Intoxicating History podcast

#Food #Arts #History #TWS Creative, Antica & Telltale Studios #TWS Creative #Telltale Studios #Wine History #Spirit #Cocktails #Food History #Royal Family #Drink Culture #Historical Drinks

22:49

Jonathan Jones is an NFL cornerback for the Washington Commanders who rose from the undrafted ranks to become two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, a businessman, philanthropist, and licensed pilot. In 2019, Jonathan founded the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation in 2019, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through education, professional development, and mentorship. The foundation works to alleviate food insecurity, promote women in stem and sports, and to promote professional development in the communities where he lives. Jay and Jonathan talk about investing in the communities they live in, acknowledging the people who helped you become the person you are, and paying that same investment forward to the next generation. Episode Chapters 0:00 intro 1:24 Building local connections 4:25 Jonathan’s mentors and mentees 10:54 Jonathan’s pride in his mentees’ successes 13:04 how Jonathan chooses his causes 14:08 Jonathan’s support for girls and young women 17:19: Jonathan’s passion for flying 19:40 The Next Step Foundation 20:29 Goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

Intoxicating History

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From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses.

Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties.

Each episode finds our convivial hosts uncorking a different chapter of human history through the unique lens of alcohol. Whether they're recreating Dickens's beloved punch recipes, infiltrating the closely-guarded royal wine cellars, proving that the English invented champagne or discovering how Portuguese port sparked an international alliance, Henry and Tom blend scholarly insight with irreverent wit and a shared passion for historical peculiarities.

Authoritative yet wonderfully entertaining, Intoxicating History serves up serious history with a generous measure of irreverent humour. Through revolutions and peace treaties, cultural upheavals and technological breakthroughs, your hosts reveal how the contents of the glass have steered the course of history – usually while sampling the evidence, (purely for research purposes, of course!)

Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments.

Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time.

New episodes served weekly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 episodes

Intoxicating History

updated about 19 hours ago

Series home•Feed

From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses.

Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments.

Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time.

New episodes served weekly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 episodes

#Food #Arts #History #TWS Creative, Antica & Telltale Studios #TWS Creative #Telltale Studios #Wine History #Spirit #Cocktails #Food History #Royal Family #Drink Culture #Historical Drinks

All episodes

Intoxicating History

1
Grape Pretenders, Part 2 42:05

19 hours ago42:05

42:05

In this second part of a two-part special, Tom and Henry delve into the scandalous world of wine fraud that shook the fine wine establishment to its core. We unveil the extraordinary tale of Hardy Rodenstock, the mysterious German who claimed to have discovered Thomas Jefferson’s lost wine collection, and Rudy Kurniawan, the Indonesian fraudster whose LA mansion was a factory for fake vintages. Along the way, we’ll take you inside the testosterone-fuelled world of “The Angry Men” – millionaire collectors who mixed misogyny with their Mouton Rothschild. From Michael Broadbent’s poetic wine descriptions comparing vintages to Sophia Loren, to bottles selling for $156,000 only to have the cork drop in, this episode uncorks a delicious blend of greed, deception and the absurdity of what one wine expert calls “a drinkable penis extension”; So pour yourself something you actually fancy drinking, and join us for these intoxicating tales of grape pretenders. Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

1
The Grape Pretenders: A history of Wine Fraud 43:53

8 days ago43:53

43:53

We are back to escort you on a rollicking journey through the world of wine fraud in “The Grape Pretenders.” In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowlesinvite you to join us as we unravel the outrageous schemes of the past, where fraudsters concocting “authentic” vintages by blending turnip juice, wild fruit, and even a dash of lead oxide—ingredients that would make any sommelier’s head spin. Our adventure begins with the exploits of Charles Palmer, an English officer whose fateful carriage encounter changed a chateau’s fate, sparking a series of misadventures in wine imitation. We explore recipes that include bizarre additions like almond shells and gum benzone, and we hear about the infamous “Holy Palmer’s kiss” that left high society baffled and amused. We examine the art of disguise practiced by dubious wine merchants and celebrate the wild ingenuity that once ruled the vine. So, pour yourself a glass and join us as we raise our spirits, laugh at history’s oddities, and toast to the enduring legacy of fake wine. Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

1
The Burton Snatch: Jamie Allsopp & The Ipa Revolution 50:22

15 days ago50:22

50:22

In this episode of Intoxicating History, we take you on a spirited journey through the wild world of British beer. Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles, recount how a bold 1718 letter—declaring war with Spain over a bloated drinks bill—set the stage for the fascinating tale of IPA. Together, we explore the rise, fall, and revival of Allsopp’s legendary brew. We share how Burton’s mineral-rich water rescued pale ale from spoiling on long voyages, the fierce rivalry with Bass (complete with scurrilous adverts and alleged poisonings), and even how a 1934 family ledger became the Holy Grail for resurrecting a business. This episode celebrates brewing ingenuity, from Arctic Ale and the search for the Northwest Passage, to the Russian court and the magic of fresh cask ale. Join us for an intoxicating blend of history, heritage, and hops. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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From Bibles to Capone: Prohibition in the USA 40:57

22 days ago40:57

40:57

Welcome to another unruly chapter of Intoxicating History with hosts, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles. In this episode, we’re unraveling the wild, head-spinning days of America’s Prohibition era. We discover how a noble quest to curb alcohol ended up giving birth to a veritable carnival of bootleggers, speakeasies, and legal loopholes that only the richest could exploit. We get into the nitty-gritty of how temperance morphed from high-minded ideals into a rollercoaster of absurdity. We meet the indomitable Carrie A Nation, hatchet in hand, storming saloons and leaving a trail of smashed barrels in her wake—she’s not your everyday protester. And who could forget Al Capone? His notorious reign in Chicago, complete with jaw-dropping escapes and tax evasion will make your head spin. And that’s all before we meet ‘the Real McCoy’... We also dive into the quirky, sometimes downright dangerous world of homemade spirits, the unexpected social melting pots that were speakeasies, and the bizarre laws that let the wealthy stockpile booze for years. So, pour yourself something nice, settle in, and join us for a spirited, unfiltered journey through one of history’s most tumultuous—and deliciously entertaining—eras. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Rome Part 2: The Empire Strikes Bacchus 37:21

29 days ago37:21

37:21

In this episode of Intoxicating History Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys get together for another round of wine-fuelled storytellin, delving deeper into the indulgent, decadent world of Ancient Rome. In the The Empire Strikes Bacchus we explore the lavish and legendary banquets of Roman high society. Step into the extravagant dining hall of Trimalchio—a nouveau riche freed slave famous for his legendary feasts, bizarre culinary theatrics, and, intriguingly, a wife who might have been Rome's version of a pole dancer. Discover how this fictional feast influenced F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' and learn what truly went down in these over-the-top Roman dinner parties, from pastry thrushes to wild boar served with theatrical flair. Tom and Henry also journey through the kitchens of Apicius, the Roman world’s first celebrity chef, whose surprisingly modern recipes still tantalize the taste buds today. From dormice garnished with honey and poppy seeds to flamingo served in rich sauces, Roman tastes were anything but subtle. Amidst tales of Caligula’s infamous banquets and the culinary extravagance that marked the decline of Roman austerity, the presenters unpack the politics of seating arrangements, wine quality, and the social drama playing out around every decadent dish. This is Roman history served up with flair—and perhaps just a hint of excess. Intoxicating History is brought to you in association with Taylor's Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Rome Part 1: What did the Romans Ever Do for Us? 39:13

5 weeks ago39:13

39:13

In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry, Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles travel back 2,000 years to ancient Rome to ask the big question: What did the Romans ever do for us—wine‑wise? From Pliny the Elder’s hangover cure of raw owl eggs in wine (yes, really) to the scandalous Bacchanalian rites that terrified senators into banning women from drinking, we’ll reveal how Rome invented luxury vintages that cost more than a modern Château Yquem—then aged them for a century and more. We meet Cato the Elder, the original frugal influencer who refused imported Falernian wine for his guests (but probably savored it in secret). And discover how Mark Antony entered Ephesus in a wild bacchic parade—think Pride float meets reality show—to cement his power and reputation as one of history’s most notorious party animals. If you love historical gossip, tales of Ancient Roman excess, and a side of scandal worthy of the Senate, tune in for a glass‑raising romp through Rome’s vinous legacy—no time machine required. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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The Martini Files: The history of the perfect cocktail 42:04

6 weeks ago42:04

42:04

In this episode of Intoxicating History, we get up close and personal with everything Martini as we chat with our brilliant guest, author, FT Columnist and Martini Queen, Alice Lascelles. Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys dive into the quirky history of the martini—from its early days as a medicinal elixir with a dash of ginger, to the iconic cocktail that inspired Hemingway and Dorothy Parker’s legendary wit - or not. There are personal martini ‘mishaps’, like Tom’s first three-martini lunch at Kensington Place. And we reveal fun secrets like why freezing your glass is the ultimate hack while reminiscing about the “Flame of Love” cocktail that Frank Sinatra adored. As ever we are pouring a liberal measure of historical tidbits, personal anecdotes, and useless information essential to understanding the art and joy of a perfectly crafted martini. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Chartreuse To ‘wreck-The-Hoose’ Juice: Monks And The Art Of Distillation 40:16

7 weeks ago40:16

40:16

In this episode, Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys unravel the enigmatic legacy of monastic mixology. They explore how medieval monks, driven by both spiritual devotion and scientific curiosity, transformed the art of distillation into a craft that yielded some of history’s most fascinating elixirs. We delve into the creation of the herbaceous, enigmatic Chartreuse; the uniquely stimulating, and often-maligned Buckfast; and the parvenu that is Benedictine —all recipes shrouded in secrecy and varying degrees of tradition. Beyond the drinks themselves,, this episode dissects themes of resilience, innovation, and the surprising marketing prowess of these religious artisans. Whether it’s unearthing hidden manuscripts or examining how these potent concoctions became cultural icons, join us for an irreverent yet thoughtful take on how the sacred and the profane intersect in our drinking culture. If you’re drawn to history that’s as spirited as it is surprising, this episode is a must-listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Johnnie Walker: The Spirit That Ruled The World 44:05

8 weeks ago44:05

44:05

In this episode of Intoxicating History , hosts Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles unscrew and pour a liberal measure of the scandalous saga of Johnnie Walker—a Scotch that started as a modest blend in a small Ayrshire grocers and skyrocketed to become a global currency of power and prestige. We dive into the racy world of whisky where a simple bottle wasn’t just a drink, but a ticket to high-stakes boardrooms, secretive backroom deals, and even diplomatic breakthroughs in colonial India. Discover how Johnnie Walker’s iconic Striding Man—reborn from a cheeky 1908 advertising idea—came to symbolise relentless ambition. Imagine English officers engaged in rowdy drinking contests where the stakes were as high as the hangovers, or bribery sealed not with cash but with a case of the coveted Black Label. The episode peels back layers of intrigue—from a family’s obsession with quality and ingenious blending methods to the whiskey’s unlikely status as the drink of choice for dictators and deal-makers across the Middle East. Even non-drinkers in conservative cultures couldn’t help but have strong opinions about it. We hear about a notorious incident of an officer so intoxicated by the spirit that he literally “lost his skin,” and our Tom and Henry reveal a world where every sip tells a tale of rebellion, ambition, and high-flying luxury. Get ready for a spirited journey that’s as informative as it is intoxicating—a tale of how one brand transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of global power. Cheers to a history poured straight from the bottom of the glass! Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Wine and Wimples: How Blue Nun sparked a Global Wine Revolution 47:35

9 weeks ago47:35

47:35

It was the wine that took the world by storm—then became a punchline. But behind the once brown and now blue bottle’s retro reputation lies a fascinating story of global wine culture, clever marketing, and unexpected historical twists. In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles dive into the rise and fall (and maybe rise again?) of Blue Nun , the German white wine that introduced millions to the joys of wine drinking. From Hollywood stars and rock legends to aspiring dinner party hosts in the 1970s , Blue Nun was once the go-to drink for those looking to add a little European flair to their glass. But how did a once-respected Riesling turn into a supermarket staple? Why did British wine drinkers move from Blue Nun to bold Australian reds? And what does a Cold War spy and CIA operative have to do with its success? Expect hilarious anecdotes, surprising history, and a few shocking revelations as we uncork the past of one of the world’s most famous (and infamous) wines. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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WW2 Part 2: From Vines to Victory 28:25

10 weeks ago28:25

28:25

The Nazis are retreating, the Allies are advancing, and the fate of France’s most prized vineyards hangs in the balance. What happens when a desperate army turns to scorched earth tactics? Could centuries of winemaking history be wiped out in an instant? In this gripping follow-up to our deep dive into wine and war, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles uncover the high-stakes battle to save France’s greatest vintages. From the Champagne Campaign to daring acts of resistance in Bordeaux, they reveal the hidden stories of courage, collaboration, and sabotage that shaped the future of French wine. Join us as we explore the extraordinary role of wine in World War II—how it was looted, hidden, fought over, and ultimately preserved. With secret cellars, last-minute betrayals, and even a German soldier saving Bordeaux’s port from destruction, this is history at its most intoxicating. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

1
WW2 Part 1: Wine, War and the Battle for France’s Vineyards 37:15

11 weeks ago37:15

37:15

When the Nazis stormed into France, they weren’t just after land—they had their eyes on the ultimate spoils of war: France’s legendary vineyards became battlegrounds, not just for soldiers, but for winemakers fighting to protect their lifes’ work from the clutches of the Third Reich. In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles look at the dramatic, and often absurd, true story of how the Nazis tried to loot France’s finest vintages—and how the French fought back, sometimes with nothing more than a well-placed spider web. From vineyards bricked up behind false walls to daring escapes through underground wine cellars, this is history as rich and intoxicating as a fine Burgundy. Meet the so-called Wine Führers —German officials who were meant to “manage” the French wine trade but often found themselves duped by the very vintners they sought to control. Learn how entire vintages were hidden beneath haystacks, mislabelled as vinegar, or sent to Hitler’s personal stockpile—where he barely touched a drop. Meanwhile, the French Resistance wasn’t just blowing up bridges—they were sabotaging Nazi wine shipments, stealing back barrels, and in one case, using a staged Fête du Vin to cover up an escape tunnel from a POW camp. With betrayal, bravery, and a whole lot of booze, this is the story of how wine became a secret weapon of war—and how France’s most precious vines survived the darkest days of history. Join us for a vintage tale of resistance, deception, and the ultimate toast to liberation. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

1
The Admiral, The Navy, and the Wine That Won the Day 39:15

12 weeks ago39:15

39:15

In this episode of Intoxicating History , Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles tell the remarkable story of how Admiral Nelson, fresh from beating the French at the Battle of the Nile, stumbled upon a Sicilian wine that would fuel the Royal Navy and become the most famous wine in the world - for a while at least. Marsala wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of empire, ingenuity, and excess. But that’s just the start. From the scandal of Nelson’s affair with Lady Hamilton to his brutal actions in Naples, the episode unpacks the messy mix of heroism and controversy that defined the man. You’ll meet John Woodhouse, the Liverpudlian who made Marsala famous, hear about naked vineyard escapades, and learn how sailors balanced their biscuits and rum on the high seas. It’s a story of wine, war, and a little bit of scandal. Pour yourself a glass—this is history worth toasting. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

1
Shaken, Not Stirred: How James Bond’s Drinks Defined an Era 41:19

13 weeks ago41:19

41:19

We’re easing out of dry January by veering off the path of hard history and into the world of a fictional hero. One in which the love of vodka martinis reflects a post-war Britain desperate for glamour and escapism. And whose creator’s obsession with detail—right down to his hero’s champagne choices—tells us as much about the author as it does about his famous spy? In this slightly geeky episode of Intoxicating History , Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys share their love of that great British export - James Bond. They dive into how Bond’s drinking habits are a time capsule of the 1950s and ’60s. Why did author Ian Fleming insist Bond’s martinis were shaken, not stirred? How did Bond’s drinks—from Japanese sake to Jamaican rum—mirror Britain’s global reach and changing tastes? And what does a 2018 study reveal about how much Bond really drank (spoiler: it’s a lot)? With fascinating insights and plenty of laughs, this episode uncovers the cultural history hidden in Bond’s glass. Pour yourself a drink and press play—you may end up shaken but hopefully not stirred. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Intoxicating History

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Monks, Mavericks, and Murder: The Untold History of Champagne 40:23

17 weeks ago40:23