Best Gaslamp Podcasts (2025)

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054 – Josephine

12M ago

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In this HUGE season finale episode I look at the life of Josephine Butler. Probably one of the most amazing women of the Victorian era she spent her life dedicated to the rights of women, especially those economically disadvantaged, and in particular, prostitutes. A pioneer of feminism, Josephine fought and raised the age of consent as well as figh…

1
053 – Never a Gentleman 32:45

12M ago32:45

32:45

This week I take a look at something intrinsic to our perception of the Victorian Era – Steam. And more specifically the advent of the technology that created railways – an invention that changed the culture and society of the time. George Stephenson and his son Robert created the first viable locomotive. This episode I look at their influence on s…

1
052 – The man who would be King 41:56

1y ago41:56

41:56

This episode I take a look at the life of the Prince of Wales. Not William, but Queen Victoria’s son. Albert Edward, known to his family as ‘Bertie’. He changed the way we perceive royalty with an influence still extant today.By Heath Aston

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051 – Tonight we’re having lamb 24:43

1y ago24:43

24:43

This episode I look at the Prime Minister William Lamb. 2nd Viscount Melbourne he was PM when Princess Victoria became Queen Victoria. As Prime Minister, Lamb was a great influence on the young Queen and instrumental in the formation of countries around the world, including Canada and New Zealand.By Heath Aston

1
050 – Victoria and Albert 28:18

1y ago28:18

28:18

This 50th episode of the Podcast takes a look at our ostensible patron, Queen Victoria and her life being married to her much loved Prince Albert.By Heath Aston

1
049b – The Resurrection Men (Part Two) 33:45

1y ago33:45

33:45

Concluding my two part look at the grave robbing mercenaries that shocked the Kingdom with their horrendous crimes. The most famous of these being William Burke and William Hare.By Heath Aston

1
049a – The Resurrection Men (Part One) 22:50

1y ago22:50

22:50

Beginning a two part podcast, these episodes I’ll be looking at the fact that Edinburgh makes way to many smart people that make advances by not following the rules. Also, a great deal of grave robbing. With decomposed bodies and murder, it was never going to be pretty…By Heath Aston

1
048 – Men at Arms 41:12

1y ago41:12

41:12

This episode I take a short look at the history of Policing in the 19th century United Kingdom. From a perceived military force, the Metropolitan Police became a civilian entity that sought to serve all the people of London and the Kingdom at large.By Heath Aston

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047 – There’s been a murder – Again. 28:48

1+ y ago28:48

28:48

This episode I look at the shocking 1811 crime that became known as the Rathcliff Highway Murders. Horrible violence and shoddy investigations created a sadly typical Victorian tragedy.By Heath Aston

1
046 – The King of Men 33:25

1+ y ago33:25

33:25

This weeks episode looks at the 6th Baron Byron. George Gordan Byron was a legend in his own lifetime. With an amazing heritage he tore through British society in the most scandalous ways. A brilliant poet his life was the stuff of gossip, slander and literary respect.By Heath Aston

1
045 – Back to school 22:01

1+ y ago22:01

22:01

This episode I look at the education systems in Victorian England. Sure they had the rich schools, but you'll learn about a man who with determination and a sack of potatoes, changed the lives of tens of thousands of childrenBy Heath Aston

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044 – That’s a red flag 22:09

1+ y ago22:09

22:09

I'm back! And with a new episode out before Christmas. This time I look at the life of the man of military man and Irish landlord Charles Cunningham.By Heath Aston

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043 – Is there a Doctor in the house? 23:01

2y ago23:01

23:01

This episode I take a look at the remarkable life of Dr Elizabeth Garret Anderson. The first woman to hold a medical licence in the United Kingdom.By Heath Aston

1
042 – Into the den 23:19

2y ago23:19

23:19

This episode I take a look at the infamous Opium Dens of London. Also, I talk about tea and the world's first monster corporation!By Heath Aston

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041 – It was a dark and stormy night 18:36

2y ago18:36

18:36

This episode I have a look into the life of author Wilkie Collins. You might not know his work, but what came from it will surprise you. Also, he has another one of those convoluted personal lives...By Heath Aston

1
040 – Please sir, I want some more 14:05

2y ago14:05

14:05

This episode I have a look at the struggle of life as an Orphan in Victorian England (It wasn't all song and dance and working for Fagin, trust me!).By Heath Aston

1
039 – The Duchess and the Princess 26:33

2y ago26:33

26:33

This episode of the podcast looks at the life of Victoria before she became Queen. A difficult childhood with an ambitious mother who hoped to be Regent, I have a look at the young woman's life and how she was trained to rule.By Heath Aston

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038 – It’s good to be the King 20:17

2y ago20:17

20:17

The first episode of 2023 takes a look at one of the most prominent landmarks in London. The beautiful Hyde Park!By Heath Aston

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037 – A very gaslamp Christmas 13:36

2+ y ago13:36

13:36

Special Xmas mini-episode! In this podcast I have a look at how we got to many of the traditions we enjoy during the Yuletide season. Merry Christmas to you and your families!By Heath Aston

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036 – How the Victorians took us to the moon 34:58

2+ y ago34:58

34:58

This pre-Christmas episode was such a great opportunity! I got to speak with Dr Iwan Morus about his new Victorian Era book on the science and people of the Victorian era and how it has directly influenced us to this day.His book "How the Victorians took us to the moon" is just out now and makes an excellent Christmas gift.…

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035 – The man who might be King 48:12

2+ y ago48:12

48:12

Ernest Augustus, 5th son of King George was a man who never thought he would see the throne. Then things changed, and both he and his son are in direct contest to rule the United Kingdom. In this massive episode we look at Ernest and his life.By Heath Aston

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034 – The house that Joseph built 26:07

2+ y ago26:07

26:07

This episode idea came from the @victorianparade and has a look at the incredible 1851 Great Exposition and the amazing work of Joseph Paxton in making the Crystal PalaceBy Heath Aston

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033 – Three Williams 27:24

2+ y ago27:24

27:24

This episode, while slightly late (blame international travel issues) is all in threes. But of the Williams involved it is William Wilberforce that spent his life fighting for people being treated as people and not chattel. Oh and he helped create the RSPCA.By Heath Aston

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032 – It’s a sailor’s life for you 16:37

2+ y ago16:37

16:37

As this episode drops, I'm currently in the very top of the highlands of Scotland - in Tongue no less!And this episode I take a look at the well known concept of the Press Gang. Or as it was formally known, Impressment.By Heath Aston

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031 – Starting from Scratch 30:13

2+ y ago30:13

30:13

Finally I'm back and bringing you more amazing stories from Victorian England!Straight out of the gate we're talking about Fight Club and the incredible men who boxed in these never ending bouts of bare knuckled violence!By Heath Aston

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030 – Someone call a Doctor 18:07

3+ y ago18:07

18:07

This episode is a look at the fascinating life of Dr James Barry. Dr Barry was a person ahead of their time in their access to people of privilege but also their support of people less fortunateBy Heath Aston

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029 – At His Majesty’s Pleasure 19:52

3+ y ago19:52

19:52

Newgate Prison has been an institution since the 13th century, so it should come as no surprise that it has been a leading light in rehabilitation of criminals. No, just kidding, the place was a living nightmare. Listen to how it treated people and I look at some of the more famous 19th century inmates…

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028 – A flattering malady 23:11

3+ y ago23:11

23:11

This episode has a look at one of the well known aspects of of the Era. We've all seen the tragic hero or heroine suffering from the dreaded Consumption. How they saw this disease though, will really surprise you...By Heath Aston

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027 – Younger, not Junior 21:20

3+ y ago21:20

21:20

This episode takes a look at the man who was Prime Minister at the beginning of the 19th Century, William Pitt the Younger.By Heath Aston

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Eight: In which Jane Concludes Her Story 14:40

3+ y ago14:40

14:40

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Seven: In which Jane Creates her Home 53:14

3+ y ago53:14

53:14

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Six: In which Jane Returns to a Strange Sight 26:32

3+ y ago26:32

26:32

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026 – Mind your manners 22:31

3+ y ago22:31

22:31

This episode takes a look at one of the fundamentals of Victorian society. Etiquette. Would you know what to do in some of the tense social situations you might find yourself in?By Heath Aston

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Five: In which Jane Considers her Future 29:35

3+ y ago29:35

29:35

1
PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Four: In which Jane is Offered a New Path 1:05:14

3+ y ago1:05:14

1:05:14

1
PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Three: In which Jane Discovers She has True Wealth 36:18

3+ y ago36:18

36:18

1
PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty Two: In which Jane Listens to St. John Mansplain, to Himself 33:58

3+ y ago33:58

33:58

1
025 – Stuck on you 13:59

3+ y ago13:59

13:59

This episode is a light look at one of the era's great innovations - the humble postage stamp. It helped change the world and open communications regardless of class and wealth.By Heath Aston

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty One: In which Jane Settles Into Her New Life 22:17

3+ y ago22:17

22:17

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Thirty: In which Jane Discovers Kindred Spirits and Honest Work 27:27

3+ y ago27:27

27:27

1
Point of View 15:30

3+ y ago15:30

15:30

In this episode, Yolandie talks about point of view. Why she writes in third pov, what is the difference between deep and shallow pov, and how she chooses viewpoint characters for her scenes. Links mentioned in the episode A Study of Ash & Smoke purchase links: https://yolandiehorak.com/books/a-study-of-ash-smoke A Trial of Sparks & Kindling purcha…

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PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Twenty Nine: In which Jane Regains her Strength 32:35

3+ y ago32:35

32:35

1
PWS:Jane Eyre | Chapter Twenty Eight: In which Jane Wanders with a Broken Heart 46:53

3+ y ago46:53

46:53

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024 – The Great Hunger 27:14

3+ y ago27:14

27:14

In an era that saw incredible achievements throughout the Kingdom, one part of the realm was desperate and dying in the hundreds of thousands. Welcome to mid 19th Century Ireland and the Great Famine.By Heath Aston