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
John Lennon
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 his son Julian), follow along to hear our examination of John's life---from early losses, to Beatlemania, domestic abuse (trigger warning is mentioned there), demands for peace, and so much more. And yes, of course a Yoko episode will be forthcoming :)
Stay tuned at the end to hear a trailer for another awesome history podcast, "Beheaded!"
Main sources noted:
https://www.biography.com/musicians/john-lennon
https://udiscovermusic.com/stories/jealous-guy-john-lennon-song/
https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/act300232005en.pdf
https://www.newser.com/story/202740/housekeepers-letter-reveals-lennons-dark-side.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/john-lennon-stay-home-dad-inside-his-final-years-n1248445
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!
