History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra 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
13 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 56min
James Garfield: life of the week
C.W. Goodyear, a historian and biographer of President James Garfield, dives into the fascinating, yet often overlooked narrative of Garfield's life. He discusses Garfield's rise from poverty to becoming a key figure in Republican politics, highlighting his military service and role in the abolitionist movement. Goodyear also explores the political dynamics of Garfield's presidency, including his front-porch campaign strategy and the impact of his tragic assassination. Ultimately, he reflects on Garfield's lasting legacy and the reforms that followed his death.
15 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 43min
A new history of multicultural Britain
Kieran Connell, a historian and Reader of History at Queen's University Belfast, discusses his book, "Multicultural Britain: A People’s History." He reframes multiculturalism as an everyday experience rooted in personal stories. Connell highlights the significant yet often overlooked diversity in 19th-century port cities and the impact of mixed relationships on shaping multicultural Britain. He also reflects on the societal roles of urban spaces like cafés and the lasting legacies of events like the Windrush and the 1958 Nottingham riots.
Nov 16, 2025 • 42min
What should we do with the Nazis? The road to the Nuremberg Trials
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and author, dives into the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials—history's first international criminal trial. He discusses the urgent need for justice following World War II and the innovative legal concepts that emerged, like crimes against humanity and genocide. Sands recounts the challenges in drafting the Nuremberg Statute, the pivotal roles of individuals like Raphael Lemkin, and the symbolism behind choosing Nuremberg as the trial site. The conversation highlights the monumental shift in international law birthed from this historic event.
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
Who stole the Tudor crown?
Historian Tracy Borman, author of The Stolen Crown, unveils shocking new evidence about the Tudor-Stuart succession. She reveals hidden edits that fabricated Elizabeth I's announcement of James VI as her successor, suggesting a far less secure transition than previously thought. Tracy discusses James's legitimacy issues and the complex political landscape with rivals like Mary, Queen of Scots. She also examines Elizabeth's careful management of contenders, highlighting the turbulent backdrop to this pivotal moment in history.
9 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
The librarian who stole KGB secrets
Gordon Corera, a journalist and author specializing in intelligence, shares the intriguing tale of Vasili Mitrokhin, a Soviet archivist who covertly copied thousands of KGB documents over 12 years. He discusses Mitrokhin's remarkable journey from a KGB insider to a whistleblower, revealing the moral struggles he faced. Corera highlights the significance of Mitrokhin's archive for understanding modern Russian intelligence and its impact on global security. The conversation also delves into the challenges governments faced when dealing with this treasure trove of secrets.
Nov 11, 2025 • 48min
Nellie Bly: life of the week
Historian Bob Nicholson dives into the remarkable life of Nellie Bly, a pioneer of investigative journalism in the 19th century. She famously feigned insanity to expose the horrors of a New York asylum, sparking significant reforms. Bly's globe-trotting escapades, including a race around the world, captured public fascination and challenged gender roles in journalism. Nicholson also highlights her later ventures into business and her lasting influence on women in media. Bly's legacy is that of a strategic innovator, reshaping the landscape of reporting forever.
19 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 40min
The improbable alliance that defeated Hitler
Tim Bouverie, a historian and author specializing in WWII, discusses the unexpected alliance between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin. He dives into Stalin's motivations behind the Nazi-Soviet Pact, the collapse of the Anglo-French alliance, and the tensions caused by differing support for Vichy France and Free France. Bouverie highlights Roosevelt's complex diplomacy with Stalin and the lasting impact of his death on postwar dynamics. Ultimately, he reflects on how this fragile alliance shaped the modern world and the importance of unity in facing existential threats.
22 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 37min
Remember, remember: The legacy of the Gunpowder Plot
John Cooper, a historian at the University of York, dives into the rich legacy of the Gunpowder Plot. He explores the evolution of Guy Fawkes from a failed conspirator to a global symbol of rebellion. Celebrations on November 5 transformed from solemn remembrance to raucous bonfires, intertwined with anti-Catholic sentiment. Cooper reveals how the plot was leveraged for state propaganda while also discussing its reinterpretation during the Victorian era. Today, Fawkes represents a defiance that transcends the original political context.
Nov 7, 2025 • 36min
Five partitions that shaped South Asia
Sam Dalrymple, a historian and author focused on South Asian history, shares fascinating insights into the five partitions that reshaped the region from Burma’s split in 1937 to Bangladesh’s emergence in 1971. He discusses the powerful symbolism of the India-Pakistan border and explores how these partitions influenced identity and migration. Dalrymple also reflects on personal stories of resilience and the role of princely states in the broader narrative, while touching on the significance of shared histories in the face of nationalism.
Nov 5, 2025 • 32min
Crystal balls & contacting angels: predicting the future in early modern England
Historian Martha McGill, who specializes in early modern Britain and divination, shares fascinating insights into 16th and 17th century fortune-telling. She discusses how societal insecurities drove the demand for guidance and the variety of roles diviners played beyond predictions, like finding lost items. McGill also highlights quirky methods, from animal-based rituals to astrology's popular status, revealing the interplay of belief, religion, and risk in this era. Her exploration uncovers how these historical practices reflect timeless human responses to uncertainty.
