Podcast Summary: "Oh What a Time" – Episode: "Oh What A Time..."

Podcast Information:

• Title: Oh What A Time
• Hosts: Eris James, Tom Crane, Chris Scull
• Description: "Oh What a Time" delves into historical events and figures, exploring whether the past was as horrific as it appears. Each episode tackles a unique subject, blending humor with insightful analysis.

Episode Overview: "Oh What A Time..."

Release Date: May 11, 2025
Episode Focus: Life at Sea – Exploring the harrowing and often romanticized existence of sailors and pirates, with a special emphasis on Welsh piracy.

Introduction to Life at Sea

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing the theme of life at sea, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on the perils and peculiarities of maritime life.

• Chris Scull describes the overwhelming experience of being at sea:

  "[00:57]... the high whistle of the wind through the halyards, and above all, the pale blue, illimitable sky, cold and serene, made me deeply afraid and conscious of my insignificance."

• Eris James expresses the universal sentiment:

  "[02:22]... I've made a terrible mistake. I should have gone into data entry. A nice, really safe office job."

This segment underscores the daunting nature of life at sea, juxtaposing the romantic allure with the stark reality of isolation and danger.

Personal Anecdotes and Fears

The hosts share their personal fears and experiences related to the sea, adding a relatable and humorous touch to the discussion.

• Chris Scull humorously juxtaposes the safety of a desk job with the unpredictability of the sea:

  "[02:35]... I think the sea is possibly the most overrated destination on earth."

• Tom Crane delves into his personal family history, revealing a poignant connection to maritime dangers:

  "[03:03]... my grandfather, who was a captain for the merchant navy in World War II, was torpedoed and went down."

These narratives highlight the profound impact that sea-related events can have on individuals and families.

The Allure and Dangers of the Sea

The conversation shifts to the inherent dangers of maritime life, emphasizing the lack of rescue and the stark choices sailors often face.

• Chris Scull draws parallels between drowning and other forms of peril:

  "[05:14]... being sucked out into outer space. But the benefit there is you die instantly."

• Eris James laments the absence of empathy in maritime tragedies:

  "[04:58]... This shows a lack of empathy."

These insights shed light on the mental and emotional toll of sea voyages, where survival is often a solitary battle.

Focus on Welsh Pirates

Transitioning from the general hardships of sea life, the hosts delve into the rich history of Welsh piracy, highlighting the region's significant contributions during the Golden Age of Piracy (1650s-1730s).

• Eris James introduces the topic with enthusiasm:

  "[05:49]... Wales is very good at producing some world-class wingers. Eugenie Giggses, your Gareth Bales and pirates."

• She highlights notable Welsh pirates, linking historical figures to literary works:

  "[06:53]... Three of the characters from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island were based on the Welsh pirates."

This segment celebrates Wales' maritime heritage, correlating it with both historical and cultural narratives.

Bartholomew Roberts: The Enigmatic Pirate

A deep dive into the life of Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, showcases his unique approach to piracy.

• Eris James outlines Roberts' strict yet intriguing rules:

  "[08:07]... he allowed no women aboard ships... No gambling... Every pirate on his ship the right to demand a tune at any hour."

• Chris Scull adds a humorous twist to Roberts' musical decree:

  "[08:59]... Ellis Webster, Get Lucky by Daft Punk."

• Eris James paints a vivid picture of Roberts' appearance and leadership style:

  "[09:00]... a tall, very dark, used to wear a rich damask waistcoat and breeches, a red feather in his cap..."

Bartholomew Roberts emerges as a disciplined yet charismatic leader, blending the harsh realities of piracy with unexpected personal quirks.

Pirate Code and Culture

The discussion extends to the cultural aspects of pirate life, particularly the implementation of rules to maintain order and camaraderie among the crew.

• Eris James elaborates on Roberts' enforcement of discipline aboard his ship:

  "[08:33]... You weren't allowed to gamble at cards or at dice."

• Tom Crane humorously references modern music services in relation to pirate music:

  "[08:45]... It's like early Spotify."

This exploration underscores the balance between lawlessness and structure within pirate communities, highlighting how rules were integral to their survival and social dynamics.

Conclusion and Teasers

As the episode nears its end, the hosts wrap up their discussions with light-hearted remarks and teasers for future content.

• Eris James wraps up the segment with a humorous nod to modern music preferences:

  "[09:06]... Get Lucky by Daft Punk."

• The episode concludes with a promotional segment encouraging listeners to subscribe:

  "[09:53]... Follow 'Oh What a Time' on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chris Scull [00:57]:
  "The pale blue, illimitable sky, cold and serene, made me deeply afraid and conscious of my insignificance."

• Eris James [02:22]:
  "I've made a terrible mistake. I should have gone into data entry. A nice, really safe office job."

• Tom Crane [03:03]:
  "My grandfather, who was a captain for the merchant navy in World War II, was torpedoed and went down."

• Eris James [08:07]:
  "He allowed no women aboard ships... No gambling..."

• Chris Scull [08:59]:
  "Ellis Webster, Get Lucky by Daft Punk."

Takeaways

This episode of "Oh What a Time" skillfully blends historical insights with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of life at sea and the intriguing world of Welsh pirates. Through humor and detailed storytelling, the hosts provide a vivid portrayal of the challenges and cultures that defined maritime history.

For those fascinated by nautical tales, pirate lore, or the rich maritime heritage of Wales, this episode offers both education and entertainment, making complex historical narratives accessible and enjoyable.

Listen to the full episode "Oh What A Time..." on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or your preferred podcast platform. Subscribe to stay updated with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday, along with exclusive bonus content.