Journey Through Time
Goalhanger
Forgotten stories from history and how they shaped the way we live today.
Hear about the ordinary people from history and the extraordinary impact they’ve had on the present. Hosted by historians David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell, Journey Through Time will show how everyday actions have the most remarkable unintended consequences that ripple through time.
From the first woman to run for President to the unknown story of how the world came to the brink of nuclear war in 1983, this podcast is for everyone, not just history lovers.
To hear more Goalhanger podcasts, go to www.goalhanger.com
Hear about the ordinary people from history and the extraordinary impact they’ve had on the present. Hosted by historians David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell, Journey Through Time will show how everyday actions have the most remarkable unintended consequences that ripple through time.
From the first woman to run for President to the unknown story of how the world came to the brink of nuclear war in 1983, this podcast is for everyone, not just history lovers.
To hear more Goalhanger podcasts, go to www.goalhanger.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
54. Black GIs: When Jim Crow Came To Britain (Ep 1)
What happened when 1.5 million American troops landed in the UK during WWII? Explore how British culture was reshaped by the 'friendly invasion' and the often-overlooked story of 130,000 African American soldiers. Discover the clash between Jim Crow segregation and British society, along with the complex reactions of locals. The podcast dives into the everyday realities of segregation, the British government's concerns, and the dual struggle faced by black servicemen against both fascism and racial injustice.
Dec 5, 2025 • 12min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the bizarre world of reality where familiar concepts vanish under scrutiny. Discover how curiosity fuels science by sharpening questions. Learn to explain gravity to an alien and explore its strange effects—like tiny attractions between us! Unpack Newton's views and Einstein's groundbreaking ideas about spacetime. Ever wondered how gravity impacts time? Find out how living in Boulder makes you age a fraction faster than in Greenwich! Join this captivating exploration that proves reality is stranger than fiction.
Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
53. Harriet Tubman: The Woman Who Led An Army (Ep 4)
Discover how Harriet Tubman led over 750 enslaved people to freedom during the daring Combahee River Raid. Explore her dual roles as a Union scout and spy, navigating challenges while gathering vital intelligence. Delve into her post-war struggles for financial stability and activism for women's suffrage. Reflect on her complex legacy, from fighting for a military pension to dreaming of a home for destitute Black veterans. Tubman's life uncovers the enduring fight for freedom and her significant impact on today's political landscape.
Dec 1, 2025 • 42min
52. Harriet Tubman: How Most Wanted Woman Never Got Caught (Ep 3)
Discover Harriet Tubman's ingenious escape tactics, including her strategic use of Saturdays and winter to elude capture. Learn about her daring journeys on railroads and her focus on reuniting enslaved families. The discussion also highlights John Brown's radical abolitionism and his collaboration with Tubman during the failed Harpers’ Ferry raid. Explore how Tubman’s reputation raised a bounty on her head while she remained largely unknown. The podcast paints a vivid picture of her relentless fight for freedom and her pivotal role in the abolitionist movement.
Nov 27, 2025 • 43min
51. Harriet Tubman: The Underground Railroad From Slavery To Freedom (Ep 2)
Explore the remarkable journey of Harriet Tubman as she defied danger to lead others to freedom. Discover the secrets of the Underground Railroad, from coded language to hidden passages. Learn how the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 changed the landscape for both free and enslaved people, making every northern corner a potential danger. Delve into Tubman's audacious returns to rescue family members, her divine mission, and her legacy as a fearless conductor. Experience the grit and determination that fueled her extraordinary efforts.
Nov 24, 2025 • 42min
50. Harriet Tubman: The Freedom Fighter Who Escaped From Slavery (Ep 1)
Delve into the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, a key figure in the fight for freedom. Discover her perilous journey escaping to the North and the vital role of the Underground Railroad. Learn about her childhood, the harrowing realities of slavery, and her resilience in the face of brutality. The podcast explores Tubman's strategic escape tactics, her use of the North Star, and how she became a conductor and spy. Join the discussion on the complexities of freedom as Harriet makes her bold choices.
Nov 20, 2025 • 49min
49. The Paris Commune: France Wages War On Its Own Capital (Ep 4)
Explore the chaos of the Paris Commune, where paranoia and violence tore the city apart. Discover the grim realities of the 'bloody week' and the myth of the 'Petroleuses', fierce women accused of arson. Witness brutal street battles, resulting in staggering casualties and executions. Delve into the legacy of this civil war, reflecting on its impact on French identity and political memory. From artistic losses to the complexities of revenge, the harsh realities of the commune's collapse reveal powerful truths about trust and governance.
Nov 17, 2025 • 33min
48. The Paris Commune: Can The City Of Lights Govern Itself? (Ep 3)
Explore the radical reforms of the Paris Commune, which lasted just 72 days but reshaped French laws. Discover why they tore down Napoleon III's statue and banned morning croissants. Delve into the chaos of the commune's leadership, the push for artistic democracy, and attempts at economic reforms like salary caps and cooperative workshops. Learn about the controversial moment when they took the Archbishop hostage, and the growing tensions with the countryside that ultimately led to their downfall.
Nov 13, 2025 • 33min
47. The Paris Commune: The City That Ate Its Zoo (Ep 2)
Explore the surprising culinary choices of Parisians during the siege, where pets and zoo animals became gourmet dining fare. Discover the fierce resentment towards the government after France's surrender, igniting revolutionary spirits. Delve into the brave actions of Parisian women and children who sparked the uprising. Learn about the political divide between radical Paris and conservative rural France, and the chaotic events leading to the birth of the Paris Commune. It's a gripping tale of defiance, desperation, and the fight for independence.
Nov 10, 2025 • 42min
46. The Paris Commune: France’s Bloodiest Revolution (Ep 1)
Explore the Paris Commune of 1871, a radical working-class uprising sparked by France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Learn about the diverse coalition involved—from soldiers to artists—and how the siege conditions shaped the political landscape. Discover the influence of revolutionary ideals, the role of women organizers, and the brutality of urban warfare that made this one of history's bloodiest conflicts. The discussion also touches on Otto von Bismarck's strategic maneuvers that destabilized France and set the stage for this upheaval.
