Beheaded

Georg Honauer was a man of ambition and bold confidence, living during a time when alchemy was at the height of fascination. Seizing the opportunity, he sought to impress Friedrich I, Duke of Württemberg, with his grand claim: the ability to turn ordinary metal into gold. But in his overconfidence, Georg may have miscalculated the risks—leading to a dramatic and tragic downfall. In this episode, the punishment is as fitting as it is "iron"-ic, as we explore the dark consequences of a failed alchemical dream. 

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Meet Catherine of Alexandria — the brilliant, fearless, and slightly rebellious saint who gave 4th-century philosophers a run for their money. From outwitting emperors to holding her own in a debate with the greatest minds of her time, Catherine wasn’t just a pretty face (though, she probably had one of those too). One of her biggest legacies was actually having a torture device named after her. Tune in to find out why! 

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Though Robert Aske, a well connected English barrister, attempted to keep to himself and live a quiet life of work and faith, the rebels of northern England had other ideas. Aske went from merely speaking ill of King Henry VIII’s  religious reforms to captaining a full-on uprising, becoming the foremost leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace. Unfortunately for Aske, Henry VIII was not known for his patience or forgiveness. Tune in as we unravel the drama, the politics, and the tragic irony of a man who fought for faith and tradition... only to find himself on the wrong side of the executioner’s scaffold.

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The Roman's never missed the opportunity for a classic metaphorical (and gruesome) death sentence. Manius Aquillius was a Roman politician and military commander in about 100 BC. During an era of epic battles and rebellions, he wasn't short on enemies. As a symbolic measure for his thirst for wealth, Aquillius faced one of the most unique and grotesque executions we've shared on this podcast: death by having molten gold poured down his throat. If you, like us, are curious how this would even work, then you're going to want to listen to this episode. 

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Edith Cavell was a British nurse and World War I hero. Known for her unwavering commitment to saving lives, Cavell played a pivotal role in helping over 200 Allied soldiers and civilians escape German-occupied Belgium through an underground network. In this episode, we discuss the rise of her nursing career and how she went above and beyond in her efforts to save lives. Unfortunately, her actions were not seen as acts of humanity from the German perspective, and they were prepared to subject Edith to the full punishment for being labeled a traitor.

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The infamous feast that later became known as the Black Dinner represents a dark chapter in Scottish history. Set in 15th-century Scotland, during an era of crusades and violence, our story details how the young brothers of the Douglas clan were betrayed during a celebratory dinner, marked by the ominous presentation of a bull's head. We explore the political motives and repercussions of a banquet that turned into a bloodbath and later inspired the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones.

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The story of Agnes Bernauer is a haunting blend of love and tragedy that has been passed down for generations. Born in the early 1400's Bavaria, Agnes ascended from the working class to the Munich court by capturing the heart of a duke’s son. Duke Ernest of Bavaria, however, had other plans for his son. With accusations of witchcraft looming, her lover’s father took drastic measures to ensure Agnes would not be in his son's life for long. 

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In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Jeremiah Brandreth, a key figure in the Luddite rebellion. Known as 'The Nottingham Captain,' Brandreth led a desperate uprising of workers against the mechanization that threatened their jobs and livelihoods in early 19th-century England. We take a look at the impact of the Industrial Revolution who the Luddites were, as well as the harsh punshment they received for rebelling against the government. 

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In this episode, we take you back to the court of Versailles to share the story of Madame du Barry—the last mistress of King Louis XV. Was she truly the frivolous scandal history remembers? Or a woman of surprising wit, charm, and ambition? Pour yourself a glass of something French and let’s dive into the life of this infamous enchantress who found herself both beloved and betrayed by the world’s most glittering court.

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