Oh What A Time...

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It’s time to embark on a journey through history with "Oh What A Time…" a comedy history podcast hosted by renowned comedians Elis James and Tom Craine along with award winning podcaster Chris Scull. Tackling a brand new subject each week, (from ‘childhood’ to ‘a life at sea’, ‘marriage’ to ‘holidays’) your hosts will dive into the very weirdest and worst that history has to offer, in an effort to answer the question… "Was the past as awful as it sounds?"

For all the links, including our Patreon, head to" ohwhatatime.com

You can get in touch with the show by emailing: hello@ohwhatatime.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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292 episodes
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Episodes292

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Oct 28, 2025 · 25 min
#143 Memorials (Part 2)
This is Part 2! For Part 1, check the feed! This week we’re taking a look at interesting memorials. We’ve got a brief history of statues in Britain, the history of the blue plaque and we’ve got a little on the history of naming things. Now sadly, there is no permanent memorial to West Ham winning the UEFA Conference League (at time of writing), but if you’ve got any interesting memorials you’d like to send our way or have any ideas for some, you can send them in here: hello@ohwhatatime.com And in huge news, Oh What A Time is now on Patreon! From content you’ve never heard before to the incredible Oh What A Time chat group, there’s so much more OWAT to be enjoyed! On our Patreon you’ll now find: •The full archive of bonus episodes •Brand new bonus episodes each month •OWAT subscriber group chats •Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show •PLUS ad-free episodes earlier than everyone else Join us at 👉 patreon.com/ohwhatatime And as a special thank you for joining, use the code CUSTARD for 25% off your first month. You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 27, 2025 · 31 min
#143 Memorials (Part 1)
This week we’re taking a look at interesting memorials. We’ve got a brief history of statues in Britain, the history of the blue plaque and we’ve got a little on the history of naming things. Now sadly, there is no permanent memorial to West Ham winning the UEFA Conference League (at time of writing), but if you’ve got any interesting memorials you’d like to send our way or have any ideas for some, you can send them in here: hello@ohwhatatime.com And in huge news, Oh What A Time is now on Patreon! From content you’ve never heard before to the incredible Oh What A Time chat group, there’s so much more OWAT to be enjoyed! On our Patreon you’ll now find: •The full archive of bonus episodes •Brand new bonus episodes each month •OWAT subscriber group chats •Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show •PLUS ad-free episodes earlier than everyone else Join us at 👉 patreon.com/ohwhatatime And as a special thank you for joining, use the code CUSTARD for 25% off your first month. You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 21, 2025 · 28 min
#142 Technophobia (Part 2)
This is Part 2! For Part 1, check the feed! It’s a new series of Oh What A Time and this week we have for you: Luddites! Swing riots! Rebecca riots! Yes, this week we’re talking: Technophobia. Plus: how on earth did anyone get about internationally before the dawn of the internet? It’s absolutely bewildering. If you’ve got something to share, you can do that right here: hello@ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). And thank you for subscribing, we couldn’t make the show without you! Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2025 · 38 min
#142 Technophobia (Part 1)
It’s a new series of Oh What A Time (brought to you by Acast!) and this week we have for you: Luddites! Swing riots! Rebecca riots! Yes, this week we’re talking: Technophobia. Plus: how on earth did anyone get about internationally before the dawn of the internet? It’s absolutely bewildering. If you’ve got something to share, you can do that right here: hello@ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). And thank you for subscribing, we couldn’t make the show without you! Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 12, 2025 · 11 min
🚨 IT'S ANOTHER EMERGENCY PODCAST 🚨
Hey listeners, here's an update! We're so sorry but we haven't been able to find a new home for Oh What A Time in time to bring you our new series here on the main feed today. But fear not! As we mention, we are very close. But don't forget, if you want to hear the start of the new series now plus new bonus episodes too, you can do so over on — Patreon! 🎉 On our Patreon you’ll now find: The full archive of bonus episodes Brand new bonus episodes each month OWAT subscriber group chats Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show PLUS the first two episodes of our new series (Technophobia and Memorials), which we can’t wait to share with you. Join us at 👉 patreon.com/ohwhatatime And as a special thank you, use the code custard for 25% off your first month. Thanks so much for sticking with us — and apologies we're not back yet. We will be soon! Chris, Tom & Elis x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 28, 2025 · 11 min
🚨 EMERGENCY PODCAST 🚨
Hey listeners, As you may have seen, our podcasting host Wondery has closed its UK operations — which has left Oh What A Time a little homeless for the moment. Wondery+ has been the home of our bonus content for the past year, so with those doors closing, our paid subscriber episodes also needed somewhere new to live. The good news: as of today, we’ve found that new home — Patreon! 🎉 On our Patreon you’ll now find: The full archive of bonus episodes Brand new bonus episodes each month OWAT subscriber group chats Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show PLUS the first two episodes of our new series (Technophobia and Memorials), which we can’t wait to share with you. Join us at 👉 patreon.com/ohwhatatime And as a special thank you, use the code custard for 25% off your first month. Thanks so much for sticking with us — and apologies for the little pause while we find a new long-term home for the show. Chris, Tom & Elis x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2025 · 54 min
#69 Your Letters - September 2024 (Bonus Episode!)
OWAT returns properly on Monday 29th September 2025, so to fill the gap over the next couple of weeks we're dropping a few old subscriber episodes onto the feed. And today we have a Your Letters episode from September 2024. In this, we’ll hear from listeners with astounding relatives, we’ll ponder how awful a stag-do in Sparta may have been, plus we hear of the most practical one day time machines, possibly ever. If you fancy sending us a letter, you can do so via the medium of the future, email: hello@ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 21, 2025 · 53 min
#55 Your Letters - June 2024 (Bonus Episode!)
OWAT returns properly on Monday 29th September 2025, so to fill the gap over the next couple of weeks we're dropping a few old subscriber episodes onto the feed. Today we've got a Your Letters episode back from June 2024. There will be hilarious emails, there will be things we never knew and YES there will be a healthy dose of corrections. Don’t forget if you’ve got anything to send in, you can send it in via: hello@ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 15, 2025 · 54 min
#51 Selection Box (Bonus episode!)
OWAT returns properly on Monday 29th September 2025, so to fill the gap over the next couple of weeks we're dropping a few old subscriber episodes onto the feed. And today with have a special little selection box of a few things we desperately wanted to talk about; there’s a bit more on gangs, a bit more on weather and (quite possibly the main event) a bear that joined the military. Now would the Rolling Stones have caught on if Tom was the lead singer? Would Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers have been surpassed by Chris’? And could Elis have been bigger than the Beatles? We don’t have the answers, but do you? If so: hello@ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). We'll be back soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 14, 2025 · 55 min
#35 Medieval S*x (Bonus episode!)
OWAT returns properly on Monday 29th September 2025, so to fill the gap over the next couple of weeks we're dropping a few old subscriber episodes onto the feed. Today we've got the only episode ever recorded without Elis - with the marvellous Matthew Crosby sitting in for him. This episode is Medieval S*x and yes, it’s worth pointing out that history’s horniest podcaster Tom Craine came up with this one. Who would you go back and kiss through cling film? Do you love creme egg gloop? If you’ve got answers to these or any other questions, please do get in touch: hello@ohwhatatime.com Oh and please follow us on Twitter at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod And thank you to Dr Daryl Leeworthy for his help with this week’s research. Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). We'll be back soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8, 2025 · 30 min
#139 Alexander the Great (Part 10)
We wrap up Alexander’s legacy by looking at his cultural impact. On screen, everyone from Richard Burton to William Shatner (yes, really) takes a shot at bringing him to life. And in literature, from medieval romances to Mary Renault, Alexander refuses to stay in the past — his legend constantly rewritten for every age. If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before, why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 7, 2025 · 29 min
#138 Alexander the Great (Part 9)
We explore how Alexander’s story echoes through time. In history, his empire shapes Rome, Egypt, and the borders of knowledge itself. Also - is it just us or were 80s and 90s playground not quite up to today’s health and safety standards? If you’ve got something to share on this, do email: hello@ohwhatatime.com If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 1, 2025 · 34 min
#137 Alexander the Great (Part 8)
In the Indus Valley, Alexander pushes into modern-day Pakistan and India, defeating warrior queens and kings before his men call time at the edge of the known world. Then, the long road home — a deadly desert march, political purges, and the loss of Hephaestion — sets the stage for Alexander’s final days. If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 31, 2025 · 31 min
#136 Alexander the Great (Part 7)
We’re chasing Alexander into Central Asia, where Darius meets a grim fate and local satraps learn the cost of betrayal. And what did people do in the pre-freezer age? The mind boggles. But if you’ve had something in your freezer for 30 years or more, please let us know: hello@ohwhatatime.com If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 25, 2025 · 39 min
#135 Alexander the Great (Part 6)
Egypt rolls out the red carpet, hailing him as Pharaoh and even a living god. Finally, the titanic Battle of Gaugamela sees Alexander smash Darius’ massive army and claim the Persian Empire for himself. If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 24, 2025 · 35 min
#134 Alexander the Great (Part 5)
It’s Alexander vs. Darius in a showdown for the ages. First, the Battle of Issus turns the Persian king into a fugitive and Alexander into master of the Levant. Elsewhere, we’re discussing terrible marketing strategies including the infamous ‘ten cent brawl’. Got another to share with us? hello@ohwhatatime.com If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 22, 2025 · 37 min
#86 In the Navy (Free subscriber episode!)
As a special summer treat in amongst our Alexander The Great mini-series, we thought we'd drop a subscriber episode onto the feed. This episode was made available for subscribers on new year's eve 2024 and in it, Tom Craine has been exploring the reality of life in the navy; from being kidnapped on a night out and thrown aboard a ship, incredible rum rations, right through to sharing a ship with hundreds of rats - it’s all here. We'll be back soon for more Oh What a Time but if you'd like to email the show, you can do so via: hello@ohwhatatime.com Toodle-pip! Chris, Tom and Elis x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 18, 2025 · 31 min
#133 Alexander the Great (Part 4)
Next, Alexander stamps his authority on Greece — crushing Thebes, securing the Balkans, and claiming Achilles as his role model. We end with the first clash with Persia at the River Granicus, as Alexander announces himself on the world stage. If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 17, 2025 · 36 min
#132 Alexander the Great (Part 3)
We’re diving into palace intrigue, starting with the assassination of Philip II at a wedding that makes Game of Thrones look tame. Also, Tom has an idea for glasses innovation that sounds suspiciously like the glasses Dutch footballer Edgar David’s wore in the 90s. Please email in your criticism to: hello@ohwhatatime.com If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 11, 2025 · 31 min
#131 Alexander the Great (Part 2)
We explore the young prince’s elite education under Aristotle, featuring wild horses, epic poetry, and geography lessons that fuelled global conquest. Finally, we take a look at the puzzle of Alexander’s early life — where the myths end, the history begins, and the truth gets slippery. If you fancy a bunch of OWAT content you’ve never heard before (and the entirety of the mini-series right now!), why not treat yourself and become an Oh What A Time: FULL TIMER? Up for grabs is: - two bonus episodes every month! - ad-free listening - episodes a week ahead of everyone else - And much more Subscriptions are available via AnotherSlice and Wondery +. For all the links head to: ohwhatatime.com You can also follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) at @ohwhatatimepod And Instagram at @ohwhatatimepod Aaannnd if you like it, why not drop us a review in your podcast app of choice? Thank you to Dan Evans for the artwork (idrawforfood.co.uk). Chris, Elis and Tom x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.