Subject to Change
Russell Hogg
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!).
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Top 10 Subject to Change Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Subject to Change episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Subject to Change for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Subject to Change episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Curse of a King - with Christopher de Bellaigue
Subject to Change
03/17/25 • 73 min
I spoke to Christopher before about his book the Lion House. That was part 1 of a trilogy on the life of Suleiman the Magnificent. Christopher is back to talk about part 2: The Golden Throne - the Curse of a King.
From the intricate power dynamics of the Ottoman court to bloody naval battles in the Mediterranean, "The Golden Throne" recreates the world of Suleiman the Magnificent at the height of his reign. We discover an empire where Christian slaves could rise to the highest positions of power, where the harem functioned as a complex political institution, and where eunuchs served as crucial information brokers between the male and female spheres of governance.
The life of Suleiman himself – from youthful sultan to aging monarch increasingly concerned with piety and legacy – forms the emotional core of the book. But just as interesting is the diplomatic chess match between the four great powers of the era – Suleiman's Ottomans, Francis I's France, Charles V's Habsburg Empire, and Henry VIII's England – reveals surprising alliances that defied religious boundaries.
The scandalous partnership between "the Most Christian King" Francis I and the Muslim Ottomans against fellow Christian powers demonstrates how realpolitik has always trumped ideological purity. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean becomes a theater of spectacular naval conflict, where the pirate-turned-admiral Barbarossa conducts raids of shocking brutality while engaging in a curious dance of mutual avoidance with his Habsburg counterpart Andrea Doria.
Perhaps most chilling is de Bellaigue's exploration of the Ottoman succession system – the literal "Curse of the King" that gave sultans the legal right to execute their brothers upon taking the throne. As Suleiman ages and his numerous sons position themselves for power, we witness how this institutional fratricide casts a shadow over the royal family, with Hurrem (Roxelana) orchestrating a dangerous campaign to ensure her sons triumph over the popular prince Mustafa. This family drama builds toward a climactic resolution that reveals the brutal foundations of imperial power.
Toby Young - in the eye of the Twitter Storm
Subject to Change
09/15/18 • 83 min
Toby Young started the first Free School in England in 2011. We discuss how and why he did this and the Twitter storm that engulfed him leading to his removal from the board of the Office for Students and his other educational positions.
Giles Milton on Nathaniel’s Nutmeg
Subject to Change
10/07/24 • 55 min
The 'spice wars' between the Dutch and the English in the 1600's were quite something. Giles Milton told the story in his remarkable book Nathaniel's Nutmeg. What I hadn't realised until reading this was how feeble and disorganised the English were compared to their competitors. And the Dutch in particular were as ruthless as they were capable.
Visits to the court of Ivan the Terrible, a knight of the realm imprisoned in a cupboard under the stairs, horrific torture, courage and persistence beyond belief - and much much more. Giles, as ever, tells the story just brilliantly.
How England Nearly Conquered France & Why They Failed
Subject to Change
05/02/25 • 60 min
The Hundred Years' War shaped medieval Europe's political landscape for over a century—but what really caused this epic conflict between England and France? In this illuminating conversation, former UK Supreme Court Justice and acclaimed medieval historian Lord Jonathan Sumption cuts through myths and misconceptions to reveal the war's true origins.
Contrary to popular belief, the war didn't begin as a simple grab for the French crown. Instead, it stemmed from a complex constitutional crisis when French kings began centralizing power over previously semi-independent territories held by English monarchs. As Lord Sumption explains, "The kings of England decided that the only way they could retain their independence as dukes of Aquitaine was to cast off the sovereignty of the French crown."
The discussion explores how England, despite being smaller and less wealthy, repeatedly triumphed on the battlefield through technological advantages like the deadly longbow and tactical innovations such as dismounted combat. We examine Parliament's crucial role in war financing and how devastating chevauchées (mounted raids) terrorized the French countryside for decades.
Perhaps most fascinating is Lord Sumption's analysis of Joan of Arc's extraordinary impact. Through "an insane degree of courage," this remarkable figure transformed French morale and fulfilled a prophecy about France's redemption by a spotless virgin. Her push for Charles VII's coronation at Reims proved pivotal in convincing French subjects of his divine right to rule.
The war's conclusion came not through a single decisive battle but through French administrative reorganization, standing armies, and Burgundy's crucial defection from the English alliance. As Lord Sumption observes, even exceptional leaders like Henry V ultimately could not overcome resource disparities—reminding us that in warfare, available resources ultimately determine outcomes.
Rebel Island - Jonathan Clements on the history of Taiwan - part 2
Subject to Change
09/12/24 • 64 min
We are back with Jonathan Clements for part 2 of our podcast on the history of Taiwan. In this episode we start with the remarkable story of Taiwan's 50 years as a colony of Japan. And Jonathan then takes the story through the White Terror up to the current day.
And to remind you:
Rebel Island
Jonathan's blog
Anton Howes on Salt (and on much, much more!)
Subject to Change
02/14/25 • 78 min
Anton Howes writes the brilliant Age of Invention substack. We were supposed to talk about the history of salt and its powerful impact on people and states. We certainly did talk about that but also a lot more!
history's efflorescences
Henry VIII's ruthless tax grabs
The feebleness of England (until suddenly . . .)
Rebel space colonies
The Spanish and English Armadas
Lot's wicked daughters
The Roman (non) Industrial Revolution
And amidst all our digressions I mentioned the film with more digressions than even we could manage, The Saragossa Manuscript. Highly recommended. And also the documentary about salt production in My Name is Salt which is just wonderful.
Christ's Samurai with Jonathan Clements - part 2
Subject to Change
12/27/24 • 58 min
This is part 2 of my podcast with Jonathan Clements on Japan's Christian century. In this episode we get on to the rebellion itself. Sensitive listeners may want to brace themselves!
11/06/22 • 59 min
Anna Keay's book The Restless Republic is just brilliant. It covers the period following the execution of Charles I when Britain became a republic. It is fascinating to see how the period (and the characters) mix revolutionary ideas with deep traditionalism. Anna approaches the subject by telling the stories of a number of people - men, women, powerful and powerless - who illuminate the times. And she is brilliant at using these stories to tell the history of the Republic itself as it struggles to define itself. The Restless Republic has been nominated for the 2022 Bailie Gifford Prize for non fiction. Anna is a really engaging speaker and it was a huge pleasure to be able to talk to her about some of the extraordinary characters and events from her book.
Amazon the behemoth
Subject to Change
07/14/21 • 65 min
Robin Gaster's book Behemoth, Amazon Rising: Power and Seduction in the Age of Amazon is available to buy on, naturally, Amazon. If you want to understand where Amazon came from, why it is so successful and why it needs to be tamed this is a great place to go. I spoke to Robin on my podcast. I still can't make up my mind. It seems I buy half my stuff from Amazon - but Robin makes a good case for why that is the problem . . .
Philip Matyszak - author of the ancient world
Subject to Change
07/11/20 • 59 min
Speaking to Philip Matyszak about his books on ancient history and novels.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Subject to Change have?
Subject to Change currently has 87 episodes available.
What topics does Subject to Change cover?
The podcast is about Conversation, Film, Long Form, History, Podcasts, Economics, Liberal, Tv & Film and Film Reviews.
What is the most popular episode on Subject to Change?
The episode title 'Anna Keay on the Restless Republic (Britain after the death of Charles I)' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Subject to Change?
The average episode length on Subject to Change is 67 minutes.
How often are episodes of Subject to Change released?
Episodes of Subject to Change are typically released every 20 days, 6 hours.
When was the first episode of Subject to Change?
The first episode of Subject to Change was released on Sep 15, 2018.
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