Best Nick Shepley Podcasts (2024)

1
Westlessness: The changing power of the west in the 21st Century 37:19

3d ago37:19

37:19

The western world fought for its survival in the 20th Century and won the three great historical challenges it faced, the first and second world wars and the long ideological struggle of the Cold War. Now in the 21st Century, during a time of rapid global transitions of power the future of the western power is less certain in an increasingly multip…

1
SAS warfare, survival and resistance 1942-44 36:49

12d ago36:49

36:49

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast we hear from Gerald Hough, whose new book Desert Raids with the SAS recounts the story of his father, Anthony, and his experience of war, captivity and escape. Part of the SAS in North Africa during the long desert campaigns between the 8th Army and the Afrika Korps, Anthony Hough was captured by th…

1
French Counter Insurgency in Algeria 33:33

19d ago33:33

33:33

In today's episode of the Explaining History podcast, we hear from Terence Peterson author of Revolutionary Warfare: How the Algerian War Made Modern Counterinsurgency. In this fascinating discussion, we explore the brutal realities of the Algerian war of Independence and France's struggle to comprehend and counter a nationalist movement that threa…

1
William Freeman and America's first profit driven prisons 36:15

24d ago36:15

36:15

In the first half of the 19th Century profit driven prisons were established in America's northern states, using extreme brutality and conditions that amount to torture to extract free labour from inmates. In this week's edition of the Explaining History Podcast, we hear from Professor Robin Bernstein, whose new book Freeman's Challenge: The Murder…

1
From biplanes to the jet age - three decades in the RAF 33:21

1M ago33:21

33:21

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we hear from Mark Aedy, whose father Ken served as a bomber pilot during the Second World War. Trained to fly in Oklahoma in 1942, Ken saw active service as a bomber pilot attacking the Ruhr, Munster, Dresden and a variety of other targets. After the war he stayed with the RAF and served in Egypt d…

1
Music and Marxism - understanding pop from a materialist and class analysis 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

In this week's episode we hear from writer Toby Manning whose new book, Mixing Pop and Politics explores a Marxist history of popular music and examines the economic and social forces that make the phenomenon that is popular music and culture. In a wide ranging conversation that explores everything from Beyonce's country album, John Lennon's Workin…

1
South Africa's Democracy: 30 Years On 36:59

2M ago36:59

36:59

Peter Hain was, along with his family, forced to flee South Africa in the late 1960s, at the height of the Apartheid regime's war against its opponents. From exile in London Peter was a pivotal member of the anti Apartheid movement in the 60s, 70s and 80s. In this interview before the publication of his third novel, the Lion Conspiracy, we talk abo…

1
Understanding Nostalgia 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Open up your Twitter feed or Facebook page and you're one or two clicks away from a nostalgia meme, they grow like historically illiterate fungi, but nostalgia itself is a more complex and even sometimes problematic phenomenon. In this episode of the Explaining History podcast we hear from Dr Agnes Arnold-Forster, the author of a new history of Nos…

1
Understanding David Lloyd George 36:59

2M ago36:59

36:59

In today's podcast we're joined by Damian Collins MP, whose new book - Rivals in the Storm -, charts the political career of David Lloyd George, the man credited popularly with winning the First World War. In this episode we explore the radical liberal Chancellor and later Prime Minister whose ability to focus on the key challenges of the war saw h…

1
The British Working Class - 1945-2024 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

In this wide ranging interview with Ewan Gibbs, lecturer in social and economic history at the University of Glasgow, we explore the themes in his forthcoming book, The Unmaking of the British Working Class, in which Ewan explores the changes in post war class consciousness, identity and culture. We discuss key transitional moments from post war af…

1
The Royal Navy 1918-41 28:51

3M ago28:51

28:51

A family history project into the war record of Jim Carter's great grandfather became an exploration of the history of the Royal Navy in peacetime and war. In July 1918 Herbert Leeder joined the Royal Navy, beginning a naval career which spanned 2 World Wars and 16 ships. 100 years later, his great grandson, Jim Carter was researching the lives of …

1
Black Britain 1948-89: Economic drivers of migration 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

During the post war decades, migration from Britain's colonies in the Caribbean to the UK grew considerably. There are well documented 'pull' factors that led to this, including a deep sense of identification that many Jamaicans, Barbadians and others felt for the 'mother country'. However, long term structural economic hardships, the effects of a …

1
Infiltrating the IRA: Terror and Espionage in Northern Ireland 33:13

3M ago33:13

33:13

In this gripping episode of *Explaining History*, we delve into the shadowy world of espionage, conflict, and moral ambiguity with intelligence writer Henry Hemming, author of the explosive new book on one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles, the IRA double agent known as Stakeknife. Henry Hemming takes us behind the veil of secrecy t…

1
IRA double agents - Terror and espionage with Henry Hemming 34:42

3M ago34:42

34:42

In this gripping episode of *Explaining History*, we delve into the shadowy world of espionage, conflict, and moral ambiguity with intelligence writer Henry Hemming, author of the explosive new book on one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles, the IRA double agent known as Stakeknife. Henry Hemming takes us behind the veil of secrecy t…

1
A timeline of everything - In conversation with Bruce Tapping 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of Explaining History, we sit down with the acclaimed writer Bruce Tapping, author of, "Bruce's Complete Timeline of the World." Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey through the timeline, unravelling the complexities of our past, from the agricultural revolutions that reshaped society to the intellectual awakening of the Re…

1
Mexico, America and NAFTA 1994-1995 34:24

4M ago34:24

34:24

In "Mexico, America, and NAFTA 1994-1995," we delve into the intricate web of economic, political, and social ramifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the mid-90s, guided by insights from John Gray's seminal work, "False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism." This episode sheds light on the high hopes and harsh realit…

1
Neoliberalism VS National Liberation Movements 1945-79 0:41

4M ago0:41

0:41

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we delve into the complex and often overlooked intersection of Neoliberalism and National Liberation Movements during the pivotal decades of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Drawing insights from Quinn Slobodian's insightful book "Globalists," we unravel the ideological and practical challenges that the pr…

1
World War Two: The Good War? 42:21

5M ago42:21

42:21

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve deep into the heart of the twentieth century's most defining conflict: World War II. Often remembered as "The Good War," this episode, inspired by Geoffrey Wheatcroft's insightful essay and Richard Overy's comprehensive study, invites listeners to re-examine the conventional narratives tha…

1
Socialism and Fascism - what they are and are not 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

Hi everyone, I get trolled from time to time on Twitter by various far right types who object to a particular video I did years ago which states that Hitler was not, in fact, a socialist and did not , in fact, have socialist ideas. Here I revisit the argument, though I doubt it will do me much good. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts (unless …

1
Resistance from the right: America's campus backlash against the counter culture 31:47

5M ago31:47

31:47

In this thought-provoking episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the often overlooked conservative resistance on American college campuses during the height of the counter-culture movement. Join us as we sit down with Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, academic at the University of New Orleans and distinguished historian and author, who she…

1
Wilson, Jenkins and austerity 1968-70 36:06

6M ago36:06

36:06

Description: In this insightful episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we delve into a pivotal period in British history - the years 1968-1970 under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Roy Jenkins. Drawing from Kenneth O. Morgan's meticulously researched book "The People's Peace," we explore the s…

1
Gaza 2024 37:45

6M ago37:45

37:45

Hi everyone, this is a podcast I should have done a couple of months ago and I have been remise in not creating it sooner. This are some thoughts on the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The rise and fall of Harry Clifton and the English Aristocracy - In conversation with David Slattery-Christy 35:01

7M ago35:01

35:01

In this captivating episode of the Explaining History podcast, we sit down with David Slattery-Christy, author of "Flyte Or Fancy," to delve into the tragic and fascinating life of aristocrat Harry Clifton. Join us as we explore the tumultuous world of Harry Clifton, a figure whose life story reads like a novel, filled with grandeur, crisis, and he…

1
Merze Tate - Groundbreaking scholar of colonialism and disarmament 34:09

8M ago34:09

34:09

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we turn our focus to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Merze Tate, a groundbreaking intellectual whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the study of international relations, disarmament, colonialism and post colonialism, race, gender and injustice. Joining us for this explorati…

1
Discussing Che Guevara 34:12

8M ago34:12

34:12

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we dive deep into the complex legacy of Che Guevara, the iconic revolutionary figure whose image has transcended generations. Our special guest, acclaimed author Otto English, joins us to discuss his new book, "Fake Heroes," which critically examines the myths and realities surrounding Che Guevara.…

1
SAS raids in Italy 1943-45 31:31

9M ago31:31

31:31

Description: In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the clandestine world of the Special Air Service (SAS) during its critical missions in Italy from 1943 to 1945. Joining us is n historian and author Damien Lewis, an expert on the SAS, whose new book "Forged in Hell" meticulously chronicles this intriguing chapter of Worl…

1
Interwar Espionage and the rising threat of Nazism 35:11

9M ago35:11

35:11

Winthrop Bell is probably the most important spy you've never heard of. In this episode of the Explaining History podcast we hear about his life and exploits and his attempts during the 1930s to draw attention to the growing threat that Nazism posed. Academic and author Jason Bell joins us on the podcast to discuss the life, career and legacy of Wi…

1
Amazing Grace: The history of an anti slavery hymn and civil rights anthem 30:01

9M ago30:01

30:01

In this episode of Explaining History, we delve deep into the origins and enduring impact of one of the world's most powerful hymns: "Amazing Grace." A song that has transcended boundaries of religion, race, and nation, it has served as an anthem for both the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement in the United States. Joining us for th…

1
The Great Defiance: In conversation with David Veevers 31:49

9M ago31:49

31:49

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with esteemed historian David Veevers to discuss his latest work, "The Great Defiance." Beyond the usual tales of empire-building and domination, Veevers sheds light on the often overlooked stories of those who stood up, resisted, and defied the might of English and later British colonizers throughout …

1
Discussing W.E.B. Du Bois with Chad Williams 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, I'm joined by Professor Chad Williams to explore the life and thought of W.E.B. Du Bois, the foremost intellectual of the civil rights movement. We discuss his complex and often difficult relationship with the First World War and its aftermath and his unfinished work, African Americans and the Woun…

1
The modern right in Spain, from the Partido Popular to Vox 32:28

10M ago32:28

32:28

In this episode, I've had the pleasure of talking with a good friend of the podcast, Alvaro Gomez Velasco, our eyewitness on contemporary politics in Spain. We explore the recent rise of right wing populism across Europe and the growth of the Vox movement in Spain. Examining the legacy of Franco, the suppression of the Catalan independence movement…

1
The origins of global free markets 1840-2001 31:07

10M ago31:07

31:07

Description: In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we embark on a journey through modern economic history, tracing the evolution of global free markets from the height of Victorian Britain to the transformative concepts of Francis Fukuyama's "End of History." Drawing insights from the seminal work "False Dawn: The Delusions of Global C…

1
Eye Witness: The End of White Rule in Rhodesia 34:47

11M ago34:47

34:47

This episode takes our listeners on a remarkable journey into the tumultuous period of the 1970s in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, as seen through the lens of James McManus, the former Africa correspondent for The Guardian. McManus was not just a journalist chronicling events from the periphery; he was in the thick of it, engaging with pivotal figures who woul…

1
California: A Slave State - Part Two 46:14

11M ago46:14

46:14

**Explaining History Podcast Episode Description:** In the highly anticipated second installment of our conversations with the esteemed Professor Jean Phaelzer, author of the groundbreaking work, "California: A Slave State," we delve deeper into the interwoven tapestry of California's historical landscape. The Gold Rush, a period synonymous with op…

1
Colonialism and Culture Wars - In conversation with Professor Alan Lester 33:59

11M ago33:59

33:59

In this episode, we navigate the contemporary debates around colonialism, empire and slavery and its resonating echoes in modern culture wars with the guidance of Professor Alan Lester. As an eminent historian, Alan brings profound insight into the intricate relationship between colonial legacies and the contemporary debates surrounding them. Toget…

1
Slavery in California - In conversation with Jean Pfaelzer 31:24

11M ago31:24

31:24

n this eye-opening episode, we journey into the often-overlooked history of slavery in California, guided by the insights of Professor Jean Pfaelzer, author of the seminal book, "California: A Slave State." Pfaelzer's groundbreaking research uncovers a hidden chapter of California's past, where the institution of slavery played a significant, if cl…

1
The Fear of War in 1930s Europe 26:13

12M ago26:13

26:13

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the intellectual climate of 1930s Europe, as detailed in Richard Overy's illuminating work, "The Morbid Age." The episode seeks to uncover the complex web of fears, anxieties, and escalating tensions that pervaded Britain and the broader European landscape, leading many to view the ou…

1
Black Britain 1948-89 Part One 24:40

12M ago24:40

24:40

In the first episode of our exploration into "Roots and Culture" by Eddie Chambers, we delve into the history of Black Britain from 1948 to 1989. This period witnessed a profound shift in Britain's cultural, social, and racial landscape, marked by the arrival of the Windrush Generation in 1948 and culminating with the end of the 1980s. In this epis…

1
German victories in the Caucasus: Spring - Summer 1942 (Part Two) 25:10

12M ago25:10

25:10

In the second episode of our deep dive into the months prior to Stalingrad, reading Max Hastings' "All Hell Let Loose," we shift our gaze to a pivotal moment in 1942. This was a year marked by startling contrasts between the strategic decision-making processes in the Kremlin and the Führerbunker. We explore how the relentless calamities faced by th…

1
German victories in the Caucasus: Spring - Summer 1942 26:38

12M ago26:38

26:38

In this episode of Explaining History, we dive into the tumultuous events of World War II's Eastern Front, focusing on the German victories in the Caucasus region during the spring and summer of 1942. Drawing upon insights from Max Hastings's masterful book, "All Hell Let Loose," we present a comprehensive account of this critical phase of the war.…

1
The collapse of Mexican neoliberalism 1994-5 29:49

12M ago29:49

29:49

In this thought-provoking episode of Explaining History, we turn our focus to a pivotal period in Latin American economic history - the collapse of Mexican neoliberalism between 1994-5. Drawing from John Gray's incisive book "False Dawn," we delve into the intricacies of this economic implosion and its far-reaching implications. Our exploration tak…

1
Maoism Explained Part One 33:39

12M ago33:39

33:39

In this compelling episode of Explaining History, we delve deep into the ideological and historical currents that gave rise to Maoism, the influential doctrine of China's revolutionary leader, Mao Zedong. Drawing from Julia Lovell's profound work, "Maoism: A Global History," we aim to demystify Mao's philosophy and its global impact. Our exploratio…

1
From the Pentagon Papers to Watergate 1971-74 33:39

12M ago33:39

33:39

Join us on this episode of Explaining History, where we journey back to one of the most politically turbulent eras in American history. We're privileged to have Mary McNeil, a renowned historian and scholar, as our guide through the labyrinth of events that transpired from the release of the Pentagon Papers to the fall of the Nixon administration i…

1
Elton John VS the Sun Newspaper 1987-88 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

In this episode of Explaining History, we turn our focus from world events to a pivotal moment in pop culture history: the infamous legal battle between music superstar Elton John and the British tabloid, The Sun. Based on John Sweeney's insightful feature, "The Sun and the Star," from the "Faber Book of Pop" anthology, we unravel the intricate sto…

1
Countdown to Surrender: The last days of World War Two 35:20

1y ago35:20

35:20

In this captivating episode of Explaining History, we delve into the profound historical moments leading to the end of World War II with our special guest, acclaimed writer and historian, Evan Thomas. As the author of numerous bestselling books and an expert in American history and foreign policy, Thomas guides us through the fraught final days of …

1
Post War British Society 1945-1990 26:45

1y ago26:45

26:45

In this episode, we delve deep into the dynamic period in British history spanning 1945 to 1990. Our exploration is based on "The People's Peace" by esteemed historian Kenneth O. Morgan, who masterfully encapsulates the cultural, social, and political transformation of post-war Britain. We open with the euphoria of victory in 1945 and the advent of…

1
War reporting in the USSR: 1941-45 25:54

1y ago25:54

25:54

In this thought-provoking episode of the Explaining History Podcast, historian we delve into the captivating world of war reporting during Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Drawing inspiration from the renowned book "The First Casualty" by Phillip Knightley, we explore the intricate landscape of journalism, cens…

1
Scholar, Spy, Eyewitness: Winthrop Bell (Explaining History in Conversation with Jason Bell) 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

In today's podcast I chat with Jason Bell about his book Cracking the Nazi Code, the story of Winthrop Bell, a Canadian academic and MI6 agent who witnessed the rise of Nazism first hand. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Anglo American Liberalism and the Mandate System 1918-1919 25:07

1y ago25:07

25:07

Join historian us on a journey into the intricate world of international politics during the aftermath of World War I in the latest episode of the Explaining History Podcast. In this episode, titled "Anglo-American Liberalism and the Mandate System 1918-1919," we delve into the clash between imperial ambitions, paternalism, and the ideals of Wilson…

1
Mussolini's Mausoleum - 1957 25:36

1y ago25:36

25:36

Welcome to a captivating episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we take an insightful journey into the legacy of Mussolini's historical memory in Italy. In this episode, titled "Mussolini's Mausoleum," our focus centers on the site where his remains are interred, located in Predappio, Italy. We delve into the fascinating history surrounding the…

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