History’s Greatest Fails

Hosted by historian-authors Dan Jones and Elizabeth Day, "History's Greatest Fails" reframes the past through the lens of failure, arguing that losers—not winners—often shape history's most enduring lessons. Each episode explores a distinct theme, from the artistic anguish of Van Gogh and Gentileschi to Leonardo da Vinci's unrealized engineering ambitions, to war as civilization's ultimate collapse. Blending narrative storytelling with reflective, conversational banter, Dan and Elizabeth draw on their respective expertise in royal history and public failure discourse (via their other podcasts) to examine how societies remember—or erase—defeat, disgrace, and misfortune. The tone is thoughtful yet accessible, mixing scholarly rigor with personal anecdotes and dry wit. Bonus Patreon episodes deepen engagement with listener-submitted historical fails. Ideal for fans of narrative history podcasts who enjoy philosophical reflection on human error, resilience, and legacy, this six-episode Sony Music series appeals to listeners interested in art history, military history, and the psychology of failure and remembrance.