History Rhymes

History Rhymes

History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme. This is the podcast where a guy who teaches and knows his history explains history to a guy who doesn't. Join Tom and Jono on a journey through the ages as they connect the dots from the past to the present. No stupid questions here. Only half baked jokes.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Alexander the Great Part 2: Egypt, Persia & the Road to Immortality

    What happens after you've conquered the greatest empire on Earth? In Part 2 of our Alexander the Great series, Tom Allen and Jono Saye continue the story of one of history's most extraordinary military leaders. Picking up after the Siege of Tyre, we follow Alexander's march through Gaza, into Egypt, across the heart of the Persian Empire, and deeper into the legend that would define his legacy. From the founding of Alexandria and his visit to the Oracle of Siwa, to his encounters with Darius III, the burning of Persepolis, and the difficult decisions that tested both his ambition and his character, this episode explores the moments that transformed Alexander from king to myth. Along the way, we discuss the historical sources behind Alexander's story, the influence of Homer and Achilles on his decisions, his evolving leadership, the role of propaganda in the ancient world, and the question that still divides historians today: Was Alexander building a new world... or simply chasing an impossible dream? Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or just discovering Alexander's story, this episode dives into one of the most fascinating chapters of the ancient world.

    Alexander the Great Part 2: Egypt, Persia & the Road to Immortality

  2. Jul 14

    Alexander the Great - Part 1: How One Man Conquered the Known World

    How does a 20-year-old inherit a kingdom… and within little more than a decade conquer the largest empire the world had ever seen? In this episode of History Rhymes, Tom Allen and Jono Saye tackle one of history's most legendary figures: Alexander the Great. From his childhood under Philip II of Macedon, his education under Aristotle, and the influence of his fiercely ambitious mother Olympias, to his seemingly impossible victories over the mighty Persian Empire, we explore the extraordinary life of the man who reshaped the ancient world. Along the way, we dive into Alexander's military genius, the famous story of Bucephalus, the battles that made him a legend, his complicated personality, his relentless ambition, and the question historians have debated for over 2,000 years: Was Alexander the Great history's greatest conqueror... or simply the luckiest? We also discuss the historical sources behind Alexander's life, separating fact from legend and exploring why his story continues to fascinate historians, military leaders, and storytellers alike. Whether you're discovering Alexander for the first time or have read countless books on the subject, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. 🔗 Links & Resources Podcast presented and produced by Speakeasy Podcast Studio:https://www.speakeasypodcasts.ca/ 📚 Get Tom Allen's The Classics for Kids:https://linktr.ee/thomaswallenbooks?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e5c5c33e-756b-474d-9bdd-22c4cf52b6fc 🎬 Check out Jono's marketing work:https://sayewhat.com/

  3. Jul 1

    Canada's Prime Ministers - Part 2: The Leaders Who Built a Nation

    Who were Canada's greatest Prime Ministers—and how did they shape the country we know today?In this episode of History Rhymes, Tom Allen and Jono Saye continue their journey through Canadian history, picking up after the Great Depression and World War II to explore the modern Prime Ministers who transformed Canada.From Louis St. Laurent and the Trans-Canada Highway to John Diefenbaker, Lester B. Pearson, Pierre Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien, Stephen Harper, and beyond, this episode is packed with fascinating stories, surprising personalities, political rivalries, and the defining moments that shaped modern Canada.Along the way, we discuss everything from the Quiet Revolution and the new Canadian flag to constitutional debates, free trade, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Québec referendums, Fidel Castro's relationship with Pierre Trudeau, and the legacy of Canada's most influential leaders.Whether you're a Canadian history buff or just discovering the stories behind our nation's leaders, this is an entertaining look at nearly a century of Canadian politics.

  4. Jun 16

    A Complete History of Canada’s Prime Ministers

    What do a binge-drinking founding father, political scandals, nation-building, and some surprisingly powerful leaders have in common? In this episode of History Rhymes, Tom and Jono dive into the fascinating history of Canada's Prime Ministers. From Confederation to the personalities that shaped the country, this first installment explores the men who built modern Canada—and some of the bizarre stories that came with them. Along the way, we discuss the powers of the Prime Minister, the origins of Canada's political system, the challenges of governing a young nation, and why Canadian history is far more interesting than it gets credit for. If you've ever wondered who Canada's most influential leaders were, how the office evolved, or why some Prime Ministers remain controversial to this day, this episode is for you.

  5. Jun 3

    Iran Part 2: How Britain, America, and Oil Reshaped Iran

    Why is modern Iran so suspicious of foreign powers?In Part 2 of our Iran series, we move from ancient Persia into the modern era, exploring the events that shaped the relationship between Iran, Britain, and the United States.From the rise of oil and foreign influence to Operation Ajax, the Shah, the Cold War, and the roots of modern anti-Western sentiment, this episode examines the historical forces that continue to shape the Middle East today.We also discuss regime change, intervention, media narratives, the Iranian military, the role of religion in politics, and how historical grievances can persist for generations.If you've ever wondered why Iran views the West the way it does, this episode provides the historical context.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Desert Storm and modern interventionism00:41 – History Rhymes introduction00:55 – Welcome back to Iran Part 201:15 – Recapping 2,000 years of Iranian history02:36 – Entering the modern era03:31 – Can regime change happen in Iran?04:00 – Why Iranians distrust foreign intervention04:52 – Iran, war, and information warfare05:41 – Speakeasy Podcast Studio sponsor segment06:02 – Political analysis and media narratives12:00 – The strategic importance of Iranian oil18:00 – Foreign influence in Iran grows24:00 – Britain, Russia, and the struggle for control30:00 – The rise of nationalism in Iran36:00 – Oil concessions and public outrage42:00 – Mohammad Mossadegh enters the story47:00 – Operation Ajax explained53:00 – The CIA-backed coup of 195358:00 – The Shah consolidates power01:02:00 – Cold War politics and Iran01:05:00 – How the modern Iranian state was shaped01:08:11 – Episode conclusion(Chapter timing should be verified against the final edit before publishing, but the final episode runtime is approximately 1:08:12.)🔗 Links & ResourcesPodcast presented and produced by Speakeasy Podcast Studio:https://www.speakeasypodcasts.ca/📚 Get Tom Allen's The Classics for Kids:https://linktr.ee/thomaswallenbooks?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e5c5c33e-756b-474d-9bdd-22c4cf52b6fc🎬 Check out Jono's marketing work:https://sayewhat.com/🔔 SubscribeNew episodes every week exploring the people, empires, wars, revolutions, and ideas that shaped history—and how they still echo today.

  6. May 20

    Why Iran is at Odds with the West | The History Behind the Conflict

    What actually caused the modern conflict with Iran?In this episode of the History Rhymes podcast, we break down the history of modern Iran — from the ancient Persian Empire to the rise of the Islamic Republic — and explore how events like Operation Ajax, Cold War politics, oil, and foreign intervention shaped the Middle East we know today. We dive into the CIA-backed 1953 coup, the role of Britain and the United States, the Iranian Revolution, the Strait of Hormuz, and the modern tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.Along the way, the conversation spirals into everything from Rambo III to Soviet Afghanistan, the Mujahideen, and how history continues to “rhyme” in modern geopolitics. 🔗 Links & ResourcesPodcast presented and produced by Speakeasy Podcast Studio:https://www.speakeasypodcasts.ca/ 📚 Get Tom Allen's The Classics for Kids: https://linktr.ee/thomaswallenbooks?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 🎬 Check out Jono's marketing work: https://sayewhat.com/ 🔔 Subscribe New episodes every week exploring the people, wars, empires, revolutions, and ideas that shaped history — and how they still echo through today’s world.

    Why Iran is at Odds with the West | The History Behind the Conflict

  7. May 5

    Julius Caesar: Part 3 - The Fall of Julius Caesar

    How does a republic fall… and one man take control?In this final episode of our Julius Caesar series, we follow Julius Caesar at the height of his power—where military dominance, political influence, and narrative control collide.From the Gallic Wars to the consolidation of power in Rome, this episode breaks down how Caesar transforms from a rising figure into an unstoppable force—and why the system around him ultimately collapses.

    Julius Caesar: Part 3 - The Fall of Julius Caesar

  8. Apr 21

    The Life of Julius Caesar – Part 2

    Before he ruled Rome, Julius Caesar built something even more powerful: his name.This episode follows Caesar’s rise through politics, influence, and calculated risk—where branding, alliances, and ambition collide inside a fragile republic.From massive public spending and political maneuvering to forming alliances with Pompey the Great and Marcus Licinius Crassus, we break down how Caesar climbs to the top—and why the system around him is already starting to fail.

    The Life of Julius Caesar – Part 2

  9. Apr 9

    The Life of Julius Caesar – Part 1

    One of the most famous leaders in history, Julius Caesar has been immortalized as one of the greatest (or most infamous) names of all time. Join Tom and Jono as they connect the dots of Julius Caesar's life to modern-day leaders and the decisions they make that impact us today.

    The Life of Julius Caesar – Part 1

  10. Trailer

    History Rhymes Show Trailer

    Possibly the greatest podcast in history! Join Tom and Jono as they connect the dots of the past to our present and find out if history really does rhyme.

Trailer

About

History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme. This is the podcast where a guy who teaches and knows his history explains history to a guy who doesn't. Join Tom and Jono on a journey through the ages as they connect the dots from the past to the present. No stupid questions here. Only half baked jokes.

Information

  • Creator
    History Rhymes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © History Rhymes
  • Show Website
    History Rhymes