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
26 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 46min
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 • 49min
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 • 51min
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.
42 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 58min
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 • 51min
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 • 44min
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 • 43min
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.
34 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 41min
265. Danish Greenland: Eradicating Inuit Culture (Ep 3)
Delve into the dark history of Danish colonialism in Greenland, where capitalism and religion intertwined to erase Inuit culture. Discover the struggles Greenlanders faced in their fight for self-determination amidst royal monopolies. Explore secret negotiations that caught the attention of the U.S. and the complexities of governance during World War II. Hear poignant tales of Inuit communities grappling with the legacy of forced assimilation and cultural disconnection, while addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.
49 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 40min
264. Viking Greenland: Mysteries of the Lost Norse Settlers (Ep 2)
Eleanor Barraclough, an authority on Viking history and author of 'Embers of the Hand', joins to unravel the enigmatic fate of Viking settlers in Greenland. The discussion highlights their intriguing interactions with Inuit cultures and the eventual decline attributed to climate change. Barraclough also explores the clash of civilizations, from initial trade to conflicts, shedding light on the social upheaval that mirrored modern crises. The episode blends fascinating anecdotes and Viking mythology, enriching our understanding of this lost era.
5 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 22min
Murder in the Congo, The Cuban Missile Crisis, & India in the UN (EXTRACT)
Thant Myint-U, a historian and author, sheds light on his grandfather U Thant's crucial diplomatic role as the first Asian UN Secretary General during the turbulent 1960s. He discusses U Thant's impact in averting global crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis through skilled diplomacy. The conversation reveals the mystery behind his predecessor’s death and the Congo crisis, as well as the rise of non-aligned nations at the Bandung Conference, highlighting how these events shaped the UN's future in a post-colonial world.
