Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures
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.
Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures
Wernher Von Braun, Nazi Rocket Scientist to NASA Pioneer: Part 1
"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 modern history — a man who helped launch humanity into space… but got his start building weapons for the Nazis.
This episode explores von Braun’s early life, his obsession with rocketry, and his pivotal role in developing the V-2 missile program during World War II — a technological feat built on the backs of forced labor and human suffering. With German mustaches, unexpected Space Camp references, and yes, an unwelcome Hitler cameo, we take a closer look at how ambition, ideology, and survival intersected in von Braun’s story.
Was he a brilliant visionary or a morally compromised opportunist? (Spoiler: why not both?)
For more on Von Braun, check out Erin's main source for this episode: Michael J. Neufeld's biography on him, "Von Braun: Dreamer of Space, Engineer of War."
Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!
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!
