Updating
±0
Most Recent Episode
Captain Cook: To the Ends of the Earth

Captain Cook: To the Ends of the Earth

Time: 55:45
Cook has been sent by the Royal Navy to the Pacific to track the transit of Venus from Tahiti, but also with a second, secret mission: once he’s reached Tahiti, he will go on to search for the great southern continent, Terra Australis. Encountering Tahitians, Maori and Aboriginal Australians, Cook and his crew develop relations with them which will often turn sour. Join Tom and Dominic in the second part of our series on Captain Cook, as they delve into his exploring of the Pacific, his relationships with indigenous peoples, the behaviour of Joseph Banks and the Endeavour’s crew, stories of goats and kangaroos, and much more.
*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:
Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia!
Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com
Twitter: 
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode ID: 1000631912243
GUID: 3ac10784-0f86-4928-b13c-3832ecc96ba5
Release Date: 10/25/2023, 7:00:00 PM

Description

Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are interrogating the past, and attempting to de-tangle the present.
They question the nature of Greatness, why the West no longer has civil wars and whether Richard Nixon was more like Caligula or Claudius. 
 
They're distilling the entirety of human history, or, as much as they can fit into about fifty minutes.
Join The Rest Is History Club (www.restishistorypod.com) for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Here are some of our favourite episodes to get you started:
WATERGATE/NIXON apple.co/3JrVl5h
ALEXANDER THE GREAT apple.co/3Q4FaNk
HARDCORE HISTORY'S DAN CARLIN apple.co/3vqkGa3
PUTIN & RUSSIA apple.co/3zMtLfX

Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews

Dynamic Duo

 – 
23degreesin410
 – 
2023-10-24
I would listen to an hour of Tom & Dominic on any topic, and prefer the episodes without guests. Their rapport as a duo is seamless and captivating.

Magnificently informative and entertaining

 – 
J-Mo49
 – 
2023-10-22
There is no better way to while away an hour than listen to these two wryly natter on about things you wished you knew about but didn’t.

New Favorite

 – 
ownrhtodowgwvr
 – 
2023-10-22
I love history podcasts and this is a really really good one. It’s a perfect combination of real historical rigor and the kind of storytelling that makes for easy/enjoyable listening, I’ve binged through several series already. I especially loved the Oscar Wilde episodes, as a huge fan I can’t believe I didn’t know the depth of his late story.

Greatest of All Time

 – 
Truth Man 123
 – 
2023-10-19
This is the Greatest history podcast to ever exist, no joke.

Tom Holland is Brilliant

 – 
MusashiG
 – 
2023-10-19
And Dominic too.
I learn something new each episode

Best history pod!

 – 
Funwithbarb
 – 
2023-10-19
Their personal banter makes this pod the best history pod around.

Humo(u)r and History

 – 
ElijahVH
 – 
2023-10-14
Humor and history. What could be a better combination for a podcast?

Interesting and eclectic history

 – 
Octavia66623
 – 
2023-10-09
The content of this show is fascinating, and the hosts are so knowledgeable and respectful, as well as being pretty funny at times. I love how they’re creative about the show’s themes — like using Hogwarts as a lead into discussing old boarding schools. I’m in an art history class right now, and search this show for supplemental learning on the topics I’m covering in school. In conclusion, this podcast is NOT a waste of time and I hope it goes on and on

Enjoyable

 – 
💕brener
 – 
2023-10-09
I listen to a fair number of history podcasts. This is a very good one.
Interesting to hear perspective from across the ocean. Amusing to hear as well. The aftermath of the Civil War - pretty off in my experience. Unsettling to hear that the Southerners baloney is smeared over all of us. Really- most people who don’t live in the South rarely think of the Civil War. The North won. If you don’t have a reason to go to the southern states the Civil War feels as personally relevant as the War of the Roses. It’s only recently- not beginning with Trump but instead Obama that the country has woken up to how stuck on the past we still are. But no one I know admires the confederacy. The Pacific Northwest and the West in general weren’t really involved. It’s not part of our environment. Racism? That’s unfortunately everywhere, even England.

Love it so much I subscribed

 – 
Cincy reader
 – 
2023-10-06
I don’t consider myself a history fan, but these guys make it so interesting and funny! Look forward to listening on my walks.

Unaware of how to speak on radio

 – 
GoingToSwitchToJeep
 – 
2023-10-06
Great information but absolutely ignorant to speaking on radio. Their voices would shoot then mumble, speak loudly then drop to a inaudible whisper. Impossible to listen to with any attention.

I have not been able to stop listen

 – 
DudeAfsu7777
 – 
2023-10-06
I have listen to over 200 episodes in the last 2 months.
I discovered this podcast from a guest on the Babylon bee of all places.

Come along with me!

 – 
DebRays
 – 
2023-10-06
These guys are the Bert and Ernie of history! What fun! you’ve got to listen!

The best

 – 
HomeWorkout
 – 
2023-10-02
I’m obsessed

If Mosley had succeeded…

 – 
VietSchlong
 – 
2023-10-01
…Britain would not be such a pathetic nation today

More impressions

 – 
figgis.2
 – 
2023-09-30
Excellent, Tom’s impressions are particularly great, the pod cast needs more impressions Tom!

So Well Done

 – 
Noise 47
 – 
2023-09-26
My new podcast obsession. Just discovered Rest is History and so glad there’s so many to listen to. Really enjoy they don’t focus on one period but so many time periods!

Simply the best

 – 
Moderate in Virginia
 – 
2023-09-21
Tom and Dom have become part of my life. The history is interesting and thought provoking. But their chemistry is the key. I feel like I’ve been invited to join an intelligent, often humorous, conversation between friends.

Top notch, funny, challenging, and informative.

 – 
Maria Hornblower
 – 
2023-09-18
So good. Dare I say, a tour de force.

Best of the best

 – 
cantfindbloodynickname😜
 – 
2023-09-18
Genuine top level,unbiased analysis of history done with humour and wit. Funny watching yanks get annoyed at learning their actual history as opposed to the fairy tale they tell themselves. Also brilliant dissection of British political history.

Nothing New

 – 
dickydipper
 – 
2023-09-17
Mutt & Jeff sophomoric nonsense joke!
Don’t waste your time, move on!

Excellent, even if from Brits

 – 
i like to be on time
 – 
2023-09-14
Excellent podcast, I cannot get enough. The American revolution series was a load of tosh (as the Brits would say), but I chalk that up to them being bitter, sore losers for those episodes. Other it’s top tier content.

Why wasn’t my history class this interesting?

 – 
Maple City
 – 
2023-09-05
Thoroughly enjoy the podcast. I’m learning so much! The only drawback is how long my books to read list has become. ;)

Awesome podcast!!

 – 
Smittyrick09
 – 
2023-09-04
I’m almost 40 and just started appreciating history 4-5 years ago and these guys increase my curiosity and bring up topics that, living in the US, I would never hear of.
I like that their relationship is such they can disagree and still get on. The entire world could use that lesson.

Just Massive Lads

 – 
Kta333
 – 
2023-08-30
I literally became a yearly subscriber today just so I could get earlier access to part 2 of the 60s Fashion episode and get a resolution on the cliffhanger. They did not disappoint. Money we’ll spent.
I’m honestly surprised it took me this long to subscribe. It’s definitely one of the best history podcasts out there. They have certain specializations, but topics are fairly wide ranging. The hosts are extremely knowledgeable and hilarious. I also caught them on tour and the show was great as well.
10/10 would recommend

I’m addicted

 – 
boomersoonergirl
 – 
2023-08-26
A day without Tom and Dominic is a day wasted.

Excellent podcast for history buffs

 – 
BluJaxs
 – 
2023-08-26
Very enjoyable . Easy to follow

Not a podcast guy, but this is the exception

 – 
HammyG723
 – 
2023-08-20
Great blend of historical recaps and analysis with humor (and impressions). I found their interpreting history through a sort of narrative lens to be much more appealing than the dry retellings that others do in the name of keeping it “professional”.

Fear City

 – 
Goldicedancer
 – 
2023-08-18
I am a relatively new subscriber to the wonderful world of Tom and Dominick, and I love this podcast.
However, Fear City is phenomenal! I have lived in the US since 1974,
and New York in those days was very scary! You both have captured the real story, and I was riveted from beginning to end.
My husband would like to request that you do an episode,or two, on New York in the 80’s and I second that! Here’s hoping😊

Oppenheimer

 – 
Willie Redmond
 – 
2023-08-16
I would like to request that you do a show on Jack the Ripper.
I am interested in turn at the last century, policing and connections with both government and the royal family. There is a lot of conspiracy theories about Jack the Ripper, please investigate it from a historical perspective. I love your show.

More impressions please.

 – 
PhillyJim123
 – 
2023-08-16
Guys, you have got to bring back the impressions. The three pillars of The Rest is History are; Dominic having a crack at the French, Tom saying things are sacral, and Tom’s spot on impressions.

White male privilege much?

 – 
MerylB from NYC
 – 
2023-08-14
Just started listening to “Viking sorcery” and had to stop: talking about how Viking men would “have sex with” another man’s slave and then kill her to show respect to the owner???
Rape. It’s called rape. “Have sex with” implies consent: am quite sure these slaves would NOT have chosen to have sex with these men, particularly knowing they would probably be killed afterward.
Wake up, boys.

Great show, guests tend to bring it down

 – 
Azieb
 – 
2023-08-14
First off I love Tom and Dominic as hosts for the show. Their banter and senses of humor definitely keep the material interesting and enjoyable and I really like the range of topics that they delve into. I’ve learned a lot from listening to this every day for the past month or so. However, the guests that they bring on from time to time are knowledgeable, but generally very dry and it feels more like a university lecture than the episodes where it’s just Tom and Dominic. Overall, great podcast and I’m really enjoying it!

14:36

 – 
kayferguson13
 – 
2023-08-09
14 minutes and 36 seconds and I was STILL WAITING ON THE STORY TO START. Why do podcasters do this? Who finds an episode or topic of any podcast they’re interested in and then after 14 minutes, either the topic hasn’t started or you can’t tell if it’s started because the host(s) won’t stop talking about random stupid stuff. Their listeners have to be immobile with the podcast control out of reach, this is ridiculous.

If you like biased and subjective history

 – 
Ginamang
 – 
2023-08-08
I enjoyed this podcast up until the American Revolution series. The storytelling is incredibly biased and lacks objectivity. It’s like the Brits are still sore about it. Once they said George Washington was selected as the leader of the continental army because he was 6’4 and “looked the part as long as he didn’t show his teeth” I had to stop listening. To wash away all George Washington’s merits to his height is a pretty disgusting historical representation. You’ve lost a follower.

The only Love Island you’ll ever need

 – 
Fionacorona
 – 
2023-08-07
The second Love Island episode is peak “Rest is History” - imaginative, historically eclectic, poignantly relevant and hilarious. Best hour of the summer and I watched Glasto, Broad’s last over and the Wimbledon Men’s final!!

Wonderful!

 – 
Rogert Theist
 – 
2023-08-07
Love the show, guys. Dominic, I understand the reluctance to let Tom explore religious topics on the show, but I think you should allow him to run free! I would love an episode on the Franciscans, Pope Gregory VII, and any other obscure religious topic Tom finds interesting. I'm not automatically drawn to this sort of subject matter, but after listening to the show for a while I've come to trust that you two will find a way to make it interesting, whatever the subject. Please unleash Tom Holland! The world is ready!

History exists outside of Europe

 – 
Safribamako
 – 
2023-08-07
This needs to be called The rest is European history !

the only podcast i pay for

 – 
Faulkton
 – 
2023-08-05
tittle says is all. great host, great content & great episode

New fave

 – 
katgav26
 – 
2023-08-01
Absolutely love the combo of history, humor and personality! Excellent

#355 Roman Apocalypse: Pompeii 79 AD

 – 
cecegrrl
 – 
2023-07-31
What an enlightening episode/listen by Tom & Michael! The detailed descriptions of this human, animal, environmental horror held me captive to the end. I’m sure to purchase your book on this topic,Tom, for more to learn . Having been raised by a fast-talking “stiff upper lip” British Mum, in America, I can keep up with your banter, cross-talk, etc. (sometimes annoying 🙄) however, even I had to backtrack several times to get the title’s name correct on your book, referenced in this podcast! Thanks ☺️ ⭐️

A must listen

 – 
SliderGuitar
 – 
2023-07-31
Ive been listening for over a year. Insightful, funny and makes the morning commute easier

How could it take me so long to discover this podcast?

 – 
Eliza Y
 – 
2023-07-30
Honestly, the best. I’m working my way through old episodes at a fast clip. Funny, enlightening, necessary. Please…more on the French Revolution…just please.

I Love Rachel Morley (and Tom Holland)

 – 
mica1960
 – 
2023-07-29
Rachel Morley is delightful! She should be a regular guest. Her podcast on English Churches (not cathedrals) was lovely. I would love to see her top ten list posted somewhere. Tom Holland is wonderful. Dominic is an acquired taste, but I’m getting there. Maybe Rachel could be a guest host from time to time to fill in for Dominic? What do you think Tom? Seriously, I love this podcast. I’m not kidding about Rachel. Please bring her back.

very thoroughly researched

 – 
cthwaites
 – 
2023-07-29
Great range of subjects. And very well prepared.

Pretty Good

 – 
bencher_back
 – 
2023-07-29
Often amusing and educational, though sometimes meandering.

Up there with the best comedy

 – 
Cesar Branco
 – 
2023-07-28
The best history podcast AND the best comedy podcast.

Funniest episode about churches ever

 – 
Auntikacksews
 – 
2023-07-27
Listening to the best churches episode. I enjoy the show, but this episode is a. Positive ho

Best podcast ever!

 – 
aardpark
 – 
2023-07-25
The chemistry between these two guys is absolutely amazing. I’m a heavy podcast listener (BBC, New York Times, Guardian, NPR, etc.) and I’ve tried many history podcasts in the past - always lost interest after a few episodes. This one is a keeper. I’m just trying not to burn my way through the archives too fast.

Great presentation

 – 
Fencer Awesome 101
 – 
2023-07-24
Tom and Dom do a tremendous job on a wide range of topics with knowledge, insight, and humor. As an American, I enjoyed the recent shows on the revolution and found their perspective fresh and engaging. In my opinion, the few detractors here are jingoists or people who just overreact to the sometimes glib or snarky comment that makes it such a good listen.
And, Thomas Jefferson was indeed a terrible person. He piously wrung his hands for decades on how to end slavery while carrying on a fundamentally non-consensual sexual relationship with a slave. And, what did he do? He ordered another 20 cases of wine from France and died $1m in debt. Now, John Adams, he should get a better treatment in history.