Acast signs Half-Arsed

Acast has signed popular history podcast ‘Half-Arsed History’ to its growing Acast Creator Network. 

Reporter

Boasting six million all-time listens, 90,000 weekly listens and huge audiences in Australia, the UK, US and New Zealand, Half-Arsed History takes listeners on a journey through the ages, blending humour, insight and unforgettable tales from the past. 

Launched in 2018, the podcast has established a loyal and highly engaged audience without being pushed through social media channels or having a video component. The podcast recently caught the attention of Spotify who included the show in their 2023 RADAR programme and late last year the podcast signed with leading entertainment talent agency WME for representation.

Hosted by Riley Knight, Half-Arsed History highlights absurd and entertaining stories from the past, ranging from the history of the toilet to the lost secret of Greek fire. Each week, listeners are treated to three episodes, a full-length deep dive into a tale from the past, ‘Quarter-Arsed History’ – the bite-sized companion episode – and ‘Monuments’, the series that dives deep into epic builds such as The Pantheon and Stonehenge.

Riley Knight, host of Half-arsed history. Image supplied.

In 2012, Knight completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in history. Six years later, he launched Half-Arsed History to put his history degree to good use. 

“In high school, my Year 11 history teacher gave me a failing grade, saying my work consisted of 'a series of unsubstantiated generalisations with no evidence'. I'm proud to say that absolutely nothing has changed since then. It's still a mystery as to why Acast have agreed to pick up my tinpot history podcast, although I'm very glad they did,” Knight says.

Ryan Lamont, Senior Development Manager for Acast AU/NZ, says Half-Arsed History is an Australian success story.

“To have grown such a large and dedicated audience with no social presence, is a testament to Riley’s skills as a host and storyteller. We’re excited to work with Riley on deeper monetisation of the podcast in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, US and beyond,” Lamont says.

Acast will host, distribute and monetise ‘Half-Arsed History’ globally as part of the Acast Creator Network. WME brokered the deal on behalf of Knight and ‘Half-Arsed History.’

Check out the podcast episodes above or listen wherever you get your podcasts.