The Rest Is History

By: Goalhanger
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  • Summary

  • 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. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive weekly newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the show, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
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Episodes
  • 563. Peter the Great: Bloodbath in the Kremlin (Part 2)

    563. Peter the Great: Bloodbath in the Kremlin (Part 2)
    May 7 2025
    What abominable mischief and hedonism did the seventeen year old Peter the Great revel in during his strange and remarkable travels through Europe, before truly stepping into the role of Tsar of all the Russias? Did it serve a secret political purpose? What was the outcome of the first war he chose to wage against the Ottoman Empire? Why did he go on a crucial and possibly dangerous diplomatic mission disguised as a member of his own staff? And, when news reached him from Russia, of a mutiny that directly challenged his rule, what gruesome revenge did he wreak…? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss in lurid technicolour, Peter the Great’s early life and rule: his flamboyant “gap year” and foreign travels, his early military conquests, his drastic reforms to Russia, and the outbreak of the Great Northern War, which would see Europe transformed forever. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 562. Peter the Great: The Rise of Russia (Part 1)

    562. Peter the Great: The Rise of Russia (Part 1)
    May 4 2025
    Why was the early life of Peter the Great - Tsar and autocrat of all the Russias, who endures to this day as an iconic symbol of Russian might - drenched in blood and violence? What amalgamation of court politics and family feuding saw him catapulted to the role of Tsar against all the odds? What did he do during the course of his colourful life and tumultuous reign to earn the moniker ‘the Great’? And, why is he considered by many, the father of Russia? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into the early life of one of history’s most bombastic rulers - Peter the Great; the conditions in 17th century Russia, the violent palace coup that nearly destroyed him as a boy, and his road to the Great Northern War that would later make his name, and change the fate of Europe. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)

    561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)
    Apr 30 2025
    In the vibrant but vicious golden age of Imperial Japan, how did women use writing as a way to secure their status, and express their deepest desires? Who was Sei Shōnagon, the witty courtier whose account of life around the Japanese Empress during the iconic Heian period, provides a scintillating insight into this colourful world? And, behind the sophisticated melee of the Imperial court, with its elegance and decorum, what risks and hazards haunted every aspiring courtier…? Join Tom and Dominic for the climax to their tantalising journey into the beating heart of Imperial Japan, and the remarkable woman whose moving, keenly perceptive, but also slyly venomous, insights into this complicated arena, bring it flamboyantly to life. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
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Profile Image for Lancaster

So good.

I can’t stop listening to these. So interesting and I love the delightful British dry witty intellectual banter. I learn a lot. Highly recommend.

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Profile Image for Diana Stephens

Podcast Perfection of the Historical Kind

I’m obsessed with Tom Holland, Dominic Sandbrook, and this podcast! These two historians are a perfect pairing - a mix of serious research with lighthearted presentation. Honestly, there’s something for everyone - Ancient Rome, American Witches, Oppenheimer, Cleopatra, Freemasons, Jesus, London Tours (so funny), even California. I haven’t listen to a book in ages (or any other podcast, really). Beware - Totally Addicting!

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Profile Image for S. Webster

Wonderful on all counts.

History told in an engaging way; which brings the personalities of figures and motivation of nations to life.

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Profile Image for OKCH

My new favorite history podcast

I never leave reviews but I’m obsessed with this podcast. Tom and Dom are great. I feel like I’m hanging out with two guys - two lads - who love history as much as I do.

I haven’t joined the chat community yet but here I am leaving a review so who knows what I’ll do next.

Highly recommend- Harold Hoss

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This podcast is a delight

If you're a history nerd like me or if you're simply curious, this is the podcast for you. The chrmistry between Dominic and Tom is off the charts.

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Profile Image for D

Love the show

The combination of great historical fact, amazing analysis and laugh out loud humor make this the best podcast on my list. Thank you for making me think and laugh.

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Profile Image for Richard JAG

Superb

My favorite podcast by far. Witty, entertaining, funny and informative. The chemistry between Dominic and Tom is brilliant and very British. This is the best podcast out there.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

as an American I loved the gentle criticism

well done fellas, I am well-chuffed by this brisk discussion of the American-made disaster that was Vietnam

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Profile Image for Jill A Archer

Murder of Archduke Ferdinand

The humor, banter, attention to detail, comprehension and ability to provide a perspective of what was happening at the times made for a truly brilliant and exciting experience!

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Profile Image for Vince's Little Star Restaurant

All of them. But 1968 my favorite. I’m American.

You guys are so good! I’ve been listening to you now for about 6 months and am almost caught up on all the episodes. It’s funny listening to how you have evolved from the early Covid years. My favorite were the 1968 series. ‘Brilliant’ to borrow one of your favorite terms. I use to be a fan favorite of Click and Clack the Marrucci bros. Car Talk. I think you guys have them beat. I could go on and on but it’s late where I’m at and dinner is waiting. Thank you thank you!!!

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