Best IWM Podcasts (2025)

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SAS: The Great Train Raid with Damien Lewis at IWM Podcast Live 58:16

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1d ago58:16

58:16

In this episode we speak to Damien Lewis, live at IWM Podcast Live, all about his brand new book the SAS: The Great Train Raid! In this episode we focus on how the train raid came about, Italian concentration camps, and the bravery of the SAS! Click here to grab a copy of SAS: The Great Train Raid To keep up to date with Damien head to his website,…

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249. Don’t Overlook the RAF’s Photo Reconnaissance Unit: The Eyes That Won WWII with Dave Robertson and Tony Hoskins of For You The War Is Over – IWM Podcast LIVE 56:22

10d ago56:22

56:22

Discover the untold story of the RAF heroes who photographed victory. What if the intelligence that won World War II didn’t come from Bletchley Park — but from the skies above? In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historians and podcasters Dave Robertson and Tony Hoskins from For You The War Is Over to uncover the…

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252. Thomas More did not die for the Pope with Joanne Paul 43:19

7h ago43:19

43:19

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes Tudor historian and author Dr. Joanne Paul to dissect the life and legacy of the enigmatic Thomas More. As they navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor England, they delve into the myths and misconceptions surrounding this controversial figure, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Episode Highl…

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Gladiators with Harry Sidebottom 45:31

1d ago45:31

45:31

In this episode we speak to Harry Sidebottom all about the lives of Gladiators, what they ate, how they trained, and how they become sex icons in the Roman World! To keep up to date with Harry head to his Facebook Grab a copy 'Those Who Are About to Die' If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: [email protected] P…

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The White Lady Intelligence Network with Helen Fry 49:23

1d ago49:23

49:23

In this episode we speak to Helen Fry, live at IWM Podcast Live, all about The White Lady Intelligence Network which operated out of Belgium during World War I. Helen spoke to us about how it was set up, their spy craft, and what its members went on to do! Grab a copy of The White Lady: The Story of Two Key British Secret Service Networks Behind Ge…

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251. It’s Not All SOE and France! The Untold Story of Belgian Spies with Helen Fry 1:03:00

6d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back acclaimed historian Dr Helen Fry to uncover the hidden world of Belgium’s wartime intelligence networks — the unsung heroes of espionage who risked everything to fight from behind enemy lines. Drawing from her new book The White Lady, Helen reveals how Belgian agents shaped th…

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250. Eastern Europe: Not Just Russia’s Shadow with Francis Young 47:55

7d ago47:55

47:55

In this enlightening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr. Francis Young to delve into the often overlooked history of Eastern Europe. Together, they challenge the dominant narratives surrounding the region, particularly the misconceptions that arise from a focus solely on the 20th century and the pervasive…

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Belgian Intelligence Networks in World War I and World War II with Helen Fry 43:27

8d ago43:27

43:27

In this episode Author and Historian Helen Fry details the importance of Intelligence gathering networks in Belgium during World War I and World War II. She talks us through how they were set up, how the remnants of the first network were pivotal in the creation of the new networks in World War II. Grab a copy of The White Lady: The Story of Two Ke…

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248. The Renaissance Rebuked: Myths, Misconceptions, and Machiavelli with Ada Palmer 55:04

13d ago55:04

55:04

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill engages with historian and author Ada Palmer, whose book Inventing the Renaissance challenges the romanticised narratives surrounding this revered period in Western history. Together, they dissect the myths of golden and dark ages, revealing the complexities and realities that ofte…

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World War I and the World with Alex Churchill and Nicolai Eberholst 54:32

15d ago54:32

54:32

In this episode we speak to Alex Churchill and Nicolai Eberholst about the global nature of World War I, we speak about how war unfolded in Europe, the affect on Eastern Europe, and War in the Pacific! Grab a copy of 'Ring of Fire' Keep up to date with Alex via her website, newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, X and via The Great War Group Keep up to d…

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247. The War Movie Tropes that Won't Die with Rob Hutton & Duncan Weldon | Imperial War Museum Podcast Live Festival 56:00

17d ago56:00

56:00

Is Tom Hanks too old to storm Omaha Beach? Host Paul Bavill welcomes Rob Hutton and Duncan Weldon, hosts of the War Movie Theatre podcast, to kick off a series of previews for the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) Podcast Live Festival. This week, they are raising the curtain on movies in a historical setting with a fierce debate on the one historical in…

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246. Ian Fleming was neither desk jockey nor action hero with Dave Roberts 41:35

20d ago41:35

41:35

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by military historian and expert on Ian Fleming, Dave Roberts, as they delve into the intriguing world of wartime intelligence and the often-overlooked contributions of Fleming during the Second World War. Together, they dismantle the myths surrounding Fleming's role, revealing the truth behind …

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Assassins and Templars with Steve Tibble 44:25

22d ago44:25

44:25

Today we sit down to talk to Author, Historian and friend Steve Tibble about his brand new book with 'Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood'. The two spoke about the origins of the Assassins, the PR approach of the Assassins and how they came to fight against the Templars! To grab a copy of Steve's book head here To keep up to date wit…

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245. Britain Plays a Major Role in the Cold War with Fraser McCallum | Imperial War Museum Podcast Live Festival 1:00:45

23d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Britain’s Cold War story is bigger than you ever knew. In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with historian and author Fraser McCallum to uncover the often-overlooked story of Cold War Britain. Too often reduced to a superpower showdown between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Cold War was a global conflic…

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244. The U-Boat War Was Not a Close Run Thing with Roger Moorhouse 56:35

25d ago56:35

56:35

Think the WWII U-Boat War was Britain’s closest brush with defeat? Think again. In this live History Rage special, historian Roger Moorhouse – author of Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War – joins host Paul Bavill to torpedo one of the Second World War’s most persistent myths. Drawing on brand-new research from the German perspective, Roger reveal…

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243. Wild West Woes: How Hollywood's Cowboys Misled a Nation with Jem Duducu 51:32

28d ago51:32

51:32

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Jem Duducu, who returns to tackle the myths surrounding the Wild West. Together, they delve into the fantastical narratives spun by Hollywood and how these portrayals have distorted our understanding of American history. Myth vs. Reality: - Jem passionately…

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The Black Prince with Michael Jones 50:36

29d ago50:36

50:36

In this episode we welcome back historian and author Michael Jones to discuss the life of The Black Prince! We touch on Edward's youth, we shed light on some of his darkest moments as a leader, and we look at the impact he had on continental politics in both life and death! Grab a copy of The Black Prince Keep up to date with Michael via his websit…

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242. We Should Understand The Troubles More with Oliver Webb-Carter | Imperial War Museum Podcast Live Festival 1:01:07

1M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

The Troubles remain one of the most defining and misunderstood chapters in modern British and Irish history. In this powerful episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Oliver Webb-Carter, host of the Aspects of History podcast, to confront the myths, explore the roots of conflict, and reveal why Britain has too often turned a blind eye…

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241. Early Quaker History is NOT Dull with Erica Canela | Gloucester History Festival LIVE 41:41

1M ago41:41

41:41

Think Quakers are all pacifism, porridge and quiet meetings? 🕊️🥣 Think again. In this electrifying History Rage LIVE episode recorded at the Gloucester History Festival, host Paul Bavill welcomes historian Dr. Erica Canela to uncover the shocking, dramatic and often law-breaking beginnings of Quakerism. From the 17th-century English Civil Wars to m…

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240. The Holy Roman Empire Was Indeed Holy, Roman, and an Empire! with Dirk Hoffman-Becking 57:10

1M ago57:10

57:10

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and podcaster Dirk Hoffman-Becking to challenge one of the most pervasive myths about the Holy Roman Empire. Together, they dissect the infamous quip that it is "neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire," revealing the rich and complex history that contradicts this over…

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The Dark History of the Quakers with Erica Canela 48:59

1M ago48:59

48:59

In this episode we speak to Historian and author Erica Canela to bust some misconceptions that we have about the Quakers of the 17th Century! Erica tells us about how they caused trouble in the counties they preached in, what they did were naughty quakers, and how they are still around today! Grab a copy of Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quake…

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239. There is more to Josephine Baker than a banana skirt with Hanna Diamond 48:32

1M ago48:32

48:32

In this eye-opening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Professor Hanna Diamond, a leading expert in French history and author of "Josephine Baker's Secret War." Together, they uncover the remarkable and often overlooked wartime contributions of the iconic entertainer and spy, Josephine Baker, who defied expectations and played a…

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The Dissolution of the Monasteries with James Clark: Gloucester History Festival Special 49:26

1M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of our Gloucester History Festival Special Series we speak to author and historian James Clark all about the dissolution of the monasteries, we discuss the impact dissolution on everyday life, how it changed the skyline of the towns and cities they were in, and how it actually occurred! Grab a copy of James' book here To find out mo…

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The Mitford Girls' Mum with Rachel Trethewey: Gloucester History Festival Special 43:45

1M ago43:45

43:45

In this Gloucester History Festival Special Episode we speak to Rachel Trethewey about her new book: MUV: The Story of the Mitford Girl's Mother! Rachel gave us a more detailed look at the Mitford matriarch, her own politics and her relationships with all of her daughters! Grab a copy of MUV: The Story of the Mitford Girl's Mother To find out more …

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Women Who Ruled the World with Elizabeth Norton: Gloucester History Festival Special 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

In this Gloucester History Festival Special Episode we speak to Elizabeth Norton about her new book: Women Who Have Ruled: 5000 Years of Female Monarchy! Elizabeth took across different female monarchs across the world, from Hawaii to the depth of Scandinavia, we detailed the the successes and obstacles that they experienced during their rule! Grab…

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Creating WWII History with Mike Beddoes: We Have Ways Fest Special Series 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

In this episode we speak to Mike Beddoes all about how we works to create and share WWII history through WW2HQ, the successor to WW2 Walking The Ground, which is hosted by James Holland and Al Murray. We Have Ways Fest is taking place between the 12th and 14th of September at Blackpit Brewery To get tickets for We Have Way Fest head to the website!…

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238. The Hollywood idea of Gladiators is completely wrong with Alexandra Sills 47:08

2M ago47:08

47:08

In this riveting episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes ancient historian and author Alexandra Sills to explore the captivating world of gladiators in ancient Rome and Greece. Together, they cut through the myths and misconceptions surrounding these iconic figures, offering a fresh perspective on their roles in society and the true natu…

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Chile, Pinochet and Nazism with Philippe Sands 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

In this second episode of our We Have Ways Fest Special Series we speak to Philippe Sands all about his brand new book '38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England, and a Nazi in Patagonia'! We spoke about the humanity that endured despite the terror perpetuated by the Pinochet regime, Philippe's role in the Pinochet case, and the influence…

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Inside the U-Boats with Roger Moorhouse: We Have Ways Fest Special Series 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

In this first episode of our We Have Ways Fest Special Series we speak to Roger Moorhouse all about his brand new book 'Wolfpack: Inside Hitler's U-Boat War'! We spoke about the human element of the conflict, the conditions inside the U-Boats, and the complex nature of Donitz'! We Have Ways Fest is taking place between the 12th and 14th of Septembe…

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237. Shadows and Swords: The Real Story Behind Assassins and Templars with Dr. Steve Tibble 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by medievalist and author Dr. Steve Tibble to dissect the mythos surrounding two of history's most notorious groups: the Assassins and the Templars. With a blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling, Steve explores the realities of these enigmatic factions, challengin…

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236. GPS Was Never Military-Only: Debunking the Myths with Richard Easton 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

Forget Korean Air 007: GPS was always meant for civilians. What if everything you thought you knew about GPS was wrong? Far from being a secret military tool reluctantly unlocked after tragedy in 1983, GPS was designed with civilian use in mind from the very beginning — and surveyors were using it years before most of us had heard of it. Paul Bavil…

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Septimus Severus with Simon Elliott 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

Today we speak to Author, Historian and Friend Simon Elliott about the life of one of Rome's most powerful leaders, Septimius Severus! We speak about his origins, and how he became one of Rome's most authoritarian leaders! Grab a copy of The African Emperor To keep up to date with Simon head to his X or Website If you want to get in touch with Hist…

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235. Spying Wasn’t Just Walsingham and the Boys with Nadine Akkerman & Pete Langman | Gloucester History Festival 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

Discover how invisible ink, codes, and women shaped early modern espionage. Paul Bavill is joined by historians Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman, co-authors of Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration, to expose the myths and realities of Tudor and Stuart espionage. In partnership with the Gloucester His…

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234. James VI Didn’t Inherit – He Stole the Throne with Tracy Borman 39:31

2M ago39:31

39:31

The smooth Tudor–Stuart handover? One of history’s biggest lies.. In this fiery live episode of History Rage, Paul Bavill is joined by Tracy Borman, chief historian of Historic Royal Palaces, to tear apart the enduring myth of a smooth Tudor–Stuart succession. With her explosive new book Stolen Crown about to be released, Tracy reveals how one of t…

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233. Stop Believing Mengele Lived Miserably in Brazil – He Didn’t! with Betina Anton 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

Forget Odessa and misery: Mengele’s postwar reality was different. What if everything you thought you knew about Josef Mengele’s post-war life was wrong? Far from being a miserable fugitive, the “Angel of Death” lived comfortably in South America — supported by networks that had nothing to do with the mythical Odessa organisation. Host Paul Bavill …

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The French Revolution with John Hardman 44:40

2M ago44:40

44:40

In this episode we look at what happened in the French Revolution with historian John Hardman! We look at the political side of the revolution, how the King began the revolution and the actions of Robespierre! Grab a copy of The French Revolution: A Political History If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithja…

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232. Queens Regnant Should Not Be the Last Resort with Elizabeth Norton | Gloucester History Festival 40:02

2M ago40:02

40:02

Uncover the untold power of female monarchs as Elizabeth Norton debunks myths and reveals hidden histories. Paul Bavill welcomes Elizabeth Norton, author of Women Who Ruled: 5,000 Years of Female Monarchy, to challenge the entrenched perceptions surrounding female monarchs throughout history. In partnership with the Gloucester History Festival, the…

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231. The Troubles Were Never Confined to Northern Ireland with Ali Watkins 40:14

2M ago40:14

40:14

Think the Troubles were only Northern Ireland? Discover America’s secret hand in the conflict. The Troubles are often remembered as a conflict confined to Northern Ireland and Britain — but that’s a myth. In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Ali Watkins to uncover the overlooked role …

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What Happened to Anne Boleyn with Estelle Paranque 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

In this episode we speak to Dr Estelle Paranque all about what happened to Anne Boleyn, why didn't the French help her, and how did Henry try and pursue her! Grab a copy of Thorns, Lust and Glory! Keep up to date with Estelle via her Instagram If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: [email protected] To support H…

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230. The Many Myths of Magna Carta with David Carpenter | Gloucester History Festival 54:56

2M ago54:56

54:56

Professor of Medieval History David Carpenter passionately debunks myths about the Magna Carta, revealing its true impact. In this engaging episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by esteemed historian and professor of medieval history at King's College London, David Carpenter, as they navigate the turbulent waters of 1215—a year marked…

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229. Why the Luftwaffe Was Never Invincible with Dr. Victoria Taylor 53:33

3M ago53:33

53:33

Dr. Victoria Taylor dismantles Luftwaffe invincibility myths, revealing chaos, morale collapse, and radar’s decisive Battle of Britain role. Episode Highlights: The Luftwaffe's Expectations: Victoria discusses the mixed morale and expectations within the Luftwaffe as they prepared for the Battle of Britain. Were they truly ready to take on the Roya…

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Maria of Modena with Breeze Barrington 46:45

3M ago46:45

46:45

In this episode we welcome author and historian Breeze Barrington onto the podcast to discuss Maria of Modena, or as we know her James II's Queen Mary of Modena. In this episode the two discuss how Maria ended up in England, what kind of people were attracted to her court, and her life with James II. Grab a copy of 'The Graces: The Extraordinary Un…

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228. The Bayeux Tapestry is not just the Battle of Hastings with Dave Musgrove | Gloucester History Festival 44:27

3M ago44:27

44:27

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and content director for the History Extra podcast, Dave Musgrove, to delve into the rich tapestry of history represented by the iconic Bayeux Tapestry. As part of the Gloucester History Festival, Dave shares his passion for this nearly 1,000-year-old artefact, rev…

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227. Coco Chanel was not a Nazi Spy with Anne De Courcy 52:39

3M ago52:39

52:39

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the talented biographer and journalist Anne De Courcy, known for her works such as "Debs at War" and "Chanel's Riviera." Together, they strut through the glamorous yet tumultuous world of interwar fashion and high society, shedding light on the life of the iconic Coco Chanel. Ex…

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Agricola with Simon Elliott 41:41

3M ago41:41

41:41

Today we speak to Author, Historian and Friend Simon Elliott about the life of one of the most successful warriors ever to operate in Britain, and that is Agricola! We speak about his origins, how he first came to Britain from Rome, and how he conquered more of Britain than any other Roman! Click here to grab copies of Simon's new book 'Agricola In…

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226. What do and should we commemorate? with Tessa Dunlop | Gloucester History Festival 49:48

3M ago49:48

49:48

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill engages in a lively discussion with historian and author Tessa Dunlop, whose latest work, Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 Monuments, challenges our perceptions of commemoration and the stories behind the monuments that dot our landscapes. Commemoration Under Scrutiny: Tessa de…

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225. WWI Conscripts were not shirkers with Tim Lynch 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author and battlefield guide Tim Lynch to challenge the long-standing myths surrounding conscript soldiers in the First World War. Tim passionately argues that the narrative often overlooks the contributions of these men, who were frequently dismissed as second-class s…

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Women of the Wars of the Roses with Annie Garthwaite 38:38

3M ago38:38

38:38

In this episode we spoke to Annie Garthwaite about the women of the wars of the roses, perhaps more specifically Cecily, Duchess of York and later The King's Mother. In this episode we touch on the differences between writing non-fiction and historical fiction, the different elements of the lives of the women of the wars of the roses ash Annie has …

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224. Don't forget about the Salonika Campaign of World War I with Chris Loader 48:50

3M ago48:50

48:50

In this enlightening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and secretary of the Salonika Campaign Society, Chris Loader, to shine a much-needed spotlight on one of the most overlooked fronts of the Great War—the Salonika Campaign. Chris shares his personal connection to this forgotten battlefield through his family histor…

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American Kleptocracy with Casey Michel 49:24

3M ago49:24

49:24

In this episode with speak to author, historian and political commentator Casey Michel about his book, 'American Kleptocracy: How the U.S. created the greatest money-laundering scheme in history'. The two discussed what is kleptocracy, how different tyrants across the world are utilising the American banking system for their own gain, and the vario…