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
34 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 46min
309. Tintin, Nazis, & Soviets
Discover the tumultuous history of Tintin, from its unexpected ties to Nazi propaganda to probing the complexities of colonialism in the Congo. Dive into the origins of Hergé, the man behind the boy journalist, and explore how a transformative friendship altered his portrayal of Chinese characters. The discussion delves into the artful propaganda of early works and the lasting implications of Hergé's legacy, including modern backlash. Join for a riveting journey through this iconic comic series and its cultural impact.
29 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
308. Asterix and Obelix, Babar The Elephant, & Colonial Cartoons
Explore the origins of Babar the Elephant, from a mother's bedtime story to a global franchise, and the colonial themes within. Uncover the immigrant creators behind Asterix and Obelix and how their love for France shaped these iconic cartoons. The discussion dives into the problematic portrayals in both franchises, sparking debates on race and representation. With a mix of nostalgia and critique, they assess how modern audiences perceive these beloved characters in light of contemporary values.
19 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 42min
307. Austen vs Brontë: Unmasking Slavery Heiresses
Join historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of 'Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance, and Caribbean Slavery', as she reveals the hidden ties between British literature and slavery. Discover how figures like Jane Austen's aunt, tied to Barbados, reflect the intricate connections of wealth and colonialism. Explore the stories of Caribbean heiresses and their impact on cultural figures, and see how Charlotte Brontë's depiction of the madwoman in 'Jane Eyre' echoes these themes. A thought-provoking deep dive into literature's unspoken colonial legacies!
30 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h
306. Joseph Conrad: From Russian Exile To The Heart of Darkness
Maya Jasanoff, a historian and author of The Dawn Watch, dives into the life of Joseph Conrad, a Polish sailor turned literary giant. She discusses his dramatic childhood, marked by exile in Russia and the loss of his parents. The podcast explores Conrad's journey into seafaring, his struggles with mental health, and the brutal realities of the Congo that influenced his writing. Jasanoff also addresses contemporary relevancy, debating whether we should judge Conrad by today's standards, while emphasizing the importance of engaging with complex ideas in literature.
62 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h
305. Orwell: Dark Secrets, The CIA, & His Forgotten Failures (Part 4)
In this engaging conversation, Anna Funder, the author of Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life, reveals the untold story of Eileen Orwell and her significant influence on George Orwell's work. They explore how Eileen co-wrote Animal Farm yet was overlooked in history. The discussion also touches on the CIA's manipulation of Orwell's legacy, the conflicting aspects of his life, and how Eileen’s sacrifices and literary contributions transformed his writing. Funder provocatively contrasts Orwell's literary genius with his patriarchal shortcomings.
83 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 48min
304. Orwell: Animal Farm, 1984 & Totalitarian Dystopia (Part 3)
Discover the fascinating inspirations behind George Orwell's masterpieces. Explore his political transformation after the Spanish Civil War and his experiences during WWII. Dive into the creation of 'Animal Farm' and its deeper meanings, along with the triumph of its publication. Uncover Orwell's vision in '1984', including themes of surveillance and historical manipulation. Learn about his personal struggles, including the impact of illness and tragic loss. Finally, debate his complex legacy and enduring cultural influence.
95 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 41min
303. Orwell: Fighting Fascism In The Spanish Civil War (Part 2)
Discover George Orwell's motivations for fighting against fascism in the Spanish Civil War. Delve into his near-fatal experience when shot in the throat and how his wife Eileen played a crucial role in his survival. The podcast explores the chaotic political landscape of Spain, the internal conflicts on the left, and how these experiences shaped Orwell's writing and criticisms of totalitarianism. Learn about the influence of iconic figures and the realities of warfare that haunted Orwell, leaving a lasting impact on his beliefs.
104 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 43min
302. Orwell: The Anti-Imperialist In India & Burma (Part 1)
Explore George Orwell's formative years amid the British Empire and the opium trade in India. Discover why he chose to be a colonial police officer in Burma and how these experiences shaped his anti-imperialist views. Delve into his family's influence and the vibrant, multiethnic society he encountered. The hosts discuss the moral dilemmas highlighted in 'Shooting an Elephant' and unveil the complexities of his colonial relationships. This exploration sets the stage for how his experiences birthed crucial literary critiques of power and imperialism.
124 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 48min
301. Gaza: The First Arab-Israeli War & The Creation of The Gaza Strip (Part 11)
Eugene Rogan, a renowned professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, dives deep into the complexities surrounding the First Arab-Israeli War. He explores how Arab nations responded to the 1948 Palestinian displacement, shedding light on General Nasser's presence in Gaza. The discussion includes the staggering increase in Gaza's population due to influxing refugees and the dire conditions they faced. Rogan also addresses the global response to Israel's statehood and the long-term implications of these historical events.
116 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 52min
300. Gaza: The 1948 War (Part 10)
Eugene Rogan, a Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, delves into the complexities surrounding the 1948 War and its aftermath. He explains Britain's abrupt end to its mandate in Palestine due to postwar fatigue. The discussion highlights the differing tactics among Zionist factions, including the Irgun's violent campaigns. Rogan also addresses the UN's controversial partition plan, the massive displacement of Palestinians, and how Gaza transformed as a refuge for many. A thought-provoking insight into a turbulent historical moment!
