Real Dictators cover art

Real Dictators

Real Dictators

By: NOISER
Listen for free

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 two weeks 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. Drama & Plays World
Episodes
  • Augustus Part 1: Rome’s First Emperor

    Augustus Part 1: Rome’s First Emperor
    Sep 8 2026
    On the Ides of March 44BC, Julius Caesar is murdered in the Senate. With Rome’s long-time dictator deposed, the would-be inheritors of his estate and offices begin jostling for position. But as it turns out, Caesar has had other ideas. Remarkably, his somewhat obscure great-nephew, Octavian, is named as his heir. In time, Octavian will come to wield absolute power over the greatest dominion of classical civilisation. He’ll be the first and perhaps greatest Roman emperor. We know him today by the honorary name bestowed upon him: Imperator Caesar Augustus… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Ginsberg, David Gwynn, Neville Morley, Joyce Tyldesley. This is Part 1 of 3. Written by Jeff Dawson | Assistant Producer: Luke Lonergan | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final two episodes of the Augustus story straight after this, without waiting and without ads, by joining Noiser+. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Limited time: download Supremacy: World War 3 for free via our link and get an exclusive Elite Bomber Seasonal Unit worth $25 - but only for the next 30 days: https://con.onelink.me/kZW6/6wtag9jg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Tito Part 5: The Sun King

    Tito Part 5: The Sun King
    Jul 14 2026
    Tito becomes an international celebrity, with a jet-set lifestyle to match his status. His hybrid ‘coca-cola socialism’ sees Yugoslavia booming. But the good times have been built on shaky foundations. And as Tito ails it seems his Balkan miracle will prove short-lived… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Neil Barnett, Branko Brkic, Christopher Catherwood, Richard Mills, Nicholas O’Shaughnessy, Geoffrey Swain, Susan L Woodward. This is Part 5 of 5. Written by Jeff Dawson | Assistant Producer: Luke Lonergan | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Tony Onuchukwu, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Real Dictators will be back soon with the stories of Emperor Augustus and Rafael Trujillo. In the meantime, check out Founding Fathers: An American Dream - the new show from the Noiser podcast network. Limited time: download Supremacy: World War 3 for free via our link and get an exclusive Elite Bomber Seasonal Unit worth $25 - but only for the next 30 days: https://con.onelink.me/kZW6/6wtag9jg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Tito Part 4: The Marshal Versus Stalin

    Tito Part 4: The Marshal Versus Stalin
    Jul 7 2026
    In the war’s aftermath Tito exacts his bloody revenge. Manoeuvring the king out of the picture, Yugoslavia is swiftly consolidated under communist rule. A clash with the US risks further conflict, even a nuclear strike. Though the biggest showdown is to come… with Joseph Stalin… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Neil Barnett, Branko Brkic, Christopher Catherwood, Richard Mills, Nicholas O’Shaughnessy, Geoffrey Swain, Susan L Woodward. This is Part 4 of 5. Written by Jeff Dawson | Assistant Producer: Luke Lonergan | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final episode of the Tito story straight away, without waiting and without ads, by joining Noiser+. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Limited time: download Supremacy: World War 3 for free via our link and get an exclusive Elite Bomber Seasonal Unit worth $25 - but only for the next 30 days: https://con.onelink.me/kZW6/6wtag9jg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
All stars
Most relevant
Just fascinating to get behind the names of people who you think you know but don’t

A great listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I like history mostly communist dictators so big tick from me. The Italian godfather was a good episode.

dictators are just carasmatic and insane

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Superb narration and content. I’ve never found history so engaging, interesting and informative. I can’t wait for more to come and in the meantime I’m listening to all of them again! Highly recommend.

Best Series Hands Down

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I stumbled across this podcast and have binged all the episodes! It’s really informative without being stuffy and boring.

Can’t stop listening

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is an amazing podcast, A lot to information that is well delivered. The narration is also excellent.

Amazing podcast

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews