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Real Dictators

NOISER
Saddam Hussein
Iraq
Charlie Chaplin
Gulf War
Oliver Cromwell
Silent Film Era
Ba'ath Party
The Little Tramp
Comedy
Hollywood
George H.W. Bush
Herod the Great
Baths
English Civil War
Scots
Keystone Studios
The Great Dictator
Gamal Abdel Nasser
Abdul Karim Qasim
Kuwait

Real Dictators is the award-winning podcast that explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Hosted by Paul McGann, with contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians. New episodes available a week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content on shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of t... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes157Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryDramaFiction

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Artwork for Real Dictators

Latest Episodes

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The former soldier in the French army who seized power in his African homeland. The leader of the Central African Republic who proclaimed himself emperor. The emperor who ruled as an avaricious dictator. Jean-Bédel Bokassa’s time in power in the CAR ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Stefan Brink
Professor of Scandinavian Studies, University of the Highlands and Islands; author
University of the Highlands and Islands / Cambridge
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Davide Zori
Associate professor of history and archaeology
Baylor University
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Eleanor Barraclough
Senior lecturer; author
Baar Spaar University
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Pragya Vora
Lecturer in Medieval History
University of York
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Marge Conser
Archaeologist
University of Tartu
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Elizabeth Rowe
Reader in Scandinavian studies
University of Cambridge
Episode: Introducing: Real Vikings - Episode 1
Eduardo Zayas-Bazan
Cuban exile and key participant in the Bay of Pigs invasion
Episode: Fidel Castro Part 5: The Bay of Pigs
Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo
Cuban writer and photographer
Episode: Fidel Castro Part 1: Rise of ‘The Crazy One’
Carlos Eire
Professor of History at Yale University
Yale University
Episode: Fidel Castro Part 1: Rise of ‘The Crazy One’

Host

Paul McGann
Host of Real Dictators; primary narrator and creator.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 22k ratings
  • Pls

    Do trump

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eric Eric🤪🤓🥸
    United Statesa month ago
  • WOW!

    Really, really good. Just amazing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I’m a chimpanzee
    India2 months ago
  • Nixon+ trump

    Do them

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    theotartanian
    United States2 months ago
  • Trump

    cue up his episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nboogiewetrust
    United States2 months ago
  • Another Noiser win!

    This series is very interesting and entertaining.

    From the host’s intros to the segments to the heightened intrigue of well placed music, this offering keeps me fascinated.

    Well done all!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tgwdeb61
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging narrative and strong production make history feel cinematic
Excellent research and narration; audiences get clear receipts for claims
Some listeners wish episodes dropped more frequently but praise depth and pacing
High-quality, well-produced history with credible experts and eyewitnesses

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#34
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#39
United States/History
Spotify
#20
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#233
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#19
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#30
Canada/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Oliver Cromwell Part 3: To Kill a King…
Q: Why do some parliamentarians and members of the New Model Army decide to get rid of the king?
Because they realize Charles I has been insincere in negotiations and has also launched a new civil war in 1648, making him untrustworthy. Additionally, they believe it is God's will to remove him to prevent continuous conflict.
BONUS: Dictators’ Books
Q: Any of them show any sign of a sense of humor in their work, or are these books, you know, to the last one kind of devoid of that?
Not really, humor is dangerous in totalitarian regimes; very few jokes appear.
BONUS: Dictators’ Books
Q: Do you feel when you were reading these books, in touch with that kind of evil of the person who was writing them? I mean, was there a kind of discomfort there?
Sometimes, it depended on the regime, e.g. Stalin was dry while Hitler's writing was filled with hate.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Dictators

What is Real Dictators about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series crafts in-depth, narrative histories of autocrats and the systems they built, blending rigorous archival detail with vivid storytelling. Episodes repeatedly center on how dictators consolidate power, mobilize propaganda, regulate society, and manage international relationships, often through dramatic, high-stakes episodes that mix political strategy with human consequences. A standout angle is the careful juxtaposition of grand public pageantry and intimate, sometimes brutal realities, offering listeners a lens into not just what dictators did, but how their regimes affected everyday life. The show also benefits from expert historians and eyewitness voices that add credibility and diverse perspectives to each saga, making it a s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Real Dictators?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Real Dictators:

1. Short History Of...
2. Ancient Civilisations
3. History Daily
4. Dan Snow's History Hit
5. Real Survival Stories

How many episodes of Real Dictators are there?

Real Dictators launched 6 years ago and published 157 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Real Dictators?

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What guests have appeared on Real Dictators?

Recent guests on Real Dictators include:

1. Stefan Brink
2. Davide Zori
3. Eleanor Barraclough
4. Pragya Vora
5. Marge Conser
6. Elizabeth Rowe
7. Eduardo Zayas-Bazan
8. Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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