Bigger and Brighter | 05

Since the dawn of time, humanity has been at war.  Conflict in one form or another has been part of our existence since we first walked the earth.   In this first episode of a four-part series, join military historian David Borys as we travel back in time to Iran, where we chart how a modern monarchy, which was armed, wealthy, and globally backed, lost control. On our journey, we'll be helped by historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science. While conflict and armed rebellion have evolved to look very differently over the centuries, if you want to understand the world today, you need to go back because history doesn't just repeat itself; it echoes.   Be sure to follow "Hostile History" on your favourite podcast app, so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A century apart, the Empress and the thief each reached for the stars. But at what cost? Sisi’s dreams of immortality face the test of time. And as Daniel stands trial and the star takes centre stage, startling new information comes to light. Because there are many ways to tell a story, but what about the truth? Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s dangerous to believe your own myth. Daniel gets a rude awakening as his past catches up with him. And a run in with a stranger makes Sisi see that nothing lasts forever. As their stars hurtle towards earth, Daniel has a trick up his sleeve that might just transform his fortunes. But can you ever trust a thief? Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel takes a job that leads him deep into the shadows and into grave danger. And Sisi’s fairytale world is shattered when devastating news arrives from home. As Sisi realizes there isn’t always a happily ever after, Daniel’s still convinced he can turn things around with the same old story. But no star stays lucky forever. Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long can anyone stay at the height of their powers? The hunt for Daniel hots up and he gets himself a lawyer. But he’s not ready to throw in the towel yet. And perfectionist Sisi decides to pursue an old passion to new extremes. The old saying goes that pride always comes before a fall. But neither Daniel nor Sisi is listening.  Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel successfully carries out his biggest heist to date but fails to realize he’s made a schoolboy error. And things start to spiral for Sisi as she tries to fend off time itself. But who can stop the clock ticking? As age threatens Sisi’s legendary beauty, Daniel sees his good name tarnished. Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the star in their possession, Sisi and Daniel are both at the top of their game. Daniel finds his new signature trick and hones his craft. And Sisi uses her powers to get exactly what she wants – and what her country needs. But there are cracks appearing beneath Sisi’s mask. And could something be about to wipe the smile off Daniel Blanchard's face too? Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sisi receives a glittering birthday present from her husband which will change her life – and Daniel’s – forever. In her diamond stars Sisi sees the vision of who she can become. And after one door slams shut on Daniel, many others spring open. But, as he realises his full potential, is he taking a path marked no return? Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel pulls off a baffling disappearing act. He loves to taunt and outsmart the police – but there are only so many times he can escape. Meanwhile poor Sisi is trapped in the stifling life of the royal court. Until she realizes the key to her way out may already be in her grasp.  Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone’s gotta start somewhere. Daniel enjoys his first taste of crime and the thrill of getting away with it. And a privileged young Sisi takes her freedom for granted not realizing she’s about to be caught in a trap. Is their destiny already written in the stars?    Contact: Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices