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
14 snips
May 26, 2022 • 46min
189. Australian Prime Ministers: Bob Hawke - Scott Morrison (Part 3)
Dive into the colorful world of Australian political banter, where humor meets serious discourse. Discover Bob Hawke's quirky legacy and the nuances of his reformative path in trade unionism and governance. Explore shifting foreign policy towards Asia and the implications of the AUKUS deal. The podcast also highlights the challenges of climate politics in a resource-dependent economy, alongside the intriguing dynamics of leadership changes and their aftermath in a complex political landscape.
May 24, 2022 • 46min
188. Australian Prime Ministers: Harold Holt - Malcolm Fraser (Part 2)
In this captivating discussion, the mysterious disappearance of Harold Holt is examined, weaving through conspiracy theories and political implications. The narrative then shifts to the colorful legacy of John Gorton, blending political drama with personal distractions. Gough Whitlam’s transformative leadership takes center stage, highlighting groundbreaking policies and the turmoil of the 1970s. Finally, a humorous incident from Malcolm Fraser's post-political life adds a lighthearted touch, revealing the quirks of Australian leadership amidst the serious business of governance.
30 snips
May 23, 2022 • 54min
187. Australian Prime Ministers: Edmund Barton - Robert Menzies (Part 1)
Discover the early days of Australian leadership with figures like Edmund Barton and Robert Menzies. Dive into the interplay of cricket and politics in the 1930s, exploring how global conflicts shaped their careers. Uncover the overlooked legacy of John Curtin during WWII and the cultural shifts impacting Australia's identity. A humorous yet insightful look at the accents of politicians adds flavor, while shifting alliances reveal pivotal moments in history. Get ready for a rich tapestry of stories that define Australia's political landscape!
May 19, 2022 • 56min
186. The New Elizabethan Age
Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's UK and Ireland, shares her insights into the cultural landscape of the New Elizabethan Age. They explore the significance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, including iconic art pieces like Warhol's portrait and Princess Diana's wedding tiara. The conversation also touches on the provocative punk imagery of the Sex Pistols and its clash with royal traditions. Christie emphasizes the importance of art in shaping cultural narratives and the ongoing legacy of the monarchy in contemporary society.
16 snips
May 16, 2022 • 57min
185. Agatha Christie
Delve into the enigmatic world of Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time. Explore her lasting impact on the mystery genre, from iconic characters like Hercule Poirot to themes of love, betrayal, and moral complexities. Discover the connection between her tumultuous personal life and the societal changes reflected in her works. With humorous insights and deep dives, the discussion unravels Christie's intricate narratives and her unique portrayal of evil. Join in for a lively examination of her influence on literature and culture.
4 snips
May 12, 2022 • 1h 3min
184. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 2)
Dan Carlin, the charismatic host of Hardcore History, joins the conversation to tackle some of history's most compelling questions. Can the West's stance in the Cold War be seen differently? What would our world look like without history? The fun escalates as they debate the best warrior to guard you—samurai, Viking, or Spartan—while also reflecting on the implications of key historical innovations. Carlin's engaging insights make for a thought-provoking and entertaining dialogue on how the past shapes our present.
33 snips
May 9, 2022 • 1h 1min
183. History's Biggest Questions with Dan Carlin (Part 1)
Dan Carlin, famed host of Hardcore History, joins for a captivating discussion on pivotal historical questions. They explore hypothetical scenarios like: What if the South had won the Civil War? Would you prefer a siege from the Assyrians, Romans, or Mongols? The conversation dives into the moral complexities of leaders like Truman during the atomic age and considers the implications of a Confederate victory on race and culture. With humor and insight, Carlin and the hosts tackle the intricate web of history’s most compelling quandaries.
71 snips
May 5, 2022 • 59min
182. Operation Barbarossa
Join historian James Holland, a WWII expert and brother to Tom Holland, as he dives into the complexities of Operation Barbarossa. The discussion highlights parallels between this infamous invasion and Putin's recent actions in Ukraine, exposing striking military strategies and miscalculations. Holland reveals the ideological backdrop of the Nazi offensive, the significant delays caused by Mussolini’s blunders, and the resilient Soviet response that ultimately shaped the war's outcome. A fascinating exploration of history's repeat lessons!
33 snips
May 2, 2022 • 48min
181. The Birth of Babylon
Dive into the rich tapestry of Babylon's ancient history, from its unique location along the Euphrates River to its emergence as a cultural beacon. Discover the allure of Marduk's statue and the frequent thievery that surrounded it. Delve into the cultural contributions of figures like Hammurabi and the complexities of Babylonian identity amidst conquests. The discussion also highlights the significant roles of myth and reality, exploring how Babylon's history weaves together violence, philosophy, and resilience.
14 snips
Apr 28, 2022 • 57min
180. England & Englishness
In this lively discussion, Jason Cowley, Editor of the New Statesman, shares his insights on the nuanced concept of Englishness. He reflects on George Orwell’s take during the Blitz and how historical events shape modern identity. The conversation shifts to the complexities of urban versus rural life and how football has redefined what it means to be English, especially in a multicultural society. They also delve into environmental challenges and the contradictions in English identity, blending personal anecdotes with societal observations.
