Picture this: What if the epic tales of ancient empires and tragic shipwrecks could be transformed into a hilarious, thought-provoking journey that hooks millions worldwide? That's the magic of The Rest Is History, which has just been honored as Apple Podcasts' Show of the Year for 2025 – a groundbreaking win that celebrates how podcasts can make learning about the past feel like an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. But here's where it gets controversial: Is history best explored through laughter and enthusiasm, or should we always layer in moral judgments? Stick around, as we'll dive into the details of this award-winning show and explore why its approach might just redefine how we connect with our shared human story.
In a press release from Cupertino, California, announced via Apple Podcasts on December 5, 2025, Apple proudly recognizes The Rest Is History as the standout podcast that exemplifies excellence and profound cultural influence in the world of audio storytelling. Created by the innovative team at Goalhanger, this series has enchanted listeners around the globe with its clever, perceptive, and irresistibly fun take on historical events, marking it as the very first UK-produced show to snag this prestigious title.
At the helm are renowned historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, whose dynamic partnership has propelled the podcast to the top of global charts. They expertly recreate history's most dramatic moments, from the ascent and decline of the mighty Roman Empire to the heartbreaking disaster of the Titanic's sinking, by weaving together scholarly depth, suspenseful narratives, and unexpected comedic twists. This blend not only educates but also captivates, making intricate historical concepts approachable for newcomers and experts alike. For instance, beginners might find it easier to grasp the complexities of ancient politics when presented with relatable humor, turning what could be dry lectures into engaging conversations that spark curiosity.
Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, expressed his elation: 'This is an extraordinary achievement for our team and a well-earned tribute to Tom and Dominic. From the outset, we sensed The Rest Is History was extraordinary – a brilliant demonstration of smart, humorous, and profoundly immersive narration that opens up the world of history to vast audiences. Being the inaugural UK-based podcast to receive Apple's Show of the Year award is a tremendous privilege, underscoring the worldwide demand for in-depth, premium content and the undeniable synergy between these two talented hosts.'
Oliver Schusser, Apple's Vice President of Podcasts, Music, Sports, and Beats, added his praise: 'The Rest Is History masterfully tackles the expansive realm of human history, drawing in listeners from every corner of the planet. Tom and Dominic have crafted something truly exceptional that showcases podcasting at its finest – it's informative, uproariously funny, and has built a vibrant community of devoted fans. We're overjoyed to bestow upon it the Apple Podcasts 2025 Show of the Year accolade.'
Delving deeper into the Show of the Year spotlight, a special dialogue available right now on Apple Podcasts for Creators – with excerpts shared below – sees Holland and Sandbrook discussing their distinctive style, their rapport with the audience, and the significance of this milestone.
Reflecting on the show's widespread appeal, Dominic Sandbrook shares: 'We steer clear of preaching or critiquing the past; instead, we embrace it with genuine excitement. We don't condescend to historical figures. We simply savor the experience, delighting in the sheer eccentricity and wild nature of humanity.' Tom Holland adds: 'People can be incredibly amusing, and we're not shy about highlighting that. When those moments arise, we revel in them, and it seems our listeners do too.' And this is the part most people miss – their non-judgmental lens might challenge traditional views of history as a serious, moral-laden subject, inviting debate on whether objectivity or amusement leads to better understanding.
On receiving the Apple Podcasts Show of the Year title, Tom Holland remarks: 'This is the ultimate high. As the first British podcast to claim it, there's a real sense of national pride. I'm especially thrilled that Apple has acknowledged us. I couldn't feel more honored and grateful.'
To mark The Rest Is History's victory, enthusiasts can dive into specially selected offerings from Holland and Sandbrook across Apple's platforms. These include a handpicked assortment of the hosts' beloved history books in Apple Books, their go-to classical music masterpieces on Apple Music Classical, and an exclusive chat with the duo featured on Apple News In Conversation. These extras offer fans a richer, multi-faceted way to extend their immersion into the show's world.
For those eager to tune in, The Rest Is History is ready to listen wherever you are.
A bit about Apple Podcasts: It's the leading hub worldwide for discovering and enjoying podcasts, offering an intuitive space for users to browse countless shows covering virtually any topic imaginable. Listeners can also directly back the creators they love. For those seeking deeper engagement, Apple Podcasts provides numerous premium subscriptions with perks like bonus episodes and commercial-free playback. The full catalog is free to access and integrates flawlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, and even the web at podcasts.apple.com.
This announcement comes from the Podnews directory, featured in our daily podcasting and on-demand newsletter at podnews.net. As a press release, we've linked to it from Podnews and may have made minor editorial tweaks.
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Now, let's get controversial for a moment: By choosing not to judge historical events or figures, are Holland and Sandbrook doing a disservice to modern lessons from the past, or are they liberating history from bias, making it more relatable? Do you agree that humor enhances education, or should serious topics remain solemn? Share your thoughts in the comments – does this award change how you view podcasting's role in society, and what other shows do you think deserve similar recognition? We'd love to hear your takes and spark a lively discussion!
