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PODCAST

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures

Jamie Poljanac, Erin Poljanac, & Matt H

Just like history isn’t all black and white, neither are the people who lived it. So who are the ones living in the grey?Welcome to Ambivalent Offenders— where we dig into the lives of people who’ve been called a lot of things: villains, scoundrels, monsters, misfits, or just plain morally messy. But were they really as bad as history says… or have they gotten an unfair rap?In each episode, we unpack the stories, facts, and cultural myths surrounding some of the most questionable (and sometimes

history

All Episodes

68:36

William the Conqueror: Part 1

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/11/19

In this first episode of the series, we are diving deep into the often messy and violent early life of William the Conqueror. From his tumultuous childhood in 11th-century Normandy to gaining his infamous title of conqueror, we explore the turbulent road that saw a young bastard son of a duke become one of history's most controversial figures. It is a wild ride of political maneuvering, violent power plays, and, there at the heart of it, a man to be both feared and loathed. Tell us your...

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107:53

Harold Godwinson: Part 2

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/10/23

In Part 2 of Harold Godwinson’s story, Erin and Matt chart Harold's rise to power after the death of his father, his (very) brief kingship, and the bitter betrayal of his brother, which ultimately led to the showdown with Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. A battle in which a nation would be changed forever. Cameos include multiple Ediths (how many wives named Edith can ONE man have?) and a mention of Scooby Doo. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take...

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62:56

Harold Godwinson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King of England

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/09/25

Erin and Matt dive into the wildly dramatic life of Harold Godwinson, the last true Anglo-Saxon King of England. In Part 1, we rewind to the Anglo-Saxon world to follow the rise of Harold’s ambitious, king-making father, Godwin, the chaos of Viking invasions, and the messy family dynamics that shaped England’s fate. Follow along as we chart Harold’s road to the throne, which was paved by exile, wives, and plenty of political backstabbing, all leading to a cataclysmic end at the Battle of Hast...

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89:19

Toussaint Louverture, the Black Spartacus: Part 1

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/08/21

Join Jamie, Erin, and Matt as they dive into the extraordinary life of Toussaint Louverture—born into slavery, educated under the eyes of plantation masters, and soon the driving force behind the Caribbean’s most pivotal uprising. In this episode, we set the scene beyond Saint-Domingue’s brutal sugar-and-coffee world: we map the global stage of rival European powers, revolutions, and shifting alliances that shaped his path. Discover how a man described as short and unassuming rises to become ...

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111:15

Akhenaten, the Heretic Pharaoh of Egypt

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/08/04

Join hosts Erin, Jamie, and Matt as we unpack the life of the heretic pharaoh who upended centuries of religious practices for a sun disc with hands. Along with his famous wife, Nefertiti, Akhenaten built an entire city from scratch for his new religion, and dragged the whole country along for the ride, whether they liked it or not. Spoiler: they did not. Was he a visionary ahead of his time or just an ancient megalomaniac tyrant with a (literal) god complex? We get into all of it: the high c...

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82:42

Yoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the...

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/07/19

Yoko Ono has long been cast in the shadow of John Lennon—or worse, blamed for breaking up The Beatles. But the truth is far more powerful. In this episode, we dive into Yoko’s groundbreaking solo art career, her fearless activism, and the decades of backlash she endured as a woman, an outsider, and a visionary. From participatory art and peace towers to the biscuit incident and Get Back reappraisals, we unravel the myths and celebrate the legacy of a cultural icon who turned pain into purpose...

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1:22

Trailer for “Ambivalent Offenders”

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/07/05

History is rarely black and white—and neither are the people who shape it. *Ambivalent Offenders* explores the lives of controversial historical figures who “live in the grey.” Hosted by twin sisters Jamie and Erin, along with frequent guest co-host Matt, the show blends rich historical research with approachable, conversational storytelling. No lectures—just layered context and a healthy dose of curiosity and fun. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support th...

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119:45

George Villiers: Part 3

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/07/01

In Part 3 of our series, we wrap up the glamorous, chaotic life of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, a man who somehow managed to fail upwards until the very, bitter end. From his attempts at diplomacy (Cardinal Richelieu has now entered the chat) to his ill-fated military campaigns, George had a knack for turning everything that he touched into a spectacular mess. Discover how his bromance with (Baby) Charles I led to political chaos, why Parliament aimed to impeach him (twice!), and how ...

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75:34

Yoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the...

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/06/30

Was Yoko Ono really the reason the Beatles broke up… or is there a lot more to the story? (Spoiler: there is.) In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Ambivalent Offenders, we explore the real Yoko Ono — far beyond the tired headlines and fan theories. From her childhood in wartime Japan to her bold entry into the avant-garde New York art world, Yoko was already a creative force before she ever met John Lennon. We trace: Her rise as a solo artist and performance visionaryThe evolution of...

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103:13

George Villiers: Part 2

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/06/24

We continue the story of the ultimate Favorite, history’s greatest boy toy—George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Stick around for the disguises (fake mustaches!), Cardinal Richelieu popping up like a movie villain, and a dirty joke that had be censored (don’t worry, we kept some of it). There’s even a dash of true crime, because is it even a podcast without that? Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time ...

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24:29

"Just Throw Away the Key" Episode 1: Jails, Prisons,...

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/06/14

Available now wherever you listen to podcasts! Please subscribe to follow for future episodes! This is episode one of "Just Throw Away the Key, the Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination," the podcast where we talk about what happens after the true crime story ends because there's so much left about what comes next, things that impact you and I in ways we sometimes are blind to one thing being funding. Prisons cost money to run for food officers, power heating progr...

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3:21

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/06/14

This is the trailer for my (Jamie typing here) podcast, "Just Throw Away the Key: The Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination." Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an email that we can read!) or have a recommendation for a historical figure, please contact us ...

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94:53

George Villiers: Part 1

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/06/06

We are tackling the action-packed and brief life of George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, who became the powerful favorite and lover of King James I of England. In Part 1, we cover George's early life, how he found himself dangled in front of a king (thanks to his mother and the Queen), and all the complexities of being a favorite. Spoiler alert: it's a lot more paper-pushing than you'd expect. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Inst...

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111:33

Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 3

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/05/15

We conclude our series on Mary Todd Lincoln, covering her life post-assassination, her insanity trial, the betrayal of her eldest son, and how she spent her final years. Expect a rant (or two!) about Robert Lincoln, everybody’s least favorite Lincoln child. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it c...

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102:19

Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 2

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/05/07

We continue Mary Todd Lincoln’s story as she enters the White House, diving into her controversial tenure as First Lady, her exploration of spiritualism, and the assassination that turned her world—and the nation—upside down. Will Erin make it through the pod without crying? Spoiler: absolutely not. But at least we got to roast a (dead) senator and his muttonchops before the overwhelming sadness. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram P...

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161:28

Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 1

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/04/25

Mary Todd Lincoln has the distinction of being one of the least popular First Ladies of the United States, even as her husband tops the lists of greatest Presidents. Their marriage has been the topic of entire books and careers. Mary has been called crazy, a spendthrift, certainly not the intellectual equal of her husband. Listen to part 1 of our series on Mary Todd Lincoln to hear about her early life in Lexington Kentucky, the courtship and marriage to an up and coming attorney named Abraha...

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57:11

President Lincoln's Assassination and Aftermath

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/04/14

We are marking the 160th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865. As we prepare to release our upcoming series on Mary Todd Lincoln, we are going to go forward in her story and talk about the assassination and its aftermath. Explore with us the details of the plot, the events of the day, and what Lincoln's body has gone through after his death (spoiler alert: it is a lot--more than you would expect a body to go through!). Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our t...

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92:07

Tonya Harding

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/04/01

Grab your ice skates—we are going back to the ‘90s to talk all about Tonya Harding! Harding survived her bad childhood to become a rising (and controversial) star in the figure skating world...until the scandal broke that put her in the pantheon of “Bad Women" and ruined whatever was left of her reputation. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgeme...

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92:56

Andrew Carnegie and the Robber Barons

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/03/24

The original oligarchs of America are on trial this week. Grab your monocle and best suit as we head back to the Gilded Age to meet Andrew Carnegie and his gang of fellow robber barons…and spend not an insignificant time discussing HBO’s “The Gilded Age.” Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can...

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111:38

Mark Antony: Part 3

Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most... ·

2025/03/10

We have arrived at the end of Mark Antony's story...and his life. Join Erin and guest co-host, Matt, as we discuss his relationship with Cleopatra, the final showdown with Octavian, and how it went so horribly, inescapably wrong. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one time support) TikTok Show website If you have a judgement on any of the figures that we have covered (it can be a voice memo or an ema...

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58 results

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