Real Dictators
NOISER
Real Dictators is the award-winning podcast that explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Hosted by Paul McGann, with contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians.
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No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
New episodes available a week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content on shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started or head to noiser.com/subscriptions
For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm
No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 3min
Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages
The surreal coronation of Bokassa featured Belgian white horses and extravagant pageantry, drawing international criticism. As the economy crumbled, a controversial school uniform policy sparked public outrage and violent protests. The struggle culminated in the Nguragba Massacre, leading to calls for justice amid dark rumors. Bokassa's eventual downfall came with French intervention and exile, only for him to face trial years later. The podcast explores the complexities of Bokassa's legacy, from ambition to tyranny.
13 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 58min
Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 2: The Power Grab, the Châteaux and the Missing Daughter
In this fascinating discussion, Louisa Lombard, an academic and humanitarian expert at Yale, delves into the chaotic reign of Jean-Bédel Bokassa. She highlights his attempts to modernize the Central African Republic amid rising brutality and corruption. The bizarre event of a marriage contest for his daughters raises eyebrows, while an imposter disrupts his family life. Lombard also explores Bokassa's obsession with luxury, his ties with Gaddafi, and the political fallout from his extravagant ambitions. Tune in for a wild ride through history!
16 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 1: The Butcher of Bangui
Louisa Lombard, a cultural anthropologist and expert on the Central African Republic, dives deep into the life of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, a former French soldier who became the empire's self-proclaimed emperor. Lombard discusses Bokassa's tumultuous rise to power, the chaotic political landscape of the CAR, and the socio-economic challenges plaguing the region. She also highlights Bokassa's rivalries, his extravagant lifestyle, and the surreal elements of his regime. Get ready for a captivating tale of ambition, excess, and the echoes of a brutal past.
Dec 8, 2025 • 49min
Introducing: Charles Dickens Ghost Stories - A Christmas Carol
Experience the haunting world of Charles Dickens through chilling tales narrated by Sir David Suchet. Discover a lonely signalman's ominous premonitions and a Victorian trial disrupted by a ghostly presence. Encounter a sinister hotel haunted by identical spirits, and get swept away by the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. Journey through Scrooge's transformation as he faces the ghosts of his past, guided by Marley's specter in chains, all enhanced with immersive sound design and music.
Jul 1, 2025 • 58min
Fidel Castro Part 10: Emergency on an Airplane
Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo, a Cuban writer and blogger, shares riveting insights into the unraveling of Fidel Castro's regime. He recounts personal encounters with state security, illustrating the climate of fear and repression. The conversation highlights Castro's embarrassing public moments that prompted violent crackdowns. Pardo effectively captures the bittersweet transition of power, evoking the question: can Cuba ever break free from the shadows of its past? As he reflects on societal changes and the longing for freedom, the discussion proves both poignant and thought-provoking.
18 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 57min
Fidel Castro Part 9: Down With Fidel!
Tensions soar in Havana as citizens chant 'Down with Fidel' amid economic unrest and the crumbling Berlin Wall. A tug of war ensues over the custody of five-year-old Elian Gonzalez, whose heartbreaking journey captivates both Cuba and America. Amidst riots and political upheaval, Castro faces a wave of dissent while struggling to maintain control over a nation yearning for change. Personal stories reveal the stark realities of life in Cuba, marked by strict censorship and the energy of a populace ready to defy oppression.
15 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 55min
Fidel Castro Part 8: Miami Vice
Michael Bustamante, an associate professor at the University of Miami, sheds light on the experiences of Cuban exiles in Miami amidst Castro's regime. The discussion dives into the violent confrontations faced by displaced families and their struggles during the turbulent 1970s. Bustamante recounts the complexities of the Mariel boatlift, highlighting desperate escapes and the emotional toll of political repression. Additionally, they explore Cuba's global involvement, including military actions in Angola, revealing the precarious balance of Castro's power.
17 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 57min
Fidel Castro Part 7: Che Guevara in the Jungle
Michael Bustamante, an Associate Professor at the University of Miami, and Lillian Guerra, a Professor at the University of Florida, delve into the surreal landscape of Fidel Castro's Cuba. They discuss Castro's vision of creating a new socialist identity through revolutionary education and agricultural reforms. The conversation touches on Che Guevara's ideological struggles and tragic exit from Cuba, as well as the bizarre phenomenon of the iconic 'Cuban super cow.' The episode highlights the oppressive atmosphere of surveillance and the ironic twists of Castro's grand ambitions.
32 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 56min
Fidel Castro Part 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis
Carlos Eire, a Yale professor who experienced the Cuban Revolution firsthand, offers intriguing insights into the Cuban Missile Crisis. He discusses the high-stakes gamble between Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev that put the world on edge. The tension escalates as the CIA plots against Castro, while Soviet ships arrive in Havana. Eire shares personal reflections on the indoctrination of children during this time and Castro’s feelings of betrayal following the USSR's missile withdrawal, highlighting the complexities of Cuban sovereignty amid superpower politics.
23 snips
May 28, 2025 • 57min
Fidel Castro Part 5: The Bay of Pigs
Eduardo Zayas-Bazan, a Cuban exile and a member of Brigade 2506, shares his gripping firsthand account of the Bay of Pigs invasion. He recounts the tense preparations and unforeseen challenges faced during this CIA-backed operation against Fidel Castro's regime. The discussion unveils Castro's controversial UN speech, the emotional turmoil of a young woman intertwined with his life, and the chaotic battle that ensued. Zayas-Bazan highlights the psychological impact on the invaders and the broader geopolitical fallout that reshaped U.S.-Cuba relations.
