Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan & Gavin Woods
History
About
Join mates Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods as they uncover the jaw-dropping stories of history’s boldest icons and unsung heroes. From outrageous escapades to ingenious breakthroughs, every episode is packed with legendary tales you didn’t learn in school (but wish you had). With sharp wit and a shared sense of curiosity, Johnny and Gav turn history into a rollercoaster of laughs and surprises. Whether it’s daring escapes, bizarre inventions, or the quirky habits of history’s game-changers, you’ll be hooked on their unique take on the past. Perfect for history buffs, comedy lovers, and anyone who enjoys a cracking good story, Bloomin’ Legends is your new favourite podcast for unforgettable adventures through time. Get in touch with @BloominLegends on tik tok & Instagram. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com Bloomin' Legends is a Global Production, produced by Ben Fairclough. Executive Producer, Chris Janes Commissioning Editor, Chris Lander
Episodes
- Ragnar Lothbrok: Did the Greatest Viking Ever Really Exist?
This episode of Bloomin' Legends discusses Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Viking figure. It explores his sagas, his campaigns against England and France, and his death.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: His Grandad gave him a live grenade??
This bonus episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing listener stories, including one about a grandad with a live grenade and a rabbit problem, a childhood nursery incident, and an awkward house party mo…
- Attila The Hun - What do we actually know?
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses Attila the Hun. It covers his rise as a warrior, his conflicts with the Roman Empire, and his eventual death and legend.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: The Pub Puma & more great escapes!
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods share listener stories. Topics include an attempted childhood escape, a python removed from a car engine, and a pub that housed a puma.
- George Best: The Superstar Beyond the Pitch
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing George Best, a Manchester United winger. They cover his journey from Belfast to Ballon d'Or, his status as a cultural icon, and the brilliant and chaotic a…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Bulldogs vs Wedding Cakes & the Magaluf buzz cut
In this episode, Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods share listener stories. Topics include a bulldog that ate a wedding cake, a man receiving a standing ovation at a breakfast buffet, and a pub quiz mishap.
- The WW2 Spy Decorated by Both Sides - Juan Pujol Garcia (GARBO)
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features the story of Juan Pujol Garcia, also known as Garbo, a Spanish double agent in WWII. He successfully deceived the Nazis while secretly working for the British, even building a fake spy network and…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Hearses, Half Marathons and Benidorm Terror
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features listener stories. Topics include an encounter with a stripper in Benidorm, a hearse parked at a wedding, and an unexpected win at a half marathon.
- Albert Einstein: The biggest brain in the world?
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods of Bloomin' Legends discuss Albert Einstein's life, including his early struggles, his "miracle year" of 1905, and his theories on relativity. The episode also touches on Einstein's personal life and what hap…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Runaways, Red Faces and the Family Computer
This bonus episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods sharing listener stories. Topics include running away from home and a memorable incident involving a teenager and a family computer.
- Lord Byron: Scandal, Poetry and a Pet Bear
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing the life of Lord Byron, covering his reputation as a poet, aristocrat, and his involvement in various scandals and historical events.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Aussie Dom, The flying zip wire & Motorcycle baby names
This bonus episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing listener submitted stories. Topics include a boat race incident, a problematic zip wire installation, and a listener whose name is from a vintage mot…
- Alexander the Great: Part 2 - Power, Paranoia & The Price of Greatness
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods continues the story of Alexander the Great. They cover his conquests, including the fall of Persia, and his advance towards India.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Fiery Trousers, bunking school & the hand written letter!
In this bonus episode of Bloomin' Legends, Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods read listener stories. Topics include an incident involving fiery trousers and the podcast's first handwritten letter from a fan.
- Alexander the Great: Part 1 - The Start of Something Massive
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explore the beginning of Alexander the Great's life, focusing on his early reign and military campaigns, including his conflicts with Persia. They discuss whether he was a military genius or a figure whose su…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: The Great Maldives Lock-In & East London's Bonnie & Clyde
This bonus episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing listener stories. Topics include an extended stay in the Maldives due to unforeseen circumstances and a couple known as East London's Bonnie & Clyde.
- The Gestapos most wanted Woman? Nancy Wake’s Story
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explores the story of Nancy Wake, a French Resistance agent during WWII. The discussion includes her nickname "The White Mouse," her work in espionage, and her role in sa…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: The Snotty Saviour & Bader's G Force Legs
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing historical stories. Topics include an unusual firefighting technique, Douglas Bader's continued flying career after losing his legs, and a butcher-themed s…
- Billy the Kid - Murder, burning building and prison escapes
In this episode of Bloomin' Legends, Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discuss the story of Billy the Kid. They explore his involvement in the Lincoln County War and examine if he was a cold-blooded killer or a product of his time.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Barehand Boar Killer & Rasputin's Look-A-Like
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explore listener-submitted stories. Topics include a wild boar encounter and a listener with an unsettling stare likened to Rasputin. This is a bonus episode from the Bloomin' Legends podcast.
- The man who conned Al Capone: Titanic Thompson
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses Titanic Thompson, a hustler known for his proposition bets and golf course cons. The hosts explore his alleged encounters, including outsmarting Al Capone, and…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: The Drunk Egg Disaster & The Best Job in the War?
In this episode of Bloomin' Legends, Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discuss a listener's microwaved egg mishap and a baffling restaurant interior design. They also debate about the best job to have during wartime, with anti-aircraft gunner…
- Henry VIII: The Trump of Tudor England?
This episode of Bloomin' Legends focuses on Henry VIII, discussing his life, his six wives, and his impact on England, including the creation of the Church of England. The hosts also draw modern parallels to the historical figure.
- The Extra Legendary Bit: Flooded Nightclubs, a hungover car crash & sinking boats!
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing listener stories about flooded nightclubs, a car crash while hungover, and a listener who sank their own boat.
- Douglas Bader - The RAF double amputee who was denied the Victoria Cross
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses Douglas Bader, an RAF fighter pilot who lost both legs but returned to fly and became a Battle of Britain ace. The episode covers his flying accident, return to…
- The Extra Legendary Bit: A drunk wedding soldier, British Motor Bikes & Jackie Stewart!
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods delve into listener messages, featuring anecdotes about a drunk soldier at a wedding, the world of British motorbike names, and an interaction with Jackie Stewart, alongside other listener-submitted stories.
- Genghis Khan Part 2: The Biggest Empire the World Has Ever Seen
This episode, "Genghis Khan Part 2: The Biggest Empire," discusses how Genghis Khan united the Mongol nation and built an empire through military innovation. It covers the expansion of his empire and his legacy.
- Genghis Khan Part 1: Rodents, Revenge & the Birth of an Empire
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods details the early life of Genghis Khan, known then as Temüjin. It covers his abandonment, enslavement, and rise to power, culminating in his rivalry with Jamukha.
- What Happened to Rasputin’s Children? Maria & Varvara Rasputin
This episode of Bloomin' Legends details the lives of Maria and Varvara Rasputin, daughters of Grigori Rasputin, after his murder. It covers their experiences from Imperial Russia to exile and Maria's career as a dancer, memoirist, and lio…
- Sir Francis Drake: Pirate, Hero, or the Queen’s Favourite Thief?
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explores the life of Sir Francis Drake, examining his role as an English hero who circumnavigated the globe and fought the Spanish Armada, juxtaposed with the Spanish vie…
- Julius Caesar: The Man Who Broke the Roman Republic
This episode of Bloomin' Legends features Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discussing Julius Caesar. They cover his rise as a general, his campaigns in Gaul, his decision to cross the Rubicon, and his eventual assassination, exploring how hi…
- Bloomin’ Legend of the Year 2025: Your Champion!
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods announce the winner of the first Bloomin’ Legend of the Year 2025. They revisit the legends from the past year, discuss their opinions, and crown the ultimate Bloomin’ Legend based on listener votes.
- The Football Match that stopped the War on Christmas, 1914
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses the 1914 Christmas Truce during World War One, where opposing soldiers paused fighting to share gifts, sing carols, and play football. They examine how the truc…
- The Cowboy Who Survived 14 Bullets & A Kidnapping: Nat Love
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explores the true story of Nat Love, a Black cowboy from the American frontier. The discussion covers his journey from slavery to becoming a fearless wrangler, rodeo cham…
- Paddy Mayne - The SAS Rogue Hero Who Terrified the Desert
Paddy Mayne, a founding member of the SAS, is profiled in this episode. The discussion covers his transformation from a rugby star to a commando, his wartime missions, and his legacy.
- Harry Houdini: Escapes, Aviation & The Vanishing Elephant
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses the life and career of Harry Houdini. They cover his famous escapes, his interest in aviation, and his dedication to exposing spiritualist scams.
- Bonus Episode: Vote for the Bloomin Legend of the Year!
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods are preparing to crown the first Bloomin' Legend of the Year. Listeners are invited to vote for their favorite from a list of historical figures discussed on the podcast.
- The French Robin Hood Who Made His Victims Dance: Gaspard De Besse
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods discusses Gaspard de Besse, an 18th-century highwayman from Provence. They cover his rise as an outlaw, his stylish robberies, daring escapes, and how his execution cemen…
- China's answer to Tutankhamun: Fu Hao
This episode of Bloomin' Legends discusses Fu Hao, a Shang Dynasty warrior queen, high priestess, and military commander. Her untouched tomb, discovered after 3,000 years, provided new information about early Chinese civilization.
- "He kidnapped a nazi general, wore his clothes & walked across Europe", Patrick Leigh Fermor
This episode of Bloomin' Legends explores the life of Patrick Leigh Fermor, a poet, adventurer, and World War II hero. It covers his walk across Europe at 18 and his role in kidnapping a German general during the war.
- Max Woosnam: England Football Captain, Wimbledon Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and War Hero
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explores the life of Max Woosnam, a British sportsman. They discuss his achievements, including captaining Manchester City, winning Olympic gold, lifting the Davis Cup, a…
- From Titanic to Britannic: The Man Who Wouldn’t Sink - Arthur John Priest
This episode of Bloomin' Legends with Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods tells the story of Arthur John Priest, a stoker who survived five shipwrecks, including the Titanic and Britannic. He earned the nickname “The Unsinkable Stoker” due to h…
- Sir Ernest Shackleton: The Expedition That Should’ve Killed Them All
This episode uncovers the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition. It details how his ship, Endurance, was crushed by ice, stranding his crew in Antarctica, and how Shackleton's leadership led to their survival.
- Mad Jack Mytton: The Wild Aristocrat Who Drank, Gambled, and Rode Bears at Dinner
This episode of Bloomin' Legends uncovers the story of Mad Jack Mytton, a 19th-century aristocrat known for his outrageous stunts and eccentricities. The podcast explores his bizarre pranks, spending habits, and ultimately, the consequence…
- Vlad the Impaler: The Bloodthirsty Prince Who Inspired Dracula
This episode of Bloomin' Legends explores the history of Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Wallachian ruler known for his brutal tactics against the Ottomans. It covers how his actions led to his reputation as the "Prince of Pain" and his l…
- Mad Jack Churchill: The British Soldier Who Charged Into WWII with a Longbow and a Sword
This episode of Bloomin' Legends uncovers the wartime adventures of Mad Jack Churchill, a British officer known for using medieval weapons in World War II and for escaping Nazi captivity. The hosts discuss his legendary status and eccentri…
- Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh Who Seduced Empires and Defied Rome
This episode of Bloomin' Legends discusses Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt. It covers her rise to power, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her confrontations with the Roman Empire.
- Timothy Dexter: The Eccentric Millionaire Who Outsmarted Everyone by Accident
This episode of Bloomin' Legends explores the life of Timothy Dexter, an eccentric millionaire. It covers his accidental success in business, including selling coal and writing a book without punctuation.
- Bartholomew Roberts: The World's Most Successful Pirate
Johnny Vaughan and Gavin Woods explore the life of Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, the most successful pirate of the Golden Age. They discuss his path to piracy, his numerous raids and captures, the pirate code he created, a…
- Marie Dorion: The Mother of the Frontier
This episode of Bloomin' Legends discusses Marie Dorion. She was an Indigenous woman who joined an expedition across the American wilderness, where she experienced freezing winters and devastating loss, yet she survived.