Best Erin Poljanac Podcasts (2025)

1
Akhenaten, the Heretic Pharaoh of Egypt 1:51:15

14d ago1:51:15

1:51:15

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 d…

1
Yoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the Beatles": Part 2 1:22:42

30d ago1:22:42

1:22:42

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 towe…

1
Trailer for “Ambivalent Offenders” 1:22

1M ago1:22

1:22

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 le…

1
George Villiers: Part 3 1:59:45

2M ago1:59:45

1:59:45

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…

1
Yoko Ono, "the So-Called Woman Who Broke Up the Beatles": Part 1 1:15:34

2M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

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 worl…

1
George Villiers: Part 2 1:43:13

2M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

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…

1
"Just Throw Away the Key" Episode 1: Jails, Prisons, & Custody Levels, Oh My! 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

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 i…

1
NEW PODCAST TRAILER (HOSTED BY JAMIE)! "Just Throw Away the Key: The Hidden World of Prisons Behind Our True Crime Fascination" 3:21

2M ago3:21

3:21

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 …

1
George Villiers, Favourite to King James I: Part 1 1:34:53

2M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

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. He’s also the George in the new show “Mary & George.” 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 a…

1
Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 3 1:51:33

3M ago1:51:33

1:51:33

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 Instagr…

1
Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 2 1:42:19

3M ago1:42:19

1:42:19

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…

1
Mary Todd Lincoln: Part 1 2:41:28

4M ago2:41:28

2:41:28

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 s…

1
President Lincoln's Assassination and Aftermath 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

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 thr…

1
Tonya Harding, Figure Skating’s Most Controversial Star 1:32:07

5M ago1:32:07

1:32:07

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 …

1
Andrew Carnegie and the Robber Barons 1:32:56

5M ago1:32:56

1:32:56

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…

1
Mark Antony: Part 3 1:51:38

5M ago1:51:38

1:51:38

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 (…

1
Mark Antony: Part 2 1:38:47

6M ago1:38:47

1:38:47

Join Erin and guest co-host, Matt, as we continue on in the life of Mark Antony, as he navigates life as Julius Caesar's faithful deputy, the horrific aftermath of the Ides of March, and feuding with a teen. 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) TikT…

1
Mark Antony, Roman politician & lover of Cleopatra: Part 1 1:27:19

6M ago1:27:19

1:27:19

Mark Antony--Shakespearean hero, Roman bad boy, lieutenant to Julius Caesar, and a man whose death often overshadows his life. With guest co-host, Matt, we begin our series with discussions of the very egalitarian Roman Senate (just kidding!), the Roman Republic, Antony's debauched early life (man loved a short tunic), and his time at Caesar's side…

1
Dueling Villains Judgement Episode 40:16

6M ago40:16

40:16

We conclude our first Dueling Villains series with the judgement on John Brown and Aaron Burr. Matt fills in for Jamie and helps us break down the flaws and the greatness of two of history's most enigmatic (and frustrating!) figures. Brown or Burr, who is the greater villain in our history? Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share y…

1
Alice Perrers (20 minute Preview from Patreon Episode!) 24:33

7M ago24:33

24:33

NOTE: We always have a 7 day free trial for our Patreon memberships so this could be the perfect time to check that out! Hello listeners! We've been dealing with illness, job changes, issues with our editing program, and the usual chaos of life that has pushed us behind schedule. We just wrapped a full episode for our Patrons on Patreon to make up …

1
Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 2) 1:32:21

7M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

Follow the rest of Aaron Burr's story, as he vies for the presidency in the Election of 1800, enters that infamous duel with longtime rival/future musical star Alexander Hamilton, and finds himself dabbling in some *light* treason. Emperor Aaron I has a nice ring to it, does it not? Sources: The Great American Rascal: the Turbulent Life of Aaron Bu…

1
Aaron Burr: Dueling Villains (Part 1) 1:18:18

8M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

We are covering Aaron Burr (SIR!) as the second half of our "Dueling Villains" series. In this episode, we cover Burr's early life, the American Revolution and his role in it, as well as his political life up until the election of 1800. There's babies attending college, cougars, and absolutely insane attempts at staying neutral in between! We also …

1
BONUS: Bleeding Kansas (with Erin & Matt!) 47:56

8M ago47:56

47:56

We spoke about Bleeding Kansas briefly in the previous episode on John Brown, but we have invited back Husband of the Pod, Erin's husband, Matt, to explain more of what was happening in Kansas during the lead up to the Civil War. St. Louis baseball supremacy and Chicago Deep Dish references abound! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take?…

1
John Brown, America’s “Good” Terrorist? (Dueling Villains series) 1:10:29

8M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Listen to our first installment of our new Dueling Villains series! We will be covering John Brown, an American enigma. Terrorist, martyr, mad man--or a little bit of each? We will talk about Brown's early life, his move to Bleeding Kansas, and the raid at Harper's Ferry that would lead to his demise. Next time, in our second part of the series, we…

1
Wolf Hall Episode 1 Discussion 1:07:02

9M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

With the new season of Wolf Hall airing in the U.K. now and coming to the United States in March, we have begun our own rewatch series of the first season. Follow along with us as we continue through the first season and sharing our comments/historical analysis/eternal love for Mark Rylance. You can join our Patreon for free to join the chats that …

1
Female Villains v.s. Male Villains 1:02:20

9M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

FYI I (Jamie) had to re-record a few lines so apologies if they stand out too much! Before we jump into our dueling offenders series, we wanted to do something a little different and discuss how questionable female historical figures are viewed and treated versus their male counterparts. Listen as we have an informal conversation on this very impor…

1
Caterina Sforza: Part 3 1:23:05

9M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

In our final episode on the Tigress of Forli, Caterina Sforza, we will conclude the rest of Caterina's exciting life--more assassinations, more himbos, the first appearance of syphilis, and plenty of female rage follows! Oh, and Cesare Borgia makes his long awaited appearance like a horror movie villain. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our…

1
Caterina Sforza: Part 2 1:06:06

10M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

We pick up Caterina Sforza's story as she finally launches into action, taking castles and fortresses, outwitting cardinals and bishops, and earning that nickname of the Tigress of Forli. Expect assasinations, daring deeds, more pregnancies than we care to think about, and pulp (unfortunately, not orange juice pulp)...it is a wild ride! Tell us you…

1
Caterina Sforza, the Rise of the Tigress of Forli: Part 1 1:01:53

10M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Caterina Sforza is often overshadowed by the men who she came into contact with as they comprised some of the Italy's most infamous dynasties: the Medicis and the Borgias. While there is much to commend her on being a real warrior female leader in the Italian renaissance, a female powerhouse -- after all her nickname is the Tigress of Forli -- Cate…

1
John Lennon 1:38:17

10M ago1:38:17

1:38:17

Another week and another ambivalent offender...this time Jamie tackles another one from the music world (thanks to our Patreon fans & their votes!) and from one of the most recognizable bands of all time--John Lennon. From his traumatic childhood to his battles with mental health to his tumultuous relationships with romantic partners (as well as hi…

1
Emperor Claudius 1:30:01

11M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

The Roman Emperor Claudius was as unlikely an emperor as they come (from inside the imperial family that is). Learn about his unexpected rise, his...complicated...marital history, and if we can truly call him one of the "good" Emperors. Remember, you can access FREE content on our Patreon this month by going to our patreon page linked below and joi…

1
P.T. Barnum: the Greatest Fraudster or Showman? 1:02:18

11M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Come one, come all, to learn about the man who has been nicknamed the Greatest Showman and created the Greatest Show on Earth. In this one-parter, you'll learn about P.T. Barnum's dark start (understatement) in show business and his journey from museum owner to starting a circus. Stick around at the end to hear a trailer for "Door Key" history podc…

1
Wernher Von Braun: Part 2 1:51:06

11M ago1:51:06

1:51:06

Listen to the conclusion of Wernher Von Braun's story as he arrives in America, works for NASA, launches the first manned mission to the moon, and does something with Spice Flight (you will need to listen to get the reference there!). Hear our judgements on the man sometimes called history's most controversial figure. Main Source: Von Braun: Dreame…

1
Operation Paperclip Mini-sode 32:10

11M ago32:10

32:10

We have a very special guest joining the pod today to discuss Operation Paperclip. Erin's husband, Matt, history teacher extraordinaire, gives us the basics on Operation Paperclip, why it was called that, and its long-lasting legacy. Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coff…

1
Wernher Von Braun, Nazi Rocket Scientist to NASA Pioneer: Part 1 1:18:59

12M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

"Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun, A man whose allegiance Is ruled by expedience." 🎶 “Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun, A man whose allegiance is ruled by expedience…” – Tom Lehrer In this first installment of our deep dive into Wernher von Braun, we finally tackle one of the most controversial figures in moder…

1
Bonnie Parker: Part 3 (Final) 1:13:10

12M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

The conclusion to the Bonnie Parker saga...To quote Bonnie from her most famous poem: "They don’t think they’re tough or desperate They know the law always wins They’ve been shot at before, but they do not ignore That death is the wages of sin. Some day they’ll go down together And they’ll bury them side by side To few it’ll be grief, to the law a …

1
Jane Boleyn: Part 2 (Final) 1:59:55

12M ago1:59:55

1:59:55

Welcome back to part 2 of Jane Boleyn's story! The dust settles after Anne Boleyn and George Boleyn's executions...now Jane must figure out what the next part of her life will look like. Follow us as we chart Jane's unlikely return to court serving more of Henry VIII's queens (along with some asides, such as a "Queer Eye" style Thomas Cromwell fixe…

1
Bonnie Parker: Part 2 1:58:23

12M ago1:58:23

1:58:23

We pick up with Part 2 of Bonnie Parker’s story! Bonnie has decided on a life of crime with her boyfriend, Clyde Barrow, and becomes a part of the Barrow Gang! Murder, more murder, poetry, and (eeeek) a mention of J. Edgar Hoover all make their appearance. Things are heating up for our star-crossed lovers as the authorities close in… Tell us your t…

1
Bonnie Parker (the real Bonnie of the infamous Bonnie & Clyde): Part 1 1:00:29

1y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Bonnie Parker was one half of one of America’s most infamous duos... but who was she really, beyond the cigarette, the shotgun, and the headlines? In this episode of Ambivalent Offenders we go past the pop culture legend to explore the true story of Bonnie Parker — a bright, ambitious, and complex woman shaped by poverty, heartbreak, and a thirst f…

1
Jane Boleyn: Part 1 1:31:14

1y ago1:31:14

1:31:14

NOTE: We apologize for the extra delay but between weather and then audio not lining up, we both spent hours trying to get this to work! The infamous Lady Rochford is portrayed as the sister-in-law from hell--but what's the reality behind the portrayals? Learn more about Jane's time at court with her husband, George Boleyn, and of course, the one, …

1
Elvis Presley 1:34:55

1y ago1:34:55

1:34:55

This episode is a one parter! We are out of Europe for now and covering someone who pretty much everyone at least recognizes---The King himself, Elvis! So join us to look at his life--the good, the problematic, and of course, come to a conclusion on where he falls on our scale! Correction: Elvis' performance of "Hound Dog" is from his second appear…

1
Isabella of France: Part 2 1:04:05

1y ago1:04:05

1:04:05

We pick up the podcast after Isabella’s invasion of her husband’s kingdom. Dogs, beheadings, and fiscal irresponsibility follow…and at least one semi-believable conspiracy theory. 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 …

1
Isabella of France: Part 1 1:17:56

1y ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Isabella of France: married at 12, sidelined by her husband's boyfriends, naked tent rescues, and eventually known as the she-wolf. Oh, and there's beheadings too! Plus our first "listener judgement!" Come along for the ride! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (one …

1
Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 3 (Final) 1:32:26

1y ago1:32:26

1:32:26

Finally, it's the end of the series on Czarina Alexandra--WWI, more Rasputin, and of course the end of the Romanovs. How did Erin and I ultimately judge Alexandra? Listen to find out! Source: The Last Empress: The Life and Times of Alexandra Feodorovna, Tsarina of Russia by Greg King Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your tak…

1
Preview of Patreon Mini Episode! 2:37

1y ago2:37

2:37

Want to know what a mini episode is like on Patreon? We give a short start of one on Czarina Alexandra's sister Ella. Ella's life is filled with tragedies just as much as her sister's. Want to finish the episode? Join over on Patreon! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Cof…

1
Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Part 2 1:42:45

1y ago1:42:45

1:42:45

This is where things get even more interesting for Alexandra. There are minor conflicts, the 1905 revolution, Bloody Sunday, and the introduction of everyone's favorite wandering peasant with some amazing facial hair--Rasputin! Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take! Support the show Instagram Patreon Buy Me a Coffee (on…

1
Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova, the Last Czarina of Russia: Part 1 1:27:20

1y ago1:27:20

1:27:20

Tsar Nicholas II...Rasputin...Anastasia. So many of us know these stories, but what about the mother at the center of it all? This week we focus on Empress/Tsarina Alexandra's early life. 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 y…

1
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 2 1:12:01

1y ago1:12:01

1:12:01

NOTE: if you downloaded within the hour we uploaded, we had a nice little cough drop moment that accidentally got left in. Sorry! It should be fixed :) We left off a few days ago with Part 1 ending with Carolyn and JFK Jr's wedding. What happens to Carolyn between that and the infamous plane crash? Does she deserve the vilification she gets from th…

1
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Part 1 1:38:02

1y ago1:38:02

1:38:02

Discover the captivating story of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy — from her quiet beginnings in Connecticut to becoming one of the most photographed and misunderstood figures of the 1990s. In Part 1 of our exclusive series, we trace Carolyn’s path from a private school education and a career in fashion PR to her meteoric rise as a style icon after marryi…

1
Typhoid Mary 56:24

1y ago56:24

56:24

Typhoid Mary is one of those ominous figures of the early 1900s, often seen as this devious woman almost purposefully infecting others in NYC. But Mary Mallon's story is more than just that. In the era of COVID, Typhoid Mary's story seems even more relevant. The question is...how does her public image compare to the reality? Is she the villain ever…

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