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

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

Jamie Poljanac, Erin Poljanac, & Matt H
Wernher Von Braun
Aaron Burr
John Lennon
NASA
Alexander Hamilton
Operation Paperclip
Claudius
The Beatles
True Crime
World War II
Slavery
Roman Empire
Peace Advocacy
Domestic Violence
John Brown
Caterina Sforza
Ethical Dilemmas
Huntsville, Alabama
Attractiveness In Media
Ancient Rome

Just like history isn’t all black and white, neither are the people who lived it. So who are the ones living in the grey?

Welcome to Ambivalent Offenders— where we dig into the lives of people who’ve been called a lot of things: villains, scoundrels, monsters, misfits, or just plain morally messy. But were they really as bad as history says… or have they gotten an unfair rap?

In each episode, we... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes57Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedyHistory

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

Latest Episodes

We return to Ambivalent Offenders in 2026 with a fresh look at Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—now back in the cultural spotlight thanks to FX and Hulu’s Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. In this special 20 minute segment from our full Pa... more

YouTube

In this first episode of the series, we are diving deep into the often messy and violent early life of William the Conqueror. From his tumultuous childhood in 11th-century Normandy to gaining his infamous title of conqueror, we explore the turbulent ... more

YouTube

In Part 2 of Harold Godwinson’s story, Erin and Matt chart Harold's rise to power after the death of his father, his (very) brief kingship, and the bitter betrayal of his brother, which ultimately led to the showdown with Duke William of Normandy at ... more

YouTube

Erin and Matt dive into the wildly dramatic life of Harold Godwinson, the last true Anglo-Saxon King of England. In Part 1, we rewind to the Anglo-Saxon world to follow the rise of Harold’s ambitious, king-making father, Godwin, the chaos of Viking i... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Hosts

Erin
Co-host, storyteller, and history enthusiast, bringing a mix of humor and insight to the exploration of historical narratives.
Matthew
Co-host and historian, focusing on uncovering the complexities of historical figures with engaging narratives.
Jamie
Co-host, with a dynamic personality that enriches discussions on historical subjects and their modern implications.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 48 ratings
  • Yikes!

    There are some voices not meant for podcasting.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    VCS79
    United States14 days ago
  • Bad voices

    Their voices are hard to listen to. Sorry

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    ncourson
    United States21 days ago
  • Soooo interesting and knowledgeable.

    Love these podcasts. I find myself drawn to the more modern day female figures in history but enjoy all the episodes, even the ones of historical figures I’ve never heard of before. I still can’t get over how many times Abraham Lincoln was embalmed 😱.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sketchy__D
    United States8 months ago
  • Talk a little more professional

    Their voices are hard to listen to!

    Can only take so much

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Jeanne in mich
    United States8 months ago
  • Glad I found this

    I came for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and stayed for everyone else. History with a heaping side of fun.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FloSho4u
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critiques focus on the hosts' vocal delivery, with mixed feelings about audio quality and presentation style.
Overall, the podcast is praised for its nuanced take on historical figures often portrayed in a negative light.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling and humor that make complex historical narratives accessible and entertaining.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#240
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mark Antony: Part 3
Q: What was Antony's response to the public reading of his will?
He was shocked and overwhelmed as it revealed his intentions to leave Roman lands to foreigners and highlighted his disregard for Roman loyalty.
Mark Antony: Part 3
Q: What was the outcome of the Battle of Actium?
Mark Antony's fleet was outmaneuvered and deserted, leading to his retreat and eventual downfall.
Mark Antony: Part 3
Q: How did Cleopatra show her allegiance to Antony during his campaign?
Cleopatra personally delivered supplies to Antony during the harsh winter conditions, highlighting their bond.
Mark Antony: Part 3
Q: What significant challenge did Mark Antony face before the Battle of Actium?
He faced internal strife within his army, desertions, and the looming threat from Octavian's forces.
Wolf Hall Episode 1 Discussion
Q: What's your overall first impression of the first episode?
It's a quiet show with minimal dialogue, requiring viewers to be observant. The shifts in time can be a bit confusing for unfamiliar viewers, but it introduces key players effectively.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the grey areas of history, this podcast offers fresh perspectives on figures often deemed morally ambiguous, from infamous villains to misunderstood misfits. Each episode invites listeners to reconsider the legacies of these questionable individuals, blending engaging storytelling with a conversational tone that often feels like a casual brunch discussion. With a distinct focus on the complexities of historical narratives, the hosts aim to challenge preconceived notions and reveal the underlying factors that shaped these individuals' actions. Listeners can expect a mix of humor, relatable anecdotes, and historical insights, making the content both entertaining and enlightening.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Trashy Divorces
2. Right Answers Mostly
3. American Hysteria
4. You're Wrong About
5. The Run-Through with Vogue

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 57 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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