Real Dictators Podcast By NOISER cover art

Real Dictators

Real Dictators

By: NOISER
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About this listen

 Real Dictators is the award-winning podcast that explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Hosted by Paul McGann, with contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians. New episodes available one week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening and exclusive content. To find out more about Noiser+, head to noiser.com/subscriptions. For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm Production: Joel Duddell, Ed Baranski, Miriam Baines, Tom Pink, George Tapp, Dorry Macaulay, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Anisha Devadasan, Joseph McGann. Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/real for £100 sponsored credit. Drama & Plays World
Episodes
  • Fidel Castro Part 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis

    Fidel Castro Part 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis
    Jun 3 2025
    The first man in space arrives in Cuba for a special visit. A passenger liner from the Soviet Union docks in Havana. But it’s not carrying tourists. Out in the countryside a massive yet mysterious construction project begins. Stranger-than-fiction plans are put in motion as the CIA tries everything to assassinate Fidel. And as Khrushchev and Castro take the most daring of gambles, the whole world holds its breath… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Alvaro Alba, Mervyn Bain, Carlos Eire, Peter Kornbluh, Alex von Tunzelmann, Ileana Yarza. This is Part 6 of 10. Written by Edward White | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp, Matthew Peaty | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Get every episode of Real Dictators a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Fidel Castro Part 5: The Bay of Pigs

    Fidel Castro Part 5: The Bay of Pigs
    May 28 2025
    A man who was right there tells us the tale of one of history’s most notorious military failures. Castro’s former lover is given a handful of poison capsules and dispatched to Fidel’s hotel. A Havana schoolboy crosses his fingers as the American bombing begins. And a young activist prepares to do whatever it takes to repel the impending invasion... A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Carlos Eire, Peter Kornbluh, Monica Mercedes Perez Jimenez, Alex von Tunzelmann, Ileana Yarza, Eduardo Zayas-Bazan. This is Part 5 of 10. Written by Edward White | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Get every episode of Real Dictators a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Fidel Castro Part 4: Havana’s TV Star

    Fidel Castro Part 4: Havana’s TV Star
    May 20 2025
    Castro goes on a victory parade, eventually arriving in Havana on top of a tank. Vengeance is wrought on the old dictator’s supporters, as the new leader moves into the Hilton hotel. Fidel takes a trip to Washington - for a sit-down with Richard Nixon. And a regime insider tells us how he turned his back on Castro, only to pay the price... A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Carlos Eire, Lillian Guerra, Jonathan Hansen, Jennifer Lambe, Alex von Tunzelmann, Ileana Yarza, Eduardo Zayas-Bazan. Special thanks to University of Miami Libraries for the use of the Huber Matos archive. This is Part 4 of 10. Written by Edward White | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Anisha Deva, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Get every episode of Real Dictators a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
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All stars
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Outstanding podcast, and so well researched. I am really looking forward to the one about Trump!

Amazing series!

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Beautifully narrated, exquisitely detailed, and well-organized. I live in dread of reaching the last episode.

Holds your attention hostage!

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Listened to all episodes within a few days, and I can honestly say that I've learned more about world events in the most engaging and factual story-telling drama series I've ever heard. The background music or the noise of guns, or planes, or bombs helps to stir each event to life. Narrator is superb. Bring on more episodes please!

I'm Hooked

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Paul McGann has a great voice for this really interesting history lesson. The content is superb and enlightening. I listen on my night shift and time certainly passes rather quickly as it’s so interesting.

Compelling series with excellent narration

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The many dictators were all calm and determined in their own ways. If you like history this book will excite you even when evil is strong.

Doctors-Their times

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I subscribe to many podcasts. There's a lot of history in my list, but this has gone far and away beyond any other history podcast that I've heard. Truth be told, I didn't know what to expect when I first saw that cover art but I was intrigued when I heard Paul McGann was the narrator (he's the 8th Doctor for any fellow Whovians out there).

The series on Hitler (15 episodes so far, as of this writing) is astounding! I thought I knew enough based on various sources, but this takes you through a fine-toothed comb explanation of the lives of these madmen.

It's quickly become one of my favorites and I try to listen to it daily.

The most in depth history podcast I've ever listen

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I started with Lenin and 5min in I was absolutely hooked. fantastic info and presentation.

just what a history junkie wanted!

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Vladimir Putin and Pinochet…Those are my recommendations for more stories. Great series I love these

You folks need to do a Putin series

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I couldn't stop listening took me two days and now I check every day to see if a new episode is out!

Binge worthy!

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I recommend this podcast for sure, it’s absolutely amazing! Can’t wait for the next season!

Extremely good!!

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