What We Did Before | A History of Everyday Life
OG Podcasts - Exploring Human HistoryBefore 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 | 51 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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đź’¬ 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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About the podcast:
What We Did Before is a podcast exploring the history of everyday life, from how we kept food fresh before fridges, to how we survived without shoes and what came before AI.
About your host:
Ollie Guillou is an... more
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💬 What did Medieval people actually find funny? Very little record of Medieval comedy remains, but thanks to one 15th century priest we now have a rare glimpse into the life of a Minstrel and the types of jokes they would’ve told. more
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💬 The East End Matchwomen produced one of Victorian Britain’s 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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💬 Firefighting hasn’t always meant red engines and professional crews. For centuries, fighting fires was much more chaotic. Even by the outbreak of the Second World War, Britain still had more than a thousand separate local authori... more
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💬 Before World of Warcraft, RuneScape or even the internet as we know it, there was MUD - the world’s first multiplayer virtual world. Created in 1978 by Richard Bartle and Roy Trubshaw, it would help lay the foundations for an ent... more
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đź’¬ Visit the site of a brutal moment in Guernsey history. At Tower Hill Steps three women faced religious persecution - and were burned alive at the stake.
One of the women, Perotine Massey, was pregnant and gave birth in the flame... more
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đź’¬ At this ancient monolithic burial chamber, witches were said to convene with the devil to conduct The Black Mass. This imposing Dolmen came up time and time again in the brutal witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries.
⚡ This... more
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Frequently Asked Questions About What We Did Before
What is What We Did Before about and what kind of topics does it cover?
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 phenomena—ranging 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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How many listeners does What We Did Before get?
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Which podcasts are similar to What We Did Before?
These podcasts share a similar audience with What We Did Before:
1. History Daily
2. Biography
3. Short History Of...
4. HISTORY This Week
5. The Ancients
How many episodes of What We Did Before are there?
What We Did Before launched a year ago and published 51 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact What We Did Before?
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What guests have appeared on What We Did Before?
Recent guests on What We Did Before include:
1. Louise Raw
2. Richard Bartle
3. Korinne Le Page
4. Ian McKay
5. Steven Sashen
6. Dr. Annemieke Milks
7. Judith Wilde
8. Jason Monaghan
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.