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. New episodes available one week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening and exclusive content. To find out more about Noiser+, head to noiser.com/subscriptions. For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm Production: Joel Duddell, Miriam Baines, Tom Pink, George Tapp, Dorry Macaulay ...
…
continue reading
Blending humor and research, Casey and Elisha will cover all sorts of topics, from China’s crimes against Uyghurs to Russian colonialism to Rwanda’s reputation-management schemes to celebrities who perform for dictators to how authoritarian governments hide their wealth. They’ll also feature other voices from the HRF team, journalists and the human rights community. Produced by Omar Al-Fotihi
…
continue reading
A podcast about dictators: How they rise, how they fall, and the legacies they leave behind.
…
continue reading
Liberty Dies With Thunderous Applause is a history podcast obsessed with history's greatest dictators. The hosts have created a knockout competition to determine the single greatest dictator of all time. Each episode features a match-up of two dictators where the hosts discuss the life and times of each leader. The loser of each match-up is immediately eliminated from the tournament and each winner remains in the contest to be named history's greatest dictator.
…
continue reading
J. Michael Moore is a communications professional with experience spanning industries and media types. He spent close to a decade as a sportswriter, primarily covering the NFL. On this podcast, J. Mike and guests take a provocative and often outside-the-box look at sports and some things that could be different or should be changed. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sports-dictators/support
…
continue reading
Casey sits down with Alex Dukalskis and Adam Scharpf, a pair of academics whose groundbreaking work shines new light on why dictatorships hire Western public relations firms. They talk about just how widespread the issue is, and what PR firms actually do for their dictatorial clients. They also chat about the PR industry's ethics as a whole, and wh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Oliver Cromwell Part 4: The Conquest of Ireland
1:10:12
1:10:12
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
1:10:12
In the final part of the Cromwell story, outrage at the King’s execution leads Ironsides to wage war on Scotland and, notoriously, Ireland. Insurgencies over, he’ll become Lord Protector - king in all but name. But as discontent continues to spread, the unthinkable will once again become possible. The Stuart monarchy couldn’t be restored… could it?…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha are joined by Mounir Ibrahim, a former US State Department diplomat-turned-techie, to talk about cheapfakes, deepfakes, the mal-use of Generative AI by bad actors around the globe, and what that means not only for human rights and democracy but for getting to the truth in a world of deception.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
An Open-Air Prison - Victoire Ingabire and Kate Gibson
29:39
29:39
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
29:39
On today’s episode, Casey and Elisha are joined by Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire and Kate Gibson, part of her international legal team, to discuss the case they filed with the East African Court of Justice to restore Ingabire’s civic rights after being absurdly convicted of terrorism and genocide denial, for which she spent eight year…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha speak with Masih Alinejad, one of the leading journalists and campaigners highlighting the crimes of the regime still in power in Iran. They discuss Masih's journey, as well as the recent abduction and assassination attempts against her in the US and how the democratic world can continue standing up against the despots in Tehran. T…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's new book, "Foreign Agents," on all the ways dictators use lobbyists in the US to entrench their regimes and stamp out democratic movements. They talk about how regimes from Moscow to Beijing and beyond rely on these Americans to do their dirty work, and how these foreign lobbyists became henchmen and foot-soldier…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Oliver Cromwell Part 3: To Kill a King…
1:01:13
1:01:13
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
1:01:13
With the King in captivity, both sides seek a settlement. But when Charles escapes, all trust is broken. For Cromwell there is only one course of action - a solution that will plunge the British Isles into unknown territory. His Majesty must be put on trial… A Noiser production, written by Jeff Dawson. Many thanks to Peter Gaunt, Clare Jackson, Ann…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha chat with Joey Siu, a 25-year-old Hong Konger with a bounty on her head, after the Chinese Communist Party accused her of violating its draconian national security law. In 2019, Siu played a pivotal role in organizing large-scale pro-democracy protests. Now, living in exile, her work has anything but slowed. Siu talks about what it…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Oliver Cromwell Part 2: Civil War Across the Realms
1:01:17
1:01:17
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
1:01:17
England is plunged into conflict. Oliver Cromwell, an obscure politician, soon proves himself an outstanding military commander. King Charles, meanwhile, unveils his own star signing - a dashing young cavalry officer named Prince Rupert. A daring mission featuring the Queen threatens to tip the balance the Royalists’ way. But Cromwell’s New Model A…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Mother's Fight Against Dictatorship
33:38
33:38
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
33:38
Casey speaks with Russian opposition figure Anastasia Shevchenko, who was the first person to face criminal prosecution under Russia's so-called "undesirable organizations" law. Anastasia talks about how her role as a mother propelled her into the fight against both corruption and dictatorship, as well as the new documentary focusing on her work an…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Oliver Cromwell Part 1: The Rise of Ironsides
1:06:00
1:06:00
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
1:06:00
Say “Oliver Cromwell” today and certain things come to mind. He won the English Civil War and prompted the execution of Charles I. He purged the realm with such zeal that he even cancelled Christmas. In Ireland, where Cromwell’s troops besieged its towns with a notorious barbarity, his name is still used as a curse. “The greatest prince that ever r…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Introducing: The Curious History of Your Home - Baths
33:31
33:31
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
33:31
A brand-new podcast from the Noiser network. Join domestic historian Ruth Goodman as she explores the remarkable, often epic, tales behind everyday objects. This taster episode is all about the bath. A murderous emperor builds the grandest bath complex ever seen in Ancient Rome. The arrival of a new disease spells trouble for the bathhouses of Tudo…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha talk with Rushan Abbas, the founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, about the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing genocide against Uyghurs. They discuss some of the policy successes in recent years helping shine a light on Beijing's crimes, and a new congressional caucus aiding Uyghurs. They also talk about Rushan's journey into activism - …
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha speak with HRF's Africa policy officer, Mo Keita, talks about the recent arrest of Swazi activist and former podcast guest, Tanele Maseko. They talk about how the Swazi regime's efforts to silence critics continue to backfire and how to support the pro-democratic reformers targeting Africa's last absolute monarchy.To listen to Case…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sportswashing and Beyond with Karim Zidan
34:59
34:59
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
34:59
Casey and Elisha are joined by Karim Zidan, one of the world's foremost experts on how authoritarian regimes use the world of sports for their own ends. Karim discusses the history of the intersection of sports and politics, why the term "sportswashing" may already be outdated, and how depressing it is to be a Seattle Mariners fan.Learn more about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Habibi Effect with Faisal Al Mutar
35:46
35:46
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
35:46
Ideas Beyond Borders Founder Faisal Al Mutar joins Casey and Elisha to discuss the importance of creating a sense of national security for Iraqis as well as his experience combatting the villainy of authoritarianism and extremism. Then there’s the habibi effect.Show notes:To learn about Faisal Al Mutar: https://oslofreedomforum.com/speaker/faisal-a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Enver Hoxha Part 2: Stalin’s Shadow, Europe’s North Korea
53:05
53:05
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
53:05
As a new premier takes charge in Moscow, Hoxha makes a new friend in China. The Albanian dictator tasks an entire media industry with maintaining his image. But as his country sinks into an economic mire and his own health deteriorates, Hoxha and Albania’s isolation will be complete. How will the country even begin to escape his clutches? A Noiser …
…
continue reading
Elisha and Casey talk with Jay Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review and one of the leading writers covering the threats of modern dictatorship. They talk about Jay's focus on authoritarians across the political spectrum, the community of writers and activists trying to take down tyrants, and why the offspring of dictators aren't always wh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Enver Hoxha Part 1: The Albanian School Teacher
1:00:42
1:00:42
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
1:00:42
From 1944 to 1985, Enver Hoxha ran Albania as an extraordinarily repressive Stalinist dictatorship. But how did a middle class teacher from the provinces become the most powerful man in the country and a key player in the communist world? What did he do to turn Albania into one of the most isolated countries in the world? And how did ‘Uncle Enver’ …
…
continue reading
It's well-known at this point that Bitcoin has many uses, from the fun to the financial. But did you know Bitcoin can also help democratic movements flourish and find funding? Casey and Elisha talk with author and HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein about how Bitcoin has grown into a tool to fight dictatorships and how new technologies can he…
…
continue reading
The dictator knock-out tournament continues. The hosts unravel the lives and legacies of two Mexican dictators; Aztec Emperor Montezuma II and Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. They discuss the creation of the Aztec Empire, human sacrifice, life in Tenochtitlan and the invasion of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish conquistadors. They also discuss Porfir…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Speaking Truth to an Absolute Monarch
34:17
34:17
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
34:17
After her husband, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, was assassinated in front of her, Swazi human rights defender Tanele Maseko picked up right where he left off: peacefully (and powerfully) speaking truth to power. In this episode, she talks with Casey and Elisha about the politics of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, her husband's le…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha talk with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about Ukraine’s upcoming anniversaries—both the 10-year anniversary of Ukraine’s successful democratic revolution and the two-year anniversary of Russia’s expanded invasion. They discuss how Ukrainians remain on the frontlines of the fight against dictatorship and why democracies must continue supp…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha talk with Joyce Ho, HRF's Asia-Pacific policy officer, about the recent elections in Taipei, the need for the ruling Democratic People's Party (DPP) to double down on democracy after narrowly beating the pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party (KMT), and what that all means for the future of the island.To read Joyce's op-ed in The Hill: https…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha sit down with HRF's Claudia Bennett, talking about the role of the fashion industry in propping up dictators. They discuss how the cotton industry relies on forced labor, and how consumers can find out where their clothes come from. They also talk about how the CCP targeted HRF's efforts to shine a light on Beijing's genocidal camp…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's recent trip to Nairobi, and the latest on Russian and Chinese interference and corruption in Africa. They also discuss the latest on the frontlines of the fight for freedom in Ukraine. Plus, they talk about all the things crocodiles and dictatorships have in common.Show notes:Watch Casey Michel's talk at the Atla…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Latin America's history with dictatorships
48:21
48:21
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
48:21
With Casey off gallivanting halfway around the globe, Elisha is joined by HRF Chief Legal and Policy Officer Javier El-Hage. The two discuss Latin America's history with dictatorships, the many (and varying) shades of grey between left-wing and right-wing authoritarian regimes, and Javier's progression from a Che Guevara (myth) fan in college to a …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Who is the most corrupt person of the year?
25:25
25:25
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
25:25
Casey and Elisha dive into the world of foreign agents, looking at how kleptocratic regimes use foreign lobbyists to do their dirty work. They also chat about the recent winner of the Corrupt Person of the Year award. And, of course, they talk about the newest addition to their office: Harry Styles.Show notes:To read more about the indictment of Bo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The trial of Jimmy Lai (with Sebastien Lai)
30:58
30:58
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
30:58
Casey and Elisha reunite after the holiday break, and Elisha brings with her catastrophic news: a mouse in her house. In the actually important segment, Elisha talks with Sebastien Lai, son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong under Beijing's national security law for “colluding with foreign forces"—aka, speaking out fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Herod the Great Part 2: Murders in the Family
56:07
56:07
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
56:07
Herod leaves Rome to wrest Judea from the Parthians. He will marry a princess, commission extraordinary building works, and even murder his in-laws as he tries to win over his people. But how will that desperate quest shape his subjects’ lives, and his own legacy? And what of Herod’s most notorious act - the Slaughter of the Innocents? A Noiser pro…
…
continue reading
Dec. 18 marks the anniversary of the death of dissident, playwright, and first democratically elected president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. Elisha and Casey discuss his life and legacy, the role he played in Elisha's formative years, and the prize the Human Rights Foundation created in his honor. In lighter topics of discussion, Casey and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Galilee
58:14
58:14
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
58:14
Herod - you may well know the name from the Nativity story. The cruel king who learns of a prophecy proclaiming a Messiah and orders the slaughter of innocent children in response. He’s become synonymous with almost pantomime villainy. At the same time, Herod changed the face of the Middle East in the 1st century BC. His reign featured dazzling arc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why dictators love invading their neighbors
31:49
31:49
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
31:49
Casey and Elisha talk about the latest news out of Venezuela, where Nicolas Maduro threatens to unleash an invasion on neighboring Guyana. They then turn to a spectacular espionage case out of Cuba, and what it says about dictatorships' infiltration efforts. They also talk about the UAE rolling out the red carpet for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saddam Hussein Part 5: The War on Terror
53:45
53:45
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
53:45
In the aftermath of 9/11, President Bush and Prime Minister Blair send troops back into Iraq. In a highly symbolic moment, beamed around the world, a giant statue of Saddam comes crashing down. But as the Iraqi dictator performs his vanishing act, how soon can they track him down? And after Saddam’s toppling, how will ordinary Iraqis fare? A Noiser…
…
continue reading
Monday, December 4, 2023 marked 250 days in prison for Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Evan Gershkovich on trumped-up espionage charges. Casey and Elisha discuss his case and what Evan's friends, family, and colleagues are doing to not forget him as he remains a political prisoner. Also up for conversation: Casey's article on New York Ci…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saddam Hussein Part 4: The First Gulf War
46:42
46:42
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
46:42
After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, US forces are deployed to the region. For some Iraqis, it seems like the perfect time to rise up against their dictator. As economic sanctions bite, Saddam treats himself to a bit of retail therapy. All the while, his sons are becoming terrifying figures in their own right. A family crisis is about to snowball into …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why celebrities can't stop performing for dictators
29:24
29:24
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
29:24
As rapper Kendrick Lamar sets to headline Move Afrika in Rwanda, Casey and Elisha talk about the atrocities committed by the country’s ruler, Paul Kagame, and how and why dictators like him turn to celebrities to help launder their reputation abroad. The duo also discusses the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs in China and how democracies can help unwind…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saddam Hussein Part 3: Oil and the Ayatollah
54:38
54:38
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
54:38
Saddam nationalises the Iraq Petroleum Company and clashes with the new leader of Iran. A man called ‘Chemical Ali’ commits one of the most heinous atrocities of modern times. Meanwhile, sculptures of the Iraqi dictator are commissioned across the land. With his personality cult firmly established, Saddam is ready for war… A Noiser production, writ…
…
continue reading
Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's recent pro-democracy conference in Taipei and the role the island plays in the struggle against tyranny in Beijing and around the world. They also discuss the legacies and brutality of Russian colonialism from Alaska to Ukraine.To learn about the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan: https://oslofreedomforum.com/events/oslo-f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saddam Hussein Part 2: Enforcer, Frontman, Mafia Godfather
48:55
48:55
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
48:55
Saddam consolidates his own power base, appointing friends and relatives to key positions. We hear a remarkable account from a woman whose own family was targeted by his secret police. Soon, the deputy will be in pole position to move against his mentor. And after that, Saddam will shore up the loyalty of his party with an act of political theatre …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Trading newsrooms for human rights
22:42
22:42
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
22:42
Casey Michel, head of Combating Kleptocracy, and Elisha Maldonado, director of communications, welcome you to the Human Rights Foundation's revamped podcast, Dissidents and Dictators. The two co-hosts discuss the Foundation's vision, which focuses solely on authoritarian regimes, and why they traded newsrooms for the human rights mission field.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saddam Hussein Part 1: Son of the Alleyways
49:22
49:22
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
49:22
In the spring of 1937, a child dies and his brother is born. Translated from Arabic, the newborn’s name - Saddam - means ‘one who confronts’. As his life will demonstrate, it couldn’t be more appropriate. So how does a boy from a tough peasant background go on to rise to the very top of Iraq’s leadership? How does his journey towards global infamy …
…
continue reading
In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Philippa Thomas, a former BBC correspondent, and Dalia Hatuqa, an independent journalist specializing in Palestine and Israeli affairs, discuss the life, legacy, and story of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Shireen’s life prematurely ended when she was killed by Israel…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Macías Nguema Part 2: Hiding in the Jungle with all the Money
44:17
44:17
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
44:17
With President Macías in power, educated Equatoguineans come under attack, as a bizarre vendetta is pursued against teachers, lawyers and doctors. Things take a turn for the metaphysical, as Macías declares himself God. Finally, as paranoia completely overwhelms him, his inner circle will take matters into their own hands… Narrated by Paul McGann. …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bolivia's Authoritarian Drift (Spanish Language)
12:16
12:16
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
12:16
Toribia Lero Quispe is a Bolivian assemblywoman and opposition leader affected by the 2019 electoral fraud committed by strongman Evo Morales. Quispe routinely faces violence, intimidation, and widespread judicial persecution. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, she sheds light on Bolivia’s democratic movement, protecting ordi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Macías Nguema Part 1: The Dachau of Africa
51:56
51:56
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
51:56
This is the extraordinary, blood-curdling story of a dictator you may never have heard of. From 1968-1979, the African nation of Equatorial Guinea was helmed by its first, and to date only, freely elected president. Initially, Francisco Macías Nguema was seen by the Spanish colonial authorities as a safe choice. He proved to be anything but. Things…
…
continue reading
Sanaa Seif is a British-Egyptian filmmaker, producer, and political activist leading a global campaign for her imprisoned brother, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Seif shares her family's story and speaks on the unjust imprisonment of those who speak against the Egyptian government. She calls on the int…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lingering Questions on The Nazi Legacy (Bonus)
9:15
9:15
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
9:15
There's far too much to discuss of Germany in just one episode. In this short, bonus episode Uncle Ian will answer your Nazi Germany questions spanning topics such as: the Second World War, ongoing Nazi influence, Homer Simpson, complicity, accusations of madness and the other Reichs.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Kaiser Wilhelm II vs. Adolf Hitler
2:21:50
2:21:50
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
2:21:50
The hosts unravel the lives and legacies of two German dictators; Kaiser Wilhelm II and Adolf Hitler They discuss Kaiser Wilhelm's traumatic birth and disability, his love-hate relationship with his British relatives, his undiplomatic diplomacy, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand the subsequent 'blank cheque he gave that caused the first world wa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
One Pastor’s Rescue Mission (Korean Language)
10:43
10:43
Afspil senere
Afspil senere
Lister
Like
Liked
10:43
In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, we hear from Pastor Seungeun Kim, a prominent Korean human rights activist and leader of a modern-day underground railroad. He passionately serves North Korean defectors and works tirelessly on their behalf, rescuing and helping them become self-sufficient. Note: This episode is recorded in …
…
continue reading