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Artwork for Subject to Change

Subject to Change

Russell Hogg
Taiwan
Napoleon III
Japan
Tiberius
Pilgrimage Of Grace
Slavery
Constantinople
Salt
Islamic World
World War I
Fourth Crusade
Roman Empire
Rome
France
Eunuchs
Sejanus
English Reformation
Zanj Rebellion
Modern Slavery
Trans-Saharan Slave Trade

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!).

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes106Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmFilm ReviewsHistory

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Latest Episodes

Part 1 of the podcast told the sad story of how some shocking misjudgements on the part of Justinian saw him dragged to the Hippodrome where a man with a pair of pliers cut off his nose, cut out his tongue.

But in a misjudgement every bit as big as ... more

YouTube

Justinian II becomes emperor at sixteen. Even allowing for the hostility of our sources the reign is not all plain sailing.

I'm joined by Professor David Parnell to work through the first half of one of Byzantium's most extraordinary reigns. Part on... more

YouTube

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

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Recent Guests

David Parnell
Professor of History at Indiana University Northwest
Indiana University Northwest
Episode: Mutilated and exiled (the Emperor Justinian II - part 1)
Lucy Hughes-Hallet
Historian, critic, biographer; author of The Scapegoat about George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham
Author of The Scapegoat
Episode: Buckingham: the most hated man in England
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

Host

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

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 141 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
    Australia4 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
#182
Ireland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Return of the Emperor (Justinian II - part 2)
Q: What does the episode reveal about the use of 'titles' as diplomacy with foreign powers?
The enemy state, the Bulgars, was offered the title of Caesar and money to join his cause, illustrating a strategic, if ethically murky, approach to diplomacy where honorary titles could grant legitimacy and leverage without immediate military force.
The Return of the Emperor (Justinian II - part 2)
Q: How did Justinian II's relationship with the papacy evolve from his first reign to his second?
In his first reign he clashed with Pope Sergius, attempting to arrest the pope and asserting imperial power, but in his second reign he reached a compromise with Pope Constantine, allowing the pope to visit and share communion, while Justinian accepted only parts of the council canons agreeable to him, signaling a shift toward greater papal influence.
The Return of the Emperor (Justinian II - part 2)
Q: What was the turning point that allowed Justinian II to regain the throne after his exile in Crescent?
He built a coalition with Turkic and neighboring groups, including the Bulgars, and orchestrated a risky return via alliance with the Khazars, culminating in a dramatic entry into Constantinople after the Bulgar forces escorted him to the walls, which persuaded the city's factions to back him.
Buckingham: the most hated man in England
Q: Shall we just start by talking a bit about James I?
The host asks for an overview of James I (VI of Scotland) and sets the stage for understanding Buckingham's rise in the English court, including James's early life, political environment, and how his fears and court dynamics shaped his rule.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

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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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1. Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning
2. Conversations with Tyler
3. In Our Time
4. Empire: World History
5. Tides of History

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Subject to Change launched 8 years ago and published 106 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. David Parnell
2. Lucy Hughes-Hallet
3. David Rooney
4. Lyndal Roper
5. David Stevenson
6. Ed West
7. Mark Morris
8. Edward Shawcross

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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