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
Oct 7, 2025 • 34min
35. Why We’re Obsessed With The Traitors: The History of Reality TV (Ep 1)
What was David's experience on Celebrity Traitors like? How can we trace the origins of this beloved show back to WWII? How has Reality TV shaped the modern world?
Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell as they explore the history of reality TV.
Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden
Producer: Alice Horrell
Head of History: Dom Johnson
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com
X: @ThroughTimePod
Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod
Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 1, 2025 • 57min
34. Cotton Will Bring The World To its Knees: The Craziest Gamble in History (Ep 3)
Discover why the Confederate States believed cutting off cotton supplies would secure British support during the Civil War. Learn about the unique humanitarian efforts in Lancashire to help starving mill workers and how British stockpiling strategies changed the landscape. Delve into the political debates and relief efforts that influenced public opinion, as well as the role Liverpool played in supporting the Confederacy. Uncover dramatic naval encounters involving British-built raiders and how they sparked tensions between the US and Britain.
9 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 33min
33. Prince Albert’s Dying Wish: Stopping An American-British War (Ep 2)
Tensions between Britain and America nearly led to war over the capture of Confederate officers in 1861. The hosts delve into the Trent Affair, discussing Captain Wilkes's controversial actions and the fierce British public outrage. They reveal how Prince Albert's final letter softened Britain’s ultimatum, providing a diplomatic off-ramp. The aftermath saw both nations relieved, yet lingering tensions remained. The conversation hints at whether the Confederacy's cotton diplomacy could still sway Britain into the conflict.
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
32. From Lincoln to Obama: A History of the Special Relationship (Ep 1)
David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell dive into the intricate history of the UK-US relationship, highlighting its complexities during the American Civil War. They explore Barack Obama's perspectives on trust versus fear in society. Discussions reveal surprising British ties to the Confederacy, driven by economic interests in cotton. The podcast unpacks how British capital significantly fueled American growth and how mixed sentiments about the Civil War led to Britain's cautious neutrality. Intriguing insights into diplomatic maneuvers add depth to this historical exploration.
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
31. Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream (Ep 2)
In a riveting discussion, the hosts delve into the iconic March on Washington, spotlighting over 250,000 participants, including musical legends like Harry Belafonte and Bob Dylan. They reveal threats from the American Nazi Party aimed at inciting violence. The episode highlights how Martin Luther King Jr. crafted his legendary 'I Have a Dream' speech on the fly, inspired by Mahalia Jackson. The global impact of the broadcast and the complex aftermath, including the tragic Birmingham bombing, further underscore the speech's enduring legacy.
11 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 50min
30. The March That Changed America (Ep 1)
Dive into the staggering events leading up to the iconic March on Washington in 1963. Discover the strategic genius of Martin Luther King and the vital contributions of figures like Bayard Rustin and unsung women in the movement. Unpack the brutal realities faced by peaceful protesters, media's role in shaping public opinion, and the political hesitance that marked the era. Explore the challenges of organizing a historic demonstration amidst societal tensions and uncover how this pivotal moment reshaped America's civil rights landscape.
4 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 53min
29. The Downfall of Billy the Kid: Gun Fights and Prison Breaks (Ep 2)
Explore the thrilling life of Billy the Kid as he escapes from prison and confronts the notorious Pat Garrett, whose role in his story is more complex than legend suggests. The podcast dissects the dramatic siege at Lincoln during the Lincoln County War, revealing the media's pivotal role in mythologizing the outlaw. It also unpacks the final days leading to Billy's last stand, questioning the narratives that define his legacy and the one-dimensional portrayals that have emerged in popular culture.
Sep 3, 2025 • 47min
28. Billy The Kid: The Outlaw Who Became A Legend (Ep 1)
Dive into the Wild West as the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid comes to life! Discover the chaotic world of 1880s New Mexico, where cultural clashes and corrupt power dynamics shaped his infamous story. Uncover the origins of Billy McCarty, his rise to notoriety after a dramatic jailbreak, and the gripping conflicts that defined the Lincoln County feud. The episode also sheds light on the cultural resilience of Hispanic communities and showcases the tumultuous relationships between various ethnic groups, making for a captivating exploration of America's gritty past.
12 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 53min
27. The Trial That Made Hitler Famous (Ep 2)
Discover how Hitler’s failed Beer Hall Putsch turned into a political spectacle that launched his career. The trial was not just a legal proceeding but a theatrical platform where he rewrote his narrative as a patriotic martyr. Uncover the role of media in amplifying his notoriety and the chilling rituals associated with Nazi symbolism. Explore the implications of mythmaking in politics and how historical narratives can be manipulated for power today.
27 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 48min
26. The Failed Nazi Coup (Ep 1)
Explore the audacious Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, where Hitler attempted to seize power amidst a backdrop of hyperinflation and societal despair in Germany. Delve into the chaotic events of the coup, where propaganda mastery played a vital role in Hitler's rise. Discover the tension in Munich that fueled Nazi ambitions and the misguided beliefs behind failed coups. Uncover the parallels between Nazi ideology and Italian fascism, revealing how historical narratives shaped their paths to power.
