In this episode, we uncover the surprising, sometimes contradictory sides of Isaac Newton, from his plague‑year breakthroughs to his mystical obsessions and turbulent personality. He was far more than the inventor of calculus and the man who explained gravity - he was also a secretive alchemist, a biblical scholar, a financial speculator, and a fiercely private thinker whose curiosity knew almost no bounds.

Cast List:

Dominic Selwood: Author, Historian & Barrister

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode, we take a deeper look into a clandestine CIA project from the Cold War-era, MK-Ultra. Mind control, drug use, and a potential link to Charles Manson are just a few of the topics that shadow this story, with its eventual exposure reshaping the public’s trust in government intelligence agencies. 

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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This week we’re revisiting an earlier episode of Forbidden History that you may have missed. In this episode, we take a look at the historical evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion, from the realities behind the legend, to piecing together what we know for certain and what is missing. We explore how little detail the Bible truly contains – including no reference to a cross – and the lack of archaeological evidence.

Cast List:

Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian

Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester

Janina Ramirez: A cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford

Tony McMahon: A former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian

Dominic Selwood: A historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph

Peter Stanford: Writer, editor, journalist and presenter, known for his biographies and writings on religion and ethics

Gunnar Samuelsson: Author and Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at the University of Gothenburg.

Bena Mantel: Licensed tour guide, lecturer and archaeologist.

Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow

Israel Hershkovitz: Anatomist Professor at Tel Aviv University

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In this episode we take a look at the D-Day landings of World War II. From the overlooked battlefields to the details of the combined arms allied operation, this episode questions what we think we know about one of history’s most iconic military operations. Including a daring commando raid behind enemy lines, that was instrumental to the seizure of the beaches. 

Cast List:

Geoffrey Wawro: Professor of Military History

Peter Caddick-Adams: Historian

Martin Davies: Author

Stuart Lawrence: Historian

Rudy Passera: Military Historian

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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This week we’re revisiting an earlier episode of Forbidden History that you may have missed. We take a look at the tragic murder of the last Tsars of Russia, the Romanovs, in 1918. This episode explores the decline of Tsar Nicolas as ruler, the grizzly deaths of him and his family, and the conspiracies that surrounded their deaths in the following years.

Cast List:

Helen Rappaport: Author & Historian

Guy Walters: Author & Historian

James Sherwood: Writer & Royal Correspondent 

Christopher Warwick: Royal Biographer & Historian 

Andrew Cook: Author, Historian & former British civil servant

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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Deep in the Pyrenees lies an abandoned railway station that was once the second largest in Europe. This luxurious station at the border between France and Spain in its heyday was a real-life Casablanca. In this episode, we take a look at the shadowy history of Canfranc, including tales of espionage, Nazi gold and the fight against tyranny. 

Cast List:

Tim Dunn: Railway Historian

Dominic Selwood: Historian & Journalist

Guy Walters: Author & Historian

Claire Barratt: Industrial Heritage Engineer

Jonathan Diaz: Retired Bus Driver

Regine Pehau-Gerbet: Historian

Rocio Hurtado: Forest Engineer

Nigel Jones: Author & Historian

Ramon J. Campo: Historian & Journalist

Santiago Marraco: Son of Resistance Fighter

Simone Casaubon: Ex Resistance Fighter

Emilio Astier: Grandson of Resistance Fighter

Suze Kundu: Material Chemist

Carlos Pena Garay: Director, Canfranc Underground Lab

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King Ludwig II of Bavaria, famed for his eccentricity and fairy-tale castles, was found dead in Lake Starnberg in 1886 under mysterious circumstances. Officially ruled a suicide, his death has long fuelled speculation of a government conspiracy to remove a monarch whose  artistic pursuits clashed with political priorities. This enduring mystery raises the question: was Ludwig truly mad, or the victim of darker forces?

Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today.

Cast List:

Guy Walters: Author & Historian

James Sherwood: Writer and Royal Correspondent 

Ann Marie Ackerman: Writer & Prosecutor

Ken Hollings: Writer, broadcaster and cultural theorist

Dr Gerhard Immler: Chief Archive Director, Bavarian State Archives, Munich

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode, we dive into one of the more peculiar World War II conspiracy theories: the alleged Nazi expeditions to Antarctica. We explore the historical roots, the myths of secret bases, and why this story continues to captivate imaginations decades later. Was it simply for science and discovery, or something stranger?

Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today.

Cast List:

Guy Walters: Author & Historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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Join us as we explore the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 - one of the most infamous chapters in American history. Discover how fear and superstition sparked mass hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to the wrongful execution of 20 innocent people. We’ll uncover the truth behind the trials, their lasting impact, and why many believe Salem remains haunted to this day.

Go to ⁠⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included.

Go to ⁠rula.com/forbidden⁠ and take the first step towards better mental health today.

Cast List:

Sam Baltrusis: Author & Historian 

Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works

Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph

Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine 

Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history.

Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian 

Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts

Thomas Vallor: Salem Historian

Nick Dickinson: Witch, Headmistress of Circe Academy in Salem 

Jacqui Allouise: Witch, owner of The Cauldron Black in Salem

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In 1307, the once-mighty Knights Templar were accused of heresy and dismantled by the French crown. Legend says their last Grand Master uttered a chilling curse as he faced the flames - a curse that would echo through the fall of kings and kingdoms. Was it coincidence, or the lingering shadow of the Templars’ wrath?

Go to ⁠⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included.

Go to rula.com/forbidden and take the first step towards better mental health today.

Check out our other stories mentioned in this episode below:

Freemasons: The Original Secret Society - listen here

Oak Island: Beneath the Curse - listen here

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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Born in the shadows of the Crusades, the Knights Templar began as humble protectors of pilgrims but soon rose to unimaginable power. Who was this mysterious group? And how did they rise from guardians to legendary figures shrouded in mystery?

Go to ⁠⁠nakedwines.co.uk/forbidden⁠⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines for just £39.99, with delivery included.

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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