Legacy

Wondery

From Wondery and Goalhanger Podcasts, Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the rep they deserve. Should Nina Simone’s role in the civil rights movement be more celebrated than it is? When you find out what Picasso got up to in his studio, can you still admire his art? Was Napoleon a hero or a tyrant - or both? (And, while we’re at it, was he even short?) Legacy is the show that looks at big lives from the perspective of now – and doesn’t always like what it sees.

Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.

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Our Editor's Take

The Legacy podcast reexamines famous individuals reputations. Cohosts Peter Frankopan and Afua Hirsch redeem some figures through their research. Other legends lose their hero status. The hosts reveal how prominent people's pasts affect their reputations in the present.

The hosts say the next generation should reassess current leaders. Those considered gods and mentors in their time might have a different reception as society evolves. Likewise, those who seem disruptive or contrarian might later achieve innovator status. Frankopan and Hirsch are fitting cohosts. Each is creating a legacy of intentionality.

Hirsch wrote an award-winning book about race, gender, and class, Brit(ish). The former lawyer is a journalist for The Guardian, documentary filmmaker, and TV host. Hirsch is also an activist who works with SIKA to honor her Ghanaian heritage.

Frankopan is a British historian and best-selling author. He's a professor at Oxford University and King's College. The entrepreneur is a hotelier and chair of the Frankopan Fund. He's the director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research. Frankopan is a fellow of geographical, scientific, Asiatic, literary, and art societies. He's most proud of representing Croatia in cricket.

Each season of Legacy explores one renowned person, starting with Napoleon Bonaparte. Historians describe the military general in conflicting terms. Some call him a warmonger or enslaver. Others label him a visionary or despot. Which perception is accurate? Listeners might hear things about Napoleon's personal life for the first time. It begins with a schoolyard swordfight Napoleon waged at 14. Hirsch explains how the outcome became a metaphor for his future.

Season two analyzes Cecil Rhodes. The Cape Colony prime minister and De Beers diamond miner was an English colonialist. He established the Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford.

So why were his statues removed from college campuses? Are accusations of his white supremacist views valid? Hirsch and Frankopan provide these and other fascinating answers.

New Legacy podcast episodes appear as complete seasons once a month.

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Introducing…Legacy

Introducing…Legacy

Legacy lands Wednesday 15th November. Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan tell the wild stories of some of the most extraordinary men and women ever to have lived – and ask whether they have the rep they deserve.Amazon Prime members can binge entire seasons early on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can binge full seasons early in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 14

Winston Churchill | Born To Rule | 1

Winston Churchill | Born To Rule | 1

One of the most famous leaders of the twentieth century, Winston Churchill is far more than just WWII. The ‘pretty baby’, who as a boisterous boy fought for the attention of his aristocratic parents eventually emerged into adulthood as a soldier and war journalist. Soon he finds himself travelling through the Middle East and Africa - and risking his life. But will anyone back home notice?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Winston Churchill | The Unsinkable Politician | 2

Winston Churchill | The Unsinkable Politician | 2

The First World War sees Churchill as confident as ever in his role as First Lord of the Admiralty. But rash judgements – especially around the disastrous campaign in Gallipoli - cost thousands of lives. The UK press describes him as ‘a danger to the country’, he’s left out of Lloyd George’s cabinet and, at home, tragedy strikes. All the while he can see trouble brewing in Europe, but no one is listening to him...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 13

John F. Kennedy | The Poor Little Rich Boy | 1

John F. Kennedy | The Poor Little Rich Boy | 1

The son of a rich and prestigious family, John F. Kennedy’s childhood is seemingly idyllic. Yet his mother is strict and distant, and his father is openly a womaniser who resents John's frailty as a sickly child. But John is a fighter. He thrives at Harvard, and during World War Two, joins the navy. And it's there in the wake of a dramatic rescue mission, that he proves his heroism, setting him on the path to political success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John F. Kennedy | Violence at Home and Abroad | 2

John F. Kennedy | Violence at Home and Abroad | 2

As the Kennedys face tragedy after tragedy, JFK becomes aware that time may not be on his side. But soon things move fast for him: after winning a seat in Congress - and marrying Jackie in a wedding fit for a royal couple, he is propelled to the presidential candidacy. But there are two obstacles in his way: his Catholicism, and Richard Nixon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John F. Kennedy | Clash of The Cold Warriors | 3

John F. Kennedy | Clash of The Cold Warriors | 3

For the White House and the Kremlin, the question of nuclear war is not if, but when. Newly-elected President John F. Kennedy is launched into proving his skills in international diplomacy. He faces a crisis in Cuba with the Bay of Pigs fiasco and must win over Krushchev in a crucial summit. Will his charm prevail now that he’s in the top job?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John F. Kennedy | Camelot Comes Crashing Down | 4

John F. Kennedy | Camelot Comes Crashing Down | 4

Arguably the most famous political assassination of the 20th century, the shooting of John F. Kennedy has ignited scores of conspiracy theories. Was Oswald really acting alone? Could the Soviets have been involved? The CIA? And how does his infamous death affect how we view his legacy? Should he be remembered as charismatic proponent of civil rights who prevented nuclear world war? Or a womaniser who mishandled foreign affairs and was too slow to support the plight of African-Americans?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 12

Marilyn Monroe | The Foster Kid Who Loved The Movies | 1

Marilyn Monroe | The Foster Kid Who Loved The Movies | 1

The young Marilyn Monroe has a traumatic childhood in and out of foster homes. Watching movies is a precious escape from reality, but it’s not enough to shield her from a mentally unwell mother and absent father. But this is LA, the land of Hollywood, and life-changing opportunities. And soon she discovers she might have a place in front of the camera.This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse. If you're in England or Wales and have been affected by any form of sexual abuse, support is available 24/7. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marilyn Monroe | Becoming Marilyn | 2

Marilyn Monroe | Becoming Marilyn | 2

The struggling starlet is exploited by the powerful executives who run Hollywood. But Marilyn begins creating what will become the iconic Marilyn look which she'll use to her advantage to climb the industry ladder. But her ascent is jeopardised when a decision from her past threatens to create a scandal… and destroy everything she’s built so far.This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse and domestic violence. If you're in England or Wales and have been affected by any form of sexual abuse, support is available 24/7. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. If you've been affected by domestic violence, support is available 24/7. Call 0808 2000 247 or visit https://refuge.org.uk/.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marilyn Monroe | Drama, Drink and Drugs | 3

Marilyn Monroe | Drama, Drink and Drugs | 3

At the peak of her fame, Marilyn takes on the studios in a bid to control her own career. But her superstardom is threatened by her own insecurities, and her increasing reliance on drink and drugs.This episode features descriptions of alcohol and drug abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the support service Frank day or night by calling 0300 123 6600 from within the UK, or go to https://www.talktofrank.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marilyn Monroe | Who Killed the Movie Star? | 4

Marilyn Monroe | Who Killed the Movie Star? | 4

Marilyn's death sparks grief, soul-searching and mystery - mystery that persists still to this day. Looking back at her legacy, how did Marilyn Monroe come to shape and define Hollywood, and America's views on sexuality, autonomy and feminism?This episode contains reference to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available 24/7. Contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 11

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | Eureka! | 1

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | Eureka! | 1

We've delved into the Legacy archives to bring back one of our most divisive characters: Cecil Rhodes. A sickly vicar’s son travels from England to Africa to join the diamond rush. Cecil Rhodes wants to make his fortune. But he also wants to extend the British Empire. Drama in his private life threatens to undermine both ambitions.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | The Rise of Rhodesia | 2

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | The Rise of Rhodesia | 2

Rhodes dashes back to Kimberley to be with his dying friend. He then redoubles his colonial efforts, using ruthless tactics to trick the indigenous population out of their land. But an ill-fated scheme to take on the Boers is about to hurt him.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | A Brooding Spirit | 3

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | A Brooding Spirit | 3

Rhodes deals with the fallout from the Jameson Raid as questions about his conduct reach the British parliament. He finds a new cause to further his ambition but years of ill-health are starting to catch up with him.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | Must Rhodes Fall? | 4

Encore: Cecil Rhodes | Must Rhodes Fall? | 4

More than a century after Rhodes' death students in South Africa and Britain thrust his name back into the spotlight. Should statues of colonialists like him be torn down? And, in Africa, how is Rhodes' legacy felt today?Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 10

Bob Marley | The Captain's Son | 1

Bob Marley | The Captain's Son | 1

Born in colonial-era Jamaica to a black teenage mum and an absent white dad, Bob Marley has a fractious childhood and is constantly moved around. But Bob dreams of making it big as a musician, whilst Jamaica dreams of independence. Can this small island boy make it big amongst the violence and chaos engulfing his home nation?Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Marley | The Rise of the Rasta | 2

Bob Marley | The Rise of the Rasta | 2

Bob Marley, now in his early 20s and part of the newly-named band the Wailers rises to popularity in Jamaica. The band use their music to ask for peace on the island and beyond. But Bob's life is about to change when he's introduced to a new religion: Rastafari. And a special woman named Rita.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Marley | Catching Fire | 3

Bob Marley | Catching Fire | 3

Songs like 'Get Up Stand Up' and 'No Woman, No Cry' garner international success for Bob Marley and the Wailers. Not only do people love the music, but they're also inspired by the freedom fighting messages within it. Yet as political tensions heat up in Jamaica, Marley's global stardom and revolutionary lyrics become a threat to his safety...Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Marley | One Love | 4

Bob Marley | One Love | 4

Despite an assassination attempt, Bob Marley continues to spread political messages of peace, freedom and anti-colonialism throughout the world. But health issues from his childhood are catching up with him, and he'll have to confront a devastating diagnosis. Today, his face appears on t-shirts, lighters and posters around the world, but has his legacy become detached from the meaning behind his music?Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 9

Hoover | The Library Clerk Who Became All Powerful | 1

Hoover | The Library Clerk Who Became All Powerful | 1

As a young boy, J Edgar Hoover strives for perfection and control. After a stint working at the Library of Congress he embarks on a career in law enforcement. But it's not long before his perfect image is threatened, and he needs to find someone to blame when things goes wrong. What happens next will set him on the path to becoming the founding director of the FBI - and one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century. Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hoover | Guns, Gangsters and G-Men | 2

Hoover | Guns, Gangsters and G-Men | 2

Rumours about Hoover's sexuality threaten to overshadow his work building the FBI into a credible crime fighting force. And although he's obsessed with information, he misses a key piece of intelligence, which could have changed the path of the Second World War.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.