PODCAST

History Book Club

Ollie Webb-Carter, interviews historians and authors on the past - from the ancient world right up to the modern day. In each episode, Ollie seeks to get to the bottom of a story or scrutinise a figure from history. There are bonus episodes too, from current events and anniversaries to the History Film Club.

history books

All Episodes

You Might Also Like: Smart Talks with IBM

History Book Club ·

2024/10/30

Introducing Scaling AI With Purpose from Smart Talks with IBM.Follow the show: Smart Talks with IBMIn this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Jacob Goldstein speaks with Rebecca Finlay, CEO of Partnership on AI, about the importance of advancing AI innovation with openness and ethics at the forefront. Rebecca discusses how guardrails — such as risk management — can advance efficiency in AI development. They explore the AI Alliance’s focus on open data and technology, and the importance of

51:08

Blair 'Paddy' Mayne with Damien Lewis

History Book Club ·

2024/10/25

Blair Paddy Mayne was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, and one of the original members of the SAS. After David Stirling was captured he commanded the regiment and carried out incredible acts of heroism, but controversially was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. He also battled demons as his war experiences, including discovering concentration camps, had a big effect on his mental health. Joining to discuss Paddy Mayne is Damien Lewis, author

50:11

The Battle of Trafalgar with Michael Barritt

History Book Club ·

2024/10/21

On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost.Joining to discuss the battle of Trafalgar is naval historian and hydrographer Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders as we

56:06

Horatio Nelson with Dominic Sandbrook

History Book Club ·

2024/10/21

On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When the news reached England, the country was plunged into grief, despite the result. Joining me to discuss the great man

You Might Also Like: Smart Talks with IBM

History Book Club ·

2024/10/21

Introducing Transformations in AI: Why Foundation Models are the Future from Smart Talks with IBM.Follow the show: Smart Talks with IBMMajor breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research often reshape the design and utility of AI in both business and society. In this special rebroadcast episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Goldstein explore the conceptual underpinnings of modern AI with Dr. David Cox, VP of AI Models at IBM Research. They talk foundation models,

60:03

Christendom vs. the Caliphate with Simon Mayall

History Book Club ·

2024/10/11

On the 11th September 1683, at the great city of Vienna, the armies of the Ottoman Empire were preparing to storm the city, but their scouts to the west noticed a vast cavalry force approaching. The next day Christian horsemen (Poles, Lithuanians, Germans of the Holy Roman Empire and Cossacks) swept down upon the troops of the Caliph and swept them away in one of the most stunning military victories of all time. But what lay at the heart of this clash between Christendom and the Caliphate, West vs

You Might Also Like: ZOE Science & Nutrition

History Book Club ·

2024/10/11

Introducing What to eat to avoid osteoporosis from ZOE Science & Nutrition.Follow the show: ZOE Science & NutritionEvery 12 years, our skeletons undergo a complete transformation.Prof. Tim Spector and Prof. Cyrus Cooper discuss how to avoid Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile, significantly increases the risk of fractures from minor incidents, often without any noticeable symptoms. Worldwide, it affects one in three women and one in five men over fifty, leading to pain,

40:00

Ovid with Fiona Forsyth

History Book Club ·

2024/10/08

Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet much of whose life coincided with the reign of Augustus. He was the most famous poet during this time, a genuine superstar, and his works dealing with sex, violence and mythology have meant he continues to attract study, translations and books today - Metamorphoses being his most famous work. Joining me today is Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic Justice, who discusses the poet’s life, his work and his legacy, as well as a recommended translation. Episode

52:28

Henry V with Dan Jones

History Book Club ·

2024/09/27

On the 25th October 1415 Henry V led the English army onto the field of Agincourt. There he defeated the flower of French chivalry to win perhaps the finest victory of the medieval period, made famous by Shakespeare’s play. But who was Henry V? Brilliant general, skilled politician or simply a warmonger? And is there a figure from the past that he most resembles?Dan Jones, the author of a new biography of Henry joins to answer these and many more questions as we try to get to the bottom of who

You Might Also Like: Pod Save America

History Book Club ·

2024/09/27

Introducing Hot Takes on a Low Key Debate from Pod Save America.Follow the show: Pod Save AmericaJon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy break down Tim Walz's great arguments about democracy and reproductive rights, JD Vance's distortions on Obamacare and immigration, and the other moments that might—might!—break through from a surprisingly collegial vice presidential debate. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the