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Real Dictators

Real Dictators

By: NOISER
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Summary
 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
  • Rafael Trujillo Part 3: The Goat is Dead

    Rafael Trujillo Part 3: The Goat is Dead
    Nov 4 2026
    As the Cold War hots up in the Caribbean, Trujillo finally meets his match - in a young, charismatic revolutionary named Fidel Castro. Resistance solidifies within the Dominican Republic as the murder of women and priests proves the limitless brutality of the regime. And in a highway shootout plucked straight from a mafia movie, “El Jefe” takes one final stand against his enemies… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Derby, Minou Tavarez Mirabal, Edward Paulino, Eric Roorda, Alex von Tunzelmann. This is Part 3 of 3. Written by Duncan Barrett | Assistant Producer: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Josh Latham | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Real Dictators will be back soon with the story of Charles Taylor. In the meantime, head to noiser.com to discover your next immersive history podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Rafael Trujillo Part 2: Poacher Turned Gamekeeper

    Rafael Trujillo Part 2: Poacher Turned Gamekeeper
    Oct 28 2026
    After an apocalyptic natural disaster Trujillo makes his own mark on the Dominican landscape. Erecting monuments to himself that leave little to the imagination and renaming whole cities in his honour, the outsized ego of the new leader makes itself known. But beneath the façade of theatricality Trujillo is preparing a horrific atrocity. One that will devastate the neighbouring state of Haiti… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Derby, Minou Tavarez Mirabal, Edward Paulino, Eric Roorda, Alex von Tunzelmann. This is Part 2 of 3. Written by Duncan Barrett | Assistant Producer: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Josh Latham | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. If you want to learn more about dictators and their monuments, scroll down the Real Dictators feed to find our bonus episode on Stalin’s Statues. You can listen to the finale of the Trujillo 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Rafael Trujillo Part 1: Scourge of the Dominican Republic

    Rafael Trujillo Part 1: Scourge of the Dominican Republic
    Oct 20 2026
    Rafael Trujillo held the Dominican Republic in his grip for 31 long years, from 1930 to 1961. He ruled with extraordinary brutality and a colossal ego. Yet riding the currents of geopolitics, he managed to hold onto power for far longer than many deemed possible. Even when dictators were being toppled all over Europe, Trujillo’s Caribbean fiefdom stood firm. But before all that, our story begins in the summer of 1917. On a sugar plantation, baking under a tropical sun, a guard patrols on horseback - master of all he surveys. Little does anyone realise, the seeds of a three-decade dictatorship are already being sown… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Derby, Edward Paulino, Eric Roorda, Alex von Tunzelmann. This is Part 1 of 3. Written by Duncan Barrett | Assistant Producer: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Josh Latham | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final two episodes of the Trujillo 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
Just fascinating to get behind the names of people who you think you know but don’t

A great listen

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I like history mostly communist dictators so big tick from me. The Italian godfather was a good episode.

dictators are just carasmatic and insane

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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

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I stumbled across this podcast and have binged all the episodes! It’s really informative without being stuffy and boring.

Can’t stop listening

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This is an amazing podcast, A lot to information that is well delivered. The narration is also excellent.

Amazing podcast

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