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
Dec 12, 2025 • 13min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the bizarre world of science as gravity gets a playful rethink. Explore how even a falling pen pulls on the Earth, challenging our notions of attraction. Discover the surprising influence of local masses over distant constellations in astrology. Wonder at Einstein's revolutionary take on gravity and its effect on time itself, with tangible examples that leave you questioning reality. This discussion reshapes familiar concepts into mind-bending ideas that illustrate just how strange our universe can be.
25 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 44min
315. Controversy, Colonialism, & V.S. Naipaul
In this insightful discussion, Pulitzer Prize winner Ben Moser, biographer of Susan Sontag, delves into the controversial life of V.S. Naipaul. They explore his struggles at Oxford and how his Trinidadian roots shaped his worldview. Moser highlights Naipaul's early comic novels and his evolving stance on race and colonialism. The conversation touches on his critical works about postcolonial societies and the disputes he ignited, particularly with Salman Rushdie. Moser ultimately reflects on Naipaul's complex legacy in literature and the postcolonial landscape.
13 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 48min
314. Rudyard Kipling: Villain or Visionary? (Part 3)
Is Rudyard Kipling a villain or a visionary? The hosts dive into his complex legacy, exploring his role in promoting jingoism during World War I and his pro-war poetry. They reflect on the family tragedy of losing his daughter Josephine and the profound guilt surrounding his son Jack's enlistment in the war. Kipling's views on imperialism are scrutinized alongside his charming children's tales and critical backlash from figures like Orwell. The debate continues on whether Kipling's works still resonate today.
38 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 34min
313. Rudyard Kipling: Escaping India & Writing The Jungle Book (Part 2)
Andrew Lycett, a biographer and historian of Rudyard Kipling, delves into Kipling's tumultuous relationship with India and his famous works. They discuss what inspired The Jungle Book and Kim, exploring Kipling's acute observational skills and early tales. Lycett reveals Kipling's disdain for London, his journey to Vermont, and the impact of his marriage. The conversation also highlights the complexities of Kipling's admiration for colonial figures and the paradox of his heartfelt depictions of India alongside his conservative views.
49 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 26min
312. Rudyard Kipling: Son of Empire (Part 1)
In this fascinating discussion, biographer Andrew Lycett dives into the tumultuous early life of Rudyard Kipling, famed author and key figure of imperialism. From his idyllic childhood in India to his traumatic experiences in an abusive foster home, Lycett paints a portrait of a deeply contradictory man. He shares insights on Kipling's literary beginnings, his return to India, and how his formative experiences influenced works like 'Plain Tales from the Hills.' Lycett’s passion for Kipling's complex character shines through in every detail.
65 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 41min
311. Cricket In India: Beating The Brits At Their Own Game (Part 2)
Tim Wigmore, a renowned cricket historian and author, dives into cricket's fascinating journey in India. He reveals how the sport blossomed under British colonial influence and became a symbol of national identity. The discussion touches on the rich tapestry of communal tournaments, the paradox of princely 'nepo-babies' in leadership, and the lingering effects of Partition on cricketing rivalries. Wigmore also highlights the remarkable story of Dalit groundsman Pawangka Baloo and the captivating career of Tiger Pataudi, showcasing the sport's intersection with India's complex history.
128 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 49min
310. The Origin of The Ashes & The Killer Cricket Scandal (Part 1)
Tim Wigmore, a cricket writer and author of Test Cricket: A History, dives deep into the intertwined history of cricket and the British Empire. He reveals how the iconic Ashes rivalry originated, sparked by a shocking defeat for England and a satirical obituary. The discussion also touches on Don Bradman, who became a national icon in Australia, and the notorious Bodyline tactic that raised ethical dilemmas and led to political fallout. Wigmore’s insights bring to light how cricket shaped national identities and the lingering impact of key historical moments.
44 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.
38 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!
