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 25, 2025 • 32min
319. Heist of St Nicolas: The Medieval Mafia Who Stole Santa (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, historian Sam Dalrymple, author of 'Shattered Lands,' unpacks the thrilling Heist of St Nicholas by Italian sailors in 1087. He explores the captivating blend of St Nicholas mythology with Germanic Odin tales, revealing how these legends evolved into today's Santa Claus. Dalrymple also highlights the impact of polar mania and Coca-Cola's 1931 ads that solidified Santa's red-and-white image, reshaping holiday traditions worldwide. Get ready to learn how history shaped our modern festive icons!
12 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 32min
318. Heist of St Nicolas: Raiding Santa's Tomb (Part 1)
Join author and researcher Sam Dalrymple as he delves into the fascinating lore of Saint Nicholas, the bishop from Myra in ancient Turkey. Discover how his tomb became a pilgrimage site and the intrigue surrounding the sailors who sought to steal his bones. Learn about the cultural crossroads of Lycia, the blend of Greek and Persian influences, and the connection to early Indian architecture. Dalrymple also explores the origins of gift-giving traditions associated with Nicholas and how he became a guardian of sailors, merging with Poseidon's legends.
Dec 18, 2025 • 48min
317. Churchill's Photographer: From Escaping Genocide to MLK
Discover the incredible journey of Yousuf Karsh, a renowned portrait photographer who escaped the Armenian Genocide as a child. Learn how he captured iconic figures like Churchill, Einstein, and Martin Luther King, crafting unforgettable images that defined a generation. The fascinating backstory of his life reveals resilience against adversity, from fleeing violence in Mardin to his evolution as a master of lighting. The dramatic moment he created the 'Roaring Lion' portrait of Churchill showcases his bold artistry and resourcefulness.
20 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 47min
316. Hitler's Photographer: Nazi Secrets, Eva Braun, & Escaping Justice
Dive into the intriguing life of Heinrich Hoffman, the man behind Hitler’s carefully crafted image. Learn how he introduced Hitler to Eva Braun and the deceptive tales he spun during a 1950 interview. Explore Hoffmann’s business savvy in monetizing iconic portraits and his role in Nazi art censorship. The discussion reveals his close ties with the regime and how he later downplayed Hitler's antisemitism. Uncover the complex legacy of a man who documented history yet evaded full justice for his actions.
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.
37 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.
51 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.
50 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.
88 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.
