#161 - Michael Dillon: British Trans Pioneer (Pride Month #10)
Release Date: 06/14/2023
#176 - LGBTQ+ Love in Ancient & Classic Literature: Part 1
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We're always on a mission to show that LGBTQ+ love has existed long before any of us. In this episode, Charlotte covers a brief history of gay relationships in ancient literature, particularly in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, and a little bit of 11th century Japanese literature too. Stay tuned in a couple of episodes time, when we jump forward a bit to classic literature. --- References for This Episode: (See our website below for all links) Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research...
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#175 - 13 Weird Things That Have Washed Ashore
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Ellie shares 13 weird things that have washed ashore in different parts of the world, including an entire 10-foot tree in La Push, a German U-Boat in 1919 that turned out to be lethal, and hundreds of rubber ducks that are still likely to be floating out in the oceans today. --- References for This Episode: (See our website below for all links) Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research this episode. You can also follow us on and at @learnaboutpod. Support us on Patreon: ...
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#174 - Bishop Castle: the Colorado Landmark Built by One Man
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Charlotte talks about Bishop Castle, a huge stone building in Colorado built over the course of 60 years by one man, Jim Bishop. The family describe it as “a monumental statue in stone and iron that cries loud testament to the beauty and glory of not only having a dream, but sticking with your dream no matter what." Learn about the history of this amazing place – and you can even visit for free! --- References for This Episode: (See our website below for all links) Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources...
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#173 - Grace O'Malley: Pirate Queen of Ireland
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In this episode, Ellie talks about someone who fits perfectly in our 'awesome women of history' series: Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Best summed up by Irish historian and novelist Anne Chambers, O'Malley was a fearless leader, by land and by sea, a political pragmatist and politician, a ruthless plunderer, a mercenary, a rebel, and above all, a woman who broke the mould and played a unique role in history. --- References for This Episode: (See our website below for all links and resources used for this episode) by Anne Chambers Where to Find Us: Head to our...
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#172 - Craftivism: How Artists Use Crafts to Change the World
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Throughout history, there have been so many different methods people have used to affect change in the world, from peaceful protests to revolutions that are anything but quiet. But one of the methods that has risen to prominence over the last century or so is “craftivism”: a word that combines craft and activism. Charlotte talks all about craftivism in today's episode, from the banners made by the Suffragettes to more modern campaigns for high street chains to pay their employees a living wage. --- References for This Episode: (See our website below for all links) Where to Find...
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#171 - How to Be a Better Home Cook with Ben Ebbrell (Sorted Food)
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We're very excited to be joined by Ben Ebbrell, otherwise known as Ebbers, from YouTube's Sorted Food! We talk all about how to be a better home cook, including essential kitchen equipment and cupboard staples, how to expand your culinary knowledge, how to be excited even about midweek cooking, and lots more. Ben also talks about his history of food, how he found his passion for it, and how Sorted Food came to be. --- Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research this episode. You can also follow us on...
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#170 - British Christmas Dinner Through the Ages
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On 25th December, lots of families across the UK will tuck into a Christmas dinner. Everyone has their favourite part that they just can't go without, whether it's the roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings or our personal favourite – pigs in blankets! But what did Christmas dinner in Britain look like throughout the ages? And where did some of our traditional Christmas day eats begin? It started earlier than you might think... --- Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research this episode. You can also follow...
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#169 - The Truly Terrifying Tale of Pinocchio
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If you've seen the Disney adaptation of Pinocchio, you might think it's one of the darker, scarier films Disney have made. But did you know the original tale written by Carlo Collodi is even more terrifying? We're talking abuse, starvation, death... yeah, it's a fun ride (and written for children!!). In this episode, Charlotte tells the original dark tale of Pinocchio, some of the possible inspiration behind it in Collodi's real life, and some of the adaptations that have been made since, from dark to downright bizarre. --- Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full...
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#168 - How Russell T. Davies Changed TV with Dr. Emily Garside
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We're so excited to be joined by Dr. Emily Garside to talk about her book, Gay Aliens and Queer Folk: How Russell T. Davies Changed TV. We nerd out about Russell T. Davies' entire writing career and how he changed the landscape of queer and working class characters on TV, and how Wales and the UK as a whole has been impacted by the phenomenon of Doctor Who. We also discuss the positive queer representation in other shows like Schitt's Creek. --- Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research this...
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#167 - Accessible Halloween: How to Make the Spooky Season Inclusive
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Halloween is widely celebrated around the world in many different ways, but have you ever considered how to make your celebrations inclusive and accessible to all? Accessibility is a huge thing today, and it’s really important not to make anyone feel left out of the celebration. In this episode, Charlotte shares some studies and ideas to make your spooky holiday more inclusive, so everyone can enjoy it! --- Where to Find Us: Head to our website, , to read the full episode notes and see a list of links and resources used to research this episode. You can also follow us on...
info_outlineIn the 1950s, the concept of medical gender transitioning became possible in the UK, and 2023 marks just over 70 years since the first known transition surgery was carried out in Britain.
One of the people whose story really should be heard more is Michael Dillon, a British trans pioneer. His story leading up to this milestone was long and complex, and Dillon's life is neglected by mainstream LGBTQIA+ history.
It's time for trans history to become more centralised in historical narratives of gender and sexuality. So here's Michael Dillon's story!
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