In a rare and amusing interruption at the UK Supreme Court last week, a routine hearing was momentarily derailed by the unexpected sound of a history podcast. As a barrister addressed the judges, the unmistakable voice of Tom Holland, co-host of the popular podcast *The Rest Is History*, unexpectedly filled the courtroom, leading to a brief yet light-hearted pause in proceedings.
Unforeseen Podcast Interruption
The incident occurred when one of the justices inadvertently activated an episode of *The Rest Is History* on his mobile device, which was then broadcast through the courtroom’s audio system. The episode featured Holland performing a comedic impersonation of the late US President Jimmy Carter, much to the surprise of those present. As the podcast’s theme song blared and the courtroom erupted in laughter, Lord Briggs, one of the judges, looked down at his phone, quickly realising the source of the disruption.
With a wry smile, he remarked, “The Rest Is History. It was switched to silent, do carry on,” prompting further laughter from the assembled legal professionals. This moment was not only captured on court recordings but also quickly disseminated across social media platforms, creating a delightful buzz among listeners and fans of the podcast.
Social Media Reactions
The podcast’s social media team was swift to capitalise on the incident, sharing a video clip of the moment with the playful caption: “What was Jimmy Carter doing in the supreme court last week?” Reactions poured in online, with users expressing their amusement at the unexpected cameo. “Of ALL of the impressions that could’ve played, of course it was the most accurate one,” remarked one user. Another quipped, “Imagine their shock when they heard Jimmy Carter resurrected from the dead.”
The Supreme Court confirmed the authenticity of the video, with a spokesperson stating that Lord Briggs promptly switched off his phone and offered an apology to the court.
The Rise of *The Rest Is History*
Launched in 2020, *The Rest Is History* has quickly risen to prominence, boasting over 600 episodes and attracting more than 20 million downloads each month. Co-hosted by Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the programme has garnered a reputation for its engaging storytelling and Holland’s distinctive, often humorous, impersonations. In an interview, Holland recounted how the podcast came into being, revealing that he suggested Sandbrook as a co-host, to which Sandbrook jokingly responded, “Yeah, you regret that now, mate.”
Reflecting on the podcast’s success, Sandbrook noted the changing landscape of public interest in history, stating, “The truth is, history is quite embattled as a discipline. Lots of historians would probably say anything that tries to spark public interest must be a good thing.”
A Wider Network of Engaging Content
*The Rest Is History* is part of a broader suite of podcasts under the Goalhanger umbrella, which includes titles such as *The Rest Is Politics*, *The Rest Is Science*, and *The Rest Is Football*. The podcast has featured a range of esteemed guests, including Stephen Fry, who discussed his love of Greek mythology, as well as notable historians like Mary Beard and William Dalrymple.
Why it Matters
This amusing incident at the UK’s highest court serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live proceedings and the power of popular culture to infiltrate even the most serious of environments. Amidst the gravitas of legal discussions, such moments of levity not only entertain but also highlight the increasing relevance of accessible historical narratives in contemporary society. As public interest in history flourishes, largely thanks to platforms like *The Rest Is History*, the intersection of education and entertainment continues to evolve, inviting broader audiences to engage with the past in meaningful ways.
