In episode 05, we reflect on the word “History” with Timothy Hedger, ex CEO Misty Maroon Ltd and MSc The London School of Economics.

As someone who has studied History extensively at school and university, Tim has a special relationship with this word, as you can hear from his highly insightful conversation with Paul Mangell.

Why do we need History? Is History only about describing information about past events or is there more to it? What is the difference between a history and a myth or legend which is believed to be historical? What can we learn from history? Paul and Tim look for the answers to these and many more intriguing questions.

Following the interview, our guest Language Detective Ethan Barret digs for clues about the etymological roots of the word “history”. Where did the term history come from? When did it enter the English language? How did the linguistic divide between “story” and “history” evolve? We hear Ethan searching for the answers to these and many more fascinating questions related to the origin of the word “history”.

Later in the podcast, our producer Yuliya Stancheva contemplates on some of the controversial discussions derived from the clash between “history” and “herstory”. As usual Yuliya takes us on an exciting journey in the world of arts and culture, revealing how the word “history” is imprinted in famous books, movies and song titles.

Hosts: Paul Mangell & Yuliya Stancheva

Guest Host: Ethan Barret

Producer/Writer: Yuliya Stancheva

Sound design: Alpha Studios

Sound engineers: Mikosh Nanasi

Art design: David Standley

Vocals: Stancho Stanchev

Guest: Timothy Hedger

Tim Hedger grew up in rural Hertfordshire and studied History at Reading University and subsequently at the London School of Economics. He spent a good deal of his early adult life travelling abroad and taught English in France and then China. In his 30's he became co-owner of The New School of English in Cambridge, stepping down as MD in 2017 when they sold the business. He is a keen amateur cricketer, and an enthusiastic guitarist in a Gypsy Jazz band, who has maintained a life-long interest towards history and historiography.