HistoryExtra podcast
Immediate
The HistoryExtra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 30, 2024 • 32min
How Stalin ran rings round the west
Author Giles Milton discusses the complex wartime alliance between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, marked by spats, backstabbing, and critical to victory over the Nazis. The podcast explores the evolving relationship between Churchill and Stalin, the challenges in forming the alliance, Avril Harriman's role, a different side of Stalin in the Kremlin, and the disagreements on post-war foreign policy.
Jun 29, 2024 • 35min
British general elections: everything you wanted to know
Professor Richard Toye discusses the evolution of British general elections, from public voting to secret ballots, electoral reforms, rise of the Labour Party, and campaign strategies. Learn about historical mistakes and the importance of local connections for success.
Jun 27, 2024 • 32min
Medieval keep fit
Professor Carole Rawcliffe debunks the myth that people in medieval times did not exercise for leisure. She discusses the interest in fitness among different social classes and religious institutions. The podcast delves into medieval exercise practices, health guidelines, humoral scale temperament, and societal perceptions of fitness and health in the Middle Ages.
Jun 26, 2024 • 32min
Deeds not words | 3. Making a statement
Exploring suffragette tactics like disruptive acts, branding, and marches. Highlighting bold statements through innovative methods. Featuring stories of defiance and impactful activism. Learning from historic figures inspiring modern political campaigners.
Jun 25, 2024 • 34min
A 21st-century Holocaust trial
Delve into the trial of a former guard at Stutthof concentration camp, raising questions on justice and moral culpability. Explore survivor testimonies, Germany's confrontation with its past, and personal journeys of uncovering family ties to the Nazi party. Witness the verdict's focus on individual responsibility and the last legal proceedings on Holocaust-related crimes.
Jun 24, 2024 • 47min
Catherine Parr: life of the week
Tudor historian Elizabeth Norton discusses Catherine Parr, the fascinating life of King Henry VIII's most married queen, her influence as an author and stepmother, and her lasting legacy beyond her marriages.
Jun 23, 2024 • 35min
Invisible ink & toad poison: tools of Elizabethan spycraft
Learn about Tudor spies from experts Elinor Evans, Nadine Akkerman, and Pete Langman as they discuss forging documents, invisible inks, toad poison assassinations, and cross-dressing strategies in Elizabethan spycraft.
6 snips
Jun 22, 2024 • 34min
Chocolate history: everything you wanted to know
Food historian and author Emma Kay joins the host to unravel the fascinating history of chocolate, tracing its roots from ancient civilizations to modern bars. They explore the dark ties between slave-grown sugar and chocolate, the evolution of the chocolate bar, Quaker influence, American WWII ration bars, and the impact of the fair trade movement on chocolate production.
Jun 20, 2024 • 31min
Work-life balance: how our ancestors fought for free time
Gary S Cross, author of Free Time: The History, explores the evolution of work-life balance and leisure pursuits throughout history. Topics include industrialization's impact, moralization of hard work, rise of pleasure gardens, self-improvement activities, and dichotomy of fast vs slow goods.
Jun 19, 2024 • 29min
Deeds not words | 2. Pankhurst family portrait
Exploring the influential Pankhurst family in the suffragette movement, highlighting their differing ideologies and roles. Delving into the sacrifices, conflicts, and pivotal moments within the family. Also, discussing the diverse and courageous women who shaped the suffragette movement beyond the Pankhursts.
