Empire
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires, rulers, and the events that shaped world history.William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 23, 2025 • 44min
275. The Battle To Build The Panama Canal (Part 3)
In this episode, Matthew Parker, author of *Hell's Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal*, explores the wild ambitions behind the Panama Canal's construction in the 1880s. He shares how the Gold Rush transformed Panama into a transit hub for adventurers. The eccentric Ferdinand de Lesseps even flew a hot air balloon over Paris to rally support for the canal. Parker also touches on the human tragedy and fierce challenges faced by laborers, painting a vivid picture of the madness and missteps of this grand engineering endeavor.
Jul 21, 2025 • 52min
274. Pirates of Panama: Francis Drake Strikes Spain's Empire (Part 2)
Historian and archaeologist Mark Horton dives into the swashbuckling world of piracy in Panama during the 1600s. He unravels the backstory of Captain Morgan and how a Welsh buccaneer made a name through audacious attacks. Horton also reveals how Elizabeth I funded Francis Drake's notorious slaving ventures and discusses the strategic significance of Panama's forts. With tales of Drake's legacy and a peek into the treasure-filled era, this conversation is rich in maritime history and colorful characters.
15 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 48min
273. Panama’s Brutish Conquistador Who Found The Pacific and Lost His Head (Part 1)
Mark Horton, a maritime historical archaeologist, sheds light on the brutal legacy of conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Delving into the treacherous journey Balboa undertook to claim the Pacific, Horton reveals the harsh realities of early Spanish colonialism and its devastating effects on indigenous populations. The discussion highlights the contrasting legacies of Balboa and other figures like Cortes, as well as the archaeological findings that illuminate this complex period of exploration and greed.
26 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 48min
272. Solving The Mystery of America's Lost Colony
Join archaeologist Mark Horton, who has been uncovering the mysteries of the Roanoke Colony since 2008, as he reveals his latest discoveries at the dig site. The discussion dives into the potential resolution of the 400-year-old mystery surrounding America’s Lost Colony. Horton also critiques historical narratives shaped by racism and explores how misleading historical accounts have influenced public perception. Delight in tales of fraud, intriguing artifacts, and the complex relationships between early settlers and Native Americans.
55 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 51min
271. Canada’s Dark Secret: Stolen Children, Unmarked Graves, & Survival Stories (Ep 5)
Celia Haig-Brown, co-author of "Tsqelmucwilc: The Kamloops Indian Residential School - Resistance And A Reckoning," shares insights into the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children in Canada's residential schools. She discusses the cultural assimilation agenda that these institutions represented, revealing their impact on identity and family ties. The recent discovery of unmarked graves sparked a national reckoning, shifting perspectives on this dark chapter in history. Through powerful narratives, Celia highlights resilience and the essential journey from victim to survivor.
69 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 53min
270. The Day The Brits Burned The White House (Ep 4)
Maya Jasanoff, author of Liberty's Exile, delves into the fascinating dynamics of the American Revolution and its unforeseen consequences for Canada. She explores why Washington's attempts to invade Quebec fell short and discusses the impact of British strategies that led to Canada's emergence as a separate entity. The role of loyalists reshaping Canadian demographics and the significance of events like the War of 1812 in forging a distinct Canadian identity are also highlighted, revealing the complexities of North American geopolitics.
41 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 60min
269. Colonising Canada: The Truth Behind ‘The Last of The Mohicans’ (Ep 3)
Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor and author, joins the discussion to unravel the truths behind 'The Last of the Mohicans'. They explore the profound impacts of the French and Indian War on Canada's landscape and relationships with Indigenous peoples. The conversation dives into the complexities of colonial alliances and critiques the representation of Indigenous characters in media. Jasanoff highlights how the Seven Years' War shaped the dynamics of the British Empire, setting the stage for future conflicts in North America.
65 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 53min
268. Colonising Canada: Why Does Quebec Speak French? (Ep 2)
Discover how beaver fur and codfish transformed a failing French colonization into a thriving New France. Explore the historical background that shaped Quebec as a French-speaking region. Uncover the intricate alliances between Indigenous leaders and French settlers, revealing a complex interplay of trade and tribal dynamics. Delve into Samuel de Champlain’s role in establishing Quebec and the unique contributions of early adventurers like Étienne Brûlée. Learn about the founding of the Hudson Bay Company and how it sparked territorial competition.
68 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 46min
267. Colonising Canada: Kidnapping, Scurvy, & Fool’s Gold (Ep 1)
Dive into the tumultuous early history of Canadian colonization, where European explorers grappled with their dreams of riches. Discover how John Cabot was watched by Columbus and why Jacques Cartier resorted to kidnapping Indigenous peoples. The tales are rich with the hardships of scurvy and folly, alongside cultural myths like the significance of Turtle Island. Unravel the complexities of identity shaped by foreign pressures while exploring forgotten histories and the lasting impact of Norse migrations.
48 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 45min
266. American Greenland: Nazis, Secret Nuclear Bases, & Trump (Ep 4)
In this lively discussion, Daniel Immerwahr, author of 'How to Hide an Empire,' unpacks the intriguing history of America's fascination with Greenland. He reveals the U.S. attempts to buy the territory as early as 1867 and its strategic significance during WWII and the Cold War. Immerwahr delves into 'Project Iceworm,' uncovering the environmental costs of nuclear endeavors. He also critiques President Trump’s imperial ambitions, illustrating how historical perspectives shape contemporary politics and America's global footprint.
