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

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

Written by: Jamie Poljanac Erin Poljanac & Matt H
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About this listen

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 misunderstood) figures from the past — all in a tone that’s more friend-at-brunch (according to one listener review) than lecture hall. No dusty textbooks, no moral grandstanding. Just conversational storytelling, questionable behavior, and a little historical tea.


Ultimately, we’re here to do what humans do best: judge the hell out of some pretty interesting people.





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Episodes
  • William the Conqueror: Part 1

    William the Conqueror: Part 1
    Nov 19 2025

    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 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 at ambivalent.offenders.podcast@gmail.com!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Harold Godwinson: Part 2

    Harold Godwinson: Part 2
    Oct 23 2025

    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? 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 at ambivalent.offenders.podcast@gmail.com!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 48 mins
  • Harold Godwinson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King of England

    Harold Godwinson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King of England
    Sep 25 2025

    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 Hastings.

    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 at ambivalent.offenders.podcast@gmail.com!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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