
Before modern inventions and conveniences, humans had ingenious ways of solving problems. So how exactly did humans survive before fridges, without clothes or before surnames were invented? Find out the answers to these questions and more, right here. Hosted by Ollie Guillou.
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 53 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||

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š¬ White paint was used everywhere in Victorian Britain. The trouble was, the pigment that made this paint so useful was deadly. For the people working in the white lead factories, this job was said to be deadlier than being a soldi... more
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š¬ What was life like before gas lighting? Just over 230 years ago, even the wealthiest homes were poorly lit by modern standards. But when a Scottish engineer began experimenting with gas, he sparked a revolution that would transfo... more
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š¬ The East End Matchwomen produced one of Victorian Britainās most important everyday products - but the job could be deadly.
In Victorian London, the East End was seen as the slums. High society looked down on the people who inha... more
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š¬ In the early 20th century, radium was hailed as a wonder substance. Young women landed well-paid jobs painting glow-in-the-dark watch dials with it, even putting their brushes between their lips to keep a fine point. Years later,... more
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š¬ When we think of fools or jesters, we often imagine a peculiar Medieval entertainer in a funny hat. But court jesters arenāt confined to one timeline - they appear around the world, throughout history.
Far from being silly enter... more
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š¬ When we think of fools or jesters, we often imagine a peculiar Medieval entertainer in a funny hat. But court jesters arenāt confined to one timeline - they appear around the world, throughout history.
Far from being silly enter... more
Send us Fan Mail
š¬ Before petrol and electric cars took over our roads, inventors were experimenting with a very different kind of transport - steam-powered vehicles.
In 1803, pioneering engineer Richard Trevithick built an extraordinary steam car... more
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š¬ In the early 20th century, radium was hailed as a wonder substance. Young women landed well-paid jobs painting glow-in-the-dark watch dials with it, even putting their brushes between their lips to keep a fine point. Years later,... more
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The show centers on pre-modern life, exploring how people solved everyday problems before modern conveniences. Recent episodes span industrial history, archaeology, warfare, and cultural phenomenaāranging from tiny prisons and Victorian work dangers to ancient tools, barefoot running, and the origins of chemistry. Guests tend to be historians, archaeologists, museum professionals, authors, and researchers who illuminate hidden or overlooked aspects of everyday life, making complex history approachable through storytelling and on-site context. A notable strength is blending technical detail with accessible narrative, often using on-site tours or expert interviews to ground historical periods in tangible activities and places.
A standout tra... more
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1. Business Wars
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What We Did Before launched a year ago and published 53 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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Recent guests on What We Did Before include:
1. Russell Thomas
2. Louise Raw
3. Kate Moore
4. Beatrice Otto
5. Dave Bartlett
6. James Wade
7. Bob Bonner
8. Richard Bartle
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