We are Apple’s Featured Podcast of the Week.
Season three of The Lion and the Sun: A Modern History of Iran has been featured in the New section on Apple Podcasts, and we could not be more grateful.
The Lion and the Sun is a dramatic podcast about Iran’s modern history. It tells the story of how Iran ended up where it is today. And how religion, monarchy, democracy, and nationalism have shaped the country over the last two centuries.
We began our story with the rise and fall of the Qajars. We moved through the country’s transformation under Reza Shah and his efforts to push Iran into the modern era. Now, two years into this journey, we have entered our third season, exploring Iran’s bid to nationalize its oil, which pulled the CIA into Iranian politics. Events that set the stage for a covert operation that removed the country’s democratically elected leader.
Our goal has always been to make history feel alive and relevant. We break down complex events into easy-to-follow narratives without losing the richness of the people and moments that define them. Whether you are new to Iranian history or already fascinated by it, there is something here for you.
Being Apple’s featured podcast of the week is a huge milestone for us. It reflects the research, writing, and care that go into every episode, and it motivates us to keep going.
If you have been with us from the beginning, thank you!
If you are discovering the show through this feature, welcome to our family!
New episodes are released every other Wednesday.
Find us on Apple Podcasts and across all your favourite podcast platforms.
