History Rage

Paul Bavill
  • 4.9 (33)
  • History
  • Updated Weekly

History Rage is the history podcast that challenges everything you thought you knew about the past. Every Monday, host Paul Bavill invites professional historians, acclaimed authors and leading experts to expose historical myths, debunk popular misconceptions and reveal the truth behind the stories that shaped our world. From ancient history and the Vikings to medieval Britain, the Tudor monarchy, the British Empire, world wars and modern history, History Rage tackles the myths, clichés and half-truths that refuse to die. Were Viking helmets really horned? Did Britain fight alone in 1940? Were medieval people really filthy? Discover what actually happened, why the accepted story is often wrong, and how history is far more fascinating than the version you were taught. Whether you love British history, European history, military history, social history or uncovering the hidden stories behind famous people and events, History Rage brings you fascinating historical facts, surprising discoveries and expert insights with a healthy dose of irreverence. Forget dry lectures and dusty textbooks. This is history with attitude: passionate historians challenging conventional wisdom, questioning the accepted narrative and raging against the historical myths we need to stop believing. 🎧 New episodes every Monday. Follow History Rage on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for your weekly dose of history, historical myth-busting, extraordinary true stories and the past explained by the experts who know it best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. 2d ago • Subscribers Only

    Historic Sex Was Not Just Lie Back and Think of England with Kate Lister

    In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian, host of the Betwixt the Sheets podcast, and author Dr. Kate Lister to unpack the long, misunderstood history of female pleasure. From ancient Mesopotamian love poetry to the dark era of Victorian medical pathologization, Kate tears down the enduring myth that women’s sex drives are inherently fragile or delicate compared to men’s. Together, they explore: • The "Orgasm Gap": Why modern heterosexual women are still facing a pleasure disparity, and how historical social scripts continue to affect bedroom dynamics today. • Mesopotamian Erotica: Discovering the ancient goddess Inanna, wedding hymns, and the original colloquialisms for female anatomy. • Victorian Revisionism: How Victorian historians erased erotic history, introduced "nymphomania" as a medical diagnosis, and pathologized female desire. • Historic Contraception: The bizarre, dangerous, and sometimes surprising methods used before modern birth control—from animal gut condoms to crocodile dung pessaries. • The Contraceptive Revolution: How the introduction of the pill redefined bodily autonomy, education, and career opportunities for women. Reclaim your historical right to pleasure and dive into a funny, cathartic, and deeply informative conversation about female sexual agency through the ages. Recommended Episodes • Episode 108: Victorians were NOT prudes with Dr. Kate Lister • Episode 306: Catherine the Great did NOT have sex with a horse with Dr. Kate Williams About the Guest • Guest: Dr. Kate Lister (Historian, Author, and Host) • Podcast: Betwixt the Sheets • Book: Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrKateLister Grab your copy of Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure from the official History Rage Bookshop—every purchase supports independent bookshops, the author, and the podcast: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780857506436 Follow & Support History Rage • Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug by supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage • Website / Socials: Follow the rage on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook @HistoryRage or visit https://www.historyrage.com

  2. 2d ago

    341. 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 HoyerEpisode 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/historyrageFollow the Rage: Share this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google, and help another passenger climb aboard the rage train!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 3d ago • Subscribers Only

    America Hasn’t Always Been This Bastion of Democracy with Jackson Van Uden

    Is America really the global saviour of democracy it claims to be, or is that just a myth? Dive deep into the complex world of US Politics and American History with host Paul Bavill and guest historian Jackson Van Uden on this special episode of History Rage. Far from being a pure bastion of freedom from its inception, the History of the United States reveals a consistent, hidden vein of authoritarianism and anti-democratic behaviour that stretches all the way from the American Revolution to the modern era. Discover how Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson used George III as a political scapegoat, why early elections like 1824 subverted the popular will, and how figures from Abraham Lincoln to Richard Nixon wrestled with executive overreach. Whether you are fascinated by American Presidents, the History of Democracy, or the complex realities of US Midterm Elections, this episode dismantles centuries of sanitized Political History to challenge everything you thought you knew. Key Highlights & Topics Covered • The Founding Myth: Unpacking how Thomas Jefferson blamed King George III to mask elite power grabs during the American Revolution. • Elitism and the Electoral College: Why the architects of the Constitution feared direct democracy and how early presidential choices sidelined everyday citizens. • Wartime Powers & Expansion: Examining executive overreach, civil liberties, and authoritarian measures from the Civil War to Woodrow Wilson and FDR. • Homegrown Tyrants & Watergate: Looking at domestic demagogues like Huey Long and the legacy of Richard Nixon and Watergate. Recommended Episodes Referenced in This Transcript • Episode 262: It's Time to Stop Glorifying Henry VIII • Episode 129: Totalitarianism is a 20th Century Phenomenon Guest Information & Links • Guest: Jackson Van Uden (Historian of authoritarianism, curator of the Katherine of Aragon Festival, and host of History with Jackson) • History with Jackson Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms o https://historywithjackson.co.uk/podcast • Katherine of Aragon Festival: Keep an eye out for the festival coming to Peterborough in January 2027 How to Follow, Contact, and Support History Rage • Support the Show on Patreon: Join as a History Rager at patreon.com/historyrage to get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug (tiers starting at £3 to £5 per month). • Apple Podcasts: Subscribe for early, ad-free episodes directly through Apple Podcasts. • Spread the Word: Tell a friend and help grow the community—stay angry!

  4. Oct 19

    340. The Real Sherlock Holmes Was a Victorian Surgeon: Dr. Joe Bell with Lindsey Fitzharris

    Think the legendary detective began at 221B Baker Street? Step onto the Victorian hospital wards of 19th-century Edinburgh! Before Arthur Conan Doyle created the master sleuth, he was a medical student mesmerized by Dr. Joseph Bell—a Scottish surgeon who could read a human body like a crime scene. Long before standard forensic science existed, Bell used acute observational deduction to unmask army deserters, uncover poisons, and assist Edinburgh’s police surgeon in solving headline-grabbing murders. In this gripping episode, medical historian, bestselling author, and YouTube host Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris joins Paul Bavill to tear away the fictional facade and reveal the real, complex man behind the Sherlock Holmes legend. Discover how Bell’s groundbreaking diagnostic eye helped pioneer courtroom expert testimony, reform Victorian nursing, and inspire a literary icon—even if both Bell and Doyle grew to despise the famous detective! Guest Links & Social Details: Official Website: https://drlindseyfitzharris.com/YouTube Series (Under the Knife): https://www.youtube.com/@UnderTheKnifeShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindseyfitzharris/X (Twitter): https://x.com/DrLindseyFitzBuy the Book (History Rage Bookshop): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241632611 Recommended Episodes Referenced in Transcript: Episode 1: Cat Irving rages that Burke and Hare were not body snatchers. Episode 254: Debunking the Lizzie Borden axe murder myths. Episode 280: Alanna Skuse rages that Renaissance medicine is not quackery. Follow, Contact & Support History Rage: Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRageFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Oct 18

    339. Of Course Medieval and Tudor People Ate Vegetables with Sam Bilton

    Can we please stop believing that our ancestors didn't eat vegetables? Are you tired of the myth that historical diets consisted only of giant turkey legs and gout-inducing meats? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes food historian, author, and podcaster Sam Bilton to dismantle the persistent lie that people in the past avoided fruit and veg. From the misconception that medieval tables lacked greens to the Victorian culinary crimes that saw Brussels sprouts boiled for 40 minutes, Sam sets the record straight using the very text evidence left behind by historical cooks. Discover how Tudor banquets actually incorporated seasonal produce, why Giacomo Castelvetro tried to get early 17th-century Brits to eat more celery, and how potatoes became the ultimate Shakespearean aphrodisiac. Plus, Sam reveals why an Elizabethan "boiled salad" is actually closer to modern gastropub fare than you think. It’s time to torch the meat-only myth and find out what our ancestors were really cooking. Recommended Episodes If you loved diving into the realities of historical dining, check out these recommended episodes from the History Rage archive: Episode 204: Neil Buttery rages that medieval people did have table manners.Episode 208: Annie Grey rages that British food is not dull and beige. About the Guest Sam Bilton is a food historian, lecturer, and author specializing in historical culinary arts. She is the author of Much Ado About Cooking: Delicious Shakespearean Feasts for Every Occasion. Buy the Book: Get your copy of Much Ado About Cooking directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035427680Podcasts: Listen to Sam on the Comfortably Hungry podcast and A Is for Apple.Social Media: Follow Sam on all platforms @MrsSBilton. Support & Follow History Rage Help us keep the rage train rolling! You can support the podcast, get ad-free early access, join monthly live streams, and grab your exclusive History Rage mug by becoming a patron. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/HistoryRageWebsite: https://www.historyrage.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Oct 18 • Subscribers Only

    America’s Manifest Destiny Was Never Inevitable with Clement Knox

    Was the map of the United States an inevitable destiny or a chaotic 90-year conquest? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author and columnist Clement Knox to dismantle the pervasive myth that the United States emerged fully formed with natural borders in 1776. From the proxy battles of the American Revolution to the high-stakes land deals of the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican-American War, discover how aggressive diplomacy, land speculation, and sheer contingency created the superpower we know today. In this episode, we cover: • The Myth of 1776: Why the original 13 colonies were never destined to span the continent, and how 97% of the early population was trapped east of the Appalachian Mountains. • European Puppet Masters: How French bankrolling, Spanish territory, and British power dynamics shaped the early American West. • The Louisiana Purchase (1803): Why this pivotal transaction—driven by Napoleon's defeat in Haiti—was the single most important event of the 19th century. • Motives Behind the March: How tax rebellion, elite land speculation, and the rapid expansion of slavery fueled the westward push. • The Mexican-American War & Texas: How rogue settlers created facts on the ground, leading to the near-conquest of Mexico City. • The 1844 Turning Point: How 15,000 votes in New York altered the course of history and brought America to the Pacific Ocean. Recommended Episodes: • Episode 243: The Wild West Isn't That Wild with Jem Duducu • Episode 263: The War of 1812 with Matthew Taylor Guest Details: • Guest: Clement Knox (Author of The Scramble for America: How the United States Conquered a Continent) • Follow Clement on X: https://x.com/clement_knox • Buy the Book: Support independent bookshops and the podcast by ordering The Scramble for America via the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008447274 Follow & Support History Rage: • Patreon: Support the show for £5/month to get ad-free early access, monthly live streams, and an exclusive History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage • Socials & More: Follow the podcast on social media @historyrage or spread the word to join the Rage Train!

  7. Oct 11

    338. Did the Ancient Greeks and Romans Invent Homophobia? With Harry Tanner

    Did the ancient world celebrate queer love, or did they invent homophobia? Stop repeating the myth that the ancient Greeks and Romans lived out an enlightened, carefree bisexual paradise. In this explosive episode of the History Rage Podcast, where historical myths are debunked, host Paul Bavill sits down with historian, linguist, and author Harry Tanner to tear down everything you think you know about ancient sexuality truths. From popular pop-history literature to classic classrooms, we are constantly told that sexuality is a modern 19th-century invention and that ancient city-states completely tolerated same-sex love. But the original ancient Greek texts paint a much darker reality, exposing the deep roots of ancient Greek homophobia. In discussing his book, The Queer Thing About Sin, Harry exposes the starting gun of systemic bias in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, tracking how societal crises, severe wealth inequality, plagues, and wars forced ancient cultures to turn aggressively on their queer citizens. Discover the hidden truth behind discriminatory laws in Athens and Sparta, the reality of Romans and homosexuality, and the broader history of queer phobia. We explore why we must finally stop confusing brutal acts of wartime dominance with actual sexual tolerance. We also dive into the linguistic traps of the New Testament, confronting the intersection of religion and homophobia, and how academic nuance is the ultimate antidote to dogmatic prejudice. It is raw, it is angry, and it is a vital rewrite of Western history from History Rage. Recommended Episodes to Binge Next Episode 275: The Lives and Loves of Alexander the Great with Stephen HarrisonEpisode 185: The Relationships of James I with Gareth Russell About Our Guest Buy the Book: Grab your copy of The Queer Thing About Sin directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399422314Follow Harry Tanner: Connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/harryjamestanner or find him on Threads at https://www.threads.net/@harryjamestanner Support & Follow History Rage Support us on Patreon: Unlock early, ad-free episodes, monthly livestreams, and the highly coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow the Show: Stay updated with the latest historical rants on Twitter/X at https://x.com/HistoryRage or visit our central hub at https://www.historyrage.comSpread the Rage: If you are loving the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and tell a friend to get aboard the rage train!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Oct 11 • Subscribers Only

    Elizabeth I DID NOT Hate Women! With Corina Apostu

    Did Elizabeth I actually despise every single woman in her court? Stop believing the lazy misogynistic myth that Queen Elizabeth I hated women. Tudor historian and author Corina Apostu joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to completely dismantle this toxic narrative. Far from being a "man's woman" who loathed her female contemporaries, Elizabeth shared deep, lifelong emotional bonds, built vital political networks, and found safe sanctuaries with the women in her inner circle. Discover the hidden reality behind royal court dynamics, the terrifying pressures of political succession, and why high-profile fallouts with figures like the Grey sisters were driven by state survival rather than petty jealousy. Learn the truth about palace blowups involving Mary Scudamore and Helena Snakenberg, and get a fresh, nuanced perspective on a legendary monarch. • Explore Corina’s Work: Check out https://exploringelizabethanhistory.com/ • Read the Cited Article: Read the deep dive at https://exploringelizabethanhistory.com/2025/03/23/the-many-female-friends-of-elizabeth-i/ • Connect with Corina: Find her social media and contact details at https://x.com/CorinaApostu • Recommended Episodes: Listen to Episode 83 (Tracy Borman on Anne Boleyn) and Episode 69 (Jesse Childs on Elizabeth's tolerance). Ready to join the rage train and help Corina die on this hill? Follow and contact History Rage at https://historyrage.com. Support the podcast and become a History Rager for £5 a month on Patreon to unlock monthly live streams, early ad-free episodes, and a coveted mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage!

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

History Rage is the history podcast that challenges everything you thought you knew about the past. Every Monday, host Paul Bavill invites professional historians, acclaimed authors and leading experts to expose historical myths, debunk popular misconceptions and reveal the truth behind the stories that shaped our world. From ancient history and the Vikings to medieval Britain, the Tudor monarchy, the British Empire, world wars and modern history, History Rage tackles the myths, clichés and half-truths that refuse to die. Were Viking helmets really horned? Did Britain fight alone in 1940? Were medieval people really filthy? Discover what actually happened, why the accepted story is often wrong, and how history is far more fascinating than the version you were taught. Whether you love British history, European history, military history, social history or uncovering the hidden stories behind famous people and events, History Rage brings you fascinating historical facts, surprising discoveries and expert insights with a healthy dose of irreverence. Forget dry lectures and dusty textbooks. This is history with attitude: passionate historians challenging conventional wisdom, questioning the accepted narrative and raging against the historical myths we need to stop believing. 🎧 New episodes every Monday. Follow History Rage on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for your weekly dose of history, historical myth-busting, extraordinary true stories and the past explained by the experts who know it best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Bavill
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    442
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2026 Paul Bavill
  • Show Website
    History Rage
  • Provider
    PAUL BAVILL

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