History Rage

Paul Bavill

Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version. On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish. Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened. 🎧 Episodes drop every Monday. 📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. 13m ago

    323. Jane Austen was NOT a genteel saintly woman with Izzy Meakin

    Jane Austen wasn’t polite—she was sharp, savage, and brilliantly misunderstood For generations, Jane Austen has been portrayed as a quiet, genteel figure—an almost saintly observer of polite Regency society. But what if that image is completely wrong? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Austen expert and What The Austen podcast host Izzy Meakin to dismantle one of literary history’s most persistent myths. Drawing on Austen’s surviving letters, family history, and the subtext of her novels, Izzy reveals a writer who was anything but passive—sharp-tongued, ironic, politically aware, and often brutally funny. From scathing remarks about neighbours and family to her barely concealed disdain for the Prince Regent, Austen’s private voice tells a very different story. With only around 160 letters surviving—and many deliberately destroyed by her sister Cassandra—the version of Austen we’ve inherited is incomplete at best, curated at worst. Izzy explores how Austen’s family helped shape her legacy after her death, particularly through her brother Henry’s glowing (and arguably over-sanitised) biography and even her gravestone inscription—both of which emphasised her sweetness and morality while ignoring her literary achievements. But the real Austen lives in the nuance: A writer who channelled personal frustrations into Sense and SensibilityA keen observer of social hypocrisy and gender constraintsA creator of complex, flawed, and deeply human female characters This episode dives into how Austen’s lived experiences—from financial insecurity to complicated family dynamics—fed directly into her fiction, and why her work continues to reward readers who look beyond the surface. If you think Austen is all romance and manners, this conversation will change your perspective entirely. About the Guest Izzy Meakin is the host of the What The Austen podcast, where she explores the life, works, and cultural legacy of Jane Austen with fresh insight and humour. Instagram: @whattheaustenPodcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and all major platformsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whattheausten Listen & Follow History Rage Website: https://historyrage.comSubscribe on your favourite podcast appJoin the mailing list via SubstackFollow for updates and episode releases Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode: Follow and subscribe on your podcast platformLeave a rating or review on Apple PodcastsShare the episode with fellow history loversJoin the mailing list for exclusive updates at www.historyrage.com or https://historyrage.substack.com/ Step beyond the myth and rediscover Jane Austen as she really was: complicated, contradictory, and endlessly fascinating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 4d ago

    322. There is no real version of a Greek Myth with Emily Hauser | Gloucester History Festival Special

    Are you sure there is a single, "real" version of Achilles, Helen, or the Odyssey? In this episode, classicist and author Emily Hauser (creator of Mythica) joins Paul Bavill to dismantle one of the biggest misconceptions in classical literature: the search for a single, definitive "truth" behind ancient myth. From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to modern cinematic interpretations, myth was never meant to be a static rulebook. It is a living, flexible oral tradition shaped by who is telling the story, why they are telling it, and which voices—especially those of women—are written into or out of the narrative. Together, Emily and Paul explore how figures like Penelope, Cassandra, Helen, Briseis, and Andromache offer richer, more complex insights into the ancient world than any rigid timeline ever could. They unpack the ancient concept of Xenia (guest-friendship), the tragedy of divine curses, and why asking "why was this myth told this way?" is far more powerful than chasing a "canon" that never existed. Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights The Myth of the "Correct" Myth: Why searching for the "real" Achilles or Helen misses the core purpose of fluid, evolving oral storytelling.The Silencing of Women: How Telemachus’s rebuke of Penelope in Book 1 of the Odyssey marks one of the earliest Western literary examples of silencing female speech—and how female writers resist it.The Real Meaning of Xenia: Why host-guest relationships act as the social glue of ancient Greece, and how both the suitors and Odysseus himself violate these sacred rules.Agency and Curses: The tragic dimensions of Cassandra’s truth-telling curse, Helen’s balance of agency and divine intervention, and how Briseis evolved from Homer to Shakespeare. Featured Guest: Dr. Emily Hauser Dr. Emily Hauser is a classicist, academic, and author of Mythica: A New History of Homer's World Through the Women Written Out of It. Book: Buy Emily's book Mythica at the official History Rage Bookshop:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781804992791 Gloucester History Festival: Emily is speaking live at the festival on Thursday, 17th September at 6:00 PM. The Gloucester History Festival runs from 12th – 20th September. Get your tickets here:https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk Related History Rage Episodes Continue exploring Ancient Greece, historical myths, and classical voices with these recommended episodes: Episode 257: Natalie Haynes rages that Greek myth is a lot less male-centric than we think.Episode 305: Adrian Goldsworthy rages that Ancient Greece is not all poets and philosophers. Follow, Contact & Support History Rage Follow & Contact: Website: https://www.historyrage.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage Support the Podcast: Enjoying the rage? Help keep the thunderbolts raining down by becoming a History Rager! For £5 per month, Patreon supporters receive ad-free episodes, early access, exclusive monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 9 • Subscribers Only

    Marilyn Monroe was Neither Diva Nor Dumb Blonde with Lucy Jane Santos

    Marilyn Monroe was a savvy, trailblazing studio boss—not a helpless starlet. In this centennial year of Marilyn Monroe's birth, historian and author Lucy Jane Santos joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter decades of Hollywood mythmaking. From taking on studio executives to setting up her own production company, Marilyn Monroe fought relentless 1950s misogyny to take control of her career—only to be dismissed by contemporaries as a "dumb blonde" or a "diva" on set. Lucy peels back the layers of retro gossip surrounding the chaotic, brilliant production of Some Like It Hot. Discover the real dynamics between Marilyn, director Billy Wilder, and co-stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Plus, unearth the truth about acting coach Paula Strasburg and why this timeless comedy continues to captivate audiences over six decades later. Guest Information & Recommended Book • Guest: Lucy Jane Santos • Website: https://www.lucyjanesantos.com/ • Social Media: Follow Lucy on X @lucyjanesantos and Instagram @lucyjanesantos_ • Buy the Book: Support the guest and the podcast by buying Nobody's Perfect: The Making of Some Like It Hot from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781036138806 Recommended Additional Episodes • Episode 175: Guy Walters on our obsession with the Mitford sisters. • Episode 227: Anne de Courcy on Coco Chanel. Follow, Contact & Support History Rage • Support on Patreon: Join the Rage Train at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage for £5/month to get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug! • Follow Us: Twitter/X @HistoryRage | Instagram @HistoryRage • Website: https://www.historyrage.com

  4. Aug 9

    321. The English Civil Wars were WAY more than King v Parliament with Jonathan Healey

    The English Civil Wars were far messier than King versus Parliament The English Civil Wars are often reduced to a simple clash: King versus Parliament, Cavaliers versus Roundheads, tyranny versus democracy. But as historian Jonathan Healey reveals, that tidy narrative collapses the moment you look closer. In this episode of History Rage, Jonathan dismantles the myths surrounding the mid-17th century conflicts and shows just how tangled the reality truly was. Parliament itself was divided, loyalties shifted constantly, and ordinary people weren’t passive followers—they made choices, took sides, and shaped events in ways that still surprise historians today. We explore why religion mattered—but not always in the way you think—how political factions splintered into ever more radical movements, and why the execution of Charles I was never inevitable. What began as disputes over authority spiralled into debates about sovereignty, representation, and the limits of monarchy—arguments that would echo through centuries of political thought. Jonathan also challenges the comforting idea of clear heroes and villains. The English Civil Wars were morally grey, filled with figures whose decisions reshaped the kingdom in unpredictable ways. The result is a conflict far more complicated—and far more fascinating—than the schoolbook version. Whether you're new to the period or already fascinated by 17th-century politics, this episode will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Civil Wars. About the Guest Jonathan Healey is a social historian of early modern England and author of The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England. His work focuses on the lives, politics, and ideas that transformed Britain during the revolutionary decades of the 17th century. Follow Jonathan Healey: Bluesky: @JonathanHealey Buy the Book: The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781526621696 Listen Next If this episode sparks your interest in 17th-century conflict, you might also enjoy: Episode 35 – Kirstine MacKenzie on why it’s really the War of Three KingdomsEpisode 102 – Mark Turnbull’s defence of Charles I Support & Follow History Rage Enjoying the show? Here’s how to stay connected and support the podcast: Follow History Rage: Twitter/X: @HistoryRage Facebook: History Rage Podcast Instagram: @historyragepod Support the Podcast: Get ad-free listening and bonus content:https://www.patreon.com/historyrageSubscribe directly on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyLeave a rating and review—it helps more listeners discover the show History isn’t simple—and that’s exactly why it’s worth raging about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Aug 5

    320. The Crusades are not the only thing going on in the Middle East with Nic Morton | Gloucester History Festival Special

    Think the Crusades were the defining conflict of the medieval Middle East? Think again. In this opening special for the Gloucester History Festival, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Associate Professor of History at Nottingham Trent University, Dr Nicholas Morton, to tear down one of history’s most persistent misconceptions. While popular memory draws a neat line down the Middle East dividing Crusaders and Islamic forces in endless war, the reality was far richer, more complex, and endlessly fascinating. While Western crusaders captured only a handful of cities, massive nomadic powers like the Seljuk Turks forged vast empires stretching from Central Asia across Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Far from a permanent warzone, the medieval Middle East served as the global crossroads for trade, culture, and technology. From knightly rivalries turning into unexpected friendships to shared siege catapult designs, international currency trading, and mobile artisans crossing borders, Dr Morton reveals why the Crusades were merely one small piece of a much grander Eurasian mosaic. Guest Information & Book Guest: Dr Nicholas Morton (Associate Professor of History, Nottingham Trent University)University Profile: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/arts-humanities/nicholas-mortonNew Book: The Crusader StormBuy the Book: Support the podcast and pick up your copy from the History Rage Bookshop at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399818728Live Event: Dr Nicholas Morton is speaking at the Gloucester History Festival (running 12th–20th September) on Thursday, 17th September at 12:00 PM. Book tickets now at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk Recommended Episodes Mentioned Episode 214: Dr Nicholas Morton rages that the Mongols are a civilization, not a rabble.Episode 267: Rory McClellan rages that the Hospitallers are way more important than the Templars. Follow & Support History Rage Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow & Review: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow history enthusiast!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Aug 3

    319. The Italians Were Not Cowards with Karen Farrington

    Were Italian soldiers really cowards in World War Two? Think again! In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author, former journalist, and WWII enthusiast Karen Farrington to challenge the widespread myth of "Italian cowardice" during the Second World War. Together, they dive deep into the overlooked history of Italian soldiers, the harsh realities of the Allied prisoner-of-war camps in Italy, and the incredible, highly dangerous escape network that saved thousands of Allied troops following the September 1943 armistice. Key Takeaways & Historical Myths Debunked The Myth of "Italian Cowardice": Karen dismantles the long-standing stereotype that Italian forces simply ran away or lacked courage. She highlights the severe logistical handicaps, poor leadership, obsolete equipment, and disease that crippled Italian troops in North Africa.Bravery on the Eastern Front: Over 200,000 Italians were sent to Stalingrad, fighting in brutal conditions alongside German forces, often receiving recognition for their courage despite inadequate equipment like faulty red devil grenades.The Scale of the Italian POW Network: Italy held roughly 80,000 Allied prisoners of war from across the British Empire. The Italian-run camps were remarkably secure, with almost no successful escapes prior to the 1943 armistice.The "Stay Put" Order & The 1943 Armistice: Following Mussolini's fall, Allied High Command ("Whitehall") issued controversial orders for POWs to stay inside the camps. Despite this, around 50,000 men escaped, with roughly 10,000 staying on the run for extended periods.Italian Civilian Selflessness: Thousands of ordinary, impoverished Italian civilians risked (and lost) their lives, homes, and freedom to feed and shelter Allied escapers from German occupiers.The Role of the Church & Vatican: Figures like Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty organized complex escape lines in Rome, hiding fugitives with support from both local clergy and wealthy citizens.A-Force & Bold Escape Operations: Special Allied units like "A-Force" operated behind enemy lines—sometimes marching down occupied roads in full British battle dress—to recover POWs via beach extractions like Operation Darlington 2. Guest Information & Featured Book Guest: Karen Farrington (Writer, journalist, and WWII author)Book: The Great Italian Breakout Support the Podcast: Please use the link in these show notes to buy the book via the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837733736! Ordering through this link helps support the show with a small commission and supports independent bookshops. Social Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.farrington.9237BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/karenfarrington.bsky.social Related Episodes & Further Reading History Rage Ep. 169: James Holland on why Italy was not a soft target.History Rage Ep. 211: Keith Lowe on the liberation of Naples.Organization Highlight: The Monte San Martino Trust (representing the history of escaped POWs in Italy). Support History Rage Join the Patreon: Support the podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage for £3/month to gain access to live streams, early release ad-free episodes, and more!Apple Podcasts Subscription: Prefer listening on Apple? You can listen completely ad-free for just £3 per month via your Apple Podcasts app.Spread the Word: Enjoyed the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to hop aboard the rage train!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Aug 2 • Subscribers Only

    Stop Believing the CIA Tried to Overthrow Albania with Stephen Long

    Think you know the history of early Cold War espionage? Think again. In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with Dr. Stephen Long, Assistant Professor of International Relations and author of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit, to dismantle decades of myths surrounding the CIA and MI6’s covert operations in communist Albania. For years, mainstream history has claimed that the West launched a failed "rollback" operation to achieve regime change against Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, and that notorious Soviet mole Kim Philby single-handedly sabotaged the mission. Using a massive cache of recently declassified CIA documents, Dr. Long exposes these narratives as fundamental fallacies. Discover how the operation was actually constrained by geopolitical anxieties surrounding Yugoslavia's Tito, how the CIA "cut its teeth" on a sophisticated propaganda war, and why Kim Philby's true significance has been vastly distorted by his historical celebrity. From the heartbreaking double-cross of the "Apple" agent team to the tactical lineage that led directly to the Bay of Pigs, this episode completely rewrites the playbook on early Western intelligence failures. Recommended Additional Episodes • Episode 103: Beyond the Stasi: The Untold Story of East Germany with Katja Hoyer • Episode 285: The Cambridge Five Are a Bunch of Shit with Antonia Senior About the Guest • Dr. Stephen Long is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and an expert in US foreign policy and intelligence history. • Buy the Book: Grab your copy of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit: MI6, CIA Covert Action in Communist Albania directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837732241 Support & Follow History Rage • Support us on Patreon: Get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug for just £5/month: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage • Follow the Rage: Share this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google, and help another passenger climb aboard the rage train!

  8. Aug 2

    318. The Fall of the Byzantine Empire was NOT inevitable with Laura Bolick

    The Byzantine Empire didn’t have to fall—history simply chose differently. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is often presented as the inevitable end of a decaying empire—but what if that narrative is completely wrong? In this episode of History Rage, historian and author Laura Bolick dismantles one of history’s most persistent myths: that the Byzantine Empire was doomed long before the Ottoman cannons fired. Drawing on her book Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire, Laura reveals a world full of missed opportunities, fragile alliances, political infighting, and last-minute efforts that nearly changed history. Rather than a slow collapse caused by decadence, the Byzantine story is one of diplomacy, survival, and desperate attempts to rally Western support that very nearly worked. At the heart of this story are two remarkable figures—Cardinal Johannes Bessarion and Isidore of Kiev—who risked everything to secure military aid from Western Europe. Their mission to unite the Orthodox and Catholic Churches was intended to bring the crusading forces that might have saved Constantinople. Incredibly, Ottoman commanders themselves nearly abandoned the siege before a final breakthrough changed the course of history forever. This episode explores the deeper causes behind the fall of Byzantium, including Western complacency, internal European conflicts, and the dangerous assumption that great cities could never truly fall. It’s a powerful reminder that history isn’t predetermined—it's shaped by decisions, timing, and human choices. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why the fall of Constantinople was not historically inevitableHow Western Europe failed to support Byzantium when it mattered mostThe political and religious tensions between Orthodox and Catholic ChurchesThe role of crusades in late medieval diplomacyHow the Ottomans engineered one of history’s most remarkable siegesWhat Byzantium’s fall teaches us about modern geopolitical complacency About the Guest Laura Bolick is an art historian and researcher specialising in late medieval Byzantium and Renaissance intellectual culture. Her work focuses on the cultural survival of Byzantium and the figures who fought to preserve its legacy. Book: Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire Buy from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781398122192 (Using this link supports independent bookshops and the podcast.) Follow Laura Bolick Check your preferred bookseller for Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an EmpireLook out for talks, articles, and appearances connected to Byzantine and Renaissance history Follow & Support History Rage Love bold historical debate and myth-busting scholarship? Here’s how to stay connected: Website: https://historyrage.comTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrageFacebook: https://facebook.com/historyrageInstagram: https://instagram.com/historyrage Support the Podcast Subscribe on Apple PodcastsListen ad-free for £3/month via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/historyrageShare this episode with fellow history enthusiastsYour support helps keep historical myths under siege. Why This Episode Matters History often looks inevitable in hindsight—but as this episode reveals, the fall of Byzantium was anything but certain. From near-abandoned sieges to failed crusades and shifting alliances, the fate of Constantinople hung on fragile moments and human decisions. Understanding those moments doesn’t just reshape medieval history—it challenges how we think about the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4.9
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About

Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version. On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish. Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened. 🎧 Episodes drop every Monday. 📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Bavill
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    417
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2025 Paul Bavill
  • Show Website
    History Rage
  • Provider
    PAUL BAVILL

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