LOST & FOUND
An investigative history podcast
Each episode opens with a question.
Listeners ask questions, and I search for answers. Each query sends me down a research rabbit hole, which I transform into a compelling story that bridges the present and ancient past.
Where is the tomb of Alexander the Great?
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Did the Minoans actually practice human sacrifice?
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Were Christians really fed to lions?
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Did the Romans reach Vietnam?
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Were there female gladiators?
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Who were the mythical Amazons?
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Who killed Philip II of Macedon?
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Who are the sea peoples?
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Where is the tomb of Alexander the Great? ~ Did the Minoans actually practice human sacrifice? ~ Were Christians really fed to lions? ~ Did the Romans reach Vietnam? ~ Were there female gladiators? ~ Who were the mythical Amazons? ~ Who killed Philip II of Macedon? ~ Who are the sea peoples? ~
I'm not a historian. I'm a filmmaker. But my love of ancient history has evolved into an obsessive research habit. I dive into books, research papers, and old journals to satisfy my curiosity. After reading historians' books, I've even been known to email them directly to pester them for more information about niche topics.
History podcasts typically follow a predictable format: historians interviewing other historians. While this approach makes sense, it often prioritizes information over entertainment. These shows can be informative but lack engaging storytelling. I see an opportunity to create something fresh and original - a show that breaks away from the conventional format.
My ambition for Lost & Found is to show that research can be the most captivating hobby. There's real joy in exploring historical topics.
This isn't your typical history podcast - it's more like investigative journalism in action.
The show aims to create a unique listening experience by combining several engaging elements:
Expert Conversations
The show features natural conversations with historians and experts, capturing their genuine excitement about their subjects. And we don’t shy away from showcasing when experts have conflicting views - this is all part of the fun of historical research.
Interactive Community
By featuring listener questions, the show creates an engaged community of curious minds, from history enthusiasts to everyday people who have questions about our shared past. The interactive format encourages listeners to actively participate in steering the direction of future episodes.
Personal Journey
Each episode documents my authentic research process, including the ups, downs, and unexpected discoveries along the way. I even include research dead ends—they're part of the journey of discovery and highlight both the gaps in our historical knowledge and the skills needed to assess historical sources.
Sound Design
Through carefully crafted sound design and an original musical score, each episode creates an immersive audio experience. Rich audio landscapes help transport listeners through time, making historical moments feel more immediate and real.
Narrative Structure
Stories are crafted with careful attention to pacing, revealing historical discoveries in a way that keeps listeners invested and eager to learn more. Storytelling allows listeners to absorb historical knowledge naturally, rather than simply memorising facts - the best wat to teach is by telling a story.
"Stories are a communal currency of humanity"
Each episode unfolds like an archaeological dig through time, starting with a simple question that leads us on a journey of discovery. As we unearth historical connections and follow promising leads, listeners become fellow explorers, piecing together forgotten stories and uncovering hidden treasures of knowledge. And of course, most importantly, listeners get their questions answered, and learn a little something about history.
This fresh approach to history podcasting will engage broader audiences in historical learning. While history shouldn't be exclusive to historians, many people feel daunted by, or simply bored by academic content.
Lost & Found breaks down these barriers, making history accessible to everyone.
Listen to our pilot episode!
A cinematic approach.
I’m a film editor & documentary director. My experience over the past decade in film production has given me all the skills necessary to film, record, edit, and mix this podcast. However, I cannot undertake this work alone...
As I said before; I am not a historian. I cannot speak from a position of authority on most historical subjects. The participation and expertise of historians, archaeologists and academics is vital to the success of this podcast. There’s nothing more important to me than historical accuracy and an honest account of the truth. This is what Lost & Found is all about - no pseudoscience, no nonsense.
Lost & Found is actively seeking a qualified co-host with a strong academic background in history or archaeology.
The ideal candidate will bring both scholarly knowledge and engaging storytelling abilities to complement the show's investigative format. This collaboration will strengthen the show's academic foundation while maintaining its accessible and entertaining approach.
Could this be you?
Lost & Found is a ButWhy? production.
Founded in 2024 by Alex Fountain and Nicolle Diaz, ButWhy? is a production company that uses storytelling as a method to help understand the world. Driven by genuine curiosity and compassion, we create films and podcasts that inform, educate, and foster empathy.