The Z List Dead List

While researching Billie Swift Takes Flight Iszi discovered the story of Diana Barnato Walker - a world record setting pilot who flew Spitfires during the second world war. Diana was one of many female pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary that features in iszi's new children's book. The RAF needed planes delivered and women like Diana were the ones who did the flying. The work was dangerous. Find out how a simple lack of cushion nearly cost her her life!    x

When a dinosaur obsession works out. Victoria Coules has the best PHD going. She is researching representations of Paleontology in media. This means she gets to look at dinosaurs all day as well as study why they were depicted the way they were. As part of her research she has been studying Winsor Mccay, the cartoonist who pioneered modern animation by drawing an interactive cartoon of a dinosaur. This was a pet project, and his contribution to animation isn't widely known. Thanks for listening do check out the links below and share this podcast with your friends. Links: x

Were all composers white men with powdered wigs? The shocking truth is no, of course they weren't. Iszi speaks to Elizabeth de Brito of The Daffodil Perspective about the most famous of the non-male and non - white composers, Florence Price. Who I guess is still Z List unless you are very much into your classical music, and only old white men with powdered wigs like that, right? ;) Thanks for listening do check out the links below and share this podcast with your friends. Links: x

I worry I may have been too positive about Margery Kempe. I do find her fascinating, not just because she offers a glimpse into life in the early 15th Century but because of how modern she feels as a character. She's the sort of person you'd expect to find on Dr Phil. Everything is about her, and her faith. Most historians when I was asking for suggestions to title this podcast offered up titles suggesting she was a self obsessed whiner and malingerer...  However it is because of her unquestioned self importance that we have her autobiography dictated out of order to at least three different scribes. This book is incredibly exciting, and was only unearthed in 1934.  I had to leave a lot out of this podcast, including her failings in the brewing industry (due to a lazy horse). But I hope you will get a sense of a woman of great courage, drive and grit.  Part of me feels she was probably a lot more fun than Julian of Norwich or other medieval mystics. Have a listen and see what you think. x

Kim Kardashian is now famously a billionaire, mostly from successful promoting and selling shapewear underwear which she promotes using her ass-sets. But was she the first person to commodify this particular body part and where has the idea of a large bottom being a sexual marker come from? Is it purely natural does actual idea of a large booty equating to being hypersexual  have sinister undertones? I recorded this interview with Laura Snowling several years ago but found the story incredibly sad and troubling so decided against putting it out. However, I think this was cowardly and it is a REALLY thought provoking tale.  I hope you enjoy it, and I'll make sure I do something more upbeat next time. Laura Snowling is a project manager at The British Museum without her I would never have heard of Sarah or her story.  Sarah Baartman Support me on Ko-fi

'He was a shiftless person, roving and maggotty-headed, and sometimes a little better than crazed. And being exceedingly credulous would stuff his many letters with fooleries and misinformations which sometimes would guide him into paths of error.'  - Anthony Wood on John Aubrey  31st August 1667 Books: Brief Lives (edited by Richard Barber) and John Aubrey My Own Life by Ruth Scurr. It has been a strange year that has me thinking a lot of the troubles of the 17th century. A hero flittered through life in this time, always taken away from his passions by war, plague and the shiny objects and interesting people he desperately tried to make sense of. A magpie of knowledge with a brain to match, I have a huge affection for Mr John Aubrey, his scattered notes and collections make all our lives richer for his endeavours.  It has been a while since I updated the Z List Dead List. I would be very grateful if you enjoyed this if you could share it with like minded folks. Leaving a review also helps out. If you want to help out or show your support - do go to and buy me a coffee. You can also check out my books and other podcasts on . You can contact me on , or through my website. Photo is by Steve Cross

No episode this month BECAUSE I've been working on another podcast. I know. It is all about dinosaurs and this is just a small taster. Go to for more information. Thank you!

Brill performance by Greg Jenner - author of the BRAND NEW book Dead Famous - and host of the You're Dead To Me Podcast. His performance is nearly as good as Edmund Kean. You know that hugely famous actor... you don't know Edmund Kean? Well listen up! For more information about The Z List Dead List please visit  The Unstoppable Letty Pegg is available to buy now!

Unusual episode where I guest on The Bechdel Cast where Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus put movies to the Bechdel Test. This episode was recorded live in London and is about The Favourite the story of the last few years of Queen Anne's reign and her love affair with Sarah Churchill. Olivia Colman won several awards for her performance and the film was critically acclaimed but just how historically accurate is it and does it pass the Bechdel Test? To find out more about The Bechal Cast visit and to find out more about me go to

No violence, all charm, this podcast isn't about Marvel, but it is of a man who marvels at the smallest and least understood creatures. For more information about The Z List Dead List please visit The Unstoppable Letty Pegg is available to preorder now and released on 6th Feb 2020.