On Sylvia Plath, your guest said that feminism hasn’t quite covered the postpartum body or something of that nature. Well, she’s not read enough. There’s a vast field of research of all aspects of pregnancy, maternity, the body, and so on. Too easily generalised. Too easily checked haha.

The Great Life episode on Nero is one of the worst rewrites of history I’ve ever heard and is almost a parody of the BBC and its agenda-led output. Apparently his was a “great life” because he was an leading thespian and was bisexual. These are things the BBC love. But his sordid, mass execution of Christians (people the BBC hate) is quickly glossed over and even thrown into doubt. When Hermann Goering was caught fleeing Nazi Germany in 1945 it was noted that his nails were coated in red varnish. He was also a particular lover of the arts. So perhaps we’ll soon have another episode on the greatly misunderstood and demonised head of the Luftwaffe. This series needs a new production team and a new presenter without an agenda.

Mixed feelings about this podcast. I appreciate the breadth of subjects and the breezy tone of the show. But it seems the goal of each episode is to lessen our appreciation & respect for the subject as they are made 'more human' and seemingly more 'relatable'. Of course these historical figures were far from perfect; I just find it irritating that we end up hearing a conversation that deconstructs their 'greatness' in a very postmodern, self-congratulatory way. I find myself thinking "well I guess 'so & so' wasn't that great after all." :(

So many angry reviews, relax people it’s just an opinion that’s not in line with your own. Such an enjoyable light hearted show. Thank you Matthew!!

They left some things out with FDR: Executive Order 9066 On February 19, 1942, FDR issued Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. More than two-thirds of these people were native born American citizens. They were confined in inland internment camps operated by the military.

This podcast is done very well. It’s nice that there are no bells and whistles, no time fillers, no ads. Hardly any arrogance. Well done. I like Matthew Parris’ style. There is personality and honesty.

I listened to the biography of the late, great Austrian actress, Hedy Lamarr, as told by Suzy Klein. I consider it biographical malpractice that she left out the very significant fact that Hedy was born Hedwig Kiesler, to a Jewish family! Her first husband was an arms merchant, Friedrich Mandl. He was half-Jewish through his father. In addition, Mandl actually did some arms business with Mussolini and Hitler! The reason these ethnic facts are so significant is because when she came into her own an as actress, the pre-war Nazi period was her milieu. Anyway, that was quite an omission.

And you, Matthew Parris—after you’ve argued for the rational inevitability of criminalising Roma & Traveller lives, and for the rational & emotional inevitability of leaving refugees & asylum seekers to die somewhere else—will yours be remembered as a Great Life?

I enjoy this podcast so much. Will BBC continue producing it? Please! -Susana

The Khalil Gibran episode is a great example of how condescending and patronizing the host can be on this show. He says something along the lines of: you say you’re such a great admirer and yet you’ve never seen a photograph of Gibran? Hmm Wow. I don’t get why he acts so disagreeable. If the subject of an episode or the guests disgust him so, why do the episode at all?

If the strategy of the hosts of the David Bowie and Marcel Duchamp programs was to be unsophisticated and irritating, then well done. Maybe they should just read the news.

One of the best podcasts,ever!

I am hooked on this podcast. Excellent guest selection, great format, and Matthew’s skill as the master of ceremonies is the glue that holds it all together. Intelligent and witty. First rate.

This podcast needs a host that isn’t mired down in old white man with far right views biases and prejudices syndrome. He’s very disrespectful to those he obviously doesn’t like and his bigotry is on full display in many episodes while he gushes on over historical rightwing political subjects. The episode about Maya Angelou was horrific and his behavior was deplorable.

What a wonderful program! I thoroughly enjoyed the episode on Doris Day—like Dolly, I found her when I was young and am a lifelong fan. I appreciate the depth of conversation. Will definitely listen to more episodes!

I always learn something new. I am almost done listening to all the back episodes! This has been a great companion on some long drives. The interviewer is thoughtful and insightful. The guest are intelligent and able to speak well about their subject.

I love them all and learn so much!

May: I wish someone would choose a boxer such as Mike Tyson, or Sugar Ray I love this show

The white-washing of Edward Said in this podcast is disgusting. The language used in this podcast to describe Said further demonizes Palestinians....

Wonder program with the exception of the interviewer. He's so out of date in his attitudes he can barely conceal his personal prejudices. It's galling when he puts his uninformed dare I say misogynist spin on things. Offensive.

I love hearing about why each guest picks their champion!

Super interesting and informative. Great podcast

Intriguing introductions to notable and historical figures.

This podcast is genuinely fantastic. So well researched, but in an engaging format, answering questions and having discussion where there would be done in a textbook or other academic source. Absolutely my favorite podcast!

The subjects are good and guests are interesting but Matthew Parris is one of the worst interviewers. I find his line of questioning to be facile and obnoxious, especially when he asks questions about a person he does not like.

The moderator's utter decency comes through in every episode. Variety with interesting guests and historians.

Matthew Parris is an objective, engaging, and entertaining interviewer. Some of the episodes are expectedly hit-or-miss based on ones interest in the topic at hand, but almost all are worth a listen. A top-notch podcast in every way.

I love this every time its offered. The problem is....its not offered much! Plus, this show goes back for years, I wish all the archives were available, especially the show about Ian Curtis.

A wonderful and comprehensive look at historical figures. It is neither a puff piece nor a slash job, but an engaging discussion of intriguing individuals warts and all.

If you like this you should listen to In Our Time as well..