Hannah Skoda

Hannah Skoda, a Fellow in Medieval History at St John's College, Oxford, Rana Mitter, the S.T. Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard, and Lucy Noakes, President of the Royal Historical Society, tackle pressing issues in historical education. They dive into the implications of funding cuts for UK history departments and the impact of culture wars on historical understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy for history, the resilience of student interest, and the urgent need for renewed support in the discipline.

Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss the evolution of student protests, drawing parallels between historical events like the St Scholastica's Day Massacre and modern social justice movements. They explore crowd-sourced projects on Jane Austen's connections and the rediscovery of an 11th-century astrolabe. The podcast also highlights the interconnectedness of medieval Europe with Southeast Asia and the emerging geopolitical significance of the region.

Professor Hannah Skoda, a historian specializing in medieval studies, joins journalist Charlotte Hodgman to tackle the gruesome topic of medieval torture. They dive into why torture was employed and its legal standing, revealing surprising facts about its prevalence. The duo separates myths from facts about iconic torture devices, spotlighting a contemporary research project at the Tower of London. They also explore the psychological aspects of medieval trials, including Joan of Arc, and discuss how societal values shaped the evolution of torture leading up to the Reformation.

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.

Hannah Skoda, a historian delving into various historical topics, joins Rana Mitter, a modern history expert and commentator, to explore captivating historical narratives. They discuss Viking trade networks and their global implications, revealing insights from the Galloway hoard. The ongoing debate over the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower highlights themes of historical preservation. Lastly, they uncover startling discoveries from the Titanic wreck, intertwining its legacy with modern exploration ambitions.