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.
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.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
128 snips
Apr 14, 2024 • 54min
440. Lord Byron: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know (Part 1)
Dive into the tumultuous life of Lord Byron, a cultural icon of the Napoleonic era known for his devilish charisma and rebellious spirit. Discover the chaotic history of his family, steeped in scandal and financial ruin, and how it shaped his mercurial personality. From his troubled childhood and transformative education to his controversial adolescence, Byron's journey is as captivating as his legacy. Prepare for thrilling tales of intrigue, literary impact, and a life that straddled the worlds of romance and revolution.
60 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 59min
439. Disco: Sex and Race in Seventies America
Disco emerged in the 1970s, igniting a cultural revolution amidst America's societal upheaval. It fostered a unique blend of race, sexuality, and community, particularly within the LGBTQ+ scene, reflecting a time of radical change. The podcast also dives into the vibrant nightlife of iconic clubs, the rise of influential figures, and the genre's spirited sound. Yet, the backlash against disco culminated in the notorious Disco Demolition Derby, a chaotic symbol of the genre's decline, peeling back layers of its hedonism and societal challenges.
74 snips
Apr 7, 2024 • 1h 8min
438. The Moonwalkers, with Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks, acclaimed actor and Apollo missions expert, joins to share his deep insights on the monumental journey to the Moon. He reflects on the intense pressure of the Apollo 11 mission and the tragedies of Apollo 1 and 13. The discussion includes Buzz Aldrin's spiritual awakening on the lunar surface and the innovative advancements of the 1960s that shaped our future. Hanks also explores the legacy of lunar exploration and the exciting possibilities of returning to the Moon and setting sights on Mars.
112 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
437. Luther: A World Torn Apart (Part 5)
Martin Luther's journey takes a dramatic turn as he grapples with his role in a religious revolution that ignites fierce violent uprisings. His clash with radical reformer Thomas Müntzer reveals deep ideological divides, while the Peasants' War surfaces as a pivotal struggle against oppression. The exploration of Luther’s unorthodox methods and relationships highlights the tension between reform and reaction. From battles to artistic representations, the legacy of this tumultuous period echoes in modern thought, revealing the complex interplay of faith and authority.
77 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.
164 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.
104 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!
135 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.
