Empire: World History cover art

Empire: World History

Empire: World History

By: Goalhanger
Listen for free

About this listen

 The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history. William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires. From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today? Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. World
Episodes
  • 345. Chairman Mao: The Cultural Revolution (Ep 6)

    345. Chairman Mao: The Cultural Revolution (Ep 6)
    Mar 26 2026
    What were Mao’s motivations for launching The Cultural Revolution? Who were the Red Guards, and why did Mao indoctrinate teenagers? How did Mao die, and who came next? Anita and William are joined once again by Rana Mitter, author of A Bitter Revolution: China’s Struggle with the Modern World, and Modern China: A Very Short Introduction, to discuss the final years of Mao’s rule. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Bruno Di Castri Researcher: Imogen Marriott Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 344. Chairman Mao: The Great Leap Forward (Ep 5)

    344. Chairman Mao: The Great Leap Forward (Ep 5)
    Mar 24 2026
    Why did Mao declare war on sparrows as part of The Great Leap Forward? What caused China to attack India in 1962? How did Mao use a swimming pool to embarrass Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev? Anita and William are joined once again by Rana Mitter, author of A Bitter Revolution: China’s Struggle with the Modern World, and Modern China: A Very Short Introduction, to discuss The Great Leap Forward and its consequences. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Bruno Di Castri Researcher: Imogen Marriott Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Christiane Amanpour On Iran & Trump’s Miscalculations

    Christiane Amanpour On Iran & Trump’s Miscalculations
    Mar 20 2026
    William and Anita are joined by renowned British-Iranian journalist, Christiane Amanpour, to discuss the war in Iran, and how it has echoes of the events she has covered since leaving Tehran in 1979. How did the Iran-Iraq War of 1980 shape the military tactics of today’s Islamic Regime? What is the endgame for the US-Israeli strikes? Is the war strengthening Iranian nationalism? Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Editor: James Clayden Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
All stars
Most relevant
The dynamics between the presenters and their guests is both informative and on many occasions humorous

Entertainment and learning

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Captivating! I've loved every second of it so far. Just finished Season 1, moving on to Season 2 now.

Exceptional

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This podcast is hugely informative and yet superbly engaging - Anita Anand and William Dalrymple have a terrific chemistry. I await every episode eagerly and savour it like good wine 🍷

Just brilliant..

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Likeable presenters engage the listener in a continuing story. Do all historians sound posh? Overall a great podcast and highly recommend

Engaging content

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Anita and Willie are a joy to listen to. If history had been like this at school I'd have paid a lot more attention. This is what we should have been taught too. It's joyous one moment and utterly devastating the next. Infectious curiosity and a thirst for knowledge are wonderful things. I recommend 100%!

Fantastical and terrible and mind blowing things

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews