Nach Genre filtern
Hot History
- 71 - History of Dragons
Dracarys, my divas! Today we are talking about the history of dragons!Diving back first to Ancient China, we are going to start by summarising the origins of Dragon mythology before focusing on one specific region and it's links to the winged firebreathers of old - Mount Pilatus in Switzerland!
Doing some real boots-on-the-ground journalism from 2,132m above sea level, we will tour dragon caves, hold mysterious dragon stones and look at the legends which made Pilatus 'the dragon mountain', all of which is made possible by Swiss Tourism, who organised this incredible opportunity.
Shout out to our incredible researcher Charlotte Wilkes and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram @thehothistorypod and @hothistoryclub, on TikTok @hot.history, on Substack @hothistoryclub and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 - 36min - 70 - 1972 Rothschild Ball
This week, we're stepping into the bizarre world of the 1972 Rothschild Ball, one of the most extravagant and surreal parties ever thrown.
Hosted by Guy and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild at the family’s French château, this was a night of surrealist outfits, extravagant table settings and some of the most illustrious names in high society. Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram @thehothistorypod and @hothistoryclub, on TikTok @hot.history, on Substack @hothistoryclub and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 - 35min - 69 - Jane Austen: The OG Yearnalist
Calling my Austenites! This is your Yearnalism 101 crash course as we unpack the life of the one and only Jane Austen! As the 2nd daughter and 7th child of a country rector, we're looking at the family life, education and career of Jane, set against the backdrop of Georgian & Regency England where the role of class, women, money and power were not influences to Jane's work but THE central elements! Plus my divas, many MANY mentions of Mr Darcy!
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 05 Oct 2026 - 1h 17min - 68 - Romanovs Part 6: The End
PART 6/6. You guys this is it ... the end, in every sense of the word. Although not everyone believes it ... for despite the death of the Romanovs in 1918 there have always been rumours of one surviving grand duchess, which begs the question: Did one Romanov remain?
If you want to watch the rest of our Romanov content you can find it here.
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Please take care while listening, should you require assistance please use the below:
In Australia, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 0477 131 114 (lifeline) or 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue).
In the USA, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or texting HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
In the UK, support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 (NHS) or 116 123 (Samaritans)
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 - 59min - 67 - Romanovs Part 5: The Fallout
PART 5/6. Well my divas, we're officially at the beginning of the end. This episode covers the death of Rasputin, the devastation of Bloody Sunday, the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the moment the Romanovs go from Russia's ruling family to prisoners under house arrest.
We're also going to meet Lenin again as he makes his return to Russia and watch as the Revolution gains momentum and the fate of the Romanov family becomes increasingly uncertain.
If you want to watch the rest of our romanov content you can find it here.
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you like this series, make sure to subscribe and follow along so you don't miss the episodes as they drop, starting with part 2 next Tuesday and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 1h 18min - 66 - Romanovs Part 4: The Fall
PART 4/6. You guys have been patient so TODAY we're talking about none other than Rasputin!
Covering the back half of the Tsar's rule this episode will track from 1905 - 1915, looking at Bloody Sunday, the rise of Rasputin, the ideas of communism and the beginning of WW1 (plus so much more).
If you want to watch the rest of our Romanov content you can find it here.
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you like this series, make sure to subscribe and follow along so you don't miss the episodes as they drop, starting with part 2 next Tuesday and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 - 1h 24min - 65 - Romanovs Part 3: The Heir
PART 3/6. It's any Romanov Tsar's worst nightmare: 10 years on the throne, four daughters, a phantom pregnancy and no heir. NOW we're in the thick of it, guys, looking at the first half of Nicholas and Alexandra's reign, and the dynastic crisis that would plague them AND the Russian people. We're also going to introduce some other key players today, including one Vladimir Lenin!
Make sure to check back in next Tuesday because we're about to get into the Rasputin of it all!
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 - 57min - 64 - Romanovs Part 2: The Family
PART 2/6. Alright guys, we are picking things up with Alexander III, father of Nicholas II, grandfather of Alexei, and one of the most brutish imperial family members in Romanov history.
In this second episode, we're going from the reign and death of Alexander III to the marriage of Tsar Nicholas II & Alix of Hesse, whose union would lead Russia into the 10th century AND down a long and winding road ... to the end! Then, we're going to come back on Friday and look at how the pair's search for a son would lead to a dynastic crisis for the ages.
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
Romanov Spotify playlist linked here!
If you like this series, make sure to subscribe and follow along so you don't miss the episodes as they drop, starting with part 2 next Tuesday and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 - 53min - 63 - Romanovs Part 1: The Rise
PART 1/6. Strap in for the next 6 episodes, divas, because we are FINALLY unpacking the rise and fall of the last imperial family of Russia: The Romanovs.
In this first episode, we're exploring how the Romanov family came into power, from the early Viking days to Ivan the Terrible and one Anastasia Romanova, we're going to look at the big emperors/empresses who shaped russian history, ending with the last Tsar's grandfather!
Shout-out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you like this series, make sure to subscribe and follow along so you don't miss the episodes as they drop, starting with part 2 next Tuesday and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube !
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 - 1h 03min - 62 - Salem Part 2: The Witch Trials
We're back, and we're ready today to chat about the drama, deceit and devilry involved in the Salem Witch Trials!
From Abigail and Betty's affliction to the role of race and gender, the anatomy of hysteria, death by crushing and the accusation of a four-year-old baby who was chained up in prison, we're dissecting the anatomy of hysteria piece by piece. Plus, because this is Hot History, drawing parallels to the present digital witch hunts.
I'm so excited to finish this series for you guys; please also find the hilarious Joe Hegyes here!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Mon, 07 Sep 2026 - 1h 07min - 61 - Salem Part 1: The Origins of Witchcraft
Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble, my divas, because today we are unpacking the History of Witchcraft!
From the ancient world right up to the events in Salem, we are unpacking the origins of the term witch, the difference between magic and miracles, the role of religion and the Church, and even taking a trip through space-time to the University of Melbourne to see a very rare copy of the Malleus Maleficarum!
All this and so much more will give you the basic knowledge to understand exactly HOW the hysteria mounted in the Salem Witch trials, which we will cover in part 2!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Gracie McCamish and editor Jamie Rose for pulling this together, and to the team at the University of Melbourne for hosting us.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 03 Sep 2026 - 1h 02min - 60 - Njinga Mbande: The Woman King
Hi divas! Strap in today because we are chatting about the Angolan warrior queen who fought off both the patriarchy and slavers through her wildly sharp wit AND wildly sharp weaponry. THIS is the story of Njinga Mbande, and I can't wait to share it with you!For more on Njinga, I recommend you watch the African Queens series on Netflix!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Charlotte Wilkes for pulling this together.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
Thu, 27 Aug 2026 - 1h 02min - 59 - The Galloway Hoard
On today's show, we are chatting about three of my favourite things: Scotland, Vikings & Treasure! From the origins of Vikings in the British Isles to the discovery of the Galloway Hoard, which we were lucky enough to go and see first-hand, we're travelling through time today to look at the mix of cultures and religion which dominated Viking-era Scotland!
Thank you so much to the Australian National Maritime Museum for making this episode of Hot History possible - head to sea.museum for 10% off your tickets to see the Galloway Hoard while it's in Sydney until October 11.
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and to Inger Shiel for chatting with us.
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 - 39min - 58 - Anna Pavlova: The Romanov Ballerina
Divas strap in, because we are going back to Imperial Russia with our deep dive on Anna Pavlova: the most famous ballerina in history!
From the cold, damp streets of St Petersburg where she struggled with sickness and poverty, to the glittering stages of the world, Anna Pavlova became both the darling of Romanov High Society and the Russian Imperial Ballet Academy, going on to redefine what the term 'ballerina' meant for every single dancer who followed!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 13 Aug 2026 - 53min - 57 - Clara Bow: Part 2 - Taylor Swift's muse
Welcome back for Part 2 of our Clara Bow series where we unpack how this young girl from Brooklyn became the muse of Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks and Margot Robbie!
Looking at her relationship with the press, struggles with mental health, financial situation and final years, we're going to unpack Clara's impact on both culture and history. Because as it turns out, Hollywood and indeed society haven't really changed how we speak about or view women since Clara Bow!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Please take care while listening with the sensitive themes mentioned at the top and should you require assistance please use the below:In Australia, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 0477 131 114 (lifeline) or 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue).In the USA, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or texting HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.In the UK, support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 (NHS) or 116 123 (Samaritans)
Sun, 09 Aug 2026 - 40min - 56 - Clara Bow: Part 1 - The original 'it' girl
You've been asking for her, so here we go. Today we're deep diving into the highs and lows of the original 'it' girl, Clara Bow. From her early years in Brooklyn tenements to the fame and fortune contest that changed her life, we're tracking just how the big-eyed Brooklyn beauty made it to the top of the box office AND the pinnacle of cultural influence.
Then come back on Monday for part 2 where we look at her relationship with the press, struggles with mental health, financial situation and how Clara Bow became the muse of one Taylor Swift!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube and of course, right here!
'Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 06 Aug 2026 - 56min - 55 - The Fabergé Eggs: Part 1
Hello divas! This week we're diving into one of my biggest Roman Empires... the Fabergé Eggs!
From a tiny jewellery workshop in St Petersburg to the glittering halls of the Romanovs, this episode follows Peter Carl Fabergé's rise to become Imperial Jeweller and the creator of the most famous Easter gifts in history. We’ll also chat Tsars, Tsarinas, impeccable craftsmanship and of course, the very first Imperial Egg.
This is also the perfect little warm-up for our four-part Romanov series coming this September, which I cannot wait to share with you all.
Also as promised, here’s the Substack of my experience seeing an actual, real life Fabergé Egg with my own eyes at Christie’s last year (an experience I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever get over!).
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for helping to pull this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 46min - 54 - The Fabergé Eggs: Part 2
Two episodes in one day divas! Welcome back for part two of our Fabergé Eggs deep dive!
We continue to deep dive some of the Romanovs' most extraordinary Easter gifts, uncovering the stories hidden inside each masterpiece and following the collection through revolution, exile and mystery. We'll also chat about where the eggs are today, why some are still missing, and how these tiny treasures became some of the most valuable objects in history.
Enjoy this perfect little warm-up for our four-part Romanov series coming this September, which I cannot wait to share with you all.
Also as promised, here’s the Substack of my experience seeing an actual, real life Fabergé Egg with my own eyes at Christie’s last year (an experience I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever get over!).
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for helping to pull this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 44min - 53 - The Admiral: Artemisia I
Here we are at the end of our Ancient Greek series and today we're ditching the dudes and talking about the Greek Queen dubbed 'more man than men'. I can't wait for you all to meet Artemisia of Caria, one of my favourite women in antiquity!
As promised, the Hot History Substack is also now live! If you'd like to support us there, you'd be very welcome!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for helping to pull this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 - 34min - 52 - THE ODYSSEY: WTF is it?
Divas its Odyssey day! I am so thrilled to bring this episode to you all as Christopher Nolan's film hits cinemas. We're covering as much as possible in summary form (there are 12,100 lines of this poem after all), from a tidbit on Homer to the end of the Trojan War and the King's return to Ithaca!
As promised, the Hot History Substack is also now live! If you'd like to support us there, you'd be very welcome!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for helping to pull this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 - 1h 02min - 51 - THE ODYSSEY: The Trojan War
Hello you! Let's kick off our deep dive into the works of Homer by looking at the most contentious conflict in history - The Trojan War! Was Is it real? Is it allegory? Is there evidence? And who TF is Helen? Fear not my divas for the daunting task of diagnosis, for we are going to unpack it all right now!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 - 1h 05min - 50 - THE ODYSSEY: The Greek Gods
Divas, strap in because this episode is what I like to call .. brain rot for intellectuals! It is full of castrations, cannibalism, incest, birthing from the head and thigh and even a spontaneous combustion, which means we can either be talking about Game of Thrones OR the Greek Gods! And in this case, it is the latter! From the primordial deities to the Olympians we're tracking the origins of the ancient Greek religious system and the figures who made it spin. Get ready, it's a wild one!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 - 59min - 49 - Anne Boleyn: Fact vs Fiction
Hi Divas!
You've been asking for many MANY moons for this ep so here we go. Today we're deep diving into the life and lies of Anne Boleyn! Second wife of Henry VIII, mother of Elizabeth I and known throughout time as 'the great whore,' Anne's story is full of reformist ideas, bold declarations of love, the pressure of an heir and ultimately, tragedy, as she looses her life under the dynastic demands of Tudor England. I think you'll love this one guys, and I'm keen as always to hear your thoughts!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 25 Jun 2026 - 1h 45min - 48 - What Navy will Lord Corlys lead? 🐉
Hi Guys! Today I'm joined by the wonderful Steve Toussaint aka Lord Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon! From Daenerys to Princess Diana, I want to know if the Sea Snake himself will bend the knee or fend off thee to these couple of leaders! Listen now and make sure to watch House of the Dragon Season 3 on HBO Max.
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 06min - 47 - We hit 1 million downloads!
Hello you!
This week is a little different because we've just hit ONE MILLION downloads since February (!!) and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate with you all.
So, instead of Anne Boleyn (don't worry, she's coming next week), I thought we'd do a Q&A episode! I asked you to send through your questions so we could get to know each other a little better, and you absolutely delivered. We're chatting favourite historical figures, podcast recs, shopping and beauty favourites, TV shows, and Hot History behind-the-scenes.
Thank you for listening, commenting, sharing episodes with your friends and helping build this community. One million downloads is completely surreal and I couldn't have done it without you.
Here’s a list of the recs mentioned:
Favourite shops:
1. Asos
2. Betts
3. Depop
4. Ebay
5. Vinted
6. Vestiaire Collective
7. Zara
Podcast recommendations:
1. Shameless
2. Inherited
3. Style-ish
4. Just The Gist
5. Big Small Talk
6. The Rest is History
7. The New Yorker Radio Hour
TV Series recommendations:
1. House of the Dragon
2. The Other Bennet Sister
Makeup Recommendations:
1. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat (Supersize Me)
2. Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick (Wedding Belles)
3. Mecca Max Glaze Phase Lip Oil (Blackberry Glaze)
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week (with Anne Boleyn!), Ainslie x
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 54min - 46 - Enid Lindeman: Lady Killmore
Hello you! You've been asking for some Aussie history so here we are! I am so excited to chat with you about Enid Lindeman, the Sydney wine heiress who inherited 3 fortunes from 4 husbands, all of whom died! She became an ambulance driver in WW1 and resistance hero in WW2, was one of the first people to step foot in King Tut's tomb, and had more lovers than I’ve had hot dinners. She also drove her cheetah around the streets of London in a Bentley and then saved big cats at a sanctuary in Africa before facing accusations of being a multi-murderess! I think you'll love this one guys, and I'm keen as always to hear your thoughts!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 37min - 45 - CURSED: The Hope Diamond
Hello you! Apologies in advance for the croaky tone of this week's episode, but sickness aside I am so excited to chat with you about the Hope Diamond. Renowned for its beauty, string of unfortunate events and possible curse, this stone has seen its fair share of action from French kings to Gilded Age heiresses! But what do you think, is it cursed or simply a matter of coincidence? Let me know in the comments!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 04 Jun 2026 - 41min - 44 - Evelyn Romadka: The Vampire Queen
Hello you! Happy Friday!
Today we're talking about Evelyn Romadka, the Wisconsin housewife whose obsession with crime novels and dual personality disorder post a botched medical procedure led her to form her own all female criminal network! If you love crime AND history, then this is a story you don't want to miss!
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 28 May 2026 - 40min - 43 - The most expensive party in history
Hello Divas! Today we're back looking at the most expensive party in history, both in the literal dollar bills sense AND the fact this single event led a dynasty to lose everything.
This is the 1971 Iranian celebration for 2,500 years of Persian rule, and if you think your wedding or even a Great Gatsby level event is worthy of the name 'party', then think again! From new highways to purpose built cities, on demand forests and over 12,000 bottles of Whiskey, this invitation packed a serious punch, and the guest list ... well let's just say not even that first Tarte brand trip could compete! But what did the guests and the Iranians themselves actually think of this three day extravaganza? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!
Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for pulling this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 21 May 2026 - 59min - 42 - HOT TAKE: Should we destroy history? (Part 2)
Hi guys! Today we're back with part 2 of our HOT TAKE episode on whether we have the right to destroy history.
In this episode we're going to look at our last 2 historical sources: Exhibits, including Hitlers Entartete Kunst & the President's House Exhibition, as well as Art/Sculpture, ranging from Mao's cultural reforms to the Bamiyan Buddhas AND the most written about example, statues of slavers/colonisers.
Thanks so much for following along and contributing to this deep dive, it means the world!
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Sun, 17 May 2026 - 47min - 41 - HOT TAKE: Should we destroy history? (Part 1)
Hi guys! Today we're back with a HOT TAKE episode to unpack the big question we've been asking the last couple of weeks: Do we have a right to destroy history?
In this first part of the series we're going to look at 2 kinds of historical sources: Buildings, including the Berghof & Winter Palace, and Documents, including Mein Kampf & Queen Victoria's diaries!
Make sure to head on over and watch part 2 where we will cover exhibits and art/sculpture very soon!
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 14 May 2026 - 56min - 40 - ATLANTIS: Fact or Fiction?
Hello Divas! Today we're back to unpack the myth, the legend and the facts about the Lost City of Atlantis! According to the Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis was said to have been blessed by Poseidon, god of the sea, becoming home to his demi god offspring, who turned the 'fertile plain' into the greatest civilisation that ever lived. With expertise in metallurgy, craftsmanship, commerce, agriculture and maritime trade, at a time where the rest of the world lived in small nomadic communities, the story of Atlantis has been met with great scepticism.
BUT what if Plato was talking about another island entirely? A real place where the history, archeology and geology all line up - Bronze Age Crete. I can't wait to unpack this one with you all!
If you'd like to read the Timaeus and Critias yourself, then the translations I used are linked.
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 07 May 2026 - 53min - 39 - Kiki Preston: The Girl with the Silver Syringe
Hello Divas! Today we're back with the story of Kiki Preston, the gilded age nepo baby whose life spanned from the streets of Paris to the plains of Africa and the sidewalks of New York City to the drawing room at Buckingham Palace, with her infamous moniker surmising a life that was steeped in equal parts drama, deceit, dukes and drugs!
But what does this nickname do to her historical legacy? Is it the full picture? And just how much of her history is shaped by the monarchical powers at be? Let's find out together!
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Please take care while listening with the sensitive themes mentioned at the top and should you require assistance please use the below:
In Australia, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 0477 131 114 (lifeline) or 1300 22 4636 (Beyond Blue).
In the USA, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or texting HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
In the UK, support is available 24/7 by calling NHS 111 (NHS) or 116 123 (Samaritans)
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 - 35min - 38 - The Gilded Age mansion that sank with Titanic
Hello you! Today we're chatting about Lynnewood Hall, the 110 room gilded age mansion with double the footprint of the White House!
Built for the Widener family, it was meant to be a haven for art and culture, but its hopes sank to the depths with the RMS Titanic when both the Widener heirs died on board. Sold to the church for a seminary, the homes contents full of french art, italian mantles, chinese urns and persian rugs, were auctioned until nothing remained. Year by year, it fell further into disrepair until it was totally abandoned.
Now saved by the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation this great dame gets a second chance, and I can't wait to tell you all about it! You can follow LHPF on Instagram, and watch some of the walk throughs here and here .
If you also want more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 - 54min - 37 - Ching Shih: The Pirate Queen
Happy Friday! Today we are talking about the most successful pirate in history, and I don’t mean Jack Sparrow or Blackbeard - I’m talking about Ching Shih, the former sex worker turned pirate queen who controlled the South China Sea to such an extent the Qing dynasty paid her to retire!
As an Asian woman she defies all the pirate stereotypes toted by historians and western sources alike, and had one hell of a career both on the sea and land!
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 - 40min - 36 - Rasputin: Dynasty ending BDE
You guys have been asking for him, so today we are spending a full hour (and a bit) on Ra Ra Rasputin!
From a Siberian village to the centre of imperial Russia, how did the ‘mad monk’ bring the 300 year old house of Romanov crumbling down? We cover it all from horse whispering to sex sects, pesky rumours to miraculous events and of course, assassinations and 12 inch penises!
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 - 1h 12min - 35 - The 1903 Romanov Ball
Hello you! Today we are chatting about the 1903 Romanov Ball aka, the last great royal ball in Europe!
Thrown in celebration of 290 years of Romanov rule, the entire Russian court was sent back to the 17th century, dripped in gold and gems, posing for photos with their friends and most of all, blissfully ignoring the rumbling discontent outside the palace gates! Listen now to find out all the deets on the evening(s) and how the ball helped bring about the Romanovs final days!
If you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 - 33min - 34 - REVIEW: Love Story
The finale of Ryan Murphy's cult historical fiction 'Love Story' was divisive and jam packed from the explosive scenes between Caroline & Ann Bessette to that plane scene! In this episode, we unpack the finale plus my thoughts on the series as a whole, while looking at the ethics of fictionalised historical dramas like 'Love Story' to try and answer the question on everyone's lips: how long after someone's dead is it okay to profit from the tragedy?
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Ainslie x
Mon, 30 Mar 2026 - 38min - 33 - JFK Jr & CBK
Hello and welcome back to Hot History! I am so thrilled to FINALLY be covering the real history behind JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the wake of Love Story's final episode. From their careers, dealings with the media, inner circles and tragic passing, we're getting to know each of these 90's icons outside the silver screen.
Make sure to tune in on Monday for my full review of Love Story too!
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 - 56min - 32 - The (real) Peaky Blinders
Alrightttt … this episode of Hot History is by order of the Peaky Fooking Blinders!
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is on Netflix tonight, so we’re covering exactly who the real Peaky Blinders were! We start by looking at the Industrial Revolutions impact on Birmingham and the origins of the Victorian street gangs, before covering some of the real figures and events in the TV series. From Billy Kimber to Diana Mitford and of course, Alfie Solomon’s, we get down and dirty with the big wigs of Steven Knights story!We’re also doing some light myth busting (sorry) about some of the series key Shelbyisms and so much more!
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 - 40min - 31 - Where’d the money go?
Hello guys! Today we're talking about what exactly happened to the 'stuff' of queens, emperors, dictators and criminals after it all comes crushing down!
From Marie Antoinette's jewels to the Romanov family's Faberge Eggs and the Kaiser's palaces and art post exile, we look at what happened to the collections of these royal dynasty's when it all comes crashing down!
PLUS we're looking at Hitlers personal will and the royalties from his book, before ending with the fate of Jeffrey Epstein's million dollar property portfolio!
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 12 Mar 2026 - 1h 00min - 30 - The Diamond Necklace Affair
Hi guys! Today we're locking in for a chat on the diamond necklace affair, the event which according to Napoleon Bonaparte is the event "the Queen's death must be dated from". It's a tale of blackmarket dealers, forged signatures, parading prostitutes, and it ended with Marie Antoinette being blamed for it all!
We cover how Marie developed her reputation as 'Madame Deficit,' the scheme behind the diamond necklace affair, the fallout, the role of propaganda in verifying myths and the disastrous effects of the affair for Marie and the Bourbon dynasty.
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 - 51min - 29 - The knights who guard the crown of thorns!
Hello you, welcome back to Hot History! Today's ep looks at the secret Parisian order of monastic knights who guard what some believe to be Jesus's crown of thorns!
We will look at:
1. Origin of this order
2. Origin of this crown from Jerusalem to Paris
3. Role of the order today & the Notre Dame fire
4. Authenticating the crown
PLUS we look at the difference between normal archaeological artifacts and religious relics, and how to authenticate them in the modern day (or not)!
If you like this episode, feel free to share it with your friends or leave us a review. Make sure to tune in next week for our episode on the scandalous diamond necklace which lost Marie Antoinette her head!
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Til next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 26 Feb 2026 - 56min - 27 - Moors & Manuscripts: The Brontë sisters
Hello you, welcome back to Hot History! I’m so excited to chat about the Brontë sisters today and my god we’re DEEPING it! From their education, family dynamic, life on the moors, time in Brussels, publications and untimely deaths, we’re looking at each sister and their works in total.
PLUS to my greatest shock and surprise, the fact that Haworth is also home to the iconic op shop in Wild Child!!
Next week will also be our first ‘hot take’ episode and the question is: Why are we so obsessed with the Nazis. If you have a hot take on this, I want to hear it so please email me at hello@hothistory.com!
If you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
Till next week, Ainslie x
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 - 1h 24min - 26 - We're BACK Baby!
Hello you! Welcome back to the new and improved Hot History Podcast! I am so excited for all things hot AND all things history in 2026!
Today I'm giving you some of my top recommendations across TV, Film, Books, Podcasts, Substacks, Creators and YouTube so you can start Feb filled to the brim with content.
Plus, of course, if you're wanting more Hot History content you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!
If you'd like to submit a hot take or ask us a question you can do so at hello@hothistory.com!
See you next Friday x
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 - 1h 01min - 25 - (the not so) Wonderful Wizard of OzFri, 05 Sep 2025 - 46min
- 24 - King Tut's TombFri, 22 Aug 2025 - 27min
- 23 - Alva Vanderbilt
The golden girl of the gilded age, we are talking about the IRL inspo for Bertha Russell - Mrs Alva Vanderbilt. She was a southern heiress turned new money social climber who rose to the top, married her ex husbands BFF and shocked all when she emerged as one of America's leading suffragette's. This one is truly scandalous!
Tue, 12 Aug 2025 - 25min - 22 - Maria Theresa
The big mommy of Europe, we're talking about the one and only female Habsburg ruler, Maria Theresa. Mother of Marie Antoinette, fighter for compulsory education, patron of the arts and all around master of statescraft there is a reason she goes down in history as one of the 18th centuries biggest baddies!
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 - 21min - 21 - The Von Trapp FamilyFri, 11 Jul 2025 - 22min
- 20 - The Terracotta Warriors
Okay guys today we are scratching the surface (no pun intended) on the terracotta warriors, the massive subterranean army built to protect the first emperor of China - Qin Shi Huang! Discovered in 1974 by Chinese farmers while digging a well, this is the story of how one of history's greatest archaeological discoveries was made AND how it changed the game forever!
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 - 12min - 19 - Marilyn Monroe
A story that spans 36 years, from orphanage to the silver screen and perhaps even the White House... Today, we cover the woman, the legend, the pop culture phoenix: Miss Marilyn Monroe, aka Norma Jeane Mortenson.
Warning:This episode of Hot History contains themes which some viewers may find distressing, including but not limited to eating disorders, mental illness and sexual assault. Please take care when listening, and seek out the resources below should you need.Lifeline: 13 11 14
HELP: 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 - 39min - 18 - The ConcordeFri, 13 Jun 2025 - 19min
- 17 - Louis 14thFri, 06 Jun 2025 - 27min
- 16 - Joan of ArcFri, 30 May 2025 - 19min
- 15 - Mata Hari - The Femme FataleFri, 23 Aug 2024 - 27min
- 14 - Grey Gardens
What's romantic about an American stockbroker?!?!? We deep dive into the lives of Jackie Kennedy's reclusive Aunt and cousin, 'Big' & 'Little' Edie. Former socialites and heiresses, this is a riches-to-rags story set against the backdrop of their crumbling mansion on the coast of East Hamptons, 'Grey Gardens'.
Fri, 16 Aug 2024 - 32min - 13 - The Romanovs
We are BACK for Season 2 of the Hot History Podcast, so strap in because it's big! Today we break down the lives and lies of Russia's last Imperial Family - the Romanovs. With enough twists & turns to be a George R.R Martin sell-out, this is a story of deception, mystics, riches, genetic diseases and pretenders all wrapped up in an estimated $55 Billion package!
Fri, 02 Aug 2024 - 41min - 12 - Marie AntoinetteTue, 27 Feb 2024 - 24min
- 11 - Alexander The (kinda) GreatFri, 16 Feb 2024 - 22min
- 10 - You're (Ivan the) TerribleThu, 25 Jan 2024 - 23min
- 9 - I Missi SisiFri, 12 Jan 2024 - 18min
- 8 - BONUS: Ho Ho Hot HistoryFri, 22 Dec 2023 - 16min
- 7 - Divorced, Beheaded & DiedFri, 15 Dec 2023 - 27min
- 6 - Prinny Di Forever
Today we deep dive into the life of Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Looking at her relationship with Charles, the wider royal family, her motherhood, charitable works, and of course her tragic death we see the long-lasting legacy of one of the UK's most mourned public figures.
TW: this episode references eating disorders and self-harm which some listeners may find disturbing.
Fri, 24 Nov 2023 - 21min - 5 - JFK - The Hot President
Today we deep dive into the life and death of the 35th President of the USA, John F Kennedy. So famous that he is remembered by 3 letters, JFK has as many myths, legends, and conspiracies as Area 51, and we look at them all including his efforts in WW2, family life, civil rights work, and even his supposed affair with Marilyn Monroe.
Fri, 17 Nov 2023 - 23min - 4 - Napoleon aka BonyFri, 10 Nov 2023 - 22min
- 3 - Cleopatra - History's GFFri, 27 Oct 2023 - 23min
- 2 - Caesar, like the SaladFri, 20 Oct 2023 - 22min
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