Real Dictators
History
About
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...
Episodes
- Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
This episode introduces "Real Vikings," a new podcast hosted by Iain Glen. It previews the series, which explores the Viking age, covering topics from warlords to navigators and the figures behind the sagas.
- Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 3: A Coronation for the Ages
This episode of Real Dictators focuses on Jean-Bédel Bokassa's coronation as emperor of the Central African Republic, highlighting the surreal event, the country's financial decline, and a tragic school uniform policy. It also covers Bokas…
- Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 2: The Power Grab, the Châteaux and the Missing Daughter
In part 2 of this series, President Bokassa begins to modernize the Central African Republic. Corruption and incarceration become widespread, and a series of strange events unfold, including an imposter, a public competition, and a trip to…
- Jean-Bédel Bokassa Part 1: The Butcher of Bangui
This episode, Part 1 of a three-part series, details the early life and rise to power of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, who became emperor of the Central African Republic. It covers his beginnings in the French army and the start of his regime, marke…
- Introducing: Charles Dickens Ghost Stories - A Christmas Carol
This episode is a preview of an audiobook featuring Sir David Suchet reading selected Charles Dickens ghost stories, including "A Christmas Carol." The collection includes tales of a railway signalman, a Victorian murder trial, and a haunt…
- Fidel Castro Part 10: Emergency on an Airplane
This episode, "Fidel Castro Part 10: Emergency on an Airplane," details the end of Fidel Castro's rule as he grapples with age and illness. It examines the transition of leadership in Cuba.
- Fidel Castro Part 9: Down With Fidel!
This episode of Real Dictators focuses on Fidel Castro's struggles with America and the changes in the Soviet Union. It details tensions over a child, the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, and growing rebellion in Havana.
- Fidel Castro Part 8: Miami Vice
This episode of Real Dictators, "Fidel Castro Part 8: Miami Vice," explores Fidel Castro's global activities and the challenges he faced in Cuba, including international relations and domestic incidents.
- Fidel Castro Part 7: Che Guevara in the Jungle
This episode of Real Dictators, titled "Fidel Castro Part 7: Che Guevara in the Jungle," describes Fidel Castro's efforts to change Cuba, including the declaration of a dairy cow as a national treasure and hot dog vendors as counter-revolu…
- Fidel Castro Part 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis
This episode of Real Dictators, titled "Fidel Castro Part 6: The Cuban Missile Crisis," details the events surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis, including a Soviet presence in Cuba and attempts by the CIA to assassinate Fidel Castro. It fe…
- Fidel Castro Part 5: The Bay of Pigs
This episode of Real Dictators focuses on Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs invasion, detailing the events leading up to and during this military failure through various perspectives. It includes accounts from individuals involved and the b…
- Fidel Castro Part 4: Havana’s TV Star
This episode of Real Dictators, "Fidel Castro Part 4: Havana's TV Star", covers Fidel Castro's arrival in Havana, his meeting with Richard Nixon, and a regime insider's story. The episode is narrated by Paul McGann and features several his…
- Fidel Castro Part 3: The Mountain Guerrillas
In this episode, Fidel Castro regroups in the mountains after Batista's claims of his death, attracting the world's press to Cuba for interviews. Meanwhile, Batista's son thwarts an assassination attempt in Havana, though Batista's control…
- Fidel Castro Part 2: Shipwrecked in the Swamps
This episode of Real Dictators, "Fidel Castro Part 2: Shipwrecked in the Swamps," details Castro's struggles with Marxism, a new affair, and his meeting with Che Guevara in Mexico City. Together, they plan to sail to Cuba to fight Batista.
- Fidel Castro Part 1: Rise of ‘The Crazy One’
This episode, "Fidel Castro Part 1: Rise of ‘The Crazy One’", explores the early life of Fidel Castro. It covers his beginnings on a farm in Cuba and his emergence as a revolutionary figure.
- Introducing: Titanic: Ship of Dreams - Episode 1
Paul McGann hosts this episode exploring the Titanic's journey, the experiences of those on board, and his great uncle's presence in the engine room. This serves as an introduction to a new podcast series.
- Benito Mussolini Part 7: Break for the Border…
This episode, part 7 of 7, describes Mussolini's attempt to escape to Switzerland after Italy switches sides and the Axis collapses. Hitler plans a rescue, but Mussolini is pursued by enemies and his own people, leading to his downfall.
- Benito Mussolini Part 6: The Road to Perdition
This episode of Real Dictators, "Benito Mussolini Part 6: The Road to Perdition", covers Mussolini's challenges during the war, including the invasion of Greece, sending troops to Russia, and an Italian assassin surviving a firing squad. A…
- Benito Mussolini Part 5: The Pact of Steel
Mussolini acts as a peacemaker at the Munich Conference, then forms a military alliance with Hitler. He invades Albania and later declares war on Britain and France.
- Benito Mussolini Part 4: A Fine Bromance
This episode of Real Dictators, titled "Benito Mussolini Part 4: A Fine Bromance," details how Mussolini used propaganda to cultivate a public image, including banning mentions of his birthday and being a grandfather. It covers Ernest Hemi…
- Benito Mussolini Part 3: Murder in Broad Daylight
This episode of Real Dictators, "Benito Mussolini Part 3: Murder in Broad Daylight," explores Mussolini's consolidation of power, including suppressing opposition and his public image. It also touches on his personal relationships and an a…
- Benito Mussolini Part 2: The March on Rome
This episode, "Benito Mussolini Part 2: The March on Rome," details Mussolini's early life, his political activities, and the events leading up to the March on Rome. It covers the formation of his fascist movement and the societal unrest i…
- Introducing: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
Hugh Bonneville introduces a new series from the Noiser Network, reading Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The episode serves as a taster for the "Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" podcast.
- Benito Mussolini Part 1: Italy’s Fascist Godfather
This episode, part one of a seven-part series, details the beginning of Benito Mussolini’s rise to power. It covers his early life as the son of a blacksmith and schoolteacher, and his development into a journalist and activist leading up…
- General Videla Part 4: Dictator in the Courtroom
This episode, "General Videla Part 4: Dictator in the Courtroom," discusses the Falklands War, Argentina's transition to democracy, and the legal proceedings against General Videla. It features insights from a prosecutor involved in the ca…
- General Videla Part 3: God, Football, the Falklands
This episode covers the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, focusing on the juxtaposition of the games with secret torture facilities. Dictator Videla's actions and a controversial football match are discussed.
- General Videla Part 2: Mr Clean’s Dirty War
This episode, "General Videla Part 2: Mr Clean’s Dirty War," discusses the start of Videla's "dirty war," which involved establishing torture centers and regulating various aspects of daily life. It also covers the regime's efforts to mana…
- General Videla Part 1: The Skinny One and the Witch
This episode, "General Videla Part 1: The Skinny One and the Witch," delves into the life of Jorge Rafael Videla, a dictator from Argentina. The episode covers his impact on Argentina and is the first part of a four-part series on Real Dic…
- BONUS: Dictators’ Books
This episode explores the books written by dictators, ranging from philosophy to fiction. It features an interview with Daniel Kalder, author of "The Infernal Library," which examines these writings.
- Pinochet Part 3: Searching for the Disappeared
Pinochet creates a new secret police force and expands his war on communism through Operation Condor. The episode discusses the quest for justice for those murdered and disappeared under his regime.
- Pinochet Part 2: The Caravan of Death
This episode, part two of three, details the events of September 11, 1973, in Santiago. It describes President Allende's realization of being double-crossed and the initial military actions in the streets.
- Pinochet Part 1: An Arrest in London
This episode of Real Dictators examines Augusto Pinochet's rise to power in Chile following a 1973 coup d'état. It explores how he seized power and consolidated his rule for 17 years.
- Introducing: D-Day: The Tide Turns - Episode 1
This is an introductory episode for the podcast "D-Day: The Tide Turns". Host Paul McGann follows the people involved in the D-Day landings in 1944. It sets the scene for the new series about the events of World War 2.
- Oliver Cromwell Part 4: The Conquest of Ireland
This episode, the fourth and final part of the Oliver Cromwell story, details his campaigns in Scotland and Ireland after the King's execution. It covers his rise to Lord Protector and the continued discontent that raises questions about t…
- Oliver Cromwell Part 3: To Kill a King…
In this episode, King Charles is captured, escapes, and is subsequently put on trial. This decision by Cromwell leads to significant changes for the British Isles. This is part 3 of a 4-part series.
- Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms
This episode, "Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms," describes the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell becomes a military commander, and King Charles introduces Prince Rupert. A mission involving the Queen attempts to shift…
- Oliver Cromwell Part 1: The Rise of Ironsides
This episode, part 1 of 4, explores Oliver Cromwell's rise, his role in the English Civil War, and the execution of Charles I. It also touches upon his actions in Ireland, which continue to be a subject of historical debate.
- Introducing: The Curious History of Your Home - Baths
This episode introduces "The Curious History of Your Home" podcast, focusing on the history of baths. It covers various historical periods, from Ancient Rome to the Victorian era and World War Two, exploring the cultural and historical sig…
- Enver Hoxha Part 2: Stalin’s Shadow, Europe’s North Korea
This episode, part 2 of 2, details Enver Hoxha's alliance with China and his efforts to maintain his media image. It also covers Albania's economic struggles and increasing isolation under his rule. The episode explores the challenges Alba…
- Enver Hoxha Part 1: The Albanian School Teacher
This episode, Part 1 of 2, examines Enver Hoxha's transformation from a school teacher to the leader of Albania, detailing how he established a repressive Stalinist dictatorship and isolated the country from 1944 to 1985.
- Herod the Great Part 2: Murders in the Family
This episode covers Herod's return to Judea, his marriage, building projects, and the murders within his family. It explores his attempts to gain popularity, his legacy, and the Slaughter of the Innocents.
- Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Galilee
This episode, Part 1, delves into the life of Herod the Great, focusing on his rule in Galilee, his historical impact, and the events of his reign, including architectural endeavors, legal changes, social division, political intrigue, and…
- Saddam Hussein Part 5: The War on Terror
This episode of Real Dictators, "Saddam Hussein Part 5: The War on Terror," discusses the aftermath of 9/11 and the re-entry of troops into Iraq. It covers the fall of Saddam's statue, the pursuit of the dictator, and the subsequent experi…
- Saddam Hussein Part 4: The First Gulf War
This episode covers Saddam Hussein's rule during the First Gulf War, including the invasion of Kuwait, the deployment of US forces, and the impact of sanctions. It also touches on family dynamics and the growing influence of Saddam's sons.
- Saddam Hussein Part 3: Oil and the Ayatollah
This episode of Real Dictators focuses on Saddam Hussein's nationalization of the Iraq Petroleum Company and his conflict with the leader of Iran. It also covers the actions of 'Chemical Ali' and the development of Saddam's personality cul…
- Saddam Hussein Part 2: Enforcer, Frontman, Mafia Godfather
Saddam Hussein strengthens his power by appointing friends and relatives to key positions. The episode describes how he targeted families with his secret police and eventually moved to take control from his mentor.
- Saddam Hussein Part 1: Son of the Alleyways
This episode of Real Dictators, narrated by Paul McGann, details the early life of Saddam Hussein, focusing on his challenging beginnings and his journey to power within Iraq. The narrative explores his origins and the initial steps toward…
- Macías Nguema Part 2: Hiding in the Jungle with all the Money
This episode, Part 2 of 2, details Macías Nguema's presidency, including his persecution of educated Equatoguineans and his declaration of himself as God. The narrative concludes with his inner circle intervening due to his escalating para…
- Macías Nguema Part 1: The Dachau of Africa
This episode, narrated by Paul McGann, tells the story of Francisco Macías Nguema, Equatorial Guinea's first president, and his rule from 1968-1979. It details his transformation of the country into the 'Dachau of Africa'.
- Hitler: The Bunker and the End (Part 25)
This episode, part 25 of the Hitler story, describes Hitler's final actions in the bunker during the Battle of Berlin, including his marriage, murder, and suicide. It covers the dramatic conclusion of his downfall.