Half-Arsed History

Host Riley Knight explores the 1813 capture of the USS Chesapeake by HMS Shannon, a topic inspired by Robert A.

This episode covers the Bermuda Gunpowder Heist of August 1775, where merchant Henry Tucker stole gunpowder to break an American trade embargo and prevent starvation in Bermuda.

Riley Knight explores the life of Vincent van Gogh, tracing his journey from a failed art dealer and missionary to a prolific Post-Impressionist painter.

This episode covers historical events from August 6–12, including the Spanish Armada’s defeat, the start of the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s construction, and Nixon’s resignation.

This episode of Half-Arsed History examines the Plague of Athens (430–427 BCE) during the Peloponnesian War.

This episode covers historical events from late July to early August, including the Battle of Cannae, the myth of Dom Pérignon inventing champagne, and the first transatlantic telegraph cable.

Host Riley Knight discusses the Peloponnesian War while on a tax-deductible trip to Athens.

The host apologizes to Apple Podcasts subscribers for failing to provide ad-free, uncut episodes due to a two-factor authentication login issue.

This episode covers historical events from July 23–29, highlighting July 26’s tragedies: Khan Krum’s skull cup, the Erfurt latrine disaster, and Atahualpa’s death.

This episode details the Apollo 13 mission, where an oxygen tank explosion forced astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert to abandon their lunar landing.

This episode covers historical events from July 16–22, including Alexander the Great’s birth, the Trinity nuclear test, and the Apollo 11 moon landing.