The Rest Is History is a conversational history podcast produced by the United Kingdom-based network Goalhanger Podcasts. Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the program examines a broad spectrum of historical events, figures, and societal shifts. Each episode typically features the two hosts engaging in comprehensive discussions that bridge the gap between academic research and popular storytelling.
Tom Holland, an author with expertise in the ancient world and the development of Western morality, and Dominic Sandbrook, a historian specializing in modern British and American political history, bring complementary perspectives to a wide variety of topics. Their coverage spans chronological eras from the Persian Wars and the Roman Republic to more modern occurrences such as the Watergate scandal and the cultural impact of the 1960s. The show frequently utilizes multi-part series to explore complex narratives in detail, including the French Revolution, the lives of various Caesars, and the political lead-up to the World Wars.
The podcast is noted for its analytical tone, focusing on the human motivations behind historical actions rather than presenting a moralistic critique. It has gained significant international traction, consistently ranking among the most-listened-to history programs on major streaming platforms. Beyond the standard feed, the show maintains a subscription-tier known as The Rest Is History Club. This extension provides listeners with ad-free episodes, bonus content, early access to new series, and participation in a dedicated community forum. As a flagship title for Goalhanger, the production emphasizes research-based content and a narrative-driven approach to non-fiction audio.