So before I get back to work writing, a bit about my favorite podcasts

I have just lived through a sad time, so sad, that I've felt guilty for smiling, or laughing. A time so grim and exhausting, I could not for the life of me think of anything amusing for the third book I've been writing about Lord Seelye. (It was, however, a prime mood for editing the draft.)

But enough about my petty woes, there is very good news if you haven't been exploring the world of podcasts.

Since you're here, I can safely assume you find English history interesting and that's why you are in luck!

There are two delightful, hilarious, historically accurate (as far as I can tell, but what the hell do I know?) podcasts to give a listen to:

1) The History of England by David Crowther (who, when differing with academic historians' theories, says, "but I'm just a bloke in a shed.") Mr. Crowther is meandering his way from Anglo-Saxon times and has reached the 14th century so far. He takes fascinating detours to discuss fashions, or European history at the time. Mr. C. has a Monty Pythonesque approach to the mayhem of the past and his dry, wry wit is a constant source of pleasure, as is his take on history and who did what to whom and why. He's flat-out wonderful. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

It's available FREE at the iTunes store;
and

2) Rex Factor, a cheeky biographical takeoff on X-Factor talent show, involves two guys, Graham and Ali, who review all the monarchs of England from Alfred the Great to dear and dour QEII. Graham, the historian apparently, summarizes the challenges and events in the king or queen's life, with Ali offering his commentary, then the two hunker down and score each on criteria: Battliness (success at war, fight-y attitude, etc.), Scandal (juicy, raunchy and renowned- instigate an archbishop's hacking to death at the high altar? High scores for you, Henry II), Subjectivity (would you want to be a subject during his/her reign), Longevity, Dynasty (surviving heirs, not the TV program), and finally whether or not the monarch deserves the ultimate accolade of having that je ne sais crois, the Rex Factor. The premise alone is hysterically funny and the guys are brilliant while handicapping the week's royal subject. Please skip the first intro, the sound is terrible and not a true representation of their output.
Free on iTunes, too. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/r...

The boys of Rex Factor have completed their entire survey, have conducted several rounds of play-offs among the 18 Rex Factor monarchs to identify the single, ultimate Rex Factor Sovereign. I won't ruin the suspense but every show but the first is well worth listening to. They are very, very funny fellows.

I may also post an outstanding recipe for chocolate stout cake, that is superb, easy peasy and not too sweet.

If you've come across a worthy podcast on any subject, please share the what, who, when, why and where's here.