Summary of "Oh, What a Time" Episode: Oh What A Time...
Released: May 11, 2025
Hosts: Eris James, Tom Crane, Chris Scull
Podcast: Oh, What a Time by Wondery

Introduction to "Life at Sea"

In this engaging episode titled "Oh What A Time...", hosts Eris James, Tom Crane, and Chris Scull delve into the harsh and adventurous world of life at sea. They explore various facets of maritime history, intertwining personal anecdotes with historical narratives to answer the intriguing question: Was the past as horrific as it seems?

Setting the Scene: The Harsh Realities of Sea Life

The episode opens with a vivid description by Chris Scull, immersing listeners in the tumultuous environment aboard a ship:

Chris Scull [09:00]: "At this height, 130ft up in a wind blowing 70 miles an hour, the noise was an unearthly scream... the outside world seemed unreal."

This atmospheric introduction sets the tone for a discussion about the uncontrollable and often terrifying aspects of life at sea, emphasizing the complete surrender to the ship's relentless power.

Personal Reflections: Fear and Aversion to the Sea

The hosts candidly share their personal feelings towards the sea, adding a relatable and humorous touch to the narrative:

• Eris James [02:22]: “At no point, if that was my day, would I not be thinking, I've made a terrible mistake. I should have gone into data entry. A nice, really safe office job.”

• Chris Scull [02:37]: “I think the sea is possibly the most overrated destination on earth. Whenever I'm on holiday and there's a choice between beach or pool, I never pick beach.”

These admissions not only humanize the hosts but also provide a lighter contrast to the otherwise grim depiction of maritime life.

Exploring Welsh Pirates: A Local Heritage

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

Eris James [05:49]: "The golden age of piracy is the 1650s, the 1730s. And we produced an awful lot of top pirates."

She focuses on notable figures like Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, detailing his unique personal rules and lifestyle:

• Eris James [07:01]: "He only drank tea. He was an abstainer. He was a Sabbatarian. So he didn't like stuff to happen on a Sunday."

• Eris James [08:16]: "He allowed no women aboard ships. Any man who brought a woman on board disguised as a man, that was punishable by death."

These insights reveal a side of piracy that contrasts the often romanticized portrayal, showing strict codes and personal discipline among pirates.

The Strict Governance of Black Bart

The episode further explores Black Bart's stringent rules aboard his ships, demonstrating how he maintained order and propriety among his crew:

Eris James [08:33]: "He allowed no gambling. He strongly disapproved of that. He had musicians on board and they were... every pirate on his ship had the right to demand a tune at any hour of the day or night."

This policy not only fostered a disciplined environment but also ensured that piracy under Black Bart was conducted with a semblance of structure and respect.

Humorous Interlude: Pirates and Music

The hosts inject humor into the discussion by imagining modern music requests on a pirate ship:

• Eris James [09:00]: "So you could just go up to them and say, 'I want to hear Murder on the Dance Floor by Sorghie.'"

• Chris Scull [08:59]: "That's probably more like Napster if he's pirating it."

This playful exchange lightens the mood, offering listeners a whimsical take on the anachronistic blending of pirate life with contemporary culture.

Conclusion: The Complexities of Maritime Life

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the complexities and inherent dangers of life at sea, juxtaposing it with their personal apprehensions and historical accounts. The blend of vivid storytelling, historical facts, and personal anecdotes makes for a compelling exploration of maritime history.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Scull [01:13]: "The outside world seemed unreal."

• Eris James [05:49]: "The golden age of piracy... we produced an awful lot of top pirates."

• Eris James [08:16]: "Any man who brought a woman on board disguised as a man, that was punishable by death."

• Eris James [09:00]: "I want to hear Murder on the Dance Floor by Sorghie."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Oh, What a Time offers a rich and multifaceted look into life at sea, especially focusing on the intriguing history of Welsh pirates. Through a combination of detailed historical accounts and personal storytelling, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the era's maritime challenges and the colorful characters who navigated its tumultuous waters.

Listeners can enjoy this captivating episode and more by subscribing to Oh, What a Time on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or their preferred podcast platform. For an ad-free experience, consider joining Wondery+ through the Wondery app or Apple Podcasts.