“The Rest Is History” podcast, hosted by acclaimed historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, has captured massive audiences worldwide with its engaging and insightful exploration of the past. With over 700 episodes covering a vast array of historical topics, the show has established itself as a premier destination for both casual listeners and history enthusiasts alike.
With the podcast’s ability to bring history to life, challenge conventional narratives, and provide a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our world, its hard to know where to start. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the podcast or simply looking to dive into the rich tapestry of human history, these episodes are sure to leave a lasting impact and inspire you to explore the past with renewed curiosity and appreciation.
Costa Rica: Civil War
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Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the captivating history of the Costa Rican Civil War. This pivotal event is populated by a cast of tremendous characters, including the historian-turned-president Teodoro Picado Michalski, the visionary José Figueres Ferrer who abolished the country’s army, and the infamous Dr. Valverde.
A Very British Scandal
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This episode explores the captivating downfall of Jeremy Thorpe, the flamboyant former leader of Britain’s Liberal Party. Thorpe faced a scandalous trial for conspiracy to murder his ex-lover, Norman Scott – a case that, despite his acquittal, ultimately destroyed his political career. Holland and Sandbrook guide listeners through this extraordinary saga, including the mysterious murder of Scott’s dog, Rinka.
Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Civil War (Part 1)
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Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the dramatic American Indian Wars of 1862-68, focusing on two legendary figures: the brilliant Lakota strategist Crazy Horse and the flamboyant cavalry commander George A. Custer. Through their examination of this pivotal conflict, the hosts of “The Rest is History” podcast unravel a tale of clashing civilizations, where industrialization met tradition in a brutal struggle for survival. From Custer’s meteoric rise during the Civil War to his controversial campaigns against Native Americans, the episode charts the complex legacy of a man whose daring and ego have become synonymous with both military brilliance and tragic hubris in American history.
Watergate: Part 1
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This episode examines the path that led Richard Nixon to orchestrate Watergate, America’s most infamous political scandal. Host Dominic Sandbrook, a renowned expert on the era, guides fellow historian Tom Holland through Nixon’s remarkable journey – from his modest origins to his meteoric political ascent, culminating in the events that would ultimately trigger his dramatic fall from power. This compelling episode marks the first installment of a two-part deep dive into one of American history’s most consequential presidencies.
Trafalgar: A World at War (Part 1)
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This episode is the start of a three-part exploration of the Battle of Trafalgar, examining its claim as the 19th century’s most pivotal naval engagement. In this first installment, the hosts dive into the complex dynamics of Britain’s preference for naval power over standing armies, explore the groundbreaking military innovations deployed during the battle, and examine the legendary status of Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose heroic death while leading the British fleet to triumph over the combined French and Spanish forces elevated him to near-mythical status. Through their engaging analysis, Holland and Sandbrook unravel the strategic, technological, and cultural significance of this monumental clash at sea that helped shape the course of European history.
The Fall of the Aztecs: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)
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In this episode of “The Rest is History,” historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook examine one of history’s most consequential encounters: the 1519 meeting between Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec Emperor Montezuma. This first installment traces Cortés’s early journey from Spain to the Caribbean, setting the stage for a dramatic clash of civilizations that would ultimately lead to the fall of the mighty Aztec Empire. Through their masterful storytelling, the hosts explore how this pivotal moment, filled with tales of adventure, ambition, and tragedy, would forever transform the course of both Old and New World history.
JFK: The Road to the White House (Part 1)
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This episode is an exploration of one of the 20th century’s most defining moments – the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook begin their investigation by examining JFK’s early life and the influential Kennedy dynasty. From his struggles with chronic illness to his legendary charisma and marriage to Jackie Bouvier, the hosts set the stage for understanding the man whose death in Dallas on November 22, 1963, would spark endless debates about conspiracy theories, Cold War tensions, and America’s loss of innocence. This episode marks the beginning of a series that promises to unravel the complex web of circumstances surrounding one of history’s most scrutinized events.
History’s Greatest Monkeys
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This episode dives into the remarkable relationship between humans and primates throughout history. Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore fascinating tales ranging from a 5th century BC macaque dressed as a Roman legionary to the celebrity chimpanzees of modern times. Through captivating stories of notable primates – including the legendary fighting ape Jacco Macacco, the heroic Corporal Jackie who aided WWII soldiers, and Jenny the orangutan who influenced Darwin’s evolutionary theories – the hosts examine how these remarkable creatures have shaped human culture, art, and understanding across centuries. From ancient status symbols to Hollywood stars, these episodes reveal the profound and often surprising ways monkeys and apes have intertwined with human civilization.
Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
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Get ready to examine one of modern history’s most devastating upheavals – Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China. Hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook welcome distinguished scholar Rana Mitter, an expert in Republican Chinese history, to help unpack this catastrophic period of social and political turmoil that reshaped the world’s most populous nation. Together, they explore the overwhelming brutality and far-reaching consequences of this transformative chapter in Chinese history.
The Rise of the Nazis (Part 1)
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A four-part examination of Nazi Germany’s emergence, tracing the dark roots of this infamous movement. The hosts explore multiple potential starting points – from the influence of Imperial Germany and Hitler’s formative years in Vienna to the profound impact of World War I – as they begin their comprehensive investigation into how one of history’s most destructive ideologies took hold.
Luther: The Man Who Changed the World (Part 1)
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The Reformation, beginning in 1517, was one of history’s most disruptive and transformative events, fracturing Christian unity and dividing Europe for centuries. It reshaped the destinies of rulers and condemned millions to the flames of heresy. At its heart was Martin Luther, a lowly monk from humble roots. Bold, sharp-witted, and a master of rhetoric, Luther’s fierce attack on the medieval Church led to his excommunication by the Pope. But what drove him from his modest Saxon origins, shaped by a difficult relationship with a strict father, to ignite such defiance? And was this religious upheaval destined to happen?
The Murder of Julius Caesar
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Caesar’s assassination was one of history’s most renowned killings. It capped an impressive series of victories – triumphing in the First Triumvirate, outlasting Pompey and Cato, gaining Imperator status and becoming lifelong dictator. Yet this illustrious career met a brutal, bloody end. What led to such a gory demise? This episode of The Rest is History attempts to answer that question.
Magna Carta
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The Magna Carta is a historic bill of rights that some view as enshrining the liberties of free-born Englishmen, while others consider it now irrelevant. Historian Ted Vallance discusses King John’s forced signing of the Magna Carta.
Portugal: On the Edge of the World (Part 1)
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The early history of Portugal includes influences from Romans, Visigoths, the Reconquista, and alliances with England.
The Lost Library of Alexandria
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The Library of Alexandria was a renowned ancient institution housing an unparalleled collection of scrolls and manuscripts from across the world. It served as a beacon of knowledge and learning, located within the same complex as Alexander the Great’s tomb. Historians Tom and Dominic explore the Library’s role in the ancient world and its eventual destruction.
American Civil War: The Causes (Part 1)
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The origins of the American Civil War are explored in a four-part series, as historians Tom, Dominic, and Adam Smith discuss whether the moral, political, and economic issues surrounding slavery made the conflict inevitable. They also examine the character and role of President Abraham Lincoln.
Hundred Years’ War: A Game of Thrones (Part 1)
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The Hundred Years’ War began as England, a minor power at the time, took on the mighty kingdom of France amidst dynastic turmoil, inconvenient treaties with Scotland, and tales of knights, longbows, and the golden age of chivalry across Europe.
Ireland: Celts, Conquest and Cromwell (Part 1)
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The Irish people have repeatedly asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty, taking up arms six times in the past 300 years. The Easter Rising in 1916, marked by Patrick Pearse’s proclamation of the Irish Republic, was the latest such assertion. Historians Tom, Dominic, and Paul Rouse explore the deep history of the Anglo-Irish relationship, from the Norman conquest to the 1798 rebellion.
The French Revolution: Bloodbath in Paris (Part 1)
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The revolutionary fervor in Paris threatens to engulf the streets as demonstrators gather on the Champ de Mars to sign a petition demanding the removal of King Louis XVI. The National Assembly had decreed that Louis would remain king under a constitutional monarchy, even after his failed escape to Varennes, which the people saw as a betrayal. The growing crowd erupts into violence, leading to a bloody clash with the National Guard led by Lafayette. In the first part of Season 2, historians Tom and Dominic break down the events of the Champ de Mars Massacre.