

The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

70 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 59min
436. Luther: Showdown with the Emperor (Part 4)
Explore the dramatic showdown between Martin Luther and Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521. Witness Luther's fiery defiance as he claims, 'Here I stand!' and the perilous aftermath that ensues. Discover his quirky love for dogs and bizarre historical parallels. Delve into his profound impact on language and imagery during the Reformation, and laugh at anecdotes of his encounters with the supernatural. Join a journey through angst, radical ideas, and the unpredictable twists of history while contemplating the enduring legacy of his revolution.

158 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 59min
435. Luther: The Battle Against Satan (Part 3)
Explore Martin Luther's daring defiance against papal authority, including his dramatic act of burning a papal decree. Discover his revolutionary ideas that criticized church corruption and the sale of indulgences, and how his use of the printing press amplified support for his cause. Witness the intense ideological clash with Cardinal Cajetan, which tested Luther's beliefs amidst the looming threat of excommunication. Delve into Luther's transformative journey and the rising tensions that set the stage for a significant reformation in Christianity.

95 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 49min
434. Luther: The Revolution Begins (Part 2)
Dive into Martin Luther's tumultuous journey from a troubled young lawyer to a revolutionary monk. Discover how a devastating thunderstorm sparked his vow to the church, setting the stage for a seismic shift in Christianity. The podcast explores Luther's innovations at Wittenberg University and his disdain for the Church's corruption, notably indulgences. Plus, learn how the printing press became a game-changer, helping to amplify his radical ideas. Was the nailing of the Ninety-Five Theses myth or reality? Tune in to find out!

130 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 49min
433. Luther: The Man Who Changed the World (Part 1)
Unpack the revolutionary spirit of Martin Luther as he challenges the Catholic Church with his bold 95 Theses. Discover how a mix of personal struggles and the tumultuous apocalyptic atmosphere of the late 15th century shaped his radical ideas. Explore the medieval church’s structure and its contentious practices, such as indulgences, that fueled Luther's defiance. Gain insights into earlier reformers like Jan Hus, whose groundwork laid the path for Luther's monumental impact on faith and society.

53 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 55min
432. Titanic: The Survivors (Part 6)
The Titanic disaster sparked intense societal reactions, from guilt-ridden survivors to celebrated heroes. It delves into the contrasting perceptions of figures like Captain Smith and Captain Rostron, highlighting ongoing debates of blame and legacy. Survivor stories reveal deep emotional trauma and class disparities, while media narratives shaped public responses across the Atlantic. The discussion also critiques the historical embellishments and portrayals in James Cameron's film, exploring its cultural impact and the psychological aftermath faced by those who lived through the tragedy.

35 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
431. Titanic: Nightmare at Midnight (Part 5)
A haunting narrative unfolds as the Titanic sails through deadly waters, unaware of the lurking iceberg. Passengers dance while chaos brews, and by midnight, a terrifying collision shatters the illusion of safety. The lifeboat dilemma becomes the epicenter of survival struggles, revealing stark disparities based on gender and class. Bravery emerges in tragic tales, with heroes confronting moral dilemmas while the ship descends into chaos. Captivating survivor accounts highlight the deep emotional scars left by this maritime disaster.

49 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 44min
430. Titanic: The Iceberg Strikes (Part 4)
On April 14, 1912, while the Titanic's passengers enjoyed a seemingly perfect journey, ominous ice warnings went unread beneath stacks of letters. The podcast explores the stark contrasts between first-class luxury and the surprisingly comfortable accommodations in third class. It highlights the hopes and dreams of immigrant passengers escaping conflict, weaving personal tales amid the grandeur of the ship. As the night unfolds, the serene atmosphere starkly contrasts with the impending disaster, leading to the chilling moment when the iceberg strikes.

48 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 47min
429. Titanic: Countdown to Disaster (Part 3)
Delve into the intriguing lives of Titanic passengers, from the opulent first-class elite to the overlooked second-class travelers. Discover the gripping stories behind wealthy tycoons like J.J. Astor and the fascinating fates of middle-class migrants, including Joseph Laroche, the only black man aboard. Explore the emotional narratives that paint a vivid picture of early 20th-century social dynamics and the haunting ties between aristocracy and the lingerie industry. This episode skillfully contrasts lavish luxury with the stark realities of a looming tragedy.

49 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 50min
428. Titanic: Kings of the World (Part 2)
Discover the lavishness of Titanic, a marvel of the Gilded Age, designed for both the elite and immigrants. Unravel the myths around class treatment aboard as the hosts compare first-class opulence with third-class realities. Dive into the ship's engineering brilliance, yet uncover the tragic lifeboat shortages that fueled its doom. Explore Captain Edward Smith's legacy amid fateful decisions and maritime culture, all while picturing the grandeur that was meant to usher in a new era of luxury at sea.

93 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 47min
427. Titanic: The Tragedy Begins (Part 1)
Explore the dramatic origins of the Titanic, where ambition and competition shaped its fate. Discover how the era's rivalries—between transatlantic giants and in the shipbuilding industry—set the stage for tragedy. Uncover the influence of key figures like J.P. Morgan and William Pirrie, who navigated a tumultuous political landscape. Delve into the societal impact of the disaster, revealing tensions in Belfast's shipyards and the broader implications of industrial progress. This tale intertwines technology, class struggles, and national pride.