Real Dictators
NOISER
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.
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No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
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 the feed to get started or head to noiser.com/subscriptions
For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm
No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Episodes
Mentioned books
67 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 2min
Benito Mussolini Part 3: Murder in Broad Daylight
Benito Mussolini, the notorious Italian dictator who led the National Fascist Party from 1922 to 1943, shares intriguing insights into his rise to power. He discusses the brutal tactics employed to silence dissent, including the chilling assassination of political rival Giacomo Matteotti. Mussolini’s theatrical leadership style, relationship with the Catholic Church, and hedonistic lifestyle reveal the complexities of his rule. The podcast also covers an assassination attempt by Violet Gibson and Mussolini's subsequent manipulation of the event for propaganda.
68 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Benito Mussolini Part 2: The March on Rome
In this fascinating discussion, Benito Mussolini, the controversial Italian dictator and founder of the National Fascist Party, delves into his transformative journey from a wounded soldier to a rising political force. He recounts the tumultuous atmosphere in post-World War I Italy, marked by national grievances and social unrest. Mussolini reveals the strategic planning behind the audacious March on Rome, detailing how it secured his power amid chaos. His insights provide a chilling look at the bold tactics that cemented his rule and the birth of fascism.
Dec 16, 2024 • 30min
Introducing: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
Hugh Bonneville, known for his acting in shows like 'Downton Abbey,' takes listeners on a thrilling journey through Sherlock Holmes' mysteries. He introduces a veiled lady desperately seeking help, revealing her family's tragic secrets. Bonneville narrates the eerie ties to a sister's fatal fear and the unsettling occurrences haunting a decaying estate. The rich tapestry of intrigue unfolds as Holmes faces dark histories intertwined with love and loss, drawing fans of classic mysteries deeper into the narrative.
120 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 2min
Benito Mussolini Part 1: Italy’s Fascist Godfather
In this riveting discussion, Benito Mussolini, the infamous Italian dictator and founder of Fascism, recounts his journey from humble beginnings as the son of a blacksmith to becoming Italy's controversial leader. He explores his tumultuous youth, marked by violence and isolation, and discusses his radical political awakening during World War I. Mussolini also reflects on the chaotic events surrounding his downfall, conveying the transformation of public sentiment towards him, from a revered leader to a despised figure by the end.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 53min
General Videla Part 4: Dictator in the Courtroom
Luis Moreno Ocampo, the deputy prosecutor who took on the trial of the Argentine Junta, shares his insights from the courtroom against General Videla. He discusses the emotional testimonies from survivors and the tough journey from dictatorship to democracy. The impact of the Falklands War is examined, revealing how it led to a demand for justice. Ocampo recounts efforts to expose the military's atrocities, culminating in a landmark verdict and reflecting on the broader implications for Argentina's identity and the continuous fight for accountability.
Nov 13, 2024 • 58min
General Videla Part 3: God, Football, the Falklands
Jorge Rafael Videla, the notorious Argentine dictator during the 1978 World Cup, shares chilling insights into his regime's dark manipulations. He discusses how the World Cup was used as a mask for human rights abuses, presenting a facade of national pride while oppression loomed nearby. The podcast reveals tense moments of the contentious semi-final against Peru, where politics and football collided, and highlights the jarring contrast between celebratory crowds and the suffering of political prisoners, framing it as a complex narrative of triumph amid tyranny.
19 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 59min
General Videla Part 2: Mr Clean’s Dirty War
Guests Ernesto Seman and Edward Brudney dive deep into the dark era of General Videla’s regime in Argentina. Seman shares chilling insights about the oppressive measures and torture centers that marked the Dirty War. Brudney offers context around the coup, highlighting the surprising public support for military rule despite its brutal tactics. The episode vividly paints a picture of cultural repression and the fight for justice against a backdrop of international indifference, exposing the horrific reality faced by countless families.
13 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 3min
General Videla Part 1: The Skinny One and the Witch
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jorge Rafael Videla—a former Argentine dictator notorious for his human rights abuses—and journalist Robert Cox, who covered Argentina's tumultuous years, provide chilling insights into a dark chapter of history. They delve into Videla's early life and the socio-political chaos of the 1920s and 30s, illustrating how economic turbulence and military coups paved the way for his oppressive regime. The narrative starkly juxtaposes Argentina's cultural vibrancy against its grim reality, highlighting the personal stories lost in the brutality of the Dirty War.
Sep 24, 2024 • 26min
BONUS: Dictators’ Books
Daniel Kalder, the author of 'The Infernal Library' and 'Dictator Literature: A History of Bad Books', delves into the curious world of dictators and their writings. He discusses the eerie blend of power and literature, showcasing how many dictators turned to pen and paper, revealing their vulnerabilities. Kalder highlights Saddam Hussein's surprising shift from speeches to novels, particularly 'Zabiba and the King', and ponders the grotesque legacy of a Quran written in blood, illuminating the deeper cultural and historical implications of dictator literature.
Sep 10, 2024 • 50min
Pinochet Part 3: Searching for the Disappeared
Mark Ensalaco, a professor and expert on the Pinochet regime, delves into the dark historical landscape of Chile under dictatorship. He reveals how Pinochet consolidated power through brutal repression and the formation of DINA, a secret police force. The chilling effects of Operation Condor and U.S. complicity come to light, along with stark contrasts of wealth and inequality. Ensalaco poignantly discusses the ongoing quest for justice for those disappeared, the societal scars that remain, and the complex legacy left in the wake of Pinochet's rule.
