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Artwork for Half-Arsed History

Half-Arsed History

Riley Knight
French Revolution
History's Strangest Deaths
Australia
History
World War I
Industrial Revolution
China
British East India Company
East India Company
Saint Patrick
Toilet Paper
Mad Jack Mytton
Reign Of Terror
Melbourne
Half-Arsed History
Prussia
Marie Antoinette
Louis XVI
Austro-Hungarian Empire
Telescope

Half-Arsed History's second book, The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, is now available for pre-order: booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bkq2G9

Welcome along to Half-Arsed History! It's a weekly podcast highlighting absurd and entertaining stories from history. Twice a week, it helps host Riley Knight feel as though his useless history degree has some kind of real-world relevance.

Get in ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes891Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryComedy

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Half-Arsed History

Latest Episodes

In this week's episode, explore the history of the cannabis plant, including its role in historical and modern textile industries, as well as its medicinal, religious, and recreational uses.

The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the se... more

This week in history we’ve got an iconic moment from the French revolution, we’ve got a famous historical duel, we’ve got someone trying to get to the North Pole in a balloon - and we’ve got the tale of the first expedition to summit the Matterhorn, ... more

In this week's episode, meet Mata Hari, the internationally-renowned exotic dancer who became a spy for... someone... during the First World War.

The Most Interesting People You've Never Heard Of, the second Half-Arsed History book, releases on the... more

This week in history we’ve got the origin of Independence Day, we’ve got a slightly-bungled assassination, we’ve got a bloke who used to surgically attach goat’s testicles to people - and we’ve got the grudge that the University of Oxford held for ov... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

ABC Rewind
ABC RewindABC Australia
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ConversationsABC Australia
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If You're ListeningABC Australia

Host

Riley Knight
Host of the show, known for narrative, unscripted history storytelling with a humorous, approachable style.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 6.2k ratings
  • Fantastic, as always.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    BrockHedges
    2 months ago
  • Thank you

    Great listening & really interesting podcast. Thanks Riley.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dalia Day
    Australia2 months ago
  • Awesome stuff

    Super informative and engaging while still being relaxed and relatable. Highly recommend for all age groups

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JETC83
    Australia3 months ago
  • Good

    All i need to say is good

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cARemll
    Australia3 months ago
  • Perfect

    Absolutely love it! Keep up the good work Dominic

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fatcat74773
    Netherlands3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Many appreciate the Aussie perspective and accessible history coverage.
A few negative reviews flag pacing or perceived political leanings, but overall sentiment is strong and loyal.
Listeners praise the host's engaging, relaxed delivery and clear storytelling.

Chart Rankings

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

Spotify
#50
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#131
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#250
Canada/History
Spotify
#16
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#47
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#35
New Zealand/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 417: The History of the FIFA World Cup - Part 3
Q: In a penalty shootout, why don't soccer goalies stand in one side of the goal so there's a 50% chance they'll already be on the side where the ball is going?
The host speculates about a tactical shift in goalkeeping that could balance odds, but emphasizes that penalty dynamics, psychological pressure, and preparation complicate any simple one-side strategy.
QAH Episode 127: HAH Live Q&A from Maroochydore
Q: Can you reflect on your training as a historian?
My job hosting trivia nights and teaching has been more valuable than my formal education in helping me engage people with history.
QAH Episode 127: HAH Live Q&A from Maroochydore
Q: How do you think history will look back about Covid?
It will take a long time for a clear perspective on how Covid was handled to emerge, as emotions are still tied to the experience.
QAH Episode 127: HAH Live Q&A from Maroochydore
Q: Who or what would be your favorite person or time in history and why?
I'm fascinated by the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century due to its interesting political context.
QAH Episode 126: HAH Live Q&A from Sydney & Brisbane
Q: What's the next big kind of saga that you're gonna do?
I haven't figured that out yet, but some possible topics include Christopher Columbus, the Protestant Reformation, or less explored areas like Three Kingdoms China or Indonesian history.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Half-Arsed History

What is Half-Arsed History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A witty, storytelling-heavy history show that makes obscure and quirky historical episodes accessible through a relaxed, unscripted narration. Across recent episodes, the host explores niche topics—from maritime exploration and political power plays to hoaxes and survival sagas—while weaving in humor, memorable anecdotes, and clear takeaways about how the past echoes in today's world. The format favors engaging storytelling over strict academic rigor, often highlighting cultural perspective (notably a distinct Australian angle) and the messy, human side of history. Listeners tend to enjoy approachable banter, bullet-pointed context, and episodes that balance entertainment with educational insight, making it appealing for both casual history... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Half-Arsed History?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Half-Arsed History:

1. ABC Rewind
2. No One Saw It Coming
3. Hamish & Andy
4. Conversations
5. If You're Listening

How many episodes of Half-Arsed History are there?

Half-Arsed History launched 8 years ago and published 891 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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