Hindsight

Al Jazeera English

4.8 (81)
HISTORY
UPDATED MONTHLY

They're history’s most famous and infamous people. You’ve heard of them, but now it’s time you hear from them.

JUL 16

Albert Camus: The Absurdity Of It All

Albert Camus was a literary giant of the 20th century, known for his philosophy of absurdity in the human quest for the meaning of life. His personal life and North African roots helped shape his writing. In philosophy circles, many called him a prominent voice of existentialism, but Camus distanced himself from the movement. In hindsight, was he a brave man of unwavering principle or a man whose principles lacked adequate bravery. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

47 min
JUL 2

Asmahan: The Druze Diva

Asmahan was a rebel in a world of expectations. From a Druze Princess to exalted singer in 1930s and 40s Egypt – she lived in extremes and did exactly what she wanted. Asmahan also moonlighted as a messenger during the Second World War and when she was killed under mysterious circumstances, not even the benefit of hindsight would definitively clear things up. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

43 min
JUN 18

Faisal I of Iraq: The Making of a King

King Faisal I of Iraq was born in the age of the Ottoman Empire. A key figure in the Arab revolt, his patience, curiosity and diplomacy endeared him to many, including the man who would come to be known as Lawrence of Arabia. But in hindsight, did Faisal drive Arab nationalism or simply ride its wave? Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

37 min
JUN 4

Shajarat al Durr: From Slave to Sultana of Egypt

Shajarat al Durr was born in the golden age of Islam. Despite her beginnings as a child slave, she went on to become the first woman to sit on the throne of Egypt since Cleopatra nearly 13-hundred years before. But in hindsight, Shajarat al Durr’s life is a Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

45 min
MAY 21

Saladin: The Righteousness of the Faith

Saladin, one of the best known generals of the Middle Ages, led the Muslim military’s campaign during the Third Crusade. And won. In hindsight, he was renowned in both the Muslim and Christian worlds, he was a fierce protector of Islam who helped shape the modern Middle East. Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

39 min
MAY 1

Raya and Sakina: Egypt’s Sisters in Crime

Raya and Sakina endured the daily grind of poverty, personal tragedy and societal prejudice in early 20th century Egypt, only to be embroiled in a series of unspeakable crimes. Their names conjure up the same kind of horror and fascination in Egypt as Jack the Ripper in England, or Jeffrey Dahmer in the United States. But in hindsight, do the sisters deserve the same notoriety? Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

52 min
SEASON 7 TRAILER

Hindsight: Here's what's in story for Season 7

Actor Charles Dance returns to narrate season 7 of Hindsight. Listen to hear the remarkable lives of some of the Arab world's greatest figures. From Saladin to Faisal I of Iraq and Asmahan to Albert Camus. And infamously, Egypt's most famous sister serial killers. Raya and Sakina begin series 7 of Hindsight on Wednesday, May 7th. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

1 min
09/01/2023

Truganini: The Story of Tasmania’s First People

When Truganini died, she was mistakenly declared the last Tasmanian Aboriginal. Though some say she sold out her people, in hindsight, Truganini’s survival allowed future generations to learn about the near annihilation of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

47 min

See All (48)

4.8

out of 5

81 Ratings

Untold stories of people that are factual and unique

May 17

Thomas O71

Outstanding and well produced stories of famous people without the American slant. The new series starts with Egyptian women who were involved in murder and hung. The author presents a very interesting point of view from subjects thoughts. European and American history has been altered by government’s bias. As a reader you are walking back in history with female subjects who made the world better and worse. Thank you bringing the series back in 2025.
I love it; All of it.

06/26/2023

Edwile

Thank you 🙏🏾
Very Good

02/28/2024

Fala V.

Was super excited to hear Charles Dance narrating, just love his voice, acting and now podcast presenter. The programme is something different too, dramatization of key figures in history, sports & culture. My favourite episode was Madam Mao.
Excellent show.

06/24/2021

Flashman III

Fantastic, elevated production and presentation. Intellectually stimulating and thoroughly engaging. The episode on Omar Sharif comes comes highly recommended.