That's Not How It Went Down

Could the world's greatest underdog story really be about… a horse? With the United States reeling from the hammer blow of the Great Depression, millions found themselves out of work and out of luck. But with the appearance in the mid-30s of an unusual steed with crooked legs and "baseball glove knees" the American public found the unlikeliest of heroes. Whilst Seabiscuit may not be considered the most natural racehorse of all time, his ability to dig in and come through in times of struggle catapulted him and his team to stardom at a time when people needed him most. And what of the Oscar-nominated movie that told the story of the three most influential men in Seabiscuit's life? Can it really be said that this underdog story is true? Where did Tom Smith discover Seabiscuit? Was Red Pollard truly so accident-prone? And can a horse really have an autograph?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After cementing his place in the action/thriller genre with an Oscar for his performance as the corrupt Alonzo Harris, Denzel Washington began a period of starring in an action film almost every year for the next decade and a half. Whilst always brilliant in whatever he does, there is one film from this collection that is held in a similar regard to 2001's Training Day, and it's probably unsurprising that it shares similar themes. As we found with Catch Me If You Can, stories that end with cooperation between a criminal and their pursuer can sometimes be exaggerated but so long as you stick to the theatrical cut of this film, we can keep our focus on the journey that leads to this conclusion. Did Frank Lucas really establish the 'Cadaver Connection'? How much of Ritchie Roberts' actions actually occurred? And was there money under the doghouse..? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say that a man's best friend is his dog. But surely a filmmaker's best bet is to avoid our four-legged pals. The danger of unpredictability, lack of potty training and a tendency to lean into the sentimentality of pet owning are surely all reasons to steer clear of a canine-centric picture. The challenge of movies like Turner & Hooch, Air Bud and Beethoven all providing evidence that you can't teach an old dog new tricks... but what about a new one? John Grogan's smash-hit memoir "Marley & Me", which spent an incredible 76 weeks on the bestseller chart telling the story of "the worst dog in the world", was hounded down by movie execs and turned into a surprise Christmas hit in 2008. But how accurate to history can a comedy starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston really be? Was Marley actually known as "Clearance Dog"? Were they kicked out of puppy training sessions? And what's the best way to clean a gold necklace?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here we are again. The Warrens - this time back on US soil after virtually zero involvement in Enfield - become major instigators, rather than investigators, in the explanation for the brutal murder of Alan Bono in 1981. Again, this film retelling is determined to showcase the brilliant work the Warrens did and the help they offered to poor suffering souls in need of demonic liberation, but again again, when we remove the testimony of these two (insert synonym of choice for 'charlatans'), what are we left with? Even after a Netflix documentary containing interviews from the people affected was released in 2023, there is still more to uncover in what is undoubtedly the least scary film of the franchise so far. Did Ed Warren have a heart attack? What actually happened in court? And who on earth wants a second hand waterbed?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To fact check, or not to fact check, that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the cinema to suffer the inaccuracies and anachronisms of outrageous filmmaking, or to take umbrage against a sea of errors and by a podcast correct them. For although Shakespeare may perhaps be the most famous name in western civilisation we know dramatically little about the Bard of Avon and even less so... about his family. But what did Chloe Zhao's award-winning film get right? Did Agnes really have a premonition about her children? Did Will really leave the family home in his wife's time of need? And what is so special about the second best bed?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes there's no watch more comforting than an unapologetically outrageous spy thriller - but unfortunately for us, so few of them seem to be submerged in reality. Surprisingly however, that can't be said for this 1990 classic adaptation of Tom Clancy's debut novel. Jack Ryan's search for the truth in the ocean depths inspired me to do something similar, and even though a Scottish sounding Russian submarine commander might be the least likely indicator of hidden truths, there is plenty going on beneath the surface. How did Tom Clancy know so much about submarines? Was the mutiny a success? And what's the best way to deter Russian submarines from a nation's shores?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's never easy to tell a sympathetic story when war is the main focus. But following the invasion of Iraq in 2001, the opportunity to reinvent the war movie genre on a different battlefield seemed like too goood a chance to ignore. Jarhead, The Hurt Locker and Green Zone all take place amidst conflict in the Gulf Wars, but few movies are as deeply "patriotic" and culturally divisive as Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper'. Despite becoming the highest-grossing war movie of all time upon its release, questions soon began to be asked about the message the film was making as well as the veracity of some of its claims - not just about Middle Eastern warfare, but about the movie's protagonist himself. Was Chris Kyle the deadliest sniper in US history? Was he really up against an ex-Olympian Iraqi sniper? And what the hell happened during Hurricane Katrina?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took Adam McKay over ten years to prove that he could write and direct a film that didn't star his legendary comedic collaborator Will Ferrell. And he did so with aplomb - cementing his reputation as a creative who knows exactly how to handle whatever story he decides. And I know what you're thinking - what else can be learned from a film that literally goes out of its way to make sure we know exactly what went down in the build up to the global recession in 2008? Well, here's award-winning podcaster Lewis Howard, and award-winning podcaster Elliot Fitzpatrick, sitting in a recording studio to explain. Was Mark quite as tempestuous? Did people really get mortgages under their dog's name? And why can't people just admit when an acronym doesn't work?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The challenge of following up a smash-hit that happens to be the first of a series is commonly referred to in the world of music as the difficult second album. And with writer/director team George Lucas and Steven Spielberg wishing to make each of their sequels canonically disparate from their forebear, what better way to achieve this than by not making a sequel at all. Enter the (seldom-used) prequel then to establish a new timeline for Indy and introduce a darker storyline featuring Hindu goddesses, ancient Indian relics and mysterious cults to create the most heart-stopping adventure yet. But how much of this slice of Indian folklore and legend happens to be true? Are the Sankara Stones real? Did Shanghai have great nightlife in 1935? And was there really a demonic Thuggee cult?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The average table tennis player is different from most other sports buffs. He is unable to comprehend the enormous gulf in ability that separates him from the professional." So says the enigmatic prodigy that inspired the Chalamet-driven, white-knuckle, globetrotting romp through the lesser known theatre of post-war table tennis competition - and it's easy to see why this world appealed to Josh Safdie when we see the theatre it serves up. But how supreme was he? Was he robbed of his greatest opportunity by a layer of sponge? And what's with all the Penn's?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Harper Lee's upbringing in Monroeville, Alabama, seemingly having so many similarities to that of her narrator, Scout, many have alluded to her Pulitzer Prize-winning work as being inspired by her own childhood. But can we dig a little deeper? What about some of the other characters on display in the sleepy neighbourhood of Maycomb and its environs, and how did the racially motivated convictions seen in numerous court cases of depression-era America influence Lee further to tell a story of injustice and hope? Was Atticus Finch a real person? Did Boo Radley really exist? And was Tom Robinson actually convicted of a crime he did not commit? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Compared by Rachel Weisz to the classic 'All About Eve', this also is a film involving scheming, influence and no small amount of dark humour. Peppered with awards and lauded as a triumphant vehicle for its three leading female actors, the tale of Queen Anne's personal relationships with those in her close circle has often been the subject of debate and speculation. But there's no doubt here in the vision of Yorgos Lanthimos and the Shakespearean level of characterisation of these women is one of the many reasons for its success. But how overt were these relationships? Were there other reasons for such a rift? And is gout actually good for you?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although markedly different from previous film iterations of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking gothic sci-fi novel, Guillermo Del Toro still holds on to many of the key aspects of what truly makes a great Frankenstein adaptation. But whilst Oscar Isaac's morally dubious creator might not scream "IT'S ALIVE!" as in previous versions, what true to life aspects of the Age of Enlightenment may have inspired the writing of this all-time classic? Did scientists really believe they could reincarnate the dead? Is there a real Castle Frankenstein? And what sort of gruesome experiments inspired those of Victor Frankenstein?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Cruise plays someone that can competently fly a plane. But that doesn't really narrow it down. How about, 'Tom Cruise plays a man on the wrong side of the law'. That whittles it down a fair bit. Tom Cruise is in a 21st century 'comedy'. We're into single figures, which is the last thing that can be said about the box office for this film. But something isn't sitting quite right despite a robust set of filmic ingredients in this story of one of the most infamous American drug smugglers to ever work for the CIA/Colombian cartel. Was cigar smuggling his first crime? How well did he know Pablo Escobar? And is Seal the perfect surname?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Are you paying attention? Good". Whilst our computational skills might not quite be up to the standard of, say, Alan Turing our ability to weed out the fiction from the facts is no secret. But given the undeniable critical praise for 2014's Turing biopic, "The Imitation Game", arguably Benedict Cumberbatch's breakthrough cinematic role, can it really be said that the story of the men and women behind Britain's codebreaking triumphs in WW2 has been told accurately - or in this case is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Were Turing and his colleagues the first to crack Enigma? Was Alan fired from Bletchley Park? And was his first computer really called Christopher?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much like a year ago, the temptation to bend a holiday classic towards our rules forces us to meet it halfway. Whilst exploring the initial nucleus for these festive mainstays gives us something to talk about, it's when we explore stories that may have even been inspired by the exploits of Harry and Marv, or anecdotes that bear an uncanny similarity to Kevin's situation that we can really indulge. Join us in this bonus episode of That's Not How It Went Down as we expand the brief to speculate on where the truths might lie... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the festive season upon us once again it seemed fitting to not just look into the veracity of a classic Yuletide movie, but perhaps even the very origins of our modern Christmas itself. There are very few amongst us who won't be aware of the source material for lines such as "Bah! Humbug!" and "God bless us, every one!" but when a movie was produced in 2017 exploring the genesis of Dickens' enduring festive fairytale it seemed ripe material to discuss just how much truth there was on this Victorian journey of self-discovery. Was Marley a venerable waiter at Dickens' club? Was Dickens' father really sent to debtors prison? And was there a real Ebenezer Scrooge?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He may admit to having a slight fear of the ocean, but that didn't stop Ron Howard tackling the huge budget and epic story that is said to have inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick. For the 'thalassaphobic' (sic) among us, this film is a challenging watch - and for those that struggle hearing inconsistent accents, this film is a challenging watch. But putting aside petty grievances, pursuing the truth in the vast ocean of Hollywood surrounding such a classic novel is too good to miss. Was there a white whale? Should Chase have been captain? And seriously, some of these accents... Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Listen to the ground. There is movement all around. There is something goin' down and I can feel it". The iconic opening lyrics to The Bee Gees smash hit, "Night Fever", hint at something of a cultural revolution. With vast swathes of America's youth feeling increasingly hopeless by the end of the 1970s, disco dancing on a Saturday night became a surefire outlet where under the thumb young people could shine. With producers on the hunt for a vehicle for their up-and-coming new star, John Travolta, an article in New York magazine about Brooklyn down and outs cutting loose at the weekend seemed like the perfect jumping off point. But just how truthful was this so-called "honest" account? Did Tony really work in a paint store? Were The Faces at war with a Puerto Rican gang? And was 2001 Odyssey a real club?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we've explored before, there's a small part of the human psyche that wants the fugitive to escape when we watch crime capers. Maybe not those films where the crimes committed are particularly evil, but how can you not feel for the cheeky and charming Channing Tatum attempting to start a brand new life, whilst hiding in the now nostalgia-inducing Toys "Я" Us? But then again, he did threaten innocent McDonald's employees at gunpoint... Was his escape so seamless? Was his recapture so seamless? And does it all seem less serious, because we're in a toy store?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family movies featuring innumerable children are a dime a dozen. But whilst The Sound of Music, The Swiss Family Robinson and Home Alone might boast extraordinarily large family units, nothing compares to Cheaper by the Dozen. And upon learning that this unfeasibly large clan was based on a real household I felt it was my domestic duty to investigate this unusual brood. Were there really twelve children living under one roof? How did the parents support their litter financially? And what exactly is a "Therblig"? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a common understanding that Disney only look inwardly for their animation film storylines, and most of them are born from a very small nucleus of an idea before taking our imaginations on a journey beyond reality. Occasionally they can be traced to a period in history but few are based on something quite as dark as this 19th century gothic novel, containing quotes such as: "I bear the dungeon within me; within me is winter, ice, and despair; I have darkness in my soul." But why was Victor Hugo so obsessed with the famous cathedral? What happened to the Romani people in France at this time? And who knew there was so much to learn about bells?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson might be the highest earning actor on the planet, there was one genre it seemed he was never destined to grace: drama. Until now, that is. Having recently acquired shares in UFC's parent company, it makes sense that an MMA-themed movie with DJ at the helm would follow. The surprise came on the revelation that he would be telling the true story of a UFC pioneer, dogged by a life of substance abuse and battles with anxiety. But just how accurate was the Smashing Machine in portraying the life and times of Mark Kerr? Did he really put himself in hospital after an overdose? Was his relationship with Dawn so fractious? And why exactly was he called The Smashing Machine?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After probing the 'true' events of the first film in this franchise, I joked we could simply run the same episode again but add a '2' to the title. But in fairness to James Wan, his follow-up horror attempts to carve new ground instead of copying the same format of the first. But even though we're introduced to new scary characters, they are still somewhat familiar - a crooked man and a demonic female figure taking advantage of a vulnerable family? Ed and Lorraine Warren are here as heroes yet again... But how involved were they? Who is Valak(c)? And how on earth does this story still have believers?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're holding our commandments dear and pledging our allegiance to the truth. The story of a soldier who refuses to bear arms, whilst saving the lives of dozens of his fellow men in one of the bloodiest battles of WWII was seemingly a tale so inspiring that Mel Gibson couldn't pass it by. But in telling the history of a simple carpenter travelling the world treating the injured, was there a chance of straying too far from the truth? Did Desmond give blood just to visit his future wife? Did his father burst in on his court martial? And was there really just... one... more? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vroom vroom. Long before becoming the outlandish franchise that invited anyone with an action film on their CV, Dom Toretto's car obsessed, tank-top wearing posse of muscles were created from a surprisingly modest beginning. A good magazine article doth not a good film make - at least in the context of 'The Bling Ring' - but as Dom's crew would know, by tweaking one or two components here and there, you'll end up with a much better performing vehicle. How are these races arranged? Is that how you'd heist a truck? And what exactly is Brian's plan?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's seconds out… as we step into the ring to give a blow by blow account of one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. Whilst Jake LaMotta is undoubtedly an all-time boxing great, can the same be said about the man outside the ring? A turbulent childhood, an unlikely rise to middleweight champion of the world and a history of abuse and assault all lie beneath the canvas. Did Jake really take a dive? Was he really sent to prison? And did he really try his hand at stand up comedy? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most CIA personnel when they retire probably explore other avenues as a consultant in the intelligence community, but Jason Matthews described wanting something productive to do and began penning novels inspired by his years of service. One of these was adapted into a 2018 film, starring the constantly impressive Jennifer Lawrence as a spy trained in the methods of seduction to obtain information. But where were these methods learnt? Did they ever work? And is a swimming hat a flattering look..? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1950s and 60s saw movie musicals sweeping the Oscars. "My Fair Lady", "Gigi", "Oliver!" and more all walked away with Best Picture. But after 1967 we were left with a 35 year wait for the next. Enter Rob Marshall and his ground-breaking smash-hit, "Chicago". But having read about the history of Murderess Row in 1920s Chicago I felt compelled to find the truth behind the razzle-dazzle. Was the real Velma Kelly a cabaret singer? Was the Hungarian the first woman sentenced to death in Chicago? And did Roxie and Fred really both reach for the gun?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"This is Sparta!"... or is it? Long before Zack Snyder polarised the fanbase of the DCEU, he started his career directing adverts, a skill which no doubt informed his style as an action film director. After receiving gentle praise for his 'Army Of The Dead' remake in 2004, he created a visual feast two years later by adapting a graphic novel about six-pack-boasting Spartan warriors. But what accounts do we have of this battle? Where is that Spartan well? And were the Australians as heroic as the Greeks? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Now, I know what you're thinkin'. How the heck does a 52-year-old, over-the-hill milkshake-machine salesman build a fast-food empire?" Simple. He capitalises on someone else's readymade formula. But just who exactly was the eponymous "Founder"? Was Ray a beleaguered multi-mix salesman? Did he divorce his wife over dinner? And who really created the Golden Arches?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you weave a character indirectly inspired by real life explorers at the turn of the 20th century with mythical relics and the villainous fascism of pre-WWII Germany, you end up with possibly the greatest action-adventure film ever made. The gap between mystery and history is part of what makes this story so legendary, but what do we find in that gap? Is the Golden Idol a genuine artefact? Where is the Ark of the Covenant? And should we now assume Indiana Jones is part of the Star Wars canon?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everybody knows the story of the boy who never grew up. But how many can claim to know about the man behind Peter Pan and the inspirations that brought his imaginings to life? Was the true story filled with joy and laughter or was their more darkness lurking in Peter Pan's shadow? Was there a real-life inspiration for Peter Pan? Was JM Barrie chasing after a widow whilst still married? And was Nana really a Saint Bernard?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite our cynicism, we're compelled to take a look at another film depicting supernatural occurrences. This could be the first of many visits to this franchise, as impressively, almost all of its storylines can be traced back to an historical account of some sort - and deciding which element of those accounts to tackle is half the fun. Who was Bathsheba? Where is the real house? And do all haunted houses just require a bit of DIY?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are very few literary phenomena as unique as "The Salt Path". The 2018 bestseller sold over 2 million copies and put first-time author Raynor Winn and her husband Moth firmly on the map as one of the most inspiriational couples in the country. But following up on an anonymous tip, the oldest newspaper in the world began it's own investigation, culminating in an exposé that would have reverberations throughout the literary and cinematic worlds. Did they really lose their home because of a bad investment? How bad is Moth's illness? And are Raynor and Moth even their real names?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we get bogged down in the mire of a groundwater contamination scandal that blighted a small community in California. After a spate of comedy dramas and rom-coms, Julia Roberts' turn as a single mother, single-handedly taking a large corporation to task over their single-minded disregard for public health earned her a much-deserved Oscar. But did the real life character deserve the same level of credit? Was the outcome seen as a victory in the eyes of those affected? And how did this story end up in front of Danny DeVito?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the 1992 LA riots, public trust in the world famous LAPD was at an all-time low. But following an independent commission into police conduct, it was hoped the cops could get things back on track. That was until a police scandal which rocked the city, featuring a cabal of corrupt officers taking part in crimes ranging from shooting unarmed citizens all the way up to bank robbery, with one loose-cannon Puerto Rican cop being the focus of the investigation. Did Alonzo really have ties to street gangs in LA? Did he frame a former partner in the hopes of getting off scot-free? And is that Dr Dre AND Snoop Dogg?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By the end of World War Two over 120,000 people of Japanese descent found themselves interned in camps across the continental United States, despite the vast majority being US citizens themselves. But as the end of the conflict brought with it a new appreciation for Japanese people and culture, it wasn't long before martial arts began to find their footing in mainstream Hollywood movies and TV shows. And with a screenwriter tormented by bullies who takes his own journey into karate, I wanted to discover what other true events had inspired this 80s cult classic and what the life of Mr Miyagi actor Pat Morita had in tandem with his onscreen counterpart. Did Daniel really have to perform household chores as part of his training? Was his first sensei a violent ex-marine who allowed for "no mercy"? And was that crane kick even legal?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite being relentlessly marketed as a film shot in tandem with the actual racing season, "F1: The Movie" is technically not based on a true story. But since I desperately wanted the chance to hold this latest attempt by F1 to prove how exciting it is to account, I thought it best to take a look at one of its most famous rivalries. Sports films are often hit or miss - depending on how much the production can resist the urge to forcefeed us an underdog story, but did Ron Howard manage that without bending the truth? Was there such anamosity between Lauda and Hunt? And what is the point of a fictional film, if it doesn't offer anything new? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to me, listen to me! I'm the captain now... This week we return to the country of Somalia and explore the daring efforts of the pirates that boarded the Maersk Alabama in 2009. Not only did this event make waves in the future safeguarding of cargo ship personnel, it also inspired the ship's captain to document his ordeal in a memoir hot on the heels of Columbia Pictures' acquisition of the rights to his story. But did Richard Phillips actually take all the necessary precautions? How old were the pirates that seized control? And if you attended a talk on pirates, what would you wear..? Joing us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy episode… as we take a look at the best picture winner from 1950. Regularly lauded as being one of the greatest cinematic triumphs in Hollywood history, this is a tale of paranoia, subterfuge and ageing. It's no secret that age plays a huge part in the career of all actors, but just how much of this story of an ingenue usurping her idol is actually true? Did Margo invite Eve into her inner circle? Did Eve betray her by attempting to become her understudy? And why did someone threaten Bette Davis' "moustache"? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Perseverance is defined as a persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. But when that 'delay' is 30 years and the 'difficulty' is a cocktail of jellyfish, sharks and tidal forces, does the latter drift towards the former? Diana Nyad stopped at nothing to achieve her goal of swimming from Cuba to Florida but what scuppered her previous efforts? How does the 'shark shield' work? And why is there such debate in the open-water swimming community regarding this achievement? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the height of Russell Crowe's movie powers, many were surprised to see him take a step back from playing the Hollywood tough guy and take on the role of the undoubtably genius, but undeniably troubled, mathematician John Nash. It was a gamble that certainly paid dividends for Crowe's career, but just how historically accurate was the end result? Did Nash really imagine his roommate? Did he make the cover of Fortune Magazine? And what did he actually win a Nobel Prize for? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite both being clued up on many sports - we are ignorant when it comes to baseball. So who better than a couple of English newbies to pitch questions about, cover bases on and take swings at the story behind the Oakland Athletics' innovative approach to player data. Was Billy Beane really that superstitious? Why was this approach so contentious? And are there any days in the year where MLB isn't played?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tension is running high this week as we take a closer look at would could potentially be deemed one of the biggest "what if?" moments in modern history. There's no denying that not everyone was keen on the idea of a Hollywood spin surrounding one of Germany's most significant war heroes, but just how accurate did the filmmakers get? Did von Stauffenberg really wear an eyepatch? Was a bomb concealed inside a box of Cointreau? And would the mission have succeeded if the meeting with HItler hadn't have been moved? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.