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.

All Episodes

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

Operation Paperclip Mini-sode

September 08, 2024 • Jamie & Erin Poljanac

0:00 | 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

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!