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Artwork for Subject to Change

Subject to Change

Russell Hogg
Taiwan
Tiberius
Salt
Fourth Crusade
Roman Empire
Rome
Sejanus
Christianity
Constantinople
Japanese Colonial Rule
East India Company
Spring Heeled Jack
Senate
Augustus
Germanicus
Shimabara Rebellion
Roman Republic
Venice
Indigenous Peoples
Musha Incident

I talk to the world's best historians and let them tell the stories. And the stories are wonderful! (And occasionally I change the subject and talk about films, philosophy or whatever!).

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes104Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmFilm ReviewsHistory

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Artwork for Subject to Change

Latest Episodes

You don't have to be young and beautiful to get ahead in Stuart England but it really doesn't hurt. The is the story of 'gorgeous George' - that is to say George Villiers (later Duke of Buckingham) who in his early 20's became the favourite of James ... more

YouTube

Jonathan Clements returns to talk about his book on the First Emperor of China and the man who was sent to kill him: facts and fictions in Zhang Yimou’s movie Hero (2002), the evil mirror-universe version of Confucianism, an impossibly well-endowed “... more

YouTube

It is astonishing to me that we went from the first powered flight of a few hundred feet in 1903 to attempting to fly the Atlantic in 1919. 

The Daily Mail had offered a prize of £10,000 to cross the Atlantic. The pilots called it the Big Hop. Nowad... more

YouTube

Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor of History at Oxford University is on excellent form to talk me through the German Peasant's War of 1524-25. Things I learned:

- take Martin Luther seriously (but not literally)

- monasteries feed the poor and needy (... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Jonathan Clements
Historian and cultural critic
Episode: YEAR ZERO: Jonathan Clements on the First Emperor of China
David Rooney
Writer, historian, and museum curator
Episode: The Big Hop of 1919
Lyndal Roper
Regius Professor of History at Oxford University and expert on early modern European history.
Oxford University
Episode: Martin Luther, serfdom and the German Peasants’ War
David Stevenson
British historian specializing in World War I
Episode: World War I: The surprising victory of 1918
Ed West
A journalist and cultural commentator, author of "1066 and Before All That"
The Wrong Side of History
Episode: Ed West on 1066 and all that
Mark Morris
Historian and broadcaster whose work concentrates on the Middle Ages
Episode: Edward I - a Great and Terrible King
Edward Shawcross
Historian and author of The Last Emperor of Mexico
Episode: Napoleon III Part 1: The Lust for Power
Justin Marozzi
Journalist and historian, evocative chronicler of the Islamic world.
Episode: From Eunuchs to Corsairs: The World of Islamic Slavery
Peter Marshall
Professor of History at Warwick University and expert on the English Reformation
Warwick University
Episode: The Pilgrimage of Grace: When England Fought the Reformation

Host

Russell Hogg
Host of Subject to Change; specializes in historical storytelling and interviewing leading historians.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 137 ratings
  • A dinner-party for my intellect

    I’m a doctor, this was recommended to me by a journalist, I love listening to a lawyer in their spare time speak to authors about history often with film references. It’s all here!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JslKeats
    Australia3 months ago
  • Top shelf

    One of the most stimulating listens out there. The host is enormously well-read yet modest, and it shows in his thoughtful questions and how he draws the most out of his interviewees. He really has a knack for picking subjects just off the beaten path that prove to be totally fascinating and teach me something I didn’t know I didn’t know. As good as this medium gets.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scooter1910
    United Statesa year ago
  • Excellent

    This is one of the best history podcasts I have heard. The host’s interaction with his guests is well done. I would give this podcast even more stars.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pho. Bolo. H.
    United Statesa year ago
  • Unique stories

    I found this podcast serendipitously and it’s been one of the great hidden gems out there. Covering areas of historical and some contemporary interest, each story warrants full attention from start to finish. Great collection of interviews right here.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hkio5
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • A wonderful history podcast

    The topic/guest selection is excellent: every episode is extremely interesting and well-developed, be it about the Lord of the Rings or the spice trade. Russell is also a fantastic interviewer that helps his guests shine.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hbgyjvtun
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

The show is well-researched and offers engaging discussions beyond standard history summaries.
Guests are consistently top-notch historians and writers, with a global scope.
The host brings out thoughtful questions and lets guests shine, making complex topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#242
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

YEAR ZERO: Jonathan Clements on the First Emperor of China
Q: What is the story behind the Terracotta Army and its discovery?
The Terracotta Army was not initially mentioned in early sources; it was discovered in 1974 when farmers uncovered the site, and subsequent archaeological work revealed a vast necropolis with thousands of warriors, dramatically changing our understanding of the Qin Dynasty and fueling modern fascination and tourism around Xi'an.
YEAR ZERO: Jonathan Clements on the First Emperor of China
Q: How did the First Emperor come to the throne of Qin, given the succession intrigues?
The throne was secured through a convoluted succession involving Lu Buwei, a powerful minister, and a childless wife whose son was adopted, leading to a regency and eventual ascent of Ying Zheng to the throne after a period of court intrigue and palace coups.
YEAR ZERO: Jonathan Clements on the First Emperor of China
Q: Are they far ahead or are they roughly the same as Rome and Greece during this period?
China and the Mediterranean civilizations were in roughly similar developmental stages at the time of the First Emperor, with China showing advanced organization and state power comparable to Rome, though architectural and material practices differed, notably less stone building in ancient China.
Napoleon III Part 1: The Lust for Power
Q: What led up to Louis-Napoleon's eventual rise to power?
After multiple coup failures, he capitalized on the 1848 revolution in France, which led to the establishment of the Second Republic, allowing him to run for president.
Napoleon III Part 1: The Lust for Power
Q: What was the context of Napoleon III's early life?
He grew up in exile after the fall of Napoleon's regime, surrounded by tales of glory and the weight of his family legacy, shaping his political ambitions.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Subject to Change

What is Subject to Change about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful history interview series that often blends rigorous scholarly analysis with accessible storytelling. Episodes skew toward deep dives into major historical events, eras, and figures, with occasional forays into related culture like film and literature. The host favors well-credentialed historians and writers, producing conversations that emphasize context, historiography, and the human dimensions behind big historical narratives. Notable strengths include a consistently well-prepared host who lets guests articulate their ideas and a diverse roster of scholars and authors covering Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Potential listeners who enjoy careful questioning, book-bound history, and connections between past and pres... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Subject to Change?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Subject to Change:

1. In Our Time
2. The Good Fight
3. In Our Time: History
4. ChinaTalk
5. Ones and Tooze

How many episodes of Subject to Change are there?

Subject to Change launched 8 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Subject to Change?

Recent guests on Subject to Change include:

1. Jonathan Clements
2. David Rooney
3. Lyndal Roper
4. David Stevenson
5. Ed West
6. Mark Morris
7. Edward Shawcross
8. Justin Marozzi

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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