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
Oct 28, 2025 • 44min
Malcolm X: life of the week
Ashley D. Farmer, an Associate Professor and author, delves into the complex life of Malcolm X, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. They explore how Malcolm's early years, marked by his parents' activism and the struggles of Jim Crow America, shaped his worldview. Farmer highlights the transformative influence of incarceration, mentorship from women, and Malcolm's evolving ideologies. The discussion covers his break from the Nation of Islam, international outreach, and the profound legacy he left, asserting his relevance in understanding systemic racism today.
Oct 27, 2025 • 40min
Ghosts, grief and the paranormal
Alice Vernon, a 19th-century literature lecturer and author of 'Ghosted,' dives into the intriguing world of ghost hunting. She reveals how the past 200 years shaped our fascination with the paranormal, sparked by figures like the Fox Sisters and the rise of spiritualism. Vernon discusses the impact of technology, including spirit photography, on belief systems. Personal experiences and societal changes influence ghost narratives, and she reflects on how grief fuels our search for connection beyond the grave.
13 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 31min
How the Gunpowder Plot unravelled
Historian John Cooper from the University of York sheds light on the dramatic unraveling of the Gunpowder Plot. He explains the significance of the mysterious Monteagle letter, which exposed the conspiracy. Cooper delves into Guy Fawkes's arrest, his interrogation under torture, and how the subsequent trials were used as political propaganda. He highlights the plot's failure as a pivotal moment that helped James VI & I consolidate power, shifting the political landscape and igniting enduring anti-Catholic sentiments.
Oct 23, 2025 • 44min
Sex and sensationalism: a history of the tabloids
Terry Kirby, journalism lecturer and author of The Newsmongers, dives into the colorful history of tabloid journalism. He explores the origins of tabloids from 19th-century gossip sheets to Murdoch's media empire. Kirby discusses the influence of media moguls like Pulitzer and Hearst, the Daily Mail's appeal for busy commuters, and the Mirror's transformation under Rothermere. The conversation also touches on the tabloids' role in shaping politics and the controversies leading to public distrust, culminating in the infamous phone-hacking scandal.
8 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 36min
11th-century Europe: not just the Norman Conquest
In this engaging discussion, Professor Charles West, a medieval history expert from the University of Edinburgh, explores the rich tapestry of 11th-century Europe beyond just the Norman Conquest. He emphasizes the significance of the Battle of Manzikert and how cities and popes shaped political landscapes. West dives into urbanization trends, comparing English towns to continental powerhouses like Constantinople. He sheds light on women's influence, the rising papacy, and the complexities of medieval politics, revealing a dynamic period of transformation.
23 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 45min
William Shakespeare: life of the week
Dr. Paul Edmondson, Head of Research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, delves into the fascinating life of William Shakespeare. He explores how Shakespeare's humble beginnings in Stratford shaped his remarkable career. Their discussion reveals the impact of his family, education, and marriage to Anne Hathaway on his works. Edmondson also addresses intriguing topics like Shakespeare's 'lost years,' his rise in the London theatre scene, and the complex themes within his sonnets. This captivating insight into Shakespeare’s life sheds light on his enduring legacy.
11 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 28min
Tudor life with Ruth Goodman
Ruth Goodman, a social historian and broadcaster, dives into the hidden realities of Tudor life, shining a light on the daily experiences of ordinary people. Discover what Tudors really ate, from staple bread to seasonal treats, and how they managed hygiene without modern baths. Ruth shares surprising beliefs about sex and religion, and how children learned skills through hands-on experiences. From their unique leisure activities like bear-baiting and dancing to food storage techniques without refrigeration, this discussion reveals a vibrant yet vastly different world.
10 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 46min
Who laid the fuse for the Gunpowder Plot?
Join Professor John Cooper, a historian from the University of York, as he delves into the Gunpowder Plot, a dramatic conspiracy led by Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes in 1605. Explore the intense persecution faced by Catholics and the fading hopes under James I. Uncover the intricate spy networks of Walsingham and Cecil that set the stage for treason. Learn about the conspirators' motivations and tensions, alongside the key role women played in the plot. Delve into the labyrinthine Palace of Westminster where history nearly took a violent turn.
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Reagan's plan to 'make America great again'
Phil Tinline, an author and documentarian, delves into Ronald Reagan's influential 'Let's Make America Great Again' slogan and its striking resemblance to Trump's later use. Tinline paints a vivid picture of America's shifting self-image from postwar confidence through the turmoil of the 1970s. He highlights Reagan's unique blend of Hollywood charisma and political strategy, examines his relationship with the Christian Right, and discusses how his optimistic messaging contrasted with earlier grit. Tinline draws fascinating parallels between Reagan and Trump, shedding light on their legacies.
17 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 39min
How enslaved people fought for freedom across the Atlantic
Sudhir Hazareesingh, an academic at Balliol College and author of Daring to Be Free, delves into the untold stories of enslaved peoples' resistance across the Atlantic. He discusses the impactful role of African traditions in shaping their struggles and highlights the Haitian Revolution as a pivotal moment inspiring global activism. Women’s contributions as strategists and fighters are brought to light, alongside cultural acts like ritual and song that fueled rebellion. Hazareesingh emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the debts owed to this history today.
