Long before The Troubles, 7/7 and other modern terrorism, Britain faced a wave of bombings that shocked the Victorian world.

Step into one of the most overlooked chapters of British history in this gripping episode on the "Dynamite War" of the 1880s - often described as the first “war on terror.” Joined by Gillian O'Brien (author of The Darkness Echoing: Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion), James explains how Irish republican groups like the Clan Na Gael and Irish Republican Brotherhood carried out bombing campaigns in Britain, bringing political violence to the heart of the London.

Learn how advances in explosives like dynamite - invented by Alfred Nobel of peace prize fame - changed the nature of asymmetrical warfare and terrorism, creating fear, media frenzy, and new policing tactics. We break down key events, targets, and the debates within the Irish independence movement over the morality of terrorism.

This episode also examines how the British government responded with informers, spies and the development of the world's first bomb squad!

Perfect for listeners interested in history podcasts, Irish history, terrorism studies, political violence, and Victorian Britain, this episode provides deep insight into a forgotten conflict that helped shape modern ideas of terrorism and state response.

Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"

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In this episode, James is joined by Jem Duducu (author of The History of the Western Movie) to tell the story of a teenage gunslinger who became a legendary figure wrapped in folklore, media exaggeration, and historical debate – Billy the Kid.

Tracing the story of Billy’s criminal career and involvement in the Lincoln County War, we discuss how Hollywood films and pop culture transformed a young outlaw into a Wild West icon, generating the myth that he somehow survived his deadly encounter with the lawman Pat Garrett in 1881, and went on to live into the 1950s as a mysterious drifter and adventurer named Brushy Bill Roberts.

This episode is perfect for fans of true crime, American history, film history and Wild West legends. Whether you're curious about outlaw myths, frontier justice, or the real story behind Billy the Kid, you’ll discover surprising facts, historical insights, and the truth behind the legend.

Check out Jem’s book – The History of the Western Movie

Follow Jem @jemduducu

Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"

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In Part Two of this two-part History's Devils episode, James and Jayne finish the story of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon by explaining how the psychology of professional wrestling shaped Trump's two presidencies, and altered the way in which American politics operates.

Along the way, they discuss the similarities between alternative facts and Kayfabe (wrestling speak for "keeping it fake") and the connections between WWE and the MAGA movement, whilst pondering what a Vince McMahon presidency would look like?

Further Reading

• Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America
• Things to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon

00:00 - Introduction: Wrestling psychology in politics
02:15 - The concept of kayfabe and its significance
05:37 - Projecting success and inflating figures in rallies
08:11 - Trump’s manipulation of perceptions and alternate realities
13:08 - The use of promos, nickname attacks, and soundbites
17:14 - The rise of soundbite politics and social media dominance
21:26 - How Trump creates and blends realities with "alternative facts"
26:37 - The evolution of Trump's self-image and propaganda portraits
29:38 - The distortion of January 6th and the concept of political kayfabe
32:43 - The role of audience suspension of disbelief in support
36:31 - The spectacle ecosystem: rallies, chaos, and entertainment as political currency
40:37 - Pro wrestling, UFC, and the culture of machismo in Trump’s narrative
45:15 - The influence of WWE, political endorsements, and celebrity ties
50:07 - Hypothetical: Vince McMahon as a president and the wrestling of power
50:42 - Episode wrap-up and future reflections on political kayfabe

Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"

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