Where the F*** Are We?

The podcast explores the historical problem of determining longitude at sea, focusing on the 18th-century Longitude Act and John Harrison's revolutionary clockmaking. The narrative details Harrison's journey from a self-taught clockmaker to creating highly accurate sea clocks, like H1 and H4, that challenged the prevailing astronomical methods of navigation. Despite demonstrating the effectiveness of his clocks, Harrison faced resistance from the Board of Longitude, who doubted the replicability of his designs. The podcast also features Lehua Kamalu, a navigator who uses non-instrument navigation. Kamalu discusses traditional Polynesian wayfinding techniques, which rely on observing natural elements like wave patterns, birds, and wind directions, offering a contrasting perspective on long-distance sea travel.