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
32 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 60min
311: Reagan: The Road to the White House (Part 2)
Dive into Ronald Reagan's fascinating journey from Hollywood to the political spotlight. Discover how a pivotal 1964 speech propelled him into the national consciousness and explore his unexpected love for astrology. As Governor of California, he navigated the turbulent political landscape of the 1960s, all while balancing personal relationships and evolving ideologies. Witness the rise of a charismatic leader amidst a backdrop of cultural upheaval and learn how he transformed despair into hope for a nation yearning for change.
21 snips
Mar 6, 2023 • 57min
310: Ronald Reagan and the American Dream (Part 1)
Explore the fascinating early life of Ronald Reagan, from his humble Illinois beginnings to his rise as a beloved Hollywood star and sports broadcaster. Discover how his upbringing and family dynamics shaped his moral compass and political ideology. The discussion highlights key pivotal moments, including his improvisational skills that captured the media's attention. Delve into the complexities of his personal relationships and the disillusionment faced on his journey to embodying the American Dream.
42 snips
Mar 2, 2023 • 56min
309: Columbus: Villain or Hero? (Part 4)
Dive into a riveting discussion on Christopher Columbus, exploring his dual image as both hero and villain. The podcast delves into the impact of his voyages, the complexities of his legacy, and the narrative shifts from his time to today. Listeners learn about the catastrophic effects of European diseases on indigenous populations and how historical perceptions have evolved, especially regarding Columbus Day. The conversation emphasizes the moral dilemmas surrounding his achievements, making for a thought-provoking exploration of a contentious figure in history.
76 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 48min
308: Columbus: Death in the Caribbean (Part 3)
Columbus returns to Spain, facing skepticism while desperately seeking wealth in the New World. His actions lead to turmoil and conflict, as he exploits indigenous populations and struggles with his own leadership failures. The moral complexities of slavery during his time surface, highlighting tensions between his views and those of contemporaries like Queen Isabella. Eccentric behavior characterizes his attempts to regain favor. The podcast examines the biblical parallels in Columbus's legacy, sparking a debate on whether he is seen as a hero or a villain.
46 snips
Feb 23, 2023 • 50min
307: Columbus: A New World? (Part 2)
Columbus's ambitious journey begins as he seeks a westward route to Asia with royal backing. The dynamics of his crew reveal doubts and conflicts during their perilous voyage. Encountering indigenous peoples leads to disastrous misunderstandings and exploitation. The podcast also explores the duality of Columbus's motives—his blend of religious zeal and greed shaped European expansionism. Historical narratives are unpacked, highlighting the often exaggerated accounts of discovery and the lasting impact of Columbus’s actions on both sides of the ocean.
120 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 56min
306: Columbus: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)
Explore the controversial legacy of Christopher Columbus as the hosts delve into his drive for discovery and ambition for power. Discover the misconceptions about the belief in a flat Earth during his time and how Columbus was influenced by literature and commerce. Learn about the critical role of sponsorship in his quest to cross the Atlantic, alongside the historical context of the Reconquista. Hear about Columbus's complex motivations, from seeking wealth to a deep desire for recognition, setting the stage for his fateful journey.
79 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 57min
305: The Fall of the Roman Republic
Delve into the chaotic aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, where political power struggles ignite a civil war. Explore Brutus’s eerie ghost encounter and the dramatic funeral manipulation by Antony. Discover the brutal fates of the conspirators and the rise of Octavian amidst a climate of betrayal and executions. Reflect on Augustus's leadership style as a shift towards autocracy looms. This narrative intertwines history with themes of loyalty and ambition, shedding light on the Roman Republic's decline.
95 snips
Feb 13, 2023 • 58min
304: The Murder of Julius Caesar
The assassination of Julius Caesar unfolds with gripping imagery and betrayal from within his closest circle. The podcast delves into the political dynamics of the Roman Republic, exploring the ambitions of figures like Caesar and Pompey. It examines the moral complexities faced by Brutus and others during this pivotal moment. The aftermath reveals chaos among the senators and the profound implications for the future of Rome. Themes of power, ambition, and contrasting ideologies create an engaging narrative about one of history's most iconic events.
56 snips
Feb 9, 2023 • 53min
303: The Bloodiest Crusade
Dive into the Albigensian Crusade, dubbed the bloodiest in history, as the discussion unpacks the violent efforts by Pope Innocent III against heresy. Explore the moral ambiguities faced by crusaders in their brutal campaigns and the complex interplay of faith and violence. The conversation also highlights unique military strategies from private military companies, linking past and present struggles over religious beliefs. Ultimately, discover a tragic tale of resilience among the surviving Cathars, illuminating the nature of belief and identity.
64 snips
Feb 7, 2023 • 52min
302: The Mystery of the Cathars
Unravel the intriguing legacy of the Cathars, a mystical medieval group often misrepresented in history. Explore their beliefs, the birth of the term 'crusade,' and the dark shadows of genocide intertwined with their story. Discover how political struggles of the 12th century shaped perceptions of heresy and the Catholic Church's response, highlighting a disconnect between powerful leaders and rural believers. Dive into how modern cultural conflicts echo this tumultuous past, leaving listeners with chilling insights into both history and warfare.
