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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
East India Company
Saint Patrick
Toilet Paper
Mad Jack Mytton
Reign Of Terror
British East India Company
China
Melbourne
Prussia
Marie Antoinette
Louis XVI
Austro-Hungarian Empire
Telescope
Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

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 weeklyEpisodes898Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryComedy

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Half-Arsed History

Latest Episodes

This week in history we’ve got the defeat of a great Spanish fleet, we’ve got the construction of a famous but slightly wobbly Italian landmark, we’ve got the infamous end of a US presidency - and we’ve got the time a US general slapped one of his so... more

In this week's episode, hear all about the deadly horrors of the Plague of Athens, and tackle the question - what was the plague itself, in the first place?

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

This week in history we’ve got ancient Romans slaughtered by the thousand, we’ve got champagne not getting invented, we’ve got the disaster that was the first transatlantic telegraph cable, and we’ve got a famous physics demonstration held on the Moo... more

In this week's episode, learn all about one of the most important and iconic conflicts from the history of Ancient Greece: the Peloponnesian War, when the rivalry between Athens and Sparta was settled once and for all.

The Most Interesting People Y... more

Key Facts

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Host

Riley Knight
Host of Half-Arsed History; presents as the main, consistent voice of the show with a humorous, approachable approach to history.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 6.2k ratings
  • Best podcast ever

    I use this podcast every night I’m 11 called Elliott and even I think it is awesome best podcast I honestly can’t think of anything to improve keep going Riley night I’ve been lisining 4 years I’d give it 10 stars but 5 is the limit it lets me do

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Möchtew
    Australiaa month ago
  • Fantastic, as always.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    BrockHedges
    3 months ago
  • Thank you

    Great listening & really interesting podcast. Thanks Riley.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dalia Day
    Australia3 months ago
  • Awesome stuff

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JETC83
    Australia4 months ago
  • Good

    All i need to say is good

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cARemll
    Australia4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Critiques tend to focus on pacing or perceived over-enthusiasm, but many listeners return for the host's relatable style and depth of research.
Fans appreciate the Australian perspective and humorous delivery, calling the show both informative and fun.
Listeners praise the host's engaging, entertaining storytelling and approachable history lessons.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#216
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#242
Canada/History
Spotify
#17
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#52
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#57
New Zealand/History
Apple Podcasts
#80
South Africa/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

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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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 history-focused show that blends quirky, entertaining storytelling with accessible analysis of unusual topics from the past. Episodes cover a wide range of subjects—from ancient civilizations and scientific milestones to cultural phenomena and notable biographies—delivered with a relaxed, humorous Australian perspective. The host leans into vivid narratives, clear sourcing, and a knack for turning niche histories into engaging, bingeable episodes. Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on entertaining yet informative content, plus occasional book promotions and direct listener engagement, which can be valuable for sponsors looking for a curious, broadly educated audience.

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Which podcasts are similar to Half-Arsed History?

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

1. Dan Snow's History Hit
2. The Ancients
3. The Rest Is History
4. HistoryExtra podcast
5. Gone Medieval

How many episodes of Half-Arsed History are there?

Half-Arsed History launched 9 years ago and published 898 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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