Detz loves a history lecture, especially if it's his. Dice loves learning - almost as much as she likes getting in the way. So we're giving the world what it didn't know it needed: an odd couple talking about history, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Politics? Sure. Famous villains? Why not. Ancient or modern? Depends on the day. We follow our cravings, and when the mood strikes, we interview a guest "expert". If fluffy and flavourful is how you like your history, you're in the right place.
(Credentials: four uni degrees between us. History and theatre feature prominently.)
Find out how a trio of populists used intimidation (and a bucket of poop, literally) to bulldoze the Senate. And at last, the answers to your steamiest questions about Queen Cleopatra. It didn't end well for any of these people - except one.
For more reads and views, Detz and Dice recommend:
- Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra
- Robert Harris' Cicero trilogy
- Tom Holland's Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roma Republic
- BBC's Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
- Adrian Goldsworthy's Antony and Cleopatra
- BBC Civilisations: Rise and Fall (Egypt series)
- and of course, the iconic Carry on Cleo film...in all its infamy.
27 Jan 2026
Ancient Rome - The Caesars and Cleo (Part I)
Why did Julius Caesar get bumped off, and why did Canada name a cocktail after him? Detz & Dice offer you bread and circuses: the gangsters of the Senate, expansion of the Empire, and how some naughty Romans cheated the government.
Coming soon: Part II with some surprises about Cleopatra.
31 Dec 2025
"Totally Radical" - what terrorist groups have in common
1960s Europe. Student riots, IRA in-fighting, bank robberiesa la Robin Hood. Even in the Basque Country, terrific wine took a backseat to the freedom fighters.
What was all the fuss about, and why did they all decide to be Revolutionary Roommates in Libya? There are some bits about Palestine, which had quite a different vibe then. Scotland’s Lockerbie bombing also features. It’s not our funniest episode (understandably) but be assured it’s not a downer. You’ll even learn some new acronyms and how to mispronounce them.
For the readers and movie lovers:
Munich, The Baader-Meinhof Complex, Patriot Games,The Reader, Day of the Jackal (and sure, Forrest Gump)
War Without End by Christopher Dobson & RonaldPayne
Blood and Rage by Michael Burley
Books forthcoming in 2026: The Revolutionists (JasonBurke) and The Red Brigades (John Foot)
18 Jul 2025
The Ottoman Empire - did it strike back?
What do the Ottomans have to do with furniture, the invention of ice cream, or the piercing blue eyes of Peter O'Toole? Detz breaks it all down (1800s onward) with plenty of interruptions from Dice.
Spoiler alert - there was also an OttoWoman empire! And listen to the end for book recommendations (if you like reading about history too).
14 May 2025
The Italian Unification: Espresso vs. Bourbon (with special guest)
Ever wondered why the Pope has his own Vatican passport?
This one features Detz Senior, aka Mark Detzler. The pater familias is an excellent storyteller who steeped himself in Italian history when he was living there. In this thrilling, romantic account of the 19th Century Risorgimento we discover the role Garibaldi played in making Italy a nation - and learn why all sorts of other nations got caught up in his fandom. We also find out which is the best gelato. So grab your red shirt and poncho, it's time to make Italy.
Music recommendation: 'Va Pensiero' from Verdi's Nabucco (our guest explains why)
22 Apr 2025
Britain Between the Wars
What did Britain get up to between World War 1 and 2? A political rollercoaster, for one thing - and we’re not just saying that because Detz finds politics endlessly thrilling. We’re talking coalitions and party splits, backroom bribes and mass strikes. There was a “coupon election,” the “flapper election,” and - well, a general obsession with elections. (basically, having one every five minutes)
It was also a time when industrial unrest and the struggle for suffrage made space for exciting new ideologies. The Labour Party broke through and Ireland made huge gains toward its independence. A lot more people could vote and Britain said hello to the BBC. But did MI5 really step in to topple the government? What were they so afraid of?
For you readers, Detz recommends The Making of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr and How Labour Wins by Douglas Beattie. Also, Marr’s documentary of the same name is worth a watch (even Dice thinks so).
22 Apr 2025
Eva Peron - must we really love her? (with special guest)
This one’s all about Evita: the passion, the politics, and the legacy of Peronism in Argentina. Featuring Matias Ilivitzy, our favourite Argentinian and a real charmer. He is both highly educated and admittedly biased, so enjoy.
Hungry for more than the popcorn version? The Rest is History did a 5-parter about Evita’s life, which we highly recommend. Even Dice listened to it.
22 Apr 2025
The Russian Revolution, and whether roulette was involved
Turns out there’s more to this story than Dr. Zhivago or ABBA would have you believe. In this episode, Detz dispels some myths and Dice learns a lot.
Fun fact, this is our first and favourite episode! And we were asked to add a disclaimer, assuring our (tiny) audience that Dice is more intelligent than this podcast implies. “I’m sure they’ll know we’re being silly, Mum…okay fine.”
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