The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran

2025 Signal Award Winner: Best History Podcast Iran’s history has been a never-ending struggle for liberty and independence. In this podcast, we tell the story of how Iran ended up where it is now and how religion, monarchy, democracy, and nati

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Recent Episodes

Book Two – Ep.1: A New Dynasty

Posted January 29, 2025 • 00:28:31

As Iran’s exiled king prepares to return, the parliament grants Prime Minister sweeping powers. With the help of his rivals, Reza Khan sets out to...

Book One Recap

Posted January 22, 2025 • 00:06:16

The Qajar dynasty was the embodiment of ineffectiveness. Tyrants incapable of true tyranny.

This is the story of their demise.

Season...

Book Two Trailer

Posted January 15, 2025 • 00:02:04

Down with the Qajars. Long Live Reza Shah.

Listen to new chapters from January 29th.

As we’re recording this, Iran is experiencing...

Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (2)

Posted October 30, 2024 • 00:27:50

Reza Khan’s army marches toward Arabistan, Khaz’al tries to unite local tribes against the government and the battle for Arabistan reaches its breaking...

Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (1)

Posted October 16, 2024 • 00:24:48

A defiant Sheikh, a province rich in oil, and Reza Khan’s push to unify a fractured Iran. The story of Arabistan and how one local tribe became the...