No longer just a rebellious aristocrat, Jessica Mitford fully embraces her role as a tireless "foot soldier" for justice alongside her partner, the civil rights attorney Robert Treuhaft. Together, they navigate the threats of the McCarthy era, weaponizing Decca’s unique talent for fundraising to fuel their unapologetic work within the American Communist Party & the Civil Rights Movement..

Let the muckraking begin! 💩⚒️

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Decca is no longer on her own!)

0:02:28 Robert Treuhaft, his heritage and early life

0:11:12 Digression: How family names were changed.

0:13:58 Bob’s work as a lawyer (cameo: Hillary Clinton!)

0:18:02 Why did Decca & Bob join the US Communist Party?

0:29:20 Decca, McCarthy, and leaving the CPUSA

0:36:21 More grief for Decca and her family

0:44:53 Wrap & Outlook (JFK coming your way!)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #BobTreuhaft #CivilRightsMovement #McCarthyism #HillaryClinton #AmericanHistory #ColdWarPolitics #SocialJustice #TrueStories

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

Stranded and widowed in wartime Washington, Jessica Mitford refuses to play the tragic aristocrat, instead diving headfirst into the American workforce to support her young daughter and the wartime efforts. A chance encounter with the sharp civil rights lawyer Bob Treuhaft sparks Decca’s move across the continent to look for a fresh start in San Francisco.

As her new family life in the States flourishes, the Atlantic cannot bridge the growing ideological divide with her old family, leading to a legendary and permanent falling out with her fascist sister, Diana Mosley.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Decca is on her own!)

0:03:56 Decca’s stay with the Durr’s

0:04:49 Decca’s daughter Dinky (or Donk)

0:08:45 Decca’s “war efforts” at the OPA

0:17:47 Decca meets Bob Treuhaft

0:23:12 Move to San Francisco - running away again?

0:26:22 Bob’s “summer vacation” in San Francisco

0:33:40 Events in England: The Rift with Diana

0:47:22 Wrap & Outlook (Decca’s real work in the USA)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #WWIIHistory #AmericanCivilRights #BritishAristocracy #fascism #communism #WinstonChurchill  #DianaMosley #TrueStories

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

After the high-seas drama of their escape, Jessica Mitford and Esmond Romilly trade their spy-thriller life for a gritty "commune" in London before seeking a fresh start in the United States. But the American dream quickly turns into a wartime nightmare as the outbreak of World War II leads to a devastating personal loss, leaving Decca stranded across the Atlantic.

Witness Decca’s most harrowing transition from a defiant young bride to a widowed single mother fighting for survival in a country that is no longer home.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (bye bye Spain & France)

0:05:06 Plans & changes: from Spy Thriller to RomCom

0:10:45 Back in London - the communist “hippie” house

0:15:45 Their first baby & their “escape” to the USA

0:27:42 The outbreak of WWII & Esmond’s death

0:34:56 Her darkest hour - Decca is on her own!

0:39:31 Wrap & Outlook (widowed, single mother, without a job)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #WWIIHistory #GriefAndLoss #BritishAristocracy #HistoricalBiographies #LawrenceOfArabia #1940sAmerica #TrueStories

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

While the rest of the Mitfords panicked, Jessica and Esmond were busy executing a spy-thriller escape to Spain that involved a high-seas pursuit by a British naval destroyer. From a sister’s ultimate betrayal to scandalous Newspaper headlines, this is the story of how Decca the "Red Sheep" finally burned her bridges with the aristocracy. 

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (the 1930s was uncertain times)

0:05:54 Enter Esmond & Decca leaving her family behind

0:11:31 The elopement - a spy-thriler escape

0:15:22 Who do you call? - someone influential with a destroyer

0:21:47 A delicious trap for Decca

0:25:23 The betrayal of a sister

0:28:35 Esmond & Decca make it to Spain - for a bit

0:33:16 Pressure back & forth and Big Scandal Headlines

0:39:09 The rebels fight back and get married 

0:44:11 Wrap & Outlook (they’re out of money and pregnant)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #SpanishCivilWar #WinstonChurchill #Nazis #Communists #1930sEurope #TrueStories #spythriller

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

The rebellion has officially moved beyond the dinner table! In this episode, we follow Jessica "Decca" Mitford as she finally turns her "ballroom communism" into a full-blown spy thriller. With the help of Esmond Romilly and her running away fund, Decca officially becomes a "red sheep" on the run. 🟥🐑💨

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap

0:01:57 Decca’s chance to kill Hitler (she never met him, in the end)

0:07:38 Churchill's "Bad Boy" nephew: scandalous rumors

0:11:22 Esmond Romilly: Attacking the British Public School system

0:21:21 Esmond in the Spanish Civil War

0:28:28 Decca & Esmond - love at first flight 

0:37:53 Their Running Away Plan (a spy operation, really) 

0:46:25 Wrap & Outlook (the spy thriller continues in France)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #SpanishCivilWar #WinstonChurchill #AdolfHitler #1930sEurope #TrueStories #TheMitfords #TrueHistory 

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

We are officially DONE with the fascists! After spending weeks in the dark company of Unity and Diana, it’s time to flip the political script. Enter Jessica "Decca" Mitford, the "red sheep" of the family, who traded her silver spoon for a hammer and sickle.

In this first episode about her, we explore Decca’s childhood within the Mitford Nursery. Why did she feel that her upbringing was so suffocating? We dive into her legendary memoir "Hons and Rebels", uncovering the bizarre nicknames and the secret language of the Mitford girls.

We also examine the fascinating psychological parallels between the sisters: how did one house produce two fascists and one radical communist? From her early "armchair socialism" to her genius running away fund—a childhood savings account designed specifically to escape the aristocracy—Decca was playing a long game. Finally, we meet the catalyst for her rebellion: the "bad boy" cousin and notorious anti-establishment figure, Esmond Romilly.

Get ready for a story of teenage defiance, political radicalisation, and the most scandalous elopement in 1930s Britain. The revolution starts in the nursery!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (we’re DONE with the fascists!)

0:02:35 Decca’s nicknames & “Hons and Rebels”

0:08:45 Decca’s ‘suffocating” childhood

0:14:10 Decca’s early childhood and career ideas

0:20:48 Decca’s role models & armchair socialism

0:26:55 Diana, Unity, and Decca: parallels and differences

0:32:51 Decca’s Running Away Fund 

0:38:37 Enter Esmond! 

0:43:45 Wrap & Outlook (an elopement heading your way!)

For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:

• “Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)
• “A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)
• "Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla Kaplan

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #JessicaMitford #TheMitfords #BritishAristocracy #Communism #1930sHistory #RebelGirls #WinstonChurchill #TrueHistory #WomensHistory #TrueStories 

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

[WARNING: There could be quotes that are anti-semitic and disturbing.]

The saga of the Nazi Mitford sister reaches its haunting conclusion. In this final deep dive into the life of Unity Mitford, we follow the "Valkyrie" from the moment she pulled the trigger to her final, quiet years. And we also look at chilling parallels between the women close to Adolf Hitler.

We start with Unity’s surreal homecoming—returning to an England at war with a bullet still lodged in her brain. We explore the fallout within the Mitford family, as the war drove a wedge between Muv and Farve, and how Unity was whisked away to a remote life to avoid both the public eye and any more scandalous sexual encounters. What did it mean that she was now an Enemy of the State, with MI5 keeping a very close eye.

Then, we tackle the legend that won't die: Did Unity have Adolf Hitler’s baby?

As we dive into the bizarre reality of Hitler’s sexual life, we uncover a disturbing, tragic pattern among the women who loved him. From his first obsession, Maria Reiter, to the death of his niece Geli and the final fate of Eva Braun and Magda Goebbels; how does Unity fit into this dark inner circle?

We wrap up with a final verdict on Unity’s life and legacy—including her diaries, a little known connection to the Daily Mail, and a surprising link to J.K. Rowling and the world of Harry Potter.

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the Nazi-obsessed sister and to fascism. Get ready for the polar opposite, because next time, we’re meeting the Communist: Jessica Mitford.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (WWII started & Unity has a bullet in her head…)

0:04:38 Unity’s homecoming to England

0:08:59 WWII driving a wedge between Muv and Farve

0:13:03 Unity’s remote life to avoid people & sexual encounters

0:16:33 Enemy of the State and MI5’s role

0:18:50 Unity’s untimely death (1948)

0:20:37 Finally: Did Unity have Adolf Hitler’s baby? 

0:24:52 Adolf Hitler’s sex life (or lack thereof)

0:30:52 Detour: The tragic pattern of Hitler’s women

0:33:33 Maria Reiter - Hitler’s first love / obsession

0:37:36 Geli Rauball - Hitler’s niece and 2nd obsession

0:39:17 Eva Braun - The future Frau Hitler

0:40:51 Other women around Hitler: Unity, R. Müller, M. Goebbels

0:47:08 The Mitfords, the Daily Mail, and Unity’s diaries 

0:54:23 Unity Mitford - an attempt to a verdict

1:07:28 The Mitfords & the J.K.Rowling / Harry Potter connection

1:11:02 Wrap & Outlook (next up: the Communist Mitford)

Find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

A museum tip if you want to visit Munich: We strongly recommend the NS Doku Zentrum. Their website is available in 14 languages :-) 

We also recommend the excellent podcast of the Daily Mail about Unity’s diaries called “The Secret Diary of Unity Mitford”.

(even though the Daily Mail’s historic record on Adolf Hitler is questionable, that podcast is almost a rehabilitation)

Tags: #UnityMitford #MitfordSisters #1930sHistory #WWIIHistory #Nuremberg #AdolfHitler #1930sEurope #DailyMail #HarryPotter #TrueStories #HistoricalMysteries

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

[WARNING: There could be quotes that are anti-semitic and disturbing.]

The party is over, and the lights are going out across Europe. In this intense penultimate chapter of the Unity Mitford saga, we witness the terrifying moment where high-society daydreaming meets the cold, hard reality of global conflict.

We track the escalating tension as Adolf Hitler moves beyond mere rhetoric, shifting into an aggressive land-grab across Central Europe. We dissect the infamous 1938 Munich Peace Accord—the high-water mark of the "Don't Mention the War" strategy—and explore Unity’s delusional belief that she was the living symbol of a British-German brotherhood. But the "perfect" plan falls apart when the Reich forms a cynical pact with the Soviets, turning the UK from an imperial idol and potential ally into an official enemy.

We reveal the haunting private conversations where the Führer looked the Mitford sisters in the eye and told them the "unthinkable" was now unavoidable– all that while Richard Wagner’s Dawning of the Gods rang through their ears. When the Declaration of War echoed across the radio waves, Unity’s world vanished in an instant and her reaction was as extreme as her life: a suicide attempt that left her hospitalised in Munich before her controversial return to England in January 1940. How do you go home when you’ve spent years cheering for the enemy?

It’s a story of shattered illusions, political heartbreak, and the tragic end of a "Valkyrie" who realised too late that you can’t have your tea and your fascism too.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (sorry, but it’s all going to sh*t now…)

0:04:47 Hitler taking back “German” territories 

0:09:35 Hitler going into full Invasion Mode (Sudetenland)

0:15:30 The Munich Agreement & the Peak of Appeasement 

0:22:43 Unity’s destiny is…. unity! (between GB and the Nazis)

0:27:11 Things go wrong: Alliance with Stalin & war with the English 

0:33:22 Hitler warning Unity and Diana that War is inevitable

0:36:38 The Declaration of War & Unity’s reaction

0:43:57 Unity in hospital & returning to England 

0:50:42 Wrap & Outlook (Unity’s final years)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

And for Londoners: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

A museum tip if you want to visit Munich: We strongly recommend the NS Doku Zentrum. Their website is available in 14 languages :-) 

We also recommend the excellent podcast of the Daily Mail about Unity’s diaries called “The Secret Diary of Unity Mitford”.

(even though the Daily Mail’s historic record on Adolf Hitler is questionable, that podcast is almost a rehabilitation)

Tags: #UnityMitford #MitfordSisters #1930sHistory #WWIIHistory #MunichAgreement #Appeasement #AdolfHitler #1930sEurope #BritishUnionOfFascists #Chamberlain #RichardWagner #BritishAristocracy #HistoricalDrama

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

Unity Mitford is no longer just a guest in Munich—she’s practically part of the furniture. In this episode, we follow Unity from 1935 to 1938 as her proximity to Nazi power reaches a fever pitch; while Central Europe descends into fascism, Unity is in heaven.

We start with her chillingly close bond with the notorious Julius Streicher, the founder of the most virulent anti-Semitic magazine you’ve ever seen. Their friendship leads to Unity addressing the Hitler Youth, sparking a massive scandal in both the British media and the House of Lords. In a bit of "appeasement politics" (pun intended!), Unity tries to soothe her enraged parents by inviting them to Munich. And would you believe it? Lord and Lady Redesdale dropped by for a spot of tea with the most dangerous man in Europe. Was the British establishment—and the media—dangerously naive, or were they willfully blind?

As their friendship tightens, Adolf Hitler invites Unity to his mountain retreat, the Berghof, where she greets the Duke of Windsor (the abdicated King Edward VIII) with a Hitler salute—and he returns it! (Just try to picture that). At the peak of their relationship, Adolf even “gifted” Unity a new apartment in Munich; never mind what happened to the previous owners, a Jewish couple. Finally, we ride along as Unity witnesses the Anschluss—the annexation of Austria—from her seat in the front row.

Everything is going perfectly for fascism, and Unity is living the dream. But how much longer can this blissful life last?

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (“my sweet Julius”)

0:01:56 Julius Streicher, the Hitler Youth, and Unity’s speech

0:10:03 The 1936 Olympic games - summer AND winter

0:12:58 Unity’s parents meet Hitler for Tea

0:18:25 Were the British naive about Hitler? Even the press?

0:24:24 1937 - the friendship of Adolf and Unity tightens

0:31:29 The Duke of Windsor and Unity at Hitler’s mountain retreat 

0:36:51 Unity’s new apartment - with love from Adolf 

0:40:33 Unity at the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria in 1938

0:54:30 Wrap & Outlook (when everything is going to sh*t)

A museum tip if you want to visit Munich: We strongly recommend the NS Doku Zentrum. 

We also recommend the excellent podcast of the Daily Mail about Unity’s diaries called “The Secret Diary of Unity Mitford”.

(even though the Daily Mail’s historic record on Adolf Hitler is questionable, that podcast is almost a rehabilitation)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #UnityMitford #AdolfHitler #1930sMunich #1936Olympics #Anschluss #TheBerghof #BritishRoyals #DukeOf Windsor #Antisemitism #TrueHistory #TheDailyMail #MitfordSisters

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

Unity Mitford hasn’t just entered the room—she’s moved into the inner circle. It’s 1935, and Unity is living her best life in Munich; and the most problematic one.

In this episode, we take a close look at Unity’s life and the Nazi circles she moved in. Why was the Gestapo watching her? And who reported whom to the Gestapo? - We also explore the terrifying "Mean Girl" side of the Third Reich, as Unity enters a "who’s more Nazi" competition that ends badly for the other girl.

But it’s not all grim politics—it’s also weirdly surreal. We look at Unity’s frivolities and her bizarre Munich lifestyle. We dive into her "fascist flings" with figures like János Almásy (whose brother was the real-life inspiration for The English Patient) and her surprising friendship with Ella van Heemstra—better known as Audrey Hepburn’s mother. And finally, we tackle the dark and a surprising evil side of Unity: her friendship with the sadistic anti-semite Julius Streicher. 

We wrap up by looking at the German resistance and how effective the Nazi regime was in muzzling it. Methods still in use across the world today. Unity is no longer just a fan; now, she’s a participant. And from here, it only goes downhill.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Unity made it into Hitler’s inner circle)

0:03:44 It’s 1935 - Unity’s life in Munich

0:08:49 Was Unity a British spy? - the Gestapo is watching

0:13:55 Who’s more Nazi? - Unity destroying a girl’s life

0:17:39 How Aryan was Adolf Hitler? Was his grandfather a Jew?

0:19:30 Unity’s monkey, her Great Dane, and her convertible

0:25:35 Unity’s fascist affairs (János Almásy)

0:29:18 Unity’s fascist friends (Ella van Heemstra, aka the Hepburns)

0:39:37 “Mission from the leader”: the British fascist broadcast

0:41:38 Unity’s friend Julius Streicher (anti-semite, sadist, war criminal)

0:48:45 Resistance in Germany & the methods of authoritarian regimes 

0:54:30 Wrap & Outlook (Unity’s spiralling down into anti-semitism)

A museum tip if you want to visit Munich: We strongly recommend the NS Doku Zentrum. Their website is available in 14 languages :-) 

We also recommend the excellent podcast of the Daily Mail about Unity’s diaries called “The Secret Diary of Unity Mitford”.

(even though the Daily Mail’s historic record on Adolf Hitler is questionable, that podcast is almost a rehabilitation)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

For Londoners: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: #UnityMitford #Hitler #AudreyHepburn #Gestapo #1930sMunich #Antisemitism #Fascism #DailyMail #TheBUF #BritishAristocracy #TrueHistory #TheCrown #Scandal #MitfordSisters

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

We explore why Munich was the "place to be" in the early 30s—a shift from bohemian art & culture to rising Nazi fervor. We track Unity’s daily routine of sitting in Hitler’s favorite restaurant, Osteria Bavaria, waiting for a glance from HIM. It’s a level of dedication that we can only compare to the most hardcore Taylor Swift fans (sorry, Swifties, but the "Easter egg" hunting and cult-like devotion are eerily similar!).

We will then look into why Unity perfectly fit Hitler’s "type"—an unhealthy pattern of young, blonde, and utterly devoted women. We also touch on the most dramatic and defining relationship in Hitler’s life (hint: it didn't end well).

And YES, we’ll also dive into Adolf Hitler’s SEX life (why wouldn’t you?), and into the mental health of the women around Hitler as well as Hitler’s own mental health (frankly: it was quite Scheisse / shit). Is there a psychological link to the prototype of a "Messianic / Bachelor Leader"?

This episode will culminate in what Unity was to eventually call "The most wonderful day of my life!" - when she finally met HIM. It’s a story of obsession, unhealthy patterns, and the moment a fan girl becomes a confidante to the most dangerous man in history.

Where else do you hear the names of Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Putin, and Jesus Christ in one sentence? - Only here with us, at Raiders of the Lost Archive :-) 

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap (the becoming of a Hitler fan girl)

0:03:24 Unity’s move to Munich - Why Munich?

0:11:51 Unity stalking the Führer in Munich’s bohemian & soon-Nazi area

0:18:51 Crazy fandom & cults (and a parallel to Taylor Swift fans - sorry!) 

0:27:15 Unity fitting Adolf Hitler’s type - an unhealthy pattern

0:38:23 The messianic & bachelor country leader 

0:42:38 The most dramatic & defining relationship for Hitler

0:47:19 “The most wonderful [day] of my life!”

0:49:24 Wrap & Outlook (let’s chat about friendship with Adolf Hitler)

A museum tip if you want to visit Munich: Lyn strongly recommends the NS Doku Zentrum. Their website is available in 14 languages :-) 

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to organise a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Or maybe you’re interested in our services and our ethos?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Unity Mitford, Mitford Sisters, Fascism, Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun, Virgin Suicides, NS Doku-Zentrum, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, True Stories, Personality Cults, Historical Psychology, Taylor Swift, History Podcast.

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

We start with the strange paradox of the Mitford bond: how could Unity maintain a fierce love especially for her sister Jessica Mitford while they were diametrically opposed on every political conviction? We also peek into her unsuccessful and short stints at schools and the desperate hopes her parents pinned on sending her to school.

Then, things get juicy. We dive into Unity’s "coming out" into society, addressing those scandalous sexual rumors and the reality of her private life. But instead of finding a husband, Unity preferred to shock society which didn’t matter that much, because her sister Diana’s high-profile breakup spoiled the social season anyway. And while Unity and Diana bonded over rule breaking, they both spiral toward the British Union of Fascists.

Finally, we track the moment that would be Unity’s dark enlightenment: her radicalisation at the 1933 Nuremberg Rally. This wasn't just a trip abroad; it was the birth of an obsession. 

Get ready for the story of how a British debutante decided her true "coming out" belonged in the heart of Nazi Germany. Next step? Meeting the Führer himself.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap

0:02:35 Unity’s love for her sisters against all their convictions

0:06:06 Unity’s unsuccessful schooling & her favourite governess

0:13:01 The parent’s hope with schooling 

0:18:01 Unity’s coming out, a juicy rumour, and her sexual life

0:27:25 Diana’s break-up spoiling the ball season

0:32:00 Unity, Diana, Decca, their politics & the dawn of British fascism 

0:36:56 Unity’s radicalisation - the Nuremberg Parteitag 1933

0:44:45 Wrap & Outlook (Hitler calling!)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to organise a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Or maybe you’re interested in our services and our ethos?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Unity Mitford, Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Jessica Mitford, British Union of Fascists, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British Aristocracy, Historical Gossip, True Stories, The Crown, Period Drama.

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

In today’s episode, we look at the eccentric Mitford family dynamic that produced six legendary sisters - and after three outstanding sisters comes Unity. Her story starts with a "too-strange-to-be-fiction" coincidence: Unity was actually conceived in a town called Swastika, Ontario. Was her fate written in the stars, or just a really dark geographic omen?

We also dive into her unusual names and explore the Wagnerian connection that was immediately appealing to the Nazis (and yes, Lyn even found a way to link it to Klingons!).

Finally, we tackle the core of Unity’s personality: her extreme, boundary-pushing attention-seeking. From pet snakes at church to her table manners (or rather: ill manners). Unity was a girl who refused to be ignored. And this is the basis for a growing obsession and a very close relationship with a certain German/Austrian dictator.

Join your favorite German hosts as we begin the wild, tragic, and utterly head-spinning journey of the girl who wanted to be at the center of the Third Reich.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Recap, Intro & Overview

0:06:47 Unity’s upbringing (and of the Mitford sisters in general)

0:19:19 Unity’s conception in Swastika

0:25:50 Unity’s names: Unity Valkyrie (from Klingons to Wagner)

0:37:15 Unity’s personality: attention seeking on the extreme

0:50:50 Wrap & Outlook (a lot of Adolf coming your way!)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to organise a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Or maybe you’re interested in our services and our ethos?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Unity Mitford, Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Swastika, Valkyrie, Richard Wagner, British Aristocracy, Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, Historical Comedy, True Stories, Women in History, Central European Perspective, House of Guinness, The Crown.

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

We begin by examining Diana's and Oswald’s patchwork parenthood, breaking down the relationships and careers of all three sets of children—Oswald’s children with Cynthia Curzon, Diana’s with Bryan Guinness, and the two sons of Diana and Oswald Mosley, including the famous Max Mosley. We explore how their paths reflected, and only in one case rejected, the dark family politics.

Then, we face the uncomfortable truth: the unrepentant legacy of the Mosleys. We dive deep into the post-war political life of Oswald and Diana and their controversial stances on immigration. We confront the unsettling question whether there was a Holocaust denial and Diana's absolute lack of remorse for her fascist past—as we attempt to pass judgment on a life lived without apology.

This is the ultimate closing chapter on a life steeped in scandal, striving for power, and tied to political extremism. Perfect for fans of WWII history, aristocratic memoirs, and those who want to understand how a beautiful woman became a defining, and divisive, figure of the 20th century. 

Next up: Unity Mitford!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Today’s episode: an attempt to a legacy

0:02:20 Oswald’s Children with Cynthia Curzon

0:10:16 Diana’s Children with Bryan Guinness

0:15:24 The Children of Diana & Oswald

0:22:09 Alexander and Max Mosley - from Diana’s Memoirs

0:25:40 Oswald’s Legacy (M on immigration)

0:42:21 The Politics of the Mosley’s: a gamble and no change

0:52:40 Holocaust denial? - Definitely no remorse!

1:01:22 A Question of War & Peace, Violence & Free Speech

1:06:05 Diana: The good, the bad, and the ugly

1:16:39 Wrap & Outlook on the Unity episodes

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Max Mosley, Bryan Guinness, Cynthia Curzon, Holocaust Denial, Fascism, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, House of Guinness, The Crown.

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

We open by stepping inside Holloway Women's Prison—the very same prison that once held the Suffragettes—to explore the harsh conditions and the political maneuvers that swirled around Winston Churchill regarding the Mosleys' fate. We paint a picture of Diana as arguably the most hated woman in England on Christmas Day, 1941.

Then comes the twist: the shocking decision to allow Diana and Oswald to live together in a prison cottage, a privilege that caused national outrage! We discuss Oswald's declining health and breakdown, and the immense political pressure leading to their early release in 1943. Finally, the war ends, and the couple makes a rapid escape from Britain to their new life in Paris, finding themselves in a bizarre new social circle that includes The Abdicated King (Edward VIII) and the occasional brush with Audrey Hepburn’s parents and similar far-right / fascist sympathisers.

This is the incredible story of privilege, loyalty and infidelity, and life changing decisions. Perfect for fans of WWII history, scandalous prison memoirs, and the Mitford Sisters' ability to land on their feet no matter the scandal!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro

0:00:40 Holloway Women Prison & the Suffragettes 

0:04:51 Prison conditions & Winston Churchill

0:15:25 Xmas 1941 - Diana, the most hated women in England

0:19:04 Diana & Oswald in the prison cottage

0:28:53 Their health declines - Oswald’s breakdown

0:34:17 1943 - their release from prison

0:40:44 Diana & Oswald escape Britain after WWII

0:44:11 Move to Paris - The Abdicated King & Hitler & the Hepburns

0:47:48 Move to Paris - The Abdicated King & Hitler & the Hepburns

0:50:50 Wrap & Outlook on ep. 15 about Diana’s legacy

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, WWII, Holloway Prison, Winston Churchill, Paris, Edward VIII, Audrey Hepburn, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown.

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

We set the scene with the ominous atmosphere of Wagner's opera (the Dawn of the Gods) giving way to the Second World War. While London endures the Blitz and the Second Great Fire, Diana’s political allegiance comes into brutal contrast with her sister Nancy, whose husband is fighting the Germans at Dunkirk. During these years, alternative outcomes were terrifyingly possible, and Britain's destiny was truly on the brink!

Then comes the moment of reckoning: the dramatic imprisonment of both Oswald and Diana Mosley under Defence Regulation 18B, enacted to crush any potential conspirators. We delve into the genuine fear of a German invasion and the desperate measures taken by the British government. Diana gives birth to her fourth son, is arrested four weeks later, and forced to stop breastfeeding. Finally, we explore the shocking prison conditions at Brixton and Holloway, a harsh reality for one of Britain's most infamous women.

This episode is a gripping dive into wartime Britain, aristocratic fascists, and the shocking reality of political dissents behind bars.

Perfect for fans of WWII history, wartime drama, and the Mitford Sisters' ultimate collision with destiny!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1939

0:02:21 The Dawn of the Gods (Wagner) at the Dawn of WWII

0:11:10 Start of WWII: phoney war, the Blitz, the 2nd Great Fire of London

0:18:31 Dunkirk - Diana on side of the Nazis, against her sister Nancy

0:23:48 Imprisonment of Oswald & Diana under Defence Reg. 18B

0:32:00 The fear of a German invasion & a Fifth Column in Britain

0:40:50 Diana’s fourth son is born and she’s forced to stop breastfeeding

0:43:43 Conditions at Brixton & Holloway Prison

0:48:44 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 8 (more time in prison)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Adolf Hitler, Nazis, BUF, Richard Wagner, the Blitz, Dunkirk, Breastfeeding, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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

We start at the glamorous, yet chilling, Berlin Olympic Games and discuss Diana's private decisions during a tumultuous time, including her second abortion and the mounting desire to marry the BUF leader. While Oswald planned a fascist radio broadcast, we delve into the growing street confrontations in Britain, culminating in the historic Battle of Cable Street, where the BUF was decisively turned back #theyshallnotpass

Then comes the bombshell: the secret wedding of Diana and Oswald in a ceremony hosted by Joseph Goebbels at his private home, and the massive fight that immediately followed! We unpack Diana’s astonishing ability to navigate the circles of both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler and examine some surprising parallels between these two men, before looking at some of Adolf’s actions in Central Europe that will set the stage for WWII.

This episode brings you high-stakes politics, Britain being on the brink of fascism, and the most dramatic marital secret in Mitford history! Perfect for fans of WWII history, secret ceremonies, and the Mitford Sisters' brazen disregard for social norms.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1936

0:02:45 The Olympic Games in Berlin

0:13:08 Diana’s second abortion & the push to marry

0:16:33 Oswald’s fascist radio

0:20:58 The BU rallies & the Battle of Cable Street

0:27:02 The secret wedding of Diana & Oswald and their huge fight

0:34:25 Diana & Winston & Adolf

0:38:24 Events in 1938’s Central Europe (Austria, Sudetenland)

0:41:26 Their marriage is revealed & tinkering with genocide

0:46:15 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 7 (WWII is brewing)

You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Secret Wedding, Adolf Hitler, Berlin Olympics, Battle of Cable Street, BUF, Winston Churchill, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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

Today’s episode is action packed: Diana Mitford moves from being a society mistress to becoming a fascist and figure in the inner circle of the Third Reich. We cover the pivotal, turbulent years of 1933 and 1934 that saw Diana deepen her commitment to extremism.

We begin with the rise of the British Union of Fascists (BUF), revisiting the infamous Olympia Rally that sparked national outrage. Then, we discuss Diana’s controversial meetings with Adolf Hitler and the tragic personal event of her abortion, a decision shrouded in secrecy.

But there’s more than just politics! We dive into Diana’s surprising devotion to dogs and (maybe?) children, only to contrast it with a bad accident that almost left her disfigured. And we finish it all off with the most awkward love triangle in beautiful Naples.

This episode is again packed with personal tragedy, political fervour, and the outrageous true stories that prove reality is stranger than fiction. Perfect for fans of aristocratic scandal, WWII history, and the Mitford Sisters' most jaw-dropping moments!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1933/34

0:04:05 Recap of the Parteitag 1933

0:09:55 The rise of fascism in the UK & the Olympia Rally

0:24:00 Diana has an abortion & meets Hitler 

0:32:42 Diana’s accident (1) & her love for dogs and children

0:45:37 Diana’s accident (2) & looming disfigurement

0:54:39 The Love Affair Scandal in Naples

0:57:018 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 6 (secret wedding coming your way!)

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, British Union of Fascists, BUF, Bryan Guinness, Unity Mitford, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British History, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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

We dive into the rapid political evolution of Oswald Mosley: how the star of his idealistic New Party sank as quickly as it had risen, and how he then, inspired by Benito Mussolini, founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF) and introduced the Blackshirts to Britain.

But the REAL DRAMA is personal: Diana, still married, met Oswald, and they began their notorious, unashamed affair. Hear more about Diana’s most dramatic and consequential decision to leave Bryan Guinness and her life of luxury to lead the life of a social outcast. But then tragedy (or luck?) struck the Mosley family with the death of Oswald's first wife, Cynthia.

Finally, we look into Diana's growing fascination with fascism and the growing bond with her sister Unity, and how it culminates in their attendance at the very first Nuremberg Rally with Adolf Hitler himself.

This is the jaw-dropping story of how a society beauty became a key figure in Britain's darkest political movement. Perfect for fans of aristocratic scandal, WWII history, and historical drama!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1931

0:06:04 Mosley’s New Party & Benito Mussolini

0:09:13 The founding of the British Union of Fascists 

0:14:30 Oswald’s implements fascism in Great Britain 

0:24:00 Diana meets Oswald: the unashamed affair

0:28:45 Diana leaves Bryan - the decision that changed her life!

0:38:19 Diana’s divorce, bonding with Unity, and the Nuremberg Parteitag

0:42:52 Cynthia, Oswald’s first wife, dies & Oswald’s love affairs

0:49:15 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 5 (when things turn proper fascist)

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, British Union of Fascists, BUF, Bryan Guinness, Unity Mitford, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British History, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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

We introduce Oswald's aristocratic roots, his surprisingly meagre WWI record, and his first wife, the impressive Cynthia Curzon. Cynthia wasn't just society décor; she was the daughter of the powerful Viceroy of India, and she helped shape Oswald’s political beliefs. We explore her political influence on him and how they became a political power couple within Labour.

We then track Oswald's mercurial political career and his lively personal life: from his rapid change of party membership to his constant change of bedroom loyalties, from his concern for the unemployed to his utter disillusionment with mainstream politics and his decision to launch the experimental New Party. 

Get ready for a deep dive into the political manoeuvres and personal ambitions that led this former socialist (and female rights!) hero down a dark, radical path. Perfect for anyone interested in the complex history of British fascism, political betrayal, and the powerful women behind controversial men!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1931

0:02:04 Diana’s personality & meeting Oswald Mosley

0:06:21 Oswald Mosley’s family background (all the Oswalds!)

0:11:11 Oswald’s education, sports, and WWI “record”

0:16:50 Oswald’s first wife Cynthia Curzon & the Curzon family

0:25:27 Cynthia’s background, politics, and influence on Oswald

0:29:28 Cynthia & Oswald, the socialist power couple

0:33:24 Oswald’s political beginnings, the turns & twists

0:43:01 Oswald’s disillusionment with party politics

0:48:02 Oswald founds the New Party

0:49:52 Wrap & cliff-hanger to Diana part 4

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Cynthia Curzon, Curzon Family, Viceroy of India, British Fascism, British Union of Fascists, New Party, Historical Drama, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Women Podcast, Period Drama, The Crown.

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

We start by finishing our fascinating look at Diana’s life with the Guinness dynasty. We unpack the powerful and tragic story of her father-in-law, Walter Guinness, tracing his path from Parliament to a shocking, sudden death in Cairo. We also shed light on the family behind the famous brewery and the connections that led to the new "House of Guinness" show.

But the real story is Diana's infamous decision: leaving her rich, cushioned life with Bryan Guinness to become the socially shunned, potentially penniless mistress of Oswald Mosley. How did she trade aristocratic balls for black shirts? Why did she choose a life of social exile for a divisive political leader? Join us for the most dramatic chapter in Diana’s story—a choice that cemented her place as one of the 20th century's most controversial figures. Perfect for fans of British history, aristocratic scandals, and historical drama!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap of Diana part 1

0:01:40 Recap: Diana & the “House of Guinness” connections

0:05:02 Walter Guinness, the father of Bryan Guinness

0:13:48 Walter in Cairo & his sudden death

0:23:25 Diana’s decision to leave Bryan (part 1)

0:26:51 Bryan’s life after Diana

0:32:00 Diana’s decision to leave Bryan (part 2)

0:36:56 Wrap & Outlook on Diana part 3

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Bryan Guinness, House of Guinness, Walter Guinness, Blackshirts, British History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Women Podcast, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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

In this first episode, we're diving into the early years of the sister often called the "most beautiful of the six." Join us as we explore Diana’s unconventional upbringing, her education (or lack thereof), and one truly outrageous childhood anecdote involving a most unusual appendix operation.

Then, we transition from the Mitford manor to the world of high finance and stout. We introduce Diana's first husband, Bryan Guinness, and the legendary Guinness family - did anybody say House of Guinness?

Was their early marriage truly a match made in heaven? We peel back the layers on this iconic Anglo-Irish family, revealing some surprising facts about the Guinness brewing empire itself—and we'll tell you what the Klingons have to do with it!

This is the story of a stunning young socialite on the cusp of a truly tumultuous life, setting the stage for one of the most controversial family sagas in British history. Perfect for anyone who loves aristocratic scandal, hidden fortunes, and a fresh pint of unexpected history!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Overview

0:01:13 Tom Mitford - the only son

0:05:00 Diana’s husbands and her life choices

0:07:00 Diana’s childhood, upbringing, and education

0:15:53 Dianna & Bryan - a match made in heaven?

0:24:34 Who is Bryan Guinness?

0:27:09 Guinness - the brewery, the family, and the Klingons

0:32:00 Edward Guinness (from House of Guinness)

0:35:30 An Anglo-Irish family

0:42:55 Guinness brewery fun facts & surprises

0:44:44 Wrap & Outlook on Diana part 2

Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Bryan Guinness, Guinness Family, British History, Anglo-Irish, Historical Drama, True Stories, Historical Figures, British Aristocracy, Women History, Women Podcast, Period Drama, Downton Abbey, The Crown.

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

In today’s episode, we dive into Pam's marriage to the brilliant but complex scientist, Derek Jackson. We’ll unpack Derek’s eccentric family, his crucial role in physics, and how he juggled a shocking number of other wives and affairs.

We also explore Pam's controversial political views and her complicated ties to the Mosely family during World War II. From their move to Ireland for tax reasons to her eventual divorce, from her quiet life in Switzerland to smuggling chickens, this episode covers it all.

This concludes the story of the Mitford sister who never sought the spotlight but lived a life that was surprisingly rich with drama and unconventional choices. Perfect for fans of British history, family sagas, and uncovering the truth behind the aristocracy's most private lives!

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap

0:02:09 Pam’s husband Derek & his family

0:09:13 Derek, his brother, and physics

0:15:37 Derek Jackson’s role during WWII

0:21:51 Pam’s and Derek’s marriage (dogs ‘n horses)

0:26:27 Derek’s five other wives

0:34:17 The political views of Pam & Derek

0:39:00 Pam & the Mosely boys during WWII

0:43:41 Move to Ireland & tax avoidance 

0:46:50 The divorce & Giuditta Tomasi

0:49:58 Switzerland & the Appenzeller chickens

0:55:25 Pam’s end of life (& Nancy’s last years)

0:58:20 Wrap of Pam & Outlook on Diana

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #nancymitford

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism #thecrown

#women #herstory #highsociety #wwii

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation

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

Join us as we explore Pam’s unconventional employment as a farm manager to her equally unconventional car trips across Europe. We'll uncover her passions, her skills (did someone say gourmet cooking?), and the men who fell for her understated charm, including a certain famous poet who proposed to her twice!

This episode is all about the private life behind the quiet woman. It's the story of a woman who was a countryside connoisseur, a secret globetrotter, and a quiet force in a very loud family. Perfect for anyone who loves British history, period drama, or just a good old-fashioned story of love, farms, and unlikely adventures.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Overview

0:04:50 Pam’s childhood

0:10:25 Pam’s personality, passions, and skills (& cooking!)

0:15:19 Pam’s first engagement & her car trips to Europe

0:27:31 Managing the Guiness’s farm

0:31:41 The men in her life 1: Laszlo

0:39:17 The men in her life 2: John Betjeman (& St. Pancras station)

0:58:03 Outro & Outlook on Pam 2

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #nancymitford

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism #thecrown

#women #herstory #highsociety #wwii

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #houseofguiness

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

As the bombs stop falling, Nancy's star begins to rise with the runaway success of The Pursuit of Love. But a new love—and a new country—beckons. We'll follow her as she swaps the London Blitz for the chic streets of Paris, a city she loved, all for a man who kept her on her toes. We’ll also tackle her famously sharp U and Non-U debate and uncover the surprising truth behind its origins.

This is a wrap on the life of a woman who was a novelist, a (sad) lover, and, to some, a "snob." Perfect for anyone who loves some good old-fashioned aristocratic drama, spiced up with a dose of British & European (& world) history.

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap

0:02:07 The success of Pursuit of Love & the Free French (1944)

0:10:05 End of WWII & Prodd returns to London

0:15:02 Nancy moves to Paris (after Gaston Palewski)

0:22:38 Nancy’s literary career

0:29:23 Who started the U and Non-U debate & class in the UK

0:43:00 Nancy’s divorce, the Sun King, and de Gaulle

0:50:35 Nancy’s illness, last years, and death

0:55:32 Legacy & Letters

0:59:53 Wrap & Outlook on Pam Mitford

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #nancymitford

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism #freefrench

#women #herstory #highsociety #wwii

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

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

This third episode on Nancy kicks off in 1939, and as Europe gets sucked into chaos, Nancy's world is about to change dramatically.

Join us as we follow Nancy through the Second World War, from her employment as a shop-keeper to the terrifying Blitz of London. We'll tell you everything about her shocking role as an anti-fascist informant for MI5, her heartbreaking personal tragedies, and her love affairs which were surprisingly scandalous - but for whom? We’ll even reveal the real-life inspiration for The Pursuit of Love, Nancy’s beloved novel.

Whether you're a fan of British history, the Mitford Sisters, or just love a good period drama like Downton Abbey or Bridgerton, this episode is for you!

And we have a new song for our Mission Moment "Her Reason Why" by the wonderful Logan J Parker! - Check her out on your music platform 😃

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap

0:01:59 Start of WWII (in Europe) & Prodd in Dunkirk

0:12:25 Phoney War & Nancy during the Blitz

0:20:03 Nancy’s anti-fascism & reporting her sisters to MI5

0:29:43 Nancy’s 2nd miscarriage & her job at the bookshop

0:35:36 Nancy’s 1st French affair & her hysterectomy

0:40:41 Nancy meets Gaston & the Free French

0:49:44 Gaston Palewski & The Pursuit of Love

0:57:45 Wrap & Outlook

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #nancymitford

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism #freefrench

#women #herstory #highsociety

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

We started last week with sister number 1, Nancy, and told you everything about how she was raised (unusually is a good word here), how she got into writing, and of course everything about Hamish, the man who she called the love of her life.

In today’s episode, we jump right back into her life after the breakup with Hamish. You’ll hear everything about Peter Rodd, the man she married, the next phase of her literary career and her marital problems (and both is connected!). And you’ll hear about how Nancy went to France to help the refugees from the SPanish Civil War and how that changed her life, her political views, and her relationship to her fascist sisters. - Nancy wasn’t one for appeasement! 

Pop in your headphones and put on a metaphorical seatbelt; there’s plenty of drama and scandals coming your way (and a lot more world history as well, as a collateral) from your Raiders of the Lost Archive 😃

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & recap of Nancy part 1

0:01:16 Nancy’s rebound - Peter Rodd

0:10:25 Nancy’s support for Diana 

0:15:00 Digression: the British Fascist Union and the suffragettes

0:21:23 Nancy, Wigs on the Green, and the rift with Diana

0:28:19 Marital problems & the eloping Decca (& cousin Winston)

0:41:25 The first miscarriage & diving into work

0:45:39 The Raider’s Mission Moment - Women + Health

0:46:45 The Spanish Civil War - helping the refugees

0:53:59 Nancy calling out her fascist sisters

0:55:00 Digression: Appeasement politics and Declaration of War

1:03:13 Wrap & Outro

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #highsociety

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

#women #herstory #highsociety

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

#britbox #uktv

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

And we’ll kick off with sister number 1: Nancy Mitford. 

You’ll get to know everything about her childhood and sometimes bizarre upbringing, Nancy’s part in the Bright Young Things in the roaring 1920s, and of course you’ll get to hear what Farve thought of Hamish - the “love of her life”. And did she always want to become a writer or was that more due to unplanned circumstances?

Tune in and hear it all from us, the Raiders of the Lost Archive - your one and only real Mitford podcast 😃

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & overview

0:03:10 Early childhood & eccentric education

0:07:24 Inheritance & family homes

0:15:00 Finishing school & Nancy’s coming out

0:21:50 Nancy & Hamish (& being gay & Oscar Wilde)

0:31:55 The Raider’s Mission Moment - Women + Health

0:33:02 Black Friday & the start of Nancy’s literary career

0:42:00 Breakup with Hamish & the Bright Young Things

0:47:05 Wrap & Outlook

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #highsociety

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

#women #herstory #highsociety

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

#britbox #uktv

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

Season 2 of our Mitford Podcast is here! This is what we originally set out to do, here at Raiders of the Lost Archive: a proper good deep dive into the infamous Mitford Sisters, brushing the dust off all their eccentricities, their highs and lows, their challenges, set-backs, and insane stories, their lives, loves, and scandals. 

We’ll start completely from scratch - no need to know anything about the Mitfords or the show Outrageous.

We'll bring it all to you with our insatiable curiosity about how their lives were shaped by ALL (!) major events in world history - or was it the other way round?

Listen to our new season on The REAL Mitfords - and you’ll find out!

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #highsociety

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

#women #herstory #highsociety

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

#britbox #uktv

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

This is it - the 6th and last episode of Outrageous is here: “Point of No Return” - The OUTRAGEOUS season FINALE! 

As always, Lyn and Judith will review the episode and compare fiction to the real life of the Mitfords. And of course they’ll then draw a wider picture: Is episode 6 the Grande Finale the show deserves? What’s their verdict for the entire season 1?

And what’s NEXT for the podcast? Will Lyn and Judith raid the Mitford archives even more for you?

You bet they will! - There are so many more juicy, scandalous, and truly outrageous MITFORD stories waiting for you.

Lyn and Judith will fill you in with everything before OUTRAGEOUS season 2 starts - yeah, it hasn’t been announced yet, but … let’s be serious ;-)

But now, pop on your headphones and join our virtual campfire for some Outrageous Mitford stories :-D

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & outlook (in depth Midford coverage coming soon!)

0:01:42 Review of “Oysters & Champagne”

0:02:27 Fast scene recap: Nancy and Diana

0:04:34 Sc: Unity’s apology to Muv & Farve

0:10:35 Digression: The British Kings Edward VIII & George VI

0:14:13 Sc: Decca & Unity - love & hate between sisters

Sc: The Spanish Civil War

0:47:42 Sc: Diana and Winston (part 1)

0:48:41 Digression 1: British fascists not supported by Hitler

0:56:00 Digression 2: The eventful summer of 1936

(Battle on Cable Street, Berlin Olympics, Hitler Hype, Hitler poses)

Sc: Diana and Winston (part 2)

1:43:20 Overall review of episode 5

1:20:10 Wrap & Outro

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #downtonabbey #bridgerton

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

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Outrageous episode 5 is out: “Oysters and Champagne” and Lyn and Judith will review the episode and find out how it stacks up to the real life of the Mitfords. 

And while doing that, they’ll find some juicy, scandalous, and truly outrageous details for you. Did Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill ever meet? Which Mitford sister went to help in the Spanish Civil War? - Was it one or did two sisters go to Spain? - What’s the story about the fascist radio station in Britain? And how comes that Hitler is compared to a Messiah and to a modern day rock star? - you’ll hear it all from us ;-)

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & outlook (FULL Midford coverage coming soon!)

0:01:42 Review of “Oysters & Champagne”

0:02:27 Fast recap first scenes & Unity’s apology to Muv & Farve

0:10:35 Digression: The British Kings Edward VIII & George VI

0:14:13 Sc: Decca & Unity - love & hate between sisters

0:17:26 Sc: From cold bed to hot bed 

0:20:35 Sc: Nov 1935 - planning the secret marriage

0:28:01 Sc: “Changing of the Guard” (Jan 1936)

0:40:16 Sc: Start of the Spanish Civil War - Nancy & Decca

0:47:42 Sc: Diana and Winston (part 1)

0:48:41 Digression 1: British fascists not supported by Hitler

0:56:00 Digression 2: The eventful summer of 1936

(Battle on Cable Street, Berlin Olympics, Hitler Hype, Hitler poses)

1:09:41 Sc: Diana and Winston (part 2)

1:11:07 Digression 3: The role of Churchill

1:32:20 Digression 4: Churchill’s ancestry (Battle of Blenheim)

1:40:43 Sc: Decca writes to Esmond & Nancy walks in on Prod

1:43:40 Review of episode 5, Wrap & Outro

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #downtonabbey #bridgerton

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

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And while doing that, they’ll find some juicy, scandalous, and truly outrageous details for you. From the high society mum who called the police and had her son put in prison ?!” to the famous fashion brand that designed the Nazi uniforms (a brand you definitely know!) - you’ll hear it all from us ;-)

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & outlook (more in depth podcast coming up!)

0:01:42 Recap & reality VS fiction

0:02:18 Sc: Unity’s letter about meeting Adolf Hitler

0:05:24 Sc: In Unity’s and Decca’s divided room (part 1)

0:07:24 Digression: Unity, Eva Braun, and Hitler’s women

0:15:45 Sc: In Unity’s and Decca’s divided room (part 2)

0:16:36 Sc: Nancy & Prod reconcile

0:17:45 Sc: Unity & Diana are about to meet Hitler

0:21:25 Digression: Great men and female geniuses (Hitler & Picasso)

0:24:06 Sc: Photos for Decca’s Coming Out

0:32:55 Sc: At the Hon’s cupboard & meeting Derek

0:39:40 Sc: Unity and Erich - she decides to write THE letter (part 1)

0:40:16 Digression: The famous fashion designer of the Nazis

0:44:27 Sc: Unity and Erich - she decides to write THE letter (part 2)

0:40:56 Digression: Julius Schleicher and “Der Stürmer”

0:49:51 Sc: Unity’s letter to “Der Stürmer” & anti-semitism

0:55:50 Digression: communism, democratic opposition, the camps

1:03:45 Sc: Unity is ordered back home

1:04:55 Sc: The Peace Talks

1:08:53 Sc: Nancy meets Joss at the bar

1:11:23 Sc: Diana’s crash

1:12:42 Overall review of episode 4 (& Wigs on the Green)

1:20:10 Wrap & Outro

#outrageous #mitfords

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This is what we’ve been waiting for! The second episode of the UKTV / Britbox show Outrageous is out: “Girl on the Rebound”. 

And with it, the second podcast episode where Lyn and Judith review the episode and find out how it stacks up to the real life of the Mitfords. 

Will we have some outrageous and juicy details for you? - Of course! It’s virtually impossible to not have any “wait… what?!?!” moments with the Mitfords. - And when Adolf Hitler gets into the mix, there are some bits not even Lyn was prepared for ;-)

Now pop on your headphones and join our virtual campfire for some Outrageous Mitford stories :-D

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro

0:00:49 Reality VS Fiction - Sparks Light Fire

0:01:15 Sc: Unity exercising for fascism 

0:03:20 Sc: Diana asks a favour of Nancy

0:06:10 Sc: Unity’s campaign

0:12:23 Digression: American money, Winston, chickens, & egg money

0:15:24 Sc: At the abortion clinic

0:20:50 Sc: Family at church on Easter (Miranda the sheep)

0:25:20 Sc: News that Esmond Romilly has run away

0:28:21 Sc: Pam shows Nancy her new car

0:30:58 Digression: Pamela - the reality

0:37:04 Sc: Prod and Nancy decide to see Mosley speak

0:39:01 Sc: Unity’s “I’m going!”

0:40:56 Digression: Munich - “City of filthy Nazis”

0:46:36 Sc: Unity arrives in Munich 

0:49:05 Digression: Old German writing turned Jewish

0:50:54 Sc: Oswald’s fascist rally

1:02:28 Digression: Esmond Romilly

1:05:45 Sc: Debo & Decca talk about change and the future

1:08:32 Sc: Unity at the Osteria in Munich (part 1)

1:10:14 PODCAST SPOILER

1:11:02 Sc: Unity at the Osteria in Munich (part 2)

1:13:25 Sc: Muv looks at the books 

1:15:10 Unity stalking Adolf Hitler

1:17:09 Family discussion about fascism

1:21:21 Diana and Mosley discuss Nancy’s book

1:23:18 Nancy & Diana - the rift

1:24:50 At the Osteria: Unity is invited to the Führer’s table

1:28:19 The debt collectors are ringing

1:31:05 Overall review of episode 3

1:40:10 Wrap & Outro

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #highsociety

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

#women #herstory #highsociety

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

#britbox #uktv

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And with it, the second podcast episode where Lyn and Judith review the episode and find out how it stacks up to the real life of the Mitfords. 

Will we have some outrageous and juicy details for you? - Of course! It’s virtually impossible to not have any “wait… what?!?!” moments with the Mitfords. - And when Adolf Hitler gets into the mix, there are some bits not even Lyn was prepared for ;-)

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro: Reality VS Fiction

0:01:16 Sc: Christmas Dinner 1932

0:12:00 Sc: Oswald’s wife is dead

0:20:20 Sc: Nancy & Pam visit Diana - Hamish has news!

0:24:58 Sc: Unity at the British Union of Fascists

0:27:00 Sc: Nancy meets Peter Rodd

0:36:15 Digression: Oswald’s name & Mitford nicknames

0:44:50 Sc: Unity visits Diana - Plan to go to Germany

0:49:40 Sc: Nancy & Muv wait while Peter asks Farve for her hand

0:55:17 Sc: Diana & Unity at Nazi rally in Germany

0:57:15 Digression: Adolf Hitler being stateless for 7 years

1:17:37 Sc: The suburban house & Nancy's Wedding Day

1:25:42 Overall review of episode 2

1:31:33 Wrap & Outro 

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism #downtonabbey #bridgerton

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This is what we’ve been waiting for! The VERY FIRST episode of the UKTV / Britbox show Outrageous is out: “The Gathering Storm”.

And with it, the very first podcast episode where Lyn and Judith review the episode and find out how it stacks up to the real life of the Mitfords. 

Will we have some outrageous and juicy details for you? - You bet! And some Judith wasn’t quite prepared for ;-)

Now pop on your headphones and join our virtual campfire for some Outrageous Mitford stories :-D

Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro

0:01:45 Overall review of episode 1

0:06:48 Public reception & reviews

0:12:50 Reality VS Fiction - scene by scene

0:15:00 Sc: Swimming pool

0:17:20 Sc: Lunch with friends

0:20:06 Sc: Diana & Nancy

0:22:40 Sc: Farve takes a bath

0:24:40 Sc: Family breakfast

0:29:10 Sc: Unity & Decca play war

0:35:40 Sc: 1st meeting of Diana and Mosley

0:41:30 Sc: Will Hamish propose?

0:43:40 Sc: The damp London flat

0:46:20 Sc: Nancy gets home late

0:47:15 Sc: Nancy & Joss on park bench

0:50:18 Sc: Diana & Mosley at opera

0:51:43 Sc: Nancy slips into Hamish’s bed

0:54:30 Sc: Bryan forbids Diana to meet Mosley

0:57:00 Sc: Unity’s Coming Out Party

1:01:21 Sc: Nancy & Joss at party

1:03:23 Sc: Diana talks to Unity on the stairs

1:06:25 Sc: Diana tells Nancy & Tom about her plans

1:27:50 Outlook of the next episode(s)

1:32:30 Wrap & Outlook

Special links to Outrageous reviews:

Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/television/outrageous-review-frivolity-and-fascism-on-britbox-3ce0aba3

The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/outrageous-u-and-drama-mitford-sisters/

Radiotimes.com: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/outrageous-mitford-sisters-review/

The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/outrageous-review-fun-and-political-games-with-1930s-poshos-the-mitfords-vfhgt0hpm

Metacritic: https://www.metacritic.com/tv/outrageous/  

#mitford #mitfordsisters #outrageous #highsociety

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii #fascism

#women #herstory #highsociety

#downtonabbey #bridgerton #sexeducation 

#britbox #uktv

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This is a very SPECIAL episode with exclusive new details about Outrageous.

Judith was invited to the LONDON PREMIERE of Outrageous where she not only saw the first episode already, but also met some of the staff and crew. She was able to ask them a few questions and, of course, we’ll share everything she found out with YOU - all the fun and all the outrageous new insights.

The main focus of this episode is a review of the Outrageous Trailers, to discuss what’s shown in them and what isn’t, anything we’re concerned or excited about. And we’ll introduce you to the main cast and crew of Outrageous.

Will we have some outrageous and juicy details for you? - You bet!

Now pop on your headphones and join our virtual campfire for some Outrageous Mitford stories :-D

0:00:00 Intro

0:00:38 Episode overview

0:01:55 What is Outrageous based on? ("the book")

0:04:14 The Outrageous production team

0:07:31 The Outrageous cast

0:18:05 The Outrageous Teaser Trailer

0:28:36 The Outrageous Trailer

01:12:44 Wrap & Outlook

Trailer links:

Teaser trailer: https://youtu.be/JHQAYdLC0_w?feature=shared 

Full trailer season 1: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIwqj7tt0LD/?igsh=b3FhbWNxdTUzNTZp

Special links:

Vanity Fair article - The magazine has long been connected to the Mitfords, it’s only fair they’re doing a special article on them :-D 

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/mitford-sisters-first-look-outrageous 

And a shout out to Chuck the Rat from Reptiles Etc. :-) 

https://www.instagram.com/reptiles_etc_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWM0dXFycWVxd2NxbA==

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The sisters were born into the aristocratic Mitford family, which sailed from Mitford, Northumberland. You know a family is important when the town is named after it (there’s also Mitford castle, Mitford hall and all other kinds of Mitford-named stuff, so yeah, they were a pretty big deal). The Mitford kids grew up kind of isolated and left to themselves (think self-absorbed upper class version of Captain Fantastic). Formal education and contact with other children were kept to the bare minimum. Hence the children formed their own bubble - secret language and all - and the upbringing can be summed up as, shall we say “unconventional”? For example, they made a sport out of driving nannies out of the house. Except the nanny who trained them in stealing - she was allowed to stay.

As WW2 unfolded in Europe, the sisters took very different paths. What they had in common was that all eyes were on them. No matter what they did, it was instant gossip. Think of them as English WW2 Kardashians.

Born between 1904 and 1920 they were Nancy (the writer), Pamela (the boring bisexual), Diana (the fascist), Unity (the Hitler fangirl), Jessica (the run-away communist) and Deborah (the duchess).

There was also one brother Tom. He too became a fascist, which is why he refused to fight against Germany in the war. He went to fight in Burma instead and was killed in action.

We guarantee the most in-depth coverage on the Mitford sisters available anywhere on the internet here at Raiders of the Lost Archive! Additionally, we'll also cover all episodes of the upcoming Britbox show "Outrageous", the first show ever to tell the story of the Mitford sisters on screen. So, pop on those headphones, grab a biscuit (because history is always better with snacks!) and let's get ready to raid the lost archive!

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro & welcome to the show

3:05 Who are the Mitfords?

8:52 Who are the family members?

10:02 Nancy (the writer)

10:55 Pamela (the boring bisexual)

13:10 Tom (the only boy)

17:41 Diana (the fascist)

19:11 Unity (the Hitler fangirl)

21:27 Jessica / Decca (the run-away communist)

23:13 Deborah / Debo (the Duchess)

27:50 Conclusion

#outrageous #mitford #britbox #uktv #ukhistory #history #wwii #aristocracy

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We're absolutely thrilled to present the insane story of the Mitford sisters. You probably think you have heard the story of the Nazi-loving sisters before? Think again, because the story we're about to uncover is a never ending source of entertaining scandals full of “Wows!” and “Oh. My. Cheeeezzz!”

LOVE! WAR! NAZIS! SEX! PRISON! MORE NAZIS! SECRET MARRIAGES! MONEYYYY! COMMUNISTS! TEA WITH ADOLF HITLER!

What’s not to love? It truly is the most outrageous story!

We guarantee the most in-depth coverage on the Mitford sisters available anywhere on the internet here at Raiders of the Lost Archive! Additionally, we'll also cover all episodes of the upcoming Britbox show "Outrageous", the first show ever to tell the story of the Mitford sisters on screen. So, pop on those headphones, grab a biscuit (because history is always better with snacks!) and let's get ready to raid the lost archive!

#britbox #uktv #firebirdpictures #premiere #series

#mitfordsisters #outrageous

#UKhistory #womenhistory #wwii

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