In a moment of unexpected levity within the hallowed halls of British justice, a Supreme Court hearing was temporarily disrupted last week when a history podcast blared through the courtroom's audio system. The incident occurred as legal proceedings were underway, with the voice of Tom Holland, co-host of the popular podcast The Rest Is History, suddenly broadcasting a satirical impersonation of former US President Jimmy Carter over the speakers.
An Unintentional Audio Interruption
The source of the interruption was traced to one of the presiding judges, Lord Briggs, who inadvertently activated an episode of The Rest Is History on his mobile device. The audio was then picked up by the court's microphone system, causing proceedings to be briefly halted. As the podcast's theme music grew louder, the lawyer addressing the bench began to laugh, while Lord Briggs was seen looking down at his phone in apparent realisation of the mishap.
Lord Briggs promptly addressed the court, stating, "The Rest Is History. It was switched to silent, do carry on," which elicited further laughter from those present. A Supreme Court spokesperson later confirmed the authenticity of the incident, noting that Lord Briggs quickly switched off his phone and apologised to the court.
Rapid Circulation and Online Reaction
Since the proceedings were being officially recorded, the moment was captured and swiftly circulated online. The podcast's social media team shared the clip with the caption: 'What was Jimmy Carter doing in the Supreme Court last week?' This sparked a wave of humorous reactions from fans on social media platforms.
One user commented, "Of ALL of the impressions that could've played, of course it was the most accurate one," while another remarked, "They couldn't have picked a better intro. Imagine their shock when they heard Jimmy Carter resurrected from the dead." The incident highlights how digital content can unexpectedly intersect with formal institutions, creating viral moments that capture public imagination.
The Popularity of The Rest Is History
The Rest Is History, hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, has grown into a cultural phenomenon since its launch in 2020. With over 600 main episodes and more than 20 million monthly downloads, the podcast has established itself as a leading voice in making history accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Holland's enthusiastic impressions, including the Jimmy Carter impersonation that interrupted the court, are a signature feature of the show.
In a Guardian interview, Holland revealed that the podcast was initiated when Goalhanger Podcasts, Gary Lineker's production company, approached him to create a history-focused series. He jokingly suggested Sandbrook as a co-host, a decision he now humorously regrets. Sandbrook, reflecting on their success, noted, "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 ... we wouldn't have the number of listeners we have if people didn't find history completely gripping."
Broader Impact and Podcast Network
The podcast is part of Goalhanger's expanding network, which includes other series such as The Rest Is Politics, The Rest Is Science, and The Rest Is Football. This incident underscores the growing influence of podcasting in contemporary media, as even traditional institutions like the Supreme Court are not immune to its reach. Previous guests on The Rest Is History have included notable figures like Stephen Fry, Mary Beard, and Sir Ian Kershaw, further cementing its reputation as a serious yet entertaining exploration of historical topics.
While the Supreme Court is typically associated with solemn deliberations on matters of national importance, this brief interruption served as a reminder of the human element within the judiciary. It also sparked conversations about the role of technology in courtrooms and the unpredictable ways in which popular culture can permeate even the most formal settings.
