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
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.
61 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 51min
25. The Marketing of Fear: Selling Guns to America (Ep 3)
Delve into the NRA's powerful evolution from a safety group to a political titan, driven by fear and crime narratives. Discover the rising influence of armed citizens and militias in America today, with implications for the Second Amendment. Analyze the spike in gun sales during Obama's presidency, tied to racial tensions and increasing violence. Hear about historical parallels that shape current gun legislation, emphasizing the need for a historical perspective in today's heated debates. It's a riveting exploration of gun culture and politics!
78 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 42min
24. Cowboys, Gangsters, and Assassins: How Gun Laws Died (Ep 2)
Explore the myths versus realities of the Wild West and how gun laws were more complex than often portrayed. Discover the chilling intersection of violence and racial control in post-Civil War America. Learn about the rise of romantic outlaws like Jesse James and how they reshaped national identity. Delve into the NRA's dramatic shift from a sportsman's club to a staunch gun rights advocate. Finally, revisit the Second Amendment's evolving context, highlighting critical connections to social justice movements.
60 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 41min
23. The Gun Myth That Shaped A Nation (Ep 1)
Explore the intriguing evolution of the National Rifle Association from a gun safety advocate to a pro-gun powerhouse. Uncover how race and class influenced America’s early gun laws. Dive into the origins of the Second Amendment and its focus on militias versus personal gun rights. Discover the impact of the Civil War on gun culture and the rise of vigilantism in the post-war South. The podcast weaves a complex narrative linking firearms to identity and the profound implications for American society.
133 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
22. The Great Fire: London Rises From The Ashes (Ep 2)
Explore the fiery chaos of the Great Fire of London, where flames reached a staggering 1,700 degrees Celsius. Discover the psychological scars left on survivors and their struggle to cope with the devastation. Hear about King Charles II's urgent firefighting measures and the human instincts that emerged amidst panic. Unpack the scapegoating of an innocent man in the aftermath, and witness the community's resilience as they rebuilt, with St. Paul's Cathedral emerging as a powerful symbol of rebirth and hope.
49 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
21. The Great Fire: London’s Burning (Ep 1)
Discover the harrowing origins of the Great Fire of London, sparked by a bakery mishap in 1666. Dive into Samuel Pepys' diary as he recounts the chaos unfolding in a city gripped by superstition and past plagues. Explore how London's wooden structures made it exceptionally vulnerable to disaster. Unravel the community's response amidst leadership failures and opportunism in the face of catastrophe. This fiery tale not only reshaped a city but also marked the end of an era.
48 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
20. How Sci-Fi Became Reality: The History of AI
In this engaging discussion, guest Steven Johnson, a renowned author and co-founder of Notebook LM, dives into the history of artificial intelligence. He highlights Alan Turing's pivotal role in shaping AI during WWII and explores how gaming influenced technological advancements. The conversation covers the dramatic peaks and troughs of AI's evolution, including the landmark defeat of Garry Kasparov by Deep Blue. Johnson also addresses the societal implications of large language models like GPT-3 and the transformative potential of AI in education and knowledge work.
51 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 47min
19. The Wrath of God: England’s Greatest Natural Disaster (Ep 2)
The podcast dives into the terrifying aftermath of the Great Storm of 1703. It contrasts the devastation with the heroic stories of survivors, revealing the challenges they faced. The discussion highlights Daniel Defoe's intriguing journey from a struggling merchant to an iconic author, shaped by this disaster. The conversation also wrestles with themes of morality and divine judgment, exploring how society interpreted the storm as a sign of retribution. Lastly, it reflects on resilience and the importance of acknowledging this calamity in history.
