History with Jackson

"Why do female rulers often end up as the ‘last’ of their empires or kingdoms?" In studying queens from Cleopatra to Hawaii’s last monarch, Kate noticed a pattern: women often mark the final chapters of empires. Why? Because historically, societies have been quick to see women as threats—politically and physically. Whether it’s Cleopatra’s last stand, the Queen of Hawaii’s quiet resistance, or Cat...

In this episode we speak to Zack White about the American Revolution, the role that the Spanish played in it, how it affected the colonies and the native Americans! Grab your tickets for Chalke History Festival here which is held between the 22rd of June to the 28th! To learn more about Chalke and grab tickets head to their website , TikTok , Instagram , X or Facebook ! If you want to get in touch...

Uncover the truth about revolutionaries who hijacked the 70s — and why they’re still shaping our world today. Have you ever wondered what fuels radicals to become what we call terrorists? Jason's new book, The Revolutionists , digs into the mindsets, characters, and global movements that blurred those lines in the 60s and 70s. In this episode we discuss the way revolutionary ideas—whether left-win...

Ever wondered what it takes to retrace a WWII hero’s daring escape? Adam great grandfather, Frank's story isn’t just tales of bravery; it’s about the unbelievable journey from crash to freedom, crossing mountains and dodging enemies, all while risking everything. Why? Because some stories aren’t just history—they’re lessons in resilience and kindness, shared across generations. From crashing in a...

Why are women such a central obsession in Greek myths, often portrayed as obstacles or prizes? In Homer’s world—myth and history blend, creating a paradox. Women are both silenced and mythologized, seen as prizes or obstacles, and yet, they're essential to the story’s very fabric. For example, Helen’s obsession drives the Trojan War, while women like Penelope symbolize loyalty and silence. But ben...

In this episode with Katja Hoyer I learned how Weimar’s choice as the new republic’s capital wasn’t random; it was strategic. Small, cultural, and safe from political upheaval, it symbolized a fresh start. But beneath that veneer, extremism was already brewing — Nazis testing their power, violence simmering just beneath the surface. The town’s evolution shows how politics and culture collide, and...

Most history books only scratch the surface of Roman slavery, portraying it as just manual labor. But Emma Southon new book 'Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire' reveals a hidden world—slavery that reached into every corner of society, even high finance and bureaucracy. Imagine slaves running entire provinces, managing banks, or even owning property, yet still legally ‘property’ of their mas...

Ever wondered how history shapes our present? Let's dive into the untold stories of resistance against slavery.  In this episode, we explore Carrie Gibson's insights from her book *The Great Resistance*, highlighting the rich tapestry of enslaved people's struggles across the Americas. It's not just about plantations—enslavement permeated all aspects of life, from urban settings to the d...

Ever wondered why art history feels so dry? Let's dive into the hilarious chaos behind it! 🤔🎨  Art isn’t just about dates and terminology; it’s about wild stories and unforgettable characters. From the Renaissance to today, artists have always pushed boundaries and behaved in outrageous ways.  Take Michelangelo, who mixed it up between styles and even poked fun at his critics with chee...

Why do we picture Henry VIII when we think of England? Let's explore this misconception together! In my conversation with historian Nandini Das, we delve into her new book, *This Little World*, where she challenges the notion of English isolation. Did you know that England’s identity has been shaped by centuries of migration? From the Syrian princesses to Flemish hat makers, the narrative is rich...

Discover the incredible story of Sergeant Horace Stokes, a key figure in WWII's Special Forces, and his remarkable escapes against all odds. Ideal for history enthusiasts. In this episode, we delve into the captivating narrative of Sergeant Horace Stokes, an outstanding member of the Special Forces during World War II. His story is not just about survival; it’s a testament to bravery and the indom...

Discover how Greta Garbo's rise transformed women's self-perception in Hollywood. Learn from Scott Reisfield's insights into her life and impact. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating life of Greta Garbo and her significant influence on women's roles in Hollywood, as discussed by Scott Reisfield in his book, "Greta Garbo and the Rise of Modern Woman." With insights garnered from his uniqu...

In our latest episode, historian Dan Lyndon-Cohen shares his journey from a curious student to the director of the School's History Project. He emphasises the importance of a diverse history curriculum and how it connects to today’s world. His insights shed light on how we can engage students by connecting historical events to their lives, making learning meaningful and relevant. It's not just abo...

Explore the captivating world of hoaxes in the 18th century, revealing how they shaped society's understanding of truth. Learn why these tales matter today. In the 18th century, a captivating yet chaotic narrative unfolded, marked by deception and intrigue. Hoaxes were not merely tricks; they were a reflection of the societal tensions and aspirations of the time. This blog post explores the fascin...

Discover the untold stories of Pompeii's residents, revealing their daily lives, struggles, and humanity before the great disaster. Explore the depths of history with Dr. Jess Venner. Pompeii is often remembered for the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which buried the city and its inhabitants under layers of ash. But what about the lives of the people who lived there? In this epi...

In this episode, we explore the life and work of Plato, one of history's most influential philosophers. Why is it important to examine Plato not just as a thinker but as a person deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of his time? We’ll delve into his dialogues, the context in which they were written, and what they reveal about his views on democracy, philosophy, and civic life. Grab a...

Discover the complex legacy of Cleopatra, from political propaganda to gender dynamics, as explored in Lucy Hughes-Hallett's insightful book.  In this episode, we’ll delve into the intriguing perspectives on Cleopatra as discussed by Lucy Hughes-Hallett in her book, *Cleopatra: Histories, Dreams, and Distortions*. Cleopatra has often been a subject of fascination, yet her life has been marred...

In the world of espionage, few stories are as captivating and controversial as that of the Cambridge Five. This group of British spies, who sold secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, has been romanticized in popular culture as heroic figures battling against the establishment. But what if the truth is far more complex? In this blog post, we explore the myths surrounding the Cambridge Fi...

In this episode Jackson sits down to discuss American history with historian and author Beverley Gage through some of its forgotten tourist attractions and historic locations! Grab a copy of This Land Is Your Land https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14692/9781836430582 If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.uk To support History with Jackson to carry on cr...

Why would a psychiatrist connect with one of history's most notorious figures? In this post, we delve into the remarkable story of Dr. Douglas M. Kelley and his interactions with Hermann Göring during the Nuremberg trials. You'll learn how Kelly's experiences shaped his understanding of morality and human behavior, and why this matters for our perception of evil today. Grab a copy of The Nazi and...

In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the life of Enver Hoxha, one of the 20th century's most controversial figures. What makes Hoxha's story compelling is not just his role as a dictator but the context that shaped him. Emerging from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, Albania was desperate for modernization. But Hoxha's rise was marked by violence and a desire to transform a backward nat...

Themistocles is often painted as a pivotal figure in Athenian history, yet his life was full of uncertainties and ups and downs. His rise to power wasn’t a straight path; it was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. We often think of great leaders as always knowing their destiny, but Themistocles shows us that greatness can come from chaos and confusion.  Grab a of Themistocles here https...

Rasputin, the enigmatic figure of Russian history, has fascinated generations with his larger-than-life persona and controversial role in the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. In this podcast, historian Antony Beevor delves into his new book, "Rasputin and the Downfall of the Romanovs," unpacking the complex layers of Rasputin's life, his influence on the imperial family, and the profound implicati...

In the darkest corridors of history, stories of resilience and hope often emerge where least expected. The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, weaving a narrative of survival against the backdrop of the Holocaust. In this blog post, we explore the extraordinary tale recounted by Anne Sebba, author of "The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz," as she sha...

🌟 Did you know that the narrative of communism in China is often a fairy tale? 🤔 Frank Dikötter reveals the truth behind the propaganda that has shaped our understanding of history.  🔍 Key takeaway: For decades, we've been fed a simplified story of the communists as heroes fighting for the people, but the reality is far more complex.  Grab a copy of Red Dawn over China - https://uk.bo...