of Henry VIII's queens (along with some asides, such as a "Queer Eye" style Thomas Cromwell fixer type reality show), and, more importantly...her inevitable downfall.Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take?

Aug 21, 2024 • 2:00:40

Bonnie Parker: Part 2

Bonnie Parker: Part 2

We pick up with Part 2 of Bonnie Parker’s story! Bonnie has decided on a life of crime with her boyfriend, Clyde Barrow, and becomes a part of the Barrow Gang! Murder, more murder, poetry, and (eeeek) a mention of J. Edgar Hoover all make their appearance. Things are heating up for our star-crossed lovers as the authorities close in…Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the

Aug 19, 2024 • 1:59:09

Bonnie Parker: Part 1

Bonnie Parker: Part 1

Bonnie Parker was one half of one of America’s most infamous duos…but behind the lore and the pop culture moments, who was the real Bonnie Parker? Learn how a girl who grew up poor in Texas and longed for adventure found herself at a crossroads between crime and a mundane life with a chance introduction to Clyde Barrow. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on:

Aug 12, 2024 • 1:01:15

Jane Boleyn: Part 1

Jane Boleyn: Part 1

NOTE: We apologize for the extra delay but between weather and then audio not lining up, we both spent hours trying to get this to work! The infamous Lady Rochford is portrayed as the sister-in-law from hell--but what's the reality behind the portrayals? Learn more about Jane's time at court with her husband, George Boleyn, and of course, the one, the only Anne Boleyn. Come for the Tudors, stay for the Spice Girls references (Joey Fatone, you got out of this one--but no promises on the

Aug 11, 2024 • 1:31:59

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley

This episode is a one parter! We are out of Europe for now and covering someone who pretty much everyone at least recognizes---The King himself, Elvis! So join us to look at his life--the good, the problematic, and of course, come to a conclusion on where he falls on our scale!Correction: Elvis' performance of "Hound Dog" is from his second appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, not the first.Link to videos/photos mentioned in episode (and sources)Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree

Jul 29, 2024 • 1:35:41

Isabella of France: Part 2

Isabella of France: Part 2

We pick up the podcast after Isabella’s invasion of her husband’s kingdom. Dogs, beheadings, and fiscal irresponsibility follow…and at least one semi-believable conspiracy theory. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgem

Jul 24, 2024 • 1:04:05

Isabella of France: Part 1

Isabella of France: Part 1

Isabella of France: married at 12, sidelined by her husband's boyfriends, naked tent rescues, and eventually known as the she-wolf.  Oh, and there's beheadings too! Plus our first "listener judgement!" Come along for the ride! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a C

Jul 22, 2024 • 1:18:42

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 3 (Final)

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 3 (Final)

Finally, it's the end of the series on Czarina Alexandra--WWI, more Rasputin, and of course the end of the Romanovs. How did Erin and I ultimately judge Alexandra? Listen to find out!Source:The Last Empress: The Life and Times of Alexandra Feodorovna, Tsarina of Russia by Greg KingTell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySuppo

Jul 18, 2024 • 1:33:11

Preview of Patreon Mini Episode!

Preview of Patreon Mini Episode!

Want to know what a mini episode is like on Patreon? We give a short start of one on Czarina Alexandra's sister Ella. Ella's life is filled with tragedies just as much as her sister's. Want to finish the episode? Join over on Patreon!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo o

Jul 16, 2024 • 2:37

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 2

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 2

This is where things get even more interesting for Alexandra. There are minor conflicts, the 1905 revolution, Bloody Sunday, and the introduction of everyone's favorite wandering peasant with some amazing facial hair--Rasputin!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time

Jul 15, 2024 • 1:43:31

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 1

Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 1

Tsar Nicholas II...Rasputin...Anastasia. So many of us know these stories, but what about the mother at the center of it all? This week we focus on Empress/Tsarina Alexandra's early life. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you

Jul 9, 2024 • 1:28:06

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 2

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 2

NOTE: if you downloaded within the hour we uploaded, we had a nice little cough drop moment that accidentally got left in. Sorry! It should be fixed :) We left off a few days ago with Part 1 ending with Carolyn and JFK Jr's wedding. What happens to Carolyn between that and the infamous plane crash? Does she deserve the vilification she gets from the press and a large amount of the public, even this many years later? Hear our opinions and share yours!Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with

Jul 3, 2024 • 1:12:46

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 1

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 1

Maybe you've seen the tabloid photos or remember the hysteria around JFK Jr's bride. Or maybe you only know her from her fashion resurgence in the era of Tik Tok. But who is the real Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy? Part 1 covers her early years up until her wedding to JFK Jr. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the

Jun 30, 2024 • 1:38:47

Typhoid Mary

Typhoid Mary

Typhoid Mary is one of those ominous figures of the early 1900s, often seen as this devious woman almost purposefully infecting others in NYC. But Mary Mallon's story is more than just that. In the era of COVID, Typhoid Mary's story seems even more relevant. The question is...how does her public image compare to the reality? Is she the villain everyone makes her out to be?Sourceshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3959940/https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Folkli

Jun 23, 2024 • 58:01

John of Gaunt

John of Gaunt

NOTE: Gah, we know the audio is not great in this one! We’ve upgraded for future shows. But Erin is amazing at telling the story so still listen!Our show is back, hopefully from good from our hiatus with another fascinating figure from history, John of Gaunt. From peasant uprisings to men sleeping with the nannies (how original!), join Jamie as Erin fights for her historical crush. Will Jamie agree (most likely not)?Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!Persons of In

Jun 18, 2024 • 1:16:11

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

I know, I know....Richard Nixon?! In the grey?! Believe me, this is a controversial choice, but Jamie set out wanting to know if Nixon's reputation was everything that history has made him out to be--petty, racist, egotistical, willing to win no matter what. Come check out this episode to see if this reputation was well earned or if there is perhaps more complexity to this man than many believe. In the end, we learned a lot, including how he single-handedly designed the first space shuttle

Apr 21, 2023 • 1:17:57

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