• Establishment of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia (1st century CE)
    Feb 9 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    This episode is an exploration of the rise and flourishing of the Kushan Empire. Learn of their fascinating story from humble beginnings as a nomadic tribe in the steppes to their ascendancy onto the grand stage of history. The Kushans deftly balanced their warrior heritage with an intellectual and spiritual thirst. We'll follow their journey as they evolved into a significant hub of trade along the bustling Silk Road and nurtured Buddhism, setting the stage for its growth across Asia. We also discuss the iconic Gandhara Art, a testament to the Kushan's cultural heritage and knack for artistic synthesis. Join us on this exciting journey, where we examine intriguing chapter from the pages of human history. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    18 mins
  • The Writing of the Tale of Genji (c. 1008)
    Feb 2 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    Wander with us through the ornate opulence of the ancient Heian period in Japan to meet Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting of secret creativity that shines despite the strict societal customs of her time. Listen to timeless tales from a world of grand courtiers, provocative tales whispered through silk veils, and the gentle strumming of a koto carried on the wind. The Tale of Genji, penned by Shikibu, is celebrated as one of the first novels in existence. This story comes alive with an honest portrayal of the human heart's capacity for desire & regret, shame & honour, love & loss. We explore the intricate societal structures, the politics of the court, and the introspective beauty of poetry and literature that thrived under the Heian era's refined cultural paradigm. Do not miss how Murasaki Shikibu, a quiet observer at the peripheries of sophisticated gatherings, dared to step beyond the narrow lanes of societal expectations, rewriting the pages of history to tell her story. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    16 mins
  • Founding of the Roman Republic (509 BCE)
    Jan 26 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    Float along the resonating currents of 6th-century BCE as we visit the birthplace of the Roman Republic. In this episode, we navigate the vast sea of Rome's history, tracing its roots from beholding an Etruscan reign to the birth of democratic values. Beneath the shadows of an indomitable fortress, a fervor for justice and freedom began to sprout. Listen to the riveting tale of Lucretia's violation and the subsequent rebellion it ignited. Experience the revolutionary surge, led by Brutus, that sought to eradicate not just monarchy but the oppressive impositions it shielded on Rome's populace. From the ashes of tyrannical rule, the Phoenix-like Roman Republic emerged, uniting the city's citizens and Senate under a single democratic banner: Senatus Populusque Romanus or SPQR. Subscribe now to Sleep with History on your favorite podcast player. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    14 mins
  • Signing of the Magna Carta (1215)
    Jan 19 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all. Join us as we set the clock back to the 13th century and witness the monumental signing of the Magna Carta - a formative document signalling the evolution of the British state. A transformative text which established the principle that all, including the royalty, are subject to the law, the Magna Carta the way for modern-day democracy and institution of human rights. We purvey the unique characters who moulded the course of history - King John, the unpredictable monarch, and Archbishop Stephen Langton, the beacon of hope who guided the creation of the Magna Carta. Relax and immerse yourself into this historic chapter as we critically examine the Magna Carta's initial intent and its transformation into the cornerstone of contemporary democracy. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    16 mins
  • Profumo Affair (1963)
    Jan 12 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    In our latest episode of Sleep with History we plunge into the tumultuous waters of 1960s Britain and the heart of a political scandal that splintered its establishment - The Profumo Affair. Hear tales of elites clashing with eruptive secrets underneath the grandiosity of power + societal elegance. Understand how the affair fueled a socio-political seismic shift that realigned Britain’s political and societal landscape. We unravel this scandal's potent dash of sex, espionage, and aristocracy that sent shockwaves through the bedrock of the British government, leaving an indelible mark in the pages of history. If you crave stories that cloak soothing tones within riveting history, subscribe to our show and enjoy our future episode. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    17 mins
  • Greece joins the European Union (1981)
    Jan 5 2026

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    From a Europe recovering from World War II to the fledgling Greece emerging from a military dictatorship, this episode unravels how Greece’s desire for democracy and economic stability led it to find solace with the European Economic Community (EEC), building the foundation for the current European Union.

    We highlight complex narratives, from the tension of Turkey's potential EU membership to internal upheavals in Greece. We discuss key figures, like Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis and European Commission President Roy Harris Jenkins, who played instrumental roles in this diplomatic dance. We also venture into the criticism, debates, and fears which swirled around Greece's union with the EU, worrying voices about potential loss of economic benefit, national sovereignty, and cultural identity.

    An entrancing look at the intricate, multifaceted journey of a nation, join us as we uncover Greece's footprint on the spacious landscape of the European Union — an unforgettable exploration of an event whose ripples still influence present - day narratives. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm
    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594
    Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    16 mins
  • Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)
    Dec 29 2025

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    Listen to the story of life and legacy of one of the most monumental figures in global history - Nelson Mandela. A beacon of human resilience, we cover the racial segregation rampant in South Africa during his birth in 1918, through the pivotal milestones of his life and struggle towards freedom and equality. Experience Mandela's journey, painted in stark contrasts of struggle and triumph, resilience and tragedy. In tracing the footsteps of Mandela and acknowledging the depths of his journey against adversity, we unveil the transformative power of an individual’s determination and resilience to usher societal change. Subscribe to our show for a regular dose of bedtime history. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    21 mins
  • Opium Wars and the establishment of European spheres of influence in China (19th century)
    Dec 22 2025

    This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.

    In this episode we draw the curtains back on Britannia's potentially nefarious plot to tilt the Asian trading silver-balance to their side using opium, sparking a fiery conflict that would leave indelible scars. Discover how the echoes of European influence resonate through the transformative architecture, linguistic developments, and cultural nuances that help shape China's identity today. We shall become acquainted with the resilient figures who graced this historic stage, such as the steadfast Lin Zexu and strategic Lord Palmerston. Unwrap this deeply human tale that blends diverse threads of power, influence, and cultural evolution, creating an intriguing narrative that decorated the landscape of 19th-century China, and subtly moulded its contemporary identity.

    Satisfy your historical curiosity with 'Sleep with History'. Subscribe to our show. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance.

    Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

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    15 mins