Journey Through Time
Goalhanger
Forgotten stories from history and how they shaped the way we live today.
Hear about the ordinary people from history and the extraordinary impact they’ve had on the present. Hosted by historians David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell, Journey Through Time will show how everyday actions have the most remarkable unintended consequences that ripple through time.
From the first woman to run for President to the unknown story of how the world came to the brink of nuclear war in 1983, this podcast is for everyone, not just history lovers.
To hear more Goalhanger podcasts, go to www.goalhanger.com
Hear about the ordinary people from history and the extraordinary impact they’ve had on the present. Hosted by historians David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell, Journey Through Time will show how everyday actions have the most remarkable unintended consequences that ripple through time.
From the first woman to run for President to the unknown story of how the world came to the brink of nuclear war in 1983, this podcast is for everyone, not just history lovers.
To hear more Goalhanger podcasts, go to www.goalhanger.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 58min
59. A Christmas Carol: The Book That Brought Back Christmas (Ep 1)
Victorian Britain had nearly forgotten Christmas until Charles Dickens stepped in. Discover how a grim visit to a ragged school sparked the idea for 'A Christmas Carol.' Hear about Dickens' financial struggles and his urgent need for a hit. Explore Scrooge's character as a symbol of materialism and indifference. Delve into the inspiration behind Tiny Tim and the poignant messages about compassion in the face of poverty. This tale not only revived a holiday but also aimed to rekindle humanity's spirit.
Dec 22, 2025 • 39min
58. Black GIs: Brown Babies and Broken Hearts (Ep 5)
A deep dive into the panic over interracial relationships when Black American soldiers arrived in wartime Britain. Examination of bans on marriage and the policies that forced separations. Stories of mixed-race children left behind and the social stigma, housing struggles, and care institutions they faced. Reflection on how race, class, and misogyny shaped tragic outcomes.
Dec 18, 2025 • 28min
57. Black GIs: American Mutiny On British Streets (Ep 4)
Tells the story of a 1944 uprising when Black American soldiers clashed with US military police on Bristol streets. Explores wartime censorship that hid the violence from the British public. Examines how segregation was enforced by the US Army in British towns and the strategic military role of Bristol during D-Day preparations.
Dec 15, 2025 • 36min
56. Black GIs: The Battle of Bamber Bridge (Ep 3)
Explore the explosive events in Bamber Bridge, where an argument over uniforms escalated into a fierce gun battle among American soldiers. The struggles of Black GIs facing harsh segregation, and their surprising camaraderie with local villagers, set the stage for this conflict. News of violence back home heightened tensions, leading to a chaotic confrontation at a pub. The aftermath spurred significant reforms in the military and a lasting legacy of remembrance for the lives affected by this dark chapter in history.
Dec 11, 2025 • 40min
55. Black GIs: We Ain’t No Slaves, This Is England (Ep 2)
Discover how American troops brought segregation to Britain during World War II, sparking tensions in British towns. The hosts explore the striking contrast between the well-fed GIs and the struggling locals. Learn about the British public's mixed reactions, from sympathy for black GIs to complicity in segregation. They highlight the cultural differences between black and white soldiers and the violent enforcement of American racial policies. Personal stories illustrate the moral dilemmas faced as Britain grappled with its own racism while fighting fascism.
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
54. Black GIs: When Jim Crow Came To Britain (Ep 1)
What happened when 1.5 million American troops landed in the UK during WWII? Explore how British culture was reshaped by the 'friendly invasion' and the often-overlooked story of 130,000 African American soldiers. Discover the clash between Jim Crow segregation and British society, along with the complex reactions of locals. The podcast dives into the everyday realities of segregation, the British government's concerns, and the dual struggle faced by black servicemen against both fascism and racial injustice.
Dec 5, 2025 • 12min
Introducing: The Rest Is Science
Dive into the bizarre world of reality where familiar concepts vanish under scrutiny. Discover how curiosity fuels science by sharpening questions. Learn to explain gravity to an alien and explore its strange effects—like tiny attractions between us! Unpack Newton's views and Einstein's groundbreaking ideas about spacetime. Ever wondered how gravity impacts time? Find out how living in Boulder makes you age a fraction faster than in Greenwich! Join this captivating exploration that proves reality is stranger than fiction.
Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
53. Harriet Tubman: The Woman Who Led An Army (Ep 4)
Discover how Harriet Tubman led over 750 enslaved people to freedom during the daring Combahee River Raid. Explore her dual roles as a Union scout and spy, navigating challenges while gathering vital intelligence. Delve into her post-war struggles for financial stability and activism for women's suffrage. Reflect on her complex legacy, from fighting for a military pension to dreaming of a home for destitute Black veterans. Tubman's life uncovers the enduring fight for freedom and her significant impact on today's political landscape.
Dec 1, 2025 • 42min
52. Harriet Tubman: How Most Wanted Woman Never Got Caught (Ep 3)
Discover Harriet Tubman's ingenious escape tactics, including her strategic use of Saturdays and winter to elude capture. Learn about her daring journeys on railroads and her focus on reuniting enslaved families. The discussion also highlights John Brown's radical abolitionism and his collaboration with Tubman during the failed Harpers’ Ferry raid. Explore how Tubman’s reputation raised a bounty on her head while she remained largely unknown. The podcast paints a vivid picture of her relentless fight for freedom and her pivotal role in the abolitionist movement.
Nov 27, 2025 • 43min
51. Harriet Tubman: The Underground Railroad From Slavery To Freedom (Ep 2)
Explore the remarkable journey of Harriet Tubman as she defied danger to lead others to freedom. Discover the secrets of the Underground Railroad, from coded language to hidden passages. Learn how the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 changed the landscape for both free and enslaved people, making every northern corner a potential danger. Delve into Tubman's audacious returns to rescue family members, her divine mission, and her legacy as a fearless conductor. Experience the grit and determination that fueled her extraordinary efforts.
