Best American Duchess Podcasts (2025)

1
The Salisbury Poisonings | Glass Houses | 1 52:17

Play Pause

3h ago52:17

52:17

A Russian spy torn between loyalty and freedom. A secret deal with MI6. And, years later, in Salisbury, England, a deadly Soviet-era nerve agent turns a quiet afternoon into an international crisis. This is the story of Sergei Skripal: the double agent who betrayed Russia and lived to face Vladimir Putin's vengeance. Do you have a suggestion for a …

1
Wondery Presents: How to Survive Against the Odds 6:02

2d ago6:02

6:02

Inspired by Wondery’s hit podcast Against the Odds—learn how to survive whatever nature can throw at you through gut-twisting true stories of survival on the brink How to Survive Against the Odds places you at the center of fifteen real life-or-death scenarios. Each story explores the physiological responses of the human body under unbearable condi…

1
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | How to Fight a Propaganda War | 4 30:57

7d ago30:57

30:57

Peter Pomerantsev knows a thing or two about propaganda. He's written three books uncovering propagandists' secrets. His latest delves into the British unit that played Lord Haw-Haw at his own game. And, having spent years living in Putin's Russia, Peter tells Matt and Alice how to spot a propagandist at twenty paces - and how to win the informatio…

1
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Last Gasp | 3 49:28

14d ago49:28

49:28

A captured Lord Haw-Haw fights for his life. In court, it comes down to one question: can he have betrayed Britain, if he was never really British? Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at [email protected] See Privacy Policy at https://ar…

1
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Radio Reich | 2 51:47

21d ago51:47

51:47

Under Goebbels' wing, William becomes Lord Haw-Haw. Night after night he broadcasts Hitler’s message into Britain. But one Brit is having none of it: Winston Churchill. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at [email protected] See Privacy…

1
Listen Now: Oh What A Time... 10:13

23d ago10:13

10:13

It’s time to embark on a journey through history with "Oh What A Time…" a comedy history podcast hosted by renowned comedians Elis James and Tom Craine along with award winning podcaster Chris Scull. Tackling a brand new subject each week, (from ‘childhood’ to ‘a life at sea’, ‘marriage’ to ‘holidays’) your hosts will dive into the very weirdest an…

1
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Chelsea Smile | 1 49:26

28d ago49:26

49:26

William Joyce wants to serve Britain. But when Britain's establishment rejects him, he chooses Hitler's Germany instead, becoming the plummy voice of Nazi propaganda. This is the story of one of history's most notorious traitors. A man whose voice poured from the heart of the Third Reich into the very homes he left behind. Do you have a suggestion …

1
The Dirty Duchess | The Original Tabloid Queen | 4 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

The Duchess of Argyll was shameless, in all the right ways. That’s what drew historian, Lyndsy Spence, to write a book about her. She joins Matt and Alice to discuss why Margaret Campbell was the precursor to the female celebrities of today who are scrutinised by the tabloids. Plus, remember the headless man in the photograph at the heart of our sc…

1
The Dirty Duchess | Argyll vs Argyll | 3 51:51

1M ago51:51

51:51

The gloves come off in Britain's nastiest divorce as Margaret and Ian's years of marital warfare reach their explosive finale. But in 1960s high society, a woman’s reputation is guilty until proven innocent. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at…

1
The Dirty Duchess | Heirs and Affairs | 2 51:35

2M ago51:35

51:35

Margaret refuses to be burnt twice. She has already sunk her fortune into a castle she can never inherit. So, as her marriage crumbles, the Duchess goes to extreme lengths to secure what’s rightfully hers. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at b…

1
The Dirty Duchess | Divorcée to Duchess | 1 51:09

2M ago51:09

51:09

Margaret Sweeney is rich, beautiful, and keeping London's eligible bachelors very, very busy. Cast out of high society after her divorce, she's enjoying an unapologetically active sex life. But when the Duke of Argyll offers to make her his Duchess, she glimpses a delicious revenge: ruling over the very society that rejected her. Do you have a sugg…

1
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Asil Nadir’s Escape Pilot Speaks Out | 4 32:30

2M ago32:30

32:30

When Peter Dimond, the man who orchestrated Nadir's 1993 evasion from British justice, got in touch, Matt and Alice had to hear his side of the story. From the dramatic small plane escape to spending five years in Cyprus with Britain's most wanted fraudster, Dimond reveals what drove him to help Nadir and the true cost of his loyalty. Do you have a…

1
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Battle of the Big Mac | 3 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Asil Nadir returns to his beloved London determined to clear his name. But he’s facing a new opponent. With the Serious Fraud Office’s reputation in tatters, its new Head needs a big win - and locking up Nadir would be just the ticket. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like t…

1
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Big Bird | 2 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Asil Nadir claims he can prove his innocence. He just needs to stick around for the trial. But when someone offers him a seat on a small plane to Cyprus… Well, wouldn’t you? Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at [email protected] See Pr…

1
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Ragtrade to Riches | 1 52:21

3M ago52:21

52:21

It’s the 1980s. Margaret Thatcher’s Britain is all about making it big if you work hard enough, and boy, does Asil Nadir get the memo. He transforms small textile firm, Polly Peck into a FTSE 100 giant. The City loves him; the Iron Lady thinks he’s marvellous. But when they learn the truth, his empire starts to crumble. Do you have a suggestion for…

1
The IRA Heiress | What Rose Dugdale Did Next | 4 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

Journalist Sean O'Driscoll met the IRA Heiress herself. He would cycle to her Dublin care home to chat over tea and biscuits. Though he went easier on the digestives after he found out Rose was the architect of the biscuit-launcher: a deadly weapon used in countless attacks during the Troubles. Sean tells Matt and Alice what he learned about the ne…

1
The IRA Heiress | The Heist | 3 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

The police are after Rose. Her face is all over the papers. If authorities are going to try and stop her, Rose is determined to use whatever time she has left wisely. It’s time to stage Ireland’s biggest ever art heist. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts?…

1
The IRA Heiress | Most Wanted | 2 50:15

3M ago50:15

50:15

Rose and her IRA comrades plan The Troubles’ first aerial bombing. But she’s having a hard time getting the others to trust her. With her plummy English accent, she’s the last person you’d expect to join the IRA. But that’s what makes her the perfect weapon. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a qu…

1
The IRA Heiress | From Debutante to Defendant | 1 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

Oxford graduate, aristocrat, heiress – Rose Dugdale has it all. So her path from millionaire’s daughter to IRA bomb-maker shocks British society. And Dugdale’s ideals means she doesn't just reject her privileged upbringing - she sets out to destroy it, one explosion at a time. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or pe…

1
Julian Assange | The Weird World of WikiLeaks | 4 39:18

4M ago39:18

39:18

If you think your job sucks, spare a thought for Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Ball. He spent three months living and working with Julian Assange on the leaks of hundreds of thousands of documents. And he has some tales to tell about the cult-like environment he was thrust into. Like how Assange was a deliberately weird, difficult man wit…

1
Julian Assange | Operation Hotel | 3 51:39

4M ago51:39

51:39

Assange seeks asylum at London’s Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid facing charges abroad. It’s supposed to be a safe haven, but it begins to feel like a prison. He started this fight for press freedom. Now, he’s fighting for his own. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wonder…

1
Julian Assange | Enemy of the State | 2 51:09

4M ago51:09

51:09

An alliance with international press turns Assange into a public figure. But soon, he ends up on the front pages for all the wrong reasons. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial b…

1
Julian Assange | No Secrets | 1 52:02

4M ago52:02

52:02

Julian Assange dreams of a world where secrets are open and truth reigns. So he builds a haven for whistleblowers, Wikileaks.org. But when a US military leak sparks a global controversy, it puts his source in danger. Will Assange's ideals survive the storm? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can list…

1
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | An Actual Tichborne | 4 25:51

5M ago25:51

25:51

William Motley says he’s a descendant of the family… But we’ve checked and this time it’s true. He’s even writing a book about Arthur Orton’s outlandish claims. William joins Alice and Matt to unpack the lasting impact of the scandal on his relatives, Britain’s fascination with class, and life as the descendant of nobility. Plus, William tells us a…

1
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | The People's Aristocrat | 3 53:32

5M ago53:32

53:32

Everything seems to have got rather out of hand. Arthur is now one of Britain’s biggest celebrities, and his fight for the Tichborne estate has become an ideological battle. Will fame assure his freedom? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the…

1
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Butcher or Baronet | 2 50:49

5M ago50:49

50:49

Arthur Orton is inching towards victory. But when an untimely death forces him to prove his identity in court, the game steps up. Now he must convince the world he’s Sir Roger Tichborne, or face public humiliation—and a one-way ticket to pennilessness. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen ea…

1
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Mother Knows Best | 1 51:59

5M ago51:59

51:59

It’s 1865, and butcher Arthur Orton is living in poverty in Australia. Then he hears about a reward for information on England’s ninth richest nobleman, Sir Roger Tichborne, who's been missing for several years. So Arthur comes up with an audacious plan. All he has to do is fool the man’s entire family. How hard can it be? Listen to British Scandal…

1
The Scandalous Life of Charles Dickens | Christmas Special | 1 47:37

6M ago47:37

47:37

Think Dickens was all jolly carols and festive cheer? Not so. Behind the snowy scenes and spirit of goodwill, the so-called “Father of Christmas” was hiding a scandalous love life. Matt and Alice dive into the details with co-hosts of Wondery’s Legacy podcast, writer Afua Hirsch and historian Peter Frankopan. Plus, did Britain's most famous novelis…

1
The Brink's-Mat Heist | How I Defended Brian Perry | 4 33:17

6M ago33:17

33:17

Jonathan Goldberg KC has acted for alleged murderers, rapists and fraudsters during his five decades as a leading barrister. Among his high-profile clients: Brink’s Mat launderer, Brian Perry. He takes Alice and Matt inside the uncompromising world of criminal justice, and reveals the long lasting impact of Brink’s Mat Heist. Plus, what’s it like t…

1
The Brink's-Mat Heist | Buried Treasure | 3 46:58

6M ago46:58

46:58

DCS Boyce is hurled bang into the middle of Micky and Brian’s fierce rivalry. But can he use the in-fighting to finally trace the Brink’s Mat stash and bring the criminals to justice? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple …

1
The Brink's-Mat Heist | The Golden Rule | 2 48:19

6M ago48:19

48:19

Brian Perry’s living the high life with new girlfriend, Jackie, spending millions on property. The trouble is, everything he has, he’s stolen from best mate Micky. And Micky won’t stay in the dark forever. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in t…

1
The Brink's-Mat Heist | Daylight Robbery | 1 48:37

7M ago48:37

48:37

South London criminal Mad Micky McAvoy leads his gang into a gutsy warehouse raid. Three hours later, he’s pulled off the biggest robbery in British history. But it’s not easy to shift £26 million worth of gold bullion. In this four-part series, Matt Forde and Alice Levine unravel the story of the notorious Brink’s-Mat Heist, and the jealousy, gree…

1
Guy Fawkes | The British Scandal School Trip | 4 30:38

7M ago30:38

30:38

The Tower of London is the place where the stories of so many British criminals have come to an end, including Guy Fawkes. Matt and Alice pack their lunchboxes and take a tour with the tower's curator, Dr Alden Gregory. On the agenda: the actual room where the Gunpowder Plotters were interrogated, the prisoners’ accommodation and a run-in with a ro…

1
Guy Fawkes | Plot | 3 52:46

7M ago52:46

52:46

The Gunpowder Plot lies in ruin. Fawkes is the first conspirator to face the wrath of the King, and unthinkable torture. With his life hanging in the balance, Fawkes must decide: martyr himself for a lost cause, or betray everything he believes in? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early …

1
Guy Fawkes | Treason | 2 51:42

7M ago51:42

51:42

As London bristles with paranoia, the conspirators race against time. Guy Fawkes is ready to light the fuse, but whispers of treason echo through the shadows. Will the Gunpowder Plot go up in smoke? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wond…

1
Guy Fawkes | Gunpowder | 1 48:20

7M ago48:20

48:20

In Elizabethan England, Catholics face brutal persecution. A young Guy Fawkes vows to fight back. When, years later, he returns home from abroad to find his homeland even more rotten, he knows the time has come. But can Fawkes spark a revolution without getting caught in the crossfire? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you ge…

1
The Peru Two | The Hidden World of Female Drug Mules | 4 34:47

8M ago34:47

34:47

Women are in demand in the drug trafficking industry. Often considered less likely to be stopped at customs, they make up almost a third of drug runners. Sociologist and criminologist Dr. Jennifer Fleetwood joins Matt and Alice to unpack the case of the 'Peru Two' and reveal how female mules get drawn in. Plus, why male ex-cons earn more in their l…

1
The Peru Two | A Snitch in Time | 3 51:00

8M ago51:00

51:00

Michaella and Melissa have told lie after lie. To their families, to journalists and to the police. Now they're getting ready to face the judge. And it’s time to make a decision: tell the truth or risk fifteen years in Peruvian prison. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free o…

1
The Peru Two | Positivo | 2 47:08

8M ago47:08

47:08

The task Michaella agreed to has become wildly more complicated. When she said yes to the mission, she thought Lima was in Spain. So why is she on a plane hurtling towards South America? Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, App…

1
The Peru Two | Partners in Crime | 1 53:19

8M ago53:19

53:19

Michaella and Melissa are just two young women on holiday in Peru. Or that’s what they want you to think. In reality, they’ve been recruited to smuggle £1.5 million worth of cocaine into Europe. And they’re woefully unprepared. In this four-part series, Matt Forde and Alice Levine learn how a chance meeting with a bronzed stranger in Ibiza brought …

1
Encore: Gazza | Actress and model Linda Lusardi on watching her friend, Paul Gascoigne shoot to fame | 4 30:10

9M ago30:10

30:10

As a Page 3 model for over a decade, Linda Lusardi is no stranger to tabloid attention. And she saw first-hand the impact it had on her former neighbour, Paul Gascoigne, as his star rose. Linda takes Matt and Alice inside the highs of their raucous nights out, and the lows of Gazza's battles with addiction. Plus, she tells us why his life wouldn’t …

1
Encore: Gazza | Game Over | 3 48:28

9M ago48:28

48:28

Glenn Hoddle has a decision to make. As the England team's new manager, it’s time to select his 1998 World Cup squad. Include Gazza, and he’ll have to take drastic action to stop him going off the rails. But exclude the star player and the country could well turn against him. Gazza played a blinder in the qualifying matches, but will it be enough t…

1
Encore: Gazza | Tabloid Dream | 2 48:44

9M ago48:44

48:44

When Paul Gascoigne steps out with his new girlfriend, Sheryl, interest in his personal life soars, and the Press takes advantage. Gazza’s alcohol-fuelled benders and turbulent relationship make him easy prey for tabloid journalists seeking headlines. Sheryl befriends one with the hope of turning the narrative around. If you or someone you know is …

1
Encore: Gazza | Gazzamania | 1 49:41

9M ago49:41

49:41

All Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne has ever wanted to do is play football. So when he’s taken on by Newcastle United, he’s determined to impress. His talent is undeniable and he quickly becomes the most talked-about player in England. But as his fame grows, so too do his inner demons - and the doubts. Now he's playing for his country on the greatest stage …

1
Suffragette DNA: Helen Pankhurst on being Emmeline's Great-Granddaughter | 4 34:14

10M ago34:14

34:14

Walk into Dr Helen Pankhurst’s home and you’d know straightaway which famous family she’s a part of. From suffragette sashes to her purple, white and green colour scheme. Perhaps it’s no wonder she’s now a celebrated activist herself, winning a CBE for services to gender equality. Matt and Alice sat down with Helen to discuss the effect her family …

1
The Pankhursts | Cat and Mouse | 3 53:32

10M ago53:32

53:32

The Suffragettes need to strike the establishment at its core. They’ve tried using words. They’ve even tried violence. Finally, one mild day in June 1913, the group does make headlines. But the circumstances are tragic. Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join…

1
The Pankhursts | Women at War | 2 53:02

10M ago53:02

53:02

The Pankhursts’ movement has a new name. The Suffragettes. They're reinvigorated, but fresh-faced Prime Minister Asquith is determined to ignore them. So the Suffragettes resort to a shocking new tactic. One that could prove deadly. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you'd like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask o…

1
The Pankhursts | Deeds Not Words | 1 53:14

10M ago53:14

53:14

In 1918, women were allowed to run for Parliament in the UK. But most couldn't even vote. Ten years later, that finally changed. At the heart of that monumental shift was a family who wouldn't take no for an answer. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you'd like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email u…

1
Boris Becker | Tennis guru David Law on watching Becker grow up in the spotlight | 4 35:05

11M ago35:05

35:05

David Law is one of Britain’s leading tennis commentators. As host of the award-winning Tennis Podcast and part of BBC 5 Live’s Wimbledon coverage, he’s seen exactly what goes on, on and off the court. He takes Matt and Alice inside his unforgettable early dealings with Boris Becker, the star player’s ‘addiction’ to fame, and the unique loneliness …

1
Boris Becker | Dosh and Becks | 3 52:35

11M ago52:35

52:35

Boris Becker is running out of money. Once one of tennis’ top-paid stars, he’s now at the centre of both a costly divorce and a paternity row. So Boris pursues ever more outlandish ways to stay afloat. Until the law catches up with him. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you'd like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to a…