Colonialism Podcasts

Behind the Bastards

Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Behind the Bastards is a deep dive into the worst people in history and the systems that allowed them to thrive. Hosted with a mix of sharp wit, meticulous research, and a healthy dose of cynicism, the show peels back the layers of history’s most infamous dictators, grifters, and ideologues to reveal how they shaped our modern world. Whether exploring the brutal rise of Uday Hussein, the origins of white supremacist regimes in Rhodesia, or the dangerous mechanisms of far-right influencers, the podcast refuses to settle for simple morality plays. Instead, the show highlights how ordinary people are conditioned by their environments, how fear is monetized for political gain, and how easily even the most educated among us can be swindled by pseudoscience or elaborate hoaxes. From the lethal consequences of fraudulent technology to the historical roots of modern-day xenophobia and sectarianism, the episodes bridge the gap between long-forgotten archives and current headlines. It is a show that values context over sensationalism, constantly reminding listeners that the monsters we fear aren't just figures in a textbook, but products of structural instability and human vulnerability. If you are interested in the dark, weird, and frequently absurd mechanics of power, this podcast offers an essential, often unsettling look at the people who have done the most damage to our shared reality.

Not Just the Tudors

History Hit

Step into the vibrant, messy, and often misunderstood corridors of the past with Not Just the Tudors. Hosted by historian Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, this podcast invites you to look beyond the well-worn textbooks and familiar royal portraits to uncover the human stories that shaped our world. While the show certainly honors its titular dynasty, it roams far beyond the 16th-century English court. From the grim survival tactics of colonial Jamestown and the scientific breakthroughs of the Enlightenment to the daring exploits of cross-dressing icons like Moll Cutpurse, every episode offers a fresh perspective on historical turning points. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of early firearms, the religious fervor surrounding the Mayflower, or the political genius of figures like Anne Boleyn, Suzannah is joined by world-class experts to peel back the layers of myth. What makes this series stand out is its commitment to nuance. It avoids simple hero-or-villain archetypes, opting instead to place listeners in the sensory, intellectual, and often desperate world of those who lived it. It is a show for those who want to understand the complex power dynamics, global encounters, and intellectual revolutions that define our modern existence. If you are ready for a deep, scholarly, yet deeply accessible dive into the history that continues to echo today, you have found your new favorite destination.