Podcast Summary: "Oh What A Time" – Episode: "Life at Sea"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Oh What A Time
• Hosts: Eris James, Tom Crane, Chris Scull
• Release Date: May 11, 2025
• Platform: Wondery App, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms

Introduction to "Life at Sea"

In the episode titled "Life at Sea," hosts Eris James, Tom Crane, and Chris Scull delve into the harsh and often romanticized world of maritime life, focusing particularly on the era of piracy and life aboard ships.

Setting the Scene

Chris Scull opens the discussion with a vivid description of life at sea:

"At this height, 130ft up in a wind blowing 70 miles an hour, the noise was an unearthly scream... establishing a routine so strong that the outside world seemed unreal."
[00:58]

This atmospheric introduction sets the tone for exploring the challenges and routines of seafaring life.

Personal Anecdotes and Host Perspectives

The hosts share personal feelings and fears related to the sea:

• Eris James expresses a lighthearted regret about not choosing safer careers, humorously stating:

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

• Tom Crane shares a personal connection, recounting his grandfather's tragic fate in World War II and his lingering fear of the sea:

  "My grandfather, who was the captain for the merchant navy in World War II, was torpedoed... so today's episode, we're talking about this. A life at sea."
  [03:03]

• Chris Scull discusses his aversion to the sea juxtaposed with his fascination for its perilous stories:

  "I think the sea is possibly the most overrated destination on earth... I hate the sea."
  [02:37]

The Realities of Maritime Life

The hosts explore the grim realities faced by those at sea, contrasting it with the vastness and isolation:

Chris Scull remarks on the lethality of the sea compared to outer space:

"It's a bit like being sucked out into outer space... In the sea you've got the ability to keep yourself alive for potentially days."
[05:31]

The discussion highlights survival challenges, including the lack of empathy and assistance among crew members:

"That shows a lack of empathy. I would really, really appreciate that because I've got to be honest, I'm frightened now and I'm cold."
[04:19]

Focus on Welsh Pirates

Eris James takes a deep dive into the history of Welsh pirates, emphasizing their significant contribution during the golden age of piracy (1650s–1730s):

"Wales is very good at producing some world class wingers... three of the characters from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island were based on the Welsh pirates."
[05:49]

She highlights notable figures such as Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart), detailing his unique characteristics:

"He only drank tea. He was an abstainer... no women aboard a ship, punishable by death."
[08:07]

Chris Scull adds humor by comparing pirate rules to modern concepts:

"By your very loads of rules you are. You are lawless. There should be no rules."
[08:16]

Pirate Code and Daily Life

The episode further explores the pirate code under Black Bart, including prohibitions against gambling and the unique provision for music:

"Every pirate on his ship the right to demand a tune at any hour of the day or night... So apart from Sundays."
[08:33]

Eris humorously imagines modern songs being played on pirate ships:

"Murder on the Dance Floor by Sorghie... Get Lucky by Daft Punk."
[09:00]

Visualizing the Pirate Aesthetic

The hosts paint a picture of Black Bart's appearance and leadership style:

"He was a tall, very dark, used to wear a rich damask waistcoat and breeches, a red feather in his cap... He kind of looked like a cartoon pirate."
[09:16]

Conclusion and Teasers

The episode concludes with a promotion for the podcast and a segue into future topics:

"Follow oh, what a Time on the Wondery App... And you can listen early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus."
[09:53]

Notable Quotes

• Chris Scull on Life at Sea:
  "At this height, 130ft up in a wind blowing 70 miles an hour, the noise was an unearthly scream."
  [00:58]

• Eris James on Pirate Rules:
  "He really looked the part... He had two pairs of pistols hanging at the end of a silk sling."
  [09:14]

• Tom Crane on Personal Fears:
  "My grandfather... was torpedoed in World War II and went down. He died."
  [03:03]

Key Takeaways

• Historical Insight: The episode provides a comprehensive look into the lives of Welsh pirates, highlighting their unique codes and societal backgrounds.

• Personal Connections: The hosts intertwine personal anecdotes, adding depth and relatability to the historical narratives.

• Humorous Elements: Despite the grim topics, humor is used effectively to engage listeners, especially when discussing modern parallels to pirate life.

• Engaging Storytelling: Vivid descriptions and dynamic conversations make the history of maritime life both informative and entertaining.

Continued Exploration

Listeners are encouraged to follow "Oh What A Time" on the Wondery App or other platforms, with additional content available through Wondery Plus subscription.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the "Life at Sea" episode from "Oh What A Time," offering insights into maritime history, the storied lives of Welsh pirates, and the personal reflections of the hosts.