Podcast Review: Rex Factor

I listen to a lot of podcasts. And, while thinking of ideas for this newsletter, I decided to review one each month. I already talked about an episode of “Writing About Dragons and Sh*t.” Now, I’m changing it up with a podcast about history.

I’ve been listening to Rex Factor for a few years now. I started getting into them maybe while my daughter was in NICU? Having an hour drive to and from the hospital every day, you can get through a lot of podcasts. And, I’ve always been interested in British history. So, when I heard about this show, I had to listen.

Hosts Graham Duke and Ali Hood have spent the past several years talking about British royalty. Season 1 reviewed all of the Kings and Queens of England that ruled. Season 2 was all of the Scottish Kings and Queens up to James VI/I. And, season 3 is all the Queen and Prince consorts of England.

Each episode follows the same format. Discuss the biography of each ruler and then rate them in different categories: Battleyness- Did they have any great military accomplishments, were there any moments where they stood up for themselves; Subjectivity- How good would it be to be a subject during this person’s reign; Scandal- pretty self explanatory. How much “naughty” activity did they get up to. Affairs, corruption, murder; Dynasty (Not the program) How many children outlived them; Longevity- How long did they rule.

And they go all the way back. To the very first recorded kings and queens. Which has to be hard because sources can be sparse. A lot of speculation when looking back on history. But, Graham does his best to provide as much information as possible to present.

At the end of the season, they take all of the rankings and have a sort of tournament to see who has “The Rex Factor.” Basically who is the best of the best. So, it’s interesting to see the comparisons of the scores combined with personal preference of the hosts.

I’m not going to give away who wins in each season. It’s worth listening to. I definitely recommend checking them out. They have a website. They’re on Twitter. And, I know they’re found on Apple and Spotify. There are a ton of episodes so you’ll be listening for a while if you’re starting from the beginning.

Do you have any podcast recommendations? Share in the comments!