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.

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

George Villiers: Part 2

June 24, 2025 • Jamie & Erin Poljanac

We continue the story of the ultimate Favorite, history’s greatest boy toy—George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Stick around for the disguises (fake mustaches!), Cardinal Richelieu popping up like a movie villain, and a dirty joke that had be censored (don’t worry, we kept some of it). There’s even a dash of true crime, because is it even a podcast without that?

Tell us your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Share your take!

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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!