The show that explores the stories behind the flags – and how these symbols impact our world, our history, and ourselves.
“A new podcast for vexillophiles from Simon Mullin. Highly recommended!”
Latest Episodes
Episode 9, Part II – out now!
The Russian Flag: Tsars and the
“Third Rome”
“Strong in our friendship tried by fire, long may our crimson flag inspire – shining in glory for all men to see.” This is the final chapter of the Russian flag, 1917-1991.
Show Notes – coming soon
Episode 9, Part I
The Russian Flag: Tsars and the
“Third Rome”
How did the backwater city of Moscow rise to become one of the largest land empires in history? This is the surprising true story of the tricolor flag of Russia – and the Tsar’s “Third Rome.”
Episode 8
The Albanian Flag: Skanderbeg’s Revenge
Invasion and rebellion. Conversion and conquest. This is the story of Albania’s double-eagle flag – and one nation’s centuries-old quest for independence.
Episode 7, Part II
The German Flag: The Fall & Rise of the Bundesflagge
“From black night, through red blood, towards the golden sun.” This is the final chapter of the German flag, 1871-1990.
With special guest, Michael Green.
Episode 7, Part I
The German Flag: The Fall & Rise of the Bundesflagge
Empires and petty kingdoms. Death camps and democracies. Fascism and forgiveness – and Germany’s clash between imperialism, tyranny, and freedom. This is the first chapter of the black, red, and gold tricolor of the Federal Republic of Germany, 112 AD-1871.
Episode 6
The Spanish Flag: Four Kingdoms of the Rojigualda
A Moorish caliphate becomes a Christian empire. And a once fascist state adopts a flourishing – if disunited – democracy. This is the story of the violent, bloody, and beautiful history of the red-and-gold flag of the Kingdom of Spain.
Show Notes
Episode 5
The Nordic Cross: Vikings, Crusades, and Conquests
Why did the Vikings of Scandinavia swap the raven flag of Oden for the cross of those they conquered? This is the tale of the blood-red flag of Dannebrog – and the centuries-long battle for the souls of Europe.
Show Notes
Episode 4
The Flag of Wales: King Arthur’s Dragon
Where does the Y Ddraig Goch – the red dragon of Wales – come from? History only tells us half the story. We have to dive into the ancient Celtic legends of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur, and Merlin to discover the truth about the red dragon’s rise.
Show Notes
Episode 3
The Hawaiian Flag: America’s Last Kingdom
Is the Hawaiian state flag a symbol of annexation and occupation? Or is it one of reconciliation? This is the story of the Hawaiian flag, the last remnant of a once-proud kingdom sitting on the western shores of the American empire.
Episode 2
The French Flag: The Tricolour
Fallen tyrants. New republics. And radical ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity. This is the history of the Tricolour: the three-color revolutionary flag of republican France.
Episode 1
Why the Flag?
Re-recorded April 2020
Where does the flag come from – and how did this symbol take over our world? Plus, we discuss the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, and how three lost Roman flags spelled disaster for generations.