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
6 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 38min
The British empire's divisive legacy
Bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera discusses Britain's imperial past, addressing topics like acknowledging historical injustices, complex legacies of the Empire, impact on white supremacy, challenges in reparations dialogue, and redefining British history narratives for a more comprehensive education.
Apr 1, 2024 • 55min
Saladin: life of the week
Historian Jonathan Phillips delves into the life of Saladin, the Muslim leader known for capturing Jerusalem and his rivalry with Richard the Lionheart. They discuss the backstory of the Crusader States, Saladin's rise to power, the Siege of Acre, and his diplomatic legacy. The conversation also touches on Saladin's contemporary impact and how his values continue to influence Turkish society.
17 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 46min
Back in the USSR: the Soviet Sixties
Author Robert Hornsby discusses the optimistic era of the Soviet Union in the 60s, marked by space exploration and social changes, before the Prague Spring of 1968. Topics include Khrushchev's leadership post-Stalin, the impact of the 20th Party Congress, cultural shifts, and evolving women's rights in the USSR.
35 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 43min
Anglo-Saxon kingdoms: everything you wanted to know
Joanna Story, Medieval history expert, shares insights on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms including the term's origins, royal governance, Christianity's impact, and societal evolution. Topics cover the unification of Anglo-Saxon England, settlement complexities, advancements in DNA analysis, religious transition, economic evolution, and legal transformation.
Mar 29, 2024 • 41min
Dinosaurs: a Victorian obsession
Author Michael Taylor discusses the Victorian obsession with dinosaurs in the 19th century, challenging religious beliefs and sparking the debate between science and religion. Topics include the misidentification of prehistoric creatures, competitive fossil-hunting in Lyme Regis, and blending science with religion. The podcast also explores the significance of dinosaurs in supporting evolutionary theory and their portrayal in Victorian literature.
Mar 28, 2024 • 35min
Tiger Tamer | 6. battling against Bovril
Explore the life of Bob Carlisle, a Victorian showman who battled against modern transportation trends. Learn about his pedestrian career, rivalry with Bovril, and unique personality shaped by fame and struggles.
Mar 27, 2024 • 28min
How was Elizabeth I shaped by her childhood?
Historian Nicola Tallis delves into Queen Elizabeth I's childhood, exploring how her early experiences shaped her as a ruler and a woman. From her turbulent upbringing to her relationships with family members and her aversion to marriage, discover the lesser-known side of the iconic queen.
Mar 26, 2024 • 55min
Joan of Arc: life of the week
Historian Anne Curry discusses the rise and fall of Joan of Arc, dismantling myths around her life. Topics include political intrigues during the Hundred Years' War, Joan's spiritual and political beliefs, her role in the Siege of Orleans, and her enduring legacy as an iconic warrior.
Mar 25, 2024 • 30min
Leftovers: how our ancestors battled food waste
Explore how our ancestors battled food waste, from Tudor times to WW2, with inventive tactics like potato peel recipes. Reflect on historical approaches to food waste to find solutions for today's challenges. Discover traditional diets, food preservation methods, and efficient food utilization throughout history. Learn about the evolution of food preservation techniques, from tin cans to modern challenges. Reflect on the environmental repercussions of food waste and advocate for sustainable practices based on historical insights.
5 snips
Mar 24, 2024 • 41min
WW1's eastern front: everything you wanted to know
Explore the complexities of WW1's Eastern Front, from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand to bloody clashes between Germany, Austria, and Russia. Uncover the overlooked significance of the Eastern Front compared to the Western Front, and the power dynamics in Eastern Europe in 1914. Learn about Tsar Nicholas II's command in WWI, the differences between the Eastern and Western Fronts, and the ultimate collapse of the Eastern Front with Russia's withdrawal from the war.
