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
7 snips
Jun 8, 2024 • 44min
The pilgrim fathers: everything you wanted to know
Nick Bunker discusses the harsh conditions aboard the Mayflower, how the colonists survived the first winter, and why the pilgrim fathers are iconic in American consciousness.
Jun 6, 2024 • 36min
Beastly Victorians: preventing animal cruelty in the 19th century
Helen Cowie discusses Victorian legislation and campaigning to prevent cruelty to animals during the RSPCA's early days. They explore societal shifts, evolving attitudes towards animal welfare in 19th century Britain, and the formation of organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Jun 5, 2024 • 50min
D-Day: was Churchill really against the operation?
Authors Matt Elton, Richard Dannatt, and Allen Packwood discuss Churchill's perspective on D-Day, his leadership during WWII, diplomatic challenges in 1942, and his pivotal role in shaping Europe post-war. Explore Winston Churchill's complex relationships and strategic decisions leading up to the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France.
Jun 5, 2024 • 33min
D-Day: Land
Bestselling author and historian, Giles Milton, discusses the ground campaign on D-Day, exploring the experiences of British commandos and German tank commanders. The podcast delves into the aftermath of D-Day, challenges faced by Allied troops, camaraderie among soldiers, emotional experiences of soldiers during the invasion, and the human cost of D-Day.
4 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 32min
A 17th-century scandal & a writer's secret life
Author Lisa Hilton delves into the scandalous lives of Lady Henrietta Berkeley and writer Aphra Behn in the 17th century. They unravel tales of elopement, political intrigue, and disputed authorship, shedding light on women's experiences and the impact on literature and feminism.
7 snips
Jun 3, 2024 • 35min
Plato: life of the week
Ancient Greek expert Paul Cartledge discusses Plato's life and legacy, exploring his philosophical theories on metaphysics, soul, and state organization. They delve into his founding of the academy, contrasting aristocracy with democracy, and his influence on European philosophy. Additionally, they explore Plato's extremist and totalitarian views in 'The Laws'.
Jun 2, 2024 • 36min
Breastfeeding in the Middle Ages
Historian Hannah Skoda discusses breastfeeding in the Middle Ages, covering topics such as cultural attitudes, medical beliefs, wet-nursing dilemmas, and societal views on extended breastfeeding. The podcast explores the emotional struggles of wet nurses, historical perspectives on infant feeding practices, and contrasts medieval approaches with modern guidelines.
Jun 1, 2024 • 52min
Death and mourning in Britain: everything you wanted to know
Historian Douglas Davies explores the evolution of burial practices in Britain, from cremation to burial, and the impact of social status on funeral customs. He delves into the transformation of mourning practices, the rise of cremation in the 19th century, and the changing role of funeral directors in small communities.
May 30, 2024 • 30min
Julian: the Roman emperor who (almost) changed the world
Professor Philip Freeman discusses Julian, the Roman emperor who almost changed the world by reviving paganism. Topics include Constantine's conversion to Christianity, Julian's strategic moves, his religious reforms, and impact on Roman history.
May 29, 2024 • 45min
D-Day: Sea
Nick Hewitt, expert in the Normandy naval campaign, discusses the integral role of sailors in the D-Day invasion, including planning, gun support, and obstacle clearance. The podcast explores the tragic events of Exercise Tiger, the critical weather decision for the invasion, and the challenges faced by Allied navies in maintaining supply lines. Hewitt sheds light on the forgotten heroes who saved the landings from disaster and the ongoing naval campaign in France.
