The Obscure
A history podcast about strange stories, forgotten figures, and the obscure corners of the past.
History remembers the famous — but what about everyone else?
The Obscure is a relaxed and often funny podcast that shines a light on historical figures whose contributions were vital, fascinating, or quietly revolutionary, yet largely unrecognised. Hosted by Daniel Darkens, Nina Bickerton and Minna Hayman, it’s a podcast for curious minds who enjoy learning, laughing, and looking at history sideways.
The Obscure
Latest Episodes
The Most Disastrous Observation in History: Guillaume Le Gentil’s Long Wait
Guillaume Le Gentil and the Most Disastrous Observation in HistoryGuillaume Le Gentil should have been remembered as one of the great astronomical observers of the 18th century. Instead, history handed him a cosmic slapstick routi...
The Curious Case of Mary Toft — Britain’s Strangest Medical Scandal
In 1726, a young woman from Godalming convinced England’s leading physicians — including the King’s own surgeon — that she was giving birth to rabbits. The Mary Toft scandal became one of the most bizarre medical episodes in British history, ex...
The Unkillable Soldier - Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart
Adrian Carton de Wiart lived a life so extreme it feels fictional — a one‑eyed, one‑handed, bullet‑ridden British officer who fought in the Boer War, WWI, and WWII, survived a plane crash, escaped a POW camp, negotiated in China, and still insi...
Trailer - The Obscure
A quick introduction to The Obscure - a history podcast about strange stories and forgotten figures.
The Gold‑Nosed Astronomer Who Measured the Heavens and Died of Politeness
Daniel Darkens is accompanied for another episode of The Obscure by Minna Hayman in which we explore the extraordinary and eccentric history of Tycho Brahe — a forgotten scientific pioneer whose naked‑eye astronomical observations transforme...
Contributors
Daniel Darkens
Host
Minna Hayman
Co-host
Nina Bickerton
Co-host
The Department of Reasonable Expectations
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