In today's episode, Tom and Dominic talk to Sara Read about the history of childbirth. Sara unveils the origin of the word 'gossip' and its connection to midwifery. As well as this, they discuss how someone would qualify as a midwife; the relationship between religion and childbirth; and the average age of becoming a first time mother. They also look into the changes in the maternal mortality rate throughout history. And, finally, they touch on the authenticity of 'Call The Midwife'. Sara Read i...
Jun 02, 2022•49 min•Ep 191•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode of The Rest Is History Dominic and Tom look at how Jubilees have served as a moment for Britain to stop and reflect. From the celebrations of George III, Queen Victoria and George V to the modern jamborees of Elizabeth II, here's all you need to know before this year's Platinum Jubilee. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Pro...
May 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 190•Transcript available on Metacast Join Tom and Dominic for the final episode of their Australian epic. Tune in to hear about the exploits of the most recent stretch of prime ministers, spanning from Bob Hawke to Scott Morrison. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them l...
May 26, 2022•48 min•Ep 189•Transcript available on Metacast In the second part of our Australian PMs trilogy, Tom and Dominic explore Chinese Communist conspiracy theories and talk about the most entertaining of all the Aussie leaders. The final instalment of this mini-series will be in your podcast feed on Thursday. To get the last episode right now, join The Rest Is History Club, where you'll also get ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Editor: Harry Lineker Pr...
May 24, 2022•48 min•Ep 188•Transcript available on Metacast In the wake of Anthony Albanese's victory in this weekend's Australian election, Tom and Dominic have recorded a three part Antipodean special on the history of Australian prime ministers. The first episode begins in 1901 with Edmund Barton, covers both World Wars, and drills down into the premierships of Robert Menzies. The second part will be in your podcast feeds tomorrow, with the final instalment dropping on Thursday. To get all episodes right now, join The Rest Is History Club, where you'l...
May 23, 2022•56 min•Ep 187•Transcript available on Metacast The longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth II acceded to the throne 70 years ago. To mark the occasion, Tom and Dominic are joined by Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's UK and Ireland, who specialises in 20th century British art and culture. Together they drill down into some of the cultural, artistic and historic happenings that have taken place during the Queen's reign. Sotheby's, the sponsors of this episode, are putting on a celebratory month-long programme of exh...
May 19, 2022•58 min•Ep 186•Transcript available on Metacast Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist in history. Coinciding neatly with the 'Wagatha Christie' trial taking place between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy in the UK, Tom and Dominic look at Christie as a mirror held up to the 20th century, discuss what we can learn about Christianity and the concept of 'evil' from her work, and debate the value of Tom's Poirot impression. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows an...
May 16, 2022•59 min•Ep 185•Transcript available on Metacast Could the West have lost the Cold War? Would we be happier if we didn't study history? Would you prefer to have a samurai, a Viking or a Spartan as your bodyguard? Tom and Dominic are joined by Hardcore History's Dan Carlin for a second episode to tackle the biggest questions in history. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producers: Tony Pasto...
May 12, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep 184•Transcript available on Metacast Who was the most influential leader of the 20th century? What would have happened if the South had won the American Civil War? Would you rather be under siege from the Mongols, the Romans, or the Assyrians? In a huge moment for transatlantic history podcasting, Tom and Dominic are joined by titan of the genre and friend of the show Dan Carlin, the host of one of the world's largest history podcasts, Hardcore History. Over the course of two episodes, Dan, Tom and Dominic tackle ten of the biggest...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep 183•Transcript available on Metacast What military parallels does Putin's invasion of Ukraine have with Hitler's attempt to invade the Soviet Union? On today's pod Tom and Dominic are joined by historian - and brother of Tom - James Holland to discuss Operation Barbarossa and the Nazi invasion of 1941, whether it was doomed to fail, and the role it played in the escalation of the Holocaust. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to our sister podcast, We Have Ways Of Making You Talk, and check out their Second World War festi...
May 05, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 182•Transcript available on Metacast In January, Tom and Dominic explored the history of Babylon, from Nebuchadnezzar onwards (episode 145 in the Rest Is History feed). At the end of that episode, there was a promise to revisit Babylon's earlier period to fully do the topic justice - so here it is! Tune in to hear about the constant theft of the Statue of Marduk, the formidable Assyrians, and what Dominic describes as his 'favourite impersonation ever'... Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, week...
May 02, 2022•50 min•Ep 181•Transcript available on Metacast George Orwell, a love of wildlife, and Raheem Sterling - but what does it mean to be English in the modern world? In today's episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by the New Statesman editor, Jason Cowley, to discuss England and Englishness in the 20th century. Jason's new book 'Who Are We Now?' is available at all good book retailers. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. E...
Apr 28, 2022•59 min•Ep 180•Transcript available on Metacast In the second of two episodes covering France's post-war presidents, Tom and Dominic drill down into the remaining historical statesmen, bringing us right up to the current day. François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande, and Emmanuel Macron - there are some incredible stories... Join The Rest Is History Club (restishistorypod.com) for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Prod...
Apr 26, 2022•47 min•Ep 179•Transcript available on Metacast It's the day after the French election runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, so naturally here's a Rest Is History French Presidents special. Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Join Tom and Dominic for the first of two episodes on the topic, as they dive headfirst into the first three post-war presidents. Join us tomorrow for the second part of this special double-bill, where we'll cover the remaining historical residents of the Élysée Palace. If you c...
Apr 25, 2022•43 min•Ep 178•Transcript available on Metacast In the second of two episodes on the Jewish Revolt, Tom and Dominic discuss the burning of the Temple, Vespasian & Titus' triumph, and Masada. Why was it such a landmark revolt for both Christianity and Judaism? What happened in its aftermath? And what has its historical significance been in the modern world? All this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is History. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access t...
Apr 21, 2022•56 min•Ep 177•Transcript available on Metacast "The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans: a thrilling, terrible, and blood-soaked story." Following on from last week's episode on the Crucifixion, Tom and Dominic take us back to Judea to dissect the tumultuous events of the Jewish Revolt. Tune in to hear the first part of the incredible story that features Pontius Pilate, Nero, and the figure of Jesus - plus how it all tenuously links to Bryan Adams and the Summer of '69. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archi...
Apr 18, 2022•34 min•Ep 176•Transcript available on Metacast Crucifixions were a form of public execution so heinous that the Romans themselves were reluctant to document their gory details... In this Easter special, Tom and Dominic trace the origins and evolution of crucifixion - as well as the historical accuracy of Jesus' death. Warning: this pod is not for the faint of heart. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Producer: Vasco...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep 175•Transcript available on Metacast Richard II, Prince Charles, and Tony Blair. From Merlin, to the middle ages, to the modern day, the mysterious world of magic, necromancy and the occult has had a notable presence in the lives of British monarchs, politicians and members of high society. Tom and Dominic are joined by Francis Young, author of 'Magic in Merlin's Realm: A History of Occult Politics in Britain' to discuss this infinitely interesting and entertaining topic. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are ba...
Apr 11, 2022•58 min•Ep 174•Transcript available on Metacast China's Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao was one of the most staggeringly brutal events in recent human history. Tom and Dominic are joined by historian Rana Mitter, who specialises in the history of Republican China. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep 173•Transcript available on Metacast In the final part of our Falklands series, Tom and Dominic discuss the legacy of the war in both the UK and Argentina, and debate whether the nostalgic sentiment stirred by Britain’s victory laid the foundations for Brexit. If you enjoyed this series and want a deeper dive into the Falklands War, featuring interviews with some the key players like special forces commandos, politicians and military leaders, download the first episode of BATTLEGROUND: THE FALKLANDS WAR here. Producer: Dom Johnson ...
Apr 04, 2022•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the third episode of our Falklands War mini-series, the story heats up. The most controversial episode of the war, the sinking of the Belgrano, takes place, the British Task Force lands and battle plays out. Tom and Dominic thumb through their copies of the Sun, relive Reagan's final plea to Thatcher, and recount the stories of the men on the ground as Britain closed in on victory. For access to all four episodes, go to www.restishistorypod.com Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producers: Jack Daven...
Mar 31, 2022•54 min•Ep 171•Transcript available on Metacast In the second episode of our Falklands War mini-series, Britain is faced with an Argentine occupation and prepares to go to war. Margaret Thatcher discovers her inner Winston Churchill - but faces a titanic showdown in Parliament, which sits on a Saturday for the first time since Suez. The Task Force eventually sails - to huge public support - while the US, France and Chile all lend a hand. Come for Tom's Iron Lady impression, stay for his Tony Benn as Dominic talks us through the second instalm...
Mar 29, 2022•52 min•Ep 170•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to our mini-series on The Falklands War, where Tom and Dominic will break down the causes, conflict and aftermath of the war on its fortieth anniversary. In the first episode we dig into the history of the islands, the causes behind the Argentine invasion, and the domestic situation in both Britain and Argentina in the late 70s and early 80s. The boys also dissect the almost farcical events that took place in the build up, some of the memorable characters like Rex Hunt, and the significa...
Mar 28, 2022•53 min•Ep 169•Transcript available on Metacast Tom and Dominic are back with Helen Thompson for a second episode on the history of oil, its impact and how it shapes geopolitics. Tune in to hear about the impact of oil production on US Politics, its importance to the history and current situation in Ukraine, and what we can learn about oil from the exploits of J. R. Ewing in the TV show 'Dallas'. The pod also looks to the future, examining China's explosive growth and advantageous position with Green Energy, whether Putin's recent actions hav...
Mar 25, 2022•47 min•Ep 168•Transcript available on Metacast Tom and Dominic are joined by Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge, to talk about the incredible influence of oil over the last couple of centuries. Discussion covers the first oil well ever drilled, how it's hard to overestimate Hitler's obsession with oil, and the formation of OPEC in the aftermath of the Suez Crisis. Helen's new book 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century' is out now. Catch our second episode with Helen tomorrow, or get it right now...
Mar 24, 2022•45 min•Ep 167•Transcript available on Metacast The second of two episodes on Genghis Khan, listen to yesterday's pod (165. The Rise of Genghis Khan) before listening to this one! 'An almost sacral figure' in the words of Tom Holland, Genghis Khan has become the paramount leader of the Mongols. Can we call his kingdom a 'Mongol Empire'? What was his aim? And why are some now calling him an 'eco-warrior'?! Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclus...
Mar 22, 2022•53 min•Ep 166•Transcript available on Metacast Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook speak to Ali Ansari about the origins of one of the greatest warlords in human history - Genghis Khan. They discuss his early life as Temujin and how he became Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongols. Catch the second episode - Genghis Khan: Lord of the Mongols - tomorrow! Or get it right now as a member of The Rest Is History Club, where you also get ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroo...
Mar 21, 2022•36 min•Ep 165•Transcript available on Metacast Happy St. Patrick's Day! No, Tom isn't turning Brixton's River Effra green, nor is Dominic distributing shamrocks throughout the Oxfordshire countryside, but they're here anyway with a very special pod on the mysterious Apostle of Ireland. When was St. Patrick alive? Where was he really born? Why was he kidnapped by pirates? And did he really banish the snakes from Ireland? All this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is History. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the ful...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 164•Transcript available on Metacast What links the Mexican Republic, Palmerston, the Hapsburgs, Napoleon III and butterfly catching? Please tweet us if you can think of anything other than the following answer, which is the incredible story of the Last Emperor of Mexico. Tom and Dominic are joined by Edward Shawcross as they travel back to recount and discuss this amazing moment in Mexican history. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an e...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep 163•Transcript available on Metacast [Episode 4 of 4] 'In the noughties, Russian democracy becomes a form of show business' In the final instalment of our Russia mini-series, Tom and Dominic reach the climax of Putin’s rise to power, charting how a former KGB agent managed to climb from relative obscurity to become the uncrowned Tsar of Russia. The episode also touches on his relationship with oligarchs such as Roman Abramovich, the hall of mirrors he's created, and a look at how his character has changed over the course of his pre...
Mar 10, 2022•37 min•Ep 162•Transcript available on Metacast 
