
Simon Schama
Historian, documentarian, and writer.
Top 10 podcasts with Simon Schama
Ranked by the Snipd community

25 snips
Sep 11, 2022 • 40min
A monarchy in transition and a sit down with President Zelensky in Kyiv
Fareed is joined by celebrated historians Simon Schama and Kate Williams in front of Buckingham Palace to discuss the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the challenges King Charles III will face. Then, an exclusive interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, where Fareed has a wide-ranging conversation with him about the new counteroffensive, his Russian enemy, Ukraine’s message to America, and more.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 27min
Historian Simon Schama wants to make truth sexy again
Simon Schama, a leading public intellectual and professor of history and art history at Columbia University, dives into the alarming rise of misinformation in American politics. He discusses how outrageous falsehoods have gained traction among voters and the implications for democracy. Schama emphasizes the necessity of truth in political discourse, urging listeners to confront disinformation and stay engaged. He also reflects on the evolution of cultural references and how diverse voices can enrich understanding, despite the challenges posed by sensationalism.

Oct 22, 2023 • 51min
Simon Schama on Pandemics and the Health of Nations, Part Two
In a thought-provoking discussion, bestselling author and historian Simon Schama delves into the complex history of pandemics, particularly focusing on cholera in 19th century India and the innovative pioneers behind vaccination efforts. He examines the emotional challenges of public health campaigns and the dynamics of colonial medicine. Schama also reflects on lessons from history regarding misinformation and vaccine denial, emphasizing how understanding our past can guide us in addressing contemporary health crises. Host Kavita Puri adds depth with her insights.

Dec 9, 2023 • 25min
Culture chat: ‘Napoleon’ with Simon Schama
Historian Simon Schama and film expert Raph Abraham discuss Ridley Scott's film 'Napoleon', exploring its portrayal of Napoleon's rise, battles, and relationship with Josephine. They compare it to other biopics, debate the humor in the film, and discuss the popularity of historical films and the impact on mainstream cinema. They also express annoyance with Spotify Wrapped lists and desire for more Beatles songs.

Aug 12, 2023 • 34min
Dickens vs Tolstoy: The Battle Of The Great 19th-century Novelists PART 2
In this lively debate, celebrated writer John Mullan champions Dickens, while historian Simon Schama defends Tolstoy. They passionately discuss literary styles, with Schama highlighting Tolstoy's depth and contemporary relevance. Intense themes from Tolstoy's works, including the hardships of war and emotional turmoil in love, come to life through dramatic readings. Mullan critiques Dickens’ melodrama, adding fuel to the fiery exchange. It's a battle of words that explores love, loss, and the enduring legacies of these literary giants.

Apr 24, 2025 • 50min
Sir Simon Schama — On antisemitism
Sir Simon Schama, a distinguished British historian and professor at Columbia University, delves into the long-standing issue of antisemitism, tracing its roots and modern implications. He humorously reflects on how Jewish people have historically served as societal scapegoats. Schama shares poignant insights about the Holocaust, emphasizing the delayed global response and the necessity for awareness. He advocates for storytelling as a means to bridge cultural divides and challenges prevailing narratives about Jewish identity and history in Israel.

Dec 27, 2023 • 26min
Culture chat: ‘Napoleon’ with historian Simon Schama
Historian Simon Schama, renowned for his captivating storytelling on history, joins Raph Abraham, a film expert from the Financial Times, to dissect Ridley Scott's epic portrayal of Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix. They delve into the film's historical accuracy, discussing its depiction of Napoleon’s complex character and relationship with Josephine. The conversation also touches on the ongoing cultural fascination with historical epics and the balance of artistic expression versus historical truth, reflecting on both cinema and personal insights.

Sep 25, 2023 • 10min
'Foreign Bodies' traces the history of pandemics and vaccine hesitancy
Historian Simon Schama, author of 'Foreign Bodies:Pandemics, Vaccines, and the Health of Nations', discusses the history of pandemics, vaccine hesitancy, and the interconnected global crises. He highlights the development of vaccines for diseases such as smallpox and cholera, and the obstacles to accepting scientific knowledge. Schama emphasizes the relevance of understanding mass disease and immunization to today's global health, particularly in relation to COVID-19.

Aug 11, 2023 • 38min
Dickens vs Tolstoy: The Battle Of The Great 19th-century Novelists PART 1
In a lively debate, John Mullan champions Charles Dickens, known for his vivid portrayal of 19th-century society, while Simon Schama defends Leo Tolstoy, the master of deep philosophical narratives. They discuss the enduring legacy of both authors, highlighting Dickens' blend of humor and darkness in 'Great Expectations.' Dramatic readings, including evocative moments from 'Bleak House,' reveal Dickens' atmospheric storytelling. Tom Hiddleston adds flair with his performances, showcasing the emotional complexities and character dynamics in their masterpieces.

Aug 7, 2022 • 1h 8min
The Sunday Debate: If You Believe You are a Citizen of the World, You are a Citizen of Nowhere
The discussion features David Goodhart, a demographer and author; Elif Shafak, a celebrated Turkish novelist; Simon Schama, a renowned historian; and former diplomat David Landsman. They dive into the tension between national and global identities, sparked by Theresa May's remarks on citizenship. Key topics include the complexities of belonging in a connected world, evolving views on immigration and national identity, and the impact of rising nationalism. The panel advocates for a nuanced understanding of citizenship amid today's societal challenges.