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
May 28, 2024 • 40min
A Soviet road trip through 1930s America
Historian Lisa Kirschenbaum discusses the intriguing journey of two Soviet satirists, Ilf and Petrov, as they road trip across America in the 1930s. From encounters with President Roosevelt to experiencing racism in Jim Crow America, their journey offers a fascinating look at US-Soviet relations and cultural observations.
10 snips
May 27, 2024 • 41min
Galileo: life of the week
Historian of science James Hannam discusses Galileo Galilei's pioneering observations, telescope discoveries, and revolutionary astronomical observations. He delves into the challenges Galileo faced from orthodox beliefs, the tensions with the Church, and his impact on the scientific community. The podcast also explores Galileo's personal life, societal pressures, and the consequences of his work on science and freedom.
May 26, 2024 • 33min
What was life like as a peasant?
Author Patrick Joyce discusses the vanished world of European peasants, highlighting their communal living, spiritual beliefs, and the shift to industrialization post-1945. The podcast explores the socio-economic structures, peasant identity, and cultural legacy, urging a nuanced understanding beyond stereotypes.
May 25, 2024 • 52min
The history of museums: everything you wanted to know
Dr. Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth dives into the captivating history of museums, tracing back to ancient Mesopotamia and the Renaissance era. They explore the evolution from cabinets of curiosities to modern educational institutions, shedding light on the pivotal role of women and the impact of war and colonial legacies on museum landscapes.
May 23, 2024 • 43min
Forgotten women writers of the Renaissance
Ramie Targoff, author of 'Shakespeare's Sisters', discusses forgotten women writers of the Renaissance including Mary Sidney and Elizabeth Cary, exploring their literary contributions and the impact they could have had on the canon. The podcast delves into the struggles and achievements of these pioneering women, highlighting their resilience in a male-dominated society.
May 22, 2024 • 36min
D-Day: Air
The podcast explores the experiences of the Allied airborne forces on D-Day, highlighting the vital role of paratroopers and glider infantry. It details the planning and execution of capturing crucial bridges, the harrowing experiences of American paratroopers, valor in battle, triumphs, and tragedies faced by troops, and the challenges overcome by British airborne forces on D-day.
May 21, 2024 • 32min
Cat crazy: the Victorian mania for moggies
Historian Kathryn Hughes discusses the Victorian cat craze, Louis Wain's impact on feline love, and the shift from cats as pests to cherished pets. The podcast explores societal attitudes, cat literature, breed development, and the decline of cat adoration post-WWI. It also uncovers hidden anti-suffrage cat imagery and the global influence of Victorian cat mania.
8 snips
May 20, 2024 • 37min
Maria Theresa: life of the week
Historian Pieter Judson discusses Maria Theresa, a powerful female ruler in the 18th century who defied expectations. They explore her strategic maneuvers to secure her rule and strengthen Austria, her wide-ranging social reforms, religious policies, and legacy as an influential leader in Europe.
May 19, 2024 • 37min
Agent Zo: spying against the Nazis
Clare Mulley discusses the fearless WWII resistance fighter Elżbieta Zawacka, aka Agent Zo. They cover her daring missions behind enemy lines, her vital role in the Polish Home Army, and her resilience in the face of tragedies during the war. Learn about her remarkable contributions to WWII operations and her collaboration with MI6 in Britain.
40 snips
May 18, 2024 • 60min
The Terror: everything you wanted to know
Historian David Andress delves into the bloodthirsty phase of the French Revolution known as 'the Terror', discussing the spiral of paranoia, state violence, and the guillotine becoming a symbol of revolutionary justice. Topics include fears of treachery, counter-revolution, mass hysteria, and the chaotic Reign of Terror with escalating suspicion and violence.
