The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran
String Studios2025 Signal Award Winner: Best History Podcast
Iran’s history has been a never-ending struggle for liberty and independence. In this podcast, we tell the story of how Iran ended up where it is now and how religion, monarchy, democracy, and nationalism all played important roles in defining the lives of its people.
Book One: The Qajars How the constitutional revolution created Iran’s very first p... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 32 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||
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Latest Episodes
Iran’s oil had enriched Britain and left its workers in shanty towns.
When a deadly strike erupts and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company refuses to yield, a veteran constitutionalist steps forward to fight for control of the nation’s oil.
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As Cold War tensions rise, Iran and the United States become unlikely allies. After surviving an assassination attempt, Mohammad Reza Shah moves to consolidate power and reshape Iran’s political order.
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As World War II ends, Iran becomes the first battleground of the Cold War. After Stalin reaches for northern oil, a calculated gamble in Tehran determines whether the country will split or survive.
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After Reza Shah’s abdication, the young Mohammad Reza Pahlavi takes the throne. As Iran struggles with the aftermath of the Anglo-Soviet invasion, Allied leaders gather in Tehran to plan the next phase of the war.
Book Two Recap
Book One Recap
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Reviews
no political agenda....just facts. great story telling that engraves facts in your mind. love this podcast. I am excited about the next session to learn more.
Audible5amyshaffer
United States9 days ago- Absolutely worth the listen
I’ve bounce around a little and it’s even great in this way. Highly recommended!
Apple Podcasts5Hemingway 38United States11 days ago - Uneven
I appreciate what this is trying to do, and feel like maybe the information is valid, but the narrator’s problems with pronouncing basic English and the awkward writing make it hard to listen to. I also note the other commenters complaining about the Farsi pronunciation. I can’t comment on that, but would hope that someone attempting to do a podcast about Iran would get some input on Farsi pronunciation.
Apple Podcasts2JordanJUnited States25 days ago - AI
This is AI garbage. Get real people relaying real conversations about history.
Apple Podcasts1JimB-TXUnited Statesa month ago - Wonderful!
A rich history, we rarely hear, of a great people.
Apple Podcasts5S.F. TodaUnited Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #179 | United States/History |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #217 |  Canada/History |
Apple Podcasts | #126 |  Australia/History |
Apple Podcasts | #163 |  Germany/History |
Apple Podcasts | #19 |  United Arab Emirates/History |
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 This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Focusing on the intricate and tumultuous history of Iran, this podcast provides a continuous narrative detailing the interplay of religion, monarchy, democracy, and nationalism that has shaped the nation. Through captivating storytelling, it covers significant eras, beginning with the decline of the Qajar monarchy and the establishment of Iran's first parliament during the constitutional revolution. Following that, the focus shifts to the rise and fall of Reza Shah, the architect of modern Iran, exploring his ambitious attempts to modernize the country amidst external pressures and internal dissent. The series is designed for those interested in deepening their understanding of Iran's complex historical landscape, particularly as it sets th... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz
2. Throughline
3. The Daily
4. The Iran Podcast
5. Radiolab
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 32 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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