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Real Dictators

Real Dictators

By: NOISER
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Summary

 Real Dictators is the award-winning podcast that explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Hosted by Paul McGann, with contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians. New episodes available a week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content on shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started or head to noiser.com/subscriptions For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception. Drama & Plays World
Episodes
  • Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1

    Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
    Mar 20 2026
    This is a preview of a brand-new show from the Noiser podcast network. Hosted by Iain Glen (Game of Thrones, Silo), Real Vikings takes you on a deep dive into the Viking age. You’ll board longboats bound for new lands, follow mighty warlords, meet master navigators, and uncover the real figures behind the legends of the sagas. But we begin on a quiet beach in the south of England, where a cold-blooded murder on the shingle sends shockwaves reverberating throughout Europe… For more episodes, search ‘Real Vikings’ in your podcast app and hit follow. You can listen to Episode 2 straight after this. Real Dictators will be back soon with the story of Marshal Tito. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages

    Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages
    Dec 31 2025
    The new emperor of the Central African Republic is introduced to the world in a totally surreal manner - with white horses from Belgium, finery from France and songs from a Broadway musical. The CAR’s finances continue to tumble. A controversial policy about school uniforms leads to one of the most tragic episodes in the country’s history. And as the emperor loses control, old friends become foes, old foes return from the dead, and Bokassa’s day of judgement is at hand… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Louisa Lombard, Richard Moncrieff, Gino Vlavonou. This is Part 3 of 3. Written by John Bartlett | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Fact check by Heléna Lewis | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer, Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Real Dictators will be back in the new year with the story of Marshal Tito. Get early access and ad-free listening by joining Noiser+. Click the subscription banner or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 2: The Power Grab, the Châteaux and the Missing Daughter

    Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 2: The Power Grab, the Châteaux and the Missing Daughter
    Dec 24 2025
    A new year brings new beginnings in the Central African Republic. President Bokassa attempts to modernise. But at the same time, the mass incarcerations and torture ramp up and corruption takes hold. And then things get really strange… An imposter infiltrates Bokassa’s homelife. A bizarre public competition is launched to marry off the president’s daughters. And the leader takes a significant trip to Colonel Gaddafi’s Libya… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Louisa Lombard, Richard Moncrieff, Gino Vlavonou. This is Part 2 of 3. Written by John Bartlett | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Fact check by Heléna Lewis | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by Jacob Booth | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final episode of the Bokassa story straight away, without waiting and without ads, by joining Noiser+. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
Just fascinating to get behind the names of people who you think you know but don’t

A great listen

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I like history mostly communist dictators so big tick from me. The Italian godfather was a good episode.

dictators are just carasmatic and insane

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Superb narration and content. I’ve never found history so engaging, interesting and informative. I can’t wait for more to come and in the meantime I’m listening to all of them again! Highly recommend.

Best Series Hands Down

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I stumbled across this podcast and have binged all the episodes! It’s really informative without being stuffy and boring.

Can’t stop listening

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This is an amazing podcast, A lot to information that is well delivered. The narration is also excellent.

Amazing podcast

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